would be an
effect. If this is so, then you have matter, force and effect without
a being superior to nature. Now suppose that two other atoms, just
like the first two, should come together under precisely the same
circumstances, would not the effect be exactly the same? Yes. Like
causes, producing like effects, is what we mean by law and order. Then
we have matter, force, effect, law and order without a being superior
to nature. Now, we know that every effect must also be a cause, and
that every cause must be an effect. The atoms coming together did
produce an effect, and as every effect must also be a cause, the effect
produced by the collision of the atoms, must, as to something else,
have been a cause. Then we have matter, force, law, order, cause and
effect without a being superior to nature. Nothing is left for the
supernatural but empty space. His throne is a void, and his boasted
realm is without matter, without force, without law, without cause, and
without effect.

But what put all this matter in motion? If matter and force have
existed from eternity, then matter must have always been in motion.
There can be no force without motion. Force is forever active, and
there is, and there can be no cessation. If therefore, matter and
force have existed from eternity, so has motion. In the whole universe
there is not even one atom in a state of rest.

A deity outside of nature exists in nothing, and is nothing. Nature
embraces with infinite arms all matter and all force. That which is
beyond her grasp is destitute of both, and can hardly be worth the
worship and adoration even of a man.

There is but one way to demonstrate the existence of a power
independent of and superior to nature, and that is by breaking, if only
for one moment, the continuity of cause and effect. Pluck from the
endless chain of existence one little link; stop for one instant the
grand procession, and you have shown beyond all contradiction that
nature has a master. Change the fact, just for one second, that matter
attracts matter, and a god appears.

The rudest savage has always known this fact, and for that reason
always demanded the evidence of miracle. The founder of a religion
must be able to turn water into wine--cure with a word the blind and
lame, and raise with a simple touch the dead to life. It was necessary
for him to demonstrate to the satisfaction of his barbarian disciple,
that he was superior to nature. In