LETTER XXXIII.
WILLIAM to his MOTHER.
I must tell you of another walk which we had yesterday noon. The summer will soon be over, we take our pleasure while the weather is fine; and Dr. Bartlett says, we never can choose a more innocent diversion than a walk. It was very warm, and to avoid the heat of the sun darting directly over our heads, our friend conducted us to a wood, which is not far from the house. Emilia remained at home with her mother, who was a little indisposed; Emilia always cheerfully attends to her duty. But I will communicate the subjects we talked about.
CHARLES.
How agreeable is the shade of the trees!
True, Charles. The woods appear designed for our delight; we find here a refreshing breeze in the heat of the day; and can think and talk, not exhausted by the relaxing noon-tide beams. A stream, whose very sound is cooling, renders the scene more tranquil; and the numerous songs, which are poured forth from every spray, does not interrupt it; all is peaceful. Do not overlook the variety of plants, which present themselves to our view.
CHARLES.
And are all these plants of use, Sir?
DR. BARTLETT.
We cannot always trace the wisdom or the goodness of God; but, though invisible, still it exists every where, and is ever active—gives harmony to the birds, and healing powers to the plants which decorate the earth.
So then, we cannot go one step but we find the goodness of God. Do the woods and forests rise of themselves?
DR. BARTLETT.
No. Nothing arises of itself, but from seed. How the first seed was sown, we know not; now it happens by chance, accidents which escape our notice, or birds carry them from one place to another.——God worketh here as in secret, and beauties are unexpectedly spread around, and surprise the contemplative walker.
CHARLES.
Men, then, have all the pleasure which the woods afford, without much trouble.
DR. BARTLETT.
But the advantage is even greater than the pleasure. Where should we go if there was no wood? We could not cross the sea to visit distant lands—we must remain on the spot where first we drew breath, without a house or any useful furniture: and, in many countries, without fuel to soften the rigors of the wintry season.
CHARLES.
But as we are every year, nay every day, destroying the wood, what will be left for our posterity?
DR. BARTLETT.
You need not be afraid of that, my dear Charles, the world has now continued for near six thousand years.—What wood we annually consume, is again annually supplied by shoots; and thus the face of nature is renewed—God takes care!
Charles thanked Dr. Bartlett for his instructions, and we returned—and how happy am I, dear mother, that I can partake in these instructions.
Charles has just been with me to shew me a canary-bird which he has bought, he intends to tame it.—But I must not forget to tell you, to-morrow is Charles’s birth-day. Edward thinks we shall have some dainties; but Emilia says, she is sure her brother will not spend his father’s present in such a way;—and I agree with her, and imagine he will lay out his money in books, rather than dainties, which he seldom seeks for.
WILLIAM.