ss observed in the production of natural effects, are most
agreeable and sought after by the mind; for that they extend our prospect
beyond what is present and near to us, and enable us to make very
probable conjectures touching things that may have happened at very great
distances of time and place, as well as to predict things to come; which
sort of endeavour towards omniscience is much affected by the mind.

106. CAUTION AS TO THE USE OF ANALOGIES.--But we should proceed warily
in such things, for we are apt to lay too great stress on analogies,
and, to the prejudice of truth, humour that eagerness of the mind
whereby it is carried to extend its knowledge into general theorems.
For example, in the business of gravitation or mutual attraction,
because it appears in many instances, some are straightway for
pronouncing it universal; and that to attract and be attracted
by every other body is an essential quality inherent in all bodies
whatsoever. Whereas it is evident the fixed stars have no such
tendency towards each other; and, so far is that gravitation from being
essential to bodies that in some instances a quite contrary principle
seems to show itself; as in the perpendicular growth of plants, and the
elasticity of the air. There is nothing necessary or essential in the
case, but it depends entirely on the will of the Governing Spirit, who
causes certain bodies to cleave together or tend towards each other
according to various laws, whilst He keeps others at a fixed distance;
and to some He gives a quite contrary tendency to fly asunder just as He
sees convenient.

107. After what has been premised, I think we may lay down the following
conclusions. First, it is plain philosophers amuse themselves in vain,
when they inquire for any natural efficient cause, distinct from a mind
or spirit. Secondly, considering the whole creation is the workmanship of
a wise and good Agent, it should seem to become philosophers to employ
their thoughts (contrary to what some hold) about the final causes of
things; and I confess I see no reason why pointing out the various ends
to which natural things are adapted, and for which they were originally
with unspeakable wisdom contrived, should not be thought one good way of
accounting for them, and altogether worthy a philosopher. Thirdly, from
what has been premised no reason can be drawn why the history of nature
should not still be studied, and observations and experiments made,
which