impression of the fact: if any idea of the increasing multitude be given, we must be satisfied. Our aim should be, to lead to the contemplation of the infinite power of God, the Author of all increase.]

We cannot calculate the number of oaks, of which this acorn might be the parent, still less the number of acorns-but we know generally that this little acorn which I hold in my hand, might produce hundreds of oaks, and thousands and millions of acorns.

We said that root, trunk, branches, leaves,— the whole of an oak might proceed from this acorn: we have since thought of the many oaks and acorns which might in succession arise from such a seed; what then must the acorn contain?

Must it not contain a power of life and increase?

We are not able to calculate the extent of this power: who knows it perfectly?

Does the power of life, or the power of producing an oak, exist in the acorn in and by itself?

In and by whom, does it exist?

By what power is its life maintained?

Can the acorn, by its own efficiency, call forth its power of life?

Have we not seen that it must be acted upon by the elements?

And who gives the elements their power of acting upon it?

Who causes the sun, air, and rain, to vivify the acorn in the earth?

Who gives every cause power to produce its effect, from the first germ of life in the seed, to the final decay of the oak?

There may be at this time, upon the earth, millions of millions of acorns; yet, amongst all these numbers, God knows this acorn, and every circumstance belonging to it.

Does God know what will become of this acorn?

And does He not know the use we are now making of it?

Does He not hear what we are saying, and know our thoughts about it?

And if God knows this single acorn with all its properties and qualities, amidst the innumerable acorns which are in the world-if He knows its time, its place, and the most minute circumstance concerning it—will He not much more care for, uphold, and preserve each individual amongst the multitudes of the human race?

God is the Father of the vast Universe, yet every outward circumstance, however minute, in the every-day life of each individual, is known to Him every operation of the mind, every working of the will, every inclination of the heart, of every human being, during each successive moment of its existence, is intimately present to the all-seeing mind.

Remember then that amidst the innumerable

multitudes of human creatures, you are every moment cared for, watched over, upheld by your Father in Heaven: if you have never yet sought Him, be moved by the thought, that though you have forgotten Him times without number, still He has never left you during one moment of your existence; that in Him you have lived, and moved, and had your being.*

* We might pursue the thought yet farther, and consider all the host of angelic creatures, the myriads of sinless intelligences, with every working of their being, all intimately known to God at one and the same moment.-On the one hand we admire that immensity which contains in itself the perfect knowledge of all the multiplied forms of being ; on the other, we adore that goodness which every moment takes care of, provides for, sustains, the very least creature.

AIR.

What element do we breathe?

Can we see it?

Can we feel it?

Why not?

Why can we feel it? Is it abundant? Can we go any where beyond its reach?

By what name do we call the body of air which surrounds the earth?

About what height is the atmosphere?

Is there any space around our earth which the air does not fill?

Does it enter into the smallest space we can imagine?

Is it then a very fine or thin body?

Does it enter into water?

What do we call that property in the air, by which it gives way, and again takes its former place?

Has water this property?-In the same degree as air?

Can we easily move in air?

Could we move as easily in water? Why not?

Is air in itself clear? Is it always in a clear state?

When is it darkened? When is it cloudy?
How does air support birds in flying?
Has it weight?

A column of air an inch square weighs about 15lbs :-how great a pressure of air must

C

there be upon your body! Would you not think you must be weighed down by it? How is it that it is not so? [Because the air presses equally in every direction; if there is a heavy pressure of air above your hand, there is an equal pressure below it.]

What occasions the weight of the air of which we have been speaking? Did we not say the air extended to a considerable height above the surface of the earth?

Is the weight of the air of use to us?

[The Teacher may explain that by means of the weight of the atmosphere, we are enabled to raise water in the pump; and that animals and vegetables absolutely require an external pressure of air, otherwise the elastic fluids contained in the finer vessels would burst these vessels and extinguish life.]

Is the air composed of more parts than one? [Several substances enter into it, but its principal parts are two.]

What is the chief use of air?

Can men live without it?

Or the birds? Or the fish?

air necessary?

Can the beasts?

To what then is

Is it necessary to animal life only?

Could the vegetable creation live without it? How does air contribute to the support of vegetables? Do they breathe? [Plants are pro

* It may be remarked that fish not only breathe air, but that it is necessary to their motion in the water; that by means of the air-bladder they rise and sink.