This state of mind is usually succeeded by contemplation, which has justly been considered one of the attributes of Genius. This contemplation, however, may be applied to positive relation, or to the workings of fiction. In the latter case it becomes to a certain degree mental, and beyond the control or the influence of our reason, although we cannot regulate the rationality of our mental pursuits by any given or acknowledged standard. The pseudo-philosopher, who searches for the _elixir vitae_ or the power of transmuting metals, and the judicial astrologer, are in the eyes of society madmen: yet, do they reason on certain rational principles, and in many respects may be considered wise; one might figuratively say, that here the mind must have taken flight beyond its natural limits, if we can limit thought. In the wild wanderings of Theosophy man has fancied that by abstracting himself from the world, he might place himself in relation with the Divinity, and has so forcibly indulged the flattering illusion, that he actually believes that he is in converse with his Creator or his angels. Unquestionably this is a state of mania, yet is it founded upon a systematic train of ideas, that, strictly speaking, does not partake of mental aberration, but rather of enthusiasm. Although an indulgence in this may terminate in mania, still there is something delightful in these fond aberrations. A new world--a new condition is evoked--we are freed from the trammels of society and its prejudices--and perhaps encompassed by misery we burst from its shackles into another orb of our own creation, when the eyes closed in a vision of bliss--a meridian sunbeam, through the darkness of night. If the slumber of the visionary ushered in death, his destiny might be enviable--he had already quitted the world, seeking the presence of his God--his soul had already soared from its earthly tenement. There is no doubt that such contemplation may lead us to a better knowledge of the Supreme Being, whose image and attributes have been distorted by ignorance and superstition. It has been truly said, that until the light of Christianity shone upon mankind, God was unknown. He had been represented as wrathful and revengeful--implacable in his anger--insatiable in his thirst for blood--when he was revealed to us upon the earth, gentle, forgiving, loving, humble, and charitable. The type of all excellence--and delivering doctrines so pure, so convincing, as to entitle him to the name of _Saviour_, even were his godhead doubted--for who could question the salvation of those who followed his laws. Until ambition swayed the church and polluted the altar with blood and rapine--how happy, how blessed were these followers--even in the midst of persecution and in agonies--pardoning their barbarous murderers and praying for their conversion.