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Untitled Article
© f truth in general ; to point out the advantages we derive from a knowledge of each particular kind of truths ; and the almost incalculable benefits which arise from the whole taken eoL * lectively .
When we view man , in the savage and civilized states , we can scarcely bring ourselves to believe that he is the same creature . Iri the former , we behold him a wanderer , without a home and almost naked , exposed to all the fury of the contending elements , or sheltering himself perhaps for the moment under the branches
of a tree , in the cleft of a rock , or in some damp and dreary cavern . Driven by his wants ., we now see him attacking some wild animal , probably at the risk of his life $ and then gorging himself like another beast of prey . The noblest pleasures , those arising from the society of his
fellow-creatures , are almost entirely unknown to him ; and , indeed , he appears scarcely capable of enjoying them . From his situation , lie almost necessarily becomes reserved , gloomy and suspicious in his disposition ; impatient and irascibly in his temper ; ready to take offence , and slow in forgiving it :
retaliation is bv him deemed iustice . retaliation is by him deemed justice , and the most sanguinary revenge , enjoyment : dreading an enemy in almost every one he meets , he is in a continual state of warfare with others ; and must be constantly upon his guard , to preserve himself , even in this miserable state of existence
While , on the other hand , let us examine our own situation . Sitting by a cheerful fire , enjoying the company of our friends , or partaking , perhaps , of a comfortable cup of tea , and amusing ourselves with friendly chat or instructive conversation ; we hear the " pelting of the pitiless storm / " without , but feel none of its effects . Should
the pleasures of a fine evening tempt us to walk abroad with a companion , we are at full liberty to enjoy all the beauties of nature : we ramble about without even thinking of
danger : we are not haunted by the chilllug dread , that some unseen enemy may perhaps be lurking near , and ready to burst upon us , when we are least aware of it . All is peace both without and within , unless we ourselves , by our own misconduct , disturb the tranquillity of the scene .
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This amazing difference , between the external circumstances in which man is placed in savage and civilized life , naturally leads us to inquire into its cause ; and a very little reflection will be sufficient to convince us , that it is
entirely produced by the different degrees of knowledge which he is possessed of in these two states . It must be evident , that no man could exist without knowing some physical truths , that is , without knowing the nature of some things ; for if he had no
knowledge of those bodies which he devours to satisfy his craving appetite , he must , in a very short time , either be poisoned , or perish for want of sustenance : and it is from this cause , from not being acquainted with a sufficient number of these facts , or
physical truths , that the ignorant savage is so frequently in danger of the one or the other . But view man , in civilized society , when possessed of all the resources arising from the knowledge and combination of physical and
mathematical truths 5 and we shall find his power ha 3 become so great and extensive , that you would think him almost omnipotent . Every thing is made to serve his purposes : all nature appears to be subservient to him . The majestic horse and the mighty
elephant have become ljis servants ; the lowing herds and bleating flocks supply him with food and clothing ; from the insignificant silk-worm , as well as the enormous whale , he draws warmth and comfort : every creature , from the
cooing dove to the roaring lion , is made to contribute to his pleasure or his profit . His own bodily powers indeed are still very limited ; but see him mounted on the stately courser , and he literally outstrips the wind . View him armed with the various
mechanical powers , and we see him raising immense masses , tearing rocks to pieces , or whirling them through the air at his pleasure . Neither the strength of the rhinoceros , nor the
fleetness of the antelope , can protect them ; he sends the messenger of death after them , swift and resistless as the bolt of heaven , and they lie
stretched at his feet . At one time we see him rolling aloug at ease in his chariot * and at Another , skimming on tfee surface of tbe deep , making the winds and the seas to serve him . Behold him mounting in the air , a ^
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268 Essay on Truth ..
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), May 2, 1823, page 268, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1784/page/12/
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