CHAP. I. 



-Of the Jirst Cameo 



T v 

 O be self-existent, endued with Almigh'y 

 ;power, and to will with infinite wisdom, are the adora- 

 ble perfections of the first cause. 



The universe is undoubtedly derived from this cause. 

 In vain do we endeavour by other means to account for 

 it. We may every where observe order and ends, 

 the effects of an ETERNAL SELF-EXISTENT REASON. 



2. What mind can fathom the depths of this abyss 1 

 "What thought can comprehend that Power which calls 

 filings that are not as though they were? God com- 

 mands the universe to be: the universe is instantly 

 jroduced. 



A single act of his will produced the universe the 

 4ame act preserves it. 



But you ask, Why is not man as perfect as an angel ? 

 "You mean to say, no doubt, Why is not man an angel? 

 You may as well enquire, Why a stag is not a man? 

 But the existence of a stag supposes that of herbs to 

 nourish him: Would you still further have had these 

 herbs to have beep so many men ? Their preservation 

 and increase would have depended on the earth, the 

 water, the air, and the tire : would you presume to in- 

 sist in your enquiry, Why the constituent parts of these 

 elements were not. so many dwarfs ? 



Confess your error, and acknowledge that every being 

 is endued with a perfection suited to the ends of its 



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