PREFACE. 7 



hj yields so rich a 'harvest of instruc- 

 tion and delight to a rational being 

 as that of surveying the wonderful 

 works of tlic Great Creator -, as dis- 

 played in the various parts of the 

 universe. Such employment is a source 

 of never-failing satisfaction to per- 

 sons of every age ; and it is only by 

 acquiring a knowledge of nature, and 

 observing the contrivance and skill 

 conspicuous in every department of 

 creation, that we are enabled to form 

 an adequate idea of the attributes 

 and character of the Supreme Being. 

 In proportion as we attain a know- 

 ledge of the objects around us they 

 become interesting and important. 

 That which to the careless and un- 

 enlightened spectator , appears solita- 

 ry and detached, having no other con- 

 nection with the rest of the universe 

 but the shadowy andjleeting relation 

 of co-existence, zvill, to him who takes 

 i glimpse into the general economy 



