VH 



and yet this is not properly a digression 

 from the main design I have in view. For 

 surely in these appearances also the wis- 

 dom of God is displayed ; even that mani- 

 fold wisdom which is able to answer the 

 same ends by so various means. And those 

 surprising instances of art do likewise reflect 

 glory upon him, whose spirit in man 

 giveth that wisdom, whose inspiration 

 teacheth understanding* 



5. It will be easily observed, that I en- 

 deavour throughout not to account for 

 things, but only to describe them. I un- 

 dertake barely to set down what appears in 

 nature, notihe cause of those appearances. 

 The/tfc/s lie within the reach of our senses 

 and understanding ; the causes are more 

 remote. That things are so, we know 

 with certainty ; but why they are so, we 

 know not. In many cases we cannot know; 

 and the more we enquire, the more-we are 

 a 3 



