
PREFACE. ix 
THIs engaging fubje&t, much as it is neg- 
Jefted, is, of all others, the moft neceffary to 
finifh a polite education. It foftens and hu- 
manizes the mind imperceptibly ; for it leads 
us to this fublime-truth..... That nothing ts cre- 
ated: in vain ; and teaches us, that a knowledge 
of Gop is the’moft noble, and fhould there- 
fore be the ultimate obje&t:of all our purfuits. 
This divine f{cience is therefore the only: means 
by which we can know ourfelves, and'be grate- 
. ful for thofe bleffings that are created. for our 
ufe, fupport and protection, 
We have been more anxious’ to’ vindicate 
the dignity of nature, than todebafe it with 
peurile refearches. Whenever any grand de~ 
viation was obfervable in one beaft or bird 
from another, we made free to fearch for ‘the 
final caufe, independent of former opinions; 
hye 
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