PREFACE. 



WE are all children of one Father, whose Works it should be out 

 delight to study. As the intelligent child, standing by his 

 parent's knee, asks explanations alike of the most simple 

 phenomena, and of the most profound problems ; so should man. 

 turning to his Creator, continually ask for knowledge. Wot 

 because the profession of letters has, in these days, become a 

 fashion, and that the man of general proficiency can best work oat 

 his success in worldly pursuits ; but because knowledge is a trea- 

 sure which gladdens the heart, dignifies the mind, and ennobles 

 the soul. 



The occupation of the mind, by the pursuit of knowledge, is of 

 itself a good, since it diverts from evil, and by elevating and refining 

 the mind, and strengthening the judgment, it fortifies us for the 

 hour of temptation, and surrounds us with barriers which the 

 powers of sin cannot successfully assail. 



It is not contended that the mere acquisition of knowledge 

 will either ensure a good moral nature, or convey religious 

 truth. But both religion and morals will find in the diffusion of 

 knowledge a ground- work upon which their loftier temples may 

 discover an acceptable foundation. 



The man who comprehends the order of Nature, and tha 

 immutability of Divine law, must of necessity bring himself in some 

 degree into accordance with thai order, and under submission tc the 

 law : hence the tendency of knowledge will always be found to 

 harmonise the fragment with the mass, and to subvert tin 

 evil to the good. 



