telescope, and all the wonders which the telescope discovers.

Of his moral sentiments it is hardly praise to affirm that they
excel those of all other poets; for this superiority he was indebted
to his acquaintance with the sacred writings. The ancient epic
poets, wanting the light of Revelation, were very unskilful teachers
of virtue; their principal characters may be great, but they are not
amiable. The reader may rise from their works with a greater degree
of active or passive fortitude, and sometimes of prudence; but he
will be able to carry away few precepts of justice, and none of
mercy.

From the Italian writers it appears that the advantages of even
Christian knowledge may be possessed in vain. Ariosto's pravity is
generally known; and, though the "Deliverance of Jerusalem" may be
considered as a sacred subject, the poet has been very sparing of
moral instruction.

In Milton every line breathes sanctity of thought, and purity of
manners, except when the train of the narration requires the
introduction of the rebellious spirits; and even they are compelled
to acknowledge their subjection to God, in such a manner as excites
reverence and confirms piety.

Of human beings there are but two; but those two are the parents of
mankind, venerable before their fall for dignity and innocence, and
amiable after it for repentance and submission. In the first state
their affection is tender without weakness, and their piety sublime
without presumption. When they have sinned, they show how discord
begins in mutual frailty, and how it ought to cease in mutual