In theology Hobbes speculated with equal infelicity. In sensible both of the mysterious nature of his subject, and the reverence which it required, he examined it with a minute and daring curiosity, and pronounced his opinions in the same dogmatic spirit which characterises his other discussions. To retail his notions would be superfluous. Let it suffice to mention that, in conformity with his general theory of right and wrong, he asset ts that the attribute of justice has no meaning as applied to the divine Being, who possesses uncontrolled power, and is not accountable to any superior. His comments on scripture cannot be read with interest by any class of men. The Christian must regard them as audacious and wild, and the infidel as tedious and unmeaning. Although, with his usual love of palpability, he explodes some mysteries, and attempts to re duce his subject to a few short and easy theorems, these are so tepugnant to the conclusions which the slightest far ther reflection would suggest, that their only tendency is to unhinge such religious views as his readers may have for merly entertained, without furnishing any thing satisfactory in their stead, or emancipating the mind from the wishes which it may have habitually cherished.
Hobbes will long be pointed to as an eloquent and re markable writer, but rather fitted to excite wonder than to gain approbation. I [is intentions, however, arc riot deserv ing of that abhorrence which his name excites among many who have never looked into his writings. Hobbes was in consistent, but he seems never to have seen this, and to have been thoroughly sincere in his doctrines. Though the tendency of his writings is objectionable, there is no ap pearance of the slightest design at impairing the credit of Christianity, and he evidently thought that the publication of his doctrines would promote the political interests of his country and the world. Notwithstanding his power in ex citing philosophical reflection, we are not now in need of his aid, as we possess abundance of literature better adapt ed to every purpose of philosophy ; and we can only turn our attention occasionally to his writings as objects of cu riosity, forming a remarkable epoch in the history of hu man opinions. See Leland's View of Deistical ; Moshcies Ecclesiastical history ; Aubrey's Letters and Anecdotes ; and Hobbes's Works. (11. D.)