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and observe phenomena, though the first step and only sure basis of 

 science, yet does not constitute Science itself. The genuine votary of 

 Nature will not rest satisfied with her outward and visible revelations, 

 but will seek to penetrate the mysteries of the sanctuary. He will en- 

 deavour, by observation and experiment, by the classification of pheno- 

 mena, and the tracing of analogies and relations, to rise from effects to 

 causes, and to discover those principles and laws which constitute the 

 highest aim, as well as the chief privilege of Philosophy. It is by this 

 process of induction that the System of the World, instead of presenting 

 a confused assemblage of unconnected facts and unexplained pheno- 

 mena, is converted into a beautiful and consistent scheme, of which 

 symmetry, harmony, and order, are the unvarying and essential attri- 

 butes. It is this principle which distinguishes modern science from the 

 labours of the ancients which deposes from their usurped authority the 

 countless Gods of the Heathen, and all the mysterious agencies and 

 powers which Ignorance raised up to direct, controul, and preside over 

 the phenomena of the world. It is this principle which, as Science ad- 

 vances, gathers fresh proofs of the profound mechanism of the uni- 

 verse, and which, amid all the seeming discrepancy and real dissimi- 

 larity the vast complexity and inexhaustible variety the infinitely 

 minute and inconceivably great shews all nature to be interpenetrated 

 and pervaded by Laws whose operation is constant, unvarying, and univer- 

 sal ; and as the discovery of truth almost necessarily implies the exposure 

 of error, it is by this principle that the human mind is disenthralled from 

 the baneful influence of superstition, and the road to truth disencumbered 

 of the impediments which retard our progress. 



Lastly, and certainly not the least important consequence of the in- 

 ductive philosophy it is, that as the bounds of our knowledge are ex- 

 tended, the single Personality of the Deity becomes a more convincing 

 and unimpeachable truth, and our views of the Divine perfections grow 

 more exalted and sublime as they become more just and rational. 



And when we contemplate the magnificent array of science the accu- 

 mulated wisdom of the world the reflection which is forced on our 

 minds is not any shallow boast of knowledge not any overweening 

 pride of reason but a humble yet confident hope, a deep and influential 

 conviction, that the being who has thus lifted up the veil from the seem- 

 ing mysteries of Nature who has penetrated, as it were, the counsels of 

 the Deity, and brought to light countless proofs of his wisdom, good- 

 ness, and power, must be with Him an object of care and favour ; and 

 that we are not only thereby raised in the scale of moral and intellectual 

 existences, but permitted, in some degree, a foretaste and anticipation of 

 that state of being when we shall no longer behold His image darkly 

 shadowed forth in His works, but shall see him " face to face" in the 

 fulness of knowledge. 



