Wesley Corpus

We must allow likewise, that while the very power of thinking depends so much upon the brain, our judgments must needs depend thereon, and in the same pro portion. It must be farther allowed, that, as our sensations, our reflections, and our judgments, so our will and passions also, which naturally follow from our judgments, ultimately depend on the fibres of the brain. But does all this infer the total necessity of all human actions? “I am sorry for it,” says the Doctor; “but I cannot help it.” I verily think I can. I think I can not only cut the knot, by showing (as above) the intolerable absurdities which this scheme implies; but fairly untie it, by pointing out just where the fallacy lies. 3. But first permit me to say a word to the author of the Essay. His grand reason for supposing all mankind in a dream, is drawn from analogy: “We are in a continual delusion as to the natural world; why not as to the moral?” Well; how does he prove, that we are in a continual delusion as to the natural world? Thus: “All the qualities which are termed secondary qualities, we by a natural instinct ascribe to matter. But it is a mere deceit. They do not belong to matter, neither exist without us.” As commonly as this is asserted, it is absolutely false, as will appear quickly. You instance in colours, and confidently say, “All this beauty of colours, with which heaven and earth appear to be clothed, is a sort of romance or illusion. In external objects there is no other distinction but that of the size and arrange ment of their constituent parts, whereby the rays of light are variously reflected or refracted.” But are those rays of light real? And do they exist without us? Certainly, as much as the sun does. And are the consti tuent parts of those objects real? Nobody questions it. But are they really of such a size, and arranged in such a manner? They are; and what will you infer from that? I infer, that colour is just as real as size or figure; and that all colours do as really exist without us, as trees, or corn, or heaven, or earth.