REFLECTIONS

ON

THE WORKS OF GOD;

AND OF HIS PROVIDENCE

THROUGHOUT ALL NATURE.

HALIFAX:

PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY WILLIAM MILNER

CHEAPSIDE.

MDCCCXLV.

PREFACE,

No long preface is required for such a work as the present. Its object is sufficiently explained and justified by its title, and the method of illustration adopted by the author is fully exhibited in the table of contents. The work has always been held in the highest estimation by persons of discernment, and even to the mere superficial reader it will prove an interesting and instructive book.

The principal design of Sturm appears to be to inform the mind,-to better the heart,-to elevate the affections above terrestrial objects, and to fix them on the great Creator of the universe. To effect this great and worthy object, he brings before the reader a great variety of most interesting topics. The reader's attention is very agreeably directed to the existence and attributes of God-to his creature man, the inferior lord of earth, as fearfully and wonderfully made,'-to the wonders of vegetation and animated nature, to the wonders of the earth and the sea, and the things therein contained,-to the glories of the sun, moon, and planets, astronomically considered,-to scientific pursuits, and their astonishing productions,-to the frailty of human existence here,-the splendour of man's constituted nature when mortality shall put on immortality—and his coronation in heaven;-these, and others, are the subjects of the following pages, by which the reader will be stimulated, in the first instance, to observe, think, and reason, and then, to admire and adore.

This work, from the variety of its contents, may be almost said to combine many books in one. It contains a distinct

subject for every day in the year, characterized by such variety and simplicity, and yet true sublimity, that every intellect by it may acquire knowledge, and also instruction in righteousness. Here sound philosophy and pure practical piety go hand in hand, to lead the serious reader through the beautiful paths of nature up to the paradise of God.

Again, Sturm's Reflections must be regarded as a fumily book. Not only may heads of families themselves derive benefit from its daily perusal, but the young committed to their charge will be profited also. Indeed we scarcely know any other book so well fitted for the purpose. Its pages will awaken attention-the various phenomena in nature, herein described, will excite wonder-and the pleasing style of the author will rivet youthful minds to the subject under consideration; and if the mind can be fixed, then there is hope for the production also of the moral effects. If the reflection for the day, with a portion of the sacred writings, were regularly read, and, during the day, considered, as opportunity might offer, then what knowledge might be accumulated, and what a happy and moral influence would be realized; and if this were done every day throughout the year, the effect on the mind and also on the conduct would be amazing. Wisdom, which is the principal thing, would be obtained-wisdom, which is more precious than rubies. We read of a Roman emperor who kept a diary of his actions, and who, when he had mis-spent a day, wrote in his book, I have lost a day.' By adopting the above plan, the reader of Sturm would not only be prevented from making use of the same exclamation, but would redeem the time, because the days are evil.'

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