his nature, to light upon new discoveries and quaint speculations, will find himself disappointed; but if he delights in the contemplation of a scenery so grand and glorious, he may here behold the reflection of his own mind, and hear the echo of many of his own sentiments. It is granted, that the feelings and views of believers, in the same circumstances and with the same prospects before them, are not always the same; but they are sufficiently similar to prove, that they are under the operation of one and the self-same Spirit ; dividing to every man severally as he will.

Facies non omnibus una,

Nec diversa tamen; qualem decet esse sororum.

BOOK THE FIRST.

Glorious things are spoken of Thee, Thou city of God. Selah.

Thee, Zion!

DAVID.

* but, chief,

MILTON.

ARGUMENT.

AFTER an introductory address, descriptive of the extent and duration of the glorious city, the poem ushers in faith, as the only guide, by which man, in his present condition, can escape from the consequences of mortality. Faith directs to the pursuit of things not seen; and this pursuit is attended with all those difficulties, which are peculiar to a spiritual warfare. Hence we are naturally led to contemplate, from the earliest ages to the present times, those scenes, in which faith has been put to the severest trial; and to admire the character of those worthies, especially of patriarchal degree, who have most eminently displayed the power of faith. By the constant train of success which

B