fowl, Harry, but you did not know that it was endued with the power of bruising and grinding the corn as effectually, and by the same mechanical action, as that of the mill which grinds the coffeeberries for our breakfast.

"This is very curious," said Harry: "then the gizzard of birds supplies their want of teeth."

"You travel too fast, Harry. All birds have not gizzards; the contrivance is only found where there is a necessity for it. Birds of prey have no occasion for such an organ; their food does not require to be ground in a mill. They have hooked beaks, and strong, sharp, crooked talons, fitted for seizing their prey, and tearing it to pieces. It would be easy to multiply these instances; for. the same principle is uniformly acted upon by the Creator. Throughout the wonderful variety of animated beings which he has called into exist ence, we find the outward form, and the internal organs, to be exactly that which is best adapted to the habits and the comfort of each species. I do not, however, wish to give you any further proofs at present. If there were no other instances of intelligent contrivance in nature, than those I have mentioned, they would be sufficient, and more than sufficient, to prove to you that there could not be such evident marks of design, unless there were some power capable of inventing and executing these things."

"I know it," replied Harry: "the watch must have had a watchmaker."

"Yes, that was our first conclusion; and you see that it may be applied to greater things than a watch."

CHAPTER V.

"Thro' worlds unnumber'd tho' the God be known, 'Tis ours to trace him only in our own."

POPE.

On Sunday evening Harry read the 19th Psalm to his parents, and afterwards accompanied them to the terrace in the garden, where they continued to walk, till long after the magnificent tints of the western horizon had faded into the obscurity of twilight. The eastern sky remained unbroken by a single cloud, and the full moon appeared slowly rising behind a distant wood. They stopped with one consent, and watched it gradually emerging, till it hung suspended, "like a lamp of gold," over the dark tufted trees. "The

heavens indeed declare the glory of God!" said Mr. Beaufoy, breaking silence. Harry pressed his mother's arm with one hand, while with the other he pointed to the beautiful object of their attention. "I wonder, mamma," said he "I wonder very much, why you never chose that for one of your proofs of his power and wisdom."

I think your mother acted very wisely in not

doing so," replied Mr. Beaufoy: "she wished to convince you, by the evidence of your senses, that there is an intelligent Creator. This can be done most effectually by observing such of his works as we have an opportunity of submitting to a close and accurate inspection. When we examine their construction, and find the different parts perfectly adapted to each other, or when we perceive that a threatening danger has been guarded against by an express precaution, the existence of design is so evident, that the most careless observer must be struck by it. If once we prove design, you know, Ilarry, we are sure that there must be a contriver."

"What you say is very true, papa; but I like to think of his glory," said Harry, whose eyes were still fixed upon the moon.

'I grant," resumed Mr. Beaufoy, "that when the understanding is convinced of the existence of the Creator, the contemplation of the heavenly bodies is calculated to raise our minds to sublimer views of the magnificence and immensity of his works. The mere image of the moon, presented to the eye of a child, cannot do this. You can perceive in it only a luminous circle à we have nothing with which we can compare it; no invention--no discovery-no operation of art that resembles it. Much reading and thinking will be necessary, before you can understand the laws which govern the motions of the heavenly bodies, and connect them with the systems to which they belong. Your mother might have told

you a great deal respecting these things, but you must have taken her word for it. The examples she has chosen were suited to your understanding, and evident to your senses. They also served another important purpose.'

"What is that, papa ?"

"They are calculated to give you a just idea of the character of this invisible and mysterious being. The moon walking in brightness may declare his glory, for he who created it must be glorious and powerful; but the curious and perfect organization of every creature that has life; the minute and tender care that has been shown to adapt its instincts to its wants, and to make existence a blessing; what does this prove, Harry?"

"That God is kind and good."

"And if to some of his creatures he has given an understanding capable of observing and reflecting upon these proofs of wisdom, power, and goodness, and of discovering that all the blessings they enjoy are his gift, what effect ought it to produce upon their minds ?"

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"I think they ought to be very grateful."

"And how do people show their gratitude?— you, for instance, when you feel grateful to your mother, or to me?"

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I try to obey you, papa, and to please you in every thing."

"But if you had never seen us, Harry, you would feel very much at a loss what to do in order to please us, even though you should every

day receive some proof of our love and care for you."

"That is very true, papa; but how could I help it ?"

"You could not help it, my dear boy; and such would be the unhappy condition of men, if they were left to the religion of nature. They could only guess what conduct would be acceptable to the Deity."

"Then, papa, it is not a good religion: people ought to be quite sure."

"There was an extraordinary man among the ancient Greeks, who was of the same opinion. By constantly meditating on the works of creation, he discovered that there must be a Being of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness, who desires the happiness of his creatures. Socrates, for that was the name of this philosopher, thought that the Divine Wisdom would be pleased with men who led a virtuous life, and he spent all his time in going about to admonish and reform his countrymen. Some of them profited by his instructions, but he found it impossible to convince others; and he felt so much uncertainty on many subjects himself, that he acknowledged men could not become what they ought to be, until it should please the Deity to favour them with a more enlightened teacher. With what seriousness would Socrates have listened to that further revelation of himself, and his intentions respecting mankind, which the Almighty has since been pleased to impart!"