IN APRIL. 239 



quisite sense of this does the virtuous philosopher ex- 

 perience! The creation, particularly in this lovely 

 season, is a perpetual feast to the mind of a good 

 man. From all that he beholds, he receives instruc- 

 tion and delight Providence has adorned the whole 

 creation with such a variety of beautiful and useful 

 objects, that it is impossible for a mind, not imbruted 

 by mere sensual enjoyments, to contemplate the 

 scenes around, without some of the sweetest internal 

 sensations of which man can be susceptible. But 

 when, to the delightful satisfaction which rural ob- 

 jects afford, we add an occasional attention to the 

 studies of natural philosophy, our relish for the beau- 

 ties of the creation is quickened, and rendered not 

 only pleasing to the imagination, but to the under- 

 standing; and it is an unquestionable truth, that the 

 man who extends his inquiries into the works of na- 

 ture, multiplies, in some degree, the inlets to happi- 

 ness. The philosopher is not content with the loll- 

 ing murmur of brooks, or the enlivening melody of 

 birds, with the shade of embowing woods, the ver- 

 dure of fields, or the embroidery of meadows. He 

 will reflect, on the contrary, on tHe infinite variety 

 of benevolent purposes to which they are all sub- 

 servient, and the wonders of that Divine Wisdom, 

 of which they all exhibit such impressions. While 

 the pleasures of the eye, in course, are heightened, 

 his soul is exalted to that rational admiration which 

 insensibly leads to love and adoration; and, while 

 he " walks superior amid the glad creation, musing 



