TH$IR MYSTICISM. 211 



CHAPTER III. 

 OF THE MYSTICISM OF THE MIDDLE AGES. 



JT lias been already several times hinted, that a new and peculiar 

 element was introduced into the Greek philosophy which occupied 

 the attention of the Alexandrian school ; and that this element tinged 

 a large portion of the speculations of succeeding ages. We may speak 

 of this peculiar element as Mysticism ; fur, from the notion usually 

 conveyed by this term, the reader will easily apprehend the general 

 character of the tendency now spoken of; and especially when he sees 

 its effect pointed out in various subjects. Thus, instead of referring 

 the events of the external world to space and time, to sensible con- 

 nection and causation, men attempted to reduce such occurrences 

 under spiritual and supersensual relations and dependencies ; they re- 

 ferred them to superior intelligences, to theological conditions, to past 

 and future events in the moral world, to states of mind and feelings, 

 to the creatures of an imaginary mythology or demonology. And 

 thus their physical Science became Magic, their Astronomy became As- 

 trology, the study of the Composition of bodies became Alchemy, 

 Mathematics became the contemplation of the Spiritual Eelations of 

 number and figure, and Philosophy became Theosophy. 



The examination of this feature in the history of the human mind 

 is important for us, in consequence of its influence upon the employ- 

 ments and the thoughts of the times now under our notice. This 

 tendency materially affected both men's speculations and their labors 

 in the pursuit of knowledge. By its direct operation, it gave rise to 

 the newer Platonic philosophy among the Greeks, and to correspond- 

 ing doctrines among the Arabians ; and by calling into a prominent 

 place astrology, alchemy, and magic, it long occupied most of the real 

 observers of the material world. In this manner it delayed and im- 

 peded the progress of true science ; for we shall see reason to believe 

 that human knowledge lost more by the perversion of men's minds 

 and the misdirection of their efforts, than it gained by any increase of 

 zeal arising from the peculiar hopes and objects of the mystics. 



It is not our purpose to attempt any general view of the progress 

 and fortunes of the various forms of Mystical Philosophy ; but only 

 to exhibit some of its characters, in so far as they illustrate those 



