which form an assertion, it is easily discovered whether the assertion implies an inward contradiction, or metaphysical impossibility. Thus, for instance; if a man should state that a certain person has made a triangle, the three angles of which added together exceed in degrees two right angles; the intrinsic absurdity of this statement is readily found by ascertaining first, to what three angles of a triangle are equal; and upon the application of geometrical principles, they will be found to be equal to 180°. In the same manner it will be ascertained that two right angles are also equal to 180°; whereby the absolute impossibility of the above assertion is made manifest.

9. SECOND RULE. When the statement of a fact contains a contradiction in its terms, or a metaphysical impossibility, the fact is to be absolutely rejected; for, as it has been stated before, an absolute absurdity and falsehood cannot be made a reality by any power whatever.

10. PRINCIPLE II. 66 Physical impossibility, which implies an infraction of some of the laws of nature, cannot be done by any created power.'

(8.) Give the first rule for finding when a fact, or an assertion, implies a metaphysical impossibility.

(9.) What is the second rule in such a case?

(10.) Name the second principle respecting physical impossi

bility.

11. PRINCIPLE III. "A suspension or derogation of the laws of nature, although above the power of created beings, is, nevertheless, within the power of the Author of Nature; since he, that has power to make laws, has, also, power to suspend, or repeal the same. Hence, physical impossibility is not absolute, but only relative to created agents." Hence,

12. RULE I. By inquiring whether a fact is contrary to any of the laws of nature, it is ascertained, whether it is physically impossible, or not. Thus, if a person should state that a certain man made a huge stone fly up in the air instead of falling down to the earth; by inquiring into the laws of nature, it will be found that such a fact is against the law of gravity, and, therefore, it is physically impossible.

13. RULE II. It is not an easy task to ascertain, whether a certain fact is or is not contrary to the laws of nature: because we do not know all these laws, and because we ignore the extent of power of natural causes. Many things, which one or two centuries ago would have been deemed

(11.) What is the third principle concerning the same kind of impossibility?

(12.) How can it be ascertained if a fact is physically impossible? Give the first rule.

(13.) Is it an easy task to ascertain that point?

physically impossible, are now achieved by the natural power of steam, magnetism, and electricity. Hence, a person must not be too hasty in pronouncing a fact physically impossible.

14. RULE III. When a fact cannot be explained by human knowledge; and it seems necessary to suppose a derogation of a certain law, and common order of things, by the Author of Nature; a high reverential regard for the wisdom and providence of the Almighty, must make a person slow in allowing such a supposition; unless there appears to be a very great, most necessary, very evident cause.

and

15.

PRINCIPLE IV. “Moral impossibility,” which implies the violation of some law of morality, under certain circumstances, cannot be admitted.

16. As, if one should state, that a certain community of several thousand respectable citizens had agreed upon telling a falsehood; such a statement would contain a moral impossibility;

(14.) What rule is to be followed, when it seems right to suppose a derogation of the laws of nature? (15.) What is the fourth principle, respecting moral impossibility?

(16.) Produce an example of a fact containing moral impossi

bility.

because the violation of a moral law, by so many honest citizens, does not appear possible. Hence,

17. PRINCIPLE V. "Moral impossibility admits of degrees; because the repugnance, which it implies, of the violation of a moral law, bears proportion to the number and character of the persons, time, place, objects, and other adjuncts connected with the fact. Hence, moral impossibility may sometimes reach the degree of absolute impossibility." Therefore,

18. RULE I. The moral impossibility of a fact is ascertained, by examining whether a fact, that regards one or more persons, implies a violation of the moral law; and whether such a violation is probable, or not, according to the adjuncts of the person, or persons, time, place, and objects stated in the fact.

19. RULE II When an assertion regarding one or more persons, is found to contain a moral impossibility, even in an inferior degree, it should not be admitted; because moral certainty is re

(17.) Mention the fifth principle about moral impossibility. May moral impossibility ever become absolute impossibility?

(18.) How may the moral impossibility of a fact be ascertained? Give a rule.

(19.) What is the rule when an allegation, about a person, seems doubtful?

quired in all narratives of personal facts; but more so in history; and the reputation of men must not be obscured, even by the shadow of a doubt, without great cause, and ample proof.

20. SECOND PARTICULAR CRITERION, CONCERNING THE EXISTENCE OF A FACT, OR SERIES OF FACTS, WHEN COEVAL WITH THE WRITER."No facts must be admitted in history, which are not positively certain." This is a corollary of what has been stated under No. 6, of this article; namely, that the writer of history prepares the foundation, for the belief of posterity; which would be very unsteady indeed, if it should not rest upon a solid basis. For the proper use of this criterion, the following principle and rules must be observed:

21. PRINCIPLE. "A historical fact is positively certain, when it is shown that the witnesses of it were competent; and neither would, nor could deceive the public."

22. To obtain this certainty, observe the following rules:

(20.) Give the second particular criterion, concerning the existence of a fact, which is coeval with the writer of history.

(21.) When is a historical fact positively certain? State the

principle.

(22.) Are there any rules for obtaining this positive certainty?