There is nothing which seems to engross the attention of mankind more than metaphysical enquiries, for it is by thinking alone they can be fathomed; the light gained by acquired knowledge is, in some measure, lost in those obscure depths which it is necessary to sound, and that immense space which it is necessary to traverse. Thus, it were better, perhaps, that each should enter by chance into these labyrinths, where the paths, already traced, lead to no one determined point. I have, besides, often observed, that, even for those researches, where the helps of science are most useful, we ought to set a certain value on the particular excursion of each genius, which seeks out for itself a way, and which, indebted to nature alone for its peculiar formation, preserves in its progress a character of its own; it is then, and then only, that we are not invested with the distinguishing marks of slavishness of thinking; but when, by devoting ourselves to reflection, we coincide with the opinions of others, this conformity has nothing of servility in it, and the marks of imitation are not even recognized. In vain would man resist the impression of truth; in vain would he defend himself by a ridiculous indifference for ancient opinions; there never could be an idea more worthy to occupy our meditations, there never could be an idea, on which we might be more fully permitted to expatiate, according to our knowledge and penetration, than that sublime one of a Supreme Being, and the relation we bear to him: an idea, which though far removed from us by its immensity, every moment strikes the soul with admiration, and inspires the heart with hope.