Page:Philosophical Review Volume 2.djvu/532

518 existence is unique or individual, and is therefore, as to existence, absolutely separated from all other existences. But, containing within himself all perfection, he infinitely transcends all other forms of existence. Agreeing with these in his self-centred individuality, he is the only being of whom we can predicate necessity, all other forms of existence being contingent. God is not involved in the process of the world or of human history. We cannot comprehend the inner nature of God, but we are entitled to affirm that he is self-conscious, and contemplates reality as it truly is.

Whether Mr. Seth is entitled to make these assertions as to the existence and nature of God, consistently with the theory of knowledge which he adopts, I shall immediately inquire: at present I assume that he has a right to make them, and I merely ask how far they enable us to unify existence, or reach the 'ultimate ground or essence' of things. Let us, then, see as clearly as possible the logical consequences of the doctrine.

1. It is held that, as to his existence, God is distinct from every other form of existence. Nor is the plain consequence