138 Gilpin's forest sceneey. 



In examining the spray of trees, I shall con- 

 fine myself to the Oak, the Ash, the Elm, and the 



dropping into the lap of their great motlior. Here was an emblem 

 of natural decay — the most ohvious appearance of mortality. 



As I continued looking, a gentle breeze rustled among the 

 leaves. Many fell, which in a natural course might have 

 enjoyed life longer. Here malady was added to decay. 



The blast increased ; and every branch that presented itself 

 bowed before it. A shower of leaves covered the ground. 

 ' The cup of vengeance,' said I, ' is poured out upon the people. 

 Pestilence shakes the land. Nature sickens in the gale. They 

 fall by multitudes. Whole families are cut off together.' 



Among the branches was one entirely withered. The leaves 

 were shrivelled ; yet clinging to it. Here was an emblem of 

 famine. The nutriment of life was stopped. Existence was 

 just supported : but every form was emaciated and shrunk. 



In the neighbourhood stretched a branch, not only shrivelled 

 and withered, but, having been more exposed to winds, was 

 stripped almost entirely of its leaves. Here and there hung a 

 solitary leaf, just enough to show that the whole had lately 

 been alive. ' Ah ! ' said I, ' here is an emblem of depopulation. 

 Some violent cause hath laid waste the land. Towns and 

 villages, as well as families, are desolated. Scarce ten are left to 

 bemoan a thousand.' 



How does everything around us bring its lesson to our minds ! 

 Nature is the great book of God. In every page is instruction 

 to those who read. Mortality must claim its due. Death in 

 various shapes hovers round us. Thus far went the heathen 

 moralist. He had learned no other knowledge from these 

 perishing forms of Nature, but that men, like trees, are subject 

 to death. 



