BENEVOLENCE OF GOD. 91 



be diffused through the other, forming independent atmos- 

 pheres hke a wheel within a wheel. So that any element, 

 which the wants of the animal or the plant may require, is 

 easily and readily abstracted. 



But what should most excite our astonishment, as well as 

 our gratitude, is the fact, that out of the six distinct and dif- 

 ferent compounds, which may be formed from the union of 

 oxygen and nitrogen, and these two bodies compose almost 

 the entire volume of the atmosphere, only one is fitted to the 

 wants of the animal and vegetable economy. Five parts of 

 nitrogen and one of oxygen, by weight, form the atmosphere ; 

 fourteen of nitrogen and eight of oxygen form the exhilarat- 

 ing gas, a most powerful stimulant ; fourteen of nitrogen and 

 sixteen of oxygen form a substance, the breathing of which 

 causes almost instant death : fourteen of nitrogen and twen- 

 ty-four of oxygen form a poisonous liquid ; thirty-two of oxy- 

 gen and fourteen of nitrogen form one of the most poisonous 

 gases known ; forty parts of oxygen and fourteen of nitrogen 

 form the well known substance, nitric acid (aquafortis). 

 One of these compounds, and that too the most injurious, 

 nitrous acid, is formed in the atmosphere during thunder 

 storms. If the atmosphere were suddenly changed into this 

 acid, the whole face of nature would be almost instantly 

 clothed with the pall of death. Why do not the elements of 

 the atmosphere change their proportions, and produce this re- 

 sult? Why, but for the constant, unceasing, all-pervading 

 agency of a wise and benevolent Intelligence. 



The composition and properties of our atmosphere adapt 

 it to a great variety of other purposes, aside from its influence 

 upon the vegetable kingdom. Its density and elasticity are 

 exactly fitted to the delicate structure of our lungs. Increase 

 its density to that of water, and we should need lungs of ada- 

 mant ; diminish it to that of hydrogen, and our life's blood 

 would rush out at every pore. This beautiful adaptation of 

 our atmosphere to the animal and vegetable kingdoms, not 



