the wonderful economy of nature - be able to trace on all her works, whether stupendous or minute,

"The hand that made us is divine;"

and thence be induced to look

"From nature up to nature's God."

Happy they who, having seen him in his works, seek, in early life, to know him by his grace within their hearts; for the promise is, "Those who seek shall find."

By the advice of medical friends, FredericJames frequently took riding exercise and recreation first, on a donkey; and afterwards, as he grew older, he had a favourite pony. As wont to be seen mounted on this, his faithful travelling companion, he has made it a subject for playful caricature in one of his papers, which he has entitled, "Rides and Ridings."1

1 See Essays.

Now, leaving his amusements and recreations, we proceed to notice his application to his various studies; as also the more important work of grace in the heart.

In hinting at his knowledge of general literature, it may be remarked, that his scholastic exercises evidence great industry and perseverance: they comprise the usual branches of education; and also shew a considerable advancement in the higher departments of classical study. Beside having made-not a little-progress in the French and Latin languages, he was pursuing the study of Greek with alacrity and delight; tasking himself to render into English, a portion every day, out of the Greek New Testament, a small edition of which he carried in his pocket, that he might have his lessons at hand at every interval of leisure. He had a considerable knowledge of mathematics, to which study he was

very partial; and his acquaintance with the principles of perspective and drawing, is seen by a portfolio of nearly fifty highly finished specimens. Amongst other pieces of considerable merit, are a landscape copy of Ackworth School, a gratifying view of the place where his father had received his education; also, a head of Rubens, both which indicate a superior taste for these branches of the art.

His reading was extensive, and took a range over general literature; he also manifested a partiality for, and no small degree of acquaintance with, the arts and sciences; he was well read in history and biography; politics did not escape his notice, but the principles of religion obtained a particular share of his attention. The Essay "On the Doctrines of Friends," was compiled when he was but little more than

2 See Essays.

eleven years of age. age.

Although his reading was general and somewhat miscellaneous, he was by no means indiscriminate in the choice of his books, for he had no taste for ordinary works of mere fiction; and, when very young, if he was presented with a book which was diverting or marvellous, he was accustomed to ask, "Butfather is it true?"

He gathered much interesting information of authors and the character of their writings by perusing the advertisements of forthcoming books, and critical reviews of those newly published; but many works of standard merit he read with careful and persevering attention. He had read many volumes quite through-it is believed upwards of sixty-of " Dr. Lardner's Cabinet Cyclopædia:" and from this instructive work, which he had perused attentively, he gathered a large store of gratifying information. Having generally finished reading

the preceding book before the next was published, he was accustomed to look for the succeeding volume with much interest. As this work came out periodically, he once remarked, that it would not be completed until he was twenty-one years of age; but expressed some serious apprehension that he might never arrive at that period, well knowing that uncertainty is marked on all the paths of life.

:

The course of his reading was sometimes interrupted with details, which he was fearful might insnare and debase his mind on one occasion in particular, it appears he was brought into a strait whether to proceed further or not, with a certain portion of the "History of Europe during the Middle Ages," which records the conduct of some depraved characters, who had rendered themselves remarkable by their vicious courses. After a struggle whilst, as we may suppose, ardent youth