JUST about this time, HE BEGAN TO WRITE THEMES almost every Friday forenoon. He generally chose his own subjects; though we sometimes chose them for him, or the passing events of the day suggested them. He always wrote upon his slate, read them to the family, and, for a long time, understood that they were rubbed out and lost. But both from their extraordinary character as the productions of a child, and in order to preserve a permanent memorial of his mental progress, I copied them off, even from the beginning. After having done this for some time, I made no secret of it. As those productions afford a fair specimen of his habits of thought and modes of expression; and do, I think, contain a proof of the precocity, vigor, and cultivation of his powers, I shall take the liberty of presenting a few extracts-assuring my readers, that, as I copied them with scrupulous exactness from his slate, I give them as exactly in these pages. I have not the folly to imagine that these early productions of his.

pen can gratify persons of matured understanding, further than as they afford an illustration of his mental progress. The first of the following essays was written, when he was about eleven years and three months old. I have inserted, in succession, pieces written at the intervals of three or six months, in the first series; and every one who understands composition, will instantly perceive his rapid improvement in the choice of his words, the structure, harmony, and force of his style. I shall pursue the same course in the two subsequent periods; and leave the intelligent reader to form his own judgment of that child who began the last, "ON THE CONNECTION OF IDEAS," before he had attained his fourteenth year. I may remark, in passing, that, as far as I recollect, he never obtained assistance in writing any of these pieces, by reference to books. He had conversed, read, and thought on all these subjects; but when he wrote, he drew immediately from the stores of his own mind.

THEMES

Written between the Age of Eleven and Twelve.

ADVANTAGES OF THE STUDY OF HISTORY.

(Dated April, 1814.)

THE advantages of the study of history are various. Even if there were none, it seems natural to wish to know the degree of eivilization and freedom which our fellow-creatures have enjoyed, and the forms of government under which they have lived, in various ages and countries. But besides the gratifica tion which it affords us, several advantages arise from a good acquaintance with it. By presenting to our view the actions of great and good men, it stimulates us to exertion, that we may imitate them. It is said that Julius Cæsar, when he read the actions of Alexander, wept that he, though he was as old as that conqueror, had performed no action which equalled any of his.

VOL. I.

Besides affording examples which may stimulate us to noble and useful actions, it warns us to avoid those which are base or hurtful. What king of England would attempt to levy taxes without a parliament, or to encroach on the civil or religious privileges of Englishmen, after the fate of Charles I. and James II. ? And will not the fall of Napoleon Buonaparte shew all future kings what a vain attempt it is to subject all Europe to one man? What people will imitate the French Revolution, after knowing the murders which were its immediate consequences, and the despotism to which it ultimately led? Besides all this, we see for what wise ends the darkest providences were sent; and that the greatest judgments have ultimately tended to the good of mankind.

THE DISADVANTAGES OF SOLITUDE.
(July, 1814.)

SOLITUDE has been supposed the fittest situation for contemplation and devotion, and for the cultivation of all the most excellent qualities of the soul. It has been loved and sought by some men, from a natural morose

ness of disposition-by others, because they have been disappointed in the pursuit of honors or riches, and so disgusted with society-and also by some good and wise men, who would have been, perhaps, the honor of their age, and the lights of the world, if erroneous ideas of devotion had not led them astray. But how great are the pleasures and advantages of society! In solitude, there are none who may partake one's joys or griefs-a man must suffer his afflictions, and enjoy all his happiness (if it is possible to possess any in such a situation) alone. There is none to console the man when in distress, or to counsel him when he knows not how to act. But in society, our sorrow is, at least, alleviated, by the condodolence of those who love us, and pleasures. are doubled, by knowing that all our joys make a friend joyful. There are in society wise and good men to advise and admonish us. All these advantages are lost in solitude.

O solitude! where are the charms

That sages have seen in thy face?

I think the love of society natural to the human race. There may have been some exceptions: