appears green, what do we suppose to take place with respect to the different rays of light? [Six of the rays must be absorbed, the green alone be reflected.]

What must take place in objects which appear red, blue? &c.

Can you tell the reason why different objects absorb and reflect different rays?

It is supposed that the difference of their texture is the cause-but must not the difference be almost imperceptible?

In the white and red rose, in the heart's-ease and tulip, for instance, we see different colours: we suppose then a difference of texture in different flowers, and in parts of the same flower.

[The pupil may be convinced by means of a good microscope that a difference is to be discerned in the texture of those parts of flowers which reflect one colour, from the texture of those which reflect another.*]

Could you have conceived this? Would you not have said there was no difference of texture at all?

Learn then how ready we should be to distrust our own knowledge. We see but a part

It is known that some blind persons have been able to feel colours: this fact throws light upon the cause of the difference of colours-it is probable that in these persons, owing to the deprivation of the sense of sight, that of feeling has become more acute, and that they have been enabled to perceive a difference of texture so minute, as not to be dis cerned by those in whom the sense of feeling has been less strongly developed.

of the works of God, a little portion of His wonders!

Different lessons may be given, according to the different ages and capacities of the pupils, and the subject may illustrate some interesting truths.

Let us consider the natural visible light as a representation of the inward light of truth.Truth is light. Did we say that the light consisted of one part, or of many parts?

But would common observation discover this? May there not be many colours in the inward truth, or light,-that is to say, many parts or rays of truth, all distinct in themselves, yet all harmonizing, and forming a perfect whole?

Let us consider God as Light, (and He is the very brightness and essence of Light) as Truth -let us regard all the different rays or portions of truth as emanating from Him and united in Him:-each portion of truth has its distinct colour and beauty, yet ray unites with ray, and blending imperceptibly, the united rays form a glorious body of light.

The mind of the Christian under the illumi"nation of the Spirit, will act in two ways; it will act as a prism; it will act as a lens: as the prism divides the rays of light and shews each in its distinct colour, so will the renewed soul receive and exhibit each ray of truth in its own peculiar force and beauty-again it will concentrate the beams of truth, and manifest

as one effulgence, the transmitted light of the divine presence.*

* If we may venture to refer to so sacred a subject as any illustration of what has been said, we would mention the description given, Rev. x. 1. The angel has a rainbow upon his head, which may indicate portions of the divine light in distinction; his face, is "as it were the sun"-exemplifying the union of those rays in a glorious body of light; and if the illustration be pursued, his feet of fire may represent the divine love (inseparable from the true light) animating the outward powers to "run in the way of God's commandments," and fulfil all His will.

We will only farther remark, that the number of rainbow colours beautifully corresponds with many other instances of the same number in Scripture; the frequent recurrence of the number seven is too obvious to be overlooked; and we are led to conclude it has an inward signification, a reference to heavenly things not yet fully unfolded. In the glorious description given Rev. iv. it is said, "there was a rainbow round about the throne"-it is also said "there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven spirits of God."-Such wonders are manifested to us as objects, not of sight, not of reason, but of faith. Glimpses of glory are given us, earnests of what shall be clearly revealed, when we shall see. "face to face:"-they should have the effect of drawing us to the pursuit of the eternal realities.

D

EARTH.

What is that element on which we tread? What properties may you readily discern in it? Has it firmness? Has it weight? Is it lucid or opaque?

Is it easily put in motion, like the air and water?

Does water appear to dissolve it? Or fire to consume it?

What use do you perceive in the solidity of the earth?

Could we walk, or build upon an unstable element?

Do you know how many kinds of earthy substances there are? There are said to be nine primitive kinds of earth :-tell me the most common earths.

Are different kinds of earth found in combination with each other?

The different combinations of earths upon the surface of the globe, are for the most part mixed with vegetable matter; by what general name do we designate these diversified earths?

In what relation is the word soil chiefly used? Enumerate some of the different kinds of soil. Have all the earths and soils an use?

What kind of earth has a white colour? And what are its properties? What has a yellow colour? What kind of soil has a dark colour?

Are all soils equally productive?

What kinds of earth are used for bricks? For mortar? For pottery and china? What is the chief kind employed in making glass?

Are any kinds useful in medicine? In painting?

Does the earth contain combustibles?

If we dig into the earth, what do we find? We find layers, or strata of different kinds : do we know all the different strata which lie beneath the surface of the earth? Why not?

What are the productions called which are found within the earth? [Minerals: under which general name we may comprehend fossils, earths, or earthy minerals, metals, precious stones.]

What are the productions on the earth's surface called?

Under what principal classes may its vegetable productions be arranged?

What creatures live upon, or inhabit the earth?

What is the noblest creature that inhabits the earth?

Whence do living creatures derive their nourishment?

Whence does man derive his nourishment? What is required of man, in order that the earth may yield to him its fruits?