10 HYMN TO SCIENCE. ^ 



possible with the great outlines of the different branches off 

 science ; with the most important conclusions which hava^ 

 hitherto been formed in them, and with the most importanii 

 desiderata which remain to be supplied. By such generaj 

 views alone we can prevent ourselves from being lost amidst 

 a labyrinth of particulars, or can engage in a course of exi« 

 tensive and various reading, with an enlightened and di*«i 

 criminating attention. — Stewart. i 



Questions. — 1. By what method may our acquired knowledge bd 

 put on a level with our original speculations ? 2. What reasonings vl^ 

 it important to commit to writing ? 3. What plan of reading is comt 

 monly followed ? 4. What are its disadvantages ? 5. Why should t^ 

 proper selection be made of the objects of knowledge ? G. What i^ 

 useful before engaging in any particular pursuits ? 7. What will aW 

 acquaintance with the great outlines of science prevent ,'* 'i 



LESSON 6. 



Hy7nn to Science. 



Scho'liast, a writer of explanatory notes. ^'■ 



Soph'ist, a plausible but false reasoner. >1 



Science ! thou fair effusive ray \ 



From the great source of mental day, j 



Free, gen'rous, and refined, % 



Descend with all thy treasures fraught, ^,, 



Illumine each bewilder'd thought, i 



And bless my lab'ring mind. 



But first with thy resistless light ^ 



Disperse those phantoms from my sight, '^ 



Those mimic shades of thee, ] 



The scholiast's learning, sophist's cant, ^ 



The visionary bigot's rant, • 



The monk's philosophy. ^ 



Oh ! let thy powerful charm impart -i 



The patient head, the candid heart, ^ 



Devoted to thy sway ; l 



Which no weak passions e'er mislead, i 

 Which still with dauntless steps proceed 



Where reason points the way. I 



I 



