260 A LECTURE 0.\ TRUTH. 



with which we arc most intimate, so inscrutable in its essence and sub- 

 tle and rapid in its phases, that it requires a most practiced eye to per- 

 ceive and to follow it, nevertheless is compelled to yield its treasures to 

 enrich our conceptions. Truth in the department of morals is suscep- 

 tible of evolution by the instrumentality of dialectics, and still more 

 within our reach, through the medium of our sacred books. The Crea- 

 tor of the Universe is revealed to our vision through a double medium : 

 he is apparent in the glories of his creation, by which we are sur- 

 rounded, and of which we are a most important and instructive part, 

 and in the compositions of those extraordinary men in whose mental 

 opeiations a supernatural energy mingled and w^orked truths, such as 

 God alone could teach. It is not important that we should advert to 

 truth in various other forms in which it is accessible to man. It would, 

 too, be a work of supererogation to attempt the proof of the capacity of 

 man to master it. Though by no means disposed to advocate the Hel- 

 vetian theory of the equality of man considered intellectually, w^e do 

 claim for our race, in all cases in which, through some inexplicable de- 

 rangement of the cerebral structure, a drivelling idiocy has not been 

 entailed, sufficient rationality or mental capacity to grasp and hold, if not 

 with Newtonian energy, yet with some, the floating verities which are 

 circling continually around us. 



That the truths, presented to us in the exact sciences, may more easily 

 glide into some minds than others, cannot be questioned by those who 

 have learned that such men have lived as Newton and Pascal, who in- 

 tuitively obtained what others, not unknown to fame, have been compelled 

 to study ; but that any one is so positively obtuse, that a mathematical 

 idea can never enter his pericranium, we are slow to believe. The same 

 may be said of other studies. Whatever is level to our capacity, we may 

 learn. We were made for truth ; and though it may sometimes seem to 

 flee from us, we may win it back by proper appliances. 



The question, why am I liercf — one more interesting than which it 

 would not be easy to ask, and which never emanated from a mouth that 

 was not guided by reason — a question, which, when originated with any 

 thing like an approach to a sense of its importance, involves a mental 

 condition of high promise and deserving of the attention of all who 

 profess a creditable philanthropy, is answered by the reply, you are 

 here, surrounded by the proofs of the divine existence and perfections, 

 with truth in multiform aspects inviting your attention, with pre-eminent 

 physical and mental endownients, that you may imbue your minds with 

 It, put forth m suitable exercises the energies of your souls, cultivate 

 moral purity tluougli the sanctify nig power of religion, and render happy 



