The Creator doubtless did not bestow so much Curiosity, and exquisite Workmanship and Skill upon his Creatures, to be looked upon with a careless, incurious Eye, especially to have them slighted or contemned; but to be admired by the rational Part of the World, to magnify his own Power, Wisdom and Goodness throughout all the World, and the Ages thereof. And therefore we may look upon it as a great Error, not to answer those Ends of the infinite Creator, but rather to oppose and affront them. On the contrary, my Text commends GOD’s Works, not only for being great, but also approves of those curious and ingenious Enquirers, that seek them out, or pry into them. And the more we pry into, and discover of them, the greater and more glorious we find them to be, the more worthy of, and the more expressly to proclaim their great Creator.
Commendable then are the Researches, which many amongst us have, of late Years, made into the Works of Nature, more than hath been done in some Ages before. And therefore when we are asked, Cui Bono? To what Purpose such Enquiries, such Pains, such Expense? The Answer is easy, It is to answer the Ends for which GOD bestowed so much Art, Wisdom and Power about them, as well as given us Senses to view and survey them; and an Understanding and Curiosity to search into them: It is to follow and trace him, when and whither he leads us, that we may see and admire his Handy-work our selves, and set it forth to others, that they may see, admire and praise it also. I shall then conclude this Inference with what Elihu recommends, Job xxxvi. 24, 25. Remember that thou magnify his Work, which Men behold. Every Man may see it, Men may behold it afar off.