Edward the VI. king of England, being, when very young, required by his uncle to sign a warrant for the execution of a poor woman, on account of her religious principles, said, with tears in his eyes: "I almost wish I had never learned to write.”

SECTION VII.

PITY the sorrows and the sufferings of the poor. Disdain not to enter their wretched abodes; nor to listen to their moving lamentations.

Gratitude is a delightful emotion. The grateful heart at once performs its duty, and endears itself to others.

If we ought to be grateful for services received from our friends, how should our hearts glow with thankfulness to Him, who has given us being, and all the blessings we enjoy!

Young people too often set out in life, with too much confidence in themselves. 'Alas! how little do they know the dangers which await them!

To repine at the improvement of others, and wish to deprive them of the praise they have deserved, is an envious and odious disposition.

We ought not to be proud or vain of the advantages we possess ; but humbly endeavour to use them for the benefit of our fellow creatures, and the glory of that great Being from whom we have received them.

If we considered how much the comfort or the uneasiness of all around us, depends on the state of our

own temper, we should surely endeavour to render it sweet and accommodating.

When we feel our inability to resist evil and to do good, what a comfort it is to know that our heavenly father will, if we humbly apply to him, hear our prayers, and graciously assist us!

When young persons are afflicted with illness, how greatly do they endear themselves to all about them, by being tractable, considerate, gentle, and grateful! but how painful it is, to see them peevish, self-willed, and unthankful! How much do the former qualities lessen the affliction; and the latter, increase it!

A family where the great Father of the universe is duly reverenced; where parents are honoured and obeyed; where brothers and sisters dwell together in love and harmony; where peace and order reign; where there is no law but the law of kindness and wisdom; is surely a most delightful and interesting spectacle.

SECTION VIII.

Gon is the kindest and best of beings. He is our Father. He approves us when we do well; he pities us when we err: and he desires to make us happy for ever. How greatly should we love so good and kind a Father! and how careful should we be to serve and please him!

Never insult the unfortunate, especially when they implore relief or assistance. If you cannot grant their requests, refuse them mildly and tenderly. If you feel

compassion for them, (and what good heart can behold distress without feeling compassion?) be not ashamed to express it.

Listen to the affectionate counsels of your parents; treasure up their precepts: respect their riper judgment; and enjoy, with gratitude and delight, the advantages resulting from their society.-Bind to your bosom, by the most endearing ties, your brothers and sisters; cherish them as your best companions, through the variegated journey of life; and suffer no jealousies and contentions to interrupt the harmony, which should ever reign amongst you.`

They who are accustomed to view their companions in the most favourable light, are like persons who dwell amidst those beautiful scenes of nature, on which the eye rests with pleasure. Suspicious persons resemble the traveller in the wilderness, who sees no objects around him, but what are either dreary or terrible.

SECTION IX.

AN amiable youth lamented, in terms of sincere grief, the death of a most affectionate parent. His companion endeavoured to console him by the reflec tion, that he had always behaved to the deceased, with duty, tenderness and respect. "So I thought," replied the youth, "whilst my parent was living: but now I recollect, with pain and sorrow, many instances of disobedience and neglect, for which, alas it is too late to make atonement."

Sir Isaac Newton possessed a remarkably mild and even temper. This great man, on a particular occasion, was called out of his study to an adjoining apartment. A little dog, named Diamond, the constant but incurious attendant of his master's researches, happened to be left among the papers: and threw down a lighted candle, which consumed the almost finished labours of some years. Sir Isaac soon returned, and had the mortification to behold his irreparable loss. But, with his usual self-possession, he only exclaimed; "Oh Diamond! Diamond! thou little knowest the mischief thou hast done."

Queen Caroline having observed that her daughter, the princess had made one of the ladies about her stand a long time, whilst she was talking to her on some trifling subject, was resolved to give her a suita ble reprimand. When the princess came in the evening, as usual, to read to her, and was drawing a chair to sit down, the queen said; "No my dear, you must not sit at present; for I intend to make you stand this evening, as long as you suffered lady to remain in the same position."

The benevolent John Howard, having settled his accounts at the close of a particular year, and found a balance in his favour, proposed to his wife to make use of it in a journey to London, or in any other amusement she chose. "What a pretty cottage for a poor family it would build!" was her answer. This charitable hint met his cordial approbation, and the money was laid out accordingly.

Horace, a celebrated Roman poet, relates, that á countryman, who wanted to pass a river, stood loitering on the bank of it, in the foolish expectation, that a

current so rapid would soon discharge its waters. But the stream still flowed, increased, perhaps, by fresh torrents from the mountains; and it must forever flow, because the sources, from which it is derived, are inexhaustible. Thus the idle and irresolute youth trifles over his books, or wastes in play the precious moments : deferring the task of improvement, which at first is easy to be accomplished, but which will become more and more difficult, the longer it is neglected.