124 <?^ RFVERIE. 



aver the mind, and to abolish reverie. They knew that 

 as long as the human frame continued in its present con- 

 dition ; — '' the corruptible body would press down the 

 incorruptible soul."— They therefore enjoined the purifi- 

 cation of the thoughts ; in order that whenever matter 

 should exert its influence upon mind, and force it intq 

 unconscious deviation from its employment, mind might 

 be invariably led by inclination into the paths of innocent 

 if directed to or pious musing. — Quinctilian relates of his son, that in 



letters or to consequence of his strong attachment to letters, no word 

 science they ^ - ,, 



will be contem- escaped him in the delirium of a fever, that had not a re- 

 plated with sa- ferguce to his favourite occupation. Thus when the 

 scientific mind recovers from a paroxysm of reverie, it has 

 the satisfaction of reflecting that its time Jhas been well 

 employed; — that if it has not been meditating some new 

 eflbrt of its powers, it has, perhaps, been dwelling on 

 some elegant thought, or glowing description treasured 

 up in study, or heard in conversation. AnH, in like man- 

 ner, when the reverie of the virtuous man is at an end, he 

 finds, that, while it lasted, he has either been forming a 

 good purpose, or acting over in fancy, a benevolent deed. 

 Far diti'crent trains of thought pass through the imagi- 

 The vicious nations of the ignorant, the vicious, the sensual. If their 

 and sensual minds are not mechanically driven to recollections that 

 «va-ies""^^°* *^^ ^^^^ ^^ remorse and bitterness, the highest pleasures of 

 their reveries are the remembrance of some frivolous en- 

 joyment, or anticipation of the pampering of some base 

 appetite. An Apicius will feast again in fancy on the 

 banquet of yesterday. An Alexander's mind will leave 

 the scene which surrounds it; "thrice to vanquish all 

 his foes, and thrice to slay the slain." How far in frivo- 

 lous minds a human passion ^yiIl get the better even of 

 devotion, may be seen by referring to our great dramatiq 

 bard.^ — 



** When I would think and pray, I think and pray, 

 To several subjects; heaven hath my empty words. 

 Whilst my inventiori, bearing not my tongue, 

 Anchors on Isabel." " ' 



The ornaments Idle and unprofitable reveries may be also broken, by 

 of 3 chamber having our study hung round with portraits of heroes and 

 toYcnie^d^^this ^^^"^^^^^^^ of ancient and modern authors ; of any who 

 iveakncss. have 



