points to be insisted on. Rising in this manner with all the dignity of truth, and improving upon the intimations of his eminent predecessor of the same name, the charm which had for ages enchained the world was dissolved, physics were established on their natural foundation, the way was opened for the important adaptation of mathematical science to philosophy founded on experiment, and a very distinguished period was formed in the improvement of the human mind.

To assign a more important office to the common judgment of mankind than we have hitherto allotted it, would be impossible, if its influence did not extend in a necessary, though subordinate, manner to the concerns of religion. In possession of an unerring institute of our faith, it is the province of Common Sense, united with mature and solid learning, to examine its evidences, to discover by a diligent and honest investigation its genuine doctrines, and to provide for their establishment and defence. To the neglect of this simple expedient the principal corruptions of Christianity may be ascribed. Interdicting the perusal of its records, the church of Rome gradually introduced an accumulation of doctrines and ceremonies, which can never be reflected on without the utmost astonishment. The repugnancy of her constitution to the most obvious precepts

of Common Sense when enlightened by the Scriptures, was resorted to at the period of the Reformation as an argument of irresistible efficacy. We learn from the historians of that period, that the dispersion of translated copies of the New Testament was among the principal causes of the prodigious success of the reformed doctrines. The case was obvious. Nothing leading to the monstrous and absurd doctrines of transubstantiation, of purgatory, of the adoration of relics, of indulgences, and the intercession of saints, could be discovered in the Sacred code. In proportion therefore as it was allowed to address itself to the common understandings of men, those tenets which were conformed to it would of necessity gain adherents.

A similar recurrence to the standard of our belief would have an eminent influence in counteracting the unworthy admixtures which still disgrace the Protestant churches. The bold claim to a more unbiassed exercise of the judgment, which is with little modesty advanced by certain heretics, is groundless and dishonourable. Those propositions may be superior to Common Sense, which are by no means repugnant to it. And the simple, obvious, and logical interpretation of the records of our religion is what we have a right to demand, though

The Socinians.

that interpretation should involve truths incredi ble to the pride of an inaccurate or hasty reasoner. Nor indeed will the honest inquirer be long in discovering that the systems of those divines can be of little value, for the establishment of which the laws of criticism are to be outraged, writings intended for popular instruction are no longer to be understood in their grammatical sense, and before the magic wand of an insidious disputant every venerable doctrine is to be weakened or discarded.

After this review of the operations of Common Sense, its rank, no less than its importance, may be fairly appreciated. Having traced its influence in the arrangement of ordinary duties, we perceived that the most numerous and weighty events were under its direction. This conclusion was confirmed by adverting to the public, as well as domestic, evils attendant on its absence. Its variations under circumstances of culture or neglect, under those which spring from the moral character, and those that may be traced to the differences of national complexion and original endowment, were then considered. This left us at liberty to touch on its connexion with the higher faculties; as curbing the imagination, directing literary excellence in general, and some branches of it in particular, as standing united with ethics and natural philosophy, and even claiming a

secondary place in the concerns of our most holy faith.

Of its eminent utility there can, therefore, be no doubt. It lies at the foundation of all that is important and honourable in life. Its dictates are to human knowledge what the axioms of geometry are with respect to mathematics. They are first principles, to which all posterior advances must be referred. Where Common Sense may be considered as the leading faculty, it forms characters of worth and reputation, it conducts securely in the usual tracks of science, and is in general a sufficient moderator of the transactions of the world. Even where its situation is subordinate, its presence can in no way be dispensed with. Whilst it yields to the imagination in splendour, it rivals it in solid importance. If it be not the torrent surmounting every obstacle, and rolling with a majestic and impetuous course; it is the calm and silent stream, which proceeds with equal and delightful advances, and carries refreshment and life wherever it flows.

DANIEL WILSON, A. B.

ST. EDMUND HALL.

May 1803.

THE END.

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