FRANCIS WILLCGHBY. 143 
These studies also peculiarly prepare the mind 
for the due reception of revealed religion, be- 
tween which and natural religion many striking 
analogies exist, as might be expected in two 
systems, eacli of which equally originated in the 
same eternal mind, and of which it may yet 
farther be asserted, that the natural world is the 
material type and representative of the spiritual, 
— the former being intended to assist our com- 
prehension df the latter.* The displays of the 
divine benevolence which constantly present 
themselves to the view of the student of nature, 
tend to refine and soften his own feelings, since 
he will soon perceive the abundant provisions 
made by the Creator for the happiness of every 
sensitive being, whose happiness therefore is His 
will, and which man may not needlessly diminish, 
but at the peril of frustrating the intention of 
God ; nor less effectually do they couduce to 
that genuine humility which is so favourable to 
every virtue. The observer of nature must be 
frequently reminded that he is but one out of a 
myriad of sensitive beings who are all equally 
with himself the production of the divine tvisdom 
and benevolence, and thus become dispossessed 
in the form of books, conveys its most valuable benefits 
to many who would otherwise he precluded from enjoying 
its highest advantages. 
* Romans, i. 20. The same idea is thus expressed by 
Milton in the fifth book of the Paradise Lost : — 
What, if earth be but the shadow of heaven. 
And things therein, each to each other like, 
More than on earth is thought. 
