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or the Newtonian system.

LETTER VII.

Of the Newtonian System, and Discoveries,

I N all ages of the world, mankind in generalhave been nearly the fame: the powers ofthe mind are various; but there are certain pre-scribed bounds which it is the lot of but few topass. The multitude were certainly designedfor manual labour and industry, and theirminds are, by custom, made conformable to theiremployments. Intent upon the common con-cerns and business of life, they have but littleleisure, and less inclination, for mental im-provement. This is the wife designation of Pro-vidence. The earth must be cultivated to sup-port its inhabitants; a general refinement wouldbe as prejudicial as a general barbarity.

Humanity, however, has higher privileges.Arts and sciences, legislation and morals, areabsolutely necessary to the due regulation andorder of civil society. And that a knowledge ofthem may be properly distributed, the Author ofNature has, at different times, raised up some

great