PREFACE. XI 



and have admitted only such facts as aftbrd 

 manifest evidences of design. These facts I 

 have studied to arrange in that methodized 

 order, and to unite in those comprehensive 

 generalizations, which not only conduce to 

 their more ready acquisition and retention in 

 the memory, but tend also to enlarge our views 

 of their mutual connexions, and of their sub- 

 ordination to the general plan of creation. 

 My endeavours have been directed to give to 

 the subject that unity of design, and that 

 scientific form, which are generally wanting in 

 books professedly treating of Natural Theo- 

 logy, published prior to the present series ; not 

 excepting even the unrivalled and immortal 

 work of Paley. By furnishing those general 

 principles, on which all accurate and extensive 

 knowledge must substantially be founded, I 

 am not without a hope that this compendium 

 may prove a useful introduction to the study 

 of Natural History ; the pursuit of which will 

 be found not only to supply inexhaustible 

 sources of intellectual gratification, but also to 

 furnish, to contemplative minds, a rich fountain 

 of religious instruction. To render these bene- 

 fits generally accessible, I have confined myself 

 to such subjects as are adapted to every class 



