232, STUDIES OF NATURE. 



which is founded in Nature, the effecls of which 

 we have already recognifed in the weaknefs of thé 

 human mind. It is this, That afFecflion diminiflies, 

 in proportion as it is divided among a variety of 

 objeds. The Jews, fo aflonifliingly attached to 

 iheir religion, had but one fingle temple, the re- 

 collection of which excites their regret to this day. 



I would have amphitheatres conflrufled at Paris, 

 like thofe at Rome, for the purpofe of aflembling 

 the People, and of treating ihem, from time to 

 time, with days of feftivity. What a fuperb fite 

 for fuch an edifice is prefented in the rifing ground 

 at the entrance into the Elyfjan Fields ! How eafy 

 would it have been, to hollow it down to the level 

 of the plain, in form of an afnphitheatre, difpofed 

 into afcending rows ot feats, covered with green 

 tui'fUmplj^j having it's ridge crowned with great 

 trees, exalted on an elevation of more than four- 

 fcore feet ! What a magnificent fpedlacle would it 

 have been, to behold an immenfc people ranged 

 round and round, like one great family, eating, 

 drinking, and rejoicing in the contemplation of 

 their own felicity ! 



All ihefe edifices fliould beconflrudced of fionc; 

 iiot in petty-layers, according to our mode of 

 building, but in huge blocks, iuch as the Ancients 



employed, 



