tfi OH Mathematics, -^ug. 5^. 



information tx) them and others, and may cdnvey to 

 many, in quest of literature, subjects suited to please 

 or to inform. My reason for writing to you is chief- 

 ly because the clergy are the only set of men that 

 are to be supposed acquainted with those who pur- 

 sue learning ;n any profefsion, particularly those 

 who have the same studies in view : and such being 

 the case, they are always considered by the Tiroes in 

 science, as the directors of their studies, and their 

 patrons in the pursuit of it ; they are consulted in 

 every difficulty, — they are advised of every plan, — it. 

 is then in their power to administer an advice that 

 may prove beneficial. There is one particular branch 

 of their study T mean to recommend, — a branch which, 

 is least of all atteiided to, and which I think princi» 

 pally demands attention, that is the science of mathe- 

 matics, and all the collateral branches.. It is certain 

 that to such a piece of learning they must partly at- 

 tend as a necefsary preparation for their admifsion to 

 sacred studies ; but it is too certain that such a science 

 is termed dry and insipid, treated with carelefsnefs, 

 and reckoned uselefs. To those who have entered. 

 fully into the study, this conduct appears fooliih in 

 the highest degree. Natural philosophy, without 

 previous acquaintance with mathematics, is partly 

 lost to those who attend it, and will seem as insipid 

 as tlie principles calculated to illustrate it. Eminent 

 teachers are ortea blamed by ignorant hearers as ab- 

 struse ; and the utility of the wise is depreciated by 

 unikilful critics, which sometimes has been the case 

 with the science last mentioned; but when all ac- 

 knowledge the value of philosophy, why trifle with 



