CHAPTER M. 2i7' or inferences drawn from Them ; yet the motions of the mind are so exceeding swift, that it is hardly posssible for a thinking mail to gain experiences or observations, without making some secret mid short, reflections upon them ; and therefore in giving a few directions concerning this method of improvement, I shall not so narrowly confine myself to the first mere impressions of olvjects en the mind by observation ; but include also some hints which relate to the first, most easy, and obvious reflections or reason- ings which arise from them. L, Let the enlargement of your knowledge be one constant view and design in life.: since there is no tine or place, no tron- sactions, occurrences or engagements in life, which exclude us from this method of improving the mind. When we are alone, even in darkness and silence, we may converse with our own hearts, bbserve the working of our own,spirits, and reflect upon the inward motions of our own passions in some of the latest occurrences in life ; we may acquaint ourselves with the powers and properties, the tendencies and inclinations bothof hotly and spirit,; and gain a more intimate knowledge of ourselves. When we are in company, we may discover something more of human nature, of human passions and follies, and of human affairs, vices and virtues, by conversing with mankind, and observing their conduct. Nor is there any thing more valuable than the knowledge of ourselves, and'the knowledge of men, except it be the knowledge of God who made us, and our relation to him as our governor. When we are in the house or the city, wheresoever we turn our eyes, we see the works of men ; when we are abroad in the country, we behold more of the works of God. The skies and the ground above and beneath us, and the animal and vegetable world r.and about us, may entertain our observation with ten thousand'varieties. Endeavour therefore to " derive some in- struction or improvement of the mind from every tiling which you see or hear, from every thing which occurs in human life, . from every thing within you or without you." Fetch down some knowledge from the clouds, the stars, the sun, the moon, and the revolution of aló the planets : dig and draw up some valuable meditations from the depths of the earth, and search them through the vast oceans of water: extract some intellectual improvements from tote minerals and metals ; from the wonders of nature among the vegetables, the herbs, trees, and flowers. Learn some lessons from the birds, and the beasts, and the meanest insect.- Read the wisdom of God and his ad- mirable contrivance in them all. Reati his almighty power, his rich and various goodness in all the works of his bands. From the flay and the night, the hours and the flying minutes, learn a wise improvement of time, and be watchful to
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