of happiness, is the only source of pure and substantial joy and consolation. We can truly say that the perusal of this excellent volume has afforded to our minds no common delight. Some of the scenes delineated in it, are peculiarly tender and overpowering. All the characters, indeed, are most judiciously delineated. And were we to judge from the soft and delicate touches that attract our attention throughout the work, we should conclude that the whole is the production of a lady of fine taste, of a sound understanding, and of elevated piety. Harriet is unquestionably the heroine of the piece. We can scarcely: meet with a more lovely character. Would that every one of our countrywomen were equally amiable and pious: as she, and that every one of our countrymen were as devout and as happy as her father, Mr. Melville !"

MISCELLANEOUS.

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In the practice of piety is satisfaction on earth, and its reward is on high in the regions of bliss and immortality. Attend to her counsel, and abide by her instructions; so shall peace be the companion of thy reflections, and happiness the partner of thy contemplations."

"There are three mistakes in the world, destructive to the souls of men; concerning wisdom and folly; happiness and misery; liberty and servitude.

"Some are seemingly wise, whose ignorance is esteemed judgment. Such are the worldly wise, who contrive and labor to lay up treasures here for themselves, but are

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not rich towards God. Our Saviour gives them their true character; they are fools.

"Others are esteemed happy in enjoying what they love; whereas, if they set their love upon those objects which deserve not that affection, they are miserable in the fruition of them.

"Some seem to be free whose bondage is esteemed liberty. Sensual men presume of their liberty, because› they follow the full swing of their appetites, but they serve divers lusts and passions, and are under the dominion of sin."-Dr. Bates.

Wisdom of God in the salvation of men." If we admire the wisdom of God in having furnished different degrees of intelligence so exactly adapted to their different destinations, and in having fitted every part of his stupendous work, not only to serve his own immediate purpose, but also to contribute to the beauty and perfection of the whole; how much more ought we to adore that goodness which has perfected the divine plan by appointing one wide, comprehensive, and universal means of salvation, which all are invited to partake; by means which all are capable of using; which nothing but voluntary blindness can prevent our comprehending, nothing but wilful error can hinder us from embracing".—Miss More.

"Prosperity is not without many fears and distastes ; and adversity is not without comforts and hopes. Virtue is like precious odours, most fragrant when they are crushed. The virtue of prosperity is temperance, we may add benevolence; the virtue of adversity is fortitude, and we may add resignation."—Lord Bacon.

Ardor of youth." The first repulses rather inflame vehemence than teach prudence. It is long before a brave and generous mind suspects its own weakness;

or submits to sap the difficulties it expects to subdue by storm. Before disappointments have forced the dictates of philosophy, we believe it in our power to shorten the interval between the first cause and the last effect; we laugh at the timorous delays of plodding industry, and fancy that, by increasing the fire, we can at pleasure accelerate a projection."

"We grow negligent of time in proportion as we have less remaining; and suffer the last part of life to steal from us in languid preparations for future undertakings, or slow approaches to remote advantages, in weak hopes of some fortuitous occurrence, or the drowsy influence of undetermined counsel."

Contrast." A perpetual conflict with our natural desires, seems to be the lot of our present state. In youth we require something of the tardiness and frigidity of age; and in age we must labor to recall the fire and impetuosity of youth. In youth we must learn to expect; in age to enjoy."

Early Fame." He that is too eager to be rich, generally endangers his fortune in wild adventures, and uncertain projects; and he who speedily hastens to reputation, often raises his character by artifices and fallacies, decks himself in colors which quickly fade, or in plumes which accident may shake off, or competition pluck away.

"A thousand beauties, in their first blossom, by an imprudent exposure to the open world, have suddenly withered at the blast of infamy; and men who might have subjected new regions to the empire of learning, have been lured by the praise of their first productions from academical retirement, and wasted their days in vice and dependence.

"The genius, who catches at laurels and preferment

before his time, mocks the hope he had excited, and loses those years, which might have been more usefully employed, the years of youth, of spirit and vivacity.

"It is one of the innumerable absurdities of pride, that we are never more impatient of direction than in that part of life which needs it most. We are in haste to undertake tasks which we cannot perform; and as he who once miscarries cannot easily persuade mankind to favor another attempt, an ineffectual struggle for fame is followed by perpetual obscurity." Reading and Conversation.- "In reading, labor to get a full sense of the author's principal terms, and truths affirmed in his propositions; after that observe whether he proves or affirms roundly; whether what he says is built on fancy, or on truth and the nature of things.

"In conversation or writing, if you mean to give or receive information, accurately define your terms; keep to the original sense you affixed.

"Think in time what objections may be made to what you are going to urge. Let truth be your sole view. Pronounce modestly, so as to leave a comfortable retreat. Keep yourself superior to passion and peevishness. Yield whatever you can, that your antagonist may see you do not dispute for contention's sake. When you have argued the matter fully, and neither can bring over the other, drop the subject amicably. Regard always in an author the matter as well as style."-Burg's Dignity of Human Nature.

Vain Thoughts.-" Perhaps Dr. Johnson never composed any thing so truly excellent, as his prayer against inquisitive and perplexing thoughts. It is so wise and energetic, so philosophical and so pious, that it will af ford consolation to many a sincere Christian, when in a

state of mind to which it is believed, the best are some. times liable.

"O Lord, my Maker and Protector, who has graciously sent me into this world to work out my salvation, enable me to drive from me all such unquiet and perplexing thoughts as may mislead or hinder me in the practice of those duties which thou hast required. When I behold the works of thine hands, give me grace always to remember that thy thoughts are not my thoughts nor thy ways my ways. And while it shall please thee to continue me in this world, where much is to be done, and little to be known, teach me by the Holy Spirit to withdraw my mind from unprofitable and dangerous inquiries; from difficulties vainly curious; and doubts impossible to be solved. Let me rejoice in the light which thou hast imparted; let me serve thee with active zeal and humble confidence; and wait with patient expectation for the time, in which the soul, which thou receivest, shall be satisfied with knowledge. Grant this, O Lord, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen."

Devotion in Childhood.-Christian parents hear their children say their prayers, but do not always teach them to pray. Children over six years of age may be taught the important duty of secret prayer. As first impressions never fade away, how interested should parents be to form an early habit of devotion in their offspring. This habit will not become a mere form. No one will long persevere in private devotions from habit only. When youth learn by experience the nature of prayer, they will take a more lively interest in family and church devotions.

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