The philosophy of human nature, in its physical, intellectual, and moral relations; with an attempt to demonstrate the order of Providence in the three-fold constitution of our being

Preface

The following Work is an attempt to lay down the more important conditions of our being; to trace their various relations, the laws which regulate them, and their first origin. Consciousness has been considered with reference to its three grand elements, and every thing has been enumerated that was calculated to throw any light on its complicated and most interesting phenomena. It appeared self-evident that certain physical, moral, and intellectual states, were more conducive to virtue and happiness than others ; that there was a close connexion between them, and that the whole might be successively elucidated, beginning with the most elementary, and ending with the most complex. It likewise seemed that to execute this ; to shew the mutual dependance of these states, and the necessity of improving each, to secure the joint perfection of all, might be of some service to the cause of humanity: that religion and morality might be promoted by demonstrating, independent of other sanctions and considerations, that there was a natural bond of obligation tending to the maintenance of our well-being, which could not be infringed without the certain contingency of misery, evil, and disease. Our position on earth — our expectations here and hereafter, and the detail of our various duties, are fully adequate to occupy the attention of the most zealous inquirer. It has not been thought requisite to attempt any formal demonstration of the being of a God, but it was conceived imperatively so, to enlarge on his boundless wisdom and power, and to dwell upon every practicable illustration of his Divine Providence. A brief outline of the physical condition of man has been given, while the ne< essity of elevating it, in order

IV PREFACE.

to secure the general advancement, has been urged. But more especially, the supremacy of the moral law — the connexion which we thereby maintain with the Deity and with another form of existence, and the not to be evaded obligation under which we labour to obey it, have been set forth. This has been shewn to be the corner-stone of human excellence ; that, before which, mere intellect sinks into insignificance, and without which, talent, rank, or power, is an idle dream.

In taking up topics upon which human ingenuity may well exhaust its utmost powers, a wide field of investigation has been entered into. Man's origin, capacity, and destination, are problems among the most important that can engage his attention. They have been variously solved, and it is not perhaps, too much to say, that in this world at least, they will never be wholly cleared up. Still, in the waste of conflicting opinions, there are abiding principles of truth and right, reposing on the foundations of our common nature, which it is desirable to bring under one head. That this has been here accomplished, is not for a moment asserted, but it is at least allowable, to make the attempt. If no important truths are added, it is hoped that few are omitted ; while, if what has been realized however imperfectly, tend in any degree to fulfil the vital objects in view, the writer's labour will not prove in vain.

Part I. Human Nature In Its Physical Relations

Page Introduction ------ l

Chap. I On the first Laws of Consciousness - - 9

I. Sensation, 9— II. Vision, 10— III. Hearing, 14— IV. Smell, 15— V. Taste, 15— VI. Touch, 16.

Chap. II. — On Painful, Pleasurable, and Indifferent Sensations 17 I. Indifferent Sensations, 17 — II. Painful Sensations, 18 — III. Pleasurable Sensations, 18.

Chap. Ill On Instinct - - - - - 20

Chap. IV On the Relations of the Human Frame with the

Material World ------ 22

1. On our Physical Relations at large, 22. I. Relations of the Senses, 22 — II. Physical Relations a Source of Mental Development, 24 — III. Relations as Regards Gravity, 25 — IV. Relations of the Digestive and other Organs, 25. 2. Human Wants lay the Foundation of Human Excellence. — War, 26. 3. Adaptations of Outward Objects to our Organization, 28. I. Adaptations of Air, 28 — II. Adaptations of Water, 30 — III. Adaptations of Minerals, 32 — IV. Adaptations of Animal Substances, 34 — V. Adaptations of Vegetable Substances, 35.

Chap. V. — On Man's Physical Relations and Mutual Dependance 40

Chap. VI. — Relations of Man with the Inferior Animals - 42

Chap. VII. — On the Invariable Order of Sensation - 48

Chap. VIII. — On the Organization of Man and Brutes - 51

1. General Remarks, 51. I. Organs of Nutrition, Reproduc-

VI INDEX.

Page tion, and Relation, 51 — II. Organic Energy Derived from the Nerves, 53. 2. Organization not the Source of Thought, 54.

Chap. IX. — On Organic Causation - - - 57

1. Physiology Denned, 57. I. Laws of Nature Invariable, 57 — II. Disease Averted by attending to the Laws of our Organization, 59. 2. Invariable Succession of the Phenomena which Surround us, 60. I. On the Contingency of Events, 61. 3. On Final and Efficient Causes, as regards the Organization, 62.

Chap. X On the Organic Laws, and the Necesssity of Obeying them -._.._ 64 1. Premature Destruction from Infringement of the Organic Laws, 64. 2. On the Influence of Repetition, 65. I. Necessity of Avoiding Extremes, 65 — II. On Exercise, 66 — III. On Excess, 67 — IV. On Cleanliness, 69 — V. Influence of Habit, 69 — VI. Conformity Facilitated by Correct Feelings and Ideas, 70.

Chap. XI On the Influence of Circumstances on Human Organization - - - - - - -71

1. Circumstances Productive of Health and Disease ; Hereditary Influence, 71. I. Training, 73 — II. Heat, Cold, Moisture, Food, and Climate, 75 — III. Disease, 77 — IV. Mental Disease 79. 2. Legislative and Individual Influence, 80. I. Employment, 81— II. War, 82— III. Emigration, 83. 3. Reciprocal Influence of Human Beings, 85. I. Superstition, 86 —II. Capital Punishments, 87— III. War, 89— IV. Duelling, 92— V. Murder, 92— VI. Asceticism: Suicide, 93— VII. Slavery, 94. 4. Influence of Literature, Science, and Art, 96. 5. Influence of Mind on Body, 97.

Chap. XII. — On the Adaptations of the Human Frame; its Unceasing Mutations, and the Argument thereby derived, for the Separate Nature of the Human Soul; also, on Organic Decay and Death - 99

Chap. XIII. — On the Best Means of Securing the Physical Well-being of Mankind - - - - - 105

1. Physical Education, 105. I. Regulation of Atmospheric Vicissitudes, 106—11. Exercise, 107. 2. Measures of Hygiene, 108. 3. Supply of Physical Wants, 109. I. Sources of Human Destitution, 111 — II. On Competition, 113 — III. On the Instrument of Exchange, 114 — IV. On National Debts, 144— V. Occupation of the Soil, 116— VI. On the Nature of Capital, 117. 4. Means of Relief, 117. I. Extension of Commerce and Manufactures, 118 — II. Diminution of Taxation, 119 — III. General Remarks; Reward of Labour too Small, 121 — IV. On Community of Property, 122

V. Existing Arrangements Defective, 124 — VI. Labour

Banks; Better Regulation, and Higher Reward of Labour, 125.

Chap. XIV.— On the Physical Perfectibility and Improvement of Mankind „----- 128

INDEX. Vll

Part II. Human Nature In Its Intellectual Relations

Page Chap. XV. — On the Mind, and on the Origin aud Nature of our Ideas and Faculties - - - - - 1 33

1. The Mind, its Seat and Nature; General Remarks; Origin of Ideas, 133. I. Idea of Space, 135 — II. Ideas of Vision, 136— III. Ideas of Hearing, 136— IV. Ideas of Smell and Taste, 137— V. Ideas of Touch, 138— VI. Ideaof Time, 139— VII. On Innate Ideas, 140. 2. On Association and its Laws, 141. 3. On Complex Ideas, 145. 4. Abstraction, Generalization, and Classification, 149. 5. Induction, 151. 6. On the Origin of Language, 152. 7. On Active and Passive States of the Mind, 154. 8. Reason, Judgment, and Reflection, 155. 9. Imagination, 157. 10. Memory, 159, 11. Futurity and Prescience, 160. 12. Motive, 162. 13. Will, 163. 14. Belief, 166. 15. Identity, 172.

Chap. XVI. — On the Relations and Adaptations of the Human

Mind 174

1. General Remarks, 174. I. Relations of Man with Man, 176 — II. Relations with the Phenomenal world, 181 — III. Relations with the Deity, 182.

Chap. XVII. — On the Primary Equality or Inequality, and on the Peculiar Tendencies of the Human Intellect - - 186

Chap. XVIII. — On Language, Science, and Art, and on the best Means of Acquiring a Knowledge of them - . 191

1. General Remarks on Language, 191. I. On the Acquisition of the Mother Tongue, 195 — II. On the Acquisition of Dead Languages, 199 — III. On the Acquisition of Modern Languages, 203. 2. On the Acquisition of Science, 203.

3. On the Acquisition of Art, 206. I. Music, 207— II. Painting, Statuary, and Architecture, 211 — III. Poetry, 213.

4. On Adult Exertion, 216. 1. On the Education of Facts, 217 — II. On the Subordination of Mental Activity to Utility, 219.

Chap. XIX. — On the Influence of Circumstances on the Development of the Mind - 220

1. General Remarks: Internal Circumstances, 220. I. Physical Constitution, 221 — II. Mental and Moral Energy, 223.

2. External Circumstances, 225. I. Government, 226 — II. Religion, 228— III. Literature, Science, and Art, 230— IV. The Passions, 232— V. Human Wants, 232— VI. Commerce, 236— VII. Family and National Influence, 237— VIII. Rank, 240—IX. Habits, 241— X. Climate, 242—XI. Age, 244— XII. Sex, 246.

Chap. XX — On the Physiology of the Human Mind - 248

1. Introductory Remarks ; Materialism, 248. 2. Liberty and

Vlll INDEX.

Page Necessity, 251. 3. The Evils of Ignorance and the Advantages of Knowledge, as Regards the Physiology of the Human Mind, 252. 4. On Sleep, 261. 5. On Insanity, 264.

Chap. XXI — On the Influence of the Mind on the Body, and on the Feelings -_-_._ 267

I. Influence of Mind on the Body, 267 — II. Influence of Mind on the Feelings, 270.

Chap. XXII. — On the Regulation of the Intellect with a View to our Greatest Advantage and that of Others - - 272

1. General Remarks ; the Acquisition of Knowledge, 272. I. The Diffusion of Knowledge, 274. 2. The Generation of Intellectual Energy, 281. 3. Credulity and Scepticism, 283. 4. Value and Accessibility of Mental Pleasures and Pursuits, 286. 5. The Necessity of a Sense of Accountability, 288. 6. Importance of Habit, 290. 7. On the Proper Balance of the Mind, 291.

Chap. XXIII. — On the Best Means of Improving the Mind - 295 I. Utility of Education, 296— II. Self-instruction, 297— III. Operation of Governments, 298 — IV. Individual Effort, 300 — V. Cultivation of Science, Nature, and Art, 301 — VI. Regulation of the Passions, and Removal of Prejudice, 304.

Chap. XXIV. — On the Progressive Perfectibility of the Human Mind 307

Chap. XXV. — On Death, and on our Condition Hereafter, Viewed in Reference to the Intellect - 312

Part III. Human Nature In Its Moral Relations

Chap. XXVI. — On the Feelings, Passions, Affections, Moral

Judgments, and their Origin - - - . 321 I

1. General Remarks: Feelings of Pleasure and Pain derived in the First Instance, from Organic Sources: Inferences, 321.

2. The Appetites: Pleasures and Pains of Sense are Remembered : Not Capable of Indefinite Prolongation, 325. 3. Feelings Variously Associated : Disinterestedness : Growth and Progress of the Feelings, 329. I. Love of Offspring, 333 —II. Filial Love, 335— III. Fraternal Love, 336— IV. The Love of Sex, 337— V. Friendship, 340— VI. Love of Truth, 342— VII. Love of God, 344— VIII. General Reflections on the Affections: Virtue, what? 348. 4. Painful Feelings; Utility of Pain; Disinterested Grief, 351. I. Sorrow and Grief, 354— II. Fear, 355— III. Repentance, 357— IV. Disappointment, 360— V. Mental Weariness, 363— VI. Painful and Pleasing Recollections and Anticipations, 365 — VII. Pain a Means, but never an End, 367. 5. Mixed Feelings, 368.

INDEX. IX

Page I. Union of Pleasure with Pain: Melancholy, 370. 6. On the Inferior Passions and their Origin, 372. I. Remorse, 377 —II. Envy, 379— III. Contempt, 38.1— IV. Resentment, 382 —V. Revenge, 383— VI. Pride, 384. 7. General Considerations on the Inferior Passions, 385. I. Bloodthirstiness, Cruelty, and Brutality, 386 — II. Fanaticism, Bigotry, and Superstition, 388 — III. Disinterested Malevolence, 390. 8. Apathy: Absence of all Feeling: Absence of the Better Feelings, 393. 9. Mixed qualities ; General Considerations on the Passions, 397.

Chap. XXVII. — On the MoralJudgment — Conscience — Theory of Virtue, and Language of Passion - 400

1. On Conscience or the MoralJudgment, 400. 2. On Virtue and Vice, 408. 3. Case in which Virtue is Appreciated and Vice Chosen, 418. 4. On the Language of Passion, 419.

Chap. XXVIII On the Influence of Circumstances on the Development of the Passions, Feelings, and Moral Principles 421 1. General Remarks; the Evolution of the Moral Principles Depends Partly on Others, and Partly on Ourselves, 421. I. Influence of Governments, 426 — II. Influence of Education, 428 — III. Influence of Human Life — of Moral Energy, 432.

Chap. XXIX.— The Physiology of the Mind as Regards the

Affections, Passions, Feelings, and Moral Judgments - 436

1. Fundamental Conditions of Consciousness, 436. I. No Material Organ for the Exercise of the Feelings, 436 — II. Feelings and Ideas not called up with Equal Facility, 438 — III. On the Influence of Association, 442 — IV. On Sympathy, 443— V. On the Exercise of the Feelings, 445— VI. The Feelings and Affections Regulated by Immutable Laws, 447 —VII. Feelings during Sleep, 448— VIII. On Double or \ Divided Consciousness, 449 — IX. Moral Insanity, 450 — X. Transference, 452. — XL On the Succession of Ideas and Feelings, 455 — XII. Cannot Appropriate the Affections and Emotions of Others without Archetypes in Ourselves, 456— XIII. Feelings and Affections sometimes Remain, when the Convictions Connected with them have Passed away, 457 — XIV. Philosophical Childhood, 459 — XV. On the Association of Pleasurable Feelings with Acts of Self-denial and Forbearance, 460— XVI. The Growth of the Affections and the Practice of Morality, not Contingent on a Knowledge merely, of their Theory and Origin, 461 — XVII. Feeling and Passion more " Extensively Diffused than what is Supposed, 462 — XVIII. — Beneficence towards Others, the Source of Superior Affections, and Injuries, of Inferior, 464 — XIX. Influence of Age on the Feelings, 464— XX. Utility of the Passions, 466.

Chap. XXX. — On the Influence of the Heart on the Mind and Frame, and on Itself - - - - - 467

Chap. XXXI. — On the Regulation of the Affections, Feelings, and Moral Conduct, with a View to Secure our Own Best Interests and those of Others - 478

X INDEX.

Page 1. Our Duty to Ourselves, 478. I. Duties, as Regards the Body, 478—11. Duties, as Regards the Mind, 479— III. Duties, as Regards the Heart, 480. 2. Our Duty to Others, 500. 3. Our Duty to the Deity, 514.

Chap. XXXII. — On the Best Means of Cultivating the Feelings and Affections, as well as of Securing and Perfecting the Exercise of the Moral Powers ----- 532 I. Specific Measures Necessary for Cultivating the Feelings and Moral Powers, 532—11. The Children of Every Class should be Trained to Moral Excellence, 535 — III. Influence of Public Opinion with Regard to the Improvement of Society, 536 — IV. Injurious Regulations with Regard to Property, 539 — V. Influence of Superior Moral Communion, 540.

Chap. XXXIII— On the Perfectibility of the Heart and Moral Powers Here and Hereafter - 543

Chap. XXXIV— On Our Condition Hereafter - - 553

THE PHILOSOPHY

OF HUMAN NATURE

Introduction

The science of man is the most important, and the study of his nature the most interesting, of all the pursuits to which he can addict himself. It must be attended to, not in one particular, but in all; not only with regard to the intellect, but to the body, and not only in relation to these, but to the feelings and affections. They must be studied and appreciated, at once severally and collectively. Improvements in the analysis of the 1 Cerent conditions of the human mind, and the r^v^ival of neglected truths, place the connexion here urged in a striking light. This is exemplified in the recent progress of physical science, which confirms views previously supposed to rest on grounds purely metaphysical.

A INTRODUCTION.

The necessity of studying our nature in its three-fold division, reposes on a variety of particulars. For years, the doctrine of innate ideas and realism, which is but a modification of it, excited a warm controversy. The origin of the dispute which is probably coeval with speculation itself, seems lost in the night of time. All the ideas which we are capable of experiencing, flow in the first instance from sensation ; a truth of great importance in education, as well as in laying a foundation for the argument from analogy, in favour of the similar origin of the affections, feelings and moral judgments. If our ideas and feelings arise from sensation, and if our various mental and moral states be a mean result of education, the circumstances in which we are placed, and our personal efforts, it yields an enormous scope to the legislator and the philanthropist. The proposition however, is susceptible of rigorous demonstration. If our knowledge — if our qualities whether for good or for ill, are in no case inborn, it necessarily follows, not only that all are capable of superior intellectual and moral culture, but that all have an unequivocal right to receive it.

I experience an unflinching confidence in the fulfilment of the superior destinies of our race. It is a long-cherished conviction, and one which

I shall carry to the grave. God is just and merciful : he has implanted capabilities that can never be exhausted. The grievous errors which mark our career, must be ascribed to defective training, deteriorating circumstances, and insufficient personal exertion. Even the wisest and best probably, afford but an imperfect criterion of what, under happier auspices, all might become. At birth, we are innocent, and with proper management, might remain so through life. What a glorious prospect does it not unfold to mankind, when they shall acquire wisdom enough to apply the principle to the full extent. There need then, be no ignorance, no want of feeling and no crime ; and why, but because all shall be cultivated, and because it is impossible for such unhappy results to accrue, when the causes which lead to them are lopped away for ever. All other public measures dwindle into insignificance, when contrasted with the efficacy of universal training. In ten short years, the machinery of instruction might be brought into operation, and a moral revolution gradually accomplished. There are too many jarring interests and conflicting opinions however, as well as too low an estimate of the dignity of human nature, to permit a provision of such boundless utility to be carried into effect. Even so then, until the world consent to work this great good, so long shall desolation, and sin, and misery, prevail. It is not intellectual cultivation alone, that will do the work; the feelings, affections and moral principles must be developed, while the physical condition of the community at large, must be elevated. We have abundant facilities for securing happiness, but we are so constituted, that this cannot be accomplished unless by the joint exertion of all our faculties, and by the successful elimination of the better qualities of our nature. Ignorance, indolence, and immorality, never have reaped and never will reap, the reward of knowledge and virtuous energy, It is not animal comfort to which we must aspire, nor yet intellectual superiority, nor even, best and highest though it be, moral and religious excellence, but all united. Any thing short of this, is incompatible with the well-being of the whole man and with the assumption on his part, of that position on earth which he has been made capable of enjoying. Let existing obstacles however, be what they may, the time must work round when they will fade into nothing, and when the human race shall assert with one voice, their indefeasible rights never to be deprived of them again. Step by step, mankind approach a consummation of virtue, knowledge and happiness, which the world has not yet seen. We might be fainthearted indeed, were this mighty change to devolve on human agency alone ; but the path has been marked out by superior skill, and the operation of circumstances under the controul of an all-directing Providence, must finally lead us to the happy goal.

Though I have come in contact with the dark side, I have also had abundant opportunities for acknowledging the kindness of my fellows, and for rejoicing in my community with the great family of mankind. It is a pleasure to reflect that unceasing good offices are every where going on, and that thousands as well as myself, have borne unequivocal testimony to the reception of unpurchased, and unless by gratitude, unrequited kindness. It makes the heart within, to sing for gladness, to think of all these things, as well as of the generous acts and deliberate sacrifices, of which the earth is the theatre. The capabilities, the cultivation of which, has produced these beneficial results in a portion of mankind, might also lead to them in the whole. We cannot perhaps, hope to finish our career without suffering; but there can be no lasting unhappiness without moral depravity, and of this there need be little in the world. The evils to which we are exposed, are intended to promote our well-being, and to inspire energy, fortitude, and entire submission to the Divine will. They have nothing in common with iniquity, though never so strenuously confounded, and we could not escape the liability, without also losing the advantages of choice. Sickness, death, and the various casualties of life, unless in so far as they result from it, are widely remote from active and passive vice — from falsehood, ingratitude and all iniquity. We should oppose the latter, but it is our duty when they become inevitable, to submit to the former. The one may assail the good, the brave and the wise, but the other never can. It is impossible for the world to go back — the very generation of so much excellence, knowledge and virtue, affords peremptory evidence that humanity must advance. If these have been created out of nothing — from the dark and dreary void, what have we not a right to anticipate from the intellectual and moral agencies now at work ? There is indeed, every reason to exult over the prospects of our race, and to hope that mankind shall finally, and without the possibility of relapse, be able to overcome the obstacles that now beset their path.

It is the duty of every lover of his species to strive on and on, since upon such under Providence, the progress of humanity must devolve. The world may not thereby, be rendered supremely wise and good, but assuredly, it will be made both wiser and better than it could otherwise become. It is incumbent upon us to aim at excellence, or we shall achieve no good. If we do not aspire to that which we have not reached, how will it be practicable for us to advance? There is no presumption so great, as that which sets bounds to the improvement of mankind ; we may underrate, but we cannot over-rate it. With what propriety indeed, can we limit those who must necessarily, be so much wiser and better than ourselves? The ignorant assuredly, are not to draw up rules for the wise ; nor those of an imperfect condition of society, for those of a perfect. Even in our own time, applications before unknown, of physical science to human convenience have been witnessed ; and shall we suppose those of the mind in any degree less practicable ? Its powers in this respect, are infinitely greater than any which it is able to exert over the phenomena of matter, and still better calculated to promote human dignity and well-being. When the wonderful endowments with which we have been gifted, shall be duly appreciated, there is every reason to hope that our position in future ages as contrasted with the past, will seem little short of perfection itself.

Chapter I. On The First Laws Of Consciousness

I. Consciousness is that fundamental condition without which we could not exist. Its first forms are not remembered, or if so, are confounded with more recent ones. It is the common title of our sensations, feelings and ideas, and these include all the phenomena of our earthly existence.

It is usual to say that sensations arise from the action of outward objects on our organs; it is evident however, that all we know of either, must be states of the mind. Thus colour is the result of a visual perception. It does not reside in the object, but in the organ; and this again, is a form of consciousness. Extension and resistance are names of muscular sensations, likewise mental conditions. United with the sensations arising in the cutaneous papillae, they constitute touch. When the undulations of the atmosphere impinge upon the ear, the sound is but a condition of that organ. Reflection teaches us, that although the cause of sensation lodges without, sensations themselves, must be forms of consciousness. What this cause is, our faculties afford us no means of knowing ; but it is obvious that the external cause and the inward vehicle, must be radically distinct.

Sensations are the first forms of consciousness, and may be pleasurable, painful, or indifferent. When those of the last class are remembered, they constitute ideas and mental perceptions ; when the two former, they become the foundation of our emotions of pleasure and pain. Unless sensations precede, ideas or emotions cannot follow. By this arrangement, a few primary organic pleasures or pains, may be reflected over innumerable mental states in themselves devoid of either. A simple and truly wonderful origin for those varied conditions which sometimes gladden and ennoble, and sometimes, degrade and render existence miserable. We cannot learn how sensation is effected, nor shall the process ever be laid bare. As to what the mind is intrinsically, we cannot know. It is susceptible of certain modifications, which constitute not only all our knowledge, but the means of obtaining it. These bear the collective title of consciousness. The thing that is conscious, we call mind ; the thing that provokes the consciousness, we style outward object.

II. All our senses are worthy of admiration, but there are advantages peculiar to each. They render us conversant with the phenomenal world, with our fellow men, and with the various creatures that tenant the earth ; but more especially, with the signs of God's existence and wonderful providence. Light connects us with objects at a distance; without its aid, we should be on a level with the insects whose knowledge is obtained through the medium of touch. Thus degraded, we might feel the heat of the sun, but could not tell its source ; and unable to perceive their light, we should be unaware of the existence of the stars. The glorious panorama of nature — the illuminated heaven with the glad aspect of earth, would be equally unknown : our intercourse with our species would be limited, and our support precarious. The importance of vision is so great, that all the superior, and most of the inferior animals, have been provided with it. A large proportion of our ideas owe their origin to this sense. Works of genius and the records of knowledge are addressed to it, and without it, could neither have existence nor utility. Colours are the source of many pleasures. Creation would be monotonous were light and shade the only distinctions, as is the case during the gloom of evening and the prevalence of snow. As it is, we have the hue of beauty ; the thousand aspects of bird and flower ; the gay tints of art, and in fine, the endless diversity of every thing that surrounds us. Colours are enhanced by combination and contrast, as in mosaics, and still more, in the variety of nature.

How brilliant is the aspect of beds of flowers? The splendour of the rainbow, no less than that of many living objects, fills us with admiration and delight. By night, the moon and stars provide us with their tinted and gentle radiance ; while meteors and other forms of the electric fluid, add their brilliancy. The very sea is full of splendour. Many insects and some plants even, emit light at night. It would be difficult to describe the flitting and glowing illumination of the firefly. We are enabled to multiply the pleasures arising from these sources, by transferring the hues of nature to the produce of our industry. We can thus preserve them for years ; and if the material be not very perishable, as in the canvass of the painter and the frescoed wall, they will often remain uninjured for centuries. The paintings of the early masters, the decorations of Pompeii and of the Egyptian tombs, are of very ancient date. When the light so liberally bestowed by nature ceases, we supply its place by an artificial illumination that perpetuates the lustrous colouring of the day. Thus comfort and convenience are promoted, while existence is multiplied, and light and life are imparted to what would otherwise come within the dreary dominions of darkness and night. How much is thereby added to human industry, to hours of study and social intercourse ? Yet contrivances even of earthly origin, must be referred to the only Giver of knowledge and power ; since without Him there could be no art, nor any science or skill.