which produces this effect is called attraction, or that principle whereby the minuter particles of matter tend towards one another. This power of attraction is one of the principal agents of nature: by its operation fluids ascend in capillary tubes; and it is in some degree the cause of the juices circulating in the capillary vessels of plants and animals. The expan

sive power of the air also contributes in plants to this effect, for a portion of air is found in the fluid by which they are nourished. Vegetables are also provided with air-vessels, which imbibe the external air, and assist the ascent of the sap; but the chief cause of this phenomenon is capillary attraction. It is well known that a series of capillary tubes exists in the human body, where the fluids are in continual motion; and this motion is partly regulated by the laws of attraction. Many of the phenomena we observe in the material world have this attractive power for their principle, and by it is most satisfactorily explained the motion of the heavenly bodies. These spheres, separated from each other by immense intervals, must be united by some secret bond, to form such a perfect whole as the solar system. It is now generally admitted, that the union of these heavenly bodies, their direction, the law which prevents them from deviating from their prescribed route; the motion of the planets and comets round the sun, all depend upon the attractive power of that star, and the gravitation of these bodies towards him. How admirable is that wisdom which, by means of the same law, causes the vegetation of grass and the motion of the universe.

All these reflections lead us to glorify the Supreme Wisdom. If it manifests itself in the government of the celestial bodies, it is equally apparent in that of rational creatures. The Creator always acts upon principles equally wise, after the same laws, accom

Complaints against the Laws of Nature. 283 plishing every thing with the greatest simplicity. But we are often so blind as not to acknowledge him, because we imagine that he only appears in things which possess grandeur and brilliancy. When cities and provinces are devastated by an earthquake, inundated with water, or consumed by fire, our attention is arrested; and in these convulsions of nature we perceive the traces of Providence. But why do we not perceive him equally in small things? why do we not behold the marks of his wisdom in the common occurrences of life? Is it only extraordinary events that proclaim the power and justice of God? Is it not equally displayed in the smallest blade of grass as in the motion of the heavenly bodies? To be convinced of the wisdom and goodness which are manifested throughout the kingdom of God, we need not go to distant places, or seek amidst remote objects. We need only dwell on what relates to ourselves, and to the particular dispensation of Providence in our own behalf.

MAY XXVII.

Complaints of Men against the Law of Nature.

"WHY is the human body, from its constitution, subject to so many accidents and infirmities?" Let him who asks this question say if it is possible to figure to himself a body which can unite more advan. tages than that which he has received from his Creator! It was incompatible with the nature and catenation of things below, that man should be provided with a body that was invulnerable. Though some are de formed, others lame, and deaf and dumb, we have no reason to murmur at the decrees of Providence. These defects are not so frequent as to give us occa

sion to repine; and those who are still disposed to complain would do well to reflect on the following truths.

It is useful to the generality of men that some examples of the defects to which the human body is liable should now and then occur; for when a healthy and sound person compares himself with one who is not so, he at once perceives all the advantages of perfect and well-formed limbs; he learns to prize a gift of whose value he was before ignorant, and is more careful to preserve it. How precious is each eye, each organ of sense, each joint and limb-more dear to us than the richest treasure! Our body is more beautiful and regular than the most superh building, more excellent than the most exquisitely wrought machine; and yet, inferior as these are, we are far from attributing them to blind chance.

"Why are some countries of the earth so different from one another; sometimes cold, sometimes wet, sometimes low, at others elevated?" If thou, O man! hadst the power of forming a globe, where every thing should contribute to the welfare of men and animals, would thy understanding furnish thee with the plan of one better than that of our sphere ? The countries of the earth produce, by means of their diversity, exhalations and different winds, from which results that medium of air, which experience teaches us is best adapted to the health and comfort of animal life, and the promotion of vegetation. "It is, however, incontestable that the variations of weather are not advantageous to all men and to all countries." But has not the weather which has preceded an influence upon that of another? Is it in our power to judge of the whole? Are a thousand husbandmen to sigh for a shower, because the continuance of a drought will accommodate the arrangements of one house-wife? A certain state of air will occasion in

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some places a degree of sterility; but can that be called an evil which prevents the impurity of the at mosphere? Should an east wind, benefiting a whole country, cease to blow, because from its violence some ships are wrecked, and some particular people injured? Is it just or reasonable to blame or remark imperfections in a part, when we cannot comprehend the whole? "Why are there so many noxious animals?" Does any one think that no rapacious animals should exist upon the earth? Let such people reflect, that, by the beasts of prey, the number of animals which would be troublesome to us is diminished. And it is because many animals serve for food to beasts of prey, that the number of living creatures is preserved. If these rapacious beasts did not exist, the carcasses of the animals they devour would be rather prejudicial than useful. The animals thus devoured are replaced by others, and the population is regulated by the means of subsistence; hence flies and many insects would perish for want, if the ani. mals which feed upon them did not thin their numbers.

"Whence is it that the Creator has regulated the course of nature by such invariable laws?" Is it not precisely by means of this arrangement that man, assisted by nature and guided by experience, is enabled to make use of his understanding and of his powers, and become in some degree the worker of his own good? Would we wish to dwell in a world where we should have no occasion for activity; where none of our pleasures could be increased by any exertions on our part; where there was no rule or fun. damental law; and where the alternations of good and evil, of pleasure and of pain, being unknown, we should have nothing to render us attentive to the laws of nature?

There will ever be a number of things in nature, the designs of which, and the relations they bear to

each other, must remain concealed; and we may find some, which, to our limited understanding, appear contradictory, and little adapted to the plan of the Deity. But in such cases, let us bear in mind that God performs every thing with the wisest and most beneficent views; and when any doubts and difficul. ties shall arise, let us say with the apostle-" O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and know. ledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? Or who hath been his counsellor? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things; to whom be glory for ever. Amen."

MAY XXVIII.

Of the Sins to which we are most prone during the Spring.

Is it possible that we can profane, by sin, that season which of all others should more especially animate us to the practice of piety? Is it not natural to suppose that in these beautiful days every field would be a temple where we might offer up the incense of a grateful heart, and the thanksgiving of a virtuous mind; where every thought, sentiment, and action, should tend to the glory of our Creator? But, alas! we daily witness the ingratitude of men towards their heavenly benefactor; they see nature renewed, they see the flowers that had decayed revive, and a variety of pleasing objects every where attract their notice, without ever thinking of their Maker, and rendering unto him the just praises of his excellence. This odious vice of ingratitude, the source of much ini. quity, is most evident at this season; and shall man, the only creature in the universe capable of reflecting upon his happiness, be the only one insensible to it?