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 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. than 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 imposters, and to block up every avenue to their seductions, 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. Blessed is the man, says the Psalmist, that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the scat of the scornful. But if unhappily he should be so far engaged in the discussion of their impious notions, as to have deprived himself of the power of retreat, let him beware of surprises, and of short and superficial views; let him not mistake confidence for proof, or ridicule for argument; and he may hope, by proceeding with modest resolution and an ardent desire of truth, in a steady reliance on the divine guidance and blessing, gradually to make his way through the mazes of sophistry, and at length to attain that elevated and vantage ground, whence the true intellectual and moral sytem of the universe will open to his view with wonder and delight. As when a scout Through dark and desert ways, with peril gone |