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not a little to prevent its progress ; but whatever character may be stamped, either upon 

 the study, or its professors, by such persons ; it is certain, none but men fit to be placed 

 in the first rank, have usually philosophy enough to prompt them to make enquiries into 

 the works of nature. To some the task appears too arduous, to others too intricate, and 

 to the generality too trifling ; who are apt to look with contempt on every pursuit that 

 does not coincide with their own opinions ; nor must we, from vulgar minds, expect any 

 conclusions in its favour : with these, a horse, a dog, or a cock, seem to bound the utmost 

 limits of their gratifications. But men of refined tastes will judge otherways. They 

 know that the inexhaustible store of entertainment nature affords in the contemplation of 

 her works, is unbounded. It is not to be enjoyed all at once ; the more we pursue, the 

 more we shall possess, in proportion as we manifest a greater or less ardour. Nor is the 

 serene placid enjoyment found therein, to be measured by the common gratifications of 

 sense ; as these often leave stings behind that worry the soul, and subvert the end they 

 intended to promote ; while the other offers to us its friendly aid, replete with happiness, 

 health, and peace. And further, if the contemplation of the works of the Sovereign 

 Architect, tends to promote that serious and attentive state of mind which disposes men 

 to the pursuit of virtue, in order to be happy ; and if the knowledge and practice of virtue 

 are the means of supporting the mind through all the difficult passages and rugged paths of 

 life ; the naturalist bids as fair to be happy as any of the human race. His pleasures are 

 not chequered by remorse, or damped by despair ; his pursuits leave no horrors on the 

 mind, or clash with the duty he owes his Maker, his neighbour, or his prince ; his con- 

 science suffers not for the indulgence of his mind, nor has re])entance need to stalk behind 

 him with an uplifted arm, for injustice committed on his fellow-creatures ; on the contrary, 

 it is for them ultimately his labours are pursued, for them he inquires into the various 

 arcana of nature ; every part of the earth is searched for their benefit, and its bowels are 

 torn out and examined for their advantaoe. 



On the other hand, if we consider natural history as connected with religion, we shall 

 find them so interwoven and blended together as not to be separated. In this view we 

 shall find it the best adapted for opening the mind, enlarging its conceptions, and giving 

 us the most exalted ideas of the Deity, of any science whatever, astronomy not excepted, 

 whose study, however noble it may be thought, tends not more to the same improvement ; 

 for certainly the power, wisdom, and goodness of the Almighty are as conspicuous in the 

 smallest objects, as those of the first magnitude, if great and little be only relative terms. 

 If, therefore, natural history is able to accomplish this, nothing surely can afford a more 

 effectual cure for infidelity. For whoever heard of a naturalist being an atheist ? or of an 

 infidel, who had spent his life in studying and observing the works of nature ? I believe 

 none will hesitate to pronounce the man, who has made any considerable progress in this 

 study, and who could entertain thoughts so injurious to the honour of his Maker, to be a 

 more wonderful being than any that ever went before him. 



