disburdened Cloud. How vaft is the Extent, how delicate the Texture, of that showery Arch! It compaffeth the Heavens, with a glorious Circle; and teaches us to forget the Horrors of the Storm. Elegant its Form, and rich its Texture; but more delightful its facred Significancy. While the Violet and the Rofe, blufh in its beautiful Afpect; the Olive-branch smiles in its gracious Import. It writes, in radiant Dyes, what the Angels fung in harmonious Strains; "Peace on Earth, and Good-will "towards Men." It is the Stamp of Insurance, for the Continuance of Seed-Time, and Harveft; for the Preservation and Security of the vifible World*. It is the comfortable Token †, of a better State, and a happier Kingdom-a Kingdom, where Sin fhall cease, and Misery be abolished; where Storms fhall beat, and Winter pierce no more; but Holiness, Happinefs, and Joy, like one unbounded Spring, for ever, ever bloom.

Gen. ix. 12-16.

+ Rev. iv. 3.

A

N. B. As Dr. SHAW in the Supplement to his
Excellent Book of Travels, and feveral other Authors
of the greatest Eminences, have given an Index of
Scriptures, occafionally Explained in their Writings;
I doubt not, but I fhall oblige many of my Readers,
by what I here fubjoin; thofe efpically, whofe Tafte
is happily formed to relifh the Beauties of the facred
Records.