KM 5 at iir.* ease Ijenrafli its ]ofty trees Ilusteai to the joTftil song of lie Tnrds BT R X- V.B . WHCTKMIKK . AVE M.VK1A. REFLECTIONS ON THE WORKS OF GODj AND OF HIS PROVIDENCE THROUGHOUT ALL NATURE. TRANSLATED BY THE REV. DR. BALFOUR, FROM THE GERMAN OF C. C. STURM. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. II. LONDON : PRINTED FOR G. AND W. B. WHITTAKER, AVE-MARIA-LANE. 1823. LONDON : PRINTED BY THOMAS DAV1SON, WHITIFRIAM. CONTENTS OF VOL. II. Page FOREIGN Plants ... 1 Transformation of Caterpillars The Silk-worm . The Rainbow Birds' Nests . . Diversity of Pleasures in Nature A Flower Garden Phenomena of a Thunder-storm The Ants . . Hail ..... The Utility of Storms . . , Of the Earth, and its primitive Constitution Phases of the Moon Mineral Waters Continual Activity of Nature in the Vegetable King dom ... . Beauty and Use of Meadows ' . . Morning Twilight Rural Pleasures . . . . Evening Twilight The Ephemeron Fly Diversity of Zones . . . Peculiarities of the Sea . . Different Shades observable in Flowers Summer Heat . . . Of some remarkable Properties in Animals . 3 6 8 10 12 15 17 19 22 24 26 28 31 33 35 37 39 40 41 43 46 49 51 53 2090923 if CONTENTS. The Human Countenance . * " e Gravity of Bodies . Many Effects in Nature proceed from the same Cause . Of some Diseases of Plants . 62 Means of Subsistence which Nature provides for Animals . * Meditation upon the Works of Nature Varieties of Stature in Men Vegetation of the Stalk of Wheat . . . 69 Doe-days . ... 7* SlSp ^ 74 Divisibility of Matter . . -75 External Structure of Insects . 77 Comparison between the Senses of Men and those of Animals . . .80 Thunder . . . .82 Contemplation upon a Meadow .84 Mischiefs caused by Animals . .86 Variety of Colours .... Habitations of the Beavers . . .90 Manner in which the Nutrition of the Human Body is effected . . . . 93 Nature considered in different Points of View 95 Damages which may be occasioned by Rain . 96 Cares of Animals for their Young . . .98 Sensibility of Plants . . . .101 Fear of Storms . . .103 Summer presents us with Images of Death . .104 Causes of the Heat of the Earth . . .107 Diversity of Plants . . . .109 Reflections upon the Animal Kingdom . .111 Division of the Earth . . 113 Of the Nature and Properties of Light . .115 Structure of Birds . . . .117 Reflections upon the Sky . . .119 Moral Reflections upon a Field of Corn . 120 Shell-fish . . . . .121 Upon the Government of God . . .123 Harvest Hymn .... 125 Thanksgiving for God's providential Care of his Crea- tures ..... ibid. CONTENTS. Hymn in Praise of the Most High The Omnipresence of God The Beauty and Variety of Butterflies The Growth of Trees . . The Ant-lion Conformity between Plants and Animals The Nature and Properties of Sound The Mysteries of Nature Eyes of Animals Fish . . Of the Propagation of Animals Influence of the Moon upon the Human Body The Mineral Kingdom Exotic Plants . . The Strength of Man compared with that of Animals Instinct of the Butterfly in the Propagation of its Species .... The Vine Hymn to celebrate the Works of the Creation Wonders which God daily effects in the Creation Digestion of Food . . . The Prevalence of Good in the World greater than that of Evil .... Enmity between Animals Moral Uses of Night Of Man's Indifference for the Works of Nature Of several nocturnal Meteors Amphibious Animals . . Perfection of the Works of God Fruits .... Hymn of Praise imitated from the 14 7th Psalm Invitation to praise God A Hymn in Praise of God Effects of Fire The Instinct and Industry of Birds Animal Reproductions The Organs of Taste Of God's Government with regard to natural Events The inexhaustible Riches of Nature Petrifactions The Operations of Nature are gradual vi CONTENTS. Page Fall of Leave* . . . 215 Different Species of Earths . .217 Wine . ... .219 Migration of Birds . 22 1 Variety of Trees 22 4 Temperature in different Climates of the Earth . . 226 Atmosphere of the Earth . . . 228 Proportion between Births and Deaths . .231 Ravages in the Kingdom of Nature . . . 233 Circulation of the Blood . 23C Proportion of various Parts of the Human Body . 239 Navigation . . .242 Beasts of Burden . . 244 Winter Seed-time . 247 Particular Providence . . . 2 48 Division of Time ..... 250 The End of Summer .... 253 Magnificence of God displayed in the Creadon . 254 Laws of Inertia ..... 258 Wants of Men . . . .260 Hymn upon die Power and Providence of God . 263 A Hymn of Praise . ... 265 Marine Animals ... . 266 The Wisdom of God in connecting the different Parts of Nature . . 268 Reflections upon the Summer which is passed . .271 Inconvenience of die Night . . . 274 Woods and Forests . . 276 The Sense of Feeling in Animals . . . 279 Remembrance of die Blessings which we enjoyed in Spring'and Summer . . . 282 Foreign Animals . . ... 284 Diversity of Winds .... 287 The Chase . . 289 Dreams . . ... 291 Every Thing in die Universe is connected together, and concurs to die Preservation and Perfection of the Whole .... 294 Common Salt .... 297 Origin of Fountains . ... 299 Hair of the Head .... 302 CONTENTS. Vll Page System of the World . . . 304 Lobsters ... . 305 Advantageous Situation of all the Parts of the Human Body . . . .-.'307 Order and Regularity of Nature . . .310 Of Winter in the Northern Countries . .313 Transformations in Nature . . . 316 The Greatness of God is perceptible in the least Things . 319 Gradual Increase of the Cold . . . 322 Snow . . . -324 Sleep of Animals during the Winter . . 326 Use of Storms ..... 328 Fortuitous Events ... . 330 The Majesty of God ... . .332 Motives for Contentment . . . 335 Grateful Remembrance of past Mercies . . 336 Hymn of Praise ..... 338 Era of the Creation of the World, and of the Human Race ... . . 339 The Use of Wood . . . .341 Remarkable Properties of certain Animals . . 343 Formation of Snow .... 346 Winter Plants . . . . .34? Exhortation to remember the Poor during the Severity of the Winter . . 349 Nature is a School for the Heart . . , 351 The Goodness of God manifested to Men, even in those Things which appear to be hurtful . . 353 Accidental Revolutions of our Globe . . 356 Gratitude for our Clothing . . . 358 Covering of Animals .... 360 Thoughts on the Ravages of Winter . . 362 Sagacity of Animals in procuring Sustenance for the Winter . . ... 363 Advantages of Winter .... 3cy The Elements .... 369 Influence of the Sun upon the Earth . . 372 Winter Rains ... . 374 Supposed Influence of the Planets and Fixed Stars . 376 The Polar Star .... 378 Effects of Air when confined in Bodies . . 380 nil CONTEXTS. Page Music . . 382 Men compared with other Animals . . . 383 Calculation concerning the Resurrection . . 386 Thoughts upon the Nativity of Christ . . 388 The Place of our Saviour's Nativity . . 389 Care which God takes of Men from the Time of their Birth . . . 392 Period of Human Life . . . .393 The Instability of earthly Things . . 396 Retrospect of our Lives .... 39? Hymn of Thanksgiving for the Close of the Year . . 398 REFLECTIONS THE WORKS OF GOD AS DISPLAYED IN NATURE. JULY I. Foreign Plants. ALL our different sorts of corn, and many of our vegetables, derive their origin from foreign countries, generally those of a higher temperature than ours. The greatest part of them came from Italy; Italy obtained them from Greece; and Greece from the East. When America was discovered, many plants and flowers were found that till then were unknown, and have since been transplanted to Europe, where they have been cultivated with great success : and the English still take great pains to cultivate in their own country many different plants from North America. Most of the different species of corn, which form the best kind of nutriment for men and animals, are graminous; and though they are now completely naturalised to our soil, and the fields are covered with them, they are of foreign growth. Rye and wheat are indigenous in Little Tartary and Siberia, where VOL. II. B 4 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. do this, they spin themselves a very small web, with an extremely fine thread, and then suspend them- selves in such a manner that their heads are a little bent back towards the top. Some of these cater- pillars, particularly those of the hairy species, remain in this state, hanging perpendicularly with their heads downward ; others spin a thread, which passes round the middle of their body, and which is fastened at both sides. In one or other of these ways all cater- pillars of the day-butterfly prepare for the great re- volution they are about to undergo. Thus both species of caterpillars bury themselves alive, and seem quietly to await the termination of their cater- pillar state, as if they knew that after a short repose they would receive a new existence, and appear again under a more brilliant form. From considering the transformation of the cater- pillar into the butterfly, we may proceed to the con- sideration of a much more noble and exalted subject, the death and resurrection of the righteous. Death resembles a state of sleep, a soft repose, in which our nature rests after the toils, the pains, and the miseries of this life. For the space of a moment we are de- prived of sensibility and motion, that we may awaken to glory and a happy existence. What is a caterpillar? A creeping worm, insig- nificant and despised, which, whilst it craAvls along through life, is exposed to various accidents and in- juries. And what is man? Is his condition in this world much better ? Is he affluent and fortunate, he flutters gaily in the beams of prosperity, and often, equally insignificant with the butterfly, struts his hour, and passes into airy nothing, unlamented and unregarded. But these, compared with the children of penury and misfortune, are few : the greater part of men have to pass from their cradle to their grave through toil, misery, and poverty; must have to labour from morn till night like beasts of burthen, without the power or the hope of enlarging their STURM S REFLECTIONS. minds, and expanding their ideas beyond the con- fined atmosphere of their workshop, or the ale-house, where they herd together to solace themselves with smoke and beer after the fatigues of the day. As the caterpillar prepares with care for its trans- formation, and the state of inaction and insensibility which it is shortly to undergo ; so in a different way, but not less earnestly, does the good man prepare for, and expect with a cheerful acquiescence and fond hope, that awful change when he is to undergo a temporary death, to enter into a joyful state of per- fection and immortality. The sleep of the caterpillar is not perpetual, it is merely the precursor of a new state of existence* after its transformation it appears again more perfect and brilliant : before, it crept upon the earth ; it now flies in the air, and lightly skims 6ver the surface of a thousand flowers, sipping honey and nectareous dew. In all this we may observe a lively emblem of the death and resurrection of a righteous man. That body which was feeble, sensual, and gross, refined from its earthy nature, puts on a glorious immortality, and is clothed with perfection : that mind which was so limited in its faculties and confined in its powers, subject to passions and emotions that degraded its heavenly essence, so contracted and weak that it could not penetrate mists of prejudice, and so blind that it could not perceive truth, now, pure as light, and boundless as infinity, views the whole extent of nature, and sees at once millions of worlds ; communes with angels, and expands to the infinite God, the source of all power, wisdom, and glory. We have here an important lesson : if this be the glorious change we expect, let us make timely and effectual preparation for it. If our present state be but transitory and im- perfect, let us not make it our chief object : let not the few moments which are allotted us for our pre- paration for eternity be mispent, or the reason why we have them mistaken. 6 STURM'S KEFLECTIOXS. JULY III. The Silk-worm. THE genus of caterpillars, which we have just seen, is divided into two general classes, one of which com- prehends the diurnal, the other the nocturnal butter- flies ; is farther divided into different families, each of which has its distinct characteristics and properties. Thus the silk-worm is a species of caterpillar, and like it is formed of several moveahle rings, and is well furnished with feet and claws, to rest and fix itself where it pleases. It has two rows of teeth, which do not move upwards and downwards, but from right to left, which enables it to press, cut, and tear, the leaves in every direction. Along the whole length of its back we perceive through its skin a vessel which performs the function of a heart. On each side of this insect are nine orifices, which answer to as many lungs, and assist the circulation of the chyle or nutritive juice. Under the mouth it has a kind of reel with two holes, through which pass two drops of the gum with which its bag is filled ; they act like two distaffs, continually furnishing it with the materials of which it makes its silk. The gum which distils through the two orifices takes their form, lengthens into a double thread, which presently loses the fluidity of the liquid gum, and acquires the con- sistence necessary to support or to envelop the worm. When that time arrives it joins the two threads to- gether, by gluing them one over the other with its fore-feet. This double thread is not only very fine, but also very strong, and of great length. Each bag has a thread which is nearly five hundred German ells long; and, as this thread is double, and joined together throughout its length, each bag will be found to contain a thousand ells of silk, though the whole weight does not exceed two grains and a half. The life of this insect in its vermiform state is STURM'S KEFLECTIONS. 7 very short, and it passes through different states till it gradually arrives at its greatest degree of perfection. When it first emerges from the egg it is extremely small, perfectly black, and its head of a still brighter black than the rest of its body : in a few days it begins to grow white, or of an ash colour ; its coat becomes dirty and ruffled ; it casts it off, and appears in a new dress; it becomes larger and much whiter, though a little tinged with green, from feeding upon green leaves. After a few more days, the number of which varies according to the degree of heat and quality of its nourishment, it ceases to eat, and sleeps for nearly two days ; it then agitates and frets itself extremely, becoming red with the efforts it makes ; its skin wrinkles and shrivels up, it throws it off a second time, and gets rid of it with its feet. Thus within the space of three weeks or a month we see it fresh dressed three times. It now begins to eat again, and might be taken for a different crea- ture, so much is the appearance of its head, colour, and figure, altered. After continuing to eat for some days, it falls again into a lethargic state ; on recovering from which it once more changes its coat, which makes the third since it issued from its shell. It continues to eat for some time, then entirely ceasing to take any nutri- ment, prepares for itself a retreat, and draws out a silken thread, which it wraps round its body in the same manner as we might wind thread round an oval piece of wood. It remains quietly in the bag it has formed, and at the end of fifteen days would pierce it to issue forth, if it be not killed by being exposed to the heat of the sun, or shut up in an oven. The silk- cones are thrown into warm water, and stirred about with birch twigs to draw out the heads or beginning of the threads, and the silk is afterwards wound upon reels made for the purpose. Thus we are indebted to this little insect for great luxury in clothing : a reflection which ought to humble 8 - STURM'S REFLECTIONS. our pride ; for how can we be vain of the silk which covers us, when we reflect to whom we are indebted for it, and how little we are instrumental in the formation of those beauties in our clothing of which we are vain ? Thus we find the most insignificant and despicable objects are the instruments of ornament and advan- tage to man ; an insect that we scarcely condescend to look at becomes a blessing to thousands of human beings, and forms an important article of trade, and a great source of riches. Let us then, instead of passing our days in the routine of indolence and luxu- rious dissipation, imitate the industrious silk- worm, and endeavour, by the unremitting and assiduous cultivation of our faculties, to render ourselves use- ful to mankind ; and if we are neither able nor for- tunate enough to discover some new truth, let us at least attempt to make all within the circle of our influence happy and contented by our generous ex- ertions for their welfare. JULY IV. The Rainbow. WHEN the rays of the sun strike upon drops of water falling from the clouds, and we are so placed that our backs are towards the sun, and the clouds before us, we observe a peculiar phenomenon in the heavens, called a rainbow. The drops of rain may be considered as small transparent globules upon which the rays fall, and are twice refracted and once re- flected. Hence proceed the different colours of the rain- bow : they are seven in number, and appear in the fol- lowing order ; red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. These colours appear the more vivid as the clouds which are behind are darker, and the drops of rain STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 9 fall closer. The drops falling continually produce a new rainbow every moment., and as each spectator observes it from a particular situation, it happens that scarcely two men, strictly speaking, see the same rainbow; and this meteorous appearance can only last whilst the drops of rain continue to fall. If we consider the rainbow merely as a phenomenon of nature, it presents one of the most beautiful spec- tacles we can possibly conceive, and is one of the most magnificent of nature's pictures ; but when we recollect that God has made this meteor a sign of his mercy, and the confirmation of his holy covenant vouchsafed to mankind, we may make it the subject of a most edifying, as well as pleasing, reflection. When the rain descends from one extremity of the horizon to the other we cannot see a rainbow, because to form this meteor the sun must appear at the same time with the rain ; and when the sky is only covered with clouds on one side, and the sun appears on the other, it is a sign that these clouds will soon disperse, and that the sky will become clear and serene ; this also is the reason why we cannot see the rainbow un- less the sun is behind, and the watery cloud before us. In order to form the rainbow, then, the sun and the rain must both be present at the same time : we may therefore rest assured, every time we witness this beautiful phenomenon, that we are safe from the inundation of a deluge; for, to effect this, the rain must descend in torrents from all parts of the heavens, and if this happened the sun could not be seen. We could not see the colours of the rainbow if the sky was too clear ; to produce such an effect a part of the horizon must be covered with thick clouds. All these considerations naturally dispose our minds to pious reflections. As often as we see the heavens adorned with the beautiful colours of the rainbow, we may truly say, How great is the majesty of God ! How wonderful his goodness towards his creatures ! We still see that He remembers us in mercy. Let us 10 STURM'S BEFLECTIOXS. then bow before, and adore Him who keeps his cove- nant, and fulfils all his merciful promises ; blessed be his name through all the ages of eternity ! JULY V. Birds' Nests. THE construction of birds' nests shows us many curious objects, which cannot be uninteresting to the reflecting mind. Who can help admiring those little regular edifices composed of so many different ma- terials, collected and arranged with so much pains and skill; and constructed with so much industry, elegance, and neatness, with no other tools than a bill and two feet? That men can erect great build- ings, according to certain rules of art, is not surprising, when we consider that they enjoy the reasoning fa- culty, and that they possess tools and instruments of various kinds to facilitate their work ; but that a de- licate little bird, in want of almost every thing ne- cessary for such an undertaking, with only its bill and claws, should know how to combine so much skill, regularity of form, and solidity of structure, in forming its nest, is truly wonderful, and never enough to be admired. We shall therefore consider it more minutely. Nothing is more curious than the nest of a gold- finch. The inside is lined with cotton, wool, and fine silky threads, while the outside is interwoven with thick moss ; and that the nest may be less re- markable, and less exposed to the eye of observers, the colour of the moss resembles that of the bark of the tree or of the hedge where the nest is built. In some nests the hair, the down, and the straws, are curiously laid across each other, and interwoven to- gether. There are others, all the parts of which are STUIIM'S REFLECTIONS. 1 1 neatly joined and fastened together by a thread which the bird makes with flax, and horse or cow-hair, and often of spiders' webs. Other birds, as the blackbird and the lapwing, after having built their nest, plaster the outside with a thin coating of mortar, which ce- ments and binds together all the lower parts, and which, with the help of some cow-hair or moss stuck to it whilst the plaster is wet, keeps it compact and warm. The nests of swallows are differently con- structed from all others. They use neither sticks, straws, nor flax ; but they compose a sort of cement, with which they make themselves nests, perfectly neat, secure, and convenient. To moisten the dust of which they form their nest, they frequently skim over the surface of some lake or river, and, dipping their breasts into the water, shake their wet feathers upon the dust till it is sufficiently moist, and then knead it up into a kind of clay with their bills. But the nests most worthy of our admiration are those of certain Indian birds, which suspend them with great art from the branches of trees, that they may be secure from the pursuit of several animals and insects. . In general, each species of bird has a peculiar mode of placing its nest : some build them on houses, others in trees, some in the grass, others in the ground ; and always in that way which is most adapted for their safety, the rearing their young, and the preservation of their species. Such is the wonderful instinct of birds in the struc- ture and disposition of their nests, that we may almost conclude they cannot be mere machines ; so much in- dustry, intelligence, sagacity, and skill, do they dis- play in the construction of their nests. And is it not apparent that in all their works they propose to them- selves certain ends ? They make their nests hollow, forming the half of a sphere, that the heat may be better retained. The outside of the nest is covered by substances more or less coarse, not only to serve as a foundation, but to prevent the wind and insects 12 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. from entering. The inside is lined with the most delicate materials, such as wool and feathers, that the nestlings may be soft and warm. Is it not something nearly approaching to reason which teaches the bird to place its nest in such a manner that it is sheltered from rain, and out of the reach of destructive animals? Where have they learned that they are to produce eggs which will require a nest to prevent them from being broken, and to keep them warm ? That the heat would not be sufficiently concentrated if the nest were larger, and that, if it were smaller, all the young ones could not be con- tained in it ? Who has taught them not to mistake the time, and to calculate so exactly that the eggs are not kid before the nest is finished ? These questions have never been satisfactorily answered, neither can this mystery in nature be clearly explained ; all we can do is to refer it to an instinct which some animals seem to possess in a manner almost equal to reason : and instinct to them is much more happy and bene- ficial than reason would be ; for they seem to enjoy all the sweets of life without their moments being em- bittered by the consideration of their inferior rank in the creation, and without the pain of anticipating evil. JULY VI. Diversity of Pleasures in Nature. To whatever part of the creation we direct our view we find something to interest and gratify either our senses, our imagination, or our reason. Universal nature is formed to present us with a multitude of pleasing objects, and to procure those new and varied delights which continually succeed each other. Our inclination for variety is continually excited and al- STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 13 ways gratified ; there is no part of the day in which we do not find some gratification for our senses or for our minds. WTrilst the sun illumines the horizon, plants, animals, and a thousand pleasing objects, gra- tify our view; and when night extends her sable mantle over the earth, the majestic grandeur of the firmament occasions rapture and astonishment. Every- where Nature works to procure us new enjoyment; even the smallest insects, leaves, and grains of sand, offer subjects of admiration : and he who is not struck with this infinite diversity, and does not acknowledge in it the goodness of God, must be blind indeed ; and little are his feelings to be envied whose heart does not throb with pleasure at the sight of nature's beau- tiful objects. The same brook that waters the valleys, murmurs sweet music in our ear, invites us to soft repose, and refreshes the parched tongue. The grove which shields us from the piercing rays of the sun by its protecting shade, makes us experience a delicious coolness ; re- clining at ease beneath the lofty trees, whilst we listen to the joyful songs of the birds, a thousand sweet sensations soothe our souls. The trees, whose beau- tiful blossoms so lately delighted us, will soon pro- duce the most delicious fruits; and the meadows, waving with the ripening corn, promise an abundant harvest. Nature presents us with no objects pleasing and useful in only one respect : she clothes and adorns the earth with green, a colour the most beneficial and agreeable to the eye, and adds to its beauty by diver- sifying its shades; for, though pleasing in itself, its charms are much increased by this happy distribution of shade. Each species of plant has its peculiar co- lour ; landscapes covered with woods, bushes, plants, vegetables, and corn, present a most beautiful scene of verdure, where the colouring is infinitely varied, and its shades insensibly blended, increasing from the 14 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. lightest tints to the darkest hue ; and yet a perfect harmony is always preserved. Every month of the year brings us different plants and new flowers. Those which are decayed are re- placed by others, and by thus succeeding each other there is no perceptible void in the vegetable kingdom. But to whom are we indebted for these numerous and diversified presents ? Who is it that provides for our wants and pleasures with so much goodness and munificence ? Go and ask universal nature : the hills and the valleys will inform thee, the earth will teach thee, and the heaven is a mirror in which thou mayest behold the Author of these blessings. The storm and the tempest announce him ; the voice of thunder and the fire of lightning, the bow painted in the heavens, the rain and the snow, proclaim his wisdom and goodness. The green meadows, the fields yellow with the ripe grain, the mountains whose lofty sum- mits are lost in the clouds, the trees bending with fruit, gardens variegated with flowers, and the rose's delicious bloom, all bear the stamp of His impression. The birds celebrate him in their melodious concerts : the sportive lambs ; the stag, bounding through the forests ; the worm that crawls in the dust ; the ocean- monarch, the huge whale, that with its gambols sinks ships, and tumbling in the foam makes the waves roar ; the fearful crocodile ; the elephant, that carries towers upon its back ; all the animals that people the air, the earth, and the sea, declare the glory and pro- claim the existence of Almighty God. Let us then open our ears to this universal voice of nature, which speaks a language we cannot resist ; and let us, that are the happy witnesses of these wonders of God, come and render unto him, in the presence of his creatures, that testimony of gratitude and adoration which is due to him for so many blessings. We cannot look around but every thing reminds us of his infinite goodness, and calls forth our gra- STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 15 titude and joy ; when we walk abroad into the fields, and see the rich corn, the flocks feeding, and the ver- dant groves, may our souls be filled with pleasure, and our hearts rejoice in bliss ! We shall then ex- perience that there is no greater and more durable satisfaction than that arising from the contemplation of Nature's works, which the longer we consider the more we shall admire ; and the more attentively we observe the more shall we discover that God is a pure being, who loves mercy and goodness, and that the Christian religion is a source of unfading joy, and a continual motive for grateful adoration. JULY VII. A flower Garden. LET us now take a view of the Flower-garden, and consider the numerous and varied beauties which are collected in so small a space. The art and industry of man have made it the receptacle of the most beau- tiful flowers. But what would it have been without care and industry ? A wild desert, full of thorns and weeds. And such would be the condition of our youth if their education were neglected, and their minds remained uncultivated. But when children early receive instruction, and imbibe good principles, they are like sweet blossoms, delightful in beauty, and soon productive of fruit that will benefit society. Observe the night-violet or Julian flower, which towards evening perfumes the garden with its fra- grance, in which it excels all oilier flowers; but it has no beauty, and has scarcely even the resemblance of a flower : it is small and of a grey colour, approach- ing towards green, so as to be scarcely distinguished from the leaves; humble and modest, it scents the whole garden, though it is not perceived in the mul- 16 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. titude; and it is almost incredible that a flower of such insignificant appearance should give out odours so exquisitely sweet. It may be said to resemble a person who is not handsome, but whose want of beauty nature has more than compensated by a ready wit and enlarged mind. The pious man often does good in silence and privacy, and the sweet incense of his good works ascends all around him ; and when we become acquainted with this amiable character, we perhaps find him neither distinguished by ele- gance of person nor elevation of rank. The carnation combines both beauty and fragrance, and is one of the most perfect of flowers ; in the rich- ness and4x?auty of its colours it approaches the tulip, and surpasses it in the number of its leaves and in the elegance of its form. This flower is the emblem of a person in whom sense and beauty are united, and who has the happiness to conciliate the love and respect of his fellow-creatures. Let us next observe the rose : its colour, form, and perfume, all charm us; but its beauty soon fades, and the attractions which distinguish it from other flowers < soon cease. This is a useful lesson to those who pride themselves upon beauty only; from the short-lived honours of the rose, let them take warn- ing how frail and perishing are the charms of person and the elegance of form. " Al] is vanity ; all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the field ; the grass withereth, and the flower fadeth away." The lilies and the roses of a beautiful face fade like the flowers of the garden, and death leaves no trace of them behind. Let us then be wise enough to seek our happiness and repose from more certain and durable sources. Wisdom, virtue, and the bless- ings of Christianity, never fade, and are never ex- hausted ; they are the eternal fountains of joy whose waters shall refresh when every other source is dried up. STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 17 JULY VIII. Phenomena of a Thunder-storm. HOWEVER terrible the effects of storms and of thunder may be, they present a spectacle so grand and astonishing that they claim our most earnest con- sideration. An examination into their nature and effects is the more necessary, because it often happens that an excessive fear prevents our considering this grand and awful spectacle with sufficient attention. When a stormy cloud or collection of vapours highly electrified approaches so near a high building, or a cloud which is not electrified, that an electric spark escapes from it, an explosion takes place which is called a clap of thunder ; and the vivid light that we see is lightning. Sometimes we only see a sudden and momentary flash ; at other times a train of fire shoots through the heavens in a forked or zig-zag form. The explosion which accompanies the light- ning demonstrates that the vapours which occasion the thunder, becoming suddenly ignited, violently agitate and expand the air; with the emission of each electric spark an explosion is heard, and the thunder is sometimes composed of several claps, or is prolonged and multiplied by echo. There is generally some interval of time between the lightning and the thunder-clap, and this enables us to judge of the degree and nearness of the danger ; for sound requires some time to reach our ear, while light passes so rapidly that, travelling through the same space, it strikes upon our organs of vision much sooner. As soon therefore as we see a flash of light- ning, we have only to count the seconds that inter- vene before we hear the thunder; or- if we have not a watch, we may count how many times our pulse beats between the clap and the flash ; if we can reckon ten, we are certain that the thunder is distant a quarter vot. n. * c 18 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. of a league; for about forty pulsations may be felt whilst the sound travels the space of one league*. Lightning does not always proceed in a right line from above downwards, but often in a serpentine or zig-zag direction, and sometimes does not flash till very near the ground. The electric matter which reaches the earth, or takes fire near it, never fails to strike ; but it has not always force enough to reach us, and, like an ill-charged bomb, is spent in the air without doing any injury : but when the combustible vapours reach the ground they often occasion great damage. However, as uncultivated tracts of land, deserts, and places where there are no habitations, form the greatest part of our globe, the thunder may often peal, and the lightning's flash pierce the earth, void of harm. The course of lightning is very sin- gular and uncertain, and depends upon the direction of the wind, the quantity of exhalations, and various other causes. It passes wherever it meets with com- bustible matter, as when gunpowder is lighted the flame runs along the course of the train, firing every thing in its way. We may judge of the force of the lightning by the astonishing effects it produces : such is the ardency of the flame that it consumes all combustible bodies ; it even melts metals, but often spares the substances contained in them when they are sufficiently porous to admit of a free passage through them. It is owing to the amazing velocity of the lightning that the bones of animals are sometimes calcined without the flesh being at all injured ; that the strongest build- ings are thrown down, the trees torn up by the roots, * Perhaps it may assist those who are not accustomed to this kind of calculation to be aware that sound passes about one thousand feet in one second of time ; so that if twenty seconds can be counted between the clap and the flash, the place where the thunder is generated is distant twenty thou- sand feet E. STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 19 or cleft, the thickest walls overturned, and stones and rocks broken and reduced to powder. To the sudden rarefaction and violent agitation of the air, produced by the intense heat and velocity of the lightning, may be attributed the death of those animals that are found suffocated without any appearance of having been struck by lightning. Let us then meditate in silence upon the awful and sublime appearance of a storm ; when we see the black clouds gather, and the sun withdraw his light, as if to hide himself from the contending elements, let us remember it is the Lord Omnipotent " who bows the heavens, and comes down with darkness under his feet." The winds rush from the four corners of heaven, and the storm thickens ; but God himself is in the whirlwind, and " walketh upon the wings of the wind." At his command the clouds retire, and the thunder and red lightning disperse. " Hearken attentively to the sound of his voice, to the terrible sound that goeth out of his mouth. He directeth it under the whole heaven, and darts his lightning unto the ends of the earth." But though his countenance be lifted up in wrath, and his storms strike terror into a guilty world, his beneficent hand is mercifully extended to all who prefer the sweets of religion and the purity of innocence to the empty and insignificant pursuits of thoughtless folly, or the more baneful practice of iniquity and continued dis- sipation. JULY IX. The Ants. THE ants, as well as the bees, may be considered as a little commonwealth, having a peculiar govern- ment, laws, and police. They live in a sort of town, c2 20 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. divided into various streets, which lead to as many magazines. Their industry and activity in collecting and using the materials which they want for their habitation is admirable. They all unite together to dig the earth and carry it away from their retreat ; they collect a great quantity of grass, straw, sticks, &c. with which they form a heap, that at first seems very irregularly constructed, but a closer examina- tion discovers much art and skill. Beneath the domes or little hillocks that cover them, and which are always so contrived as to throw off the water, there are passages which communicate together, and may be considered as the streets of their little city. But what is still more remarkable is the care which the ants take of their eggs; they convey them with the utmost solicitude from place to place, nourish their young, and remove with the tenderest anxiety every thing that might hurt them. Their painful toils to procure provisions during the summer are chiefly for the preservation of their young; for the ants themselves require no food during the winter, being nearly in a state of insensibility or sleep till the return of the spring. As soon as their young come out of the eggs, the ants are busily employed in feed- ing them, and undergo much labour in the precious charge. They have generally several habitations, and they transport their young from one to any other they may wish to people. According as the weather is cold or hot, wet or dry, they bring their chrysals nearer to the surface of the earth, or remove them farther downward. In mild weather they bring them near the surface; and sometimes after a shower of rain place them where they may receive the warmth of the sun-beams ; or after a long drought they lay them in the dew ; but as the shades of night deepen, or rain and cold set in, they again take up their little ones, and carry them low down into the earth. There are several varieties of these insects: the wood-ants only inhabit forests or bushes, and t birds, can undertake such long journeys? Man in a state of civilisation does not know how much strength he possesses ; how much lie loses by effeminacy, nor how much he can acquire by frequent exercise. Sometimes we find men of a very extraordinary strength ; but this gift of nature, which would be so valuable if they were obliged to employ it in sdf-defence, or in useful labour, is of little advantage in a civilised state, where the powers of the mind are of much more avail than bodily strength, and where manual labour devolves on the lowest classes of society. Here again we may acknowledge the admirable wisdom with which God has formed our body, and rendered it capable of so much activity. We cannot but regard with pity those indolent beings who pass their lives in idleness and effeminacy; who never exert their strength, nor exercise their powers, for tear of injuring their health, or shortening their lives. Why has the Almighty blessed us with strength, unless that we may employ it to some useful pur- pose? When, therefore, we dissipate it in indolence and inactivity, we oppos? the will of our Creator, and STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 163 become guilty of the basest ingratitude. Let us, in future, exert all our power, and apply our several faculties for the good of our fellow-creatures, accord- ing to our situation and circumstances, and if neces- sity requires, let us cheerfully earn our bread by the sweat of our brow ; even then our happiness is greater than that of thousands of our fellow -men, who groan beneath the insufferable yoke of slavery, and who when worn out with labour and fatigue, and their strength is exhausted, have no means of procuring ease and comfort for their oppressed bodies, nor no soothing voice of kindness to cheer the sad moments of sickness, or encourage their drooping soul; hope is denied them, and their only consolation is the silence of the grave. The more happy we find our lot com- pared with these unfortunate victims of luxury, the more seriously ought we to apply ourselves to fulfil our duties ; and the success of our labours should in- duce us to love and to praise God, who has vouch- safed to grant us strength and ability, and graciously continues to preserve them. SEPTEMBER XVI. Instinct of the Butterfly in the Propagation of Us Species. THIS is the season of 1 the year when butterflies begin to disappear from the creation ; but the race is not extinct ; they live again in their posterity, and by a wonderful instinct they provide for the preservation of their species. From the eggs which they lay, new generations arise; but where do they place them at the approach of the rigorous season, and how do they defend them from the autumnal rains, and the pene- trating frost of winter? Are they not in danger of being frozen or drowned ? M 2 161 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. That beneficent Being, who gives wisdom to man, has also condescended to instruct the butterfly how to secure the only legacy it can bequeath to the world, by covering its eggs with a glutinous substance which Is secreted by its own body. This sort of glue is so tenacious, that rain cannot penetrate through it, and the ordinary cold of winter cannot destroy the young ones contained in the eggs. It is worthy of remark, that though each species always follows the same method from generation to generation, there is still much diversity in the means which different species take for the preservation of their race. Naturalists have informed us that some of these insects lay their eggs at the beginning of autumn, and die soon after, whilst covering their tender young. The sun warms their eggs, and before winter a number of little cater- pillars are hatched ; these immediately begin to spin, and with their thread make themselves nests and very commodious lodgings, where they pass the cold season, without eating, and nearly without motion. It is also remarkable that the butterfly, like other insects, only lays its eggs upon those plants which agree the best with its young, and where they may find the neces- sary nourishment : so that as soon as they are hatched they are surrounded by the aliment which is most proper for them, without being obliged to remove at a time when they are too feeble to undertake long journeys. All these, and many more circumstances of a similar nature, are calculated to make us admire the wise arrangements of an all-preserving Providence. If we do not require miracles, and things contrary to the usual course of nature, to affect and render us atten- tive, the consideration of the cares which these in- sects have for their offspring, so diverse in different species, but always uniform and constant in each in- dividual, would fill us with the greatest admiration. Let us, who are rational beings, learn from these insects to cherish in our hearts a love for our children, STURM'S DEFLECTIONS. 105 and to interest ourselves for the benefit of those who are to succeed us on the stage of life. Let not the fear that death may surprise us in the midst of our labours divert us from forming great projects, or undertaking noble enterprises ; remembering that in thus de- voting ourselves to the public good, we only repay to posterity the debt we owe to our ancestors. If parents of children were to imitate the female butterfly, which provides for the little ones which survive her, they would never leave their helpless children in want, but would place them in such a situation, that when the parents cease to live, their children should have no other cause of sorrow than the loss of a kind father, or of a tender mother. Though we cannot foresee, much less prevent, those misfortunes and con- tingencies to which they are liable, we ought certainly to take care that their future condition in life is not unhappy by our neglect. Would to God that all parents were concerned as becomes them for the future welfare of their offspring; that they would not leave their families in disorder and confusion; and that they would do well to regulate their domestic affairs, that after their death their unprotected chil- dren might not be exposed to vexatious embarrass- ments, nor witness their inheritances enjoyed by strangers, and their property consumed by lawsuits ! SEPTEMBER XVII. The Vine. To be convinced how unreasonable and absurd it is to complain of the inequalities of the earth, we need only consider the nature of vines. The vine never succeeds well in a flat country, neither does it thrive on every hill ; but only on those which have a south or east aspect. The highest hills, and steeps where 166 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. the plough never reaches, are yearly covered with verdure, and produce the most delicious fruits. If the soil which nourishes the vine appears poor and destitute, the wine-producing plant appears equally unpromising. Indeed had we not known it by expe- rience, we could scarcely have believed that a seem- ingly dry and mean wood should produce such a delicious liquor. The evaporation from the vine is so considerable, that one hundred and fifty-two inches of sap are required to rise in the space of twelve hours, to supply the fluid which exhales through the leaves. Much wisdom is displayed in the distribution of vineyards over the earth. They do not succeed alike in all places; to thrive well they should be situated between the fortieth and fiftieth degrees of latitude, consequently about the middle of the globe. Asia is properly the country of the vine, whence its cultiva- tion has been gradually introduced into Europe. The Phwnicians, who at a very early period traversed the coasts of the Mediterranean, brought it to the conti- nent and most of the islands. It succeeded remarkably well in the isles of the Archipelago, and was at length brought to Italy, where it multiplied considerably ; and the Gauls who had tasted of the grape juice, wishing to establish themselves in the country where it was produced, passed the Alps, and made them- selves masters of both banks of the Fo. The vine was soon afterwards cultivated throughout France, and flourished upon the banks of the Rhine, the Moselle, the Necker, and in different provinces of the German empire. The consideration of the vine may give rise to some very important reflections. As the most barren soils are good for the cultivation of the vine, so it some- times happens that the poorest countries are favourable to science and wisdom. In provinces universally de- spised for their poverty men have arisen, the rays of whose genius have beamed upon distant countries. There is no place so desert, no town so small, or vil- STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 167 lage so miserable, as entirely to preclude the success- ful cultivation of science : all that is required for its increase is encouragement. What an inestimable blessing then we have in our power to procure, if we only will give ourselves the trouble of cherishing the virtues of the human heart, and improving these mental powers which we possess for the noblest pur- poses ! Sovereigns, pastors, and teachers of youth, how essentially might you contribute to the happiness of your fellow-creatures, and of your remotest poste- rity, if by proper exhortations, rewards, useful esta- blishments, and adequate encouragement, you endea- voured to restore religion, science, and all the social virtues, into ruined cities,and desolate villages ! Efforts like these can never be entirely useless. If we our- selves do not receive the recompense of our labours in seeing them attended with present success, our de- scendants will at least receive the fruit of them, and we shall be ranked amongst those excellent characters who, by being the benefactors of the human race, have obtained the approbation of God, and the benediction of their fellow-creatures. The vine, with its dry and shapeless wood, is em- blematical of those men, who, destitute of the honours of birth, and the splendour of rank, still do much good. How often it happens that men born and living in obscurity, whose external appearance pro- mises little, perform actions, and undertake enter- prises, which raise them above all the princes of the earth. And here we may reflect with advantage upon Jesus Christ himself; to judge of whom from the mean and abject state in which he appeared when personally on earth, we should not have expected those great and wonderful works which have made him the Saviour of mankind. He has shown us that we may be poor, despised, and miserable in this world, and yet successfully labour for the glory of God, and the good of our fellow-creatures. 168 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. SEPTEMBER XVIII. Hymn to celebrate the Works of the Creation. PRAISE ye the Lord ! Let all tongues and people celebrate him with songs of joy! Sing aloud, and exalt his power and goodness ! Adore him, ye nations ; prostrate yourselves before him, ye islands ! Praise and glorify the supreme ruler of the universe ! It is he whose power drew forth out of nothing the elements, the heavens, and light itself: it is he who separated the earth from the bosom of the waters ; and his almighty hand formed the sea, and all the innumerable host of creatures which live upon his bounty. It is he who has given light and heat to the sun ; who has prescribed laws to the moon ; who has marked out to the stars their course ; and who flashes in the lightning, and speaks in the thunder ! It is he who bids the tempest roar ; and the strength of the lion, and delicate structure of the insect, are monuments of his power. To gladden the hearts of men, he has taught the nightingale to warble her melodious strains; he gives to the flowers their fragrance; he balances and puts in motion the air; he calls forth the winds, and directs their course. The sea, at his powerful word, swells in billows, and again subsides at his command ; for God reigns in the bosom of the deep. Let us then bow down before and adore the Supreme Being, whose grandeur is manifest in all hie creatures, and the traces of whose infinite power the whole creation declares. STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 169 SP;PTEMBER XIX. Wonders which God daily effects in the Creation. THE whole universe, which continually preserves that beauty and order in which it was first established, is a miracle constantly before us. How astonishing is the world which we inhabit ! How immense is the number, grandeur, variety, and beauty of the creatures which it contains ! What other arm than that of the omnipotent God could have placed in the immense expanse of the heavens the sun and all those stars, whose prodigious size and distance fill our minds with astonishment ? Who but God has prescribed to them the spheres in which they have revolved for thousands of years ? Who else has determined with such skill the respective powers of all these globes, and esta- blished a perfect balance between them and the aether in which they are suspended? Who has placed the earth at such a just distance from the sun, that the space between them is neither too great nor too small ? The alternation of day and night ; the revolutions of the seasons ; the innumerable multitude of animals, of reptiles, of trees, of plants, and of all the different productions of the earth, are the works of the Al- mighty God. His particular and especial providence is a continual proof of his greatness, wisdom, and omnipresence. His constant cares for us, and that marked protection, instances of which almost every person has met with ; the various means he employs to attract men to his service ; the ways by which he leads them to happiness ; the misfortunes which he tries them with, to awaken them and bring them to a sense of their situation ; the extraordinary events which he orders for the good of his empire; events which are commonly produced by slight causes, and in circumstances which seem to render them impos- sible ; the great revolutions which he effects, to make i;o STURM'S IIEFLECTTOXS. his holy truth and the knowledge of himself pass from one country of the earth to another ; are all so many effects, in which we ought to acknowledge his con- stantly acting power, and which if we were sufficiently attentive would make us say with the Psalmist, " This is the Lord's doing ; and it is marvellous in our eyes." Let us be attentive to what passes before us, and we shall every- where discover the traces of a God; we shall sec that by the ordinary means of his grace, he continually works for our sanctification ; that his divine word continually dwells amongst us, and that his saving voice may be continually heard. Surely those who refuse to listen unto him, who resist the impulse of his Holy Spirit, and who do not yield to his mer- ciful visitations, would not be converted though new miracles were wrought in their sight. Ought not man, who sees that God has created the world, which every- where presents to him so many wonders ; man who is constantly receiving the blessings of Heaven, and who owes to God all the advantages which he en- joys,' ought he not to believe, to love, and to obey him ? Yet he resists What then can affect him, or whom will he not oppose ? Let us then who daily witness the wonders of our God pay attention to them, and no longer harden our hearts against truth. Let not prejudice nor passion prevent us from reflecting upon the admira- ble works of God. Let us contemplate the visible world, and reflect upon ourselves, and we shall find sufficient cause to acknowledge him who daily works miracles before us; our souls possessed with these grand ideas, we shall cry out with rapture and ad- miration, " Praise, honour, and glory be ascribed unto God, the author of all good, and. the redeemer of our souls; who alone performeth wonders, and who visiteth the heart of man with comfort and sweet consolation ; who poureth balm into our wounds, supports us in affliction, and wipes the tear from every eye; unto that God of all mercy be rendered love, gratitude, STURM'S INFLECTIONS. 1/1 and adoration for ever and ever through the countless ages of eternity." SEPTEMBER XX. Digestion of Food. DIGESTION' is an admirable and complicated process, which we daily perform without knowing how, and even without giving ourselves the trouble of learning what is most remarkable and essential in a function so important to the human body. It is well for us that digestion may be carried on, though we are ignoran^ how it is performed ; but it is always preferable to be acquainted with the process, and to have some know- ledge of the operations of nature in this respect. When the food has been sufficiently masticated, and divided by the teeth into small portions, and moistened by the saliva, it is prepared to pass into the throat. This is the last function relative to di- gestion, in which the will assists ; all the rest is done without our being conscious of it, and without our being able to prevent the process going forward. As soon as a portion of food enters the throat, it pushes the mass onward, and causes it to descend into the stomach by a peculiar mechanism, for the gravity of the food alone would not be sufficient. Having en- tered the stomach, the food is there reduced into a soft paste of a grey colour, which after being suf- ficiently attenuated, passes into the duodenum, or first intestine, where it undergoes new changes. Several small vessels which proceed from the gall-bladder, and from a gland situated behind the bottom of the stomach, and called the pancreas, open into the duo- denum, and pour into it the bile and the pancreatic juice, which mingle with the food. There are also in the intestines a great number of glands, which distri- 172 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. bute their humours through every part of the ali- mentary mass. It is after this mixture that true chyle is discovered, and there is great reason to be- lieve that it is in the duodenum that digestion is com- pleted. The alimentary mass continues its course through the other intestines, where it is continually moistened by the fluids which are secreted in the intestinal canal. The chyle then begins to pass into the lacteal veins which every-where open in the intestines, and termi- nate in a vessel called the receptacle of the chyle, which is situated near that part of the back where the first lumbar vertebra begins, and from it the thoracic duct rises, and ascends upwards through the chest, passing along by the side of the spine, and opens into the left subclavian vein near the internal jugular. The chyle then passes through this canal, and at length mixes with the blood, enters the heart, and having lost its white appearance, is distributed through all the arteries of the body. But there are always some parts of our aliment that are too gross to be converted into chyle, or to enter into the lacteal vessels. These are propelled down- wards by a motion peculiar to the intestines, called the peristaltic or vermicular motion, by means of which they are alternately contracted and dilated. When this motion has caused the mass of food to advance as far as the third intestine, it propels the remainder through the fourth, fifth, and sixth ; which last is called the rectum, and is provided with a strong circular muscle, the sphincter, which contracts, and prevents the residuum continually passing through the rectum ; thus retarded, it remains till the quan- tity is so considerable as to occasion irritation, and is then finally evacuated. In this operation the muscles of the abdomen and the diaphragm assisting the ac- tion of the rectum, the contracting power of the sphincter is overcome. From the above slight sketch of the manner in which digestion is performed, we STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 173 may obtain some idea of the great wisdom which God has displayed in a function so essential and important to our health, our comfort, and our very existence ; we should be highly culpable indeed if we were inat- tentive to it; and if these wonders excited in OUT hearts no gratitude towards the author of so many blessings which we are continually enjoying. SEPTEMBER XXI. "The Prevalence of Good in the World greater than that of Evil. NOTHING is more consoling in our trials and fortunes than to admit as a fixed principle, that there is more good than evil in the world. If we ask the most wretched of men whether he can enumerate as many causes of complaint as he has motives for grati- tude, he will make it appear that however great are his afflictions, they do not equal the numerous bless- ings he has received in the course of his life. To render this truth more evident, let us calculate how manv days we have passed in the enjoyment of health, and how few in which we have suffered from illness. Let us oppose to the small number of troubles and vexations which we experience in civil and domestic life, the numerous pleasures which we enjoy. Let us compare all the good and virtuous actions by which many men are useful to themselves and to their fellow- creatures, with the few actions they commit that are prejudicial to society. Let us enumerate, if we can, all the pleasures attached to every age, state, and pro- fession ; the gifts which nature abundantly bestows upon us, and which human industry uses to procure an infinite number of enjoyments and conveniences. Let us reckon all the delight we receive upon escaping a sudden danger, upon gaining a victory over our- 174 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. selves, and upon performing some act of virtue or wis- dom ; and let us remember that it is the prevalence of good that renders us so sensible of evil ; that recent prosperity makes us forget former blessings ; and that if our misfortunes make so deep an impression upon our memory, it is because they seldom happen, and we are not familiar with them. In this calculation, we must only oppose to the blessings, the fruition of which we recollect, those evils whose utility we do not yet know; for out of some evils great good is derived : if then we make this estimation in the mo- ments of coolness and of serenity, and not at a time when we suffer from affliction, vexation, disappoint- ment, or disease, we shall be sufficiently convinced, that the prevalence of good, even in this state of existence, is much greater than that of evil. Why then do men concern themselves so little with the continual proofs they receive of God's goodness ? Why do they love to dwell upon the dark side of things, and to torment themselves with unnecessary cares and anxieties ? Has not divine Providence sur- rounded us with pleasing objects ? Why then do we for ever brood over our infirmities, our wants, and the evils which may happen to us ? Why magnify them in our imagination, and obstinately turn our eyes from all that tends to cheer and tranquillize our hearts r But such is our disposition, the least misfortune that befalls us arrests all our attention, whilst a long con- tinuance of happy days passes unnoticed. We draw upon us distress and vexation which could not have happened, if we were more attentive to the blessings of God. Let us then in future abandon a disposition like this, which only renders us miserable ; let us feel a strong conviction that God has impartially distri- buted his blessings over the earth, and that there is no man who has just cause to complain, or who has not on the contrary the most powerful and abundant reasons to express his gratitude in songs of joy, thanks- giving, and praise. STUEM'S REFLECTIOKS. 175 Blessed be God, who is our sovereign good ! He pours joy and gladness into our hearts : if he some- times tries his children with affliction,, his consolations soon visit their desponding souls; and his goodness promises them an uninterrupted,, endless felicity. He leads us through secret and unknown paths to the infinite blessings he designs for us; the very trials which he sometimes sends have a beneficent purpose to accomplish, and which we shall one day know and acknowledge; till when he spares us from suffering more than we can bear, and his all-powerful and pa- ternal hand still protects us, and the eye of his mercy watches, over us for our good and eternal preservation. SEPTEMBER XXII. Enmity between Animals, THERE is a continual enmity amongst animals; they are constantly attacking and pursuing each other: every element is a field of battle for them; the eagle is the terror of the inhabitants of the air ; the tiger lives upon the earth by carnage ; the pike in the waters; and the mole under ground. It is the want of food which induces these, and many other species of animals, to destroy one another. But there are some creatures whose hatred of each other does not proceed from the same source. Thus those ani- mals which entwine themselves round the elephant's trunk, and press it till they have suffocated him, do not act so with the design of procuring nourishment. When the ermine leaps upon, and lays hold of the ear of the bear and the elk, and bites them with its sharp teeth, we cannot affirm that this is done to satisfy the calls of hunger. 1/6 STUkM's REFLECTIONS. There is scarcely any creature, however small, which does not serve for food to some other animal. I know that many people think this arrangement of nature is cruel and unnecessary; but I can with confidence assert, that even this antipathy, and enmity among animals, is a proof that every thing is wisely ordered. If we consider animals in the whole, we shall find that it is highly useful that some should subsist upon others; for on the one hand, without this arrange- ment many species could not exist ; and on the other, these numerous species, instead of being prejudicial, are extremely useful. Insects and many reptiles feed on carrion ; others establish themselves in the bodies of certain animals, and live upon their flesh and blood ; and these insects themselves serve as food for other creatures. Carnivorous animals and birds of prey kill and feed upon other animals. Some species multiply so abundantly, thai they would become burthensome if their numbers were not diminished. If there were no sparrows to destroy insects, what would become of the flowers and fruits? Without the ichneumon, which seeks out and destroys the crocodile's eggs, this terrible animal would increase to an alarming degree. A great portion of the earth would be desert, and many creatures would not exist, if there were no carnivorous animals. It will perhaps be urged, that they might live upon vegetables ; but if this were the case, our fields would scarcely afford subsistence for parrows and swallows ; and the structure of carnivo- rous animals must have been quite different from what it now is ; and if fish did not live upon the in- habitants of the water, how would they be able to subsist? Besides, if the wars amongst animals were to cease, they would lose much of their vivacity and industry, the creation would be less animated, and man himself would lose much of his activity. We may also add, that we should be deprived of many striking proofs of God's wisdom, if universal peace was to prevail amongst animals; for the address, STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 177 sagacity, and wonderful instinct which they use in laying snares for and surprising their prey, very evi- dently manifest the wisdom of the Creator. So far then is the enmity which exists amongst animals from darkening the wisdom and goodness of God, that they receive additional brilliancy from what superficial observers think an imperfection. It forms part of the plan of the great system of nature, that one animal should persecute and feed upon another. We might indeed complain of this arrangement, if it occasioned the entire destruction of any species ; but this never happens, and the continual wars amongst animals preserve a proper balance between them. Thus carnivorous animals are indispensable links in the chain of beings ; and on this account their num- ber is very small, compared with that of useful anf- inals. We may also remark that the strongest and fiercest animals have commonly the least sense and cunning. They either mutually destroy each other, or their young ones serve as food for other beasts. Hence also nature has granted to the weakest species so much industry and means of defence. They possess instinct, acuteness of sense, quickness, skill, and sa- gacity sufficient to counterbalance the strength of their enemies. Can any one then behold this without acknowledg- ing the infinite wisdom of the Creator, and confessing that this state of warfare, which at first seems so strange, is in fact a real good ? We should be still more convinced of it, if we were better acquainted with the whole system of things, and the relations and connexions which different creatures have with each other ; but this is.a degree of knowledge reserved for a future state, where the divine perfections will be manifested in infinite splendour. We may, how- ever, in some measure, even in this world, comprehend why these hostilities amongst animals are necessary ; but we can by no means conceive why men, whose nature is so much more noble, should be continually VOL. II. N 178 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. fomenting wars and divisions so destructive to their race. To the disgrace of humanity, and the eternal reproach of the Christian religion, men pursue wars, and destroy each other with more savage barbarity than the wildest beasts that range the forests ; than which nothing is more opposite to the great ends for which they were created. Surely man was designed to render himself useful to his fellow-creatures, to contribute all in his power to their comfort and hap- piness ; to be the defender of the helpless, the bene- factor of the poor, and the friend of the-afflicted and unfortunate. Let us not counteract these merciful designs of our blessed Lord, but endeavour to live in that peace and harmony which becomes the children of God, and followers of a humble and crucified Saviour ; leaving animals which are destitute of reason to quarrel, fight, persecute, and destroy one another ; whilst we live in charity with all men, doing good unto others, as we would that they should do unto us. SEPTEMBER XXIII. Moral Uses of Night. AT this time of the year, when the days begin to grow shorter, and the nights to lengthen, many people are discontented with the change. Some wish that there was no night at all, or that at least throughout the year the nights were never longer than they are in the months of June and July. But such wishes are the offspring of folly and presumption, and betray the greatest ignorance ; for if men reflected upon the ad- vantages which result from the alternation of day and night, they would not thus show their want of judg- ment, nor make such ill-founded complaints, but would rather bless God for the benefits they receive from the night. We feel the moral utility of night in STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 179 its interrupting the course of many vices. During the hours of darkness the wicked are obliged to repose, and oppressed virtue gains some moments of relief, and cessation from misery ; the unjust and fraudulent merchant ceases to cheat his neighbour, and a thousand evils are interrupted in their progress. If there was no night, how much pleasure and in- struction we should lose ! The wonders of the crea- tion manifested in the starry heavens would be lost to us. We now every night can contemplate the grandeur of God displayed in the stars, whilst we raise our souls towards him in humble and reverent gratitude. If then every occasion which recalls God to our minds is precious, how much ought we to value the season of night, which so powerfully declares the perfections of God! Night is a time which is well adapted for medita- tion and reflection. The tumult and dissipation of the day leave but little leisure for self-examination, and afford little opportunity of detaching our affections from the earth, and of seriously occupying ourselves with considering the duties of our station, and the end for which we were created. To these salutary meditations the stillness of the night is peculiarly adapted : we may then commune with our hearts without interruption, and acquire the important science of knowing ourselves. The soul will then collect all her powers, and direct them towards those subjects which concern our eternal happiness. In those moments of peace and tranquillity we may pu- rify our hearts from the contagion of the world, and strengthen our minds against the temptation and alluring examples of those who float down the stream of pleasure. \Ve may then reflect upon death, and meditate upon futurity: the calm solitude of our closets is favourable to religious thoughts, and our souls become more and more desirous of virtue. Let us, then, instead of repining at the vicissitudes of light and darkness, be thankful for them, and every ISO STURM'S BEFLECTIONS. night, before we lie down to sleep, let us bless the season in which we have become better acquainted with our own nature, the glory of God, and those things which concern our salvation and eternal peace. SEPTEMBER XXIV. Of Man's Indifference for the Works of Nature. WHENCE is it that men in general are so indifferent about the works of God in nature? The considera- tion of this question may give rise to various import- ant reflections. One great cause of this indifference is an habitual inattention. We are so accustomed to the beauties of nature, that we neglect to admire the wisdom which stamps them all ; and we are not suf- ficiently grateful for the numerous advantages which we derive from them. There are too many people who resemble the stupid beast which feeds upcn the grass of the meadow, and quenches his thirst in the stream, without acknowledging the wisdom of him from whom these benefits proceed. Some men, even though endowed with the brightest faculties, and hence enjoying a greater share of the blessings of na- ture, never think of the source whence they all flow : and even when the wisdom and goodness of God are most strikingly manifest, they are not affected by them, because they are so frequent. Thus what ought chiefly to excite men's admiration and gratitude ren- ders them indifferent and insensible. Many people are also regardless of the beauties of nature through ignorance. How many are there entirely unacquainted with the most ordinary phenomena ! They daily see the sun rise and set ; their fields are watered with" rain and dew, and sometimes with snow; every spring nfolds the most wonderful changes ; but they had rather live in the profoundest ignorance than give STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 181 themselves the trouble of inquiring into the causes and effects of these phenomena. It is true that many things will always be incomprehensible to us, with whatever care we study ; and the limits of our under- standing are never sooner felt than when we attempt to fathom the operations of nature. We may, how- ever, acquire an historical knowledge of them ; and the meanest labourer may be made to comprehend how it happens that the grain which he sows in his fields buds, and shoots up into a plant. Other men, again, neglect the works of nature, because they are too much occupied with their own particular interests. I have little doubt that if spiders spun threads of gold, if lobsters contained pearls, and if the flowers of the fields converted the decrepitude of age into the vigour of youth, there would be many more attentive observers of nature than there now are. We are too apt to estimate things only as they affect our interest and our fancy : those objects which do not immediately satisfy our inordinate desires are deemed unworthy of our attention ; and our self-love is so unreasonable, and we so little know our real interest, that we despise what is most useful to us. Thus corn is one of the plants most indispensably necessary to our support, and yet we see whole fields waving with this useful production of nature, without paying any attention to it. Many people disregard the works of nature out of mere indolence. They. love too well their ease and repose to curtail their sleep a few minutes whilst they may contemplate the starry heavens; they have not resolution to quit their beds in a morning early enough to behold the rising sun ; they fear it would fatigue them too much if they stooped to the ground to observe the structure of a blade of grass ; and yet these very people who are so fond of their ease and convenience are full of eagerness and activity in the gratification of their passions. 182 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. Others neglect the works of God in nature from irreligious motives; they do not desire to know the greatness of God, and have no inclination for virtue, nor the duties which it prescribes. To love and to praise God, and to be grateful for his blessings, would be to these men duties painful and disagree- able. We have too much reason to believe that this is one of the principal causes of some men's disregard for the works of God. If they prized the knowledge of God above all other things, they would eagerly seize, and cherish with pleasure every opportunity of trengthening that knowledge, and of perfecting their love of their heavenly Creator. At least two-thirds of mankind may be ranked in one or other of the classes which we have just pointed out ; for there are very few people who properly study the works of God, and who love to dwell upon them. This is a truth, the mournful certainty of which is daily confirmed. Would to God that men would at length be convinced how it becomes them to be so insensible and inattentive to the works of the Creator, and how by such a conduct they degrade themselves below the very brutes ! Have we eyes, and shall we not contemplate the wonders that every-where sur- round us? Have we ears, and shall we not hearken to the glad songs which make the heavens resound with the praises of the Creator ? Do we wish to con- template God in the world to come, and yet refuse to consider his works in which he shines so conspicuously in the garden of nature ? Let us henceforth renounce this culpable indifference, and endeavour to feel a portion of that joy which formerly penetrated the heart of David, when he reflected on the works, the glory, and the magnificence of his God. STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 183 SEPTEMBER XXV. Of several nocturnal Meteors. IN serene weather, when the sky is clear, we sometimes ohserve a circular light, or luminous ring surrounding the moon, and which is called a halo, or crown. Its outline frequently exhibits, though faintly, the colours of the rainbow. The moon is in the centre of this ring, and the intermediate space is generally darker than the rest of the sky. When the moon is at the full, and considerably elevated above the horizon, the ring appears most luminous. It is often very large. We are not to suppose that this circle really surrounds the moon ; the true cause of such an appearance must be looked for in our atmo- sphere, the vapours of which cause a refraction of the rays of light which penetrate them, and produce this effect. False moons, called paraselenes, or mock moons, are sometimes seen near the real moon, and appear as large, but their light is paler. They are generally accompanied by circles, some of which have the same colours as the rainbow, whilst others are white, and others have long luminous tails. All these appear- ances are produced by refraction. The rays of light falling from the moon upon aqueous and sometimes frozen vapours, are refracted in various ways; the coloured rays are separated, and reaching the eye double the image of the moon. A very rare appear- ance is sometimes observed; we see by moonlight, after heavy rain, a lunar rainbow, which has the same colours as the solar rainbow, but much fainter ; this meteor is also occasioned by the refraction of the rays of light. When sulphurous and other vapours take fire in the superior part of the atmosphere, we often see streaks of light rapidly darting like rockets. When 184 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. these vapours unite together in one mass, and be- coming ignited fall down, we seem to perceive little balls of fire fall from the sky; and as, from their distance, they appear to be about the size of stars, they are often called falling stars, and many people imagine they are real stars, which change their places or are dissipated. Sometimes these supposed stars, very brilliant, and splendidly coloured, slowly de- scend, acquiring new lustre, till at length they are extinguished in the lower atmosphere. Large balls of fire have sometimes been seen more resplendent than the full moon, and some of them with long luminous tails. It is very probable that these are sul- phurous and nitrous vapours, which have accumulated and become ignited ; they generally pass through the air with great rapidity, and then burst with a loud report. Sometimes, when the inflammable particles of which they are composed are of a different nature, they disperse without noise in the higher regions of the atmosphere. The little flashes which we often may observe in the summer evenings after intense heat are produced by the vapours of the atmosphere ; and are less visible, because they are more elevated. This meteor is distinguished from real lightning, by not being accompanied by thunder ; or rather these lights are the reflection of lightning at too great a distance for us to hear the thunder-clap which follows. The flying dragon, the dancing goat, the burning beam, and various other meteors, owe their names to the singular appearance which they present. They are only gross and viscous exhalations which ferment in the humid regions of the lower sky, and which being pressed in several directions by the agitated atmosphere, assume different figures to which people give these extraordinary names. Experimentalists have imitated these phenomena by the combination of certain inflammable substances. Of all the nocturnal phenomena, none are more STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 185 remarkable or brilliant than the aurora borealis, or northern lights, which are generally seen from the beginning of autumn till the commencement of spring, when the weather is calm and serene, and when the light of the moon is not great. The aurora borealis does not always appear the same. Commonly towards midnight a light is perceived something resembling the first breaking of day. Sometimes also we observe streams, and sudden shoots of light, and white and luminous clouds which are in constant motion. But when the aurora borealis shows itself in full perfec- tion, we almost always see during mild weather, towards the north, an obscure space, a thick and dark cloud, the upper part of which is surrounded by a white and luminous border, from which rays, brillianj jets, and resplendent pillars proceed, which every moment as they rise assume red and yellow colours, then meet, unite and form thick and luminous clouds, and at length terminate in variously coloured clouds, white, blue, fiery red, and the most beautiful purple. How great is the magnificence of God ! Even night itself proclaims his majesty. How can we complain that at this season the nights are gradually becoming longer, when they present such grand and sublime spectacles, that both interest our minds and our hearts? The phenomena which we have been describing render the long nights of the northern nations not only sup- portable, but even pleasing and brilliant. Our nights, which are much shorter, might still procure us very diversified pleasures, if we would be attentive to them . Let us accustom ourselves to raise our minds and our hearts towards heaven, and soar in thought beyond moons and stars unto Our Creator; reflect upon his grandeur, and adore him in silence, when the sub- limity of the night shall fill our souls. For thou, O Lord, art great ! The solemn stillness of the night attests thy power and love. The moon, silently re- volving in the azure plains of heaven, displays thy majesty. All the host of stars flaming in the firma- 186 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. ment praise and celebrate thee ; and the paler light of the aurora borealis, streaking the evening sky, manifests the perfections of our God. SEPTEMBER XXVI. Amphibious Animals. BESIDKS quadrupeds, birds, and fish, there is a pecies of animal which can live either on the earth or in the water, and is on this account termed am- phibious. The animals of this class are all cold- blooded, and have something forbidding in their look and figure; their colour is dark and disagreeable; and they have an unpleasant smell, with a hoarse voice ; and many of them are venomous. Instead of bones, they have only cartilages ; their skin in some instances is smooth, in others covered with scales. Most of them live concealed in dirty, swampy places ; some are viviparous. These last do not hatch their own eggs ; but abandon them to the warmth of the air, or water, or lay them on a dunghill. Almost all this species of animals live upon prey, which they obtain either by their superior strength or cunning. They can long support famine, and in general live a very laborious life. Some of them walk, others creep, and this difference occasions them to be divided into two classes. In the first class may be enumerated those which have feet. The tortoise, which is in this class, is covered with a strong shell resembling a buckler: land tortoises are smaller than those that live in the sea, some of which are five ells long, and weigh from eight to nine hundred pounds. There are several species of lizards; some with smooth skins, others are covered with scales; and some have wings, and are called dragons. Amongst those that have no wings are the crocodile ; the came- STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 187 leon, which can live six months without food; and the salamander, which can live in the fire for some time without being consumed, because the cold and slimy fluid which it throws out from all parts defends it from the effects of the heat. Of all these animals the crocodile is the most formidable ; it first proceeds from an egg not larger than that of a goose, and attains to the immense length of from twenty to thirty feet. It is cruel, voracious, and extremely cunning. Serpents form the second class of amphibious ani- mals. They have no feet, but creep along by a wind- ing vermicular motion, by means of the scales and rings that cover their bodies ; and their spinal vertebrae have a peculiar structure to favour this motion. Some serpents are said to possess the property of fascinating birds, and the small creatures they wish to prey upon ; these, seized with a sudden fear at the sight of the serpent, and perhaps stupified by the poisonous and fetid exhalations it emits, have no power to fly, and fall an easy prey into the gaping throat of their ad- versary. The jaws of serpents can be opened at such an extent, that they are able to swallow animals of a larger bulk than their own heads. Some serpents have fangs in their mouths resembling their other teeth, and they act as a sort of dart which they can push in and out as they please ; and by this means they insert into the wound which they make a poison- ous humour, which is ejected from a little bag placed at the root of the tooth. This poison has the pecu- liar property of only being hurtful to parts where the flesh has been wounded, for it may be taken inter- nally without danger. The serpents thus armed form but about the tenth part of the whole species ; none of the others are venomous, though they dart at men and animals with as much fury as if they could hurt them. The rattle-snake is by far the most danger- ous. It is commonly from three to four feet long, and about as thick as the thigh of a man. Its smell 188 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. is strong and disagreeable ; and it seems as if nature had designed this, as well as its rattles, to warn men of its approach, that they might have time to avoid it. This reptile is most furious when tormented by hun- ger, or when it rains. It never bites till it has coiled itself in a circle ; but it assumes this form with in- credible quickness: to coil itself up, to rear itself upon its tail, to dart upon its prey, to wound it, and to retire, is but the work of a moment. Perhaps it will be asked why God has created a species of animals that only seem to exist for the tor- ment and destruction of man? This and similar questions show that we only think of ourselves, that we are too hasty in forming our judgments, and too much disposed to blame the works of God. Consi- dered in this point of view, such questions are very reprehensible ; but if we ask them for the purpose of being more convinced of the wisdom and goodness of God in the works of the creation, they are not only commendable, but absolutely necessary for every re- flecting person to ask. To those then who inquire for the sake of information, and further advancement in the things of God, I wish to address myself. Per- haps it may appear to you that such creatures as lizards and serpents could not have been created for the general good of the world. But this is a rash opinion; for if amongst amphibious animals there are some which do too much mischief, it is certain that the greater part of them are harmless. And is it not a proof of God's goodness, that not more than the tenth part of serpents are venomous ? And even those which are mischievous have their bodies so formed, that it is generally possible to escape their attacks. Thus however formidable is the rattle-snake, it cannot conceal its approach ; its odour and rattles giving sufficient warning. It is also worthy of re- mark, that Providence has opposed to this dangerous animal an enemy able to conquer it. The sea-hog every-where seeks and devours it with avidity ; and STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 189 a child is strong enough to kill the most terrible of these reptiles, for a very slight blow with a stick across their backs almost instantly kills them. Besides, it would be extremely unjust only to dwell upon the mischief these creatures may do us, without consider- ing the advantages which they actually procure us. Some of them are beneficial as nourishment ; others supply us with medicines ; and the shell of the tor- toise is useful for many purposes. In short, the wis- dom and goodness of God are not less conspicuous in this than in all other parts of the creation. To re- flect upon his divine perfections, to admire and to adore them, is our duty when we see animals which appear to be injurious to us; but never let us com- plain of his arrangements, or murmur at his dispensa^ tions : it would be still more culpable with regard to these creatures, because our faculties are too limited to comprehend the various uses for which they may be designed. SEPTEMBER XXVII. Perfection of the Works of God. WHAT can equal the perfection of the works of God ? and who can describe the infinite power which is displayed in them ? It is not only that their im- mensity, number, and variety fill us with admiration ; but each work in particular is 'formed with such in- finite art, that each is perfect in its kind, and the wonderful proportion and regularity of the smallest productions display the boundless intelligence and grandeur of their Author. We are justly astonished at the different arts which the moderns have in- vented, and by means of which they execute things that would have appeared to our ancestors as super- natural. We measure the height, the breadth, and 190 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. the depth of bodies ; we know the orbits of the stars, and we can direct the course of rivers ; we can ele- vate or depress waters, construct buildings to move upon the sea, and perform many other works which do honour to the human understanding. But what are all the inventions of man, his most magnificent and beautiful productions, in comparison of the least of the works of God ? How weak and imperfect imita- tions, how far below the original! Let the most eminent artist exert all his skill to give his work a pleasing and useful form ; let him polish and perfect it with all his art and care; and after all his labour, in- dustry, and efforts, let him examine his performance through a microscope, and see how coarse, ill-shaped, and rough, it will appear ! He will discover how great is its want of regularity and proportion. But whether we examine the works of the eternal God through a microscope or with the naked eye, they bear the minutest examination, and the closest in- spection ; they are always admirable, always beauti- ful, of an exquisite form and order, of an incomparable symmetry. Divine wisdom has formed and arranged all the parts of every body with infinite art, and wonderful harmony and proportion. Such is the prerogative of unlimited power, that admirable order reigns through- out the creation ; from the greatest to the most mi- nute productions of nature, all is harmony; every thing is so well connected, that no void is perceptible, and in the vast catenation of created beings not a single link is wanting ; nothing is out of pkce or de- fective, every thing is necessary to the perfection of the whole, and each part, separately considered, will be found perfect in itself. It is impossible to describe the numberless beauties, the ever-varying charms, e beautifully blended shades of colouring, the rich hues, and diversified ornaments of the meadows and the valleys ; of the mountains and the forests ; of the plants and the flowers ! Is there a single work STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 191 of God which has not its peculiar characteristic beauty ? Is not that which is the most useful at the same time the most pleasing ? What an astonishing variety of forms, figures, and dimensions, do we not discover in the inanimate part of the creation ! But a still greater diversity is observable amongst animated beings, and yet each individual is perfect in its kind, without any thing to add or diminish. How power- ful and infinite then must be that being, by a single act of whose will so many creatures rose into ex- istence ! But to admire the grandeur and power of God we need not go back to that remote period of time, when at his word every being arose out of nothing, every thing was created in an instant, and in a moment at- tained its full perfection. Do we not now behold at the return of each succeeding spring a new creation ? What can be more admirable and striking than the revolution which then takes place ? At the close of autumn, the valleys, the fields, the meadows and the forests gradually droop, and appear to die; nature, during the winter, loses all her beauties; the very animals languish, the little birds hide themselves, and no longer pour their swelling notes through the groves, where not a green leaf is seen, but all is de- sert, and nature mourns her faded charms. Yet at this very time a secret power is working for her re- novation, without our being conscious of its influence; life again animates the torpid bodies, and they are preparing to undergo a kind of resurrection. How can we so often witness this magnificent spec- tacle without admiring, in humble adoration, the power and glory of the eternal God, who has given to the trees their foliage ; to the flowers their beauty and fragrance ; to the woods and to the meadows their delightful verdure ; and who has caused bread, wine, and oil to spring up from the earth, to make glad the heart of man? O Lord, how great and manifold are thy works ! Thou hast made them all 192 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. with wisdom : the earth is full of thy riches. I will never recline beneath the shade of a spreading tree, and view the fields gay with flowers, the corn waving in rich luxuriance, or see the distant forests, without joyfully remembering that it is my God and hea- venly protector who has thus clothed the creation in beauty. SEPTEMBER XXVIII. \ Fruits. THIS is the blessed season in which the divine goodness lavishes upon us fruits of every kind in plentiful abundance. " The charms of summer are succeeded by solid enjoyments; delicious fruits re- place the faded flowers. The mellow apple, whose golden brilliancy is heightened by the rich streaks of purple, weighs down the branch which bears it ; the luscious pears, and plums, whose juice is sweeter than honey, display their beauties, and invite us to pluck them." How inexcusable and selfish are those people, who at the sight of all these blessings, which the munificence of God bestows upon them, never have any good thoughts arise in their souls, nor endeavour to sanctify the pleasures of autumn by reflecting on the kindness of their God ! How wisely has the Creator distributed fruits in the different seasons of the year ! Though summer and autumn are generally the times when nature pro- duces these rich gifts, with the assistance of art we can obtain them both in spring and in winter, and our tables may thus be provided with fruit all the year round. As early as the month of June, nature produces of herself, unaided by art, raspberries, goose- berries, and cherries. The month of July fuvnishe* eur tables with peaches, apricots, and souie kinds oi' STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 193 pears. In August fruits appear in the most lavish profusion; figs, late cherries, and a variety of de- licious pears. September gives us grapes, winter pears, and apples ; and October yields more varieties of the same kinds of fruits. Thus nature distributes her gifts with the wisest economy, so that without having them in too great abundance, we enjoy an ample variety, and constant succession. And though as winter approaches the number and variety of fruits begin to diminish, we are still able to preserve many of them for use during the whole of this season. Providence has not de- signed man to be idle, but has intended him to be always active, and to labour to supply his wants; hence he has distributed his blessings with such diversity, and has so formed them, that if proper care is not taken to preserve them they will spoil, and be of no value. How great is the abundance of fruits, and the pro- fusion with which they are distributed ! Though birds and insects are continually feeding upon them, we have yet a sufficient quantity left for use. If we could calculate how much fruit a hundred trees would produce in a favourable year, we should be astonished at the immense quantity. Why is there such abundance of fruits, if not to supply men with nourishment, and particularly those who are poor and destitute? In giving to them these fruits so plentifully, Providence has supplied them with a cheap, nourishing, and wholesome food, and so agree- able that they have no cause to envy the rich their seasoned and often unwholesome viands. Few kinds of aliment are more salubrious and nourishing than fruits ; and we ought to consider it as a merciful care of God, that he has given them to us in a season when they may be used as most ex- cellent remedies, as well as refreshing and pleasant food. Nothing is more delicious than fruit; each species has a taste peculiar to itself, and it is certain VOL. II. O 194 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. they would lose much of their value if they had all the same flavour; their variety renders them more exquisite and delectable. Thus Providence, like a tender parent, not only provides for the support of his creatures, he also ministers to their pleasures. May it be our fondest delight, and most pleasing duty, to devote ourselves to the service of so kind a Father! How great will our happiness be, if we give ourselves up to him with full purpose of heart ! What sweet consolation, and pure and exalted plea- sures, shall we then taste ! What bright hopes may we not indulge for happiness in our future existence ! SEPTEMBER XXIX. Hymn of Praise imitated from the 147 th Psalm. PRAISE ye the Lord, for he is omnipotent ! He telleth the number of the stars, and calleth each by its name. Thou earth, and ye heavens, celebrate him ; his name is great and glorious ; the sceptre of his power rules over you with majesty ; celebrate the Almighty ! Unite your voices to bless the God of mercy ! Ye who are distressed, come unto him ; come to your Father ; he is gentle, merciful, and gracious ; a God of peace, charity, and love. The heavens become dark ; but it is to water the earth with fruitful rains. Verdure beautifies our fields ; grass grows, and fruits ripen; for the clouds pour from heaven the bounty of our God, who is full of kindness. Let every thing that breathes glorify the Lord ! Beasts and birds, fish and insects, nothing is forgotten, all the objects of his care, all are nourished by his bounty. Let us praise and celebrate our hea- venly Father ! O how he supports and comforts those who trust STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 195 in his mercy, and confide in his power ! One friend often cannot save another, and the utmost strength of man cannot save him from danger. Alas ! wretched is the mortal who seeketh vain supports! Put not your trust in princes, nor in the sons of men, in whom there is no help ; but repose on the Rock of Ages, your Saviour and your God. His word is a source of life and salvation. O ye who are of his covenant, how great is your happiness ! Praise, exalt, and celebrate the God of truth and mercy ! SEPTEMBER XXX. w Invitation to praise God. GREAT is the Lord; innumerable heavens are his pavilion ; the thunder-cloud is his chariot, and the lightning walketh by his side. The lustre of the morning is but the reflection of the hem of his garment : when his splendour goes forth, the light of the sun is eclipsed. Praise the eternal God, ye luminaries of his palace : ye solar rays, flame his glory: thou earth, lift up thy voice and sing his praise. Celebrate him, thou sea; foam, ye billows, to his honour; ye rivers, praise him in your course ! Roar, ye lions of the forest, to his glory ! Sing unto him, ye feathered in- habitants of the air ! Resound his praises, ye echoes ! Let all nature, in harmonious concert, chant his honour ! And thou, O man, lord of this lower world, mingle thy thanksgivings with the universal song ! God has done more for thy happiness than for all the rest: he has given thee an immortal spirit, which enables thee to comprehend the structure of the uni- verse, and to become acquainted with the springs of nature. Praise him when the sun rises from his ruddy bed, 02 J9G STURM'S REFLECTIONS. and paints the east with glory ; praise him when his departing beams faintly irradiate the western horizon : with the voice of universal nature, unite thy accents, tuned to his praise. Praise him in the rainy and in the dry seasons ; in the tempest and in the calm ; when the snow falls, when the ice stops rivers in their course, and when verdure covers the face of the earth. Exalt him for thy own salvation : when thou soarest up to him, all low desires and base inclinations shall leave thy heart, and thou shalt retire with greater elevation of thought and purity of soul. OCTOBER I. A Hymn in Praise of God. ALL the hosts of heaven glorify the power and majesty of the Creator; and all the spheres which roll in the immensity of space celebrate the wisdom of his works. The sea, the mountains, the forests, and the deeps, all created by a single act of his will, are the heralds of his love, and the messengers of his power. Shall I alone be silent, and not chant hymns to his praise ? My soul longs to soar up to his throne ; and though my language may be feeble, my tears will ex- press the love which I feel for my heavenly Father and Protector. Though my tongue falter, and my broken accents declare my weakness, the most high God sees through my heart, and gladly receives the pure incense which ever burns there on his holy altar. But how shall I praise thee, who art far above all praise ? Could I take the sunbeams for my pencil, I could not sketch a single ray of thy essence. The purest spirits can offer thee but imperfect praise. By what power do millions of suns shine with so much splendour? Who has marked out the wonderful STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 197 course of those revolving spheres ? What chain unites them, and what power influences them? It is the breath, the word of Jehovah our God. The Lord called the worlds, and they moved in their spheres through the space of heaven. Then was our world produced ; the birds, the fish, the cattle, and the wild beasts that sport in the forests ; and to complete all came man to inhabit the earth, and re- ceive joy in its productions. Our sight is delighted with smiling and varied prospects; our eyes wander over the green plains, or contemplate forests that seem to rise into the clouds ; they view the sparkling dewdrops of morning that water the flowers, or they pursue the windings of the limpid stream which re- flects the trees. To break the force of the winds, and to offer us the most lovely views of nature, the mountains rear their lofty summits, and from them flow the purest streams. The dry valleys and parched fields are watered by rain and dew, and the air is cooled with the gentle breeze. It is our God who directs the spring to unfold a green carpet under our feet; it is he who gilds the ears of corn, and tinges the grapes with their purple hue; and when cold descends to benumb nature, he wraps her in a pure mantle. Through him the human mind penetrates the abode of the stars, recalls the past, anticipates the future, and discerns the evidence of truth from the delusion of error ; and by his power we conquer death, and escape from the tomb. Unto the mighty God of the universe then be ascribed all honour, glory, and renown, for ever and ever. 198 STUKM'S BEFLECTIONS. OCTOBER II. Effects of Fire. NOTHING in nature can exceed the violent effects of fire ; and the extreme rapidity with which ignited particles are put in motion is altogether astonishing. But how few people attend to these effects, or deem them worthy of their observation ! Yet in our domestic affairs we daily experience the beneficial influence of fire, and perhaps on this very account we are less attentive. I wish, then, in the present reflection, to make my readers call to mind this great blessing of Providence, and, if possible, cause them to feel its full value. One effect of fire, and which must be familiar to every person, is that of dilating such bodies as are exposed to its influence. A piece of iron made to fit a hole in a plate of metal, so that it easily passes through when cold, being heated cannot be made to enter, but upon being again cooled readily passes into the hole as at first. This dilatation caused by the heat is still more perceptible in fluid bodies, as spirits, water, and more particularly air ; and upon this prin- ciple our thermometers are constructed. If we observe the effects of fire upon compact and inanimate substances, we shall find that they soon begin to melt, and are changed partly into a fluid and partly into a solid of a different nature. It com- municates fluidity to ice, oil, and all fat substances, and most of the metals. These bodies are rendered susceptible of such changes, from their combination being more simple and their particles more homo- geneal than those of other bodies. The fire conse- quently penetrates their pores more readily, and suc- ceeds sooner in separating the parts from each other ; hence some of these matters evaporate when the fire penetrates them in too great a quantity, or with too STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 199 much force. Some solid bodies undergo other changes ; sand, flint, slate, quartz, and spar, become vitrified in the fire ; clay is converted into stone ; marble, cal- careous stones, and chalk, are changed into lime. The diversity of these effects does not proceed from the fire, but from the different properties of the bodies upon which it acts. It may produce three kinds of effects upon the same body ; it may melt, vitrify, and reduce it to lime, provided that the matter possesses the three necessary properties of being metallic, vitri- fiable, and calcareous. Thus fire of itself produces nothing new ; it only developes in bodies those prin- ciples which before its action were not perceptible. Upon fluids fire produces two effects; it makes them boil, and converts them into vapour. These vapours are formed of the most subtle particles of the fluid separated by the fire, and they ascend in the air because they are specifically lighter than that fluid. In living creatures fire produces the sensation of heat in every part of the body : without this element man could not preserve life; a certain degree of heat is necessary to give vitality and motion to the blood, for which purpose we are constantly inhaling fresh air, which always contains the matter of heat, and im- parts it to the blood in the lungs, whilst this organ of respiration expels the air that has lost its vivifying properties. The above reflections ought to confirm in our minds the important truth, that Providence has con- stantly in view the welfare of man, and is ever giving us proofs of his divine love. How numerous are the advantages which the effects of fire alone procure us ! By the intimate union of fire and air the seasons are renewed, the moisture of the soil and the health and life of man supported ;' by the action of fire water is put in motion, organised bodies are brought to a state of perfection, the branch is preserved in the bud, the plant in the seed, and the embryo in the egg; it 200 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. serves to prepare our food, contributes to the forma- tion of metals, and renders them fit for use. In short, when we collect the different properties of fire, we must be convinced of the numerous bless- ings which the Creator has by its means diffused over the globe ; a truth which ought to call forth our love and gratitude for the Author of our being, and fill our minds with contentment and a perfect reliance upon God. OCTOBER III. The Instinct and Industry of Birds. BIRDS afford us many innocent pleasures, and now that some of them are about to disappear for a con- siderable space of time, let us bestow a little attention upon them, that their presence may rejoice us, and make us think with gratitude and pleasure upon God, who is their Creator as well as ours. It is very pleas- ing to observe the different instincts which he has given to them. None of these instincts are useless or superfluous, each is indispensably necessary to the E reservation and well-being of the bird ; and however ttle we know of them, it is sufficient to give the highest ideas of the wisdom and goodness of God. When we reflect upon that particular instinct which incites birds to move, we may find in that alone just cause of admiration. Experience convinces us that corporeal motion requires something more than mere strength, and limbs supple and well formed. It is not till after many essays and falls that we can pre- serve our balance, walk with ease, run, leap, sit down, and rise up again ; and yet to a body constructed as is ours, these motions seem to be much easier than they are to birds. These animals also have only two feet, but their bodies do not rest perpendicularly upon STURM'S BEKLECTIONS. 201 them ; they project before as well as behind, and yet a chicken will stand upright, and run about almost as soon as it leaves the egg. Young ducks which have been hatched by a hen know their own element, and swim in the water without having been directed by example or instruction. Other birds know how to rise from their nests into the air, balance themselves, and pursue their course through the air, making equal strokes with their wings; stretch their feet, spread out their tails, using them as oars, and perform long voyages to countries very remote from the place of their nativity. How admirable also is the art which they use to obtain a subsistence; an art which they bring into the world with them ! Certain birds, though not aquatic, live upon fish; consequently they ought to find it more difficult to seize their prey than is the case with water-fowl. Who teaches them this in- stinct ? They stand on the brink of the water, and when they perceive at a distance a shoal of fish ad- vancing, they pursue them, skim along the surface, and suddenly plunging in the water, seize upon a fish. Who has given to birds of prey their piercing eye, courage, and weapons, without which they could not obtain the means of subsistence? Who teaches the stork where to find frogs and insects to feed upon ? To procure them she must carefully traverse the meadows, and seek them in the furrows of the field ; and she must prolong her search till morning, when othei birds begin to awake. What incredible strength the condor must possess, since it is said to carry off a deer, and prey upon an ox ! How can we reconcile with the savage nature of the quail that maternal in- stinct which makes her adopt young birds of any spe- cies, and not only take them under her protection, but lavish upon them her most tender cares ? What cunning the crow uses to hide the prey which she cannot devour at once ! She carefully conceals it in places that other crows are not liable to frequent; 202 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. and when hunger again presses her, she well knows the magazine where she had hoarded her treasure. We might make many more observations of this kind, without being at all able to explain all the mysteries in the instinct of birds : but the little that we know of them is sufficient to dispose those whose minds are open to contemplate the works of nature to follow still more noble pursuits. Let us not confine ourselves to the consideration of the instincts and properties of birds, which ought only to be regarded as a first step leading to more sublime meditations ; but let the admiration which these raise in us elevate our souls to the God from whom these animals have received all their faculties, and who has prepared and combined so many things for the continuance and multiplication of this part of his creatures. OCTOBER IV. Animal Reproductions. HERE we discover a new field of wonders which seem wholly to contradict the principles which we had adopted concerning the formation of organized bodies. It was long supposed that animals could only be multiplied by eggs, or by young ones. But it is now found that there are some exceptions to this general rule, since certain animal bodies have been discovered which may be divided into as many com- plete bodies as we please ; for each part thus separated from the parent body soon repairs what is deficient, and becomes a complete animal. It is now no longer doubtful that the polypus belongs to the class of animals, though it much resembles plants both in form and in its mode of propagating. The bodies of these creatures may be either cut across or longitu- dinally, and the pieces will become so many complete STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 203 polypi. Even from the skin, or least part cut off from the body, one or more polypi will be produced ; and if several pieces cut off be joined together by the ex- tremities, they will perfectly unite, nourish each other, and become one body. This discovery has given rise to other experiments, and it has been found that polypi are not the only animals which live and grow after being cut in pieces. The earth-worm will multiply after being cut in two ; to the tail part there grows a head, and the two pieces then become two worms. After having been divided, they cannot be joined together again ; they remain for some time in the same state, or grow rather smaller ; we then see at the extremity which was cut a little white button begin to appear, which increases and gradually lengthens. Soon after we may observe rings, at first very close together, but insensibly extending on all sides; a new stomach and other organs are then formed. We may at any time make the following experiment with snails. Cut off their heads close by their horns, and in a certain space of time the head will be repro- duced. A similar circumstance takes place in crabs ; if one of their claws is torn off, it will again be entirely reproduced. A very wonderful experiment was made by Duha- mel on the thigh of a chicken. After the thigh-bone, which had been broken, was perfectly restored, and a callus completely formed, he cut off all the flesh down to the bone ; the parts were gradually reproduced, and the circulation of the blood again renewed. We must acknowledge then that some animals may be multiplied by being divided into pieces ; and we no longer doubt that the young of certain insects may be produced in the same manner as a branch is from a tree ; that they may be cut in pieces, and live again in the smallest piece ; that they may be turned inside out like a glove, divided into pieces, then turned again, and yet live, eat, grow, and multiply. Here a ques- 204 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. tion offers itself, which perhaps no naturalist can re- solve in a satisfactory manner. How does it happen that the parts which are thus cut off can be again re- produced ? We must suppose that germs are distri- buted to every part of the body, whilst in other animals they are only contained in certain parts. These germs unfold themselves when they receive proper nourishment. Thus, when an animal is cut in pieces, the germ is supplied with the necessary juices, which would have been conveyed to other parts if they had not been diverted into a different channel. The superfluous juices develope those parts which without them would have continued attached to eacli other. Every part of the polypus and worm contains in itself, as the bud does the rudiments of a tree, all the viscera necessary to the animal. The parts essen- tial to life are distributed throughout the body, and the circulation is carried on even in the smallest par- ticles. As we do not understand, all the means which the Author of nature makes use' of to distribute life and feeling to such a number of animals, we have no reason to maintain that the creatures of which we have been speaking are the only ones which fonn ex- ceptions to the general rule, in their mode of propa- gating. The fecundity of nature, and the infinite wisdom of the Creator, always surpass our feeble con- ceptions. The same hand which has formed the polypus and the worm has also shown us that it is able to simplify the structure of animals. OCTOBER V. The Organs of Taste. WE should possess fewer sources of pleasure if we had not the faculty of distinguishing by our taste different kinds of food. The great variety of fruits STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 205 which ahound in this season may naturally induce us to reflect upon this subject. Our pleasures would be considerably diminished if the apple, the pear, the plum, and the grape, all had the same flavour. The faculty of distinguishing them, or the sense of taste, is a gift of God's goodness, and a proof of his wisdom, which deserves our utmost gratitude. What are the means which enable us to taste and distinguish our food? The tongue is the principal organ : for this purpose its surface is furnished with nervous papillae, by means of which we receive the impression of taste. This structure is evident upon dissecting the tongue ; for having taken off the mem- brane which covers it, numerous roots where the nerves terminate appear; and it is precisely where these nervous papillae are found that we have the sensation of taste ; when they are wanting, we have no sense of tasting. When we put highly flavoured things under the tongue, we have scarcely any percep- tion of them till they are attenuated and brought to the surface of the tongue, when we immediately be- come sensible of their flavour ; consequently the sensation of taste is only powerful where the nervous papillae are in the greatest quantity, and that is in the part nearest the throat. To be still more convinced that the sense of taste depends upon the nerves, we have only to examine the tongue of a dog or of a cat. In these animals the nervous papillae are situated towards the root of the tongue ; the fore part being destitute, whilst the pa- late is covered with them ; hence with these animals the tip of the tongue is not susceptible of taste. How skilfully this organ of taste is constructed, all the parts of which no anatomist has yet been able to discover ! Is it not the effect of infinite wisdom, that the tongue has a greater number of nervous iibrillce than any other part of the body, and that it is filled with little pores, that the salts and savoury parts of food may penetrate more deeply, and in greater abund- 206 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. ance, to the nervous papillae ? Is it not owing to the same wisdom, that the nerves whose fibres spread over the palate and throat are also extended to the nose and eyes, as if to make these organs contribute their share in discerning our aliment? Another thing wor- thy of admiration is the duration of the organs of taste; however fine and delicate in their structure, they continue longer than instruments of stone and steel. Our clothes wear, our flesh decays, our bones become dry, whilst the sense of taste survives them all. Seeing, then, that God has favoured us with facul- ties superior to all other creatures, let us endeavour always to exert them for the best purposes. If we are unwilling to acknowledge the wisdom and goodness of our Creator, who else is to render him that homage ? Let us reflect on the abundance we receive from the animal, vegetable, and mineral kingdoms. The heavens and the earth, the air and the ocean, contri- bute to our happiness ; wherever we go we behold the gifts of God. From the lofty summits of the moun- tains, the depths of the valleys, the beds of lakes, and the bosom of rivers, we derive sustenance and pleasure. Though it is reasonable that we should esteem and highly value this choice gift of God, yet let us not prize it beyond the design of the Divine Giver. The sense of taste is bestowed on us as a means to conduct us to the noblest ends. How absurd and culpable it would be, if we made our chief happiness to consist in those pleasures of which this sense is the organ ; and to live only to gratify the palate by savoury viands and delicious drinks ! Let us shrink from the idea of re* ducing ourselves to the level of the brute, whose chief delight is in eating and drinking : and let us ever re- member that we have an immortal soul, which can never be satisfied with any thing short of the Supreme Good ; and to have a true relish for this good, to be desirous of being nourished by it, constitutes the wis- dom and felicity of the man and the Christian. STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 207 OCTOBER VI. Of God's Government with regard to natural Events, ALL the events which take place in the heavens, upon the earth, and in the air, are regulated accord- ing to prescribed natural laws. But it would be wrong not to acknowledge the influence of a particular Pro- vidence, which directs natural things according to its own views, and makes them concur in its designs. God makes use of natural causes to chastise or to re- compense men ; and it is thus for example, that at his command the air is pure or corrupt, and the sea- sons are fruitful or unproductive. He prevents or assists the designs of men ; sometimes by winds and storms, at others by the flux and reflux of the sea. It is true that God does not in general interrupt the course of nature ; but it is equally certain that nature cannot act without his will and concurrence. The parts which constitute the visible world cannot use their power as they please; and God can influence his creatures without overturning the order of nature. Fire, water, wind, and rain, have their natural causes and peculiar properties ; and God uses them to exe- cute his designs in a manner suitable to their nature, He uses the heat of the sun to warm and fertilize the earth : he employs the winds and the rain to purify and cool the air, but always in such a way as best suits his views and purposes. A great part of the good and evil which we expe- rience in this state of existence proceeds from sur- rounding objects; and as God interests himself in every thing which happens to man, he undoubtedly has an influence upon those objects, and upon every part of nature ; and on this are founded the rewards which he promises to virtue, and the chastisements with which he punishes vice. The one he crowns with peace and prosperity ; and when he pleases sends 208 STL-EM'S REFLECTIONS. war, famine, and pestilence to punish the other. In short, all natural causes are in the hand of God, and immediately under his guidance. Man himself is a proof of this. How frequently his industry subdues nature ! Though he cannot change the essence of things, he is able to make use of natural causes, so that effects result from them which would not have taken place without the art and direction of man. But if Providence has in some degree subjected na- tural things to human industry, how much more rational is it to suppose he reserves to himself the supreme government and direction of all these things ! From all this we may conclude, that a particular Providence is necessary to watch over the government of the world. Natural causes are doubtless excellent instruments ; but to be useful they should be under the direction of a wise governor. It would be un- reasonable to desire that God should every instant change the kws of nature which he has once esta- blished ; that if, for instance, a man fell into water, or in the fire, he should neither be drowned in the one case, nor burnt in the other. Thus, again, it is not to be expected that Providence will preserve men who shorten their lives by intemperance ; or that he will work miracles to save them from the misfortunes which they bring upon themselves by their own mis- conduct and folly. But it is our duty to attribute to the guardian cares of Providence all those beneficial dispensations which minister to our wants, and fill our hearts with joy. All the disorders of nature are also the effects of the power of God, and may be re- garded as the means which he uses to punish men. It is under this belief that on the one hand is founded the efficacy of those prayers by which we implore the blessings of heaven, peace, and fruitful seasons ; and on the other offer up our thanksgivings, for the mercies which we have so abundantly received. STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 209 OCTOBER VII. The inexhaustible Riches of Nature. NATURE is so liberal to us, so abundant in resources to supply all our wants, so rich in gifts, that they surpass in number the drops of water in the ocean. How many different things does one single indivi- dual require during a life of sixty years ! How much he wants for food and raiment, for the sweets and conveniences of life, for the pleasures, the amuse- ments, and the duties of society ; not to mention ex- traordinary cases, and unforeseen accidents. Every age, state, and condition of life, in every country, and amongst every people, from the king to the beggar, from the suckling babe to the old man, has its particular wants and necessities ; what agrees with one does not suit another ; and all require provisions, and different means of subsistence. Yet we see nature suffices for all, and provides so liberally for every want, that each individual receives all that is neces- sary to him. Since the first age of the world, the earth has not ceased to open her bosom, the mines are not exhausted ; the sea constantly provides subsistence for a great number of creatures; plants and trees have always buds and seed, which germinate and are fruitful in the proper season. All bountiful nature diversifies her riches, that they may not be too much exhausted in one place; and when any species of plants, fruits, or provisions, begin to diminish, she produces others ; and she does it so that the desire or taste of men should lead them where her productions are most abundant. Nature is a wise economist, who takes care that nothing shall be lost. She derives profit from every thing. Insects serve as food to greater animals ; and these are always useful to man in one way or another. If they do not supply him with food, they provide VOL. II. p 21.0 STUBM'S REFLECTIONS. him with raiment, or they furnish him with arms and weapons of defence ; and if they answer none of these purposes, they at least procure him excellent medicines. If disease sweeps off some species of ani- mals, nature repairs that loss by the increase of others. She even makes use of the dust of dead bodies, and putrid and corrupt substances, for the nourishment of some creatures, or as manure to the earth. How rich also is nature in fine and delightful pro- spects ! Her most beautiful dress only requires light and colours, and with these she is abundantly pro- vided; the scene which she presents is continually varying, according to the point of view in which it is seen. And while in one place the eye is gratified with the most beautiful forms, in another the ear is charmed by melodious sounds, and the organ of smell is refreshed by the most agreeable perfumes. In short, the gifts of nature are so plentiful, that those which are continually used never fail. She distri- butes her riches throughout the earth, and diversifies them in different countries, taking from some, and giving to others ; by means of commerce such rela- tions and links are established between distant king- doms, that her productions passing through an in- finite number of hands, are much increased in value by their extensive and continual circulation. Such, in the hands of God, are the inexhaustible riches of nature, for which we can never be too grateful. OCTOBER VIII. Petrifactions, THE transformation of different substances from the animal or vegetable into the mineral kingdom is- a peculiarity in natural history well deserving of our attention. Petrifactions throw much light on the natural history of the earth. STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 211 The first thing worthy of remark in petrifactions is their external form, which clearly shows that they have once belonged to the vegetable or the animal kingdom. The petrifaction of animals is not unfre- quent. Aquatic animals are found petrified ; and it is not uncommon to meet with entire fishes in this state, the least scales of which are distinctly visible ; and the multitude of shells and worms found in the bowels of the earth apparently converted into stone is very great ; and there are besides many petrifactions of animals found, no similar species of which are at present known to exist. The petrifactions of marine substances are found in great abundance in various parts of the earth; on the summits of the loftiest mountains, at an elevation of several thousand feet above the surface of the sea; and others at a great depth in the earth. Various species of petrified plants are also met with in different strata of the earth ; and often the impressions which they have made are only seen, the substances themselves being destroyed. In some places whole trees are found buried more or less deep in the earth, and converted into a stony sub- stance ; but such petrifactions do not appear to be of a very ancient date. It may with propriety be asked how these petrified substances got into the earth, and particularly how they could be found on the highest mountains ? And how animals, which generally live in the sea, and do not belong to our climate, have been transported so far from their natural abode ? To explain this phe- nomenon many causes may be assigned. These petri- factions may be regarded as a certain proof that water once covered the greatest part of the earth ; and as, wherever we dig, whether on the tops of the moun- tains, or in the deepest mines in the earth, we find all kinds of marine productions, it would seem as if no more satisfactory explanation could be given. The great quantity of petrified shell-fish found often in 212 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. very high situations, and forming regular strata, gives us reason to believe that these heights once made a part of the bottom of the sea; and it is the more pro- bable because we know the bed of the ocean re- sembles the solid earth. We are yet very imperfectly acquainted with the manner in which nature effects these petrifactions. It is certain that bodies will not petrify in the open air, because animal and vegetable substances are dissolved or become putrid in that ele- ment ; so that air must be wholly or partially ex- cluded from the places where the process of petrifac- tion is going on. A dry soil has no petrifying pro- perty. Running waters may encrust some bodies, but cannot change them into stone ; the very stream of the water would prevent it. A soft moist earth, containing calcareous matter in a state of solution, most probably contributes to petrifaction; the fluid penetrates into the pores of vegetable and animal sub- stances, and as they dissolve deposits calcareous matter, which unites with and adapts itself to the substance in question. From the above account we may deduce some consequences which throw considerable light upon the subject. All animals and vegetables are not equally proper to be converted into stone; for that purpose they should possess a certain hardness of texture, which would prevent their becoming putrid, before they became petrified. Petrifactions are chiefly formed in the interior of the earth, and the place where they are formed should be neither very wet nor very dry. All the kinds of stones which contain petrifactions, or fonn the substance of them, are the work of time, and are still daily producing. Such are the calcareous and argillaceous earths, and several others of a similar nature ; and petrified bodies par- take of the nature of these stones. Though petrifactions were of no other use than to throw some light upon the natural history of our globe, they would on that account alone highly merit STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 213 our attention. But if we consider them as proofs of the secret operations and changes of nature, they will be very useful by manifesting the wonderful power and wisdom of God. OCTOBER IX. The Operations of Nature are gradual. WE may observe an admirable gradation, an in- sensible progress from the simplest to the most com- plex perfection throughout nature ; and there is no in- termediate space which has not some characteristic qf what precedes and of what follows ; there is neither a void nor a break in the whole of nature. Earthy particles form the chief composition of solid bodies, and are found in all substances decomposed by human art. From the union of earth with salts, oils, and sulphurs, &c. result different combinations of earths more or less compound, light, or compact. These insensibly lead us to the mineral kingdom. The different species of stones are very numerous, and their figure, colour, size, and hardness, are very different. We find amongst them various metallic and saline matters, from which minerals and precious stones are produced. In the class of stones, some are fibrous, and have laminae, or a sort of leaves, as slate, talc, litophytes, or stony marine plants, and the ami- anthus, or stony flower of mines ; and these lead us from the mineral to the vegetable kingdom. The plant which seems to be the lowest in the scale of vegetation is the truffle, and next to it are the nu- merous species of mushrooms and mosses. All these plants are imperfect, and properly only constitute the limits of the vegetable kingdom. The most perfect plants naturally divide themselves into three great 214 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. families, which are distributed over all the earth; these are herbs, trees, and shrubs. The polypus seems to partake both of the vegetable and animal kingdom, and forms the connecting link between plants and animals. Worms commence the animal kingdom, and lead us to insects ; those which are inclosed in a stony or scaly shell seem to unite insects to shell-fish. Be- tween these, or rather next to them, is the class of reptiles, which by means of the water-snake are united to fish. The flying-fish leads us to birds. The ostrich, whose feet nearly resemble those of a goat, and which runs rather than flies, seems to link birds with quadrupeds. The ape appears to be be- tween man and quadrupeds. There are gradations in human nature as in all other things ; between the most perfect man and the ape the number of links is very great. And how many must there be between the most perfect man and the lowest angel ! How many between the archangels and the Creator of all things ! Here new links, new designs, new beauties and excellencies, are perceptible ; but in the spiritual world these gradations are concealed by an impene- trable veil. However, we have the consolation of understanding from revelation, that the immense space between God and the cherubim is filled by Christ, who is God manifested in the flesh. By him human nature is glorified and exalted ; by him man is elevated to the first rank of created beings, and is permitted even to approach the throne of the im- mortal God. The little which we have said respecting these dif- ferent links of nature suffices to show us that every thing in the universe is blended, that all holds toge- ther, and is united by the most intimate bonds. There is nothing without design, nothing which is not the immediate effect of some preceding cause, or which does not determine the existence of something STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 215 that is to follow. Nature does not proceed by starts ; every thing goes on gradually from the least to the most perfect, from the nearest to the most distant, from bodily perfection to mental excellence. But our knowledge of this immense chain of beings is still very imperfect ; we are yet acquainted with very few of the links. However, defective as is ourfintelligence in this respect, it is ample enough to give us the most exalted ideas of that admirable series, and in- finite diversity of beings which compose the universe ; and thus we are led to that Infinite Being, between whom and us the distance is immeasurable. OCTOBER X. Fall of Leaves. THE ravages which the approach of winter makes in the forests and in the gardens begin now to be perceived. All plants, with the exception of a very few, lose their most beautiful ornaments, the leaves. What is the cause of this change ? The most natural seems to be the cold ; for as soon as the first frost sets in the leaves begin to fall, and the vegetables to lose their verdant hue. This js owing to the circula- tion of the sap being checked by the cold. But this is not the only cause of the fall of leaves, for it takes place in mild winters when there is no frost, and in those trees which are preserved from the effects of the cold in green-houses. Other causes are therefore instrumental in stripping the trees of their leaves. Perhaps they wither because their transpiration is not supplied by the necessary quantity of sap from the root, for it is certain that the branches increase in thickness after they have ceased to grow in length. When, therefore, at the time that the branches still daily grow, the stalks of the leaves do not increase, 216 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. their fibres must necessarily be detached from the fibres of the branches, and consequently the leaves will then fall. But we must not suppose that these fallen leaves are entirely lost, and no longer useful : both reason and experience inform us to the contrary. Nothing perishes, nothing is useless in the world, consequently the leaves which fall from trees and plants are of some use ; they grow putrid, and become manure for the earth : snow and rain separate the saline particles from them, and convey them to the roots of trees ; and when the leaves are thus strewed on the ground, they preserve the roots of young plants, form a shelter to seeds, and retain round them the necessary degree of heat and humidity. This is particularly remark- able in oak leaves : they furnish an excellent manure, not only to the tree itself, but also to the tender shoots ; and they are particularly useful to pastures, by pro- moting the growth of the grass which they cover. These advantages are so important, that fallen leaves are never collected for the purpose of throwing them away, unless they are in such abundance that the grass is rather choked up than nourished by them. Leaves may serve as manure in various ways : they are laid in stables instead of straw, and thus make a very good litter for cattle; or they may be mixed with other kinds of manure. The mould they pro- duce is particularly useful in gardens, where beds are made of it, which contribute much to the growth of fruits and young trees. The fall of the leaf, in a moral point of view, may be considered as an emblem of human life, and the frailty of all earthly things. " I am as a falling leaf; death walks by my side; perhaps to-day I shall wither, and to-morrow be converted into dust ! My life hangs by a thread, and I may lose all my beauty and vigour in a single moment. But if I leave behind the well-matured fruits of love, righteousness, and holiness, I shall quit this world with honour, and joyfully prepare to meet my Creator and Judge !" STUIIM'S REFLECTIONS. 217 I OCTOBER XI. Different Species of Earths. WE can only form conjectures respecting the in- terior of the earth. Those who labour in the mines have not been able to descend lower than nine hun- dred feet ; for if they wished to penetrate deeper, the great pressure of the air would be fatal to them, even if they preserved themselves from the water, which increases in proportion to the descent. But what is this depth in comparison of the semi-diameter of the earth ? The interior of the earth must then neces- sarily be in a great measure unknown to us; for miners themselves have scarcely penetrated through the first crust. All that we know is, that when we have dug to the depth of some hundred feet, this crust is composed of different beds placed one above the other. These strata are much blended, and their direction, substance, thickness, and relative position, vary considerably in different places. Under common earth in gardens clay and fat earth are generally found, and sometimes these are alternated by layers of sand, clay, and marl. The division, then, of these different layers is quite arbitrary, and they may be more or less extended; but in comparing them together, that division seems to be most convenient which refers them to seven classes. First, black earth, which is composed of putrid ani- mal and vegetable substances : it contains many salts and inflammable matters, and is properly dung. Se- cond, clay, which is more compact than black earth, and retains water longer upon its surface. Third, sandy earth, which is hard, light, and dry, and neither retains water nor is dissolved in it. It is the poorest of all earths, though some plants will grow in it. Fourth, marl, which is softer, more mealy, and more 218 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. readily attracts moisture. Fifth, bog, or marshy earth, which contains a vitriolic salt too acid for plants. Sixth, chalk, which is dry, hard, and calcareous ; yet some plants thrive in it. And, lastly, stony earth. The smoothest stones, however bare of earth, are yet covered with moss, which is a production of the vege- table kingdom ; and birch will grow to a considerable height between stones, and in the clefts of rocks. The different species of earths of which these strata are composed are disposed with much wisdom ; for only to mention the principal advantages which result from them, these different layers of sand, of gravel, and of light earth, favour the passage of fresh water, which filters through them, becomes softer, and is afterwards distributed to supply the wants of man and animals. These strata also form the reservoirs and canals of springs and fountains. And it is remarkable that these canals are found in every country upon the surface of the earth, and that they are composed of a light earth, which is sometimes mixed with a soil which is harder and more stony, and tends better to purify the water. The diversity of earths is also very useful to the vegetable kingdom ; for it is owing to this that herbs, plants, and trees grow spontaneously in certain countries, whilst in others they require the assistance of art. All that art can effect in such cases is to imitate nature, which has prepared for the plants which grow of themselves the soil, the nutritive juices, and the degree of heat most favourable to vegetation. This variety of soils is the reason why some herbs and plants have their internal structure different from others of the same species. It often happens that some plants will thrive in the same soil in which others languish, and that the same fruits will taste differently in different countries. Plants whose roots are weak, small, and fibrous, and which have not much sap, ought to be planted in a light sandy soil, that the wts may extend without being impeded, that the rain may more easily penetrate, and where the roots STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 219 may not meet with too many saline and oleaginous particles. It is said that lettuce, cauliflowers, salads, &c. may be produced fit to eat in the space of forty- eight hours, if the seeds are previously steeped in brandy, and the soil in which they are sown is mixed with pigeon's dung and powder of slacked lime. A certain preparation of the soil is undoubtedly necessary for vegetation. All this should make us acknowledge the wisdom with which the Creator has disposed the earth for the better production of plants, and the happiness of his creatures. It is extremely unjust to complain of the sterility of particular soils, for the divine goodness has always taken care that those countries assigned to man for his abode should produce as much as is ne- cessary for his subsistence ; and if some soils are found less fertile than others, the Creator has amply com- pensated the loss, by advantages much more consider- able ; or he has inspired man with an ardour which prompts him to exert more energy in their cultiva- tion. OCTOBER XII. Wine. WINK is a gift of the divine goodness, for which we cannot be too grateful. God has not only given us bread and abundance of aliments for our support, he has also graciously provided for our pleasures and en- joyment ; and to render our life more comfortable, as well as to contribute to our health, he has created the vine. No other beverage, natural or artificial, produces effects in the same degree as wine : it dissipates me- lancholy, and excites the most pleasurable sensations. Bread makes a man able to act, but wine renews 220 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. his strength, impaired by too much fatigue, renders his labour pleasant, and gives life and energy to all his exertions. Spirituous liquors do not diffuse over the countenance that lively cheerful air, which wine used in moderation imparts. Let us here reflect upon God, who has communicated such beneficial properties to the juice of a plant of humble birth and sterile soil. How much his divine goodness is manifested in the abundance and the variety of wines ! The different sorts are very nu- merous, and vary in colour, smell, taste, quality, and duration ; and each climate enjoys such wines as are best adapted to the nature and constitution of its in- habitants. But it is very lamentable to see how much this blessing is abused. Some legislators have inter- dicted its use, not from motives of improving the health and the morals of the people, but from false principles of economy, or absurd notions of fanaticism. To one or other of these causes must be attributed the prohibition of wine to his followers by Mahomet. The adulteration of wine so generally practised, particularly when effected by such noxious ingredients as lime, white lead, litharge, &c. &c. is highly preju- dicial, and often fatal in its consequences. What can be more cruel and horrible than for the sake of emo- lument to convert what it has pleased Providence, in his infinite mercy and condescension, to bestow upon us for our comfort and support, into an unwholesome and poisonous drink ? Surely, hardened as is the heart of man, he might feel some remorse, some compunc- tion, in thus destroying and counteracting the efficacy of one of the richest gifts of nature. A poor unfor- tunate wretch, diseased and distressed, applies to wine as to a choice remedy which will relieve his misery and solace his affliction: out of the small pittance earned by his daily labour he purchases a little por- tion, and hugs himself in the fond hope that his strength will now be recruited, and his pains mitigated ; but the avarice of man has tainted the source, and STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 221 poisoned the spring ; the streams are no longer salu- brious^ and, instead of life-invigorating juice, a slow poison circulates through all his veins. Wine, when pure and unadulterated, is a most va- luable medicine, restores the vigour of the constitu- tion, and imparts energy to the system ; but the too frequent and liberal use of it is as hurtful as in mode- ration it is beneficial. "* : OCTOBER XIII. Migration of Birds, ABOUT this time of the year, many of the birds, which during the summer frequented our fields, woods, and gardens, leave our climate, and migrate into other countries. Very few pass the winter with us: the principal species of those which remain are the yellow- hammer, the wood-pecker, the crow, the raven, the sparrow, the wren, the partridge, thrush, and black- bird. Most of the rest leave us entirely, or conceal themselves in secure retreats. Their migration is very wonderful, and highly interesting. Some species, without ever taking a high flight, or parting in company, steer towards the south, in quest of the seeds and fruits which they prefer, and soon return. Others, which are called birds of passage, collect together at certain seasons, and fly in large flocks to other climates. Some species are satisfied with passing from one country to another, attracted at certain times by the air acd food; others cross the seas, and undertake astonishingly long voyages. The birds of passage most known are the quail, the swallow, the wild-duck, the plover, the snipe, and the crane. The quails in spring leave the heat of Africa for the milder temperature of Europe: they fly in flocks like clouds, and often through weariness 222 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. fall into ships, where they are readily taken. Swallows pursue a different method : many of them cross the sea, and many remain in Europe, concealing them- selves in holes of the earth, or in marshes, fastening themselves together, claw against claw, and bill against bill. They pile themselves in heaps, in places which are unfrequented by men and beasts. Wild-ducks and cranes also at the approach of winter go to seek milder climates: they assemble together on a certain day, and leave the country in a flock, which is generally arranged in two lines united in a point, like two sides of a triangle ; a single bird leading forms the point, and the rest follow in two lines, more or less extended. The duck or crane which thus takes the lead cuts the air, and facilitates the passage of those which follow, whose beaks rest on the tails of those that precede. The leader holds his commission only a certain time, and wheels from the point to the rear, and whilst he rests is replaced by another. All birds of passage, however, do not fly in flocks; some of them travel quite alone, or only in company with their females and family ; others unite in small bodies. They are not long in their passage; it is calculated that they can fly two hundred miles in six hours each day, pro- vided that they repose the rest of the time, and during the night. According to this calculation, they can pass from our climate to the equinoctial line in seven or eight days; and this is confirmed, since swallows have been seen on the coasts of Senegal eight or nine days after their departure from Europe. These migrations cannot be too much admired : no doubt the alternation of heat and cold, and want of nourishment, warn them to change their abode. But how is it, that when the temperature of the air is mild, and they can obtain food enough, they still go at the appointed time? How do they know that they will find nourishment and a due degree of heat in other countries? Why do they all migrate at the same tune, as if they had before unanimously determined STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 223 upon the precise day of their departure ? And how, in the obscurity of night, and without knowing the country or the climate, do they pursue their course with uninterrupted perseverance ? These, and many more questions of tike nature, which may he asked upon this interesting subject, are perplexing, and can- not he explained in a satisfactory manner, because we do not know enough of the nature and instinct of these animals. We may, however, acknowledge in these migrations the wise and beneficent directions of Providence. What means does not he employ to pre- serve and nourish certain species of birds ? How ten- derly and carefully he supplies their wants, when their food fails in some countries! Let us learn from this, that every thing in the vast empire of nature is arranged with the utmost wisdom. Instinct is to birds what reason is to man, and dictates to them all that is necessary for their preservation and support. How unfounded, then, is that uncertainty and distrust which makes us doubt the cares of Providence ! The very flights of the birds should instruct us in our duty. Why do we so often abandon ourselves to discourage-* ment, doubts, and fears? Will not that God who directs the birds in their distant voyages over the seas, also have as much love and regard for the beings whom he has vouchsafed, in his mercy, to endow with the noblest faculties and pre-eminence? And shall not man, appointed by the immediate word of God sove- reign of the creation, experience the tender cares and parental affection of his Creator ? "I will walk on my way with confidence; God is my leader, and I will not turn aside into crooked paths. He wills my happiness, and I cannot he miserable when conducted by so kind a Father." 224 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. OCTOBER XIV. Variety of Trees. THE great diversity which is seen in all the produc- tions of the vegetable kingdom may also be observed amongst trees. Some, as the oak, are remarkable for their strength and duration ; others, as the elm and fir, are tall and slender ; and others, as the thorn and box-tree, never attain any great height. Some are knotty, with a rough bark ; while others are smooth and tine, as the maple, the poplar, and the birch. Some are used to adorn the apartments of the rich, whilst others are employed in common and necessary purposes. Some are so delicate, that the least wind overturns them ; and others unmoved resist the vio- lence of the northern blast. Some of them grow to an extraordinary height and thickness, and each year, for more than a century, has contributed to their size; others acquire their full growth in a very few years. Pliny admired those great trees out of whose bark they constructed boats capable of containing thirty people ; what, then, would he have said of those trees of Congo, which, when hollowed, form boats which will hold two hundred persons; or of those trees which, according to the accounts of travellers, are eleven feet in diameter, and upon which they can carry from 40 to 50,000 Ibs. weight ? There is one of this kind in Malabar, which is said to be fifty feet in circumference. Such is the cocoa-tree : it is a species of palm, and the leaves of some of them are so large that they will cover twenty people. The tallipot, a tree which grows in the island of Ceylon, and in height resembles the mast of a ship, is also remarkable for its leaves, which are so large, that it is said one of them alone will shelter twenty men from the rain : they are so pliant when dry, that they may be folded up like fans, in which state they are extremely light, and not STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 225 thicker than a man's arm. There are still to be seen on mount Lebanon twenty-three ancient cedars, which are said to be ante-diluvian. A naturalist who has seen them asserts that ten men could not embrace one of those cedars ; they must consequently be from thirty to thirty-six feet in circumference. The gum- trees in the American islands are generally twenty-six feet in circumference ; from which we may conjecture that the cedars of Lebanon are not so old as is reported, though it is well known that many trees attain a very great age. There are apple-trees a thousand years old. This great diversity of trees may remind us of the varieties which we find amongst men, as to their occu- pations in life, their talents, modes of thinking, and the services they perform. As there is no well-formed tree in the forest that is not of some use to its owner, so there is no person in society who may not be useful in the profession which he follows. One man resem- bles the oak in his firmness and unbending constancy ; another compensates this want of strength by complai- sance and address ; he is all things to all men, flexible as the willow, bowing to every breath. The man of in- tegrity will only comply with what is just and innocent; but he who regards with indifference laws human and divine will always coincide with that party which is the strongest, without troubling himself which side is in the right. However different trees are from each other, they all belong to the Governor of the universe, are nou- rished by the same earth, refreshed by the same rains, and cheered by the same sun. Would to heaven that all men, whatever diversity there is among them, would unite to acknowledge that they are all alike the crea- tures of God, equally the subjects of his power, and the objects of his parental solicitude ; that they owe to him all their nourishment and preservation, and to him are indebted for those faculties which distinguish them above all the creatures of the earth ! The cedar VOL. IT. Q 226 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. rising majestically upon mount Lebanon, and the bramble creeping at its feet, are alike nourished by the juices of the earth and the rains of heaven. The divine protection is also as necessary to the rich as to the poor. Men in the most elevated and exalted ranks of society ought always to remember that it is to God they owe all their grandeur, that they only enjoy it through his permission, and that one moment may see them overturned from their lofty seats, and mingling with their native dust. Such thoughts as these would tend to repress those emotions of pride which are too apt to possess their hearts, and would inspire them with that submission and obedience which are due to the Author and Conservator of their being. OCTOBER XV. Temperature in different Climates of the Earth. AT first view it would appear that the temperature of countries depends upon their relative position to the sun, since his rays faU upon the places in the same degree of latitude in a similar manner. But expe- rience teaches us that cold, heat, and all variations of temperature, depend upon many other circumstances. The seasons may be very different in places under the same parallel, and they are sometimes alike in very different climates. As then accidental causes may make the heat very different in the same latitude, and since it is not always such as from the distance of the sun we might expect, it is difficult to determine pre- cisely the seasons and temperature of every country. The vicinage of the sea renders the climate milder, of which England and the coasts of Norway are un- doubted proofs. The sea may sometimes be frozen near the shore, when the influx of fresh water is great; STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 227 but this does not take place at any great distance from land, both on account of the quantity of salt contained in the sea, and its continual agitation. Thus, the sea never being cooled down to the freezing point during the winter, the adjacent countries enjoy a milder tem- perature. The more a place is elevated above the surface of the sea, the greater is its degree of cold. The air is not only more rare, and colder, but the greatest part of the heat caused by the reflection of the sun's rays by the earth does not fall upon high hills, but remains in the plains, and in these the heat is always the greatest. Quito is almost under the line, but from its great elevation, the heat is very moderate : such countries have generally a light and serene air, and a pretty equal temperature. High mountains attract the clouds; hence it happens that rain and storms are more frequent in mountainous countries than in other places; and it has been ob- served that it seldom rains in the deserts of Arabia. Countries which abound in extensive forests are ge- nerally cold; the ice melts there more slowly during the winter, because the shade of the trees impedes the action of the sun's rays. The ice cools the superior portion of air, and thus retards the thaw. In warm climates also the heat is rendered more temperate by the days there not being very long, and the sun not continuing a great while above the horizon. In colder countries the days in summer are very long, which occasions the heat to be greater. The serenity of the sky, the clear light of the moon, and the con- tinuance of twilight, render long nights very support- able. In the torrid zone the seasons are not distin- guished so much by summer and winter as by dry, moist, or rainy weather; for when it ought to be summer, or when the sun rises to its greatest height above the horizon, and his rays fall in the most direct manner possible, the rains set in, and continue for a longer or a shorter time. In these countries, the most pleasant season is that in which the sun is at its least 02 i2s STURM'S REFLECTIONS. elevation. In the countries beyond, the weather is more uncertain than in those within the tropics. In spring and autumn the winds are most prevalent. In winter the earth is frozen more or less deep, though seldom in our climate beyond three feet; in more northerly climates it freezes much deeper, and only thaws a few feet during the summer. In all these arrangements the operation of admirable wisdom and goodness is manifest. In thus regulating the seasons, and the temperature of different countries, the Creator has rendered every part of the earth tit to l>e inhabited by living creatures. The inhabitants of the most remote regions enjoy as much felicity as is consistent with their nature: every country has ad- vantages and disadvantages, which so nearly balance each other, that it is difficult to determine which country deserves the preference ; and there is no one place on the surface of the globe where the bounty of God is not manifested. From our climate to the most distant zones his goodness is every-where displayed. All the inhabitants of the universe experience his paternal love. None of his creatures are forgotten. All that breathe derive from him life, nourishment, joy, and happiness. OCTOBER XVI. Atmosphere of the Earth. THE air with which the earth is surrounded is not so pure and subtle as the ether, being impregnated with a multitude of particles and exhalations which are continually detached from the earth and the waters. The air thus blended forms the atmosphere. Its in- ferior region, or that which is next the earth, is com- pressed by the superior stratum of air, and is conse- quently more dense. The proof of this is ascertained by STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 229 those people who ascend high mountains: their respira- tion becomes more painful and difficult in proportion to their ascent. It is impossible to determine the exact height of the atmosphere, because we cannot ascend very high in the air ; neither can it be inferred with certainty, from the duration of twilight, how far the mass of air extends. Granting that the morning twilight begins and that of the evening terminates when the sun is eighteen degrees below the horizon, and that the latter twilight is produced by the rays which strike upon the earth and are reflected by the most elevated parts of the atmosphere, many difficulties will yet remain to be explained. However this may be, the atmosphere is divided into three regions. The lower region extends from the earth to that place where the air is no longer heated by the rays reflected from the earth. This region is the warmest. The middle region begins where the preceding one terminates, and reaches to the summit of the highest mountains, or even to the most elevated clouds, and is the place where rain, hail, and snow are formed. This region is much colder than the lower one, for it is only wanned by the rays which pass directly through it. The third region is still colder, and extends from the middle one to the utmost limits of the atmosphere ; these boundaries, however, are not exactly ascertained. The particles which rise from the earth into the atmosphere are of different kinds ; there are aqueous, earthy, metallic, and sulphurous particles, with many others. As some of these are more abundant in cer- tain districts than in others, there results a great diversity in the air, and the difference is evident even at a small elevation. Heavy air is more favourable to the health than that which is light. "When the air is dense it is commonly serene, whilst a light air is generally accompanied with clouds, rain, or snow. An air too dry is very injurious to the human body ; but this is seldom experienced, except in sandy coun- tries. A very moist air is equally unwholesome, by 230 STURM'S REFLECTIONS. relaxing the system, and impeding the insensible perspiration. When the air is very hot, great languor and debility are produced, with copious perspiration ; and when it is very cold, rigidity, obstructions, and inflammations, are the consequences. The most sa- lubrious air is that which is in a just medium between all these extremes. It is in the atmosphere that clouds, rain, snow, hail, dew, thunder, and various meteors are engen- dered. To the atmosphere we owe the morning and evening twilight; as the rays of light are refracted and reflected, and bent in different directions in this volume of air, we see them before the sun rises, and enjoy them some time after he is set. Hence those ' people who live under the polar circles enjoy during the winter some rays of light, even while the sun is yet below the horizon. The atmosphere is the habita- tion of the winds, which have so much influence upon the fertility of the earth and the health of man. If the air was to be in a state of uninterrupted serenity, cities and provinces would soon be deprived of their inhabitants, and exchange their gaiety for the dreari- ness of a desert ; if occasional storms and tempests did not sometimes rage, and by their ebullitions agi- tate the calm air, the whole world would become one vast sepulchre, in which every living creature would moulder into annihilation. What great reason, then, have we to bless and to adore our heavenly Father for this happy arrange- ment of nature ; and to acknowledge with awe and re- verence that wisdom which has regulated and directed the vast machinery of the universe, for the greatest possible felicity of every being which enjoys life, rea- son, or instinct ! STURM'S REFLECTIONS. 23! OCTOBER XVII. Proportion between Births and Deaths. THAT God has not abandoned to blind chance the lives of men and the preservation of the human race, but that he watches over them with paternal care, is evident from the exact proportion in which, in all ages and countries, men enter and quit this stage of existence ; so that the earth is neither destitute nor too full of inhabitants. The number of births generally exceeds that of deaths ; for it has been calculated that if ten persons