CONTENTS. VU 



pem a um clocks watches air-pump spinning jennies- -safety lamp, &c. 

 Few inventions owing to chance. Cautions to be attended to in the construction and use 

 of the safety lump. Mechanics have a greater chance of becoming inventors than mere 

 philosopners. Prospects of improvement in future ages - - ... -77 

 III. T/ie external comforts of mankind promoted by intelligence and improvements in the arts. 

 Contrast between the past and present aspect of the social state. Wretched accommoda 

 tions which still exist among the lower classes. Mental improvement would lead to 

 diligence and economy, to cleanliness in person, clothes, and furniture to tasteful decora 

 tions of houses and garden-plots improvements in foot-paths, narrow lanes, villages, &c. 82 



SECTION VI. 



ON THE INFLUENCE OF KNOAVLEDGE IN PROMOTING ENLARGED CONCEPTIONS 

 OF THE CHARACTER AND PERFECTIONS OF THE DEITY. 



Grovelling conceptions of the Deity both in heathen and Christian countries. Just con 

 ceptions of the Divinity acquired from his external manifestations. Ignorance exhibits 

 distorted views of the Divine character. Attributes of the Deity which science illustrates : 

 1. The unity of God. 2. Wisdom of the Deity manifested in the various arrangements 

 of sublunary nature. Particular illustration. 3. JUenevolence of the Deity manifested in 

 the parts of the human frame, and in the surrounding elements muscles of the eye (illus 

 trated with figures) gratification afforded to our different senses. Remedies against 

 the evils to which we are exposed. Multitudes of animated beings, and the ample 

 provision made for them. Calculations in relation to the number of certain species of 

 birds, and the velocity with which they fly. Number of species of plants eaten by 

 different animals. 4. Science exhibits a view of the multiplicity of conceptions which have 

 been formed in the Divine mind. Exemplified in the different construction and functions 

 of the various species of animals in the numerous parts which enter into the construction 

 of an animal frame. Lyonet s description of the numerous parts of the cossus caterpillar. 

 Multiplicity of ideas manifested in the Vegetable kingdom. Varieties in the Mineral 

 kingdom. Varieties in Microscopical objects scales of fishes, feathers of birds, wings 

 of flies, leaves and transverse sections of plants, &c. Numbers and varieties of ani- 

 maiculse. Immensity of nature. Description of the engravings of microscopic objects. 

 Variety in the external aspect of nature in the sun, planets, comets, and on the surface 

 of the moon. 5. Science expands our conceptions of the power of the Dsity, and of 

 the magnificence of his empire. Such views of Deity in unison with the dictates of 

 revelation, and calculated to produce many beneficial effects on the understandings and 

 iffoctions of mankind .._.-.... ... 85 



SECTION VIL 



ON THE BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF KNOWLEDGE ON MORAL PRINCIPLE AND 



CONDUCT. 



Introductory remarks knowledge and moral action inseparably connected. Ignorance 

 one principal cause of immorality and crime. Knowledge requisite for ascertaining the 

 true principles of moral action. It leads to inquiries into the reasons of moral laws, and 

 the foundations on which they rest, to self-examination and self-inspection, and to a 

 comprehensive view of the bearings and consequences of moral actions. Miscellaneous 

 remarks, and objections answered ---______. |(13 



SECTION VIII. 



ON THE UTILITY OF KNOWLEDGE IN RELATION TO A FUTURE WORLD. 



Man destined to an eternal state. Knowledg e will be carried along with us into that state. 

 Scientific knowledge has a relation to a future world. Evidences of a future state. 

 Causes of the indifference which prevails on this subject. Knowledge prepares the mind 

 for the errjloyments of the future world. Impossibility of enjoying happiness in that 

 world without knowledge and moral principle. General remarks .... \QQ 



