CXXll. PROLEGOMENA. 



from my researches into the nature of man, that 

 the external visible sij^ns are as closely connected 

 with the inward graces and consolations of Chris- 

 tianity, as language in general is with those 

 abstract truths that could not be conveyed without 

 it. For heresy, losing together the externals and 

 their clue, falls off in Divine knowledge and in 

 virtue ; — just as science would do in human 

 knowledge and art, if men were to be dumb 

 foundered and were to lose their books, their 

 charts, and their instruments. The tower of 

 David soon became the confusion of Babel, when 

 men were deprived of a communion of significant 

 externals by the motley fry of the Reformation. 



The catholic religion, spreading from Christ 

 over the whole world, is the same as to its cere- 

 monies in every country, and hence a poor itine- 

 rant coming into a church in any foreign country 

 can immediately join in its worship, without 

 knowing the language of the people, or without 

 any preparation ; because of the emblematical 

 character of the ceremonies. 



True facts in history are often as emblem- 

 atical as mere allegories are, from their relation 

 to other truths ; and hence there must be an 

 authorised explanation of scriptures and legends 

 for the use of the people. 



If we look into profane history, we shall 

 find the truth of the principle laid down above. 



