it was shut up. by so many different degrees, that these creatures are brought into life. All these progressions are made by rule; and there is not one of them without sufficient reason. If, for example, the liver is always formed towards the end of the fifth day, it is founded on the preceding situation of the chick, and on the changes that were to follow. No part of its body could appear sooner or later, without the whole embryo suffering, and each of its limbs becomes visible at the most proper moment. This ordination, so wise, and so invariable, in the production of this animal, is manifestly the work of a supreme Being: But we shall still more sensibly acknowledge the creative powers of the Lord, if we consider altogether, the manner in which the chick is formed out of the parts which compose the egg. How wonderful is it, that there should be in this egg, the principle of life of an animated being; that all the parts of an animal's body should be concealed in it, and require nothing but heat to unfold and quicken them! That the whole formation of the chick should be so constantly and regularly the same way! That, exactly at the same time, the same changes take place in twenty eggs, or more, that a hen hatches! That when the position of an egg is changed, and turned from one side to the other, it does not in the least hurt the fœtus, or prevent its formation! That the chick, when it is hatched, is heavier than the egg was before! Even these are not all the wonders in the formation of the chick. The microscope, and the observing spirit of man, have only discovered what falls the most under our senses. How many things, the complete discovery of which is reserved for them who come after us, of which we shall not have a perfect knowledge Adorable wisdom of God! it is knowledge till in a future state! How many inquiries may be made on this mystery of generation, inquiries which the human mind can never here resolve. But let not this ignorance discourage us; let us only think of making a good use of the knowledge we have, by leading us to admire and praise the wisdom, the power, and the goodness of our Creator. MAY X. ON THE BUDS OF FLOWERS. ON all sides I discover a multitude of flowers in the bud. They are at present enveloped and closely shut up in their intrenchments. All their beauties are hidden, and their charms are veiled. Such is the wretched miser who lives by himself, who centers all in himself, and whose views are mean and selfish; who connects every thing within himself; who makes his own private advantage or pleasure the only object of his desires, and the narrow motive of his actions. But soon the penetrating rays of the sun will open the buds of the flowers, and will deliver them from their silken bonds, that they may blow magnificently in our sight. What delightful perfumes will they exhale! Thus, also, may the most sordid miser become beneficent when his soul is enlightened by grace. To a heart of stone may succeed a feeling and compassionate one; a heart susceptible of the sweetest and tenderest emotions. By the mild influence of the Sun of righteousness, the social affections discover themselves, and open more and more. Sensibility no longer centers in one object; it becomes universal; it takes in all mankind; it extends its generous cares, and all that is within its reach is benefited by it. When I reflect on the buds and blossoms, I think of you, O lovely youth of both sexes! The beauty and power of your minds are not yet unfolded. Your faculties are still in a great measure concealed. The hope which your parents and masters conceive of you will not so soon be realised. When you consider these buds, say to yourselves, I resemble that bud, my parents and masters expect from me the unfolding of my talents and faculties; they do every thing for me; they neglect nothing for my information and instruction; they watch most tenderly over my education; to the end that I may become (first by blossoms and afterwards by excellent fruit) their joy and comfort, and make myself useful to society. I will therefore do all in my power to fulfil the pleasing hopes they form. I will take advantage of all the improvement and instruction they give me, in order to become every day wiser, better, and more amiable. For this purpose, I will take care not to give way to the desires and passions of youth, which might be fatal to my innocence, and destroy all the hopes conceived of me. "In the morn of life, I blossom like the bud, "which insensibly opens. My heart beats with joy, yields to the most cheerful hopes, and sees "nothing but happiness in future. But if I was "imprudent enough to give a loose to mad desires, and the false pleasures of luxury, those "guilty flames would soon wither and corrupt my young heart." MAY MAY XI. INDEFATIGABLE LABOURS OF THE BEE. IT is one of the advantages of Spring, that it furnishes us with an opportunity of observing the industry and labours of the bee.-Certainly a beehive is one of the finest sights a lover of nature can ever have. We cannot tire contemplating that laboratory, where millions of artificers are employed in different works. We are in a continual state of surprise on seeing their order and regularity; and particularly in those magazines so plentifully furnished with all that is necessary for the subsistence of the society in winter. What merits our attention more than all the rest, is, the indefatigable application and uninterrupted labours of this little republic. The bees give us an example of industry and activity, which is not only uncommon, but perhaps has not its equal. They ap pear as soon as winter is over, even when it might still be feared, that the cold would hurt them, and benumb their delicate limbs. When the juices of the flowers which begin to blow have not yet been sufficiently digested by the sun, so as to furnish honey in plenty, the bees still gather some little for their food. But their cares and activity redouble very evidently during spring and summer. They do all they can; and despise not small profits, provided they can only increase a little their provisions. In the building of their cells, they are so indefatigable, that we are assured, that a honey-comb of double cells, back to back, such as three thousand bees can lodge in, is dispatched in twenty-four hours. This whole work is divided amongst the members of the republic. While some of the bees are gathering the wax, preparing it, and filling the magazines, others are employed in different works. Some take the wax, and make use of it to build their cells; others knead it, polish, and purify it; others gather the honey from the flowers, and lay it in the hive for their daily subsistence, and for future occasions. Others close, with a covering of wax, the cells, in which they keep their winter provision of honey. Some carry food to their young, and close with wax the cells of the little ones, that are near the time of transformation, to prevent their being disturbed in working their way out. Some closely stop up, with a sort of bird-lime, all the chinks and holes in the hive; and cover all the weak places, that neither the wind nor little insects may find entrance. Some drag out of the hive dead bodies which might infect them; or, if these dead bodies are too heavy to be carried away, they cover them over with bird-lime or wax, and cement them in such a manner, that, in corrupting under that crust, thy cannot occasion any bad smell. But it is not enough to admire the activity of these little creatures: it ought to give us emulation, and serve us as a model, considering the proportion between us. We have many more motives for diligence than those insects. We have an immortal soul of inestimable value. With what application ought we to labour for its happiness, and to avoid what might lead to its total ruin! What is more calculated to excite us to activity and indefatigable diligence, than the considering, that the fruit of our labours does not merely extend to a few days and years, but to eternity itself? The bee gathers honey not only for herself, but for her superiors; whereas, in applying ourselves to wisdom, we labour for our VOL. II. B selves, |