We have passed over a great number of important questions, several of which, on starting, we intended to consider, and some of which we may take up hereafter; but we have given, we think, the principle that solves the problem of the age, and shows that the dualism which runs through and disturbs so many minds has no foundation either in the teaching of the church or in the real order. The Creator's works all hang together, are all parts of one uniform plan, and the realization _ad extra_ of one divine thought, of which the archetype is in his own infinite, eternal, and ineffable essence. The trouble with men is, that many of them do not see that the church is catholic, even when professing to believe it; because their own minds are not catholic. They often suppose they are broader than the church, because they are too narrow to see her breadth. They also fancy that there are fields of science which they may cultivate which lie beyond her catholicity, and concerning which they are under no obligation to consult her. This shows that they understand neither her catholicity nor the nature, conditions, and end of science. They contract the church to their own narrow dimensions.
We conclude by saying that the men who undertake to criticise the church, and to unchurch her, are men who want breadth, depth, and elevation. They are mole-eyed, and have slender claims to be regarded as really enlightened, large-minded, large-hearted men.
[1] _The Christian Quarterly._ Cincinnati: Carroll & Co. July, 1869. Art IV. Spirit of Romanism.
Hast thou indeed Sacred ambition, In word and deed Based on contrition? Pray low and long, Sowing and weeping; Promises strong Pledge thee thy reaping.
Thus hast thou prayed? Wait then contented; Blessings delayed Are blessings augmented. Every thing proves Holy ambition Is what God loves Next to contrition.
We must not conclude that Master Swibert gave only a musical education to his child. His instruction was solid, and intended, beyond every thing, to develop in her a religious sentiment.
For metaphysics he had a love that years had not lessened. His philosophy was very simple; a few lines could comprise it--only what he took a liking to; and he never pretended to have invented it.