the poet's
mind, but that the central and consistent character was wanting. From
the history of his life we know this to be the fact. The connexion
between want of the religious principle and want of poetical feeling,
is seen in the instances of Hume and Gibbon; who had radically
unpoetical minds. Rousseau is not an exception to our doctrine, for
his heart was naturally religious. Lucretius too had much poetical
talent; but his work evinces that his miserable philosophy was rather
the result of a bewildered judgement than a corrupt heart.

According to the above theory, revealed religion should be especially
poetical--and it is so in fact. While its disclosures have an
originality in them to engage the intellect, they have a beauty to
satisfy the moral nature. It presents us with those ideal forms of
excellence in which a poetical mind delights, and with which all grace
and harmony are associated. It brings us into a new world--a world of
overpowering interest, of the sublimest views, and the tenderest and
purest feelings. The peculiar grace of mind of the New Testament
writers is as striking as the actual effect produced upon the hearts
of those who have imbibed their spirit. At present we are not
concerned with the practical, but the poetical nature of revealed
truth. With Christians a poetical view of things is a duty--we are bid
to colour all things with hues of faith, to see a divine meaning in
every event, and a superhuman tendency. Even our friends around are
invested with unearthly brightness--no longer imperfect men, but
beings taken into divine favour, stamped with his seal, and in
training for future happiness. It may be added that the virtues
peculiarly Christian are especially poetical;--meekness, gentleness,
compassion, contentment, modesty, not to mention the devotional
virtues: whereas the ruder and more ordinary feelings are the
instruments of rhetoric more justly than of poetry--anger,
indignation, emulation, martial spirit, and love of independence.

A few remarks on poetical composition, and we have done.--The art of
composition is merely accessory to the poetical talent. But where that
talent exists it necessarily gives its own character to the style, and
renders it perfectly different from all others. As the poet's habits
of mind lead to contemplation rather than communication with others,
he is more or less obscure, according to the particular style of
poetry he has adopted; less so, in epic or