48 THE CHRISTIAN NATURALIST. 



ing influence of that soft veil of shadows, which is 

 thus thrown over its features ; not to mention that we 

 should never have seen the glorious face of nature lit 

 up with that animated and celestial splendour which it 

 frequently puts on, when under the influence of a rising 

 or a setting sun. 



The benefits enjoyed by man through the agency of 

 the clouds, are so apparent as to commend themselves 

 to the most common observation. Every mortal, how- 

 ever rude and ignorant, is able to understand how 

 dependant we are upon these, for that due supply of 

 moisture which is so essential to vegetation at all sea- 

 sons, and without which it must soon sicken and die 

 even in this temperate climate. How few are there, 

 however, who look up with gratitude proportionate to 

 the benefits they receive from those descending show- 

 ers, so pregnant with the bounty of heaven ! Surely it 

 becomes the Christian not merely to remember, but to 

 be always mindful, that the uncertainty which attaches 

 to these blessings, is intended to teach an habitual 

 reference to the power and goodness of our Divine 

 Benefactor. We are too much accustomed to rfefef" 

 these things to the order of nature, not considering 

 that there is a providential disposition of them, to which 



