either case, the examples were so rare, that Bacon and Butler may with propriety be regarded as the great directors in the study of nature and morality.

"Later writers have dwelt much on the application of the inductive method to intellectual and moral science; Butler, without any scientific flourish, practised it. So far as induction is capable of application to the moral subjects, he applied it. He has not furnished theoretic rules, but examples; examples of sober and accurate observation. The man that has made himself acquainted with Butler's manner, who has become familiar with the workings of his mind, who can gaze on truth steadily and long, till it shall stand forth clearly in its full proportions, is prepared to enlarge the boundaries of science. As this mode of study shall be applied to intellectual science, it will advance, and be freed from the uncertainty and suspicion that attends it. We hold it important that the student of mental, as well as moral science, should take lessons from Butler. The thorough study of his works would form the best preparative to entering on that study. Then there would be no fondness for fanciful theories, formal systems, and startling paradoxes.

"The philosophy of Butler is in its spirit eminently practical. It teaches to bring home the profoundest truths to the business and bosoms of It is opposed to the abstraction, the lack

men.

of sympathy with reality, which characterize too many philosophers. It is practical, not in the radical, but in the true and elevated sense of the term. Through want of this, a vast amount of intellect and learning has been wasted. A wheel may be of mighty power, yet if it be not fitted to other parts of the machinery, it will be useless. Butler furnishes the best examples of reasoning with which we are acquainted. We dwell on this as a separate theme, inasmuch as some may be induced to study his writings, and to improve themselves in logic, who may be prejudiced against philosophy. Butler was remarkably free from self-confidence, and dogmatism. In this he presents a strong contrast to many philosophers, falsely so called. The ignorance of man was one of his favourite themes. With all his strength, he knew the weakness of the human mind, and was careful to keep its inquiries within legitimate bounds. His modesty, and reverence for superiors, and distrust of himself, is finely exhibited in his correspondence with Dr. Samuel Clarke. He was remarkable for comprehensiveness of mind. This term is employed in delineating the character of almost every eminent man. There is a glorious indistinctness about the terms comprehensiveness and depth, which renders them admirable substitutes for thought. But these terms have a legitimate meaning. There is such a quality as comprehensiveness of mind. Butler affords one

of the best examples of it. We never find him following a chain of reasoning attentive only to the connexion of the links. He always views the truth under examination in connexion with truths already known; and we never for a moment find him pursuing, as true, a proposition that clashes with any truth previously acquired. He embraces the whole circle of related truth at a single view. We have thus glanced at a few of the characteristics of Bishop Butler. We have received our reward in the pleasure attending their contemplation. We shall rejoice should any be led to a higher reverence for, and a more diligent study of his works."

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CHAPTER XVII.

Importance of a sound theory of morals.-Butler and Paley's theory compared.-Religious novelties of the day.-Tendency of the study of Butler's writings to check novelties. -Dr. Chalmers's tribute to Butler.-Compares him with Bacon.- Account of Butler's family. His nephews' contribution to National Fund. -- Archbishop Secker's allusion to his nephew, Joseph Butler. - Chalmers's observation on ancestry.-Cowper's ditto.-Butler's early resolution. His consistency in the pursuit of it.

LET it not be imagined, that in exhibiting Bishop Butler as the leader of the true theory of morals, there is a design to overlook the important fact, that no system of mere morals, however sound, and however excellent, can convert the soul of the transgressor. It is willingly conceded, that morality constitutes only one branch of religion; and, that a man may imbibe the most correct theory of morals, and, not seeking the aid of Divine Grace, and the teaching of the Divine Spirit, fall short of the kingdom of Heaven. But, it must not be forgotten, on the other hand, that, while there may be morality without spiritual religion, there can be no spiritual religion without morality. The importance, therefore, of substituting a sound, for an erroneous, theory of morals, cannot well be overrated.

Upon the moral system of Paley, it is impossible to erect a Scriptural superstructure; with Butler's theory all the grand doctrines of the Gospel are in beautiful harmony. An attempt to combine the selfish system of Paley with the selfdenying precepts of genuine Christianity, would resemble the union in the fabled Centaur, where the head of rational man was made to grow out of the body of an animal of an inferior order of creation. But, when the moral theory of Butler is carried out, and expanded, it so admirably blends with all the higher principles and feelings which revealed religion teaches, and calls into exercise, as to resemble the effect of a grand column, wherein the proportions of the base, the shaft, and the capital, are exquisitely adjusted.

That the writings of the author of the Analogy, then, are beginning to be more extensively studied both at home and abroad, is a favourable sign of the times, and cannot fail to produce a wholesome effect. The present age is one of great religious excitement. Exploded theories have revived, under new forms and in new combinations, which give them the appearance of novelties; and, whatever wears the air of novelty is attractive to the inconsiderate and the sanguine. Some of these revived theories may be plausible and harmless, while others are visionary and dangerous. In the circumstances of the present period, then, few studies perhaps,