x PREFACE. 



of good in all the diverse religious systems of 

 antiquity is derived from this source. The truths 

 thus acquired still stand out as gems amidst a mass 

 of rubbish, or as light in darkness, life in death. 

 If in comparative ignorance such results were 

 obtained, what might not be expected and realised 

 with our present means and appliances ? With the 

 accumulations of the past as aids and warnings, 

 how much greater should be our success ! How 

 truer our inferences and sublimer our inspirations ! 

 This is the goal to which humanity is tending ; and 

 to the aiding of this result this little book is offered 

 as one of the smallest contributions by its author. 



" By swift degrees the lovo of Nature works, 

 And warms the bosom ; till at last, sublim'd 

 To rapture and enthusiastic heat, 

 We feel the present Deity, and iaste 

 The joy of God." 



