Memoirs of the life, character, and writings of the Rev. Matthew Henry

Front matter

j LIBRARY

OF THE

I Theological Seminary,

Chapter II

Removal to Mr. Doolitlle's academy— Account of Mr, Bosier — Characters of Mr. Henry by his contemporaries at the academy — His retui'n to Broad Oak — Catalogue of mercies — Acquaintances . 34

Chapter III

Study of the law at Gray's Inn — Habits — Correspondence — Trial of the Rev. R. Baxter — His visit to A r. Baxter in prison — His reading — His study of the French language — His correspondence at home — His sabbaths — Letter to Mr. lllidge , . .42

Chapter IV

His return to Broad Oak — His preaching — Visits Chester — Invitations to the ministerial office there — Returns to London — Licences to preach gratited — Urged to settle in London — Quits Gray's Inn — Self-examinaiion before ordination — Episcopal ordination considered— His decision in fav'or of nonconformity — Confession of faith — His ordination — Return to Broad Oak .... 69

Chapter V

A. D. 1687 to A. D. 1694.

His settlement at Chester — Religious liberty — State of society in Chester — Mr. and Mrs. Hardware — Marriage to Miss Hardware —

CONTENTS.

Death of Mrs. Henry — Baptism of his daughter — Mr. and Mrs. Warburton — Marriage with Miss W arburtori — Coinmences a dairy — — Hirth of another daughter — Makes his will — Birth-day memorial, 1G91 — Close of the year IGiJl — Doatii of his youngest daughter — Birth-day memorial, 1G92 — Birth of another daughter — Her death — His funeral sermon on the occasion — Review of the year 1693 . 84

Chapter VI

His prosperity — Death of Mr. Warburton — Death of Philip Henry — Reflections on the event — Birth-day memorial, 1696, and devout close of tiie year 1G9G — Death of his sisters, Mrs. Radford and Mrs. Hulion — Letter to Mrs. Savage — Birth-day memorandum, 1697 — Commencement of the year 1698 — Visit to London — Mirth-day memorial, 1698 — Death of his daughter Ann — Birth day memonal, 1699 — Death of the Rev. Mr. Harvey — Devout close of the year 1699 — Attention to the orphan children of his brother and sister Radford ....... 97

CHAPTER Vn.

Devout commencement of the year — Self-dedication at the commencement of 1701 — Birth-day memorial, 1701 — Close of the year 1701 — Commencement of 170'<i — Birili-day memorial, 1702 — Close of 1702 — Commencement of 1703 — Birth-day, 1703 — Close of 1703 — Commencement of 1704 . . . . . .112

CHAPTER Vm.

Journey to London — Hears John Howe — Mr. Henry's general health good — Sudden seizure and illness — Commencement of the year 170.") — Birth-day memorial, 1703 — Close|of 1705 — Commencement of 1706 — Birih-day, 1706 — Commencement of 1707 — The death of his mother — Birth-day memorial, 1707 — Close of the year 1707 — Commencement of 1703 — Birth-day memorial, 1708 . . 12.3

CHAPTER IX.

Livitations to Mr. Henry from distant churches — Devout commencemeiit of 1708-9 — Letter from the Rev. Mr. 'I'ong — Mr. Henry's perplexity— Consults Dr. Calamy — Letter from Dr. Calamy— -'i'he character of the applications which have been noticed — Birth-day memorial, 1709 — An invitation from Hackney renewed — His determination to leave Chester — His reasons for it — Birth-day, 1711 — His perplexity and distress continue , , . , 134

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER X.

An account of the discharg-e of his ministry at Chester, embracing' the whole perioti of the foregoing narrative, between the year 1687 and the year 1712 ...... 151

CHAPTER XI.

An account of his zealous attempts, while at Chester, to do good beyond the limits of his own congregation, still embracing the wh«>le period of the foregoing narrative, between the year 1687 and the year 1712 180

CHAPTER XH.

Commencement of his labours at Hnckney — His indefatigable exertions— Ordination of IMr. Clark — Birdi-day, 1712 — Commencement of the )'ear 171o — Attention to the young — His patronage of charity schools — His declining health — Visits Chester — Is laid aside by illness — Relapses again — Birth-da}', 1713 — Devout commencement of the last year of his life, 1714 — Public aflairs — Last entry in his dairy — Journey to Chester — His last sabbath there — Sets out for London — Illness on the road — His decease — His funeral — Funeral sermons . 204

CHAPTER XHI.

His private character ...... 215

Section II

His Christian love — His hatred of censoriousness — His opposition to error — His candor, moderation, and prudence . , 230

SF.CTION III.

His benevolence— Public spirit, and loyalty . . . 243

SECTION ly.

His humility, and dependence on divine assistance . • 255

SECTION V.

His patient submission under trials .... 261

SECTION VI.

His piety towards God, and devotional habits, as the basis of his character and attainments ... . 266

*1

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XIV.

Some account of his genius, learning, and writings . . 276

CHAPTER XV.

A short account of some of his friends and neighbours, particularly his brethren in the ministry who died before him , . 319

Notes.

Preface

Although it is customary to value men according' to their ancestry, their opulence, their literature, or other secular distinctions ; and although the memorials which record such particulars, usually content the majority of readers; an attentive observer cannot fail to have remarked — how little notice is taken in scripture biography of circumstances so entirely adventitious. There — moral character is instructively placed in the utmost prominence, and measured by the highest standard. Not only is " the wisdom of this world" pronounced " foolishness with God but " the memory of the just," in distinction from all others, is declared "■ blessed and with " the righteous" exclusively, is associated a promise of" everlasting remembrance."

It will not follow, however, that no records of the descendants of Adam are to ,be preserved, unless the parties, in a scriptural sense, were " righteous." Nor yet, that lives should be compiled of all good men, because such was their genuine character. The absurdity of either inference is obvious.

Yet, can it be denied, that occurrences now and then warrant suspicion, that the latter sentiment, notwithstanding its repugnance to common sense, is indulged or that the danger occasionally appears imminent, lest every good man, especially if "put into tho ministry," how feeble soever his pretensions, should be exhibited, when gone to his reward, in a distinct, if not a bulky, memoir.'

A late acute author advised, " that in attending to written lives, those narratives should be selected which represent persons who were distinguished by unerring wisdom — fur gifts, graces, and usefulness." *

* Hints to Ministers and Churches, by the late Rev. Andrew Fuller, p. H viii

PREFACE.

Nor is it easy to be impressed too deeply with a hint so discriminating and judicious.

Only as that regard is bestowed, may "the administration" of biographical " service" be expected to supply " the wants of the saints and to " become abundant, by many thanksgivings unto God."

Under such impressions the ensuing narrative was commenced, and prosecuted. And with whatever strength it might be objected, to any similar undertakings — that the mediocrity of the subject did not warrant them — the objection cannot be anticipated in connexion with Mr. Henry. For, without asserting that, like the Israelitish monarch, he stood higher than " any of the people," it may be affirmed confidently — that his claims to distinction, and honor, are well established ; and that, let the numerical increase of similar records be as rapid or as extensive as it may, there is no danger of unduly multiplying such lives as his.

Most readers are aware that, not long after Mr. Henry's decease, a life of him appeared from the pen of Mr. Tong. And the volume, it is more than probable, will be regarded by some persons as a discharge in full of every obligation — whether due from immediate descendants, friendly admirers, or the public at large.

As the result of long and close intimacy, and of strict fidelity in the application, so far as they went, of facts, its worth cannot be questioned. It is, the dis.senting historians very justly observe, " highly valuable for laying open lo us the soul of Mr. Henry himself"*

But if the reader's aitcntion be now drawn to the blemishes in a work thus estimated, and often admired, the motive will not, it is hoped, be misapprehended : especially as no wish is felt to diminish the weight of approving testimonies, or to create the slightest prejudice against Mr. Tong.

My sole object is to show, and every reader has a right to the information, ichy, instead of reprinting the former narrative, the present book has been written. Reasons for the course adopted do exist; and they rnay be found, notwithstanding many excellences, in the glaring imperfections which disfigure Mr. Tong's account: in its awkward and somewhat repulsive arrangement : in its entire

PREFACE.

ix omission of some features of Mr. Henry's character ; and its meagre illustration of others.

The late Mrs. Sarah Brett, of West Brnmwich, one of Mr. Henry's daughters, and a lady worthy of her descent, sometinscs adverted to this delicate subject ; and she stated that her father's papers were offered by the widow to Mr. Tong, as an old and particular friend, rather out of compliment, than from any serious expectation, or wish, that he might attempt the " Life and that as the undertaking disappointed, so the performance dissatisfied, the family.*

The freest use has been made, however, in the following- pages, of the whole volume ; and whenever even the phraseology suited, that also, without hesitation, bas been adopted.

Those uninspired passages which appear in inverted commas are to be considered, unless the contrary is stated, as extracted from Mr. Tung's publication.

So far as it was practicable, a careful examination of the excerpts that good man introduced has been instituted. Some corrections have been thus effected, but of so trivial a nature as to render any formal notice unnecessary, except only in a few places, for the better guidance of the reader's judgment respecting thera.

The additions now first selected from unpublished documents, are both varied and numerous. They are scattered throughout the volume, but with most profusion after the 102d page. On this difficult part of the work, corresponding attention has been bestowed; brevity diligently studied; and fidelity observed with unceasing assiduity. Occasional abridgments and transpositions have been made ; and here and there, the completion of a sentence effected. Sometimes obsolete words or phrases have been changed, or expunged.

In the management and introduction of extracts, whether from Mr. Tong's memoir, or the papers of Mr. Henry, I have attempted the union of chronology with that method of biography which is sectional. Whenever the facts would consist best with narrative, attention has been paid to the order of dates ; but when the purposes of utility seemed most likely to be answered by classification

* Information from my respected friend, the late Rev. Thomas Stedman, JNl. A., Vicar of St. Chad, Shrewsbury, v\ howas acquainted with 31rs, Brett.

X

PREFACE.

according to the subjects treated of, or by putting " things of a sort together," that mode has been adopted.

Instead of throwing tlie whole into one general head, it is divided into chapters ; as well in accordance with those lives which are most admired, as for the greater convenience of the reader.

The birth-day and anniversary memorials used by Mr. Tong, are not only, in one form or other, either substance or citation, preserved, but increased. — And, together with the records of relative and domestic trials, exhibited chronologically.

The former memoranda are well adapted to the circun.stances of Christians in general ; and, if perused at the same period of life, may answer the best possible purposes.

Where the originals are in Latin, as is the case with several of them, a translation has been thought sufficient.

Should the introduction of the other class of memoranda appear at first view too frequent, or too minute, the impression will not, it is thought, abide ; especially if it be remembered that the subjection of the human race to the same occurrences — to affliction, and sickness, and death — is universal ; that there is vast difficulty and importance in preparation for trials so inevitable; and that the special utility of such records, (next, perhaps, to the inspired promises,) in aiding a work so necessary, and imparting in sorrow efficient consolation, is seldom, if ever, disputed.

The more miscellaneous citations employed for the development of Mr. Henry's character, appear in a collected form, that they may be additionally iinpiessive. — To have introduced them according to their dates, would have led, because unrelieved by incident, to dry and circumstantial detail. And not to have inserted them at all, v/ould have involved the omission of many such invaluable apothegms as were designated by Lord Bacon, with his accustomed point, — " mucroncs vcrhorum "

It is granted that they might have been highly interesting, if classed together as unconnected remains, and in a separate chapter ; but — whetlier so arranged their effect would have been equal to what it is conceived to be in their present illustrative form, seems at least questionable.

On this topic, however, (one purely of taste and fancy,) there will be, no doubt, conflicting opinions. It shall, therefore, be only mentioned that the plan fixed upon, instead of being hasty, result*

PREFACE.

xi ed from a careful examination of all the documents, both manuscript and printed, with a special regard to arrangement; and that it has the sanction of some of the best examples, ancient and modern; particularly the Life of Dr. Doddridge, by Mr. Orton. The leading design not being a provision for mere light and transient perusal, but for repeated and devotional reading, the course pur* sued was followed with even less hesitation tlian would, otherwise, have been felt.

Thioughout the volume an attempt has been made so to select and arrange the materials as to confirm the representations given of Mr. Henry in the most unobjectionable manner; in fact — to make liim, as far as it was possible, his own biographer. Reflections are, in the main, lefl to the reader. And the nature of the evidence adduced is such (not being originally intended for the public eye) as will enable him to form a correct opinion. He will see a " Saint of the Lord," in the walks of life, incessantly discharging its active duties ; he will behold him in solitude, contemplating himself and the busy world ; he will continually hear iiim '"speaking"— as from the tomb — in strains of wisdom, peculiarly solemn, devout, and impressive.

The diary of Mr. Henry has been cited freely ; and as a simple, unadulterated, and authentic memorial, its disclosures are invaluable.

Some of the letters throw light upon the narrative, by illustrating what otherwise would have been unknown ; and explaining what, in their absence, could have been only conjectural. Very many epistles have been perused, though few, comparatively, are introduced ; but the majority, being unsuitable to the object, were omitted.

Ths use in a biographical memoir of another class of manuscripts — sermons — will probably be condemned l)y the fastidious. But why, the question may be urged, should sermons, if applied with judgment, be regarded as less interesting in the history of a preacher, or be less useful, than anecdotes or letters ? In the exhibition of a di'-'ine (especially a nouconforminnr divine) they ofttimes furnish the most valuable illustrations, both of habits and of character. Do they not, even in the hallowed narrative of the Redeemer's history, communicate an inexpressible charm? Who xii

PREFACE.

would blot from the gospels the discourse upon the mount, because ii was preached, and has been perpetuated as a sermon ?

But an objection more serious may arise, possibly, from the introduction of so many things never intended by their author to be published. " Some may be ready to blame me," said Mr. Tong, " as having trespassed too much upon these religious privacies." *

His answer must be mine. — " Their apparent tendency, to excite and quicken us to greater spij ituality, and diligence in duty, is a consideration which Ims overruled every thing else."

At this distance of time that reply is even more appropriate than when originally given. And as the subject is considered, it will, perhaps, appear — that instead of blame attaching to a publication of such relics, responsibility has been incurred by their long and monopolized concealment.

The papers of the reverend and leorned Francis Tallents, whose worth Mr. Henry perpetuated,! liave been sometimes resorted to — for the preservation, chiefly, of a few instructive anecdotes, and weighty sayings, which, it is believed, were never before printed.

Occasional illustiations have been supplied by the diary of Mrs. Savage, Mr. Henry's eldest and favorite sister. t

A like remark connects itself with the valuable remains of Mrs. Hunt, of whom and her manuscripts, no account being known to exist, the following brief narrative may not be unacceptable :

She was the daughter of Sir Edward Ward, Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer, by Miss Papillon, whose father fled from France to England, after the repeal of the edict of Nantz. She was born January 5, 1C77 ; and married May 22, 1701, at Hammersmith, by Mr. Wade, (the author of the " Redempt ion of Time,") to Thomas Hunt, of Boreatton, in the county of Salop, Et:quire; at which place she arrived on the 19th of the following July. Siic died January 21, 1710, leaving behind her three sons, four daughters, and the reputation of exalted piety and virtue. The Reverend John Re_y'nolds, of Shrewsbury, ""/Ir. Henry's intimate friend, furnished her memorial in a characteristic epitaph.

After her decease, many volumes of pious instruction, the result of enlarged spiritual communications, were found in her own hand-writing. She bequeathed them to Mrs. Savage's daughter Mary,

X See her Life, in one vol. duod.

PREFACE.

xiii afterwards the wife of the Rev. Thomas Holland, a dissenting minister of Wem, in Shropshire.

Mrs. Holland presented them to Mrs. Hunt's youngest daughter, who married the Rev. William Adams, of Shrewsbury, D. D.

Prior to that donation a transcript into four quarto volumes was made by Mrs. Savage, her son Philip, her sisters Mrs. Tylston and Mrs. Radford: and other branches of the same indefatigable family.

That transcript, kindly communicated by Mr. Stedman, is the one quoted in the ensuing memoir.

For Mr. Henry's diary acknowledgments are due, and are thus publicly presented to my worthy friend, Joseph Lee of Redbrook, near Broad Oak, Esquire ; whose urgency, together with that of his family, for a new Life of their honored ancestor, considerably influenced the undertaking.

As an inducement to the same service, several original letters, written by Mr. Henry from Gray's Inn, as well as a copy of nearly all the epistles which passed between him and his father while there, together with a very considerable number of other curiosities, were offered by Mr. Stedman, and cordially accepted.

Of the Gray's Inn correspondence, however, scarcely any use has been made ; because almost the entire collection (and those letters which are absent can easily be supplied) being in the possession of one gentleman, P. H. Witton, Esquire, of the Ravenhurst, near Birmingham, the whole, it is hoped, may be yet presented to the world.

To Mr. Witton, my acknowledgments on this, as on a former occasion,* are due ; and also to my esteemed pastor, the Rev. Thomas Weaver, of Shrewsbury ; — to the Rev. Robert Vaughan, of Kensington, near London , Mrs. Bunnell, of Islington, London; Joshua Wilson, Esquire, Highbury -place, Islington, London ; and Mr. Lewin, and Mr. Henry James Stedman, of Shrewsbury; which they are respectfully requested to accept.

My friend Mr. Upcott, of the London Institution, whose merits as a collector of autographs are as renowned as his success and liberality are extraordinary, is entitled to particular remembrance for the loan of many valuable letters addressed by Mr. Henry to Ralph Thoresby, Esquire.

* See the Life of P. Henry, Prcf. p. xviii.

xiv

PBEFACE.

Nor can I omit to mention another friend, J. R. Burchett, Esq., Burton Crescent^ London, for services valuable in themselves, and doubly acceptable, because of their ever spontaneous and ready ministration. He is entitled to, and will be pleased to accept of, my warmest expressions of acknowledgment and esteem.

In addition to those manuscripts of Mr. Henry, which add greatly to the value of my own collection, I am indebted for a few sermons to coniemporary admirers, and careful preservers of his papers ; and to them, whether descendants or not, my thanks are gratefully tendered.

While it is a gratification to me to meet an innocent and laudable curiosity, by furnishing sundry particulars connected with the history of his time, it cannot be too explicitly stated, that ray chief intention in the engagement now concluded, is of another kind ; namely, such a representation of the illustrious Commentator as shall answer the legitimate purposes of Christian biography. This has been attempted by a connected report of his history ; by an exhibition of the principal features of his character ; by prominently displaying the principles upon which that character was formed ; and by adding, in support of the whole, authentic illustrations. It is apprehended, the effort has not been altogether unsuccessful.

At all events, the memoir delineates a genuine portrait ; a picture of piety in its primitive beauty. Such full demonstration of the influence of true godliness is, indeed, given, as is adapted to increase veneration for Mr. Henry, if already cherished ; and to produce it where, through unacquaintance, that feeling is unknown. The pleasuies which our author's numerous writings can scarcely fail to inspire, may thus be augmented; a contemporary existence with him is, at least in imagination, created ; many " lessons of virtue and sweet morality" are preserved ; and the divine honor, in some humble degree, advanced.

Did mankind consider, with becoming attention, those who " sleep in Jesus," and who were remarkable for their religious attainments, how inconceivably happy, and momentous, would be the consequences. A vivifying influence, like that which penetrated the man who was let down into the prophet s sepulchre/

* 2 Kings xiU. 21.

PREFACE.

XV might be experienced, even by those who are dead in sin. In connexion with the opeiations ot" the Holy Ghost, such would, necessarily, be the result. And if tlie sacred lervours with which many of the saints of the Most High were animated, and which yet glow in their w ords and memoirs, were only diffused among their brethren, yet journeying towards heaven, how surely would be enkindled the fire of lawful and commanded emulation ! The counsel is apostolic— Be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

As a connecting link between the early Puritans and modern Nonconformists, Mr. Henry posseses some claims to special notice from the successors of those eminent men ; men who, as a body, were the mighty champions of religion and of liberty ; and who, by an unequalled writer,^ have been styled, with singular felicity, the fathers of the modern church." Mr. Henry " knew their doctrine, their manner of life, their purpose, their faith, their longsuffering, their charity, their patience, their persecution, and their afflictions." With many of them he was intimate ; some h visited in bonds ; and, influenced by the love of truth, as well as impelled by. laudable imitation, he chose, in the face of all the scorn, and contempt, with which then, as now, they were loaded, to walk in the same path.

If such conduct reproaches those who quit that good old way for the sake of being fashionable; or to secure some object of temporal aggrandizement ; or, in short, for any reasou less cogent than intelligent conviction ; it also furnishes puriliinism, or nonconformity, or dissent, be the designation what it may, wiih a testimony far more honorable, and more weighty, than the united malevolence of a whole legion of defamers can invalidate.

It is interesting, as a matter of speculation, to contemplate the benefits which Mr. Henry must have derived from his nonconforming predecessors. To ascertain the precise amount is, of course, impossible. But it cannot be conceived that the observations bestowed by him upon such n^en, (not to mention his own father,) as a Tallents, an Angier, a Newcome, a Lawrence, and a Baxter, with others who were likeminded, could have occurred, without contributing to the production of that fine polish, which renders

* Rev. II. Hall. Preface to Mr. Freeslon's Memoirs.

xvi

PREFACE.

his own character, as a Christian, superlatiyely brilliant and attractive.

Be the causes, however, wliich were concerned in an issue so splendid, what they may, who will not perceive that, through infinite mercy, he attained " the stature of the fullness of Christ?" In common parlance he was " blameless, and without rebuke." " He had a good report of all men and of the truth itself." Whether considered as a Christian, or a minister, in private life, or in public, he was an example to believers — in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."

But it may be said, were there no shades ? Was Mr. Henry perfect ?

If an inclination existed to arrogate for him a state of " sinless perfection" the attempt would be in direct opposition to his own expressed sentiments. He regaided the notion of such an attainment upon earth as utterly visionary, and enthusiastic ; and in his discourse, showing " how to close the day with God," he has exposed it with his usual plainness and energy.* " There is no such thing," he would say, " in this life."t

At the same time it must be confessed, that the closest scrutiny, has failed to discover such imperfections as could furnish matter for exposure. And, in the absence of any thing distinctly tangible, there seems to be no virtue in subjecting an eminent saint, and an admired author, to ignorant or censorious animadversion. Particularly when a long period has clasped since his course was finished with honor and with joy. If Plutarch's elegant remark on this subject, in reference to a luxurious Roman,^ be a lasting encomium upon the soundness of his judgment, it becomes, in application to a " man of God," who walked worthy of his high vocation, increasingly important ; and correct, also, beyond the possibility of confutation.

Nor is there danger of a Christian indulging in excessive veneration, because " good qualities are set in full light." Viewing all excellence as an emanation from the Redeemer's glory, and aided as well as cheered by the display, he rather joys in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, It was thus with the beloved disciple. The acknowledgment made by that holy man, when adverting to himself and other believers, is as devout as it is instructive. " Of

* Misc. Works, p. 301. \ John. i. 13.

t Lives, vol. iii.

PREFACE.

xvii his, [that is, Jesus the incarnate Word,] of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace."

One point, however, of dissimilarity between the case of Mr. Henry, and that of many of the ancient saints referred to, may be noticed. He had enjoyed from infancy the unspeakable privilege of a training " in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." They had not. But no other difference, be it observed, is thereby constituted, than that of a mere circumstance : a circumstance too, which can, in no instance, furnish a warrant for human glorying, or self-complacent admiration. On the contrary, an additional reason, and one of prodigious force, is furnished by it, why the eye should be kept fixed, with unchanging steadiness, upon celestial operations. How, otherwise, can the divinely constituted connexion between the means and the end be discerned — distinguishing mercies improved — pride abased — or God, from whom Cometh every good gift, glorified?

Allowing to moral suasion, pious example, and other parental influence,as diligently applied, the very utmost efficiency; and attaching to them, as suitable, appointed, and invaluable means, the highest warrantable estimate; it would be most injurious to confide in them, or to ascribe to thevi, that efficacy which is the peculiar prerogative of the Holy Spirit. To a mind savingly illuminated, it seems impossible. Who that, on the one hand, contemplates unrenewed nature in its essential enmity to Jehovah's government ; in the impetuosity of its evil affections; and in its unrestrained submission to things "seen and temporal;" and — on the other, /the humbling, self-denying, and holy requirements of Christianity — does not perceive the universality of our Lord's testimony — '* Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.''"

Whenever, therefore, we are presented with an instance of regeneration, or, in other words, a new birth unto righteousness, there ought to be, and as correct thought is indulged there will be, let instrumental causes have been what they may, an unfeigned admiring of Almighty power, and the agency of unutterable love. Thus it is that the peculiar beauty, because the entire spirituality, of genuine religion will be seen; its exalted superiority to every counterfeit displayed ; the need of a moral fitness of. the mind to its existence made manifest ; and the impossibility of its communication by merely human teaching, any more than by the use of xviii