" DISCOURSES ON RETIREMENT AND SELF-DENIAL. SELECTED FROM THE WORKS OF THE MOST EMINENT INTRODUCTORY ESSAY. WHAT machinery is to man's physical powerswhat rules are to his memory, and other intelligent faculties such is discipline to his moral and religious being at once the evidence and support of weakness. Had he persevered in his original integrity, stated forms and observances would have been as needless to him, as artificial reservoirs and a painful system of irrigation, in “a land of brooks and fountains," and amid the "sound of” a perpetual" abundance of rain.” In the Paradisiacal state, every day was a day of worship; every spot was sacred: the sun no sooner rose, than its light was a summons to prayer: every opening glade, and embowered valley, presented a temple; for at all times, and in all places, the pious heart overflowed with love to its Maker, and the grateful tongue was ready to offer its sacrifice of prayer and praise. But man fell; and sin entered into the world, and labour, and sorrow A thousand necessities |