warmth of a heated fancy-but every object which we admire, whether present or absent, will sow in our hearts the seeds of uneasiness.

If the object is absent, our misery will be great, because proportioned to its imaginary good. If the object is present, our entertainment will be but small, because proportioned only to its real good. Nay, not so much; the disappointment which experience brings, will baulk the expectation, fret the temper, and sour the spirit.

The error is obvious; but how is it to be rectified? The road is plain: check this impertinence of the imagination, that intruding and delusive faculty. Bravely destroy its usurped sovereignty; and let reason, now improved, exercise an uncentreuled sway. When this is done, you will be contented, because then, every enjoyment will correspond to those ideas, which nature and reason have formed. But while this is undone, disappointment will follow disappointment, in everlasting succession; vexation will pave the way to vexation, and black despair, at last, complete the scene of wretchedness.

For this is the law of nature, unchangeable as nature itself, that every false and fantastic opinion, will betray us into endless perplexity; but that every just and rational sentiment, will establish the foundation of solid comfort 5 and experience itself, which sullies the lustre of each splendide trifle, and damps the gaiety of each fanciful enjoyment, will, to eternity, exalt and dignify the real worth of each substantial good.

"

Let us remember, that every situation in life, is the destination of God; a being too wise to mistake our happiness, and too good not to promote it. This reflection will teach us, a perfect resignation to his providence, a cheerful contentment with his discipline, and a lively gratitude for his benefactions.

Let us also remember, that this world is not the concluding scene of human existence, but only its opening and introductory scene; a scene essentially connected with, * and plainly preparatory to another-a brighter and better habitation, in which we are taught, by the authority of God, to expect a felicity, worthy of the noblest faculties of our nature, and adapted to its most exalted desires; a feli* city, in extent, commensurate to the capacities of man, and, in duration, commensurate to the eternity of God; a felicity, in skort, so great, so unspeakable, so full of glory, that the most magnificent splendours of this earth, compared to it, are low and despicable-only faint and fading images-yea, have no glory at all, by reason of the glory

that excelleth.

This consideration will inspire us with submission to the will of God, and animate us to prepare for eternity. Fully convinced, that this world is not the place of our rest, but that our supreme interest lies in an another country, like prudent pilgrims, to sweeten our journey, we will suppress the emotions of peevishness and passion; and train up our souls, by contentment, and every other virtue, for the imniortal delights of that superior world, where gold and silver are of no value; where covetousness never enters; where selfishness is not known; where anxiety has no place; and every sordid affection is forever extinguished -that superior world, where peace never ceases, hope never deceives, contentment never dies, friendship never flags, charity never fails, and happiness never fades but shines forth in one unclouded day, bright as the sun, and immortal as its source.

The Cottager's Advice to his Daughter

UPON HER GOING TO SERVICE,

The advantages of Humility...of Patience.-The evil of Censori-, ousness...Importance of Truth.

IN common life, MARY, we esteem humility one of the most excellent of moral virtues. It makes us love our fellow creatures, and often attracts their affection, but can excite no malice or envy. It has one peculiar advantage, adapted to all circumstances; for it sets us above the world in the truest and best sense: for "he that is little in his. own eyes, will not be troubled to be thought so by others." Our Saviour commands us to learn of him, for that he is meek and lowly; and, if we follow his example, we shall find rest unto our souls. One sally of anger, one emotion of envy, or unchaste desire, naturally begets another; and, till we conquer ourselves, we certainly shall not be at peace.

I am afraid, MARY, thou hast experienced so much tenderness under my humble roof, thou wilt think thy treatment the harsher any where else. Nothing is more natural to youth than impatience. They forget the proverb, that "the farthest way about is the nearest way home," and are often in so great a burry as to defeat their own purpose. I charge thee, MARY, to love patience.

The government of the tongde also seems to be a branch of patience, for unseemly words are a great proof of the want of it. We have a common saying, (of those who speak foolishly,) "that a fool's bolt is soon shot." We have two ears and but one tongue, as if Providence meant that we should hear much and speak little.

RR 2

Nothing

Nothing creates variance so much as evil tongues; and thy sex and youth make it more particularly incumbent on thee not to indulge thyself in much talking. Consider also thy particular situation as a servant. The superior station of thy mistress will naturally lead her to expect a degree of homage from thee; and that thou shouldst not speak but when thou art spoken to, and then be as ready as thou canst with thy answer.

From the government of the tongue, consider next MARY, the importance of truth. I have heard my master say, that the Egyptians of old were used to wear a golden chain, beset with precious stones, which they stiled truth, intimating that to be the most illustrious ornament.

The sacred writings tell us, that "God is truth;" and therefore, to pervert the use of our speech, which so remarkably distinguishes us from the beasts that perish, must be a high offence to him. Amongst the first Christians, they counted it a most impious thing even to dissemble the truth; and, when under persecution, scorned even life itself, rather than preserve it on such base terms.

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Lying is the vice of a villain, a coward, and a slave. If thou art discovered, thou becomest forever suspected. All that thou canst get by lying or dissembling is, that thou wilt not be believed when thon speakest truth."

I am sorry to tell thee, MARY, that there are many ser vants now a-days, who scruple not to tell lies, and others who equivocate and evade the truth. If I should live to hear thou hast told a lie, it will be as a dagger to my heart. 0 cherish in thine heart the love of truth. I have told thes that God is truth; and therefore those who love truth love God, and will be beloved of him; and however mean their condition on earth, they are the objects of his will be made happy for ever and ever.

mercy,

and

To be continued.

The Progress of Genius

FROM OBSCURE AND LOW SITUATIONS, TO EMINENCE AND CELEBRITY.

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“Genius is that gift of God which learning cannot confer, which no disadvantages of birth or education can wholly obscure."

WILLIAM FALCONER,

AUTHOR of that beautifully descriptive and pathetic poem, "the Shipwreck," was born of humble parents, in the county of Fife, and bred to the sea; yet, in this work, the author is said to have left behind him " a monument to perpetuate his name, more durable and far more honourable than any which the artist's hand could erect;" and which serves as a most striking illustration of the words of the above motto; for this excellent poet, who had to court the muse, as

"A ship-boy on the high and giddy mast,”

nevertheless, in midst of toils, difficulties, and dangers, found leisure to indulge in his favourite propensity, and ins such strains, as to have merited for his little piece, the appellation of " a real and valuable addition to the stock of English poetry."

JAMES FERGUSON,

THE ingenious mechanical philosopher and astronomer, was an extraordinary phenomenon of the self-taught kind. His parents being in low circumstances, he was placed: out as servant to a farmer, who employed him in keeping sheep, in which situation he acquired a surprising knowledge of the stars; and his abilities being discovered by some neighbouring gentlemen, one of them took him home to his house, where he learned decimal arithmetic, and the rudiments of algebra and geometry from the butler.