passions, restraining the appetites, directing the propensities, strengthens and elevates the intellectual powers, facilitates acquisition, gives stability to science and utility to knowledge. Genius without principle forms such a character as Byron's, irritable, eccentric, wretched; and produces such works as his, which, like transient meteors, dazzle and delude for a moment, and then sink into forgetfulness for ever. But talents, sanctified by divine grace and moved by Christian motives, constitutes a mind like Newton's, consistent, splendid, happy; and leads to such investigations, as he made, which, like the orbs of heaven, whose tracks he followed and whose laws he revealed, will continue to enlighten and guide all future generations. II. Let us consider the influence of Christianity on the character and happiness of man, viewed more particularly as a moral being. We have been led unavoidably to anticipate something of this view. We have already said, that man is capable of sustaining and feeling moral relations; and we have seen, that a regard to these relations and the duties which flow from them, is intimately connected with intellectual greatness and the acquisition of useful knowledge. But we now proceed to consider the more direct effects of the Gospel on the moral dignity of man, and the blessedness with which this dignity is inseparably connected. The discussion of this topic we commence with the broad position, that in proportion as a man feels and regards his moral relations, other circumstances being equal, will be his power of enjoying and communicating happiness.-It is true, human nature, even in its fallen condition, is capable of pleasing emotions But the influence of Christianity on intellectual man is not confined to the regions appropriated to technical philosophy. It elevates the minds, not of a few only, but of many-of men of all classes and in every condition. Destroying the proud distinctions of rank and cast, Christianity operates on the great mass of mind, diffusing knowledge through the whole. It gives importance and elevation to the weakest intellect. Ancient philosophy was confined to the schools. It was shrouded in mystery. A few only were permitted to look within the veil; and from the inspection of the female sex, it was entirely secluded. But modern philosophy, adorned with Christian humility, walks abroad in the clear light of heaven, that all may contemplate her beauties, and catch a portion of her effulgent spirit. The doors even of her inner temple have been thrown open, that persons of all ranks and both sexes may enter, without restraint, and learn her laws, and receive her counsels. After all, the influence of Christianity on intellect is principally discoverable through the medium of its moral influence. By this influence it regulates the process of intellectual cultivation, and produces among the intellectual powers a just balance, a happy equilibrium. Infidel genius runs wild; destroying itself, and often bringing sudden destruction on those, who attempt to pursue its track. But genius, guided by Christianity, is sober, yet persevering in her course; conducting all, who follow her steps, by a safe path, into regions of light and felicity. Vice contaminates mind, and obscures intellectual vision; the understanding is darkened through the depravity of the heart. But virtue, Christian virtue, governing the passions, restraining the appetites cre ever. moved by Christian motives. Cour of heaven, whose tracks he is some II. Let us consider on the character and happ lectual greatness au edge. But we H direct effects of 701-72 man, and the bless SERMON. JOHN viii, 32. "THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE." MAN, viewed as a being susceptible of happiness and capable of responsible action, sustains a thousand relations, involving as many duties. Whatever, therefore, tends to increase this susceptibility and enlarge this capacity, must exalt his nature, and promote the benevolent purpose, for which he was created. Such is the tendency of well-directed education, of virtuous example, of sound philosophy; indeed, of every thing, which gives the understanding a controlling influence over the passions, without taking from them the power of excitement and the energy of action; of every thing which purifies and regulates the feelings, without diminishing their ardor, or depriving them of their appropriate objects. But of all the causes which conspire to produce this effect, none is so uniform, extensive, and efficient, as Christian truth. Indeed, without the concurrence of this cause, all others are feeble in their operations, and exceedingly uncertain in their results. The most refined education, from which Christian instruction is excluded, may be spoiled by a few licentious maxims, or a single vicious habit: may even increase the |