104 FURTHER THOUGHTS ON EDUCATION. 
the expressed authority of the Creator ; its theory is totally divested 
of all ambiguous fable, and encourages the loftiest aspirations ; 
whilst its pure practice necessarily involves every virtue, and con- 
demns every vice. What a mighty means is here presented, by 
which to extend and exalt the powers of the human mind, and thus 
to promote the united advance of wisdom and happiness! Beneath 
the outspread dome of this heavenly temple we may yet see consum- 
mated that glorious declaration of the prophet, that “ knowledge 
should cover the whole earth as the waters cover the seas.” 
The faculty which prompts a sentiment of religion is, doubtless, 
implanted in every mind, though its legitimate direction may be 
governed by peculiar agencies ; but the innate impulse must exist ; 
the capability of specific action must be positive, or the responsibi- 
lity of man cannot be comprehended. In mental education, the de- 
velopement of the faculty of religion ought to occupy the first care ; 
for it not only materially influences our present condition, but it 
also affects the destiny of our immortality. At the same time, it 
should be remembered that there are other faculties, both moral and 
intellectual, which have been given to us by the Creator for a defi- 
nite purpose. Not one of these must be deemed unimportant. The 
exercise and cultivation of the sentiment of religion, to the entire 
neglect of the other mental powers, is not answering the end of our 
creation. The glory of the Deity is manifested in the beauty and 
order and the infinity of his works, as well as in the wonder of his 
revelation ; and the treasures contained in the storehouse of nature 
cannot be unfolded, unless the various powers of the mind are 
brought into action. The individual who professes to hold science 
to be of no value, and intellect but a vain display, is totally unable 
to comprehend the nature of man, and utterly incapable of estimat- 
ing the wisdom and mercy of God. 
E. M. 
