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continuance。 The second begins from my invisible self； my personality；
and exhibits me in a world which has true infinity； but which is
traceable only by the understanding； and with which I discern that I
am not in a merely contingent but in a universal and necessary
connection； as I am also thereby with all those visible worlds。 The
former view of a countless multitude of worlds annihilates as it
were my importance as an animal creature； which after it has been
for a short time provided with vital power； one knows not how； must
again give back the matter of which it was formed to the planet it
inhabits （a mere speck in the universe）。 The second； on the
contrary； infinitely elevates my worth as an intelligence by my
personality； in which the moral law reveals to me a life independent
of animality and even of the whole sensible world； at least so far
as may be inferred from the destination assigned to my existence by
this law； a destination not restricted to conditions and limits of
this life； but reaching into the infinite。
But though admiration and respect may excite to inquiry； they cannot
supply the want of it。 What； then； is to be done in order to enter
on this in a useful manner and one adapted to the loftiness of the
subject？ Examples may serve in this as a warning and also for
imitation。 The contemplation of the world began from the noblest
spectacle that the human senses present to us； and that our
understanding can bear to follow in their vast reach； and it ended… in
astrology。 Morality began with the noblest attribute of human
nature； the development and cultivation of which give a prospect of
infinite utility； and ended… in fanaticism or superstition。 So it is
with all crude attempts where the principal part of the business
depends on the use of reason； a use which does not e of itself；
like the use of the feet； by frequent exercise； especially when
attributes are in question which cannot be directly exhibited in
mon experience。 But after the maxim had e into vogue； though
late； to examine carefully beforehand all the steps that reason
purposes to take； and not to let it proceed otherwise than in the
track of a previously well considered method； then the study of the
structure of the universe took quite a different direction； and
thereby attained an inparably happier result。 The fall of a
stone； the motion of a sling； resolved into their elements and the
forces that are manifested in them； and treated mathematically；
produced at last that clear and henceforward unchangeable insight into
the system of the world which； as observation is continued； may hope
always to extend itself； but need never fear to be pelled to
retreat。
This example may suggest to us to enter on the same path in treating
of the moral capacities of our nature； and may give us hope of a
like good result。 We have at hand the instances of the moral judgement
of reason。 By analysing these into their elementary conceptions； and
in default of mathematics adopting a process similar to that of
chemistry； the separation of the empirical from the rational
elements that may be found in them； by repeated experiments on
mon sense； we may exhibit both pure； and learn with certainty
what each part can acplish of itself； so as to prevent on the one
hand the errors of a still crude untrained judgement； and on the other
hand （what is far more necessary） the extravagances of genius； by
which； as by the adepts of the philosopher's stone； without any
methodical study or knowledge of nature； visionary treasures are
promised and the true are thrown away。 In one word； science
（critically undertaken and methodically directed） is the narrow gate
that leads to the true doctrine of practical wisdom； if we
understand by this not merely what one ought to do； but what ought
to serve teachers as a guide to construct well and clearly the road to
wisdom which everyone should travel； and to secure others from going
astray。 Philosophy must always continue to be the guardian of this
science； and although the public does not take any interest in its
subtle investigations； it must take an interest in the resulting
doctrines； which such an examination first puts in a clear light。
…THE END…
。