Chapter XI: Conclusion

=1.= The reasoning of the last chapter leads us to regard this
life as part of a larger plan of things.

1.) Whether we are connected with the distant _parts_ of the
universe, is uncertain; but it is very clear we are connected,
more or less, with present, past, and future.

2.) We are evidently in the midst of a scheme, not fixed but
progressive; and one equally incomprehensible, whether we
regard the present, past, or future.

=2.= This scheme contains as much that is wonderful as religion
does: for it certainly would be as wonderful that all nature
came into existence without a Creator, as that there should be a
Creator: and as wonderful that the Creator should act without any
rule or scheme, as that he should act with one; or that he should
act by a bad rule, rather than a righteous one.

=3.= Our very nature compels us to believe that the will and
character of the Author of nature, is just and good.

=4.= Whatever be his character, he formed the world as it is, and
controls it as he does, and has assigned us our part and lot.

=5.= Irrational creatures act their part, and receive their lot,
without reflection, but creatures endued with reason, can hardly
avoid reflecting whither we go, and what is the scheme, in the
midst of which we find ourselves.

[Here follows a recapitulation of the book.]

PART II.