6 BOOK OP NATURE LAID OPEN. 



knowledge," he continues to post on in his career, 

 without once reflecting on the importance of Na- 

 ture's universal call to 



Stand still, and consider the wonderous works of God. 



The task, therefore, be ours, in this work, to di- 

 rect the attention of our fellow-travellers in the 

 journey of life to this universal call of Nature, and 

 by pointing out a few striking passages in the stu- 

 pendous volume of the Creator's works, endeavour, 

 while we instruct, to excite their adoration, love, 

 and gratitude to HIM who gave them being, and has 

 so abundantly provided for all their wants. 



But where, in the midst of the multiplicity of na- 

 ture's works shall we begin? From what spot of 

 this prospect shall we set out? Struck with the 

 vastness of our task, we stand, as it were, in the 

 Temple of the Universe, insensible to every thing 

 but our own insignificance; we know not scarcely 

 how to commence our labours, so prolific of instruc- 

 tion, and so attractive is every page of this vast 

 volume; for when we look around us, every object, 

 whether in the form of things animate or inani- 

 mate, existing in the heavens or on the earth, in 

 the waters or in the air, conspire with one accord 

 to arrest our attention, and to point out the almighty 

 power of the Supreme, his consummate wisdom, 

 and the infinitude of his goodness to the children of 

 men. As the traveller, however, in setting out on a 

 voyage of discovery takes his departure from his na- 

 tive land, and should, at least, before visiting regions 



