several illustrative engravings. In its present form, the Author trusts, that independently of the moral reflections it contains, it will be found to comprise popular descriptions of a greater number of scientific facts than is to be found in any other volume of the same size.

Various topics, originally intended to be illustrated, have been unavoidably omitted. Some of these are stated in the last paragraph of Chapter IV. the illustration of which, in combination with other kindred topics, would fill a volume of nearly the same size as the present. This subject (for which the author has abundance of materials) will be prosecuted in another volume, under the title of THE PHILOSOPHY OF RELIGION; and will comprise, among many other objects of discussion, illustrations of the moral relation of intelligent beings to their Creator, and to one another-the physical and rational grounds of those moral laws which the Deity has promulgated-the views which science affords of the incessant energies of Creating Power, and of the grand and multifarious objects over which Divine Providence presides-the relation of science to a future state, and of the aids which the discoveries of science afford, for enabling us to form a conception of the perpetual improvement of the celestial inhabitants in knowledge and felicity. These subjects will be illustrated by a variety of interesting details of facts, in relation to the system of nature, the history of nations, and the moral state of Christian and general society

CONTENTS.

INTRODUCTION

Necessity of Revelation. Folly of discarding the Science of Nature from Religion.

Beneficial Effects which flow from the study of the Works of God.

CHAPTER I.

OF THE NATURAL ATTRIBUTES OF THE DEITY.

SECTION I.

ON THE RELATION OF THE NATURAL Attributes of the DeiTY TO RELI-

GION

The Christian Religion founded on the Natural Attributes of God. His Power as

interesting a subject as his Mercy-Illustrated in two instances. Evils which arise

from imperfect conceptions of Divine Power. Defects in Religious Instruction on

this subject. Sources of Illustration.

SECTION II.

ILLUSTRATION
TIONS OF THE OMNIPOTENCE OF THE DEITY

The material world exhibits a more striking display of this Perfection than the super-
natural facts recorded in Scripture. Immense quantity of Matter in the universe.
Mode of acquiring the most comprehensive conception of the bulk of the Earth-
its variety of scenery-its mass of solid matter. Magnitude of the bodies which
compose the Solar System. Magnitude and number of the Stars. Procedure of
the mind in acquiring the most impressive conceptions of such august objects. Re-
flections. Rapid Motions of the Celestial Bodies. How we acquire the ideas of
relative velocities-weight of the Earth-immense physical forces-Grandeur of
the motion of Saturn-immense number of bodies impelled through the heavens
Reflections. Immense Spaces which surround the Heavenly Bodies-
Popular illustration of the Motions of the Earth and Heavens. Extract from Dr.
Ridgeley, with remarks. Universe intended to adumbrate the Attributes of God, and
to make a sublime impression on created beings. Similar trains of thought sug-
gested in the Scriptures. Moral Effects of such contemplations. Humility. Folly
of pride-low rank of man in the scale of being. Reverence and Veneration-Rea-
son why mankind feel so little veneration of God-how it may be increased. The
Deity unsearchable. Hope and Confidence in the prospect of futurity-Resurrec-
tion-Scenes of Eternity.

SECTION III.

ON THE WISDOM AND INTELLIGENCE OF THE DELTY

Wisdom defined-Displayed in the Structure of the Solar System. Distance of the

Sun. Rotation of the Planets-Principal reason why such a motion exists. Wisdom

displayed in other Systems. Minute displays of this attribute cannot be traced in the

heavens. Wisdom, as displayed in the constitution of our globe-adjustment of its solid

parts to the necessities of the beings which inhabit it. Mountains, their uses-exist in

other worlds. Diversity of colour-argument for a plurality of worlds-general colour

which prevails in the scene of nature-Water, its use in the system of nature-its

composition, evaporation-motion of the liquid element-its beneficial effects. The

Atmosphere-its weight and pressure-its component parts-its various properties-

necessary to animal life, flame, sound, twilight-wisdom displayed in its constitution.

Expansion of water in the act of freezing.

33

VARIETY OF NATURE

Vegetables--their number and variety. Animals-variety in their organization. Eyes

of insects-their exquisite mechanism. Subterraneous Regions. Atmosphere. The

Variety of Nature affords a faint idea of the infinity of the Creator. Illustrated

in the number of animal parts and functions. Reflection. Variety the foundation of

our judgments. Beauty and sublimity of Nature. Primeval state of our globe-

other worlds.

Mechanism of Animated Beings

STRUCTURE OF THE HUMAN EYE-Its coats, humours, muscles, orbit, and motions.

Wisdom displayed in its construction. Light-its velocity, minuteness, colours, and

adaptation to the eye. MANNER IN WHICH VISION IS PERFORMED-explained

by a figure, and an experiment-illustrated by the view from Salisbury Craigs. Mul

titude of rays which flow from every object-smallness of the image on the retina,

iliustrated by calculation-what proportion of the solar light falls on our globe-Re-

flections. Mechanism for viewing near and distant objects-contraction and dilata-

tion of the pupil-distance at which we see distinctly. Summary view of adaptations

in the structure of the eye. Eyes of superior intelligences. Visual organs of the

inferior animals. Mechanism of the Bones illustrated-exemplified in the joints of the

fingers, the wrist, and the movements of which the head is susceptible. Moral Reflec-

tions on the impropriety of overlooking the Divine Wisdom in the system of nature.

SECTION IV.

78

88

ON THE GOODNESS OR BENEVOLENCE OF THE DEITY

. 111

Benevolence of God in relation to Man-considered as a depraved intelligence. Mercy
displayed in the system of nature. Benevolence as displayed towards the lower
animals. Extract from Dr. Paley. General Reflections.

CHAPTER II.

A CURSORY VIEW OF SOME OF THE SCIENCES WHICH ARE RELATED

TO RELIGION AND CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY.

INTRODUCTION. Extensive range of Theology. Bad effects of setting Religion in oppo-
sition to Science. Harmony of the operations of God in Nature and Revelation

NATURAL HISTORY

-

Its extensive range. Outline of its principal objects-on the surface, and in the interior
recesses of the earth-in the atmosphere-the vegetable, mineral, and animal king-
doms-and in the region of the heavens. Description of the Banian Tree. Reflec-
tions. Monkey Bread Tree. Splendour and felicity of insect life. Invisible worlds
-infinity of the universe. Religious tendency of this Science. It affords a manifest-
ation of the Deity, and expands our conceptions of his operations-ennobles the human
mind. Recommended by the Sacred writers.

GEOGRAPHY

Its object-Figure of the Earth-Proofs of its spherical form. Relation which the dis-
covery of the figure of the earth bears to the plan of Providence. Magnitude and
natural divisions of the earth General features of its surface. Mountains--their
general ranges, and the sublime scenes they exhibit. The Ocean-its extent, depth,
bottom, and motions. Rivers--their number, size, and the quantity of water they
pour into the ocean. How they are supplied--their use in the system of nature.
Artificial division of the earth. Number and variety of its inhabitants. Number
which have existed since the Creation-number at the resurrection, and the space they
would occupy. Number which the earth would contain-strictures on Malthus.
Utility of the study of Geography to Religion-to Directors of Missionary Societies
-to Private Christians. Grandeur of its physical objects-utility of its moral facts.

GEOLOGY

Its object and connexion with religion-an interesting subject of inquiry. Materials which

compose the crust of our globe. Various geological phenomena. Organic remains--

Mammoth, Tapir, Elk, Megatherium, &c. Geological deductions not inconsistent

with the Mosaic History--Genesis i. 1, 2, exolained. Short duration of the earth

117

- 110

134

157

in its present form. The Deluge, and its effects on the earth's strata. Marine shells,
&c. Grand and terrific objects which this science exhibits-illustrate the sublime
descriptions of the Deity recorded in the Scriptures.

ASTRONOMY

Its sublime objects. Apparent motions of the Sun-of the Moon. Eclipses of the Sun

and Moon. Apparent motion of the starry heavens. Stars and planets seen in the

day-time, and with what powers of the telescope they may be distinguished. Appar

ent revolution of the celestial vault indicates Almighty power. Stars never shift their

relative positions. Solar System. The Sun-his size and probable destination illus-

trated-his spots and atmosphere-different kind of rays emitted from his body-his

distance illustrated. Mercury-his size, rotation, quantity of light and heat, &c.

Proportions of caloric on the different planets. Venus-her size, phases, mountains,

transits, and general phenomena. Original observations on, and mode by which her

diurnal rotation may be determined. Earth--proofs of its annual and diurnal motions.

The moon-description of her majestic mountain scenery, luminous spots, celestial

appearances, illuminating power, superficial contents, &c. Mars-his distance,

atmosphere, luminous zone, &c. New Planets-Ceres, Pallas, Juno, and Vesta-

their anomalies, singularities, and probable origin. Meteoric Stones. Jupiter-his

bulk, rotation, belts, and the appearances of his moons. Saturn his figure, belts,

moons, and quantity of light. His Rings, their dimensions, motion, and phenomena

-illustrated by a figure. Splendour of the firmament, as viewed from this planet (see

the engraving.) Herschel-his distance, size, and quantity of light. Comets-their

tails, velocity, orbits, size, and number. New Comet. Motion of the solar system

in absolute space-its destination-plurality of worlds intimated in Scripture. The

Fixed Stars-their distance illustrated--their arrangement, changes-moral reflections.

Relation of Astronomy to Religion-moral effects which its objects have a tendency

to produce-criminality of overlooking the works of God, &c.

NATURAL PHILOSOPHY

Its objects and different departments. Mechanics--subjects it embraces, and its impor-

tance to the improvement of mankind. Hydrostatics-its leading principles and uses,

illustrated by figures. Pneumatics-its principles, and the experiments by which they

are illustrated. Acoustics. Optics-leading facts and principles of this science.

Burning-glasses, &c. Electricity-its nature, phenomena, effects, and agency in the

system of nature. Galvanism-its singular effects on metals, &c. and on the animal

system-various facts which it explains. Magnetism-its various phenomena and

effects. Relation of Natural Philosophy to Religion-its inventions meliorate the con-

dition of mankind-illustrated in the case of the electric fluid-it undermines the influ-

ence of superstition-unfolds the incessant agency of God-indifference to this subject

unreasaonble.

CHYMISTRY

Its objects, and present dignified station. General forms of matter-simple and com-

pound substances. Caloric-its sources and properties. Oxygen, its properties and

combinations-nitrous oxide, its singular effects. Nitrogen, its effects on flame and

animal life. Hydrogen, its properties and uses. Carbon, its nature, combinations,

and antiseptic properties. Sulphur, its origin, combinations, and properties. Phos-

phorus, history of its discovery-how prepared-curious experiments with this sub-

stance-Phosphoric phenomena in the system of nature. Connexion of this science

with Religion-it displays the wisdom and benevolence of God, and the mode of his

present and future operations-improves the condition of man-and carries forward

our views to a more glorious and auspicious era.

ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY

Their general object-human body, its different parts and divisions. Bones, their num-

ber, form, and positions. Muscles, their nature, use, and extraordinary strength.

Heart and blood-vessels, and the circulation of the blood. Respiration-curious struc

ture of the lungs. Digestion. Perspiration. Sensation, and the system of nerves.

Summary. Moral reflections-this branch of study teaches us our dependence on a

Superior Power-and excites to gratitude.

HISTORY

Its objects, advantages, and connexion with Religion. Connexion of the sciences and

of the Divine dispensations with each other. Concluding remarks.

. 163

201

219

231

241

CHAPTER III.

THE RELATION WHICH THE INVENTIONS OF ART BEAR TO THE

OBJECTS OF RELIGION.

Art of Printing, its origin and beneficial effects-Dr. Church's Improvements in. Art of

Navigation. Mariner's Compass, its discovery and use. The Telescope, its invention,

and the discoveries made by it-serves instead of a celestial vehicle. Magnifying pow-

ers of Dr. Herschel's Telescopes. The Microscope, and the views it exhibits of the

wisdom of God Steam Navigation, its utility in promoting the intercourse of man-

kind, and its relation to the objects of religion. Air Balloons, utility of, when arrived

at perfection-proposed improvement in. History of their invention-Lunardi's ascent-

the Parachute. Acoustic Tunnels. Experiments on the Conveyance of Sound. M.

Biot's remarkable experiment. Don Gautier's experiment and suggestion. Conclusions

in reference to the extensive conveyance of sound. Practical remarks-utility of the

arts in relation to the Millennial Era

114

CHAPTER IV.

SCRIPTURAL FACTS ILLUSTRATED FROM THE SYSTEM

OF NATURE.

1. Science may frequently serve as a guide to the true interpretation of Scripture. Canon

or rule for Scripture interpretation-illustrated. II. The Depravity of Man illustrated,

from a consideration of the state of the interior strata of the earth. Volcanoes, and the

terrible ravages they produce. Earthquakes, and their dreadful effects. Thunderstorms,

tempests, and hurricanes. General Reflections on this subject. III. The Resurrection

illustrated. Transformations of Insects. Indestructibility of matter-conclusions from

this fact. IV. General Conflagration. Concluding reflections. Topics omitted in this

volume

125

CHAPTER V.

BENEFICIAL EFFECTS WHICH WOULD RESULT FROM CONNECTING

SCIENCE WITH RELIGION.

1. The variety of topics wou d allure the attention of intelligent minds to religious subjects.

Principle of novelty intended by the Creator to be gratified--illustrated in the variety

which appears in the earth, the heavens, and the volume of Revelation. II. Science en-

ables us to take an extensive survey of the empires of God-illustrates many sublime passa-

ges of the Bible-qualifies us for complying with several Divine Injunctions-danger of

selfishness and indifference in this respect. Our conceptions of God depend on our views

of the extent of his dominions. III. Science enlarges our views of the operations of Provi-

dence, in relation to the past and present scenes of the world. The economy of the in-

ferior animals. The physical and moral economy of the celestial worlds. IV. Science,

blended with Religion, would produce a general expansion of mind, and liberality of

views, in reference to the opinions and actions of men, and to the works and the ways of

God, illustrated at large. V. It would induce a spirit of piety, and profound humility.

Sources of piety-illustrated by an example. Humility-illustrated by the examples of

Mr. Bovle, of Sir Isaac Newton, and of superior intelligences. General conclusions

134