3.) We are, to some extent, judges as to _ends_; and may conclude that Nature and Providence are designed to produce virtue and happiness; but of the _means_ of producing these in the highest degree, we are not competent judges. --We know not the extent of the universe; --Nor even how one person can best be brought to perfection. --We are not often competent to judge of the conduct of each other. --As to God, we may presume that order will prevail in his universe; but are no judges of his modes for accomplishing this end. 4.) Instead of vainly, and perhaps sinfully, imagining schemes for God’s conduct, we must _study what is_. --Discovering general laws. --Comparing the known course of things with what revelation teaches us to expect. III. _The force of this use of Analogy._ =1.= Sometimes is practically equivalent to proof. =2.= Confirms what is otherwise proved. =3.= Shows that the system of revelation is no more open to ridicule, than the system of nature. =4.= Answers almost all objections against religion. =5.= To a great extent answers objections against the _proofs_ of religion. IV. _General scope of the book._ =1.= The divine government is considered, as containing in it, Chap. 1. Man’s future existence. ” 2. In a state of reward or punishment. ” 3. This according to our behavior. ” 4. Our present life probationary. ” 5. And also disciplinary. ” 6. Notwithstanding the doctrine of necessity. ” 7. Or any apparent want of wisdom or goodness. =2.= Revealed religion is considered, Chap. 1. As important. ” 2. As proved by miracles. ” 3. As containing strange things. ” 4. As a scheme imperfectly comprehended. ” 5. As carried on by a mediator. ” 6. As having such an amount of evidence as God saw fit to give. ” 7. As having sufficient and full evidence. Conspectus of the Analogy. PART I. CHAPTER I. A FUTURE LIFE. Will not discuss the subject of identity; but will consider what analogy suggests from changes which do not destroy; and thus see whether it is not _probable_ that we shall live hereafter. I. _The probabilities that we shall survive death._ =1.= It is a law of nature that creatures should exist in different stages, and in various degrees of perfection. --Worms turn into flies. --Eggs are hatched into birds. --Our own present state is as different from our state in the womb, as two states of the same being can be. --That we shall hereafter exist in a state as different from the present as the present is from our state in the womb, is according to analogy.