597 illuminates, is abundantly larger a hundred thousand times, according to the lowest reckoning, than the whole earth; on which so many lofty mountains rise, and such vast oceans roll. Beyond that sun, Afar, ten thousand thousand systems roll, to the twelve that shone In Aaron's breast-plate, CRIRIE. The first row, a sardius, (or ruby) a topaz, and a carbuncle; the second, an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond; the third, a figure, an agate, and an amethyst; and the fourth, a beryl, (or chrysolite) and an onyx, and a jasper. Exod. xxviii. 17. 20. and a stone besides. Philosopher's stone, a pretended stone that will turn all other metals into gold, a mystery. 603 Volatile Hermes, Mercury, quicksilver; and is taken for one of their active principles, commonly called spirits. Likewise a title of Mercury, the god of eloquence. 604 In various shapes old Proteus from the sea, A sea deity, who received the gift of prophecy from Neptune, and from his knowledge of futurity mankind received the greatest services. It is said he, resided in the Carpathian sea, and liked to repose himself on the sea shore, where those who wished to consult him, generally resorted. He was difficult of access; and, when consulted, refused to give answers, by immediately assuming different shapes, and eluding the grasp, if not properly secured in fetters. 617 Culminate from th' equator ; The sun or star is said to culminate, when it is in the highest point in the heavens that it is possible for it to be; that is, when it is upon the meridian. 622 The same whom John saw also in the sun. And I saw an angel standing in the sun. Rev. xix. 17. 625 Circled his head a golden tiar Tiar is an ornament, or habit, wherewith the ancient Persians covered their heads; and with which the Amorites and kings of Pontus are represented on medals. These last, because they were descended from the Persians. It was worn in the form of a tower, and sometimes adorned with peacocks' feathers. 636 And now a stripling Cherub he appears, They were represented in the tabernacle and temple, in human shape, with two wings. Exed. xxv. 18. And angel of the second order. 648 The Arch-angel Uriel 667 A principal angel who has power over others. Brightest Seraph tell 683 Hypocrisy, the only evil that walks Invisible. Our indiscretion sometimes serves us well, When our deep plots do fail; and that should teach us, There's a divinity that shapes our ends, 702 For wonderful indeed are all his works. And shall I forget the God of my salvation, the author of all my mercies? Shall I render him no expressions of thankfulness? Then might all nature reproach my ingratitude: shall I rest satisfied with the bare acknowledgment of my lips? No, let my life be vocal, and speak his praise, in that only genuine, that most emphatical language, the language of devout obediLet the bill be drawn upon my very heart let all my affections acknowledge the draught: and let the whole tenor of my actions, in time and through eternity, be continually paying the debt; the ever-pleasing, ever-growing debt of duty, veneration and love. HERVEY. ence. 708 I saw, when at his word the formless mass. Which, though to us it seems embroil'd, moves on By wisdom's finest hand, and issuing all In general good. THOMSON. 718 That roll'd orbicular and turn'd to stars. Stars Numerous, and every star perhaps a world Of destin'd habitation. M 724 that light His day, which else as th' other hemisphere When the sun and the moon are in opposite parts of the heavens: the latter rises in the east, as the former sets in the west. The western sun withdraws. Meanwhile the moon, .Full orb'd and breaking through the scatter'd clouds, Shews her broad visage in the crimson'd east. THOMSON. 730 With borrow'd light her countenance triform The moon is incessantly varying; either in her aspect or her stages. Sometimes she looks full upon us, and her visage is all lustre; sometimes she appears in profile, and shews us only half her enlightened face; anon a radiant crescent but just adorns her brow; soon it dwindles into a slender streak; till, at length, all her beauty vanishes, and she becomes a beamless orb. Sometimes she rises with the descending day, and begins her procession amidst admiring multitudes; ere long she defers her purpose till the midnight watches, and steals unobserved upon the sleeping world. Sometimes she just enters the edges of the western horizon, and drops us a ceremonious visit; within a while, she sets out on her nightly tour, from the opposite regions of the east, traverses the whole hemisphere, and never offers to withdraw, till the more refulgent partner of her sway renders her presence unnecessary. In a word, she is, while conversant among us, still waxing or waning, and never continueth in one stay. HERVEY. 736 and Satan, bowing low, As to superior spirits is wont in heaven. Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers; for there is no power but God. the powers that be are ordained of God. Rom. xii. 1. While subjects learn reverence and obedience to their magistrates, not only for wrath but for conscience sake, may magistrates learn a correspondent care to answer that end of their office, which an apostle makes the foundation of such precepts as these; and to be indeed a minister of God for good, a terror not to good, but to evil works. Great Britain is happy in a government to which this character may justly be applied. Its subjects are under the greatest obligations to the divine goodness, in having so remarkably overthrown the attempts of those who would have left us little use of the scripture, but would themselves have abused it, to have rivetted on the heaviest of fetters, by perverting this passage of St. Paul, as if he had intended to subvert every free constitution under heaven; and to put a sword into the hands of merciless tyrants, to kill and take possession of the heritage of the Lord, counting his people but as sheep for the slaughter. While we are thus happy, we shall be doubly inexcusable, if we fail in rendering both honour and tribute, where they are so justly due. May we extend our care to the universal law of love; and may it be so deeply engraven on our hearts, that the practice of every social virtue may be easy and delightful. |
