CHAP. XI.
Concerning
NATURAL PROVIDENCE.
Several incroachments upon Natural Providence,
or misrepresentations of it, and false methods of
Contemplation; A true method propos'd, and a
true representation of the Vniverse. The Mundane Idea, and the Vniversal System of Providence; Several subordinate Systems, That of
our Earth and Sublunary World; The course and
Periods of it; How much of this is already treated of, and what remains. The Conclusion.
WE have set bounds to Nature in the foregoing
Chapter, and plac'd her Author and Governour upon his Throne, to give Laws to her Motions,
and to direct and limit her Power in such ways and
methods as are most for his honour. Let us now
consider Nature under the conduct of Providence,
or consider Natural Providence, and the extent of it;
And as we were cautious before not to give too much
power or greatness to Nature, consider'd apart from
Providence, so we must be careful now, under this
second consideration, not to contract her bounds too
much; lest we should by too mean and narrow
thoughts of the Creation, Eclipse the glory of its Author, whom we have so lately own'd as a Being infinitely perfect.
And to use no further Introduction, In the first
place, we must not by any means admit or imagine,
that all Nature, and this great Universe was made only for the sake of Man, the meanest of all Intelligent
Creatures that we know of; Nor that this little Pla
