2 THE CHRISTIAN NATURALIST. 



opens before us which might almost seem to be that 

 which the Deity himself prescribes. There can be but 

 little doubt that the sun was placed in the heavens to 

 mark our years by a complete revolution, and the 

 moon to number and divide our months. Thus a law is 

 proposed for the guidance of our thoughts and the regu- 

 lation of our earthly affairs, at once simple and beautiful. 

 To pursue this order seems therefore the appropriate 

 business of the Christian Naturalist, who endeavours 

 to watch the operations of the Divine hand as they 

 variously manifest themselves, and to suggest those 

 topics of reflection which may be made subservient to 

 man's interest, with reference to an immortal state of 

 being. 



In entering upon the first month of the year we can 

 hardly fail to direct our thoughts to that marvellous 

 provision which the Providence of God has made 

 for man in the very changes of the several Seasons. 

 As month succeeds to month and year to year, we are 

 apt, however, to become so familiar with this succession, 

 as to lose sight of its necessity. And yet so necessary 

 is this variety to the comfort of our present existence, 

 that we should soon grow tired of one season however 

 pleasant. It would be like always sailing over the 



