ject the mind to its own visions, and to the illusions of that spirit of darkness, who can easily transform himself into an angel of light.

We can only with safety contemplate the Deity in those mirrors which he himself has formed and authorized. We may thus view him in the works of nature; for, as we are taught in a passage before cited, The invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made. We may thus view him in the dispensations of his providence; and above all, let me repeat it, we may thus view him in his Son, who bears his express likeness. But should we avert our eyes from these instituted mirrors, to seek a deity in our imagination, we should find that, instead of reflecting his true character, it would only exhibit, like a magical glass, its own superstitions and apparitions*.

* "The mind, darkened by its covering the body, is far from being a flat, equal, and clear mirror, that

The end of prayer is not to turn our attention from any of the works or dispensations of the Almighty; on the contrary, one of its objects is to excite us to search and examine them with more serious diligence. The works of the Lord are great, and sought out of all them who have pleasure therein;—he hath so done his marvellous. works, that they ought to be had in remembrance*. True philosophy, when kept in due subordination, is favourable to true religion, serves to show its necessity, and by correspondent analogies, to add new evidence and illustration to its doctrines. While they proceed together, they say the same thing; and the former, when it can make no farther advances, resigns up its disciple to the conduct of the latter. No good man, therefore, ought to reject

receives and reflects the rays without mixture, but rather a magical glass full of superstitions and apparitions.' BACON, vol. i. p. 132. Shaw's edit.

*Psalm cxi. 2-4.

+ Nunquam aliud natura, aliud sapientia dicit.

D

the study of nature, because so many sophistical commentators have set up her light in opposition to that of revelation; but rather should use his best efforts to rescue her from such impure hands by a juster interpretation. Still less ought he to reject the study of his Bible, because there may be a few enthusiasts who set it aside under pretence of a superior guidance. Our Saviour commanded, the Jews to search the scriptures, because in them they had eternal life. The scriptures here referred to, we know, were those of the old Testament only; which implies at least an equal obligation on Christians to search those of the new, in which life and immortality are more clearly brought to light. Upon the whole then it appears, that it can never be the object of prayer to supersede the light either of nature or scripture, but rather to obtain that assistance which may enable us, in both cases, better to discern and improve it*.

"Let no one (says Lord Bacon) weakly imagine, that men can search too far, or be too well studied in

On the other hand, study without prayer is exposed to equal miscarriage; as it argues a mind presuming upon its own powers, or at best, grossly insensible of its dependence on the Father of lights, who is wont to conceal himself from those who lean to their own understanding. Even the scriptures themselves are insufficient to conduct persons of this character to the knowledge of true religion; and when, in disdain of these infallible oracles, they commit themselves, which is commonly the case, solely to their own researches, as then they are left to wander without any certain guide, they are in still greater danger of proceeding from one fiction to another, till they terminate in atheism itself.

Of the truth of this remark, the present age, no less fruitful of monstrous notions than

the book of God's word and works, divinity and philosophy; but rather let them endeavour an endless progression in both; only applying all to charity, and not to pride; to use, not ostentation; without confounding the two different streams of philosophy and revelation together." Vol. I. p. 18. Shaw's edit.

of extraordinary events, exhibits abundant and melancholy proof. What the fool only said in his heart, There is no God*, his more daring successors proclaim openly with their lips, and publish in their writings, Instead of keeping the glorious discovery to themselves, and passing by with philosophic indifference the religious prejudices of the vulgar, they display all the zeal of a proselyting spirit, prepare and send forth their missionaries, and abuse every literary vehicle, to convey the deadly poison into every corner of Europe.

He then who desires to find God in solitude, ought to preserve a jealous watch against these impostors, and to block up every avenue to their seduction, lest, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, his mind should insensibly be deceived and corrupted, and, instead of meeting a paradise, he should ́ find himself betrayed into a waste wilderness; a land of darkness and the shadow of death, without any order, and where the light is as darkness †.

*Psalm xiv. 1.

Job x. 21, 22.