68 



When the violence of the ftorm had a . 

 little abated, and the rays of light began to 

 iffue through the broken clouds, the trembling 

 multitude ventured fbrth^ and, aflembling in 

 groups at the door-ways, relieved their ap- 

 prehenfions by relating them to each other, 

 in the reftored comfort of mutual intercourfe. 

 At this moment I could not but remark 

 the ftriking efFed of that great and leading 

 feature of our nature^ — the fecial principle. 

 Had thefe people remained alone, hidden in 

 the corners of their houfes, their fenfe of alarm 

 had, probably, continued much longer ; but 

 they derived manifeft relief from communi- 

 cating with each other ; and the very ad 

 cf relating their fears infenfibly difpelled 

 them. 



Having much curiofity to hear their 

 remarks, and to obferve their exprefTions of 

 terror, I mixed with thefe afTociated groups, 

 and found that their apprehenfions had been 

 great and various. Some had magnified the 

 ftorm into an earthquake, fent to dcftroy them» 

 Others had believed it to be a hurricane, which 



