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compares: and, acting upon his new and higher sentiments, becomes, to all intents, a true moral philosopher.

In a word, if to pursue the best end in the choice of the fittest means be a just definition of Wisdom, then, in spite of all misrepresentation, religion in exercise, like Bacon's religion, marks the truly wise man: and, to feel this wisdom bring satisfaction home to the heart-directing it to substantials, and breaking those enchantments of life which at first entice, often betray, and never could satisfy, is to rise to the character of a happy and superior man. On the contrary, for any one to represent such a principle as contracting the mind, while it actually expands and elevates it, is like asserting, that he, who is capable of surveying a prospect before him, is more limited in his views and faculties than another whose purblind eye can discern nothing but what is brought close to it. Or, to treat a resolution to maintain and act upon such a principle as weak or irrational, is as if one should affirm, that it would have been wiser if the Prodigal had determined to stay and perish with the swine, than that he should at length have come to himself, and returned to his Father.

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Still," says the objector, " do I not see religionists gloomy, contracted, superstitious, and sometimes false?" Look again at the remarks on the identity of sound religious principle, and the

accidents which tend to obscure it, and your objection is answered." But if Bacon rose superior to these in cheerfulness and liberality, were not his sentiments rather cynical and monkish respecting the Arts?"- Not at all.-Had he been more independent and unencumbered, I cannot doubt but that both his taste and his conscience would have agreed in placing an organ, a painted window, or a monument, in his church; in adding a few select pieces to his collection: in increasing the portraits of his friends; in turning his garden walk; or in directing the style of his alcove."Wherein then did he differ from the generality of those, whom he saw come to him as an artist?" I reply, he differed, toto cœlo: he would have treated these momentary trifles, to use his own expression, but as his " toys," while his treasure, and consequently his heart, would have been in heaven.

I have to apologize to the Reader for having carried these reflections to a far greater length than I intended. But if they illustrate and recommend the piety of the character presented-if they in any degree atone for the great waste of my own life in the pursuit of sounds and shadows -if they warn some youth against the charms preparing on the continent,

VOL. I.

Baited with reasons not unplausible,
To wind into the easy-hearted man,
And hug him into snares:

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-if, finally, while the light is obscured by the smoke of that incense which ascends on all sides to the idol of the day, my feeble efforts may be accepted with his, who cried, If Baal be God, serve him; but if Jehovah be God, serve him; I shall rejoice in having made them, however they may be misunderstood, or misrepresented.

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REY JOHN NEWTON.

late Rector of the United Parishes of Mary Wordneth 3. L. Mary Woolchurch HawBorn at London 24% of July 1725.0.S. Lied 21 of Lec 1807.

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