that it was said to be in consequence of a lawsuit, which deprived him of a large estate.

5. "Had this man been known to you, said Mr. Denton, at the time when he was cheated of his estate; and had he told you, that he had just lost a large inheritance, which he had long peaceably enjoyed; that all his property was expended in supporting the cause, and that he had now neither country nor town house, in short nothing upon earth left, would you then have laughed at this poor man?"

6. James with some confusion replied, he certainly should not be guilty of so wicked an action as to laugh at the misfortunes of any man; but should rather endeavour to comfort him.

66

7. This man, said Mr. Denton, is more to be pitied now than he was then, since to the loss of his fortune is added that 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 occasion." James 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.

8. His father told him, that as to his forgiveness, he freely had it, but that there was another besides him, whose forgiveness was more necessary. Little James thought that his father meant poor Lemuel; but Mr. Denton explained the matter to him. "Had Lemuel retained his senses, said he, it would certainly be just that you should ask his pardon; but as his disordered mind will not permit him to receive any apologies, it would be idle to attempt to make any: It is not Lemuel, but God whom you have offended.

9. "You have not shown compassion to poor Lemuel, but by your unmerited insults, have added to his misfortunes. Can you think that God will be pleased with such conduct?"

10. James now plainly perceived whom he had offended, and therefore promised that night to ask pardon of God in his prayers. He kept his word, and not only forbore troubling Lemuel for several weeks afterwards, but endeavoured to dissuade all his companions from doing the like.

11. The resolutions of young people, however, are not always to be depended on. So it happened with little James, who forgetting the promises he had made, one day

D

happened to mix with the rabble of boys, who were following and hooting, and playing many naughty tricks with poor unfortunate Lemuel.

12. The more he mixed among them, the more he forgot himself, and at last became as bad as the worst of them. Lemuel'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 James with such violence, that it grazed his cheek and almost cut off part of his ear.

13. Poor James, 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, showed him no pity, telling him it was a just punishment for his wickedness.

14. James 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. 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 wickedness.

15. Remember this, my young readers; and, instead of adding to the afflictions of others, do whatever you can to alleviate them, and God will then undoubtedly have compassion on you, whenever your wants and distresses shall require his assistance. BERQUIN.

SECTION XII.

Anthony and Augustus; or, a rational Education preferable to Riches.

1. A VERY early friendship commenced between Anthony and Augustus, who were nearly of an age, and as they were neighbours, they were almost inseparable com panions.

2. The father of Anthony, whose name was Lenox, possessed a very lucrative employment under government, and was besides possessed of a considerable fortune; but Mr. Littleton, the father of Augustus, was not in such affluent circumstances, though he lived contentedly, and turned his thoughts to the welfare and happiness of his son, in giving him a well grounded education which he thought might

prove of more advantage to him than riches, or, at least, might amply supply the place of them.

3. As soon as Augustus was nine years of age, he was accustomed to bodily exercise, and his mind inured to study, which at once contributed to improve his health, strength and understanding. Being thus used to exercise and motion, he was healthy and robust; and being contented and happy in the affection of his parents, he enjoyed a tranquil cheerfulness, which much influenced those who enjoyed his company.

4. Anthony was one of his happy companions, who was always at a loss for amusement when Augustus was absent; and in that case, in order to fill up his time he was continually eating without being hungry, drinking without being thirsty, and slumbering without being sleepy. This naturally brought on a weak habit of body, and frequent headaches.

5. Both parents ardently wished to see their children healthy and happy; but Mr. Lenox unfortunately pursued that object in a wrong channel, by bringing up his son even from his cradle, in the most excessive delicacy. He was not suffered to lift himself a chair, whenever he had a mind to change his seat, but a servant was called for that purpose. He was dressed and undressed by other people, and even the cutting of his own victuals seemed a pain to him.

8. While Augustus, in a thin linen jacket assisted his father to cultivate a small garden, Anthony, in a rich velvet coat was lolling in a coach, and paying morning visits with his mamma. If he went abroad to enjoy the air, and got out of the carriage but for a minute, his great coat was put on, and a handkerchief tied round his neck, to prevent his catching cold.

7. Thus accustomed to be humoured to excess he wished for every thing he saw or could think of; but his wish was no sooner obtained, than he became tired of it, and was constantly unhappy in the pursuit of new objects.

8. As the servants had strict orders to obey him with implicit submission, he became so whimsical and imperious, that he was hated and despised by every one in the house, excepting his parents. Augustus was his only companion who loved him, and it was upon that account he patiently put up with his humours. He was so perfectly

master of his temper, that he would at times make him as good humoured as himself.

9. Mr. Lenox would sometimes ask Augustus, how he contrived to be always so merry? To which he one day answered that his father had told him that no person could be perfectly happy, unless they mixed some kind of employment with their pleasures. "I have frequently observed, (continued Augustus) that the most tedious and dull days I experience, are those, in which I do no kind of

work.

10. "It is properly blending exercise with amusement that keeps me in such good health and spirits. I fear neither the winds nor the rain, neither the heat of summer nor the cold of winter, and I have frequently dug up a whole plat in my garden before Anthony has quitted his pillow in the morning."

11. Mr. Lenox felt the propriety of such conduct, and a sigh unavoidably escaped him. He then went to consult Mr. Littleton in what manner he should act, in order to make Anthony as hearty and robust as Augustus. Mr. Littleton informed him in what manner he treated his son.

12. "The powers of the body and the mind, said he, should be equally kept in exercise, unless we mean them to be unserviceable, as money buried in the ground would be to its owner. Nothing can be more injurious to the health and happiness of children, than using them to excess of delicacy, and, under the idea of pleasing them, to indulge them in their whimsical and obstinate humours.

13. "The person who has been accustomed from his childhood to have his wishes flattered will be exposed to many vexatious disappointments. He will sigh after those things, the want or possession of which will equally make him miserable. I have, however, every reason to believe, that Augustus will never be that man."

14. Mr. Lenox perceived the truth of those arguments, and determined to adopt the same plan for the treatment of his son. But it was now too late, for Anthony was fourteen years of age, and his mind and body so much enervated, that he could not bear the least fatiguing exertions.

15. His mother, who was as weak as himself, begged of her husband not to tease their darling, and he was at last obliged to give way to her importunities, when Anthony again sunk into his former destructive effeminacy. The

strength of his body declined, in proportion as his mind was degraded by ignorance.

16. As soon as Anthony had entered his seventeenth year, his parents sent him to the university, intending to bring him up to the study of the law; and Augustus being intended for the same profession, he accompanied him thither.

17. Augustus, in his different studies and pursuits, had never had any other instructor than his father; while Anthony had as many masters as there are different sciences, from whom he acquired only a superficial education by retaining little more than the terms used in the different branches he had studied.

18. Augustus, on the contrary, was like a garden, whose airy situation admits the rays of the sun to every part of it, and in which every seed by a proper cultivation, advances rapidly to perfection.

19. Already well instructed, he still thirsted after further knowledge, and his diligence and good behaviour afforded a pattern for imitation to all his companions. The mildness of his temper, and his vivacity and sprightly humour, made his company at all times desirable; he was universally beloved, and every one was his friend.

20. Anthony was at first happy on being in the same room with Augustus; but his pride was soon hurt on seeing the preference that was given by every one to his friend, and he could not think of any longer submitting to so mortifying a distinction. He therefore found some frivolous excuse, and forsook the company of Augustus.

21. Anthony having now nobody to advise or check him, gave loose to his vitiated taste, and wandered from pleasure to pleasure in search of happiness. It will be to little purpose to say, how often he blushed at his own conduct; but being hardened by a repetition of his follies, he gradually fell into the grossest irregularities. To be short, he at last returned home with the seeds of a mortal distemper in his bosom, and after languishing a few months, expired in great agony.

22. Some time after, Augustus returned home to his parents, possessed of an equal stock of learning and prudence, his departure from the university being regretted both by his teachers and companions. It may easily be supposed that his family received him with transports of joy.