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out he always put three or four wigs on his head at once, and as many muffs upon each of his

arms.

2. Though he had unfortunately lost his senses, yet he was not mischievous, unless wicked boys played tricks with him, and put him in a passion.

3. Whenever he appeared in the streets, all the idle boys would surround him, crying, "Samuel! Samuel! how do you sell your wigs and your muffs ?" Some boys were of such mischievous dispositions as to throw dirt and stones at him.

4. Though the unfortunate man generally bore all this treatment very quietly, yet he would sometimes turn about in his own defence and throw among the rabble that followed him any thing that came in his way.

5. A contest of this nature happened one day near the house of Mr. Denton, who hearing a noise in the street, went to the window, and with much regret, saw his son Joseph concerned in the fray. Displeased at the sight, he shut down the sash and went into another room.

6. When they were at dinner, Mr. Denton asked his son, who the man was, with whom he and the other boys in the street, seemed to be so pleasingly engaged. Joseph said it was the crazy man, whom they called Samuel.

7. On his father's asking him what had occasioned that misfortune, he replied, that it was said to be in consequence of the loss of a large estate by an unjust law-suit.

8. "Had this man been known to you, (said

Mr. Denton) at the time when he was cheated out of his estate; and had he told you that he had just lost a large inheritance, hich he had long peaceably enjoyed; that all his property was expended in supporting the cause, and that he had now nothing upon earth left; do you think you should have laughed at this poor

man ?"

9. Joseph with some confusion replied, that he certainly should not have been so wicked as to laugh at the misfortunes of any man; but should rather endeavour to comfort him.

10. " This man, (said Mr. Denton) is more to be pitied now than he was then, since to the loss of his fortune is added the loss of his senses also; and yet you have this day been throwing stones at this poor man, and otherwise insulting him, who never gave you any cause.

11. Joseph seemed very sorry for what he had done, asked his Papa's pardon, and promised not only never to do the like again, but to prevent others, as much as lay in his power, from committing the same crime.

12. His father told him, that as to his forgiveness, he freely granted it, but that there was another besides him, whose forgiveness was more necessary. Little Joseph, thinking that his father meant poor Samuel, said that he would ask his forgiveness too; but Mr. Denton explained the matter to him.

13. "Had Samuel retained his senses (said he) it would be certainly just, that you should ask his pardon; but as his disordered mind

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will not permit him to receive any apologies, it would be useless to attempt to make any.

14. "It is not Samuel, but God whom you have offended. You have not shown compassion to poor Samuel, but by your unprovoked insults, have added to his misfortunes. Can you think God will be pleased with such conduct?"

15. Joseph now plainly perceived whom he had offended, and therefore promised to ask pardon of God in his prayers. He kept his word and not only forebore troubling Samuel, for several weeks afterwards, but endeavoured to persuade all his companions from doing the like.

16. The resolutions of young people, however, are not always to be depended on. So it happened with little Joseph, who, forgetting the promises he had made, one day happened to mix with the rabble of boys, who were following and hooting, and playing many naughty tricks with the unfortunate Samuel. And the more he mixed among them the more he forgot himself, and at last became as bad as the worst of them.

17. Samuel's patience, however, being at length tired out by the rude behaviour of the wicked boys that pursued him, he suddenly turned about, and picking up a large stone, threw it at little Joseph with such violence, that it grazed his cheek, and almost cut off part of his

ear.

18. Poor Joseph, on feeling the smart occasioned by the blow, and finding the blood trickling down his cheek at a great rate, ran home roaring most terribly. Mr. Denton, however,

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showed him no pity, telling him it was the just judgment of God for his wickedness.

19. Joseph attempted to justify himself by saying, that he was not the only one who was guilty, and therefore ought not to be the only one that was punished. His father replied that as he knew better than the other boys, his crime was the greater.

20. It is indeed but justice, that a child who knows the commands of God and his parents, should be doubly punished, whenever he so far forgets his duty as to run headlong into wicked

ness.

21. Remember this my young readers, and in stead of adding to the afflictions of others, do all that you can to alleviate them, and God will then undoubtedly have compassion on you, whenever your wants and distresses shall require his assistance.

ARTHUR AND ADRIAN; OR TWO HEADS BETTER THAN ONE.

1. Adrian had frequently heard his father say, that children have but little knowledge, with respect to what is most proper for them; and that the greatest proof they could give of their wisdom, would be in following the advice of people, who have more age and experience than themselves. But this was a kind of doctrine Adrian did not understand, or at least would'not, and therefore it is no wonder that he forgot it.

2. This wise and good father had allotted him and his brother Arthur a convenient piece of ground in order that each might be possessed of a little garden, and display his knowledge and industry in the cultivation of it.

3. They had also leave to sow whatever seeds they should think proper, and to transplant any tree they liked out of their father's garden into their own.

4. Arthur remembered those words of his father, which his brother Adrian had forgotten, and therefore went to consult their gardener Rufus. Pray tell me (said he) what is now in season to sow in my garden, and in what manner I am to set about my business?"

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5. The gardener hereupon gave him several roots and seeds such as were most proper for the season. Arthur instantly ran, and put them into the ground, and Rufus, very kindly, not only assisted him in the work, but made him acquainted with many things very necessary to be known.

6. Adrian, on the other hand, shrugged up his shoulders at his brother's industry, thinking he was taking much more pains than was necessary. Rufus not knowing his disposition, offered him likewise his assistance and instruction; but he refused it in a manner that clearly discovered his vanity and ignorance.

7. He then went into his father's garden, and took from thence a quantity of flowers, which he immediately transplanted into his own. The gardener took no notice of him, but left him to do as he pleased.

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