CHARLES.
I never yet thought of that benefit, when I have seen the sun set. I am glad, Sir, that you have pointed it out to me, for it will make me more thankful for the divine goodness.
DR. BARTLETT.
I will send for my telescope, and then you will have a nearer view of the moon. And to-morrow morning I will call you very early, and we will see the sun rise—you will find it equally beautiful.
Dear mother, how happy I am to learn all this. I already feel more love and reverence for God, the cause of all these wonders, than I had before. If I grew ever so tall, I should not think myself a man, till I knew something of the works of God.—Can a man be wise who sees him not in every surrounding object? Charles and I intend to make all the enquiries we possibly can—we will try to be good and wise.
WILLIAM.
LETTER XVII.
William to his Mother.
We were this morning, mama, at half past two, in the fields, to see the beautiful scene of the sun rising. Edward would not go with us, he rather chose to sleep. He is very lazy, and ignorant of course, Dr. Bartlett says. Yet, though he plays much more than we do, he is not so happy; he often seems not to know what to do with himself, idleness making the hours so heavy. He wishes for his meals long before the time, and torments insects and animals wantonly to shorten the tedious interval. I heard Sir Charles say, the other day, he feared he would never be a man in understanding. That instead of rising gradually to a man, he was sinking into a brute. But I must relate our conversation. The stars were yet visible when we went out.
CHARLES.
My father has promised me some excellent books, Sir.