O MYSTERIES OF LIFE, DEATH, AND FUTURITY: ILLUSTRATED FROM THE BEST AND LATEST AUTHORITIES. BY HORACE WELBY, AUTHOR OF PREDICTIONS REALIZED,” SIGNS BEFORE DEATH," ETC. piendon. for Johns Simbo NEW YORK: JAMES G. GREGORY, 46 WALKER STREET. M.DCCC.LXIII. PREFACE. FEW of those persons who are accustomed to watch the religious tendencies of the age, need be reminded that its characteristics are freedom of inquiry, thought, and discussion, and these with greater latitude than can be traced in the history of any former period. The adage that "thinking nurseth thinking" is every day strongly exemplified; and if it be hard to estimate the actual results at their true value to society, it must be allowed that in the conflict of opinions, Truths may be abundantly garnered the wheat gathered from the enemy's tares; and their importance and interest of the good part inculcated with greater effect than by ordinary means. To bring the consideration of the three paramount subjects named in the annexed title-page within the limits of a single volume, may appear a pretentious object for a Layman to attempt; more especially when we remember how many splendid intellects have, through countless ages, been devoted to the rearing of the safe-guards of our belief, and the eternal interests of mankind. In comparison with such labors, which are the highest aspirations of the human mind, the present work has very humble claim to notice. It has been undertaken with the view of concentrating within its focus the views and opinions of some of the leading writers of the present day, and placing thein before the reader in so popular a form and setting as to adapt them for a larger class than would be likely to consult the authorities themselves, whence the substance of this volume has been derived. Facts, anecdotes, personal traits of character, and well-grounded arguments and opinions, are the staple of the work; and special care being taken to give each statement its mint-mark of its authority. In virtue of the Scriptural character of the subjects, the rewards will be a special blessing on those who read and understand them; the interpretations and inferences, in many instances, being the deductions of men venerated for their piety and learning in ministering the most precious of all knowledge-the inestimable comfort of the Hope that is in us. The writer has employed the word MYSTERY in its ordinary acceptation-a thing unintelligible or concealed-as well as in the Scriptural meaning-something that had been unknown, but in due time was revealed by the inspiration of God. Thus it is applied to the principles of the Gospel, and to the circumstances of the General Resurrection; as well as to denote an emblem of revealed truth.* Surrounded as we are by Mysteries (says a contemporary), and helpless as we find ourselves amid them, we are irresistibly prompted to seek an explanation of them. The applications of natural science for this purpose are too striking a characteristic of this age of inquiry to have been neglected throughout the following pages; the writer having endeavored to profit by the sound opinions of Dr. Whewell, who has set the service of science, in this case, in the proper light: "Science," he tells *See A Scripture and Prayer-book Glossary. By the Rev. John Booker, M. A. |