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298 tulate a certain kind of uniformity in nature. We do so, whenever we reflect upon the matter, voluntarily. For we then say that surprises are always possible, and that any law may have exceptions, but that we must act as if we knew certain laws to have no possible exceptions. Postulates, however, are not blind faith. Postulates are voluntary assumptions of a risk, for the sake of a higher end. Passive faith dares not face doubt. The postulate faces doubt, and says: “So long as thou canst not make thyself an absolute and certain negative, I propose to act as if thou wert worthless, although I do well see thy force.” Blind faith is emotion, and often cowardly emotion. The postulate is deliberate and courageous volition. Blind faith says: “I dare not question.” The postulate says: “I dare be responsible for assuming.” Examples of both are very common. Blind faith the fond parent has, who says of bis wicked son: “I know that he must be good, hence I will not suspect him, nor train him; I will not watch him, nor warn others against him.” A postulate the wise parent makes, who sends his full-grown son boldly out into the world, with the best attainable safeguards, saying: “It is useless to keep him longer in leading-strings, or to protect him from the world. It is now his place to fight his own battles, since I have done what I could to get him ready. I postulate that he will win the fight; I treat him, and must treat him, as if he were sure to win, although I well know the risks.” The sea-captain beginning his voyage postulates that he can get through. The general postulates that he will be