Transcriber Note: Text emphasis is denoted as _Italics_. THE PHILOSOPHY OF EARTHQUAKES, Natural and Religious. OR An Inquiry into their Cause, and their Purpose. _O Vita philosophia dux, virtutum indagatrix, expultrixque vitii!_ Cicero. By _WILLIAM STUKELEY_, M.D. Rector of St. _George_'s, _Queen-Square_: Fellow of the College of Physicians and Royal Society: The SECOND EDITION. To which is added, PART II. on the same Subject. _LONDON_: Printed for C. Corbet over-against St. _Dunstan_'s Church, _Fleetstreet_. MDCCL. To the Reader. _The substance of the philosophical part of this discourse was delivered at twice to the Royal Society, on_ March 15, _and_ 22: _The theological, in my own church. I could not refuse the solicitation of my friends, hearers in both places, to print it. I wish my intention, in the compliance, may any ways prove successful; to show, how vain, and unmeaning, are all our philosophical inquiries, when destitute of their true view; to lead us into the more engaging paths of religion. That, from speculation of material causes, we may become adepts in that wisdom which is from above. Otherwise, like_ Epicurus, _and the ancient heathen philosophers, we barter away our immortal part, for a curiosity, that amuses us to no good purpose. Mean are these objects of our senses to be accounted, in comparison of our spiritual natures, to which our principal regard is due! For we must rightly say with_ Job: Lo, these are parts of God's ways, but how little a portion is heard of him? and the thunder of his power, who can understand? [Illustration] TO _Martin Folkes_, Esq; LL.D. President of the Royal Society. _March 26, 1750._ When so great and unusual a _phenomenon_, as an earthquake, and that repeated, happens among us; it will naturally excite a serious reflection in everyone that is capable of thinking. And we cannot help considering it, both in a philosophical and a religious view. Any mind will take the alarm when we perceive a motion that affects the earth, that bears the whole city of _London_, and some miles round it. And at the same time while it gives us so sensible a shake, so gently sets us down again; without damage to any buildings, and without a life lost.