468 Of the Propagation of Heat y &c. 



The wisdom and goodness of Providence have often 

 been called in question with regard to the distribution 

 of land and water upon the surface of our globe, the 

 vast extent of the ocean having been considered as a 

 proof of the little regard that has been paid to man in 

 this distribution. But the more light we acquire re- 

 specting the real constitution of things, and the various 

 uses of the different parts of the visible creation, the 

 less we shall be disposed to indulge ourselves in such 

 frivolous criticisms. 



