to bodily existence. But the goodness of the Lord, in bestowing upon us senses, has provided also the means of their gratification and delight. What varied landscapes delight the eye. What fields of ethereal beauty present themselves, whichever way we turn our eyes. How reviving to all our senses is the season of spring! The air is a soft balsam, the trees leaf, the flowers blossom, and fields and groves are clad with fresh verdure: while summer presents nature under the most rapturous aspect. The verdant plants, the beautifully variegated flowers, which not only delight the eye with their innumerable tints, and raise admiration and wonder at their symmetrical forms, but spread abroad their odoriferous particles to the gentle breeze, delighting the sense of smell: the music of the birds, rendering the woods vocal, and filling the vaulted dome of the sky with melody—all speak to the goodness of the Lord.
Nor does the winter come upon us void of blessings, while it exalts our admiration, and raises our wonder at the Divine power: "He giveth snow like wool; he scattereth abroad the hoar frost like ashes. He casteth forth his hail like balls; who can stand before his cold?"
But with all the perils of winter, there is also associated the Divine goodness in His merciful provision for our comfort and safety. The abundant fruits of summer provide us food in winter. The earth teeming with mineral, ministers to our warmth. Everything in nature, the fleecy cotton, the bird's plumage, the worms, the animals, both wild and domestic, contribute to furnish us with clothing; and everything tends to the proof of the words, "Thou crownest the
