work has been prepared. The principle adopted has been that of extracting the leading thoughts from each volume selected for that purpose, and placing it before the reader, so as to invite and attract attention, and compel the faculties of the mind to profitable exercise. As there is much in the way in which a truth is stated, the best writers of various ages and nations are in this volume made to utter their best thoughts in their own words" Apples of gold in baskets of silver." The part of the compiler has been simply that of judicious selection; he has endeavoured to discharge this duty faithfully, how far he has been successful the public must decide. If any excuse be necessary for thus collecting and resetting the scattered gems of genius, it is supplied by Dr. Johnson, who tells us that "he who collects these is very laudably employed, as he facilitates the progress of others and, by making that easy of attainment which is already written, may give leisure for new thoughts and original designs."

viour that distinguish our own profession, or the small societies to which we are accustomed.

That conversation which promotes the innocent amusement of our friends, and so contributes to their health and happiness; or which, by expressing our benevolence towards them, cherishes that temper in us, and gives an example for the encouragement of it in others,-conversation of this character is not idle, because it is favourable to virtue and friendly to mankind.-Dr. Beattie.

VII.

HE JUDGMENT.-It is not in our power to judge as we will. The judgment is carried along necessarily by the evidence, real or seeming, which appears to us at the time. But in propositions that are submitted to our judgments there is this great difference,-some are of such a nature that a man of ripe understanding may apprehend them distinctly, and perfectly understand their meaning, without finding himself under any necessity of believing them to be true or false, probable or improbable. The judgment remains in suspense until it is inclined on one side or another by reasons or arguments.

But there are other propositions which are no sooner understood than they are believed. The judgment follows the apprehension of them necessarily, and both are equally the work of nature, and the result of our original powers. There is no searching for evidence, no weighing of arguments; the proposition is not reduced or inferred from another. It has the light of truth in itself, and has no occasion to borrow it elsewhere.-Reid.