Obrazy na stronie
PDF
ePub

honey, , unless he were able to destroy those who guard it. Amazed at the consequence of his action, he flies with precipitation, but is overtaken by the insects, who, settling upon him, leave behind them their stings; the anguish of which may serve as a perpetual memorial of his rashness, and warn him how he attempts stolen sweets for the future.

That which we obtain by improper means seldom contributes to our happiness; but often renders us miserable.

Application.

In many people of a more mature age, we see the emblem verified; and, though common experience might prevent the evil, yet so careless are some, that they will make use of no experience but their own, which is always dearly bought, and often comes too late to have the effect desired by every rational and thinking person.

The wild and unthinking always imagine forbidden pleasures to be sweet; and, proceeding on this maxim, often plunge themselves into the most ruinous circumstances, and become sensible of their errours only when it is too late to amend them.

But they will overturn the hive; they must have the honey, while they little expect the sting: when they feel it (like the boy in the emblem) surprise is added to their affliction, and their distress is doubled by their being no >ways provided to sustain the accident.

If you would be wise, take not the honey while the hivė is swarming : let not your pleasures be mixed with guilt; and then you may rest secure that they will leave no sting behind them.

[blocks in formation]
[ocr errors]

And think you, when he grew a man,
He prosper'd in his ways?
No-wicked courses never can
Bring good and happy days.
Without a shilling in his purse,
Or cot to call his own,

Poor William grew from bad to worse,
And harden'd as a stone.

And, oh! it grieves me much to write

His melancholy end;

Then let us leave the dreadful sight,
And thoughts of pity send.

But may we this important truth
Observe and ever hold;

"All who are idle in their youth,

Will suffer when they're old."

Progressive.

Children,should listen with attention to the admonitions and counsels of their parents.

To relieve the indigent, to comfort the afflicted, to protect the innocent, to instruct the ignorant, to reward the deserving, and to forgive injuries, is a great and Godlike employment.

If we ought to be thankful for services received from our friends, how ought our hearts to glow with gratitude to him who has given us being, and bestowed on us all the blessings we enjoy.

Let us not expect too much pleasure in this life; no. situation is exempt from trouble: the best persons, no doubt, are the happiest; but they too have their trials and afflictions.

How rich and beautiful are the works of nature! What a bountiful provision is made for our wants and pleasures! Surely the author of so many blessings is worthy of our love and gratitude.

How pleasant it is, when we lie down at night, to reflect that we are at peace with all persons; that we have carefully performed the duties of the day, and that the Almighty beholds and loves us !

The days that are past are gone for ever, those that are to come may not come to us; the present time only is ours; let us therefore improve it as much as possible.

Carefully avoid the follies of others, and le not vice rule over thy heart: so shall virtue establish its empire in thy breast, and her dominion shall be fixed for ever.

Either idleness or extravagance will bring a man to poverty and misery.

Virtue strengthens in adversity, moderates in prosperity, guides in society, entertains in solitude, advises in doubts, supports in sickness, and comforts in the hour of death.

If young persons were determined to conduct themselves by the rules of virtue, they would not only escape many dangers, but would command respect from the licentious themselves.

It may be laid down as confirmed by reason and experience, that nothing requires greater caution in our conduct, than our behaviour to those with whom we are most intimate.

Young persons cannot be too much on their guard, against falling into too great a familiarity with their companions; for we often lose the good opinion of those with whom we are most familiar.

In judging of others, let us always think the most favourably, and employ the spirit of charity and candour: but in judging of ourselves, we should be exact and

severe.

If we considered how much the comfort or uneasiness of all around us depends on the state of our own temper, we should surely endeavour to render it sweet and accommodating.

Be cautious of believing ill reports of others, and far more cautious of reporting them, lest they should prove false; and then shame will attend thee for thy folly, and conscience accuse thee of injustice.

[graphic][merged small]

WITH plaintive cooings, lo! the turtledove
Laments the fate of his departed love;

His mate once lost, no comfort now he knows;
His little breast with inward anguish glows;

Nor lawns, nor groves, his throbbing heart can charm';
Nor other love his languid bosom warm:

Oppress'd with grief, he yields his latest breath,

And proves, at last, his constancy in death...

Moral.

A proper lesson to the fickle mind;

An emblem apt of tenderness refin'd;

Affection pure, and undissembled love,

Which absence, time, nor death, can ne'er remove.,

The dove is the most gentle and loving of birds: for which qualities the ancient heathens feigned that the chariot of Venus, the goddess of love, was drawn by

« PoprzedniaDalej »