LOUIS AGASSIZ AND GEORGE BERKELEY 339 



ciples fail to tell us why the things we expect should be the things 

 that come about. 



The question why the things we expect should be the things 

 that come about is the one that concerns the natural theologian ; 

 for it is the same as the question, What is the Cause of Nature? 



To this all must seek an answer for themselves; for each has 

 at his command all the data within the reach of any student of 

 science. 



As for myself, I hope, with all my getting, to get understand- 

 ing; for "the heart of him that hath understanding seeketh 

 knowledge. The merchandise of it is better than the merchan- 

 dise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more 

 precious than rubies; and all the things thou canst desire are not 

 to be compared unto her. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, 

 and all her paths are peace. 



For you who have, at this time, for my encouragement, called yourselves my 

 students, I have written this book which has been my own so long that I should 

 part from it with regret, did I not hope that, as you study the great works to which 

 I have directed you, you may still call me teacher. 



I have treated subjects which I should not dare to handle if the thoughts were 

 my own ; but the book contains little which you will not find far better presented by 

 abler pens, although I hope that the words of one whose standpoint is the same as 

 your own may help you to find the meaning of older writers. 



If you are indeed my students, you are not afraid of hard work, so in this day of 

 light literature, when even learning must be made easy, you must be my readers, 

 and you must do double duty ; for I take the liberty of a teacher with his pupils, 

 and ask that, after you have read the book, you will some day read it again ; since 

 I hope that what may seem obscure, may, on review, be found consistent and 

 intelligible. 



Brightside, March 25, 1898. 



