Het regt gebruik der werelt beschouwingen, ter overtuiginge van ongodisten en ongelovigen

could serve; I have followed this. This was also the reason why this entire work, having to be increased and changed in almost all places, came to light some years later; since my other occupations gave me a daily hindrance.

Those who fundamentally recognize a God and the Divine origin of the Holy Scriptures will find here test-proofs of their confessions; and those who are weaker, as I hope, will be strengthened against temptations concerning these truths.

But before I end this address, I must still request this of you, unfortunate Philosophen philosophers, onsekere Twyfelaars uncertain doubters, Ongelovigen unbelievers, and pitiable Esprits Forts freethinkers/strong spirits, for whom this work is primarily written: that you please come to the reading not so much with a sharp-witted mind as with a serious understanding and proper respect for so weighty an investigation; and not so much to notice what difficulties you could make against some particulars, as whether there is nothing among so many things brought forward that can convince you of the perfections of your Maker and the authority of His Word. If you take the first path, the most concise proofs can leave you without persuasion; and in case you behave in the latter manner, a single matter being considered with seriousness and a teachable mind can (under the blessing of God) bring a wandering soul to better thoughts.

The positive manner, which is used here alone for the demonstrations, should not appear imperfect to you, as if the—

—same did not rightly refute your sentiments. But compare these with your grounds; and judge for yourself whether a proof that is drawn from certain and factual experiences (as is done in this work) must not be more persuasive than that which is grounded on bare ideas; which one, without being able to bring forward any factual experience, sets according to his pleasure as ideas of truly existing things: and that your philosophy rests only on this last, you will know yourself. There have also already been prominent men who have broadly demonstrated the mis-reasonings of the Ongodisten atheists/godless ones, and the false not only, but also terrible consequences flowing from their sentiments. Which can be looked up in their works.

If there should be anything among all this in which I have erred according to your judgment, and might not have correctly hit upon the properties of the natural phenomena according to your thoughts, skip that particular place: you will not be able to say this of all the others. And in case only a single proof must be held valid by you, among so many that are brought forward here, and of which the further Beschouwingen der Wereld Contemplations of the World can provide to you yourself a much greater multitude; this single one alone shall be powerful enough to persuade everyone who judges reasonably of his God, and the high origin of His Word: because one good demonstration confirms as firmly as many; although more strengthen the conviction.

Let also the Scripture—