The Philosophy of Natural Theology: An Essay in confutation of the scepticism of the present dayJackson, William
Religion
The Philosophy of Natural Theology: An Essay in confutation of the scepticism of the present day
Jackson, William
Natural theology; Religion -- Philosophy; Religion and science
"Religion, Poetry is not dead; it will never die. Its dwelling and
birth place is in the soul of man, and it is eternal as the being
of man. In any point of space, in any section of Time, let there be
a living Man; and there is an Infinitude above him and beneath him,
and an Eternity encompasses him on this hand and on that; and tones
of Sphere-music, and tidings from loftier worlds, will flit round
him, if he can but listen, and visit him with holy influences, even
in the thickest press of trivialities, or the din of busiest life.
Happy the man, happy the nation, that can hear these tidings; that has
them written in fit characters, legible to every eye, and the solemn
import of them present at all moments to every heart! That there is,
in these days, no nation so happy, is too clear; but that all nations,
and ourselves in the van, are, with more or less discernment of its
nature, struggling towards this happiness, is the hope and the glory
of our time. To us, as to others, success, at a distant or a nearer
day, cannot be uncertain. Meanwhile, the first condition of success
is, that, in striving honestly ourselves, we honestly acknowledge
the striving of our neighbour; that with a will unwearied in seeking
Truth, we have a sense open for it wheresoever and howsoever it may
arise."--CARLYLE. _Miscellanies_, p. 99, Last Edition.
SYNOPSIS OF CHAPTER IV.
With the last Chapter closes what may be termed the more critical part
of this Essay. The remainder is occupied with a series of affirmative
arguments.
The preparation for these arguments having been minutely made,
explanatory additions become less necessary.
The main object of the present chapter is to establish a tenable
Theory respecting those Human Beliefs among which is included our
primary Belief in Theism. Their nature and validity not having as yet
been sufficiently investigated (see footnote (_b_) p. 256 _post_),
some extent of discussion attends the inquiry. To many readers the
territory opened out will appear new. It ought however to be traversed
by all careful students of Psychology.
* * * * *
_Analysis_:--Tendencies of the Human Mind resulting in certain
concrete Beliefs. The Inductive Principle, or Law of Uniformity,
investigated. Various explanations of its origin examined and
rejected; particularly the hypothesis which resolves it into Laws of
Association. Shewn to be a primary Belief; at first pre-rational,
afterwards limited and established by Reason. The latter process
separates by a strong line of demarcation the realm of Humanity from
that of the lower creation.
Animal instincts, some improvable, some "survivals." Human instincts
transformed by Reason. Certain primary Beliefs peculiar to Man. Hence
his special culture.
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