WILLINGLY we admit that the universe is more than is embraced in our conception of it; that there is unknown being in that which surrounds us with these inexpressible enchantments. The infinitude of space made awful by unnumbered worlds, the things that subserve our use and pleasure, the forms of wonder and of beauty that life puts on all around us, truly these are more than we know, they are higher than any thought of ours. But surely they are. When I am looking at the sun is there not the sun that I am looking at; when I touch a tree is there not the tree? How can I look at or touch a thing if it does not exist? Men are not to be talked out of their most necessary and certain convictions. Reason does not avail against consciousness.

This is right and good, a most necessary position to be maintained. If men could have been induced to give up this conviction, they could never have known that which is of the utmost concern to them to know; never have learnt in how true and absolute a sense man wants life, or have discovered the fact that in truth exists, and why they are affected by it as they are.

It is certain that the things that are perceived by sense exist to us; no question can be raised respecting them that does not touch ourselves also. If they are not, then are we most woefully deceived.