480 CONCLUDING REMARKS. 



ignorant Christian ; but I assert that no man can have 

 any rational idea of the divine wisdom and power who 

 has not seriously contemplated the phenomena of the 

 physical world. Although the study of Nature cannot 

 make men Christians, it may render Christians more 

 useful members of society, and supply the teachers of 

 religion with the most apt illustrations of Scripture 

 doctrines. 



But it is now time that I should end my crude and 

 somewhat acrid remarks, and, having finished my task, 

 betake myself to other occupations. I cannot, however, 

 lay aside my pen without publicly expressing my gra- 

 titude to a greater benefactor than any of those whom 

 I have mentioned, to One who has not only given me 

 the desire to examine his marvellous works, but enabled 

 me to derive happiness from the habitual association of 

 his pervading presence with the sight of every rock, or 

 plant, or animal, that meets my view. The man who 

 examines Natiu-e without this feeling, is, in my opi- 

 nion, an object of pity, however high his intellect, and 

 in whatever temporary splendour his discoveries may 

 deck him. He who possesses it may well smile at the 

 vain glory which one ignorant creature gives to another 

 a little less ignorant, and feel that he suffers no real loss 

 should his labours be consigned by the world to obli- 

 vion. 



