220 On Mystery. 



and^balanced on a pivot, is found to point invariably north 

 and south. This is another mystery. These facts are pub- 

 lished, and philosophers over the world are in commotion. 

 Experiments, dissertations, and treatises succeed, till the facts 

 nre all ascertained, a science formed, and a name given to it — 

 and now if we are asked why the iron approaches the magnet, 

 we say that it is by the influence of magnetism, and the mys- 

 tery is solved. This sketch applies with perfect truth to the 

 formation and growth of every physical science. If the facts 

 can be reduced to no order, as was long the case in astrono- 

 my, no science is formed, and philosophers continue to observe, 

 form theories, and make experiments till they effect it. If 

 they succeed in some measure, as in electricity, but many 

 facts stiil remain anomalous, the science is imperfect. If no 

 anomalous fact remain, as in astronomy, the science is per- 

 fect. What the facts are, and the manner in which they con- 

 form to the general law, is all philosophy can know, all it can 

 teach. Thus physical science is but a history of facts which 

 take place in a certain determinate order, and differs from 

 other history in nothing but the assurance which it brings with 

 it, that in this, past and future experience will invariably ac- 

 cord. 



In theology and morals, our theory, or the obvious dictates 

 of the understanding, are in place of the general law ; and 

 facts that conflict with these, are mysterious. 



Our whole nature leads us to the conclusion that the ob- 

 ject of God in his creation and government, must be happi- 

 ness. The extent to which evil and misery prevail, is a mys- 

 tery. When we shall see the bearing of all this on the gen- 

 eral and greatest good, then will this mystery be " finished." 

 Our practical feelings tell us that we are free and accounta- 

 ble agents ; but the possibility of this is to some minds a mys- 

 tery. Upon them the conviction of the contrary comes with 

 all the force of a demonstration, — drives out the belief if not 

 the sense of guilt, — beats down the natural sense of things,— 

 destroys the force of motives, — and in the fierce struggle of 

 feeling and conviction, prostrates the best powers of the man. 

 This mystery would be solved, by a knowledge of the man- 

 ner in which motives act upon us. Of this kind are most of 

 the mysteries mentioned in the Scriptures. " That you may 

 understand" says St. Paul " my knowledge in the mystery 

 of Christ, that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and par- 

 takers of the promise." To a Jew, whose conviction it had 



