Harmony between the Natural and Moral World.

rection, without ever having the rashness to cavil at its dispensations. This submission and dependance are the only means of happiness here, and glory hereafter.

MARCH XXII.

THE HARMONY WHICH SUBSISTS BETWEEN THE NATURAL AND MORAL WORLD.

THE wisdom of God has established the greatest affinity between the earth and its inhabitants, to shew that the one was manifestly made for the others. There is a mutual connection between, and perfect harmony in all the works of the Most High. Human nature, and the surface of the earth, have the most evident connection, and the most striking analogy. As the bodies of animals and plants are formed, grow up, come to maturity, and perish; so also are the bodies of men subject to the same laws of nature. As there is a great diversity of climates and soils, some of which are fertile, while others are barren; there is a similar variety in the minds, talents, and faculties of men. Such has been the plan of the Great Creator; and in this diversity, there is more goodness, and wisdom also, than at first view appears. Far from being defective, we should find nothing but beauty and perfection in it, if we had a thorough knowledge of things.

Should any one be tempted to object; "Why then has not God given the same faculties, and the same degree of intellect to all men?" We may answer; Who art thou, blind and frail mortal, who callest God to an account for his works? Shall the creature say to the

Harmony between the Natural and Moral World.

Creator, Why hast thou made me thus? We might as well ask, Why has not God so ordered matters, that all nations and places on the earth should be alike pleasant and fertile? Why do we find in one place, a rich and fruitful soil, while another is so barren and ungrateful, that all attempts to improve it are thrown away? This diversity is without doubt, just and good; and highly worthy of our admiration, though not always conformable to our mode of thinking. The most barren and desert regions have their beauty and use, in the eyes of the Creator: it is the same with the less cultivated and savage nations: all hold that rank which is proper in the immensity of created beings, and their diversity points out the infinitely varied wisdom of God. Eph. iii. 10.

But, as it is manifestly the intention of the Divine Providence, that the earth should be cultivated, and that it should produce an abundance of fruit for the preservation of men and animals; and as it is for this end, that he has given us corn to sow the earth; so also, and with still more reason, it is agreeable to his wisdom that human nature should be cultivated; that our souls should be rendered fruitful, and brought into a capacity to produce an excellent harvest of virtue and holiness. It is with this design, that he has given men lessons of true religion, which, if they find a soil well disposed to receive them, will produce exquisite fruit, like the corn that is sown in a fruitful field. Hence it is, that the gospel produces its effects in proportion to the natural capacities of men; and the dispositions with which they receive it,

Nature and Properties of Air.

There are still in our days, vast tracts of uncultivated and barren land; although Providence denies such regions nothing which is requisite to render them fertile. It is thus, that notwithstanding the publication of the gospel, there are so many nations which still remain in ignorance. And, even among the most polished nations of Christendom, the influence of the gospel is very different, and ever will be, according to the diversity of character of those to whom it is preached. Some do not comprehend it, and have no notion of the saving power of the truths of our holy religion. Others receive these truths with joy and eagerness; but the impressions they receive are not of long duration. Among others, earthly appetites, and worldly cares choak the divine word. Finally, there are others, but these are the smallest numbers, who receive the seed in an honest and good heart, with light, contrition, and sincerity; to these alone it is the power of God unto salvation. Rom. i. 16.

Reader, to which class dost thou belong? What impressions has the doctrine of salvation made upon thy soul? What fruit has the good seed of the gospel produced in thy heart? These are questions which thy, conscience should answer honestly and sincerely. But, the whole course of thy life will give the best answer.— What then does it say?—

MARCH XXIII.

THE NATURE AND PROPERTIES OF AIR.

AIR is a subtile and fluid substance, which surrounds every part of our globe; and which all living creatures

Nature and Properties of Air.

respire. Although it is so near us, surrounds us on all sides, and we continually feel its effects; yet we have not a full knowledge of its nature. This, at least, we know, that it is a corporeal substance, of which we may be convinced, by rapidly moving our hand backwards and forwards; as we shall then feel a considerable resistance from it. It is not less certain, that the air is fluid, that its parts do not cohere, but pass easily by each other; and by this means, yield to all kinds of impressions. If it were a solid body, we could neither breathe nor pass through it.

Gravity is a property common to the air with all other bodies; and this is to water, as 1 to 800; but its weight is nevertheless very considerable: every square inch of the surface of the globe, is pressed by a column of air of 15lbs. weight: every square foot, by one of 2160 lbs. and a middle sized man, whose surface is about 14 square feet, carries a load of atmospheric air equal to 30,240 lbs. weight! This may appear incredible: but the resistance of the air which is within our bodies, prevents us from feeling the pressure of the external air; for that air which is pent up in our bodies, maintains an equilibrium with that which acts upon us in all directions.

Elasticity is another manifest property of the air. It has a continual tendency to dilate itself, and to occupy a larger space and although it may be easily compressed, yet, as soon as the pressure is removed, it immediately expands. Fire and heat shew this property of the air, and by these means, it may be made to occupy a space 550,000 times greater than that which it occupies in its common atmospheric state; nor does it

M 2

Nature and Properties of Air.

lose the smallest portion of elastic power by this amazing expansion.

All these are wonders, highly deserving our admiration; and in them we may find the causes of a multitude of astonishing effects. It is the air which supports our globe, and keeps it in its orbit. It is in the air that the clouds are collected, which assume so many different forms and colours; and which, according as they are condensed or rarefied, suspend the vapours, or precipitate them in rain, hail, or snow upon the earth. Without the air, our senses could be of no use to us : our lives and the lives of other animals, could not be supported and without it, neither fire nor water could exist.

Thus then, the air also, announces the grandeur, power, and goodness of God. His infinite wisdom alone, could adapt this element to so many different uses. It is God, who is the Creator and Governor of the Rain, the Snow, the Winds, the Thunders and the Lightnings. He alone has made all these things. Let us adore the depths of the riches of his wisdom and understanding, which manifest themselves with so much splendor in the whole economy of nature. With what wisdom has he measured the quantity, gravity, elasticity and motion of the air! With what goodness does he cause it to serve an infinity of purposes to the welfare of our globe! Can we who every moment

*The doctrine contained in this sentence may be objected to by some, as appearing contrary to the received principles of gravitation and attraction. Let them take the Author's words: Die Luft ist es, welche den Erdboden tragt, und ihn in seinem stande, und in seiner Bahn erhalt.