INTRODUCTION. XXXI 



poser of all, is the most impressive lesson that un 

 assisted reason can teach our species. It is an ob 

 servation of Paley, marked with his wonted sagacity, 

 that though Physical Astronomy, until well under 

 stood, presents less striking proofs of design to the 

 mind than the other branches of science, yet when 

 fully apprehended, it very far exceeds all the other 

 evidences of Natural Religion. &quot;We must recollect, 

 too, that Newton himself regarded this as the most 

 precious part of his philosophy; declared that in 

 framing it he had been moved by a desire to in 

 culcate religious belief, expressed his gratification 

 in finding that his efforts had not been vain, and 

 closed the exposition of its principles with a com 

 mentary upon the nature and attributes of God. 

 His followers may be permitted to indulge the 

 hope that he would have prized their humble at 

 tempts at diffusing a knowledge of his immortal 

 labours, rather as falling in with his pious wishes 

 for the happiness of others, than as contributing 

 to the illustration of a fame which is imperishable, 

 nor admits of any increase. 



