THE BEAUTY OF THE CREATION. 233 



There is, after all, no study so delightful, no 

 subject so noble, as that of the contemplation of 

 the wisdom and goodness of the Creator. While 

 it fills us with humility at our own insignificance, 

 it reveals to us so much care and concern for our 

 happiness, so much power, blended with the ten- 

 derest mercy, so much unfailing kindness and for- 

 bearance, that the heart of every man must be 

 impenetrable to grateful feelings, which does not' 

 acknowledge the obligations conferred upon him 

 by his Maker, and endeavour to offer up some 

 little tribute of love for all he has received. We 

 may study to be happy ourselves, but we must at 

 the same time study to make those happy around 

 us. We must shew our gratitude for the blessings 

 we have received, by kindness, good-will and charity 

 to others, and by endeavouring to soften " those 



nor submitting to our will. Again, the limits separating use and 

 abuse are so close, as to be in constant danger to be confounded. 

 Are not racing, fox-hunting, where horses often die of exhaustion, 

 to be ranked among instances of abuse ? if not, by what stronger 

 mark is it to be known ? The anatomist says, he uses the living 

 animal for due purposes, when he dissects it. The man of huma- 

 nity replies, that he abuses his power. Which of the two is right ? 

 Many persons argue, that we have no right to keep animals in 

 confinement, as wild beasts in dens, and birds in cages. The ladies 

 in Holland go a step further, and put out the eyes of their canary 

 birds, to make them sing the better ; but they do not consider even 

 this to be an abuse of their power. On the subject of field sports, 

 the correspondence between Mr. G. "Wakefield and Mr. Fox may be 

 consulted, in which the subject is discussed with equally good 

 temper by the scholar and the sportsman. 



