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The Christian Philosopher; or, Science and Religion

Contents

page vii

Contents

Introduction. Page
Necessity of revelation. Folly of discarding the science of nature from religion. Beneficial effects which flow from the study of the works of God. 11
Chapter I.
Of the Natural Attributes of the Deity.
Section I.
On the Relation of the Natural Attributes of the Deity to Religion.
The Christian Religion founded on the natural attributes of God. His power as interesting a subject as his mercy, illustrated in two instances. Evils which arise from imperfect conceptions of Divine power. Defects in religious instructions on this subject. Sources of illustration. 14
Section II.
Illustrations of the Omnipotence of the Deity.
The material world exhibits a more striking display of this perfection than the supernatural facts recorded in Scripture. Immense quantity of matter in the universe. Mode of acquiring the most comprehensive conception of the bulk of the earth—its variety of scenery—its mass of solid matter. Magnitude of the bodies which compose the solar system. Magnitude and number of the stars. Procedure of the mind in acquiring the most impressive conceptions of such august objects. Reflections. Rapid motions of the celestial bodies. How we acquire the ideas of relative velocities. Weight of the earth. Immense physical forces. Grandeur of the motion of Saturn. Immense number of bodies impelled through the heavens. Reflections. Immense spaces which surround the heavenly bodies. Reflections. Popular illustration of the motions of the earth and heavens. Extract from Dr. Ridgeley, with remarks. Universe intended to adumbrate the attributes of God, and to make a sublime impression, on created beings. Similar trains of thought suggested in the Scriptures. Moral effects of such contemplations. Humility—folly of pride—low rank of man in the scale of being. Reverence and veneration. Reason why mankind feel so little veneration of God—how it may be increased. The Deity unsearchable. Hope and confidence in the prospect of futurity—resurrection. Scenes of eternity. 16
Section III.
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. Wisdom displayed in other systems. Minute displays of this attribute cannot be traced in the heavens. Wisdom as displayed in the constitution of our globe—adjustment of its solid parts to the necessities of the beings which inhabit it. Mountains—their uses exist in other worlds. Diversity of color—argument for a plurality of worlds—general color which prevails in the scene of nature. Water—its use in the system of nature—its composition—evaporation—motion of the liquid element—its beneficial effects. The atmosphere—its weight and pressure—its component parts—its various properties—necessary to animal life, flame, sound, twilight—wisdom displayed in its constitution. Expansion of water in the act of freezing. 27
Variety of Nature.
Vegetables—their number and variety. Animals—variety in their organization. Eyes of insects—their exquisite mechanism. Subterraneous regions. Atmosphere. The variety of page viii nature affords a faint idea of the infinity of the Creator—illustrated in the number of animal parts and functions. Reflection. Variety of the foundation of our judgments. Beauty and sublimity of nature. Primeval state of our globe. Other worlds. 33
Mechanism of Animated Beings. Structure of the Human Eye.
Its coats, humors, muscles, orbit, and motions. Wisdom displayed in its construction. Light—its velocity, minuteness, colors, and adaptation to the eye. Manner in which vision is performed—explained by a figure, and an experiment—illustrated by the view from Salisbury Crags. Multitude of rays which flow from every object—smallness of the image on the retina, illustrated by calculation—what proportion of the solar light falls on our globe. Reflections. Mechanism for viewing near and distant objects—contraction and dilatation of the pupil—distance at which we see distinctly. Summary view of adaptations in the structure of the eye. Eyes of superior intelligences. Visual organs of the inferior animals. Mechanism of the bones illustrated—exemplified in the joints of the fingers, the wrist, and the movements of which the head is susceptible. Illustration of the horizontal motion of the wrist, and the utility of the human hand, with figures. Moral reflections on the impropriety of overlooking the Divine wisdom in the system of nature. 37
Section IV.
On the Goodness or Benevolence of the Deity.
Benevolence of God in relation to Man. What would be the constitution of the world were its Creator a malevolent Being. Benevolence displayed to man, though a depraved intelligence. Mercy displayed in the system of nature. Benevolence as displayed toward the lower animals. Extract from Dr. Paley. General reflections. 46
Chapter II.
A Cursory View of Some of the Sciences which are Related to Religion and Christian Theology.
Introduction—extensive range of theology. Bad effects of setting Religion in opposition to Science. Harmony of the operations of God in nature and revelation. 49
Natural History.
Its extensive range. Outline of its principal objects—on the surface and in the interior recesses of the earth—in the atmosphere—the vegetable, mineral, and animal kingdoms—and in the region of the heavens. Description of the Banian tree. Reflections. Monkey bread tree. Splendor and felicity of insect life. Invisible worlds. Infinity of the universe. Religious tendency of this science—it affords a manifestation of the Deity, and expands our conceptions of his operations—ennobles the human mind—recommended by the sacred writers. 50
Geography.
Its object. 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. How the diameter of the earth enables us to calculate the distances of the heavenly bodies—illustrated with figures. Magnitude and natural divisions of the earth—general features of its surface. Mountains—their general ranges, and the sublime scenes they exhibit. The Ocean—its extent, depth, bottom, and motions. Rivers—their number, size, and the quantity of water they pour into the ocean. How they are supplied—their use in the system of nature. Artificial division of the earth. Europe—description of its extent, commerce, population, &c. Asia—its extent, population, and productions. Africa—its divisions, extent, and characteristics. America—its dimensions, lakes, rivers, &c. United States—their extent, population, literature, &c. Australasia—the countries it comprehends. New South Wales, South Australia, &c. Van Dieman's Land, New Zealand, New Guinea, New Britain, &c. Polynesian Islands. Tahiti—its characteristics, and the moral improvement of its inhabitants. Sandwich Islands—their improvement. Friendly Islands, Navigator's, Marquesas, New Hebrides. Murder of Williams the Missionary. Number and variety of the earth's 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—to private Christians. Works on the subject of Christian Missions characterized and recommended—grandeur of its physical objects—utility of its moral facts. 56page ix
Geology.
Its object and connection with religion—an interesting subject of inquiry. Materials which compose the crust of our globe. Primary rocks—their constituent materials and general aspect. Transition rocks—their formation, &c. Secondary rocks, coal formations, &c. Upper secondary rocks, and their organic remains. Tertiary rocks—their deposits and fossil shells. Diluvial deposits. Alluvial, and the deltas formed by. Volcanic rocks, trap, basalt, Fingal's cave, Giant's causeway, &c. General remarks on organic remains. Various geological phenomena. Periods of organic remains. Description of the Mammoth, Megatherium, &c., with a figure. Conclusions deduced from the facts of geology—their accordance with Sacred History. Genesis, i, 1, explained. High antiquity of the earth not inconsistent with Scripture. Discoveries of astronomy illustrative of geology. Progression a characteristic of the Divine, plans, both in the physical and moral world. Date of the present system of our globe. Genesis, i, 2, illustrated. Sublime objects which this science exhibits. 68
Astronomy.
Its sublime objects. Apparent motions of the sun—of the moon. Eclipses of the sun and moon. Apparent motion of the starry heavens. Position of the Pole-star and Ursa Major, described and represented. Stars and planets seen in the day-time, and with what powers of the telescope they may be distinguished. Apparent revolution of the celestial vault indicates Almighty power. Stars never shift their relative positions. Solar system. The Sun—his size and probable destination illustrated—his spots and atmosphere—different kinds of rays emitted from his body—his distance illustrated. Mercury—his size, rotation, quantity of light and heat, &c. Proportion of caloric on the different planets. Venus—her size, phases, mountains, transits, and general phenomena. Original observations on, and mode by which her diurnal rotation may be determined. Earth—proofs of its annual and diurnal motions. The Moon—description of her majestic mountain scenery, luminous spots, celestial appearances, illuminating power, superficial contents, &c. Mars—his distance, atmosphere, luminous zone, &c. New planets—Ceres, Pallas, Juno, and Vesta—their anomalies, singularities, and probable origin. Meteoric stones. Jupiter—his bulk, rotation, belts, and the appearances of his moons. Telescopic view of his belts and satellites. Saturn—his figure, belts, moons, and quantity of light. His Rings—their dimensions, motion, and phenomena—illustrated by a figure. Supposed division of his exterior ring. Splendor of the firmament, as viewed from this planet (see the Frontispiece). Herschel—his distance, size, and quantity of light. Comets—their tails, velocity, orbits, size and number. Encke's, Gambart's, and Halley's comets. Motion of the solar system in absolute space—its destination. Plurality of worlds intimated in Scripture. The fixed stars—their distance illustrated—arrangement—changes. Moral reflections. Parallax and distance of 61 Cygni. Figure and description of Orion. Relation of Astronomy to Religion—moral effects which its objects have a tendency to produce—criminality of overlooking the works of God, &c. 78
Natural Philosophy.
Its object and different departments. Mechanics—subjects it embraces, and its importance to the improvement of mankind. Hydrostatics—its leading principles and uses, illustrated by figures. Pneumatics—its principles, and the experiments by which they are illustrated. Acoustics—various facts in relation to sound. Optics—leading facts and principles of this science. Burning glasses, &c. The Daguerreotype—description of its nature, processes, and effects. Electricity—its nature, phenomena, effects, and agency in the system of nature. Electrotype—its invention and practical applications. Galvanism—its singular effects on metals, &c., and on the animal system—applied to the blasting of rocks—various facts which it explains. Magnetism—its various phenomena and effects. Electro-Magnetism—its 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. 92
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. Chlorine—its properties. Iodine—its discovery. Sulphur—its origin, combinations, and properties. Phosphorus—history of its discovery—how prepared—curious experiments with this substance—phosphoric phenomena in the system of nature—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. 103page x
Anatomy and Physiology.
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—curious structure of the lungs. Digestion. 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. 108
History, Ancient and Modern.
Its objects, advantages, and connection with religion. Connection of the sciences and of the Divine dispensations with each other. Concluding remarks. 112
Chapter III.
The Relation which the Inventions of Art Bear to the Objects of Religion.
Art of Printing—its origin, and beneficial effects—stereotype and steam printing. 114
Art of Navigation—mariner's compass—its discovery and use. 115
The Telescope—its invention, and the discoveries made by it—serves instead of a celestial vehicle. Magnifying powers of Sir W. Herschel's telescopes. Earl of Rosse's speculum. 117
The Microscope, and views it exhibits of the wisdom of God. 118
Steam Navigation—its utility in promoting the intercourse of mankind—voyages across the Atlantic—its relation to the objects of religion. 118
Air Balloons—utility of—when arrived at perfection—proposed improvement in. History of their invention. Lunardi's ascent. The Parachute. Late improvements in, &c. 119
Acoustic Tunnels. Experiments on the conveyance of sound. M. Biot's remarkable experiments—Don Gautier's experiment and suggestion. Conclusions in reference to the extensive conveyance of sound. 122
Electric Telegraphs—their nature and applications. 123
Railways—their history, number, utility, and arrangements. 124
Practical remarks—utility of the arts in relation to the Millennial era. 127
Chapter IV.
Scriptural Facts Illustrated from the System of Nature.
I. Science may frequently serve as a guide to the true interpretation of Scripture. Canon or rule for Scripture interpretation—illustrated. 128
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 hurricanes. General reflections on this subject. 129
III. The Resurrection illustrated. Transformations of insects. Indestructibility of matter—conclusions from it. 133
IV General Conflagration. Concluding reflections. Topics omitted in this volume. 134
Chapter V.
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. 136
II. Science enables us to take an extensive survey of the empire of God—illustrates many sublime passages of the Bible—qualifies us 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. 136
III. Science enlarges our views of the operations of Providence, 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. 141
IV. Science, blended with religion, would produce a general expansion of mind, and liberality of views, in reference to the opinions and actions of men, and to the works and the ways of God, illustrated at large. 144
V. It would induce a spirit of piety, and profound humility. Sources of piety, illustrated by example. Humility—illustrated by the examples of Mr. Boyle, of Sir Isaac Newton, and of superior intelligences. General conclusions. 146
Appendix.
Note I. Illustration of the rate of motion in the heavenly bodies, on the supposition that the earth is at rest, 148.—Note II. Experimental illustrations of the pressure and compressibility of the atmosphere, the diving-bell, &c., 149.—Note III. On the ideas of magnitude, motion, and duration, as expressed, by numbers, 150.—Note IV. On the means by which it may probably be ascertained whether the moon be a habitable world, 150.—Note V. Remarks on the late pretended discovery of a lunar fortification, 151.—Note VI. On a plurality of worlds, 151.—Note VII. The Daguerreotype, 152.—Note VIII. Electro-Magnetic Machines, 152.—Note IX. On the first inventor of Printing, 153.—Note X. On Telescopes, with a brief notice of a New Reflecting Telescope, constructed by the author, 153.—Note XI. On Steam Navigation, &c., 154.—Note XII. Strictures on a certain sentiment respecting the work of human redemption, 156.—Note XIII. Extract from Dr. Dwight's Theology, 157.—Note XIV. List of popular works on the different sciences treated of in this volume with occasional remarks, 157.