HENDERSON. 309 abundant spring of consolation. Those beings, though superior to us in perception and activity, are yet parts of the same great system of intelligence. Such were the sentiments of Henderson; but it is im possible to do justice to the strength and clearness of his reasoning on the subject. When he condescended to enter upon the discussion of i t , the narrowest incredulity must have expanded itself, and the coldest and most insensible mind have felt a momentary desire and admi ration. But though the communication between the material and immaterial worlds b e thus reasonable—yet, that rules o r methods should subsist among u s t o compel invisible beings t o embody themselves and become obedient t o our commands, i s not s o easy o f belief. Credulity itself i s here staggered: nor does i t appear, that Henderson, though h e amassed a l l the books which have treated o f incantations, and studied them with the greatest ardour, was satisfied o f the existence o f those powerful engines, which would shake the world o f spirits with awe, and compel them t o become subservient t o their inferior, man. Physiognomy, which had been usually enumerated among the occult sciences, till raised i n the estimation o f the world b y the extensive and amusing researches o f the ingenious Lavater, was another subject o f Henderson's study. Of this h e spoke with great confidence. I n fact, his decisions i n this way, were often very surprising, and carried with them a n oracular importance. His piercing eye enabled him t o read the countenance and manner o f a person with great precision, and his judgment always improved what his senses observed. “Self-knowledge enabled him wonderfully t o penetrate into the characters and motives o f others. The face, the voice, and the air, disclosed the moving principle within. And i t i s much t o b e questioned, whether h e was ever deceived i n the judg ment he formed of others.” An observation of his on this subject deserves great commendation, and shews that this study i n him neither resulted from, nor produced, a spirit y
