the bleffings of our own fituation, where Nature's movements are mild, not violent; and gradual, not vehement; where we know, only by report, the fufferings of the human race, in their terrific forms,it may well induce us to think lefs of our actual fufferings, and add a relish to enjoyments which are not contaminated by fuch bitter ingredients. Far be it from us, because unvifited by thefe terrors, to despise our placid mercies; becaufe free from thefe awful admonitions, to neglect the milder bleffings by which Providence is appealing to us, and gently calling our attention, not to tempeft, but to peace; not to devastation, but to bounty. Thus the prophet stood unmoved, when the mighty wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks; and after the wind an earthquake, and after the earthquake a fire: but, at hearing the still small voice, he wrapped his face in his mantle. The raging wind, the trembling earth, the devouring fire, excited not that awe, that devotion, which the mild and familiar tokens of divine appearance impreffed at once on his enraptured mind. |