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INSTITUTES OF METAPHYSIC.
necessary truth. This cause, however, is merely an exemplification of the more comprehensive cause already pointed out; for the necessary truths of reason,—being the most primitive elements of philosophy, and the first in the order of things,—are fixed by that very circumstance, as the most obstinate in concealing themselves from view, and as among the latest that shall be brought to light. They have had to contend, however, with an additional impediment which it was proper to notice, a determined resolution to keep them down. But ultimately they will blaze out as lucent as the stars; and, like the stars, it will perhaps be found that they are numberless.
How ill the necessary truths have fared in Germany and in our own country.§ 31. This brief explanation of the backward and ill-conditioned and unmanageable state of philosophy generally, may be concluded by the remark that, both in Germany and in our own country, the necessary truths of reason, even when, in a certain sense, and to a certain extent, admitted, have fared as badly as they possibly could. The criterion of contradiction has been made to apply only to some of them, while another class which could not bear this test were also set down as necessary truths. As if they ought not to have been placed under the contingent category! The criterion of contradiction must be brought rigorously to bear on every necessary truth, otherwise it is unworthy of the
