I do not think it at all degrading to the business of experimental philosophy, to compare it, as I often do, to the diversion of _hunting_, where it sometimes happens that those who have beat the ground the most, and are consequently the best acquainted with it, weary themselves without starting any game; when it may fall in the way of a mere passenger; so that there is but little room for boasting in the most successful termination of the chace. The best founded praise is that which is due to the man, who, from a supreme veneration for the God of nature, takes pleasure in contemplating his _works_, and from a love of his fellow-creatures, as the offspring of the same all-wise and benevolent parent, with a grateful sense and perfect enjoyment of the means of happiness of which he is already possessed, seeks, with earnestness, but without murmuring or impatience, that greater _command of the powers of nature_, which can only be obtained by a more extensive and more accurate _knowledge_ of them; and which alone can enable us to avail ourselves of the numerous advantages with which we are surrounded, and contribute to make our common situation more secure and happy. Besides, the man who believes that there is a _governor_ as well as a _maker_ of the world (and there is certainly equal reason to believe both) will acknowledge his providence and favour at least as much in a successful pursuit of _knowledge_, as of _wealth_; which is a sentiment that entirely cuts off all boasting with respect to ourselves, and all envy and jealousy with respect to others; and disposes us mutually to rejoice in every new light that we receive, through whose hands soever it be conveyed to us. I shall pass for an enthusiast with some, but I am perfectly easy under the imputation, because I am happy in those views which subject me to it; but considering the amazing improvements in natural knowledge which have been made within the last century, and the many ages, abounding with men who had no other object but study, in which, however, nothing of this kind was done, there appears to me to be a very particular providence in the concurrence of those circumstances which have produced so great a change; and I cannot help flattering myself that this will be instrumental in bringing about other changes in the state of the world, of much more consequence to the improvement and happiness of it.