In examining the fpray of trees, I mall 

 confine myfelf to the oak, the am, the elm, 

 and the beech. It would be endlefs to run 

 through the whole forefl. Nor is it necef- 



fary. 



an emblem of natural decay the moft obvious appearance of 

 mortality. 



As I continued looking, a gentle breeze rufled among the 

 leaves. Many fell, which in a natural courfe might have en- 

 joyed life longer. Here malady was added to decay. 



The blaft increafed ; and every branch, that prefented itfelf, 

 bowed before it. A fhower of leaves covered the ground. 

 The cup of vengeance, faid I, is poured out upon the people. 

 Peftilence fhakes the land. Nature fickens in the gale. They 

 fall by multitudes. Whole families are cut off together. 



Among the branches was one entirely withered. The leaves 

 were fhrivelled ; yet clinging to it. Here was an emblem 

 of famine. The nutriment of life was flopped. Exiftence was 

 juft fupported : but every form was emaciated, and fhrunk. 



In the neighbourhood ftretched a branch, not only fhrivelled, 

 and withered; but having been more expofed to winds, was 

 ftripped almoft intirely of it's leaves. Here and there hung a 

 folitary leaf, juft enough to fhew, that the whole had lately 

 been alive. Ah ! faid I, here is an emblem of depopulation. 

 Some violent caufe hath laid wafte the land. Towns, and 

 villages, as well as families are defolated. Scarce ten are left to 

 bemoan a thoufand. 



How does every thing around us bring it's leflbn to our minds ! 

 Nature is the great book of God. In every page is inftruftion 

 to thofe, who read. Mortality muft claim it's due. Death in 



various fhapes hovers round us. Thus far went the heathen 



moralift. He had learned no other knowledge from thefe 



peri fh ing 



