found by an humble enquirer, to pervade the whole globe, and he will be led to confess, not only that nothing has been made in vain, but that every thing has been formed with supreme wisdom, and with reference to the happiness and comfort of man. There is always something to gratify his taste, his sight, his smell, his hearing, or his other senses. One person may ask what the use is of those minute worms and insects we see in water, and another enquire the reason why nettles were made. Yet these will be found to be of essential service to us. The former are the food of fish and water-fowl, and the latter not only afford shelter to feeble birds, but are fed upon by the larvæ of numerous moths, butterflies and other insects, which are again preyed upon by birds, and thus man is ultimately benefitted.

So it is through all the works of creation. From the great globe itself to the most insignificant insect or plant, every thing is perfect. The earth is stored with fuel, and with the purest water for our use. The sun shines upon us by day, and the moon, "that refulgent lamp of night," is seen in the magnificent ceiling of the heavens,

glittering on the ocean, and gleaming on the forest." Surely when we consider these things, and reflect what an atom our life is when contrasted with eternity—when we compare our own insignificance, with the stupendous power and majesty

we are

of the Great Creator of all things, we should pause before we either enter upon or continue in a state of sin, folly, or indifference. We have a kind and compassionate Saviour to intercede for us-a merciful Father ready to forgive us assured that the ways of religion are ways of pleasantness, and that all her paths are peace. The bible contains the most affecting promises, as well as the most awful denunciations. The mens conscia recti, that inward monitor, which every one possesses, may be stifled for a time, but it will be heard in the hour of sickness, misfortune or of death. Then comes that bitter agony, which it is the part of a wise and good man to use his utmost endeavours to avoid.

As I have remarked before, the study of the works of creation, are well adapted to assist us in acquiring a knowledge of the Great Creator, and of forming our minds into a tranquil and happy state. Our affections will be refined by it, our dispositions become gentle and kind, and we shall have an employment equally useful and agreeable. We shall then learn that what we now consider trifles in the scale of creation, are not so but value them as convincing evidences of the wise controul of a beneficent Providence.

The very law that moulds a tear,

And bids it trickle from its source,
That law maintains the world a sphere,

And guides the planets in their course.

May we not also find that when these pursuits are cultivated with a constant reference to the Great Creator," and when through them we endeavour to habituate our minds to the contemplation of his power and goodness, may we not trust, with a better hope, that such a study will be productive of advantages, which shall not desert us at the hour of death."

The love of Nature works,

And warms the bosom; till at last sublim'd

To rapture, and enthusiastic heat,

We feel the present Deity, and taste

The joy of God to see a happy world!

THOMSON.

FOREST Scenery is, perhaps, better adapted than any other for the contemplation of the works of Nature. There we may with least disturbance study those objects which are generally far removed from the haunts of men. We learn to cherish those gentle thoughts, which endear many a woodland walk, and afford delightful associations as we stroll through a sequestered nook, a bushy dell, or by a "bosky bourn." We may then exclaim in the beautiful language of Milton

I know each land, and every alley green,
Dingle, or bushy dell, of this wild wood,
And every bosky bourn from side to side.

In the spring and summer months, every field is a wilderness of beauty, full of enjoyment. Every copse or hedge-row is redolent of sweets. A lesson full of meaning is then conveyed to us with touching simplicity, proclaiming gently, but irresistibly, and in cheerfulness and peace, the

superintendence of a kind and benevolent Providence. The loveliest images are presented to our imagination, whether it be a flock of sheep watched over by their shepherd-a brood of chickens fostered under the wing of their mother, or flowers clothed with beauty by their Great Creator. When we reflect, also, how bountifully the means of occupation and happiness are spread before us, and how cheaply some of our truest pleasures may be purchased, we may learn to be thankful for such a lavish dispensation of blessings. We may then feel that even the most lowly things are not insignificant, and that Nature is every where pregnant with the best kind of in

struction.

I shall always reflect with pleasure on some interesting rides I had this spring with an intelligent friend and naturalist, in the more retired parts of Windsor Great Park and Forest. The gentle rains had invigorated the earth every thing had just burst into freshness and beauty the birds sang their joyous notes the Cuckoo was heard in every direction-the green Woodpecker uttered its wild cry, and the Herons were making their silent gyrations over our heads, as we rode under the trees on which their nests were forming. We there contemplated an enormous beech-tree (and there are very many in this fine park), spreading its widely extended branches which were clothed