PREFACE. 



above all his name/' but, as Chalmers has re- 

 marked, " It is a most Christian exercise to 

 extract a sentiment of piety from the works 

 and appearances of nature." 



Under this conviction, the reader is now 

 invited to the devout contemplation of 



" Things curious, 

 Yet unfamiliar ;" 



while in Milton's words it may be said : 



" Thy desire, which tends to know 

 The works of God thereby to glorify 

 The great Workmaster, leads to no excess 

 That reaches blame, but rather merits praise 

 The more it seems excess; * * * 

 Tor wonderful indeed are all His works, 

 Pleasant to know, and worthiest to be all 

 Had in remembrance always with delight." ; 



