878 TH 



Such are some of the effects of causes continually, and yet 

 silently operating around us. It is true that many years are re- 

 quired to produce changes of great importance, and the opera- 

 tion is so gradual that the wonder ceases, almost ere it begins. 

 In investigations however, so comprehensive as those we have 

 been considering, a day, a year, or a hundred years, is but as the 

 grain of sand to a mountain. It is indeed very true that the pres- 

 ent generation may pass away, and yet think they leave all things 

 as they were of old, looking with a listless apathy upon the face of 

 nature. The true philosopher improves the fleeing moment, and 

 enlarges his affections, and expands his imagination by the con- 

 templation of loftier subjects, and so fits himself to depart froiri 

 this changing scene, with the consolation of not having lived iii 

 vain. 



