Year: 1870

BY LEAL.


When we look around on all the
beautiful works Of nature, we see this
great fact demonstrated beyond the
shadow Of doubt. The little murmur.
ing rill winding through Aowery mead
ows-somotiues gushing and bubbling
over the messy pebbles which inter-
sperse its bed, then pursuing its onward
course Till itsudiCn'ya and uncons ciously
widens Into mighty river throwing
forth on its banks the white aud glis.
teniug shells, and roaring out its swell
ing praises, which shall ascend in one
uneudiug strain to that throne in tie
heavens circled with majesty and light,
is living proof of its truthfulness -
When the rosy fugcrs OF the opening
morn sprinkle the pearly dew, the little
flowers scattered DER the universe raise
their modest heads in thanks for its
refreshing GOODNESS ofter the warm
night, aud seem to utter innocent praises
as they nod in the early breeze. Then,
when twilight throws her mystic veil
o'cr all, they gently fold their petals
round them in silent gratitude. can
not imagine how the attentive naturalist
can forget natures God when he is thus
surrounded by such "sweet reminders"
Of His goodness. The armament of
heaven, bestudded with its gittering
hosts in magnificent profusiou, is con-
stnntly blinking and w.nkiu5 out praises
to that just Being by whom il was
formed The great power of the Al
mighty is strikingly exhibited in the
thunder and lightning which character
ize terrific storm; and these elements
thus vent out their praise of His infinite
might. The little birds skimming
gracefully through the air, with varie-
gated plumage, warble forth their glad
and grateful songs, aud thus cheer the
heart of man. To him they seem limo.
cent aud happy creatures, and he can
truly address them thus


"Storms may rufle thy soft breast,


hut they soon are hashed to rest;


Leaving nothing In their train,


That can give thy bosom pain"


And when all visible nature is thus
mindful of its great Creator and Director.
should not man, His superior work, be
much more SOL Yet there are some
who so through the world having the
choicest blessings of providence bestow
ed upon them, aud think not of return.
ing humble thanks. They imagine that
such gifts rightfully belong to them,
aud do not consider that if they were
recompenscd according to their deeds
they would be rather cursed than
blessed. We should remember that the
gifts from heaven descend not from
God under any obligations to fallen
man, but are given of lis own free will
aud not according to our merits, but
His mercy therefore, we should be
doubfy grateful There are also those
living in a righteous age, when people
slorIiy their Maker, who refuse TO
believe in God, and who presume to set
up their own notions for the ordinary
phenomena of nature. These last are
skeptcal, aud are so narrow in
their views that they do not extend
them beyond the skies, and they will
not be convinced of their error by the
humble followers of Jesus. Different
individuals have different causes for
praising God. The industrious hus.
Dnndman may be seen clasping his
hands IN his secret closet and thanking
God TOT rewarding his labors with an
abundant crop, while he is stimulated
to continue his exertions. The pious
widow throws herself on her knees bv
her darling daughters couch and offers
sincere thanks for Gods mercy in re
storing her when she was on the very
brink ofdcath The aged father thanks
his God for giving him kind, dutiful
son to cheer his last sad hours. This
good son works to support him; reads
50 soothing y to him, and talks and
laughs so merrily, that he is great |
'olace, and his loss would be iusupport.
able, The rural pastor praises his
Iather IN heaven for increasing his lit. |
lle flock, and prays to be made more
Jealous IN tho cause Of holiness The
shepherd boy, stalking DER the distant
hills, sings praises for being placed in
his beautiful world, aud for being en-. |
trusted with the care of the feecy sheen
aud the tender lambs. He can com. |
nune with nature and with his net
companions or, resting himself on



messy rock, wake the sweetest harmon,
rom his faithful Tyre. Earth has great
charms for him thus living iu listless.