Imperfection of our Knowledge in Natural Things.

is infinitely great, need we be astonished, that it is impossible to fathom its true principles.

But, supposing God had given us such energy and comprehension of mind, as would have enabled us to take in the universe, with the connections and relations of all its parts, so that we could penetrate the inmost recesses of nature and discover distinctly, its primary laws, what would be the consequence? It is true, we should then have an opportunity of admiring in its full extent, the wisdom of God in his arrangement of the world; but this admiration could not last long. In all probability, we should then resemble, what men in general now are, who, through their fickleness, continue to admire things only, as long as they appear above their comprehension. If we had a clear and distinct idea of the whole system of nature, possibly we might think ourselves capable of forming a similar plan. In short, we might forget the infinite distance between God and us, and cease to render him the glory due to his name.

We have, therefore, no reason to complain of our imperfect knowledge of nature; but, on the contrary, to thank God that it is just what it is. Were the essence of things better known to us, we should not be so affected with them, nor so grateful to God, as we now are; nor could we employ ourselves, with so much satisfaction in the contemplation of his works as we now do; as we could not in that case, be continually making new discoveries. Now, though we have learned only the very first rudiments of the book of nature, we feel the magnificence of the Creator, and

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The Utility of Vegetables.

our own littleness. At present, every observation, every new discovery we make, fills us with astonishment at the power and wisdom of God: and the desire to arrive at that happy abode, where we shall have a more perfect knowledge of God and his works, continues to be more and more enkindled in our hearts.

O God! guide us by thy Spirit, that we may make a good use of the knowledge thou hast already granted us, and endeavour to grow in it continually! Let not our knowledge be ever unfruitful; but let it excite us more and more to glorify and obey thee! To this end, may we ever remember, that thou wilt not judge us according to the extent of our knowledge, but according to the use we have made of the talents thou hast graciously granted us.

MARCH XVIII.

THE UTILITY OF VEGETABLES.

WHEN we consider the great number and variety of Vegetables, we discover, as in every thing else, the beneficent designs of the Creator. What, indeed, could he propose in covering the earth with so many different herbs, with so many plants and fruits, but the advantage and happiness of his creatures?

There is so great a number and diversity of plants, that upwards of 30,000 species have been already reckoned; and every day new classes and new species are discovered. Their increase seems infinite: for example, who can help being astonished, when he finds, that one grain of Turkey-corn produces 2000 others! that one poppy-seed multiplies itself so, that

The Utility of Vegetables.

in two or three years you may sow a large field with it! Can we suppose, that God has not had the good of his creatures particularly in view, by this prodigious multiplication of plants? Of this we cannot entertain a doubt, if we consider the use which has been made of vegetables, from the most remote times. Do not plants and fruits furnish us daily with the most wholesome and nutritive food? Do not we owe the greater part of our clothing, houses, and the utensils which afford us so many conveniencies, and so much pleasure, to the vegetable kingdom?

Every part of a plant is useful. The Roots furnish us with medicines, food, fuel, pitch, dyes, and all sorts of utensils. Of the Wood, men make charcoal, buildings, fuel, medicines, paper, dyes, and an innumerable multitude of instruments. The Bark is of the utmost use in medicine, tanning, &c. The Ashes are useful to fertilize and ameliorate the soil, to bleach cloth, to make nitre; and pot-ashes are employed in dying. The Resin is useful in painting: Pitch, Tar, and Balsams, are formed from it. Turpentine is useful in medicine; Colophonia, for varnishing and cement. With Resin, the bows and strings of musical instruments are rubbed, to render them more sonorous and Mastic is used in perfumes. The Flowers please and comfort, not only by their colours, but also by their odours: they are useful in medicine, and furnish bees with wax and honey. The Fruits, which ripen by degrees, serve for food, and are eaten either raw, boiled, roasted, pickled, &c.

But, Vegetables are not for the use of man alone;

The Utility of Vegetables.

they are of the utmost utility to animals, most of which have no other food. Hence it is, that fields and meadows are so multiplied, and that there is such a vast variety of plants and herbs, that the different animals may find what is proper for their nourishment.

Where, O heavenly Father! can we find suitable expressions to celebrate thy goodness? Who can reckon up all the blessings, which, at thy command, the vegetable kingdom affords us? It is, at least, manifest, that all the arrangements of thy Providence, in this respect have, for their grand object, the advantage of thy creatures. Thou hast provided for the wants of each individual. Thou hast assigned to each that plant, which is most proper for its nourishment and preservation. There is not a plant upon the earth, but what has its particular destination and use. What sentiments of veneration and gratitude should we feel, at the sight of the lawns, fields, and meadows! Here thy beneficent care has collected all that is necessary for the comfort and support of the inhabitants of the earth. Here, O God! thou openest thy hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living creature! Here every herb, every ear of corn, every flower, every tree, proclaims thy goodness! I will no longer be deaf, or insensible to so intelligible a voice: I will taste and see that thou art good: I will take encouragement from thy mercy, and repose my confidence more and more in THEE!

MARCH XIX.

THE STRUCTURE OF THE HUMAN HEART.

WITH what marvellous and inimitable art is that muscular substance, which is situated in the cavity of the breast, constructed. It is called the Heart; its figure nearly approaches that of an obtuse pyramid: and it is so situated that its point inclines a little to the left side. Its substance appears to be a series of fleshy fibres, woven together with admirable art. The external fibres extend from the left side of the heart towards the right; and the internal fibres extend from the right to the left. This substance has two inward cavities, which are called the ventricles; and which are separated from each other by a fleshy partition. Here, one vein is found which conducts the blood from the upper part of the body into the right ventricle: another, which brings back the blood from the lower parts into that same cavity; an artery which sends it into the lungs; another vein, by which it returns from the lungs into the left ventricle; whence it is distributed all over the body by the great artery. On the side of the right ventricle is a sort of cavity, or muscular bag, which is called the Auricle; and which receives the blood before it enters into the right ventricle. Another Auricle, not less useful, hangs at the left ventricle, that the blood may stop there, during a new contraction. All the blood passes through the heart; some is continually going in, and coming out: and by the contractions of the heart and arteries, it is propelled to every part of the body, and circulates through all the veins.