for regretting that the Spectator should have fallen into comparative neglect in this country. This neglect occasions a great loss to the interests of elegant literature, sound morals, and social happiness. Biography is also an interesting and instructive study. Our political institutions confer upon the citizen, a degree of importance unknown under every other form of government. Hence the obligation imposed upon him, of becoming familiarly acquainted with his rights and duties. The most efficient plan, under Providence, of perpetuating our liberties, will be to render the great body of the people virtuous and enlightened. The road to distinction is open to every individual, to whatever class he may happen to belong, who possesses the requisite qualifications for public trusts. Locke, Sidney, Milton, and other powerful advocates of civil and religious liberty, are entitled to the gratitude of succeeding generations; but no positions of equal moral elevation, had ever been taken in behalf of the species, prior to the promulgation of the Declaration of Independence. Of the Constitution of the United States, and those of the several states, every intelligent citizen must be supposed to have some knowledge. The early history of Pennsylvania, might likewise be profitably consulted, for the beautiful lessons of justice and mercy which it teaches. For an illustration and defence of the principles contained in the Consti

tution of the United States, the Federalist, a work produced by the joint labours of Hamilton, Madison, and Jay, may be confidently referred to as standard authority on this subject. For a summary view of the different forms of government, which have at various periods existed in the world, John Adams' defence of the Constitutions of the United States, after making some allowance for an undue partiality to that of Great Britain, might be referred to as containing much useful information. The farewell address of General Washington, should be cherished as a legacy of inestimable value, bequeathed to us by the Father of his country; and, indeed, every thing of a public nature, which ever proceeded from his pen, should be sought after, as fraught with the counsels of wisdom and experience.

Where libraries are established, as in Philadelphia, for the exclusive advantage of appren tices, peculiar benefits may reasonably be expected to result from them, to this description of youth. They are particularly favoured in this respect, compared with those who have trodden the same path before them. They should, therefore, evince their gratitude, by diligence, in storing their minds with useful knowledge-by their decorous deportment in going to, and from the library-by a strict observance of the rules of the Institution-by taking the utmost care of the books loaned to them-and

by punctually returning them within the time prescribed. When they arrive at years of manhood, and have it in their power to do so, they should further evince this gratitude, by patronizing, the institution, for the benefit of those who may succeed them.]

Of cheap Pleasures.

It is observable, that we connect the idea of expense so closely with that of diversion, that we hardly reckon those among our pleasures, which we do not pay for. But this is both bad reasoning and bad economy. The most exquisite, as well as the most innocent of all enjoyments, are such as cost us least; reading, fresh air, good weather, fine landscapes, and the beauties of nature. Unbend, therefore, principally with these; they afford a very quick relish while they last, and leave no remorse when

over.

["Intellectual pleasures," said the Abbe Correa, in one of his lectures on botany, delivered in this city," Intellectual pleasures are those for which we pay no tax."]

Of Fencing and Dancing.

Fencing and dancing are very fine accomplishments for courtiers, and very good exercises for all: but are very impertinent ingredi

ents in the character of a man of business. In the first, too little skill only exposes you to the more hazard; and too much is perhaps an inducement to seek quarrels, rather than avoid them; the consequences of which are sometimes fatal, always dangerous. Leave, then, the sword in the hands of those that are to live by it; and, as it would be a very ridiculous piece of foppery in you to wear one, even on a Sunday, there is no necessity for your knowing how to use it. The last (dancing) can serve only as a recommendation to women; and you are always to remember you are a tradesman, not a gallant or fortune-hunter.

Of Music.

Music, which has so much engrossed the attention of the present age, is another of those accomplishments which is totally superfluous in such a station as yours; nay, is not only useless, but absolutely detrimental; to have one's head filled with crotchets, being a proverbial phrase to denote a man beside himself. Frequent not, therefore, operas and concerts; affect not any skill in compositions, or to determine the merit of masters; nor trust yourself to perform on any instrument, or keep company with such as make music their profession. There is an infatuation attends pursuits of this nature, and the moment you attach yourself to them, you will decline

both in your credit and fortune. Loss of time and increase of expense are the immediate consequences: at taverns, you must think it a favour if a performer contributes to your entertainment; for which you must both defray his reckoning, and load yourself and your friends with benefit tickets; most of which you must pay for out of your own pocket: and what you voluntarily do for one, will be demanded by the rest; whereby you will expose yourself to an annual rent-charge, and annual solicitations.

Of the Play-House.

For the same reason, never be prevailed upon to set your foot behind the scenes at a playhouse; the creatures to be found there, being but so many birds of prey, that hover round you, only to devour you. Full of fawning and flattery, to win your favour; and insolently ridiculing the cit, the moment your back is turned. Content yourself, then, with putting them to their proper use on the stage; and entertain yourself with their humour, out of reach of their impertinence. Not that I would be understood to recommend a frequent resort to the theatres on any terms: on the contrary, visit them but rarely, and patronize them never; at least, till they have undergone a very thorough purgation, and appear what they ought to be, the schools of refined manners and unblemished virtue.