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.
BISHOP OF PETERBOROUGH’S EIGHTY-SEVEN QUESTIONS.
The Bishop of Peterborough, in my opinion, richly deserves all he has met with; and I do hope that since many, perhaps a majority of our bishops, read the Christian Observer the rough handling he has experienced will operate beneficially on the bench at large. From my heart I hate and detest all inquisitorial measures. Perhaps, however, the Evangelical body need some fan or other to purge the floor; and though a great stir has lately been made about oppression &c., I am not without hope that it will do us considerable good.
SUBJECTS FOR PRAYER.
I. That we may habitually realize a sense of the Divine presence.
II. That we may live in the will of God, and feel that it is precious to us.
III. That we may be grateful Christians—trace our mercies—and thankfully adore the good Lord for sending them.
IV. That we may be helped against the soul-ruining, and God-dishonouring sin of unbelief. “Lord, increase our faith.”
V. That our confidence may be strengthened as connected with prayer in general, and especially in these private addresses.
VI. That we may discover in all our enjoyments, social intercourse, &c. &c. true sobriety of mind, and guard against every approach to a light and frivolous spirit.