THERE are studies which have a tendency to deaden the feelings; but by fixing the mind on living objects, in which wisdom and goodness are strikingly exhibited, and by raising it through them to the Creator, in whom centre all perfection and happiness, the study of natural objects excites a continual train of ideas, most friendly to whatever is pure, benevolent, and grateful. And next to the devout exercises of religion, perhaps nothing will more completely remove sadness and disquietude than the silent eloquence of flowers, and the vocal music of birds. THE NATURALIST'S POETICAL COMPANION. OH Nature! lovely Nature! thou canst give BIDLAKE. MOUNTAIN CRANE'S-BILL. FLOWERS! flowers! bright merry-faced flowers! I'll bless ye in joyous or sadden'd hours; I love ye dearly, Ye look so cheerly. In Summer, Autumn, Winter, or Spring. That hath its birth : On this chequer'd earth : Oh! who will not chorus the lay I sing! Flowers! flowers! who loveth them not? And kingcups bright, And snowdrops, cowslips, and daffodills Till a wreath was won Of the heather-bells crowning the far-off hills! MISS TWAMLEY. GOD is known by his power; that power is known by his works; and how shall we approach to estimate Him unless we examine those works ? It is not by assenting carelessly to the term, “ allpowerful," that we shall learn to feel what that power is; it is not by barely admitting Him to be the cause of all things, that we shall acquire a knowledge of Him; that only knowledge which he has permitted us to acquire in our present condition. MACCULLOCH. WHOM Nature's works can charm, with God himself Hold converse, grow familiar day by day AKENSIDE. PROLIFEROUS FEATHER MOSS. WHILST all else is drear, Mosses in verdant vest appear, And last-born children of the year, 'Mid storms and glooms their blossoms rear, Gladdening the weary way. Though banish'd from the cultured bed, Thus, not e'en adverse hour can bend, Nor all the snares which pomp attend, Nor change, nor chance, nor aught can rend The chains which bind a faithful friend, Or quench affection's ray! LE BOUQUET DES SOUVENIRS. How good is God to us! What should we think of a friend who had furnished us with a magnificent house and all that was needed, and then coming in to see that all had been provided according to his wishes, should be hurt to find that no scents had been placed in the rooms? Yet so has God dealt with us? Surely flowers are the smiles of His goodness! WILBERFORCE. OUR outward life requires them not, To beautify the earth; To comfort man, to whisper hope For who so careth for the flowers, Will much more care for him! MRS. HOWITT. |