CHAPTER XII.
Beautiful Effects of the white Vapour on the Prospects below.
Section 71.FROM 28 Minutes after II, till the Balloon had passed over the Forest of Delamere, and the steep Crag of Helsbye-Hill; thin light semi-transparent Vapours, which seemed to be collecting at a vast Depth below; moving slowly in all Directions; rising to great Heights, falling, melting away, and again condensing;—(the Land, one while covered with a white Veil; then caught thro’ Openings for a few Seconds; the Objects appearing more distinct and coloured, from being seen in detached Groupes and single Pictures framed and enshrined in fleecy Vapour; now again discovered by a Glance of the Eye, and then repeatedly escaping from the Sight;)—wonderfully heightened the Grandeur, Gaiety and inimitable Beauty of the ever varying Prospects.
An Illustration taken from Scenes abroad.
72. Appearances of a similar Kind are frequent in the noble and venerable Structures appropriated for divine Worship abroad: whose Walls are decorated with the finest Paintings; the Subjects solemn and engaging; suited to inspire a chearful Devotion.
While the inferior Clerics perfume the Garments of the Priests officiating and offering Incense before the high Altar; which is ornamented with full-Length Portraits in the richest Drapery, of Persons whether male or female, reputed of sound Morals and exemplary Piety; accompanied by Guardian Saints and happy Angels;—Columns of white Smoke, wafted from Silver Censers, rise to a certain Height in slow majestic Movement, before the Eyes of the kneeling Suppliants, who are instantly shut out from the enchanting View; till the Clouds dispersing, shew by Intervals, a Glympse of the celestial Prospect, and of the higher Orders of Beings, who look down with Complacency upon them; and seem actually descending throu’ Openings of the Clouds which appear at Rest.
