from my being, accidentally, privy to the sentiments of some particular persons, I have been long persuaded that most, if not all, our Infidels (whatever name they take, and whatever scheme, for argument's sake, and to keep themselves in countenance, they patronize) are supported in their deplorable error, by some doubt of their immortality at the bottom. And I am satisfied, that men once thoroughly convinced of their immortality, are not far from being Christians. For it is hard to conceive, that a man fully conscious eternal pain or happiness will certainly be his lot, should not earnestly and impartially inquire after the surest means of escaping one, and securing the other. And of such an earnest and impartial inquiry, I well know the consequence. Here, therefore, in proof of this most fundamental truth,' some plain arguments are offered; arguments derived from principles which Infidels admit in common with Believers; arguments, which appear to me altogether irresistible; and such as, I am satisfied, will have great weight with all, who give themselves the small trouble of looking seriously into their own bosoms, and of observing, with any tolerable degree of attention, what daily passes round about them in the world. If some arguments shall, here, occur, which others have declined, they are submitted, with all deference, to better judgments in this, of all points the most important. For, as to the Being of a God, that is no longer disputed; but it is undisputed for this reason only; viz. because, where the least pretence to reason is admitted, it must for ever be indisputable. And of consequence no man can be betrayed into a dispute of that nature by vanity; which has a principal share in animating our modern combatants against other articles of our Belief. SHE* (for I know not yet her name in heaven) 'Tis the grim tyrant's engine, which extorts, O the long, dark approach through years of pain, Death's gall'ry! (might I dare to call it so) With dismal doubt, and sable terror hung; Sick hope's pale lamp its only glimm'ring ray: There, fate my melancholy walk ordain'd, Forbid self-love itself to flatter, there, How oft I gaz'd, prophetically sad! How oft I saw her dead, while yet in smiles! In smiles she sunk her grief to lessen mine. She spoke me comfort, and increas'd my pain. * Referring to Night the Fifth. Like powerful armies trenching at a town, Dearer than that he left me. Dreadful post Of observation! darker ev'ry hour! Less dread the day that drove me to the brink, And pointed at eternity below; When my soul shudder'd at futurity; When, on a moment's point, th' important dye Of life and death spun doubtful, ere it fell, And turn'd up life; my title to more woe. But why more woe? More comfort let it be. Nothing is dead, but that which wish'd to die; Nothing is dead, but wretchedness and pain; Nothing is dead, but what incumber'd, gall'd, Block'd up the pass, and barr'd from real life. Where dwells that wish most ardent of the wise? Too dark the sun to see it; highest stars Too low to reach it; death, great death alone, O'er stars and sun, triumphant, lands us there. Nor dreadful our transition; tho' the mind, An artist at creating self-alarms, Rich in expedients for inquietude, Is prone to paint it dreadful. Who can take And these the formidable picture draw. But grant the worst; 'tis past; new prospects rise; And drop a veil eternal o'er her tomb. Far other views our contemplation claim, Wrapt in the single, the triumphant thought! Thy nature, immortality! who knows? Ilow short our correspondence with the sun! With all the sons of reason, scatter'd wide By more than feeble faith on the Supreme! (Mines, which support archangels in their state) The plan, and execution, to collate! To see, before each glance of piercing thought, From darkness, and from dust, to such a scene! From earth's sad contrast (now deplor'd) more fair! Blest absolution of our blackest hour! LORENZO, these are thoughts that make man Man, |