CHAPTER XII.
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.