22 



hearts. What clear ideas the ancients had of rehoion, 

 was in their minds. It was reserved for Revelation to 

 touch the heart. 



2. Nor is the philosophy of the ancients less a sub- 

 ject of comparison, in view of the question of utilitj^ 

 What idea, w4iat clear conception of truth, what prac- 

 tical benefit, arose from the various opinions of an- 

 cient philosophers — some contending that fire is com- 

 posed of pyramidical, others spherical particles — That 

 the element of earth tended to the centre; the water 

 to rise above earth, air above water, and fire above air. 

 That nature acts by contrary effects ; that when earth 

 loses its frigility it turns to fire; deprived of dryness, it 

 is turned to water. 



Can any one in his senses contend that such idea^ 

 as these, are entitled to any regard, when placed by 

 the side of the well defined, simple rules of the philo- 

 sophy of the present day ? Will the- vague notions of 

 Aristotle, comjoare with those of a Cuvier, a Herchell, 

 a Watt, or a Franklin? Will the opinions of even 

 Plato, in the scale of human benefits, rank with the 

 systems of Nev^^ton, or Lock 1 Will the idea of one, that 

 man is an untamable beast of prey, compare, in just 

 sentiment, and benevolent feeling, with the mind that 

 animated a Howard? 



3. We pass from these enquiries to a consideration 

 of constitutions and laws. 



Take the case of Egypt — 



In Egypt all power of government was concentra- 

 ted in a hereditary monarchy, which combined both 

 civil and religious functions. If that country had 

 judges and legislators, they were priests of a false re- 

 ligion, dependant for appointment and compensation 



