out and examined for their advantage. On the other hand, if we consider natural history as connected with religion, we shall find them so interwoven and blended together as not to be separated. In this view we shall find it the best adapted for opening the mind, enlarging its conceptions, and giving us the most exalted ideas of the Deity, of any science whatever, astronomy not excepted, whose study, however noble it may be thought, tends not more to the same improvement; for certainly the power, wisdom, and goodness of the Almighty are as conspicuous in the smallest objects, as those of the first magnitude, if _great_ and _little_ be only relative terms. If, therefore, natural history is able to accomplish this, nothing surely can afford a more effectual cure for infidelity. For whoever heard of a naturalist being an atheist? or of an infidel, who had spent his life in studying and observing the works of nature? I believe none will hesitate to pronounce the man, who has made any considerable progress in this study, and who could entertain thoughts so injurious to the honour of his Maker, to be a more wonderful being than any that ever went before him. {xiv}The train of reflections that arise from these considerations, is greater than is consistent with the plan I have prescribed to myself in these pages. If the reader is desirous of being further informed of the uses and advantages of natural history, I shall refer him to Stillingfleet's Tracts, taken from the Amoenitates Academicæ, published at Upsal; where he may be acquainted with many curious and interesting particulars, which I have not room to insert here; my speculations having been confined to one single branch (insects) I shall only mention such observations relative thereto as may be proper for an introduction of this kind.