Page:Ferrier's Works Volume 3 "Philosophical Remains" (1883 ed.).djvu/49

Rh and the sea saith, It is not with me." And this path which is "kept close from the fowls of the air," and, with one exception, from the "eyes of all living" is no other than the path of consciousness.

What effect has the absence of consciousness upon the universe? Does it empty the universe of existence? Far from it. Nature is still thriving, and overflowing with life throughout all her kingdoms. Does it empty the universe of intelligence? Far from it. The same exquisite adaptation of means to ends is to be witnessed as heretofore, the same well-regulated processes, the same infallible results, and the same unerring sagacities. But still, with all this, it is what may be termed but a one-sided universe. Under one view it is filled to the brim with life and light; under another view it is lying within the very blackest shadow of darkness and of death. The first view is a true one, because all the creatures it contains are, indeed, alive, and, revelling in existence, put forth the most wonderful manifestations of reason. The second view is also a true one, because none of these creatures (man excepted) know that they exist; no notion of themselves accompanies their existence and its various changes, neither do they take any account to themselves of the reason which is operating within them: it is reserved for man to live this double life. To exist, and to be conscious of existence; to be rational, and to know that he is so.

But what do we mean precisely by the word