CONCLUDING REFLECTIONS. 
27 
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 ? ” 
