250 On the comparative Excellence 



the human mind are as much a part of that 

 fyftem, as the form of our bodies, and feem 

 therefore equally to be included under the ftudy 

 of natural philofophy. 



In purfuing the fubjed:, it will, however, be 

 neceffary to advert to the different channels, into 

 which this great branch of fcience is divided. 

 Thefe are, firft, the knowledge of intelleft, called 

 metaphyfics; fecondly, the knowledge of the 

 extent and quantity of fubftances, called mathe- 

 matics; and thirdly, the knowledge of particular 

 properties of fubftances, ufually called phyfics. 



^' The mind of man," fays a late excellent 

 writer, " is the nobleft work of God which na- 

 " ture difcovers to us, and therefore on account 

 *'* of its dignity deferves our ftudy." That this 

 is the primary, and moft important branch of 

 natural philofophy, muft be evident to any one 

 who confiders that, before we apply ourfelves 

 to acquire extraneous knowledge, we ought to 

 afcertain what particular kind our faculties are 

 adapted to attain ; and having feen what is, and 

 what is not, in our power, we may then be en- 

 abled to purfue fuch fubjefts as are within our 

 reach ; and not imprudently lavifli our time on 

 thofe which come not within the fcope of the 

 faculties with which we are endowed. 



The fcience of mathematics is converfant with 

 the extent, and quantity of fubftances; and 

 teaches the unchangeable and univerfal pro- 

 perties 



