Imágenes de página
PDF
ePub

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
seen in the day-time-their apparent revolution indicates
Almighty Power-never shift their relative positions. So-
lar System. The Sun-his size and probable destination
illustrated-his spots and atmosphere-different kinds of
rays emitted from his body-his distance illustrated. Mer-
cury-his size, heat, rotation, &c. Venus-her size, phases,
mountains, and appearances. Earth-proofs and illustra-

tions of its annual and diurnal motions. The Moon-de-
soription of her majestic mountain scenery-luminous spots,
and celestial appearances-her superficial contents, &c.
Mars-his distance, atmosphere, luminous zone, &c. New
Planets-Ceres-Pallas-Juno-Vesta-their anomalies,
singularities, and probable origin. Jupiter-his bulk, rota-
tion, belts, and the appearances of his moons. Saturn--
his figure, belts, moons, and quantity of light. His Rings,

156

182

195*

their dimensions, motion and phenomena. Splendour of
the firmament as viewed from this planet, (see the engrav-
ing.) Herschel-his distance, size, and quantity of light.
Comets their tails, velocity, orbits, size, and number. Mo-
tion 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 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.

[merged small][ocr errors]

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-
tation 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. Thunder-storms, tempests, and hur-
ricanes-General reflections on this subject. III. The Re-
surrection illustrated. Transformations of insects. Inde-
structibility of matter-conclusions from this fact. IV.
General Conflagration--concluding reflections. Topics
omitted in this Volume.

CHAP. V.

314

BENEFICIAL EFFECTS WHICH WOULD RESULT FROM CONNECTING SCIENCE WITH RELIGION.

I. The variety of topics would 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. H. Science ena-
bles us to take an extensive survey of the empire of God-
illustrates many sublime passages of the Bible, qualifies us

335

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 inferior 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 opi-
nions 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. Boyle, of Sir Isaac Newton, and of supe-
rior intelligences. General conclusions.

APPENDIX.

No. I. Illustration of the rate of motion in the heavenly bodies,
on the supposition that the earth is at rest,
No. 11. Experimental illustrations of the pressure of the At-
mosphere,

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
Telescope constructed by the Author,.......

385

No. VIII. On Steam Navigation,.

389

No. IX. On a certain sentiment respecting human redemption, 393

[merged small][merged small][ocr errors]
« AnteriorContinuar »