172 NATURAL THEOLOGY. 



is a great deal of difference between taking a 

 medicine, and the medicine getting into the con- 

 stitution. A difference not unHke which obtains 

 with respect to those great moral propositions, 

 which ought to form the directing principles of 

 human conduct. It is one thing to assent to a 

 proposition of this sort ; another, and a very dif- 

 ferent thing, to have properly imbibed its influ- 

 ence. I take the case to be this : perhaps almost 

 every man living has a particular train of thought, 

 into which his mind glides and falls, when at lei- 

 sure from the impressions and ideas that occa- 

 sionally excite it : perhaps, also, the train of 

 thought, here spoken of, more than any other 

 thing, determines the character. It is of the ut- 

 most consequence, therefore, that this property 

 of our constitution be well regulated. Now it is 

 by frequent or continued meditation upon a sub- 

 ject, by placing a subject in different points of 



pSnsation of both evil and good as means of effecting ultimate 

 purposes worthy of his ineffable perfections," {ib. p. xx.) Me may, 

 with the most absolute consistency, express thankfulness for the 

 one and resigned submission to the other dispensation ; and it is 

 a wholesome habit of thinking, and one according with our duty 

 to that awful and benevolent Being, as well as conducive to our 

 own mental improvement, to make our gratitude for his bounties 

 keep pace with our resignation to his will. Those, therefore, 

 who, like Laplace, pass by an occasion of marking the proofs of 

 his existence and intelligence where it naturally presents itself, 

 expose themselves to blame ; and' those who, as it were, go out 

 of their way to avoid marking instances of his bounty, are alike 

 censurable. Both classes neglect a fit opportunity of promoting 

 human improvement. 



