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Untitled Article
sophers in recent times may , perhaps , serve in some measure to proniote the illusion : for , in proportion as our knowledge of natural phenomena extends , we seem to be continually approaching nearer and nearer to an exact acquaintance with the laws according to which those powers , whatever be their real nature *
which produce these effects operate , so as more easily to persuade ourselves that we have actually detected the hidden agents themselves , —an achievement which is probably destined never to grace the triumphs of human philosophy . The result of the latest investigations in physical science seems to be to approximate the various branches of which it consists , and to reduce them all to
one general law , of which it seems highly probable that they will be ultimately found to be only diversified modifications . Thus all the phenomena of chemical affinity and combination appear to arise from corpuscular and electric attractions . There is also a close connexion evidently existing between electricity and magnetism ; and the analogy between both these and the attraction of
gravitation is too obvious to require pointing out . Now , in almost all these cases , we observe a series of changes taking place in a manner sufficiently resembling that in which voluntary ipotions follow the peculiar feeling or affection of mind which we call power ; and therefore we find ourselves strongly impelled to refer these appearances also to a cause of the same nature .
. But where does this power reside ?—in matter ? This would be to affirm that matter can perceive , acknowledge , and obey laws ; —that matter can measure distances , estimate the various rela- ^ tions which subsist between different bodies , and judge of their respective qualities , which the profoundest philosopher can only imperfectly comprehend . In short , ' If art to form , and counsel to conduct , And that with greater far than human skill , Reside not in each block /
we must of necessity ascribe the power , which in reality produces the succession of changes we behold in the various departments of the material universe , to some mind or intelligence , capable of comprehending the nature of the effect , of perceiving and duly appreciating the circumstances in which it is to take place , able to carry its volitions into execution , and possessed of . wisdom to lay down for the direction of that power the most salutary laws . By a uniform adherence to such laws , not only are the best ends brought about by the most suitable means ^ but the rational creatures of God are enabled to cherish a wellgrounded confidence in the regularity of the course of nature , and from the experience of the papt to derive a rule for the future . We feel ourselves , therefore , compelled to draw the conclusion that the real efficient cause of the phenomena of the material universe
Untitled Article
414 Thoughts on Power .
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), June 2, 1832, page 414, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1814/page/54/
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