IV 
PREFACE. 
the minute invefligation of a mere fpeculafiji y 
for , in the ivork of the ingenious Blackmore, 
ho can this field of miracles furvc^'^ 
“ And not with Galen-^^ all in rapture fay, 
** Behold a God! adore him, and obey!”^ 
Tfu! engaghig fuhjedf, much as if is neg- 
ledled, is, oj all others, the moft necejfary to 
finifii a polite education. It foftens and hu- 
manizes the mind imperceptibly ; for it leads 
IIS to this Jublime truth — That nothing is cre- 
ated in vain ; and teaches us, that a knowledge 
of God is the mofl noble, and flionld therefore 
be the ultimate objtdd of nil our purfuits. This 
divine fcicnce is therefore the only means by 
which we can know ourfelves, and be grateful 
for thofe beings that are created for our ufe, 
fupport and proteCiion. 
IV e have been more anxious to vindicate 
the dignity of nature, than to debafe it with 
puerile refe arches. PVhenever any grand de- 
viation was obfervable in one beaji or bird 
from another, we made free to fearch for the 
final cauje, independent of former opinions. 
Gales was profcITedly an atheift, until he providentially 
faw an liiiman fkeleton, whicli, confidering attentively, with 
regard to the wifdom difplayed in its (Iriicture, was the imme- 
diate caufe of Ills not only believing in a God, but becoming 
a molt zealous profefTar of religion. ' 
however 
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