iPiaOCEEDIXGS IN CAPTURING THE WHALE. 24X 



tnovetli upon the earth*." Tlie holy Pstalmist, 

 when considering the power and goodness of GoD 

 in the Creation, exchvims, " Wliat is man that thou 

 art mindful of him ? and the son of man th.at thou 

 visitest him ?" And, in contemplation of the " glo* 

 ry and honour" put upon man by the Almighty, in 

 the power given him over created nature, he adds, 

 *' Thou madest him to have dominion over the 

 works of thy hands : thou hast put all things under 

 his feet." — " The fowl of the air, and the fish of 

 the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths 

 of the seas. O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is 

 thy name in all the earth f ?" 



Hence, while w^e admire the cool and determin- 

 ed intrepidity of those who successfully encounter 

 the huge mysticetus, if we are led to reflect on 

 the source of the power by which the strength of 

 men is rendered effectual for the mighty under- 

 taking ; our reflections must lead us to the " Great 

 first Cause," as the only source from whence such 

 power could be derived. 



AVlienever a whale lies on the surface of the 

 water, unconscious of the approach of its enemies, 

 the hardy fisher rows directly upon it ; and an in- 

 stant before the boat touches it, buries his harpoon 



VOL. II. Q 



* Holy Bible, book of Gen. chap. i. ver. 26. & 2b'. 

 f Idem, 8th Psalvu 



