59 



the original spring, which quenches the thirst both of 

 man and every animal ! Doubtless the power by which 

 this is effected, can make all things work together for 

 our good. 



" Vast and various are the advantages which we receive 

 from this liquid element. The waters glide on in spa- 

 cious currents, which not only cheer the adjacent coun- 

 try, but by giving a brisk motion to the air, prevent the 

 stagnation of the vapours. They/ pass by large cities, 

 and quietly rid them of a thousand nuisances. But they 

 are also fit for more honourable services. They enter 

 the gardens of a prince, float in the canal, ascend in the 

 Jet d'Eau, or fall in the grand cascade. In another kind 

 they ply at our mills, toil incessantly at the wheel, and 

 by working the largest engines, take upon them an un-> 

 known share of our fatigue, and save us both labour, 

 time, and expence. 



" So forcibly do they act when collected. And how do 

 they insinuate when detached ? They penetrate the mi- 

 nutest tubes of a plant, and find a passage through all 

 its meanders. With how much difficulty does the la- 

 bourer push his way up the rounds of a ladder ! While 

 these carry their load to a much greater height, and climb 

 with the utmost ease. They convey nourishment from 

 the lowest fibres that are plunged in the earth, to the 

 topmost twigs that wave amidst the clouds. Thus they 

 furnish the whole vegetable world with necessary pro- 

 vision, by means of which the trees of the Lord are full 

 of sap, even the cedars of Lebanon, which he hath planted, 

 And notwithstanding their vast elevation and prodigious 

 dffu.-ion, not a single branch is destitute of leaves, nor a 

 single leaf of moisture. 



" Besides the salutary and useful circulation, of the ri- 

 vers, the sea has a motion no less advantageous* Daily, 

 for five or six hours, it flows towards the land, and for 

 the same time, retires to its inmost caverns* How great 

 is the power that protrudes to the shores such an incon- 

 ceivable weight of waters, without any concurrence from 

 the winds, often in direct opposition to them! Which 

 bids the mighty elcmeut revolve with the most e.xuet 

 D 5 



