it possible for the Deity to superintend terrestrial things, and to prepare the means of happiness, both here and hereafter, for man, to whose dominion they are all subjected; why should it be more difficult for the enlightened astronomer to conceive, that the Creator of all worlds is equally powerful to preserve, and equally attentive to provide for, the innumerable works of his hand! Every new discovery in the visible universe ought to give elevation, and a new impulse,. to the pious affections; and the further we see that the works of God extend, the more let us be overwhelmed with devout astonishment, in the contemplation of his infinite, eternal, and universal Being.

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Paradoxical writers have flattered themselves, that infidelity would gain ground as philosophy advances. So sanguine, as I have been informed, was a late projector in this way, that he would sometimes give it as his opinion, that Christianity could not outlast the present century. I wish he had lived to see his mistake. sophistry, the faith of individuals may be unsettled; but that of nations is not so easily shaken: and sophistry never prevails long in opposition to common sense. From true philosophy, and a right use of reason, our religion has nothing to apprehend. The more carefully and candidly it is studied, the more conspicuous will its truth and beauty appear. Wherever it and human nature are understood, they are found so admirably suited to each other, that the believer needs not fear, and it is vain for the adversary to wish, their final separation. God has joined them, and it is not in man's power to put them asunder. This hope, from considering the character of man, and the genius of the gospel, we should have had reason to rejoice in, even though the highest authority had not assured us, that against the church of Christ, not even the gates of hell shall prevail.

The stomach must be depraved, that transforms aliment into poison; and the eye cannot be sound, which day-light dazzles into blindness. Nor less unsound, or less depraved, is that understanding, which perverts sci

ence into unbelief, and becomes ignorant of God, in proportion as the world is enlightened with the knowledge of his works. Minute cavillers may grow more sceptical, the greater dexterity they acquire in misrepresenting facts, and misapplying language. But I know not whether a single instance can be mentioned of a truly philosophic mind, who both understood Christianity, and disbelieved it..

NEW-JERSEY.