The impropriety of "anything like compulsion to make men think alike by other than _their own temperately induced convictions_ is never more clear than in regard to religion; for the aim of Christianity is general benevolence and individual humility—benevolence even to the forgiveness of error. Has not this been illustrated in the highest degree by its Supreme Author, when He said, 'Father, forgive them; they know not what they do?' Does not Christianity enjoin the very reverse of that which we are constantly pursuing, by which we excite dissension and cultivate an arrogance incompatible with the character of a Christian." He concludes one chapter thus: If we said to others, who agree in the main points of religion, "We are brothers, let each think as his own mind dictates,—it is probable that all would soon think alike, because all would think without passion or prejudice." He considers the most exalted of all manifestations of divine mercy, "the atonement of sin by the sufferings of Christ, and the promulgation of precepts which, if practised, ensure temporal and eternal happiness." And, in another place, he speaks of the gratitude that man should feel in "that his Creator has thus condescended to be his Redeemer," &c. Of the Scripture precept—"To do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God"—he observes, "that it contains precepts so clear as to be intelligible to any capacity—so strikingly just as to gain our immediate accordance—and so comprehensive as to include every event which can occur in life," &c. Yet he says, "it is the property of truth, however beautiful it may appear at first sight, to seem more and more so, in proportion as it is minutely examined." MSS. In deprecating pride, whether of mind, body, or estate, after discussing the latter, he remarks on the more seductive influence of intellectual superiority; he says: "The mind is no more ours than the body;" that the success of intellect depends on varieties of opportunity, qualities of mind, &c.; that all are alike given us, and that any merit which the mind may bring, consists, not in the successes of intellect, but in the purity of the motive by which they are guided. PRIDE OF POSITION. "It requires great and constant reflection to prevent a man from becoming vain, who is placed in high office. He receives such constant deference and respect to his opinions and wishes from all around him, such ready obedience, that he might be led to imagine he was a creature of superior order." In some memoranda connected with things which had vexed him, we find: "If justice, good will, and candour, were common, the world would be too happy; it would not be what it now is—a state of exertion and trial; of strenuous efforts, which contribute to the general good; and, when efforts are unavailing, of trials which demand fortitude, patience, and submission." MSS.