we may see
to-morrow, and it is certainly possible that we may not, see it. We cannot
say as much about religion. It is not certain that it is; but who will
venture to say that it is certainly possible that it is not? Now when we
work for to-morrow, and so on an uncertainty, we act reasonably; for we
ought to work for an uncertainty according to the doctrine of chance which
was demonstrated above.
Saint Augustine has seen that we work for an uncertainty, on sea, in battle,
etc. But he has not seen the doctrine of chance which proves that we should
do so. Montaigne has seen that we are shocked at a fool, and that habit is
all-powerful; but he has not seen the reason of this effect.
All these persons have seen the effects, but they have not seen the causes.
They are, in comparison with those who have discovered the causes, as those
who have only eyes are in comparison with those who have intellect. For the
effects are perceptible by sense, and the causes are visible only to the
intellect. And although these effects are seen by the mind, this mind is, in
comparison with the mind which sees the causes, as the bodily senses are in
comparison with the intellect.
235. Rem viderunt, causam non viderunt.29
236. According to the doctrine of chance, you ought to put yourself to the
trouble of searching for the truth; for if you die without worshipping the
True Cause, you are lost. "But," say you, "if He had wished me to worship
Him, He would have left me signs of His will." He has done so; but you
neglect them. Seek them, therefore; it is well worth it.
237. Chances.--We must live differently in the world, according to these
different assumptions: (1) that we could always remain in it; (2) that it is
certain that we shall not remain here long, and uncertain if we shall remain
here one hour. This last assumption is our condition.
238. What do you then promise me, in addition to certain troubles, but ten
years of self-love (for ten years is the chance),
.
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