PREFACE TO FOURTH EDITION. IN preparing this edition, the author has subjected the work to a thorough revision. His aim has been to leave out all that is of temporary, and to retain only what is of permanent interest. Without sensibly increasing the volume, he has introduced new discussions on topics of some importance, both in their theological and philosophical bearings. As being in circumstances to support them by a large body of facts, he has given in Book Second an epitome of his views and published observations in regard to the forms and colours of plants. In the Third Book, in consequence of having attained, by farther reflection, clearer views of some ethical points, he has modified some of the statements of former editions. In the Appendix he has reluctantly felt it to be his duty to venture a protest against certain principles set forth by the greatest metaphysicians of the age. BELFAST, May 1855. PREFATORY NOTE TO EIGHTH EDITION. THE work is substantially the same as it was in the Fourth Edition; but here and there in the later editions the author has referred to errors which have appeared within the last few years, and has also noticed the exceptions taken to certain doctrines of the volume by several eminent men, such as Dr. Mansel and Professor Goldwin Smith. He begs to refer those who might wish to see a professedly more thorough discussion of the philosophical principles involved in the argument of this treatise to The Intuitions of the Mind Inductively Investi gated; while those who may desire to look into a fuller exposition of the order and design in the world will find it in Typical Forms and Special Ends in Creation. The application of the views on God's natural Providence, expounded in this volume, to the supernatural government of God, may be seen in The Supernatural in relation to the Natural, recently published. BELFAST, October 1863. CONTENTS. SECTION L.-The Different Classes of Objects from which we derive our SECT. II.-Object of the Treatise; Investigation of the Providence of God, and the Conscience of man, or the External and Internal SECT. IV.-The Alienation of Man from God, 54 SECT. I.-Particular Review of the Five Phenomena before specified, SECT. II.-Other General Phenomena, fitted to throw Light on the Con- ILLUSTRATIVE NOTE (B).-Laws of Phenomena, Causes of Phe- SECT. IV.-Wisdom displayed in the Prevalence of General Laws, and observable Order in the World-Correspondence of External Nature ILLUSTRATIVE NOTE (c).-Difference between Philosophical Ob- SECT. II.-Purposes served by the Complication and Fortuities of Nature, SECT. III.-On a General and Particular Providence, ILLUSTRATIVE NOTE (E).-Combe's Constitution of Man, SECT. IV.-Method of Interpreting the Divine Providence, SECT. V.-Practical Influence of the various Views which may be taken of Divine Providence-Atheism, Pantheism, Superstition, True Faith, SECT. VI.-Method of answering Prayer, and furthering Spiritual Ends, PAGE SECT. III.-Arrangements needful to the stability of the Social System, SECT. IV.-State of Society when the Aids to Virtue and the Restraints SECT. V.-Adaptation of this world to Man, considered as a Fallen Being, SECT. VI.-Explanation of the Mysteries of Divine Providence, furnished SECT. I.-The Will, or the Optative Faculty-Conditions of Responsibility, SECT. II.-Freedom and Responsibility compatible with the Causal Con- SECT. III-Distinctions to be attended to in Ethical Inquiry, ILLUSTRATIVE NOTE (F).-Method of Inquiry in Ethical Science, SECT. IV.-Inquiry into the Nature of Conscience, or the Mental Faculty or Feeling which recognises and reveals the Distinction between |