374 NATURAL THEOLOGY. 



may either expatiate in variety and multitude, or 

 fix itself down to the investigation of particular 

 divisions of the science. And in either case it will 

 rise up from its occupation, possessed by the sub- 

 ject, in a very different manner, and w^ith a very 

 different degree of influence, from what a mere 

 assent to any verbal proposition which can be 

 formed concerning the existence of the Deity, at 

 least that merely complying assent with which 

 those about us are satisfied, and with which we 

 are too apt to satisfy ourselves, will or can pro- 

 duce upon the thoughts. More especially may 

 this difference be perceived, in the degree of ad- 

 miration and of awe, with which the Divinity is 

 regarded, when represented to the understanding 

 by its own remarks, its own reflections, and its 

 own reasonings, compared with w^hat is excited 

 by any language that can be used by others. The 

 works of nature want only to be contemplated. 

 When contemplated, they have every thing in 

 them which can astonish by their greatness : for, 

 of the vast scale of operation through which our 

 discoveries carry us, at one end we see an intelH- 

 gent Power arranging planetary systems, fixing, 

 for instance, the trajectory of Satufn, or con- 

 structing a ring of two hundred thousand miles 

 diameter, to surround his body, and be suspended 

 like a magnificent arch over the heads of his in- 

 habitants ; and, at the other, bending a hooked 

 tooth, concerting and providing an appropriate 

 mechanism, for the clasping and reclasping of the 



