TO TH* 
HONORABLE AND RIGHT REVEREND 
SHUTE BARRINGTON, LL. D. 
LORD BISHOP OP DURHAM. 
MY LORD, 
To your suggestion the world is indebted for the existence of Dr. 
Paley’s valuable work on Natural Theology. The universal and perma¬ 
nent esteem in which it has been held in this country, and its favorable 
reception in France, even after the desolating influence of the Revolution, 
have abundantly approved your Lordship’s selection both of the subject 
and of the person to whom you intrusted it. 
In looking round, then, for a patron for these Illustrations, it was 
natural to have recourse to him who was the original suggestor of the 
work which it is their object to explain. Nor was I disappointed in my 
wish; your Lordship not only condescending to approve of the design, 
but to encourage me in its prosecution, by your very liberal support. 
For this distinguished honor you will believe me deeply sensible ; and 
if I may indulge the hope that my humble efforts will increase the utility 
of so eminent a writer, I shall consider it the highest gratification. 
I am, my Lord, 
With great veneration. 
Your Lordship’s most obliged. 
And obedient servant, 
JAMES PAXTON. 
Oxford , January 1, 1826. 
