to this world. 4. He, who employs himself well, can never want for something to do. 5. Umbrage 454. INFLECTIONS AND INTONATIONS. Maxims. 1. The wise man thinks he knows The author is perfectly satisfied, that most but little; the fool thinks he knows it all. 2. He, of his predecessors have depended entirely who cannot govern himself, cannot govern others. too much upon the inflections, to produce | 3. He is a poor wretch, whose hopes are confined variety, instead of upon the intonations of the voice the former, invariably makes mechanical readers and speakers; while the latter, being founded in nature, makes natural ones: the one is of the head, and is the result of thought and calculation; and the other of the heart, and is the spontaneous cffusion of the affections: the former spreads atzil before the mind; the latter takes it away. Is it not so? Choose ye. Nature knows a great deal more than art; listen to her teachings and her verdict. should never be taken, where offence was never intended. 6. Deride not the unfortunate. 7. In and silence. 8. Lawyers' gowns are often lined with the willfulness of their clients. 9. Good books conversation, avoid the extremes of talkativeness are the only paper currency, that is better than silver or gold. 10. No man may be both accuser, and judge. 11. At every trifle-scorn to take offence. Anecdote. A Rose. A blind man, having a shrew for his wife, was told by one of his friends, that she was a rose. He replied, "I There are two hearts, whose movements thrill do not doubt it; for I feel the thorns daily." That, pulse to pulse, responsive still, So much of fanciful similitude To her own history; like herself, repaying. With such sweet interest, all the cherishing, That calls their beauty, and their sweetness forth; And, like her, too, dying-beneath neglect. 455. IGNORANCE AND ERROR. How frequently an incorrect mode of pronunciation, and of speaking, is caught from an ignorant nurse, or favorite servant, which infects one through life! so much depends on first impressions and habits. Lisping, stammering, and smaller defects, often originate in the same way, and not from any natural defect, or impediment. If parents and teachers would consider the subject, they might see the importance of their trust, and be induced to fulfill their respective offices in a conscientious manner: to do wrong, in any way, is a sin. Association of Ideas. We may trace the power of association—in the growth and development of some of the most important principles of human conduct. Thus, under the feudal system, appeals from the baronial tribunals were first granted to the royal courts, in consequence of the delay, or refusal of justice; afterwards, they were taken, on account of the injustice or iniquity of the sentence. In the same way, a power, appealed to from necessity, is at length resorted to from choice; till finally, what was once a privilege is, in certain cases, exacted as an obligation. This principle is full of political and social wisdom, and cannot be too deeply studied by those, who wish to analyze the enuses and motives of human conduct. The purest treasure,-mortal ties afford, Laconics. He who would become distinguished in manhood, and eminently useful to his country, and the world, must be contented to pass his boyhood and youth in ob scurity,-learning that which he is to prac tice, when he enters upon the stage of action. There are two kinds of education; the liberal and the servile; the former puts us in possession of the principles and reasons of actions and things, so far as they are capable of being known or interrogated: the latter stops short at technical rules and methods, without attempting to understand the reasons or principles on which they are grounded. Varieties. 1. We may apprehend the works and word of God, if we cannot fully comprehend them. 2. A man passes, for what he is worth. The world is full of judgment-days; and into every assembly, that a man enters, in every action he attempts, he is guag'd and stamp'd. 3. It is base, and that is the one base thing in the universe, to receive favor, and render none. 4. How shall we know, that Washington-was the most prudent and judicious statesman, that ever lived? By carefully observing his actions, and comparing them with those of other men, in like circumstances. 5. The union of science and religion, is the marriage of earth and heav en. 6. Mankind can no more be stationary than an individual. 7. The virtue of women is often the love of reputation and quiet. SATAN'S SUPPOSED SPEECH TO HIS LEGIONS. Transfix us to the bottom of this gulf? 456. THE PASSIONS AND ACTIONS. The Laconics. 1. All men, possessed of real numan mind we contemplate under two power, are upright and honest: craft is but the grand divisions, called Will and Understand-substitute of power. 2. To answer trit by reason, ing the former is the receptacle, or conti- is like trying to hold an eel by the tail. 3. Frenent, of our passions, emotions, affections;quent intercourse often forms such a similarity, the latter-of our thoughts. To attend to that we not only assure a mental likeness, but contract some resemblance in voice and features. the workings of mind, to trace the power that external objects have over it, to discern the more cases an axiom is applied to, the more 4. The more ideas included in our own words, and the nature of the emotions and affections, extensive and powerful will they be. 5. The imand to comprehend the reasons of their being affected in a particular manner, must have provement of the internal, will also be the improvement of the external. 6. A little vice often a direct influence on our pursuits, character deforms the whole countenance; as one single and happiness, as private citizens, and as false trait in a portrait, makes the whole a carripublic speakers. cature. 7. The noblest talents may rust in indolence; and the most moderate, by industry, may be astonishingly improved. What nothing earthly gives, or can destroy, The soul's calm sunshine, and the heartfelt joy, la faith, and hope, the world will disagree; He gave to mercy--all he had, a tear; Anecdote. A Good Hint. A clergyman and Garrick the tragedian, were spending an evening together; and among other top[friend.ics of conversation, that of delivery was in He gained from heaven, ('twas all he wished,) a troduced. The man of the pulpit asked Gar In the faithful husbandman-you see, rick. "Why is it, you are able to produce so much more effect, with the recital of your fictions, than we do. by the delivery of the most important truths?" The man of the stage replied “My Lord, you speak truths, as if they were fictions; we speak fictions, as if they were truths." What all-true christians-ought to be. Speak of me, as I am nothing extenuate, Nor set down aught—in malice. Honor, and shame, from no condition rise; Act well your part, there all the honor lies. 457. An accurate analysis of the passions and affections is, to the moralist, as well as Action. To do an ill action is base; to the student in elocution, what the science of do a good one, which involves you in no dan. anatomy, and physiology is to the physi-ger, is nothing more than common; but it is cian and surgeon: it constitutes the first the property of a truly good man, to do great principles of rational practice for both; it is, and good things, though he risk everything in a moral view, the anatomy of the heart; by it. discloses why and how it beats; indicates Varieties. 1. The coin, that is most curappearances in a sound and healthy state, rent among mankind—is flattery: the only and detects diseases, with their causes, and benefit of which is, that by hearing what we is much more fortunate in applying remedies. are not, we may be instructed what we ought Stages of Progress. Useful discoveries to be. 2. Bring the entire powers of your and improvements generally have four distinct mind, to bear on whatever study you understages in their progress to universality. The first take, with a singleness of purpose, and you 18, when the theory is pronounced false, contrary to will not fail of success. 3. The predomiexperience, absurd and unworthy of the attention nance of a favorite study, affects ail the subof sensible men. The second is, when they are ordinate purposes of the intellect. 4. Vex claimed as having been known before; thus, de- not thy heart, in seeking—what were far betpriving the medium-of all credit for more indus-ter unfound. 5. In reference to certain prin try, discrimination and originality, than others. The third is, when they are denounced as perilous .nnovations, endangering the religion and morals of society. The fourth is, when they are received as established truths by every body; the only wonder being, that they should ever have been doubted, they are in such perfect harmony with laws of the universe. The meek-ey'd morn appears, mother of dews, If, on a sudden, he begins to rise, No raan that lives, can count his enemies. ciples and persons, unstable people cry out, Too tasks are ours, to know—and understand, 458. THE PASSIONS. There are three Maxims. 1. A well instructed people, only, things involved in the exhibition of the pas- can be a free people. 2. To ask for a leing, with sions; viz. the tones of the voice, the appear-out labor, would be to ask for a curse, instead of a ance of the countenance, and rhetorical ac-blessing. 3. No one looks after his own allairs, as tion; the first is addressed to the ear only, well as himself. 4. Fruitless advice is like pourthe latter to the eye. Here. then, is anothering water on a duck's back. 5. The more our tal'anguage to learn, after the pupil has learned ents are exercised, the more will they become dethe written, and the vocal languages: how-veloped. 6. Unless the laws are executed on the ever, the language of the passions may be said to be written by the hand of Nature. Contemplate the passions separately, and combined, and seek for examples to illus rate them. For praise, too dearly loved, or warmly sought, Will brave the inclement blast. When summer days-are past; 459. TRUTH. Some men say, that "wealth Is power”—and some that "talent-is power"-and some that "knowledge-is power"- and others, that "authority-is power"-but there is an apothegm, that I would place on high above them all, when I assert, that, "TRUTH-is power." Wealth cannot purchase, talent-cannot refute, knowledge - cannot over-reach, authority-cannot silence her; they all, like Felix, tremble at her presence: cast her into the sevenfold heated furnace of the tyrant's wrath-fling her into the most tremend ous billows of popular commotion-she mounts aloft in the ark-upon the summit of the deluge. She is the ministering spirit, who sheds on man that bright and indestructible principle of life, which is given, by its mighty author, to illuminate and to inspire the immortal soul-and which, like himself, "is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever." The wintry blast of deathKills not the buds of virtue; no: they spread Beneath the heavenly beams of brighter suns, Through endless ages-into higher powers. The scale of being-is a graduated thing; And deeper, than the vanities of power. On the vain pomp of glory-there is writGradation-in its hidden characters. EPITAPH. Here rests his head-upon the lap of earth, The course of true love--never did run smooth. great, they will not be obeyed. 7. He, who toils with pain, will reap with pleasure. 8. The torment of enry-is like sand in the eye. 9. Laziness often gives occasion to dishonesty. 10. The error of an hour-may become the sorrow of a whole life Anecdote. Father Aurius said, when Bourdaloue preached at Rouen, the trades. men forsook their workshops, the lawyers their clients, and the physicians their sick, to hear the orator: but when I preached there, the following year, I set all things right; every man minded his own business. Luxury. When I behold a fashionable table, set out in all its magnificence, I fancy that I see gouts and dropsies, fevers and lethargies, with other innumerable distempers, lying in ambuscade among the dishes. Nature delights in the most plain and simple diet. Every animal, but man, keeps to one dish. Herbs are the food of this species, fish of that, and flesh of a third. Man falls upon every thing that comes in his way; not the smallest fruit or excrescence of the earth, scarce a berry or a mushroom can escape him. Varieties. 1. Without exertion and diligence, success in the pursuits of life, is rarely attained. 2. It is the business of the judge to decide as to the points of law, and the duty of the jurors-to decide as to the matters of fact. 3. The essence of our liberty is-to do whatever we please, provided we do not violate any law, or injure another. 4. A handful of common sense is worth a bushel of learning. 5. Few things are more injurious to our health and constitution, than indulgence in luxuries. 6. Did God, after creating the universe, and putting it in motion, leave it to itself? 7. Credit-is of inestimable value, whether to a nation, or an individual. THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS. And is there care in heaven? and is there love In heavenly spirits-to these creatures base, That may compassion of their evils move? [caso There is: else, much more wretched were the Of men than beasts. But, oh! the exceeding grac Of highest Heaven! that loves his creatures so: And all his works-with mercy doth embrace, That blessed angels he sends to and fro, To serve to wicked man,-to serve his wicked for How oft-do they their silver bowers leave, To come to succor us, that succor want! How oft-do they, with golden pinions, cleava The flitting skies, like flying pursuivant, Against foul fiends-to aid us militant! They for us fight, they watch and duly ward, And their bright squadrons round about us plan, And all for love, and nothing for reward: Oh! why should the Lord to man have such regaÀ! TRANQUILLITY, &c. 460. Tranquillity appears by the open and composed countenance, and a general repose of the whole body; mouth nearly closed; eyebrows a little arched; forehead smooth; eyes passing with an easy motion, from one object to another, but not dwelling long on ny; cast of happiness, bordering on cheerfulness; desiring to please and be pleased; gaity, good CHEERFULNESS IN RETIREMENT. Miscellaneous. 1. Timidity-often obscures the brightest powers of orators, at their outset; like the chilling vapor, awhile retarding the beauty of a morning in spring; but the day of success, attained by persevering efforts, when it comes, will well repay for its late appearance, and its splendor more than atone for its morning shade. 2. By taking in the widest possible range of authors of all ages, one seems to create, within himself, a sympathy for the whole brotherhood of man, past, present, and to come, and to approximate continually, to a view of Universal Truth, tho' never attaining it. 3. All good speakers and writers, are addicted to imitation: no one-can write or speak well, who has not a strong sympathy with, and admiration for-all that is beautiful. Anecdote. A Pun. Purcell, the famous Dunster, being desired, one evening, when in company, to make an extempore pun, asked, "on what subject ?" "The king;" was the answer. "O sir," said he, "the king is not a subject." I have to see a boy-so rude, That one might think him-raised Maxims. 1. The follies we tell of others, are often only mirrors to reflect our own. 2. Righteousness--exalteth a nation; but sin-is a reproach to any people. 3. The best mode o. dealing with a quarrelsome person, is, to keep out of his way. 4. Good thought, couched in an appropriate simile, is like a precious stone, set in gold. 5. Great minds may produce great vices, as well as great virtues; an honest man-is the noblest work of God. 6. Nature, and natural causes, are nothing else, than the way in which God works. 7. 'Tis use that constitutes possession. 8. No sooner is a law made, than the wicked seek to evade it. 9. One lie draws ten more after it. 10. Idleness-buries a man alive. Irresolution. In matters of great con cern, and which must be done, there is no surer argument-of a weak mind, than irresolution; to be undetermined, where the case is so plain, and the necessity so urgent. To be always intending to live a new life, but never to find time to set about it; this is as if a man should put off eating, and drinking, and sleeping, from one day and night to another, till he is starved and destroyed. Varieties. 1. Every evil, that we con quer, is a benefactor to our souls. The Sandwich Islander believes that the strength and valor of the enemy he kills, passes into himself. Spiritually, it is so with us; for we gain strength, from every temptation we resist. 2. It is absurd, to think of becoming good, in any thing, without understanding and practicing what we learn. 3. Have we life of our own? or, are we dependent on God for it, every moment of our lives? 7. All the moments of our lives, produce eter nal consequences. How sweet-the words of truth, Coxcombs-are of all realms, and kind; True happiness-had no localities; Faith-is not built-on disquisition's ruins. 1. Ah! Juliet, if the measure of thy joy Be heaped, like mine, and that thy skill be more In false ambition's hand-to finish faults Illustrious, and give to infamy renown. 'Tis easiest-dealing with the firmest mind, [kind. More just, when it resists, and when it yields, more A mirror-has been well definedAn emblem-of a thoughtful mind, For, look upon it-when you will, You find it is reflecting still. Life is a sea, where storms must rise; Tis folly-talks of cloudless skies; He, who contracts his swelling sail, Eludes the fury of the ga.a Anecdote. A painter-was employed in painting a ship, on a stage, suspended under her stern. The captain, who had just got into the boat to go ashore, ordered the cabin boy to let go the painter. The boy went aft, and let go the rope by which the painter's stage was held. The captain, surprised at he boy's delay, cried out," Confound you for a lazy dog; why don't you let go the painter ?" "He's gone sir," replied the boy, "pots and all." Maxims. 1. The abuse of money is worse than the want of it. 2. Revenge is a mean pleasure; but no principle is more noble, than that of forgiving injuries. 3. Without friends, the world is but a wilderness. 4. Flattery to ourselves-does not change the nature of that which is wrong. 5 When a man is not liked, whatever he does is amiss. 6. If a man is unfortunate, and reduced in the world, it is easy to find fault with him. 7... pure heart makes the tongue impressive. 8. A man's best fortune, or his worst-is a wife. Health is better than wealth. 10. Unexperienced persons think all things easy. Free Schools; or the road to Honor open to all. When the rich man-is called from the possession of his treasures, he divides them as he wills, among his children and heirs. But an equal Providence deals not so with the living treasures of the mind. There are children, just growing up in the bosom of obscurity, in town and country, who have inherited nothing but poverty and health, and who will, in a few years, be striving, in stern contention, with the great intellects of the land. Our system of free schools, has opened a straight way from the threshold of every abode, however humble, in the village, or in the city, to the high-places of usefulness, influence and honor. And it is left for each, by the cultivation of every talent, by watching, with an eagle-eye, for every chance of improvement; by bounding forward like a gray-hound, at the most distant glimpse of honorable opportunity; by grappling, as with hooks, the prize, when it is won; by redeeming time, by defying temptation, and scorning sensual pleasures; to make himself useful, honored and happy. Varieties. 1. God, who loveth all his creatures, and is no respecter of persons, would have us be good for our own sakes. 2. What is the difference, between the love of being wise, and the love of wisdom? 3. Every age has its own predominant features, taste and propensities, that cach may be fitted, and inclined, to discharge the offices allotted to it. 4. God has planted in the irrational brute, memory, sense, and ap petite; but to rational man-he has given all these, and superadded thought, intelligence, will, immortal reason, and undying af fection. 5. All orders of good and truth are capable of an infinite display of the varieties, proper to that order; and of an infinite mul tiplication of each. Music! thou rest of life, and balm of age, To cheer man's path-through this dark pilgrimage, So very still, that echo-seems to listen; |