They maybe asked if they have read them. But relative to those pointed out in the course they must expect to pass a strict examination upon their particular contents. Through much prayer and watchfulness, our hearts are made better by study. Through desire a man having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. It breathes nothing throughout, but mercy, benevolence, and peace.
Poetry is sublime, when it awakens in the mind any great and good affection, as piety or patriotism.
This is one of the noblest effects of the art. The Psalms are remarkable, beyond all other writings, for their power of inspiring devout emotions. But it is not in this respect only that they are sublime. Of the divine nature they contain the most magnificent descriptions, that the soul of man can comprehend. The hundred and fourth Psalm, in particular, displays the power and goodness in creating and preserving the world, and the various tribes of animals in it, with such - majestic brevity and beauty, as it is in vain to look for in any human composition.