INFANCY. At first, the INFANT, MAN stands at the head of this lower creation. His erect form, and intellectual faculties, give him a decided superiority over the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, the fishes of the sea, and every creeping thing that creepeth on the face of the earth. Thus distinguished by his Maker, he becomes an appropriate subject of contemplation. We examine him on all sides; we view him in every position. We trace him throughout the successive periods of existence; we follow him from the cradle to the tomb. Nor is our observation of MAN in all his variations without improvement. In the several stages through which he passes, lessons suggest themselves conducive to our welfare. To these instructions every attention should be paid. And it is by regarding these intimations which Provi dence seems to have interwoven into our constitution, by recognising the suggestions which our very circumstances present to us, that we are to be guided in our progress through life. It is one of the principal means of attaining perfection. In the consideration of Infancy, many particulars press upon our attention. The original stage of MAN in this present world deserves our examination. The first and most obvious circumstance respecting Infancy is, the gratification occasioned by the birth of an INFANT. It lights up smiles in every countenance; it diffuses pleasure through the bosom of every member of the family. In some cases the exultation spreads far and wide; it bursts forth into public expressions of triumpli— What means the stir in yon time-hallow'd tower? The MOTHER on her couch in silence laid, Nor has this exultation on the birth of a child passed unnoticed by an inspired writer; John xvi. *See Human Life, an anonymous poem, in five parts; from which stanzas will be frequently taken in the course of these illustrations. It was published in 1806, and is dedicated to the Earl of Aberdeen. |