RAY. 167 



truth. But let us ourselves examine things as we 

 have opportunity, and converse with nature as well 

 as books. Let us endeavour to promote and increase 

 this knowledge, and make new discoveries, not so 

 much distrusting our own parts, or despairing of 

 our own abilities, as to think that our industry can 

 add nothing to the invention of our ancestors, or 

 correct any of their mistakes. Let us not think 

 that the bounds of science are fixed like Hercules' 

 pillars, and inscribed with a ne plus ultra. Let us 

 not think we have done when we have learnt what 

 they have delivered to us. The treasures of nature 

 are inexhaustible. Here is employment enough 

 for the vastest parts, the most indefatigable indus- 

 tries, the happiest opportunities, the most prolix and 

 undisturbed vacancies." 



As a specimen of the author's manner and rea- 

 soning, we may present a passage in which he re- 

 futes the opinion of Descartes, that it were an ab- 

 surd and childish thing, and a resembling of God to 

 a proud man, to assert, that he had made the world^ 

 and all the creatures in it, for his own honour. " It 

 is most reasonable that God Almighty should intend 

 his own glory : For he being infinite in all excel- 

 lencies and perfections, and independent upon any 

 other being, nothing can be said or thought of him 

 too great, and which he may not justly challenge as 

 his due ; nay, he cannot think too highly of him- 

 self, his other attributes being adequate to his un- 

 derstanding ; so that, though his understanding be 

 infinite, yet he understands no more than his power 

 can effect, because that is infinite also. And, there- 

 fore, it is fit and reasonable, that he should own 

 and accept the creatures' acknowledgments and ce- 



