Miscellansdé: 171 
christianity, and derived from them that consolation which they are 
so well fitted to inspire. It is-a proud triumph of the christian faith, 
that the greatest chemical philosopher of modern times, should not 
only have added his testimony to its truth, but should have spent his 
latest hours in impressing his convictions upon others. ‘There per- 
haps never was an individual who rose more quickly than Sir H. 
Davy to the highest objects of ambition. Placed in the chair of 
Newton, at the head of the Royal Society, honored by the special 
notice of his sovereign, associated with the highest ranks of society, 
and distinguished over all Europe, as the most successful of modern 
inquirers, he yet-found that there was something beyond all this, af- 
ter which his soul aspired, and before which all earthly glory dis- 
appeared. 
“ Religion,” says he “ whether natural or revealed, has always the 
same beneficial influence on the mind. In youth, in health and 
Prosperity, it wakens feelings of gratitude and sublime love, and pu- 
tifies at the same time that it exalts; but it is in misfortune, in sick- 
less, in age, that its effects are most truly and beneficially felt; when 
submission in faith, and humble trust in the Divine will, from duties 
become pleasures, undecaying sources of consolation; then it creates 
Powers which were believed to be extinct, and gives a freshness to 
the mind, which was supposed to have passed away for ever, but 
Which is now renovated as an immortal hope; then it is the Pharos 
steeting the wave-tossed mariner to his home, as the calm and beau- 
tiful still basins or fiords surrounded by tranquil groves and pastoral 
meadows, to the Norwegian pilot escaping from a heavy storm in the 
‘orth Sea, or as the green and decoy spot gushing with fountains to 
the exhausted and thirsty traveller in the midst of the desert. Its 
influence outlives all earthly enjoyments, and becomes stronger as 
the organs decay and the frame dissolves ; it appears as that evening 
Sar of light in the horizon of life, which we are sure is to become 
0 another season a morning star, and it throws its radiance through 
the gloom and shadow of death.” 
We would strongly recommend this volume, not only to the study 
of Scientific men in general, but especially to those who are just en- 
upon their philosophical career. At that dangerous period 
When Presumption and scepticism are the attendants of knowledge, 
twill not be an unprofitable lesson to read in the lives of Newton 
and of Davy, that in minds of the highest order, humility and piety 
*re the genuine offspring of true science.—Dr. Brewster’s Journal. 
