MILLENNIUM.
On the Millennial question, I am always backward to speak; for I expect no personal reign: look for nothing very immediate, and then merely suppose a general or universal profession of Christianity throughout the world, and deeper work in the hearts of believers. As to the time of previous trial, I dare hazard but little—in sober truth, I do not suffer myself to be puzzled, or even much occupied with unfulfilled prophecy; with this we have graciously little to do; it is purposely so revealed that it cannot be previously known, that it may not seem, when accomplished, to have been through its prediction fulfilled.
SIR ISAAC NEWTON.
(From the Rev. T. Grinfield.)
Mr. Mortimer had a fine mind for mathematical studies, and took a high degree in the Senate House Examination of 1811. I have often questioned him on topics connected with those studies;—and well remember asking him, on one occasion, what he supposed might be the reason why Newton, with so vast a mind for mathematical science, and after such unprecedented success, should have deserted all further investigations of that kind during the latter thirty years of his studious life. With his characteristic sagacity, he promptly assigned a reason which has not (that I know) been remarked by Sir D. Brewster, or the other biographers of Newton, and which, while it exempts him from the unjust imputation of an enfeebled mind, does just honour to his piety, and may probably be the real, deep, and admonitory reason: “Ah, sir, we must remember that, great as he was in intellect, after all Newton was but a man, who had the same wants and cravings of the heart with ourselves. Having achieved his great discoveries, he began to feel within himself, this also is vanity: he could not find, in his mathematical demonstrations, rest for his soul—satisfaction for his heart, he therefore turned his attention from science to the Scriptures.” I thought the explanation at once original and just, and, as it refers to “Magnum illum, Newtonum, qui genus humanum ingenio superavit,” [284] singularly interesting and impressive:—a fragment, among many reminiscences, that I would fain preserve from being lost.