Genre:

Serial, Short Fiction

Subjects:

Piety, Design, Endeavour, Discovery, Immortality, Class, Ancient Authorities

People mentioned:

Francis Bacon (1st Viscount St Alban)

    Mr Ravenstone poses the question 'Where am I?' and observes: 'You will find yourself in a sphere admirably adapted to call into exercise all the powers of the mind, and to minister to their gratification. You will be led to survey the beauteous scene that every where surrounds you, and admire the wisdom and goodness of God in every part of the universe. Nature is an extensive volume, affording an infinite variety of subjects for contemplation and research, and the pious mind will improve it to the best and noblest of purposes' (242). He reflects that some things require 'a course of diligent and careful investigation' in order to be understood, and observes: 'How delightful were the feelings of the philosopher [i.e. Pythagoras], who had by great application solved a difficult problem, and rapturously exclaimed—"Ευρηχα, Ευρηχα," "I have found it, I have found it"' (242–43). Edwin reflects that the material world is 'passing away', and his father advises him that his studies should be 'pursued with a regard to eternity'. Mr. Ravenstone considers that greater familiarity with 'the works of nature' leads to greater knowledge of 'the divine wisdom and goodness' through design. In arguing for a 'future state', he refers to the 'powers of the inferior animals' being 'perfectly suited to their station'. (243)