1 2 2 Concluding Observations. 



stration as is vainly sought, and the nature of our 

 Religion declines to reveal, we have intuitive percep- 

 tion on which iiltimately all human science depends, 

 and Religion is highest science, beginning where 

 others end. Religious truths are inferences from 

 scientific laws, which are data for religious philo- 

 sophy. One of the deepest and soundest thinkers 

 says, "a little philosophy inclineth man's mind to 

 atheism, but depth in philosophy bringeth men's 

 minds to religion." But its 



" Study is like the heavens' glorious sun, 

 That will not be deep-search' d with saucy looks." 



The child, the peasant, and the most learned, readily 

 receive its truths; but I believe, in our day especially, 

 the wisest and best of Christian men need no ordi- 

 nary training : and every help they can anywise 

 receive from recreation, amusements, or otherwise, to 

 cultivate and enjoy such habitual tone and tempera- 

 ment of mind and spirit, that when sorely tried, as 

 tried they are, they can say, " Although the fig-tree 

 shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines ; 

 the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall 

 yield no meat ; the flock shall be cut off from the 

 fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls ; yet I 

 will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my 

 salvation." But some of the most popular amuse- 

 ments we have referred to seem not very conducive 

 to this end. 



