conspicuous in every corner; they have been violent in their operations, but in the end have proved salutary in their effects. The fire in many places is not yet extinguished, but Vesuvius is now the only spot where it rages with any degree of activity.

Filial Piety.

1. FROM the creatures of God, let man learn wisdom, and apply to himself the instruction they give. Go to the desert,my son; observe the young stork of the wilderness, let him speak to thy heart. He bears on his wings his aged sire; he lodges him in safety, and supplies him with food.

2. The piety of a child is sweeter than the incense of Persia offered to the sun; yea, more delicious than odours wafted from a field of Arabian spices, by the western gales.

3. Be grateful to thy father, for he gave thee life; and to thy mother, for she sustained thee. Hear the words of their mouths for they are spoken for thy good; give ear to their admonitions for it proceeds from love.

4. Thy father has watched for thy welfare, he has toiled for thy ease; do honour, therefore to his age, and let not his gray hairs be treated with irreverence. Forget not thy helpless infancy, nor the frowardness of thy youth; and bear with the infirmities of thy aged parents; assist and support them in. the decline of life. So shall their hoary heads go down to the grave in peace; and thy own children, in reverence to thy example, shall repay thy piety with filial love.

Benevolence.

1. WHEN thou considerest thy wants, when thou beholdest thy imperfections, acknowledge his goodness, O son of humanity! who honoured thee with reason; endued thee with speech; and placed thee in society, to receive and confer reciprocal helps and mutual obligations. Thy food, thy clothing, thy convenience of habitation; thy protection from the injuries, thy enjoyment of the comforts and the pleasures of life: all these thou owest to the assistance of others, and couldst not enjoy but in the bands of society. It is thy duty, therefore, to be a friend to mankind, as it is thy interest that man should be friendly to thee.

2. Rejoice in the happiness and prosperity of thy neighbour. Open not thine ear to slander; the faults and failings of men give pain to a benevolent heart. Desire to do good, and search

out occasions for it; in removing the oppression of another, the virtuous mind relieves itself.

3. Shut not thine ear against the cries of the poor; nor harden thy heart against the calamities of the innocent. When the fatherless call upon thee, when the widow's heart is sunk, and she implores thy assistance with tears of sorrow; pity their affliction, and extend thy hand to those who have none to help them. When thou seest the naked wanderer of the street, shivering with cold, and destitute of habitation, let bounty open thy heart let the wings of charity shelter him from death, that thine own soul may live. Whilst the poor man groans on the bed of sickness; whilst the unfortunate languish in the horrours of a dungeon; or the hoary head of age lifts up a feeble eye to thee for pity; how canst thou riot in superfluour enjoyments, regardless of their wants, unfeeling of their woes?

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Speculation and Practice.

1. A CERTAIN astronomer was contemplating the moon through his telescope, and tracing the extent of her seas, the height of her mountains, and the number of habitable territories which she contains. 'Let him spy what he pleases,' said a clown to his companion; ' he is not nearer to the moon than we are.'

2. Shall the same observation be made of you Alexis ; Do you surpass others in learning, and yet in goodness remain upon a level with the uninstructed vulgar? Have you so long gazed at the temple of virtue, without advancing one step towards it? Are you smitten with moral beauty, yet regardless of its attainment? Are you a philosopher in theory, but a novice in practice? The partiality of a father inclines me to hope, that the reverse is true. I flatter myself, that by having learned to think, you will be qualified to act; and that the rectitude of your conduct will be adequate to your improvements in knowledge. May that wisdom which is justified in her works, be your guide through life! And may you enjoy all the felicity which flows from a cultivated understanding, pious and well-regulated affections, and extensive benevolence! In these consists that sovereign good which ancient sages so much extol; which reason recommends, religion authorizes, and God approves.

Ingratitude, highly culpable.

1. ARTABANES was distinguished with peculiar favour by a wise, powerful, and good prince. A magnificent palace, sur

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rounded with a delightful garden, was provided for his resi dence. He partook of all the luxuries of his sovereign's table, was invested with extensive authority, and admitted to the honour of a free intercourse with his gracious master. But Artabanes was insensible of the advantages which he enjoyed; his heart glowed not with gratitude and respect; he avoided the society of his benefactor, and abused his bounty. I detest such a character,' said Alexis, with generous indignation! It is your own picture which I have drawn,' replied Euphronius. The great Potentate of heaven and earth has placed you in a world which displays the highest beauty, order, and magnificence; and which abounds with every means of convenience, enjoyment, and happiness.

2. He has furnished you with such powers of body and mind, as give you dominion over the fishes of the sea, the fowls of the air, and the beasts of the field. He has invited you to hold communion with him, and to exalt your own nature, by the love and imitation of his divine perfections. Yet have your eyes wandered, with brutal gaze, over the fair creation, unconscious of the Mighty Hand from whom it sprung. You have rioted in the profusion of nature, without suitable emotions of gratitude to the Sovereign Dispenser of all good; and you have too often slighted the glorious converse, and forgotten the presence of that Omnipotent Being, who fills all space, and exists through all eternity.'

The Four Seasons.

1. WHO is the beautiful virgin that approaches, clothed in a robe of light green? She has a garland of flowers on her head, and flowers spring up wherever she sets her foot. The snow

which covered the fields, and the ice which was in the rivers, melt away when she breathes upon them. The young lambs frisk about her, and the birds warble in their little throats, to welcome her coming; and when they see her, they begin to choose their mates, and to build their nests. Youths and maidens, have you seen this beautiful virgin? If you have, tell me who is she, and what is her name.

1. WHO is this that comes from the south, thinly clad in a light transparent garment? Her breath is hot and sultry; she seeks the refreshment of the cool shade; she seeks the clear streams, the crystal brooks, to bathe her languid limbs. brooks and rivulets fly from her, and are dried up at her approach. She cools her parched lips with berries, and the grate

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ful acid of fruits; the seedy melon, the sharp apple, and the

red pulp of the juicy cherry, which are poured ut plentifully around her. The tanned hay-makers welcome her coming; and the sheep-shearer, who lips the fleeces of his flock with his sounding shears. When she comes, let me lie under the thick shade of a spreading beach-tree; let me walk with her in the early morning, when the dew is yet upon the grass; let me wander with her in the soft twilight, when the shepherd shuts his fold, and the star of evening appears. Who is she that comes from the south? Youths and maidens, tell me, if you know, who is she, and what is her name?

1. WHO is he that comes with sober pace, stealing upon us unawares? His garments are red with the blood of the grape, and his temples are bound with a sheaf of ripe wheat. His hair is thin and begins to fall, and the auburn is mixed with mournful gray. He shakes the brown nuts from the tree. He winds the horn, and calls the hunters to their sport. The gun sounds. The trembling partridge and the beautiful pheasant flutter, bleeding in the air, and fall dead at the sportsman's feet. Who is he that is crowned with the wheat sheaf? Youths and maidens, tell me, if you know, who is he, and what is his name?

1. WHO is he that comes from the north, clothed in furs and warm wool? He wraps his cloak close about him; his head is bald; his beard is made of sharp icicles. He loves the blazing fire, high piled upon the hearth. He binds skates to his feet, and skims over the frozen lakes. His breath is piercing and cold, and no little flower dares to peep above the surface of the ground, when he is by. Whatever he touches turns to ice. If he were to strike you with his cold hand, you would be quite still and dead, like a piece of marble. Youths and maidens, do you see him? He is coming fast upon us, and soon he will be Tell me, if you know, who is he, and what is his name?

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Charity.

1. HAPPY is the man who has sown in his breast the seeds of charity and love! From the fountain of his heart rise rivers of goodness; and the streams overflow for the benefit of mankind. He assists the poor in their trouble; he rejoices in promoting the welfare of all men. He does not harshly censure his neighbour; he believes not the tales of envy and malevolence, nor repeats their slanders. He forgives the injuries of men; he wipes them from his remembrance revenge and malice

bave no place in his heart. For evil he returns not evil; he hates not even his enemies; but requites their injustice with friendly admonition. The griefs and anxieties of men excite his compassion: he endeavours to alleviate the weight of their misfortunes; and the pleasure of success rewards his labour. He calms the fury, he heals the quarrels of angry men; and prevents the mischiefs of strife and animosity. He promotes in his neighbourhood peace and good will; and his name is repeated with praise and benedictions.

Health.

1. WHO is she that with graceful steps, and with a lively air, trips over yonder plain ?

2. The rose blushes on her cheeks; the sweetness of the morning breathes from her lips; joy, tempered with innocence and modesty, sparkles in her eyes; and the cheerfulness of her heart appears in all her movements. Her name is Health; she is the daughter of exercise and temperance. Their sons inhabit the mountains and the plain. They are brave, active, and lively, and partake of all the beauties and virtues of their sister. Vigour strings their nerves, strength dwells in their bones, and labour is their delight all the day long. The employments of their father excite their appetites; and the repasts of their mother refresh them. To combat the passions, is their delight; to conquer evil habits, their glory. Their pleasures are moderate, and therefore they endure; their repose is short, but sound and undisturbed. Their blood is pure; their minds are serene; and the physician does not find the way to their habitations.

Gratitude.

1. As the branches of a tree return their sap to the root from whence it arose ; as a river pours its streams to the sea, whence its spring was supplied; so the heart of a grateful man delights in returning a benefit received. He acknowledges his obligation with cheerfulness; he looks on his benefactor with love and esteem. And if to return a favour be not in his power, he cherishes the remembrance of it through life.

2. The hand of the generous man is like the clouds of heaven which drop upon the earth, fruits, herbage, and flowers: but the heart of the ungrateful is like a desert of sand, which swallows with greediness the showers that fall, buries them in its bosom, and produces nothing.

3. The grateful mind envies not its benefactor, nor strives to conceal the benefit he has conferred. Though to oblige is