INTRODUCTION.-Importance of the question which relates to the
reality of a future world-folly of the indifference which prevails in
relation to this point, 17-22.
CHAPTER I.
.-PROOFS OF A FUTURE STATE FROM THE LIGHT OF NATURE.
SECTION I.-On the universal belief which the doctrine of Immortality has
obtained in all
ages, 23.
Opinions of the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Scythians, &c.-Doc-
trines of Zoroaster, 24. Of Socrates, 25. Allusions of the ancient
Poets, 26. Opinions of the inhabitants of the Society and the Friendly
Islands, of the New Zealanders, the Samoiedians, the Kalmuc Tartars, the
Birmans, the Japanese, the Africans, the American Indians, &c. 27—30.
Force of the argument in favour of Immortality derived from these
opinions, 30-33.
SECTION II. On the desire of future existence implanted in the human
mind, 33.
This fact illustrated by various examples, 33, 34. Desire of posthu-
mous fame, 35. Desire of immortality most ardent in cultivated minds,
36. Force of the argument derived from these facts, 37. Fears and
apprehensions in regard to futurity, 38. Doctrine of immortality
renders the Creator's conduet consistent with itself, 39.
SECTION III.-On the intellectual faculties of man, and the strong desire of
knowledge implanted in the human mind, 40.
Desire of knowledge natural to every rational being, 40. Reasons
why it is not more ardent, 41-43. Sublimity and energy of the in-
tellectual faculties, 43-46. Memory, its utility, 47. Instances of the
improvement of which it is susceptible, 48. Argument in favour of a
future state founded on these considerations, 49-52.
SECTION IV. On the perpetual progress of the mind towards perfection, 52.
No limits to the excursions of the intellect, 53. Extract from Ad-
dison, Ibid.
SECTION V. On the unlimited range of view which is opened to the human
faculties throughout the immensity of space and duration, 53.
Immensity of the universe, 56. Intention of the Deity in directing
the human mind in the path of discovery, 57. Desires excited by the
boundless views which the universe unfolds, 58. Inquiries suggested
respecting other worlds, 58, 59. Man endowed with capacities for
acquiring an indefinite extent of knowledge respecting the wonders of
creation, 61. Limited nature of his present knowledge, 61. Universe
intended to display the Divine perfections, and to afford gratification to
intellectual beings, 62. The desires of the human soul will not be dis
appointed, 63. Conclusion from these premises, 64.