The Picture of a Heart whose passions have been subitual by Philosophy.

"Behold all ye that kindle a light that compass yourselves about with sparks, walk in the light ye have created and in the sparks ye have kindled this ye have at mine hand, ye shall lie down in sorrow." Isaiah 50. 11.

hed by M Simon

Drawn by LK.Smith.

Engr. by Maverick.

The heart of the philosopher exhibits the subjugation of the meaner passions by the power of reason and philosophy. The study and love of science, history, languages, and works of master minds, have contributed to cultivate his mind and refine his intellectual taste. Every thing base in principle and gross in manners shocks and disgusts him; he is as far removed from the grade of the sensualist as the lion is from that of the mole. Both are unregenerated animal nature; but the one has in his studies and pursuits recognized mind, and the other body alone.

But after all, with this contempt. of every ignoble pursuit and sordid action, the splendid edifice of morals, taste, and imagination, which the philosopher has raised to immortalize his name, is built on a sandy foundation; his own unrenewed will and affections being the only security of its existence. When all is calm sunshine, it wears. its imposing aspect on high, as if it were for a length of time to be the admiration of every eye; but the wintry storms of adversity-of bereavement-of disease, beat upon it; and not being founded upon the rock of ages, it falls. Adversity finds the theorist unprepared for its bitter practical experience-bereavement of his idols, incurably lacerates his heart. He becomes disgusted

with life and society. His fine and susceptible mind, whose powers had been quickened by cultivation in that intellectual sphere which he unduly prized, has lost the objects on which his affections centred; he sinks under the weight of his visitation; he is the prey of melancholy, or subsides into a gloomy misanthrophy. When the discipline of the Creator secures its design in turning such characters from the love of idols to the love of the SAVIOUR, to whom they are bound by every tie of duty, affection, and gratitude, they become burning and shining lights to the world; such an one was Saul of Tarsus-such an one was Moses.

What is the proud name of philosopher but a sound? They are theorists; but practical philosophy is most frequently illustrated by true. christians, and that in every rank of society. The poor cottager has here far outdone the philosopher; his philosophy did not forsake, but fortify him at the hour of death. What is philosophy? Is it not to be resigned and contented under every vicissitude of fortune? Is it not to be possessed of that magnanimity of soul which is neither elated with prosperity nor depressed by adversity? Is it not to meet death undismayed, not with stoical insensibility of his terrors, but with the conviction

that the Redeemer has deprived him of his sting, and the grave of its triumph? Is it not with the dark valley full in view, and when about to leave what the heart holds dear on earth, to be able to say "I know in whom I have believed, and that he is able to keep that which I have committed to him against the great day."

Our Lord informs us, that which is highly esteemed among men (in philosophy and every other mere profession) is abomination in the sight of God. However amiable and accomplished the philosopher may be, God accounts him an ungrateful, wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked rebel, having a heart at enmity with revealed truth. God has appointed that Jesus Christ shall be the way through whom all must come; but the philosopher, like the sceptical Syrian, says of his unsanctified attainments, are not Abna and Pharpar, rivers in Damascus, better than the waters of Israel? God cannot look without abhorrence on a heart in which the evil passions still exist, however asleep they may be, while he has offered to bestow a power which is capable of ex'pelling them; and nothing but a renewed heart he can own or behold with complacency. Unless ye be born again, O miscalled philosopher, ye cannot enter into the kingdom of God: other foundation