t would apply with equal force and
justice to any theory whatever, however fantastic, profane, or silly." And
so, having shown how the reviewer has hung himself, I leave him
funipendulous.

One instance more, and I have done. A reviewer, not theological, speaking
of the common argument that things which are derided are not _therefore_ to
be rejected, writes as follows:--"It might as well be said that they who
laughed at Jenner[349] and vaccination were, in a certain but very
unsatisfactory way, witnesses to the possible excellence of the system of
St. John Long."[350] Of course it _might_: and of course it _is_ said by
all people of common sense. In introducing the word "possible," the
reviewer has hit the point: I suspect that this word was introduced during
revision, to put the sentence into fighting order; hurry preventing it
being seen that the sentence was thus made to fight on the wrong side.
Jenner, who was laughed at, was right; therefore, it is not
impossible--that is, it is _possible_--that a derided system may be right.
Mark the three gradations: _in medio tutissimus ibis_.[351]

{206}

_Reviewer._--If a system be derided, it is no ground of suspense that
derided systems have turned out true: if it were, you would suspend your
opinion about St. John Long on account of Jenner.--_Ans._ You ought to do
so, as to _possibility_; and _before examination_; not with the notion that
J. proves St. J. _probable_; only _possible_.

_Common Sense._--The past emergence of truths out of derided systems proves
that there is a practical certainty of like occurrence to come. But,
inasmuch as a hundred speculative fooleries are started for one truth, the
mind is permitted to approach the examination of any one given novelty with
a bias against it of a hundred to one: and this permission is given because
so it will be, leave or no leave. Every one has licence not to jump over
the moon.

_Paradoxer._--Great men have been derided, and I am derided: which proves
that my system ought to be adopted. This is a summary of all the degrees in
which paradoxers contend for the former derision of truths now established,
giving their systems _probability_. I annex a paragraph which D [e &c.]
inserted in the _Athenaeum_ of October 23, 1847.

"_Discoverers and Discoveries._

"Aristotle once sent his servant to the cellar to fetch wine:--and the
fellow brought him back small beer. The Stagirite (who knew the difference)
called him a blo