Returning to himself, let man consider what he is in comparison with all
existence; let him regard himself as lost in this remote corner of nature;
and from the little cell in which he finds himself lodged, I mean the
universe, let him estimate at their true value the earth, kingdoms, cities,
and himself. What is a man in the Infinite?
But to show him another prodigy equally astonishing, let him examine the
most delicate things he knows. Let a mite be given him, with its minute body
and parts incomparably more minute, limbs with their joints, veins in the
limbs, blood in the veins, humours in the blood, drops in the humours,
vapours in the drops. Dividing these last things again, let him exhaust his
powers of conception, and let the last object at which he can arrive be now
that of our discourse. Perhaps he will think that here is the smallest point
in nature.
195. Before entering into the proofs of the Christian religion, I find it
necessary to point out the sinfulness of those men who live in indifference
to the search for truth in a matter which is so important to them, and which
touches them so nearly.
Of all their errors, this doubtless is the one which most convicts them of
foolishness and blindness, and in which it is easiest to confound them by
the first glimmerings of common sense and by natural feelings.
For it is not to be doubted that the duration of this life is but a moment;
that the state of death is eternal, whatever may be its nature; and that
thus all our actions and thoughts must take such different directions,
according to the state of that eternity, that it is impossible to take one
step with sense and judgement, unless we regulate our course by the truth of
that point which ought to be our ultimate end.
There is nothing clearer than this; and thus, according to the principles of