d
thicker. In such a case we should drown in the waves of that
thickened air, just as a terrestrial animal drowns in the sea. Who
is it that has so nicely purified that air we breathe? If it were
thicker it would stifle us; and if it were too subtle it would want
that softness which continually feeds the vitals of man. We should
be sensible everywhere of what we experience on the top of the
highest mountains, where the air is so thin that it yields no
sufficient moisture and nourishment for the lungs. But what
invisible power raises and lays so suddenly the storms of that great
fluid body, of which those of the sea are only consequences? From
what treasury come forth the winds that purify the air, cool
scorching heats, temper the sharpness of winter, and in an instant
change the whole face of heaven? On the wings of those winds the
clouds fly from one end of the horizon to the other. It is known
that certain winds blow in certain seas, at some stated seasons.
They continue a fixed time, and others succeed them, as it were on
purpose, to render navigation both commodious and regular: so that
if men are but as patient, and as punctual as the winds, they may,
with ease, perform the longest voyages.

SECT. XV. Of Fire.

Do you see that fire that seems kindled in the stars, and spreads
its light on all sides? Do you see that flame which certain
mountains vomit up, and which the earth feeds with sulphur within
its entrails? That same fire peaceably lurks in the veins of
flints, and expects to break out, till the collision of another body
excites it to shock cities and mountains. Man has found the way to
kindle it, and apply it to all his uses, both to bend the hardest
metals, and to feed with wood, even in the most frozen climes, a
flame that serves him instead of the sun, when the sun removes from
him. That subtle flame glides and penetrates into all seeds. It
is, as it were, the soul of all living things; it consumes all that
is impure, and renews what it has purified. Fire lends its force
and activity to weak men. It blows up, on a sudden, buildings and
rocks. But have we a mind to confine it to a more moderate use? It
warms man, and makes all sorts of food fit for his eating. The
ancients, in admiration of fire, believed it to be a celestial gift,
which man had stolen from the gods.

SECT. XVI. Of Heaven.

It is time to lift up our eyes to heaven. What power has built over
our heads