Some atheists imagine that they escape the difficulty by assuming that matter is eternal, and thus uncreated. But the question is, not in reference to the existence of matter, but as to the _organization_, _contrivances_, and _changes of matter_, all of which prove the existence of some Intelligent First Cause. The theory of an "infinite series of changes and causes without a beginning" is a contradiction in terms, as can be shown to any person who understands the use of definitions, and no other person is prepared to discuss such subjects intelligently. Let it be remembered that the author, in this work, has not attempted to present a complete exhibition of _all_ the intuitive truths, but only such a portion of them as are adapted to the design of this work. At the same time, by a close analysis, some here presented as distinct intuitions could be shown to be specifics, under a more general proposition. But in a popular work, and for the purposes aimed at, this close analysis is inappropriate. NOTE B, page 192. "Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever," is an expression equivalent to what is here maintained, if we assume that the chief "glory" of God consists in the rectitude and happiness of his vast empire of intelligent minds. Various other terms used to express the ultimate end of the Creator in his works, _accurate definitions_ would show to be simply different words chosen to express the same idea as that here presented. NOTE C, page 314. In the _Home Missionary_ for February, 1856, is the following mournful exhibition of the results of these sectarian divisions: "_Subdivision a Source of Weakness and Destitution._ "Now it is but too evident that our American Christendom is prosecuting its work, in some respects, at a disadvantage. True, funds have been furnished with a commendable liberality; but, worse than a dearth of money--which a few months of vigorous effort, or a prosperous turn in the market might remove--there is a dearth of men. Fields are explored, openings are found, communities are fast forming, and even make urgent requests for ministers, but often there are no ministers to send. The great exigency of the missionary work now is the want of capable and devoted _men_. "However we may charge this upon the lukewarmness of the churches, upon the absence of correct views respecting ministerial support--and its consequent meagreness--or on the prevalence among young men of a subtile skepticism, we may not shut our eyes to the fact that the want must continue as long as that unfortunate division of the field continues, which must ever come from divided counsels and sectarian rivalries. Destitutions are likely to last while alienations last.