ERRATA.

Page 67, line fifth from bottom, for "proscribes," read pre

scribes.

118, line fifth from bottom, for "affections," read

affection.

118, line fourth from bottom, for "lest," read that. 136, line sixth from top, after the word in, insert it. 254, line sixth from bottom, after the word moral, insert and.

PREFACE.

IN the following pages it is intended to illustrate the human heart. By this, I mean something widely different from that fleshly organ, which performs the most important and the most vital functions in the body of man; which has been so often laid bare by the knife of the anatomist, and technically described by the physiologist. I mean THE SEAT AND SPRING OF THE AFFECTIONS; THE MORAL AND SPIRITUAL PART OF MAN; IN DISTINCTION FROM THE INTELLECTUAL OR THINKING PART OF THE SOUL, AND SEPARATED BY A STILL BROADER AND DEEPER LINE OF DEMARCATION FROM THE

MATERIAL BODY. That man has A HEART, in this sense of the term, even wild and sceptical theorists allow, and the world at large feel. The distinct nature of this spiritual organ is clearly recognised in

many popular phrases daily used. What more common than the remark, that an individual "has much mind, but little heart?" and again, "a weak mind, but a good heart?" To metaphysicians and physiologists, I leave all subtle disquisitions on the subject. While some lose themselves amidst abstract theories concerning the laws and properties of mind and spirit, and while others busy themselves in reading the qualities of the heart, in the external developements of the head, in tracing all moral sensations and acts to the influence of physical temperament, consequent on corporeal organization, I would fain present some plain truths in a plain way, to those who have minds to reflect, and hearts to feel; and who, leaving the philosophy of thought and feeling to others, are principally anxious to think and feel aright. To such I shall speak of the heart in a popular yet scriptural manner: and I mistake, if a familiar scriptural analysis and consideration of its several qualities will not do more towards the rectification of its many disorders, than any speculations of “ philosophy falsely so called."

The geographer, who would convey a just idea of any particular country, gives its outlines and prominent features, exhibits its state at different seasons, notes its inhabitants, its culture, and its productions. The astronomer, who would describe a planet, follows it through its wonted course, and depicts it in all its phases. The demonstrator in anatomy, shows the joints, bones, nerves, and muscles of the animal man, both separately and in their mutual connexion and dependence. The accomplished physician, in descanting upon any viscus or organ, exhibits it in its healthful state, and in its derangement; in the regular discharge of its appropriate functions, and in its morbid action. My object is to give a graphic description, a faithful chart, of the spiritual region within; to show the different phases of a spiritual but too erratic planet; its darker and its brighter aspects, as it recedes from or approximates towards the sun and centre of light and life; to lay open and exhibit the framework and texture of the inner man, so "fearfully and wonderfully made;" to place before the reader the moral heart in its

a

soundness and its unsoundness; as it now, with perfect regularity, sends the warm current of life and health through the system, or again as it labours under its occasional and fearful maladies.

The several states or conditions under which the heart will be presented, are such as have been "noted in the Scripture of truth." These, it is trusted, will give a clear view of the subject, and, at the same time, be connected with sacred associations in the minds of the pious. It is a fair presumption, that "He who formed" the heart, who knoweth what is in the heart of man, and needeth not that any should tell him," best knew what are its leading peculiarities, and by what terms they should be designated. In following, then, the divisions, and adopting the terms of Him "who spake by the prophets," we cannot greatly err.

Even a superficial reader of the sacred volume must be struck by one great distinction which there obtains-the distinction between THE HEART AS IT IS BY NATURE and THE HEART AS RENEWED BY DIVINE GRACE; leading to an analogous arrange