Who Can Observe The Regular Vicissitudes Of Its Waters Without Astonishment; Now Swelling Themselves In Order To Penetrate Through Every River And Opening, And Thereby Facilitate Navigation; At Other Times Retiring From The Shores, To Permit Man To Collect That Variety Of Shell Fish Which Is The Support Of The Poor?

Who can see the storms of wind, blowing sometimes with an impetuosity sufficiently strong even to move the earth, without feeling himself affected beyond the sphere of common ideas?

Can this wind which but a few days ago refreshed our American fields, and cooled us in the shade, be the same element which now and then so powerfully convulses the waters of the sea, dismasts vessels, causes so many shipwrecks, and such extensive desolations? How diminutive does a man appear to himself when filled with these thoughts, and standing as I did on the verge of the ocean! This family lived entirely by fishing, for the plough has not dared yet to disturb the parched surface of the neighbouring plain; and to what purpose could this operation be performed! Where is it that mankind will not find safety, peace, and abundance, with freedom and civil happiness? Nothing was wanting here to make this a most philosophical retreat, but a few ancient trees, to shelter contemplation in its beloved solitude. There I saw a numerous family of children of various ages- -the blessings of an early marriage; they were ruddy as the cherry, healthy as the fish they lived on, hardy as the pine knots:

Enter page number Go  Previous Next
Page 201 of 291
Words from 54647 to 54901 of 79752