SECT. 3. On the WISDOM and INTELLIGENCE of the DEITY, 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. Other Systems. Minute displays of Wisdom cannot be traced in the heavens -Wisdom, as displayed in the constitution of our globe. Mountains-exist in other worlds. Diversity of Colour- argument for a plurality of worlds-general colour which prevails in the scene of nature. Waters-evaporation- motions of the liquid element. The Atmosphere-its weight -component parts-properties-necessary to animal life, flame, sound, twilight-wisdom displayed in its constitution. Vegetables their number and variety. Animals. Subterra- neous Regions. Atmosphere. The Variety of Nature affords a faint idea of the infinity of the Creator. Illustra- ted in the number of animal functions. Reflection. Va- riety the foundation of all our judgments. Beauty and sublimity of Nature. Primeval state of our globe-other STRUCTURE OF THE HUMAN EYE-its coats, humours, mus- cles, orbit. Light-its velocity, minuteness, colours, and adaptation to the eye. MANNER IN WHICH VISTON IS PFRFORMED--illustrated by the view from Salisbury Crags, near Edinburgh. Multitude of rays-smallness of the image on the retina-what proportion of the solar light falls on our globe-Reflections. Mechanism for viewing near and distant objects-contraction and dilatation of the pupil, &c. Summary view of adaptations in the eye. Eyes of superior intelligences. Visual organs of the infe- SECT. 4. On the GOODNESS or BENEVOLENCE of the DEITY, 123* In relation to Man-considered as a depraved intelligence- Mercy displayed in the system of nature. Benevolence, as 11 Outline of its principal subjects. Banian Tree. Reflections. Splendour and felicity of insect life. Invisible worlds. Religious tendency of this science-affords a manifestation of Deity-expands our conceptions-recommended by the sacred writers. GEOGRAPHY,. Figure of the Earth-Proofs of its spherical form. Relation which the discovery of the figure of the earth bears to the plan of Providence. Its magnitude and natural divisions. General features of its surface. Mountains-their general ranges, and the sublime scenes they exhibit. The Oceanits extent, depth, bottom, and motions. Rivers-their number, size, and the quantity of water they pour inte the ocean. How they are supplied-their uses. Artificial divisions of the earth. Number and variety of its inhabitants. Number which has 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 (Douglas' " Hints on Missions,")-to Private Christians-grandeur of its physical objects-utility of its moral facts. GEOLOGY,. Its object and connection with religion an interesting subject of inquiry. Materials which compose the crust of the globe. Various geological phenomena. Organic remains -Mammoth, Tapir, Elk, &c. Geological deductions not inconsistent with the Mosaic history-Genesis i. 1, 2. explained. The Deluge, and its effects on the earth's strata. Grand and terrific objects which this science unfolds. ASTRONOMY, Its sublime objects-general appearance of the heavens-stars tions of its annual and diurnal motions. The Moon-de- 156 182 195* their dimensions, motion and phenomena. Splendour of NATURAL PHILOSOPHY, Its objects and divisions. Mechanics. Hydrostatics-its principles and uses. Pneumatics. Acoustics. Optics. Electricity-its nature, effects, and agency in the system of nature. Galvanism--its singular effects on metals, animals, &c, Magnetism-its various phenomena and effects. Relation of Natural Philosophy to Religion--its inventions meliorate the condition of mankind-illustrated in the case of the electric fluid-it undermines the influence of superstition-unfolds the incessant agency of God--indifference to this subject unreasonable. CHEMISTRY, Its objects, and present dignified station. General forms of matter-simple and compound 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. Connection 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. Their general object-Human body, its different parts and divisions. Bones, their number, form, and positions. Muscles, their nature, use, and extraordinary strength. Heart and blood Vessels, and the circulation of the blood. Respiration. 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 connection with Religion. Connection of the sciences and of the Divine dispensations with each other. Concluding remarks. 233 256 268 280 13 CHAP. 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. The Microscope, and the views it exhibits of the wisdom of God. Steam Navigation, its utility in promoting the intercourse of mankind, 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. CHAP. IV. SCRIPTURAL FACTS ILLUSTRATED FROM THE SYSTEM OF NATURE. 1. Science may frequently serve as a guide to the true interpre- Canon or rule for Scripture interpretation-illustrated. CHAP. V. 314 BENEFICIAL EFFECTS WHICH WOULD RESULT FROM CONNECTING SCIENCE WITH RELIGION. I. The variety of topics would allure the attention of intelligent Principle of novelty intended by the Creator to be gratified 335 for complying with several Divine injunctions-Danger of APPENDIX. No. I. Illustration of the rate of motion in the heavenly bodies, 373 375 No. III. On the means by which it may probably be ascertained, whether the Moon be a habitable world, 376 No. IV. On the ideas we form of magnitude and extension, as expressed by large numbers, 380 No. V. On a Plurality of worlds, . 382 No. VI. On the first inventor of Printing, 384 No. VII. On Telescopes; with a brief notice of a New Reflecting 385 No. VIII. On Steam Navigation,. 389 No. IX. On a certain sentiment respecting human redemption, 393 |