JUNE XIII

THE LOADSTONE.

THE loadstone is the most singular of all minerals in its properties. It is a ferruginous stone of a dark grey colour, and has the virtue of attracting iron. This virtue is not equal throughout the whole stone, but resides chiefly in two of its points, called the poles of the loadstone. When this stone is suspended by a string, and unconfined, it constantly points one of its poles to the north, and the other to the south, if first put in motion, and then left to itself. This reguIar direction, which only varies a little in some particular parts of the earth, has given the name of the northern pole to that which points to the north, and southern to that which points to the south. The two properties of attracting iron, and pointing toward the north, are communicated to iron by rubbing it against the loadstone. This discovery introduced the magnetic needle,. so indispensibly necessary to navigators in long voyages; which proves, that things may become very useful to the world, though at first sight they appear of little importance; and that,. in general, the knowledge and study of the nificent works of the creation is of infinite advantage to the human mind. These virtues in the loadstone prompted the naturalists to examine farther into it, with the hope, not only of finding out the cause of such surprising effects, but of discovering new properties in the stone.. They were more fortunate in the latter than in the former. It was observed, that the loadstonedoes not at all times, and in all places, point to

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the north; but that it sometimes inclines a little to the east, sometimes to the west, sometimes more, and sometimes less. It was observed that its attractive powers were equally strong, though bodies were placed between the iron and the stone, which might be supposed to prevent the effect. Glass, fire, water, men, and animals, with every metal, except iron, give free passage to the magnetic effluvia. It was discovered, that, in two loadstones, the two poles of the same name, the two northern and two southern poles, repulsed each other, and seemed to fly one from the other. It was therefore concluded, that the power of attraction might be in the iron, as well as in the loadstone, as they seemed to attract each other equally. In order to be convinced of this, one need only hang a loadstone on one end of the beam of a balance, and put an equal weight at the other end, and when the loadstone is balanced, and not in motion, to place a bit of iron under it: The loadstone will be immediately drawn down by the iron, and the other weight will fly up. If there situation is reversed, the loadstone will attract the iron in the same manner.

However singular these things are in the loadstone, there is another circumstance no less worthy of observation; which is, that all the endeavours, and all the sagacity of philosophers, who have taken such pains to discover the cause of these wonderful effects, have been hitherto fruitless. The loadstone is still a mystery to the human understanding. Ought we then to be surprised that, in religion, which is infinitely raised above all that can affect the senses, we should find mysteries we cannot penetrate, and the perfect knowledge of which is reserved for the future state? Is it surprising, that some things in religion should

should be incomprehensible to us, when in natural things, which we see with our eyes, and feel with our hands, there are so many objects which oblige the most distinguished men of learning to acknowledge their ignorance, and the weakness of their understanding. There are, however, mad people, rash enough to doubt, and even to deny, whatever they cannot comprehend in religion. If this consequence was right, we might with much more reason say, that the loadstone does not attract iron, or point to the north, and that all is false that is said of it, because we can neither explain nor comprehend it. When natural things are in question, one may say to such sceptics, Come and see. But the mysteries of religion are not seen with the eyes of the body. The mind alone perceives them, and will understand them. perfectly when admitted, into the kingdom of light. Let us wait for this happy period, and if we find any thing obscure and inexplicable in religion and in nature, let us remember, that the imperfect state of our souls and bodies prevent us from searching to the bottom of them. Let us remember, that a considerable part of the happiness of the world to come will consist in having a more perfect knowledge of all that can contribute to complete our felicity, and to prove the glorious attributes of the Being of beings.

་་་་རར་》......

JUNE XIV.

CHERRIES.

CHERRIES are a fruit, which, from their sweetness, mixed with a pleasing acidity, quench Е. 6.

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the thirst, allay the fever of the blood in the heat of summer, and prevent the bad humours to which we are but too liable at this season. In the first place, they quench the thirst by their sharpness, which contracts the glands, cools the parched tongue, and moistens the dry palate. This method of appeasing the thirst in hot weather, is much to be preferred to all those drinks with which we fill ourselves, and only the more increase our heat and perspiration. But, besides the cherries quenching our thirst in the most pleasing way, they have a cooling quality, which tempers the heat of the blood, calms the animal spirits, of which the too great impetuosity and agitation affect and weaken the nerves. Thus the wholesome juice of the cherries, their acidity, and their astringent virtue, cool us delightfully in the great heats, prevent the blood from being too thin, thicken the fluids, and keep them from corrupting.

With what goodness has the Creator provided fruit adapted to every season? In these hot months we require cooling acid fruit, and he furnishes us with abundance of it. He gives it even in such quantities, that the poor may enjoy it as well as the rich. Let us make this comfortable reflection whenever we see a cherry-tree loaded with fruit; How sad would be the fate of the labourer, who is obliged to earn his bread with the sweat of his brow, if, to refresh himself, he must have recourse to those delicious drinks reserved for the great and rich, and could provide himself with no other? Merciful Father! thou forgettest not the poor, thou suppliest their wants, thou vouchsafest to refresh them with fruits within their reach; and the cherries are as wholesome for them as lemonade and wine are

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for the rich. What wonderful plenty is there of acid cooling fruits at this season? Our gooseberries, cucumbers, stone-fruit, and salads, are so many pleasing preservatives of health.

Let us, therefore, never see or enjoy the fruits that our Creator grants us, without acknowledging and blessing his goodness, or without making these reflections which so naturally present themselves: The heavens, the earth, the elements, and every creature, combine to make us happy. Wherever we turn our eyes, we are surrounded with the blessings of our heavenly Father. The animals, the corn, the vegetables, and the fruit; in the vale, on the mountain, in the forest, and in the sea, all serve for our sustenance and enjoyment. The beneficent hand of the Most High is ever open to us. How great indeed are the blessings which God continually pours upon us! How many occasions have we daily to look up to him with grateful hearts, and to bless him evermore! Each time that we walk in the country or garden, each time that we enjoy the beauties and blessings of nature, let us think of him who is the source of every blessing and enjoyment.

JUNE XV.

THE WISDOM OBSERVABLE IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE BODIES OF ANIMALS.

THE formation of the animal body affords the most striking proof of divine wisdom. For, as some animals were to reside chiefly in the air, others on the earth, and others in the water, it was necessary that their construction should be conformable