'A close examination of the validity of the proofs adduced to support any proposition, has ever been allowed to be the only sure way of attaining truth, upon the advantages of which it is unnecessary to descant; our knowledge of the existence of a Deity is a subject of such importance, that it cannot be too minutely investigated; in consequence of this conviction, we proceed briefly and impartially to examine the proofs which have been adduced. It is necessary first to consider the nature of Belief. 'When a proposition is offered to the mind, it perceives the agreement or disagreement of the ideas of which it is composed. A perception of their agreement is termed belief, many obstacles frequently prevent this perception from being immediate, these the mind attempts to remove in order that the perception may be distinct. The mind is active in the investigation, in order to perfect the state of perception which is passive; the investigation being confused with the perception has induced many falsely to imagine that the mind is active in belief, that belief is an act of volition, in consequence of which it may be regulated by the mind; pursuing, continuing this mistake they have attached a degree of criminality to disbelief of which in its nature it is incapable; it is equally so of merit. 'The strength of belief like that of every other passion is in proportion to the degrees of excitement. 'The degrees of excitement are three. 'The senses are the sources of all knowledge to the mind, consequently their evidence claims the strongest assent. 'The decision of the mind founded upon our own experience derived from these sources, claims the next degree. 'The experience of others, which addresses itself to the former one, occupies the lowest degree.-- 'Consequently no testimony can be admitted which is contrary to reason, reason is founded on the evidence of our senses. 'Every proof may be referred to one of these three divisions; we are naturally led to consider what arguments we receive from each of them to convince us of the existence of a Deity. '1st. The evidence of the senses.--If the Deity should appear to us, if he should convince our senses of his existence, this revelation would necessarily command belief:--Those to whom the Deity has thus appeared, have the strongest possible conviction of his existence.