104 SPARKS FROM A GEOLOGIST'S HAMMER. 



The beautiful thing is cognized in the same way as a 

 mathematical figure is cognized. It is compared with a 

 primary datum of reason by the same facult}^ as makes 

 comparisons in other cases, and the rational element is 

 simply one of the body of regulative principles which 

 tacitly, and with most persons, unconsciously, control all 

 thinking. The feeling only is peculiar. This, however, is 

 immutably distinct from every other power of the soul, 

 and proclaims a purpose of the Creator to correlate man 

 with the beautiful Avith which he has garnished the world 

 of forms, the world of thoughts, and the world of feelings. 



Let this suffice for a search after the faculty by which 

 we seize hold of these glorious gifts of God. Let us see 

 if we can ascertain 2vhat the heautiful is. If we are un- 

 able to define it, we may certainly discover where it re- 

 sides, and how varied are the circumstances under which 

 the beautiful unveils its face. 



High authorities have ranged the appropriate themes 

 of philosophical research under the three categories of 

 " The True, the Beautiful and the Good.'' These, it is 

 thought, cover the whole ground. There is reason in 

 such an analysis; but I, who am not a philosopher, shall 

 venture to deny that anything can exist which is beauti- 

 ful only. The very concejition of the beautiful is insepa- 

 rably coupled with the conception of the good. You feel 

 it absurd to affirm the possibility of a beautiful thing 

 which does not confer a happiness. 



"A thing of beauty is a joy forever." 



So of the true. Contemplate it as a thought to which 

 some reality corresponds. Here is a harmony between 

 the ideal and the actual which, like all harmonv, awakens 



