CONCLUDING REFLECTIONS. 279 



mates were found in every hedge, on every bank, whose 

 connexions I knew something of, and whose individual 

 habits had become familiar by association ; and thus 

 this narrative of my contemporaries was formed. Few 

 of us, perhaps, in reviewing our by-gone days, could 

 the hours return again, but would wish many of them 

 differently disposed of, and more profitably employed : 

 but I gratefully say, that portion of my own passed in 

 the contemplation of the works of nature is the part 

 which I most approve which has been most conducive 

 to my happiness ; and, perhaps, from the sensations ex- 

 cited by the wisdom and benevolence perceived, not 

 wholly unprofitable to a final state, and which might be 

 passed again, could I but obtain a clearer comprehen- 

 sion of the ways of Infinite Wisdom. If in my pro- 

 found ignorance I received such gratification and plea- 

 sure ; what would have been my enjoyment and satis- 

 faction, " if the secrets of the Most High had been 

 with me, and when by His light I had walked through 

 darkness ? " 



