PREFACE. 
ances only; and fo imagine, that the mod 
grand and magnificent parts of the creation- 
are moft perfedt, and for that reafon mod 
worthy of our regard. The fplendor of the 
fun is vifible to every eye, and we need only 
look upwards in order to be convinced, that 
nothing lefs than an infinite power and wif- 
dom could fird create the univerfe. What,, 
but an Almighty hand, could raife fuch a 
glorious canopy as that of the heavens, fo richly 
adorned with dars ? Or dretch out fuch a fpa- 
cious area, as this terraqueous globe on which 
we tread, and fail; and which is furnifhed 
with every thing that is neceffary for our fup- 
port or happinefs ? And indeed thefe great 
truths are fo very obvious to the lowed capa¬ 
cities, that few perfons pretend to difpute 
them; but then it mud likewife be owned, 
that men are generally apt to confine their 
attention to the mod fhining parts of philofo- 
phy, and fo treat every thing elfe with cool- 
nefs and indifference, and even with fome degree 
of contempt. But furely a true philofopher is 
one, who diligently purfues the dudy of na¬ 
ture, in all its feveral branches; who can be¬ 
hold with admiration her nobled produ&ions, 
and yet view with pleafure the {mailed of her 
works; 
OS’ ’ 
