Note A, page [17].
Some atheists imagine that they escape the difficulty by assuming that matter is eternal, and thus uncreated. But the question is, not in reference to the existence of matter, but as to the organization, contrivances, and changes of matter, all of which prove the existence of some Intelligent First Cause.
The theory of an "infinite series of changes and causes without a beginning" is a contradiction in terms, as can be shown to any person who understands the use of definitions, and no other person is prepared to discuss such subjects intelligently.
Let it be remembered that the author, in this work, has not attempted to present a complete exhibition of all the intuitive truths, but only such a portion of them as are adapted to the design of this work. At the same time, by a close analysis, some here presented as distinct intuitions could be shown to be specifics, under a more general proposition. But in a popular work, and for the purposes aimed at, this close analysis is inappropriate.
Note B, page [192].
"Man's chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever," is an expression equivalent to what is here maintained, if we assume that the chief "glory" of God consists in the rectitude and happiness of his vast empire of intelligent minds.
Various other terms used to express the ultimate end of the Creator in his works, accurate definitions would show to be simply different words chosen to express the same idea as that here presented.