THE Chriftian Philofopher : A COLLECTION OF THE Best Discoveries in Nature, WITH Religious Improvements. By COTTON MATHER D. D. LONDON; T HE Learned Author of the enfuing Treatife, has already diffus'd his Name and Reputation in a great Variety of Useful Works; by which the better Part of Mankind do fufficiently know him to be in Labours more abundant. The Reader will find in this Treatife, a Collection A 2 .from from Writers of the firft and best Character, both in our own and other Nations; and every Obfervation improv'd to the Ends of Devotion and Practice. The Remarks that the Author gives, are fo mingled with the Discoveries that he has brought together, that as it fhows us with what Spirit He has purfued His Enquiries into the Wonders of the Universe, fo it is both an Inftruction and a Pattern to a serious Mind. He has generally drawn into his Application, all that the Bible faith upon the feveral Subjects: And thus he lays open the two great Books of God, Nature and Scripture. In this way, our Curiofity. is not only entertain'd, but fanctified; the Invisible Things of God from the Creation of the World are feen, and improv'd to the Glory of Him whose they are. Your furprizing Generofity to the Academy in New-England, has made this Dedication more proper to you than any other Perfon. Such a Bene ficence ficence is an Argument how thorowly you defire that the Doctrines of the Gofpel, and the Purity of Difcipline, may be tranfmitted to future Generations. And certainly, it is the noblest, and the moft divine Application of your Charity, when by it you are a Fellow-helper to the Truth. This is given to thofe from whom you can have no Expectation of Recompence ; but as it's all done to the Lord, and. not unto Men, fo by him it will be remember'd at the Refurrection of the Juft. You know how much it is against my Temper to give flattering Words, and I'm convinc'd that it is against yours to receive 'em. But I have reason to think, that the Reverend Author, and the whole Country where God has placed him, will believe this Dedication well directed, to the BEST of all their Benefactors. This Adminiftration of Service is abundant, by many Thanksgivings to God, (whilft by this Miniftration, they glorify God for your profefs'd Subjection to the Gospel of |