too long on earth, we might only live to witness a greater number of melancholy scenes, and to expose ourselves to a wider compass of human wo. How many pass away some of the most valuable years of their lives, tost in a whirlpool of what cannot be called pleasure so much as mere giddiness and folly. Look round you with attentive eye, and weigh characters well, before you connect yourselves too closely with any who court your society. The true honor of man consists not in the multitude of riches or the elevation of rank for experience shows that these may be possessed by the worthless as well as by the deserving. Beauty of form has often betrayed its possessor. The flower is easily blasted. It is short lived at the best; and trifling at any rate,in comparison with the higher, and more lasting beauties of the mind. A contented temper opens a clear sky, and brightens every object around us. It is in the sullen and dark shade of discontent, that noxious passions, like venomous animals, breed and prey upon the heart. Thousands whom indolence has sunk into contemptible obscurity, might have come forward to usefulness and honour,if idleness had not frustrated the effect of all their powers. Sloth is like the slowly-flowing, putrid stream which stagnates in the marsh, breeds venomous animals, and poisonous plants; and infects with pestilential vapours the whole country round it. Disappointments derange, and overcome vulgar minds. The patient and the wise, by a proper improvement, frequently make them contribute to their high advantage. Whatever fortune may rob us of, it cannot take away what is most valuable, the peace of a good conscience, and the, cheering prospect of a happy conclusion to all the trials of life, in a better world. Be not overcome by the injuries you meet with, so as to pursue revenge; by the disasters of life, so as to sink into despair; by the evil examples of the world, so as to follow them into sin. Overcome injuries, by forgiveness; disasters, by fortitude; evil examples, by firmness of principle. Sobriety of mind is one of those virtues, which the present condition of human life strongly inculcates. The uncertainty of its enjoyments, checks presumption; the multiplicity of its dangers, demands perpetual caution. Moderation, vigilance, and self government are duties incumbent on all; but especially on such as are beginning the journey of life. The charms and comforts of virtue are inexpressible; and can only be justly conceived by those who possess her. The consciousness of Divine approbation and support, and the steady hope of future happiness, commu nicate a peace and joy, to which all the delights of the world bear no resemblance. If we knew how much the pleasures of this life deceive and betray their unhappy votaries; and reflected on the disappointments in pursuit, the dissatisfaction in enjoyment, or the uncertainty of possession, which every where attend them; we should cease to be enamoured with these brittle and transient joys and should wisely fix our hearts on those virtuous attainments, which the world can neither give nor take away. VERSE. Order is Heav'n's first law; and this confest, Needful austerities our wills restrain; As thorns fence in the tender plant from harm. Reason's whole pleasure, all the joys of sense, By travel and to travel born, Who noble ends by noble means obtains, Oft pining griefs in rich brocades are drest, To hide the fault I see; This day be bread, and peace my lot: Thou know'st if best bestow'd or not, Vice is a monster of so frightful mein, In faith and hope the world will disagree, To be resign'd when ills beti le, And pleased with favors giv'n : All fame is foreign, but of true desert; Plays round the head, but comes not to the heart. And more true joy Marcellus exil'd feels, Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife, They kept the noiseless tenor of their way. I What nothing earthly gives, or can destroy, Pity the sorrows of a poor old man, Whose trembling limbs have borne him to thy door, Who lives to nature, rarely can be poor; When young, life's journey I began, I saw, Joy after joy'successive rise. But soon I found 'twas all a dream, And learn'd the fond pursuit to shun, Where few can reach their purpos'd aim, And thousands daily are undone. 'Tis greatly wise to talk with our past hours; All nature is but art, unknown to thee; Heav'n's choice is safer than our own: What the most formidable fate? "To have our own desire." If ceaseless, thus, the fowls of heav'n he feeds, The spacious firmament on high, |