ound with teeming verdure; all of which drew the
contemplative genius insensibly to consider the benevolent purposes, for
which all these varieties are called forth in such abundance, to excite
the gratitude of man, and furnish a perpetual source of pleasure and
delight. "And can we," said Alida, "who are conscious of deriving our
existence from a Being of such infinite goodness and power, properly
entertain other prospects than those of happiness, when we experience so
many blessings daily, to excite our thankfulness."

[_NY Weekly_: Contemplation:

.... To consider the benevolent purposes for which he called
forth this variety and multitude of being, that comes under our
cognizance, must be a perpetual source of comfort. A rational
creature, that is conscious of deriving its existence from a being
of infinite goodness and power, cannot properly entertain any
prospect but of happiness.]

Mr. More expatiated on the pleasure there must be in passing a tranquil
life with a beloved object, turning his insidious eyes towards Alida as
he spoke; he seemed to say, that she was the being, with whom he could
be able to realize all the exalted ideas he entertained of such a life;
and to point out beauties, and furnish amusement, to a refined taste
like hers, would be to him one of the highest pleasures he could
possibly experience. When he declared to her his esteem and affection,
with his native sincerity, he seemed to be convinced, at the same time,
that she was favourably disposed towards him.

[_Children of the Abbey_:

to point out beauties to a refined and cultivated taste like hers
would be to him the greatest pleasure he could possibly experience.

Seated sometimes on the brow of a shrubby hill, as they viewed the
scattered hamlets beneath, he would expatiate on the pleasure he
conceived there must be in passing a tranquil life with one lovely
and beloved object: his insidious eyes, turned towards Amanda, at
these minutes seemed to say, she was the being who could realize all
the ideas he entertained of such a life....]

On the contrary, she was evidently much embarrassed at this declaration.
She remained silent, and looked upon him with a degree of pity mingled
with regret; then casting down her eyes, she appeared greatly confused.
She could not make any returns in his favour, and the amiable Alida felt
extremely sorry to give pain or uneasiness to the friend and school
compani