SIR HANS SLOANE. 
79 
Dr Derham adds, “ his strength failing, as I 
perceive by his writing, (which was scarce legible 
in this postscript,) he was forced to break off 
abruptly'.” 
In person, Sir Hans Sloane was tall and well 
made ; in his manners, easy, polite, and engaging ; 
sprightly in his conversation, and obliging to all. 
Natural History has always been considered a 
pursuit favourable to the cultivation of religion 
and pure morality. To “ lead through Nature, up 
to Nature’s God,” may be a hackneyed sentiment, 
but that very fact proves the connection; it has, 
however, unfortunately not been uniformly the 
case, and among the few memoirs we have already 
submitted to the reader, we have had instances 
that 
Our wayward intellect, the more we learn 
Of nature, overlooks her Author more ; 
From instrumental causes, proud to draw 
Conclusions retrograde, and mad mistake. 
But the life of Sir Hans Sloane exemplifies the 
very reverse of this : it is one we dwell on with 
pleasure, and record with pride ; it proves that 
Philosophy, baptized 
In the pure fountain of eternal love. 
Has eyes indeed ; and, seeing all she sees 
As meant to indicate a God to man, 
Gives him his praise, and forfeits not her own. 
“ To fear God and keep his commandments,” 
