X INTRODUCTION. 



great phenomena of being, to deduce large generalities 

 from the fragmentary discoveries of severe induction, 

 and thus to ascend from matter and its properties up to 

 those impulses which stir the whole, floating, as it were, 

 on the confines of sense, and indicating, though dimly, 

 those superior powers which, more nearly related to 

 infinity, mysteriously manifest themselves in the phe- 

 nomena of mind. Poetry seizes the facts of the one 

 and the theories of the other ; unites them by a pleasing 

 thought, which appeals for truth to the most unthinking 

 soul, and leads the reflective intellect to higher and 

 higher exercises ; it connects common phenomena with 

 exalted ideas ; and, applying its holiest powers, it invests 

 the human mind with the sovereign strength of the 

 True. 



Truth is the soul of the poet's thought; truth is 

 the reward of the philosopher's toil ; and their works, 

 bearing this stamp, live among men through all time. 

 Science at present rejoices in her ministry to the require- 

 ments of advancing civilization, and is content to receive 

 the reward given to applications which increase the 

 comforts of life, or add to its luxuries. Every improve- 

 ment in the arts or manufactures, beyond encreasing 

 utilities for society, has a tendency to elevate the race. 

 Science is ever useful in the working days of our week, 

 but it is not to be neglected on our Sabbath, when, 

 resting from our labours, it becomes agreeable to con- 

 template the few truths permitted to our knowledge, 

 and thus enter into communion as closely as is allowed 

 to finite beings, with those influences which involve and 

 interpenetrate the earth, giving to all things Life, 

 Beauty, and Divinity. 



The human mind naturally delights in the discovery 

 of truth; and even when perverted by the constant 

 operations of prevailing errors, a glimpse of the Real 

 comes upon it like the smile of daylight to the sorrowing 

 captive of some dark prison. The Psychean labours to 



