94 LETTERS ON NATURAL MAGIC 



perform their functions, or perform them faithlessly ; and 

 where the efforts and the creations of the mind pre- 

 dominate over the direct perceptions of external nature. 



In executing this plan, the task of selection is rendered 

 extremely difficult, by the superabundance of materials, 

 as well as from the variety of judgments for which these 

 materials must be prepared. Modern science may be 

 regarded as one vast miracle, whether we view it in 

 relation to the Almighty Being, by whom its objects and 

 its laws were formed, or to the feeble intellect of man, by 

 which its depths have been sounded, and its mysteries 

 explored : And if the philosopher who is familiarized 

 with its wonders, and who has studied them as necessary 

 results of general laws, never ceases to admire and adore 

 their Author, how great should be their effect upon less 

 gifted minds, who must ever view them in the light oi 

 inexplicable prodigies. Man has in all ages sought for a 

 sign from heaven, and yet he has been habitually blind to 

 the millions of wonders with which he is surrounded. If 

 the following pages should contribute to abate this de- 

 plorable indifference to all that is grand and sublime in 

 the universe, and if they should inspire the reader with a 

 portion of that enthusiasm of love and gratitude which 

 can alone prepare the mind for its final triumph, the 

 labours of the author will not have been wholly fruitless. 



