the violent
exercise, the vagrant life, the military constraint, the imperfect
pharmacy, which now are the trials of only particular classes of the
community, were once the lot more or less of all. In the deep woods or the
wild solitudes of the medieval era, feelings of religion or superstition
were naturally present to the population, which in various ways
co-operated with the missionary or pastor, in retaining it in a noble
simplicity of manners. But, when in the advancement of society men
congregate in towns, and multiply in contracted spaces, and law gives them
security, and art gives them comforts, and good government robs them of
courage and manliness, and monotony of life throws them back upon
themselves, who does not see that diversion or protection from evil they
have none, that vice is the mere reaction of unhealthy toil, and sensual
excess the holyday of resourceless ignorance? This is so well understood
by the practical benevolence of the day, that it has especially busied
itself in plans for supplying the masses of our town population with
intellectual and honourable recreations. Cheap literature, libraries of
useful and entertaining knowledge, scientific lectureships, museums,
zoological collections, buildings and gardens to please the eye and to
give repose to the feelings, external objects of whatever kind, which may
take the mind off itself, and expand and elevate it in liberal
contemplations, these are the human means, wisely suggested, and good as
far as they go, for at least parrying the assaults of moral evil, and
keeping at bay the enemies, not only of the individual soul, but of
society at large.

Such are the instruments by which an age of advanced civilization combats
those moral disorders, which Reason as well as Revelation denounces; and I
have not been backward to express my sense of their serviceableness to
Religion. Moreover, they are but the foremost of a series of influences,
which intellectual culture exerts upon our moral nature, and all upon the
type of Christianity, manifesting themselves in veracity, probity, equity,
fairness, gentleness, benevolence, and amiableness; so much so, that a
character more noble to look at, more beautiful, more winning, in the
various relations of life and in personal duties, is hardly conceivable,
than may, or might be, its result, when that culture is bestowed upon a
soil naturally adapted to virtue. If you would obtain a picture for
contemplation whic