xxii PREFACE. 
bodics—examined in their parts, wonderfully 
curious—compared with one another, no less 
wonderfully diversified—so that the mind, as 
well as the eye, may either expatiate in variety 
and multitude, or fix itself down to the inves- 
tigation of particular divisions of the science. 
And in either case it will rise up from its 
occupation possessed by the subject in a very 
different manner, and with a very different 
degree of influence, from what a mere assent to 
any yerbal 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 ourselyes—will or can produce 
upon the thoughts. More especially may this 
difference be perceived in the degree of admira- 
tion and of awe with which the Divinity is 
regarded, when represented to the understand- 
ing by its own remarks, its own reflections, and 
its own reasonings, compared with what is exci- 
ted by any language that can be used by others.” 
