65 
are part of the means, we may rationally suppose, 
that our Creator and Preserver designs and uses 
for those ends, the ends of his government in the 
world; and not a sparrow falls to the ground without 
his permission. 
Yours, 
JAMES SMITH. 
Mr. Smith to Mr. James Edward Smith. 
My dear Son, Norwich, Feb. 28, 1783. 
We have had the pleasure of hearing you are 
well, and are perfectly happy on the score of your 
health. I need not add that we are so also upon 
the further addition to your academical honours, in 
being chosen first President of your Natural History 
Society in so distinguished a manner as will leave 
an undoubted testimony of your being its founder 
and supporter. I cannot account for your having 
such a preference. These distinctions I flatter 
myself are prognostics of the eminent rank you 
will by and by stand in, and the use you will be of 
to yourself, your friends, and to mankind,—pleasing 
reflections indeed to parents who have your hap- 
piness so much at heart. 
We begin to think how near the month of May 
is; and although we cannot expect you have formed 
your plan for leaving Edinburgh and coming to 
Norwich, I cannot help mentioning it, and that 
when you have thought ever so little upon it, you 
will give us the hint. 
VOL. I. F 
