His strength to suffer, and his will to serve. THE TASK. BOOK VI. THE WINTER WALK AT NOON. Bells at a distance-Their effect.-A fine noon in winter.-A sheltered walk. Meditation better than books.-Our familiarity with the course of nature makes it appear less wonderful than it is.-The transformation that spring effects in a shrubbery described.—A mistake concerning the course of nature corrected.-God maintains it by an unremitted act.-The amusements fashionable at this hour of the day reproved.-Animals happy, a delightful sight.-Origin of cruelty to animals.—That it is a great crime proved from Scripture. That proof illustrated by a tale.-A line drawn between the lawful and unlawful destruction of them.-Their good and useful properties insisted on.-Apology for the encomiums bestowed by the author on animals.-Instances of man's extravagant praise of man. The groans of the creation shall have an end.-A view taken of the restoration of all things.-An invocation and an invitation of Him who shall bring it to pass.-The retired man vindicated from the charge of uselessness.-Conclusion. THERE is in souls a sympathy with sounds, Is touch'd within us, and the heart replies. In cadence sweet, now dying all away, When most severe, and must'ring all its force, Whose favour, like the clouds of spring, might low'r, And utter now and then an awful voice, |