crocodile is the most formidable; it first proceeds from an egg not larger than that of a goose, and attains to the immense length of from twenty to thirty feet. It is cruel, voracious, and extremely cunning. Serpents form the second class of amphibious animals. They have no feet, but creep along by a winding vermicular motion, by means of the scales and rings that cover their bodies; and their spinal vertebræ have a peculiar structure to favour this motion. Some serpents are said to possess the property of fascinating birds, and the small creatures they wish to prey upon; these, seized with a sudden fear at the sight of the serpent, and perhaps stupified by the poisonous and fetid exhalations it emits, have no power to fly, and fall an easy prey into the gaping throat of their adversary. The jaws of serpents can be opened to such an extent, that they are able to swallow animals of a larger bulk than their own heads. Some serpents have fangs in their mouths resembling their other teeth, and they act as a sort of dart which they can push in and out as they please; and by this means they insert into the wound which they make a poisonous humour, which is ejected from a little bag placed at the root of the tooth. This poison has the peculiar property of only being hurtful to parts where the flesh has been wounded, for it may be taken internally without danger. The serpents thus armed form but about the tenth part of the whole species; none of the others are venomous, though they dart at men and animals with as much fury as if they could hurt them. The rattlesnake is by far the most dangerous. is commonly from three to four feet long, and about as thick as the thigh of a man. Its smell is strong and disagreeable; and it seems as if nature had designed this, as well as its rattles, to warn men of its approach, that they might have time to avoid it. This reptile is most furious when tormented by hunger, or when it rains. It never bites till it has coiled itself in a circle; but it assumes this form with incredible quickness: to coil itself up, to rear itself upon its tail, to dart upon its prey, to wound it, and to retire, is but the work of a moment. It Perhaps it will be asked why God has created a species of animals that only seem to exist for the torment and destruction of man? This and similar questions show that we only think of ourselves, that we are too hasty in forming our judgments, and too much disposed to blame the works of God. Considered in this point of view, such questions are very reprehensible; but if we ask them for the purpose of being more convinced of the wisdom and goodness of God in the works of the creation, they are not only commendable, but absolutely necessary for every reflecting person to ask. To those then who inquire for the sake of information, and further advancement in the things of God, I wish to address myself. Perhaps it may appear to you that such creatures as lizards and serpents could not have been created for the general good of the world. But this is a rash opinion ; for if among amphibious animals there are some which do too much mischief, it is certain that the greater part of them are harmless. 353 And is it not a proof of God's goodness, that not more than the tenth part of serpents are venomous? And even those which are mischievous have their bodies so formed, that it is generally possible to escape their attacks. Thus, however formidable is the rattlesnake, it cannot conceal its approach; its odour and rattles giving sufficient warning. It is also worthy of remark, that Providence has opposed to this dangerous animal an enemy able to conquer it. The sea-hog every where seeks and devours it with avidity; and a child is strong enough to kill the most terrible of these reptiles, for a very slight blow with a stick across their backs almost instantly kills them. Besides, it would be extremely unjust only to dwell upon the mischief these creatures may do us, without considering the advantages which they actually procure us. Some of them are beneficial as nourishment; others supply us with medicines; and the shell of the tortoise is useful for many purposes. In short, the wisdom and goodness of God are not less conspicuous in this than in all other parts of the creation. To reflect upon his divine perfections, to admire and to adore them, is our duty when we see animals which appear to be injurious to us; but never let us complain of his arrangements, or murmur at his dispensations: it would be still more culpable with regard to these creatures, because our faculties are too limited to comprehend the various uses for which they may be designed, SEPTEMBER XXVII. PERFECTIONS OF THE WORKS OF GOD. What can equal the perfection of the works of God? and who can describe the infinite power which is displayed in them? It is not only that their immensity, number, and variety fill us with admiration; but each work in particular is formed with such infinite art, that each is perfect in its kind, and the wonderful proportion and regularity of the smallest productions display the boundless intelligence and grandeur of their Author. We are justly astonished at the different arts which the moderns have invented, and by means of which they execute things that would have appeared to our ancestors as supernatural. We measure the height, the breadth, and the depth of bodies, we know the orbits of the stars, and we can direct the course of rivers; we can elevate or depress waters, construct buildings to move upon the sea, and perform many other works which do honour to the human understanding. But what are all the inventions of man, his most magnificent and beautiful productions, in comparison of the least of the works of God? How weak and imperfect imitations, how far below the original? Let the most eminent artist exert all his skill to give his work a pleasing and useful form; let him polish and perfect it with all his art and care; and after all his labours, industry, and efforts, let him examine his performance through a microscope, and 30* 2 U see how coarse, ill-shaped, and rough it will appear! He will discover how great is its want of regularity and proportion. But whether we examine the works of the eternal God through a microscope or with the naked eye, they bear the minutest examination, and the closest inspection; they are always admirable, always beautiful, of an exquisite form and order, of an incomparable symmetry. Divine wisdom has formed and arranged all the parts of every body with infinite art, and wonderful harmony and proportion. Such is the prerogative of unlimited power, that admirable order reigns throughout the creation; from the greatest to the most minute productions of nature, all is harmony; every thing is so well connected that no void is perceptible, and in the vast catenation of created beings not a single link is wanting; nothing is out of place or defective, every thing is necessary to the perfection of the whole, and each part, separately considered, will be found perfect in itself. It is impossible to describe the numberless beauties, the ever-varying charms, the beautifully blended shades of colouring, the rich hues, and diversified ornaments of the meadows and the valleys; of the mountains and the forests; of the plants and the flowers! Is there a single work of God which has not its peculiar characteristic beauty? Is not that which is the most useful at the same time the most pleasing? What an astonishing variety of forms, figures, and dimensions, do we not discover in the inanimate part of the creation? But a still greater diversity is observable among animated beings, and yet each individual is perfect in its kind, without any thing to add or diminish. How powerful and infinite then must be that being, by a single act of whose will so many creatures rose into existence. But to admire the grandeur and power of God we need not go back to that remote period of time, when at his word every being rose out of nothing, every thing was created in an instant, and in a moment attained its full perfection. Do we not now behold at the return of each succeeding spring a new creation? What can be more admirable and striking than the revolution which then takes place ? At the close of autumn, the valleys, the fields, the meadows, and the forests gradually droop, and appear to die; nature, during the winter, loses all her beauties; the very animals languish, the little birds hide themselves, and no longer pour their swelling notes through the groves, where not a green leaf is seen, but all is desert, and nature mourns her faded charms. Yet at this very time a secret power is working for her renovation, without our being conscious of its influence; life again animates the torpid bodies; and they are preparing to undergo a kind of resurrection. How can we so often witness this magnificent spectacle without admiring, in humble adoration, the power and glory of the eternal God, who has given to the trees their foliage; to the flowers their beauty and fragrance; to the woods and to the meadows their delight veidure; and who has caused bread, wine, and oil to spring up f.om the earth, to make glad the heart of man? O Lord, how great and manifold are thy works! Thou hast made them all with wis dom: the earth is full of thy riches. I will never recline beneath the shade of a spreading tree, and view the fields gay with flowers, the corn waving in rich luxuriance, or see the distant forests, without joyfully remembering that it is my God and heavenly protector who has thus clothed the creation in beauty. SEPTEMBER XXVIII. FRUITS. This is the blessed season in which the divine goodness lavishes upon us fruits of every kind in plentiful abundance. The charms of summer are succeeded by solid enjoyments; delicious fruits replace the faded flowers. The mellow apple, whose golden brilliancy is heightened by the rich streaks of purple, weighs down the branch which bears it; the luscious pears and plums, whose juice is sweeter than honey, display their beauties, and invite us to pluck them.' How inexcusable and selfish are those people, who, at the sight of all these blessings, which the munificence of God bestows upon them, never have any good thoughts arise in their souls, nor endeavour to sanctify the pleasures of autumn by reflecting on the kindness of their God! How wisely has the Creator distributed fruits in the different seasons of the year! Though summer and autumn are generally the times when nature produces these rich gifts, with the assistance of art we can obtain them both in spring and in winter, and our tables may thus be provided with fruit all the year round. As early as the month of June, nature produces of herself, unaided by art, raspberries, gooseberries, and cherries. The month of July furnishes our tables with peaches, apricots, and some kinds of pears. In August fruits appear in the most lavish profusion; figs, late cherries, and a variety of delicious pears. September gives us grapes, winter pears, and apples; and October yields more varieties of the same kinds of fruits. Thus nature distributes her gifts with the wisest economy, so that without having them in too great abundance, we enjoy an ample variety, and constant succession. And though as winter approaches the number and variety of fruits begin to diminish, we are still able to preserve many of them for use during the whole of this season. Providence has not designed man to be idle, but has intended him to be always active, and to labour to supply his wants; hence he has distributed his blessings with such diversity, and has so formed them, that if proper care is not taken to preserve them they will spoil, and be of no value. How great is the abundance of fruits, and the profusion with which they are distributed! Though birds and insects are continually feeding upon them, we have yet a sufficient quantity left for use. If we could calculate how much fruit a hundred trees would produce in a favourable year, we should be astonished at the immense quantity. Why is there such an abundance of fruits, if not to supply men with nourishment, and particularly those who are poor and destitute? In giving to them these fruits, so plentifully, Providence has supplied them with a cheap, nourishing, and wholesome food, and so agreeable that they have no cause to envy the rich their seasoned and often unwholesome viands. Few kinds of aliment are more salubrious and nourishing than fruits and we ought to consider it as a merciful care of God, that he has given them to us in a season when they may be used as most excellent remedies, as well as refreshing and pleasant food. Nothing is more delicious than fruit; each species has a taste peculiar to itself, and it is certain they would lose much of their value if they had all the same flavour; their variety renders them more exquisite, and delectable. Thus Providence, like a tender parent, not only provides for the support of his creatures, he also ministers to their pleasures. May it be our fondest delight, and most pleasing duty, to devote ourselves to the service of so kind a Father! How great will our happiness be, if we give ourselves up to him with full purpose of heart! What sweet consolation, and pure and exalted pleasures, shall we then taste! What bright hopes may we not indulge for happiness in our future existence ! SEPTEMBER XXIX. HYMN OF PRAISE, IMITATED FROM PSALM CXLVII. Praise ye the Lord, for he is omnipotent! He telleth the number of the stars, and calleth each by its name. Thou earth, and ye heavens, celebrate him; his name is great and glorious; the sceptre of his power rules over you with majesty; celebrate the Almighty! Unite your voices to bless the God of mercy! Ye who are distressed, come unto him; come to your Father; he is gentle, merciful, and gracious; a God of peace, charity, and love. The heavens become dark; but it is to water the earth with fruitful rains. Verdure beautifies our fields; grass grows, and fruits ripen; for the clouds pour from heaven the bounty of our God, who is full of kindness. Let every thing that breathes glorify the Lord! Beasts and birds, fish and insects, nothing is forgotten, all the objects of his care, all are nourished by his bounty. Let us praise and celebrate our heavenly Father! O how he supports and comforts those who trust in his mercy, and confide in his power! One friend often cannot save another, and the utmost strength of man cannot save him from danger. Alas! wretched is the mortal who seeketh vain supports! Put not your trust in princes, nor in the sons of men, in whom there is no help; but repose |