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Untitled Article
nexion of these causes , are the principal objects of this science * To mention these objects is nearly all that is necessary , in order to indicate its valuable effects on the mind . The habits of accurate and persevering observation , of investigation , of abstraction , and of correct reasoning , are more or less produced and cultivated by the study of the philosophy of nature . It furnishes abundant scope for the most sublime speculations , yet retains the mind within the limits 6 f reality : it calls forth the noblest exercises of the imagination , yet prevents it from wandering too far in its airy regions : it carries us beyond the boundaries of sense , and lessens our interest in self , by increasing our concern with evety thing around us : it enlarges the comprehension of the soul ; for it offers for contemplation the
laws of the universe : it prepares the philosophical student fot ^ the : " study of mind ; for the strictness with which its investigations are conducted prevents that wildness of-theorising , which is the bane of science , and forms the habit of cautiously attending to phenomena , in order to deduce the general laws which regulate them : it aids the cause of religion ; for it habituates the mind to seek for the causes of observed appearances ^
and leads it from design and regularity to infer an intelligent first / cause . ' ' Highest in the scale of science ranks mental philosophy , comprehending all that relates to the mental ** fraqne of man , ta his duty , and his expectations / " The well-directed study of it " callfe into action and improves the highest intellectual faculties ; and while it employs the powers of the mind , it suggests the best means for their culture , and the best mode of their direction . It enables us to trace the intricacies of our hearts , and points-out the proper discipline for their correction . It
discovers to us the real excellencies of the mind , and guides us in our efforts for their attainment ^ To success in forming the moral and mental character of others , it is more or less essential ; for it discloses the nature of our influence over their minds , and the best mode of exercising it , so as to bring their varied faculties into the best-adjusted and most perfect staffe . Pursued with proper views , and in a proper manner , it lays the best foundation for the highest degrees of intellectual , moral , and religious improvement . It may perhaps be desirable to add , that mental philosophy ought not , and neec } not , lead us into metaphysical
speculations . Let observation and reflection ' check us at every step of our investigations , and we need tiot fear lest we should be ktw * j ) dered in the mazes of sophistry . Let us keep in view menta lor social utility as onjr ultimate object , and resolutely reject the various inducements which may present themselves 0
Untitled Article
$ 56 On Mental Pursuits .
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Citation
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Monthly Repository (1806-1838) and Unitarian Chronicle (1832-1833), July 2, 1806, page 356, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse.ac.uk/periodicals/mruc/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1726/page/20/
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