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has at least this advantage over the drinker of wine, that it will not give him a headach afterwards, if he even takes one or two additional bottles.

As to the use of those waters being of great efficacy in scrofulous and scorbutic complaints, we have stated the testimony of the late Dr. Robert Wood, than whom there 'never was a man of more perfect knowledge of disease, attention, and candour, and skill in his profession, or more -perfectly free from the affectation and parade too much in fashion in the present age of medical science."

I have sent you the above extract, as thinking it not unsuitable for the pages of The CHEAP MAGAZINE. The poor are liable to disease as well as the rich, and perhaps nowhere can their pains be sooner relieved, or more cheaply and permanently cured, than at PITCAITHLY. Thither patients of all descriptions annually resort, with hopes of relief, seldom disappointed, and return to their homes blessing the Father of mercies, who by the simple element of water, confers upon them all the enjoyments attendant on the inestimable blessing of health.

The late amiable Dr. Benjamin Bell considered Pitcaithly as the Cheltenham of Scotland, and had his invaluable life been prolonged, there is little doubt, but he would, from this conviction, have visited the vale of Strathearn instead of making his usual excursions to the English watering places. Of late years many eminent medical gentlemen have mixed with the throng at Pitcaithly, and borne their testimony to the virtues of its waters. Visitors of all denominations are there furnished with comfortable accommodations.

In addition to what is put into the box at the well, for the support of poor patients who come from a distance, and may not be enabled to give a fair trial to the efficacy of the mineral, be it recorded for the honour of the affluent

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who have visited Pitcaithly for three years past, that they have laid down a plan at the three principal lodging houses of collecting every Sunday at dinner a contribution in support of this benevolent purpose:-Thus willing to do good on the Sabbath-day, and becoming as it were the almoners of the Father of mercies, in taking pity upon the poor:-Thus becoming the means of restoring them to "blessed health" and usefulness, and proving their own gratitude to the Father of lights from whom proceedeth every good and perfect gift, who hath opened a healing fountain for those to whom wearisome nights have formerly been appointed. These sums are given weekly to the clergyman of the parish for distribution among proper objects; whose known benevolence and sympathy eminently qualify him for such a task. A gentleman told me that he happened to be present on a Monday morning, (when these poor people receive their allowance,) when a group of poor invalids stood before the manse, the minister in the midst of them, making enquiries about their health, circumstances, &c. each of whom seemed to listen to his soothing accents, and to observe the placid turn of his countenance with much more earnestness than the bounty he was distributing to them, each expressing by his looks the character of the worthy pastor :

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"More skill'd to raise the wretched than to rise."-

Whether his object be a preventive or a cure, whether a relaxation from business and a pursuit of rational pleasure, or a desire to recover lost health, the pilgrim to the vale of Strathearn, the Tempe of Scotland, may depend that a few weeks spent at Pitcaithly, will never be regretted.

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I am, &c.

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-n, June, 1813.

P- S.

TULIPS & PINKS, EMBLEMATICAL OF THE DIFFERENCES AMONG CHRISTIANS.

IN a grove of tulips, or a knot of pinks, one perceives a difference in almost every individual. Scarce any two are turned and tinctured exactly alike. Each allows himself a little particularity in his dress, though all belong to one family.-A pretty emblem this of the smaller differences between Protestant Christians. There are modes in religion which admit of variation, without prejudice to sound faith or real holiness. Just as the drapery, on these pictures of the spring, may be formed after a variety of patterns, without blemishing their beauty or altering their nature.-Be it so then, that, in some points of inconsiderable consequence, several of our brethren dissent; yet let us all live amicably and sociably together; for we harmonize in principals, though we vary in punctilios. If any strife subsists, let it be to follow our divine Master most closely, in humility of heart, and unblameableness of life. Let it be to serve one another most readily, in all the kind offices of a cordial friendship. Thus shall we be united, though distinguished; united in the same grand fundamentals, though distinguished by some small circumstantials; united in one important bond of brotherly love, though distinguished by some slighter peculiarities of sentiment. HERVEY.

HERMAN BOERHAAVE,

A CELEBRATED DUTCH PHYSICIAN,

WAS an admirable example of piety, humility, temperance, and other virtues. As soon as he rose in the morning, it was his practice to retire for an hour to private prayer and meditation; which, as he often told his friends, gave

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him spirit and vigour in the business of the day. Religion was the basis of all his virtues, and the principle of his whole conduct. He was too sensible of his own weakness to ascribe any thing to himself, or to conceive he could subdue passion, or withstand temptation, by his own natural power. He attributed every good thought, and every laudable action, to the goodness of God. Being once asked by a friend, who often witnessed his patience under provocations, whether he had ever. been under the influence of anger, or by what means he suppressed that impetuous passion? he answered, that he was naturally quick of resentment, but that he had, by daily prayer and meditation, at length obtained a mastery over himself. He never thought it necessary to confute calumny and detraction. "They are sparks,' said he, 'which, if you do not blow, will go out of themselves. The surest remedy against scandal is, to live it down by perseverance in well-doing, and by praying to God that he would cure the distempered minds of those who traduce or injure us.' Professor Frencker having unjustly attacked him, the university resented the attack, procured an apology, and offered him farther satisfaction, if he required it. He returned an answer, not tess to his honour than the victory he gained, that he should think himself sufficiently compensated, if his adversary received no further molestation on his account. A diligent imitation of our Saviour's example, he often declared to be the foundation of real tranquillity. He was liberal to the distressed, but without ostentation; he often served his friends in such a manner that they knew not, unless by accident, to whom they were indebted. He used to say, that the life of a patient, if trifled with or neglected, would one day be required at the hand of the physician. He called the poor his best patients; for God, said he, is the paymaster. In conversation, he was cheerful and in

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structive, promoted every end of social intercourse, and bore an afflictive and lingering illness with constancy and firmness. Far from being made impious by philosophy, proud by his wealth, vain by his knowledge or his virtues, he ascribed his abilities to the bounty, and all his endowments to the grace, of God. May his example, says his biographer, extend its influence, to his admirers and follow ers! May those who study his writings imitate his life; and those who endeavour after his knowledge, aspire likewise to his piety!......RYAN's " Effects of Religion on Mankind.”

The Generous Neighbour.

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A FIRE having broken out in a village in Denmark, a poor man, who was one of the inhabitants, was very giving all the assistance he could, in the parts where it seemed most necessary. But every endeavour to extinguish the flames, was in vain: the fire continued to increase. At length, the poor man was told that his own house was in great danger; and that he had not a moment to lose, if he wished to save his furniture. "There is something more precious," said he immediately, "that I must first save. My poor, sick neighbour, is not able to help himself. He will be lost, if I do not assist him. I am sure he relies upon me."

Thus saying, he flew to his neighbour's house: and before he paid any attention to his own house, or to his furniture, which was all the wealth he had, he rushed, at the hazard of his life, through the flames, that were already coming very near the sick man's bed; took him in his arms; and carried him to a place of safety.

The Economical Society at Copenhagen, were much pleased when they heard of his noble conduct; and, to show their approbation of it, sent him a present of a silver VOL. I. DD

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