iv 
PREFACE. 
It seems to be supposed by some, that the progress made in science 
since the writing of this work must have furnished ample materials for 
valuable additions to it. It will readily appear, however, upon reflection, 
that this is not likely to be the case, and that no particular advantage to 
the argument is to be expected from bringing it down, as it is often ex¬ 
pressed, to the present state of science. The object of the work is, not 
to t(- ich science in its connexion with Natural Theology, a plan entirely 
different, and one upon which distinct works may, and have been written, 
but to gather materials from the knowledge communicated by science, 
wherewith to construct an argument for the existence and attributes of 
God. The excellence of such a work, then, will not consist in the num¬ 
ber of illustrations, or in the copiousness and completeness of the materi¬ 
als, but in the judgment with which they are selected, and the aptness 
with which they are made to bear upon the question at issue. 
So far, therefore, as the argument is concerned, no additional strengtn 
will be given to it by new discoveries in science. As Dr. Paley has him¬ 
self admitted, a single case thoroughly made out, proves all that can be 
proved, and, generally speaking, the most familiar instances which can 
be selected and made intelligible are the best for this purpose, and will 
have the greatest influence upon men’s minds. All the knowledge, there¬ 
fore, which Is necessary for the completeness and strength of the argu¬ 
ment was possessed long ago. 
Still there is an advantage in selecting and arguing from a variety of 
fxamples, arising out of the different constitutions of men’s minds, or 
their different habits of thinking and reasoning. Some are more affected 
by examples of one kind, and some by those of another. In this way' 
much more might be done in the way of illustrating and enforcing the 
argument, and holding it up in every possible light, than has been attempt¬ 
ed in the present edition. The principal object here had in view, has 
been to make such additions, as with the help of the engraved views, 
would bring the argument, as stated by the author, clearly within reach 
of all readers. 
To give a correct edition, various English and American copies have 
been consulted, in which variations have been found; but those readings 
have been adopted, which appeared best to comport with that familiarity, 
and originality of expression, which gives its principal charm, and its 
great force and clearness to Dr. Paley’s style. 
Boston, March, 1829. 
J. W. 
