SEPTEMBEK. 373 



great BOYLE has well remarked, nothing can be too 

 mean for the contemplation of man, which has not 

 been beneath the dignity of a Deity to create. 



But away with all disparaging critics of our glori- 

 ous pursuit. Are we not now led by its love among 

 delicious solitudes, where the fragrant heather gives 

 instructive lessons as its pink bells glisten far over 

 rock and fell where the thin air fans our panting 

 frame, inspiring us, at the same time, with purer 

 thoughts, nobler aspirations, and sublimer reflections ? 

 It is so. And then the outer man, is not that advan- 

 taged ? purer air has displaced the city fog, a genial 

 glow diffuses itself over the previously pallid face, 

 and health crowns the moistened brow with a wreath 

 of flowerets and green herbs, glistening with mountain 

 dew. So I experienced, to its full extent, when a few 

 autumns ago two friends and myself climbed up the 

 Black Mountain from the vale of Ewias,* and progres- 



Equally characteristic is his apostrophe to the Deity, in his inaugural 

 oration before the University of Upsal, on his taking possession of the 

 chair of Physic in that University. " O omnipotent God, I humbly offer 

 up my thanksgiving for the immense benefits that have been heaped upon 

 me through thy gracious protection and providence. Thou from my 

 youth upwards hast so led me by the hand, hast so directed my footsteps, 

 that I have grown up in the simplicity and innocence of life, and in the 

 most ardent pursuit after knowledge. I give thee thanks for that thou 

 hast ever preserved me in all my journeys through my native and foreign 

 countries, amidst so many dangers, that surrounded me on every side. 

 That in the rest of my life, amidst the heaviest burthens of poverty, and 

 other inconveniences, thou wast always present to support me with thy 

 almighty assistance. Lastly, that amidst so many vicissitudes of fortune, 

 to which I have been exposed, amongst all the goods, I say, and evils, the 

 joyful and gloomy, the pleasing and disagreeable circumstances of life, 

 thou endowedst me with an equal, constant, manly, and superior spirit, 

 on every occasion." Ameen. Acad., vol. ii. 



* There are several mountain ridges in and near to Breconshire bearing 

 the appellation of the " Black Mountains," but the range here alluded to 

 stretch in a semicircular direction from N.W. to S.E. above the valley of 

 Llantony, forming one side of the secluded vale of Ewias, the western 

 side being formed by a corresponding and nearly parallel ridge. It is this. 



