86 LECTURE YII. 



that is, that you would not be able to take fish 

 in your nets* 



Now the sea, as you know, consists of a vast 

 expanse of water, and Providence has many 

 methods of keeping it in a pure and wholesome 

 state. It is impregnated with salt the winds 

 blow over and agitate it ; and now let us see the 

 effect of a storm upon it. The sun is obscured, 

 and the breeze freshens from the sea dark 

 clouds are gathering on the horizon, and the tide 

 begins to turn. The heaving waves now tumble 

 towards the shore, and, as they break in angry 

 foam, portend a storm. The sky looks threat- 

 ening, and the thunder peals in the distance. 

 The sea appears to wake as from a slumber, and 

 the blackening heavens lower over its dark 

 bosom, while the rising blast, impelling all her 

 waves, drives them upon the rocks in sheets of 

 white foam, lashing them on as if to madness, 

 till at length ocean and sky seem mingled, and 

 all is violence, and roar, and rage. 



Such are the changing aspects of the sea, and 

 such the efficient means whereby Nature insures 

 her renovation of the mighty deep, refreshing it 

 throughout its broad domains, and keeping its 

 waters wholesome, filled with air, and thus 



