Page:The Philosophy of Earthquakes, Natural and Religious.djvu/9



TO

Martin Folkes, Esq; L L. D.

President of the Royal Society.

March 26, 1750.

HEN so great and unusual a phœnomenon, as an earthquake, and that repeated, happens among us; it will naturally excite a serious reflexion in every one that is capable of thinking. And we cannot help considering it, both in a philosophical, and a religious view. Any mind will take the alarm, when we perceive a motion that affects the earth, that bears the whole city of London and some miles round it. And at the same time while it gives us so sensible a shake, so gently sets us down again; without damage to any buildings, and without a life lost.

'Tis hard to say, which is the greater wonder. But alas in the works of nature, there are no degrees of great, and little; comparisons are incompatible. We indeed are more affected with what seems great in our own apprehensions: I would rather say, what is rare and unusual.