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of it as possible. But so it is-one man walks through the world with his eyes open, and another with them shut; and upon this difference depends all the superiority of knowledge the one acquires over the other. I have known sailors who had been in all the quarters of the world, and could tell you nothing but the signs of the tippling-houses they frequented in different ports, and the price and quality of the liquor. On the other hand, a Franklin could not cross the channel without making some observations useful to mankind. While many a vacant thoughtless youth is whirled throughout Europe, without gaining a single idea worth crossing a street for, the observing eye and inquiring mind, find matter of improvement and delight, in every ramble in town and country. Do you then William, continue to make use of your eyes; and you Robert, learn that your eyes were given you for use.

CHAPTER VI.

PROMISCUOUS PIECES.

DR. AIKIN,

SECTION I.

We destroy pleasure by pursuing it too eagerly.

1. A BOY smitten with the colours of a butterfly, purued it from flower to flower with indefatigable pains. First he aimed to surprise it among the leaves of a rose: then to cover it with his hat, as it was feeding on a daisy. At one time he hoped to secure it, as it revelled on a sprig of myrtle; and at another, grew sure of his prize, perceiving it to loiter on a bed of violets. But the fickle fly still eluded his attempts.

2. At last, observing it half buried in the cup of a tulip, he rushing forward, and snatching it with violence, crushed it to pieces. Thus, by his eagerness to enjoy, he lost the object of his pursuit-From this instance, young persons may learn, that pleasure is but a painted butterfly: which if temprately pursued, may serve to amuse; but which

when embraced with too much ardour will perish in the grasp.

SECTION II.

On sisterly unity and love.

LORD KAMES.

1. "OBSERVE these two hounds, that are coupled together," said Euphronius to Lucy and Emilia, who were looking through the window. "How they torment each other, by a disagreement in their pursuits! One is for moving slowly, and the other vainly urges onward. The larger dog now sees some object that tempts him on this side; and mark how he drags his companion along, who is exerting all his efforts to pursue a different rout! Thus they will continue all day at variance, pulling each o her in opposite directions, when they might, by kind and mutual compliances, pass on easily, merrily, and happily."

2. Lucy and Emilia concurred in censuring the folly and ill-nature of these dogs; and Euphronius expressed a tender wish, that he might never see any thing similar in their behaviour to each other. 66 Nature," "said he " has linked you together, by the near equality of age; by your common relation to the most indulgent parents; by the endearing ties of sisterhood; and by all those generous sympathies, which have been fostered in your bosoms, from the earliest infancy.

3. "Let these silken cords of mutual love continue to unite you in the same pursuits. Suffer no allurements to draw you different ways; no contradictory passions to distract your friendship; nor any selfish views, or sordid jealousies to render those bonds uneasy and oppressive, which are now your ornament, your strength, and your happiness."

SECTION III.

The Supreme Ruler of the world.

PERCIVAL.

1. MANY kingdoms and countrics full of people, and islands, and large continents, and different climes, make up this whole world: God governs it. The people swarm upon the face of it like ants upon a hillock. Some are black with the hot sun; some cover themselves with furs

against the sharp cold; some drink of the fruit of the vine; some the pleasant milk of the coccoa-nut; and others quench their thirst with the running stream.

2. All are God's family; he knows every one of them, as a shepherd knows his flock. They pray to him in different languages, but he understands them all; he hears them all; he takes care of all: none are so great that he cannot punish them; none are so mean, that he will not protect them.

3. Negro woman, who sittest pining in captivity, and weepest over thy sick child; though no one sees thee, God sees thee; though no one pities thee, God pities thee. Raise thy voice, forlorn and abandoned one; call upon him from amidst thy bonds; for assuredly he will hear thee. Monarch, that rulest over a hundred states; whose frown is terrible as death, and whose armies cover the land, boast not thyself as though there was none above thee. God is above thee; his powerful arm is always over thee; and if thou doest ill, assuredly he will punish thee.

4. Nations of the earth, fear the Lord; families of men, call upon the name of your God. Is there any one whom God hath not made? let him not worship him. Is there any one whom he hath not blessed? let him not praise him.

SECTION IV.

BARBAULD.

Abraham and Lot; a fine example of wisdom and conde. scension.

1. DOMESTIC altercations began to perplex families in the very childhood of time: the blood even of a brother was shed, at an early period. But with how much tenderness and good sense does Abraham prevent the disagreement which had nearly arisen, as is but too frequently the case, from the quarrels of servants! he said unto Lot, "I pray thee let there be no strife betwixt me and thee, nor between my herdsman and thine." And why? For the tenderest reason that can be: "because we are brethren."

2. The very image of the partiarch in the attitude of entreaty, the fraternal tear just starting from his eye, is this moment before me: and thus, methinks, I catch instruction from the lip of the venerable man, as he addresses Lot. "Away, my dear brother, away with strife: we were H

born to be the servants of God, and the companions of each other as we sprang from the same parents, so we naturally partake of the same affections. We are brethren,

sons of the same father; we are friends; for surely kindredship should be the most exalted friendship. Let us not then disagree, because our herdsmen have disagreed; since that were to encourage every idle pique and senseless animosity.

3. "Great indeed, has been our success since our migration into this fair country: we have much substance, and much cattle. But what shall brothers quarrel, because it has pleased Heaven to prosper them? This would be ingratitude, impiety! But if, notwithstanding these persuasives, thy spirit is still troubled, let us separate: rather than contend with a brother, I would, hard as it is even part with him for a time.

4." Perhaps the occasion of dispute, (which I have already forgotten,) will soon be no more remembered by thee. Is not the whole land before thee? Take then my blessing and my embrace, and separate thyself from me. To thee is submitted the advantages of choice: if thou wilt take the left hand, then, that I may not appear to thwart thee unbrotherly, I will take the right or if thou art more inclined to the country which lies upon the right, then will I go to the left. Be it as thou wilt, and withersoever thou goest, happy mayest thou be!"

5. Lot listened to his brother, and departed. He cast his eyes on the well-watered plains of Jordan. When he separated it appears to have been with the hope of increasing his wealth: whilst Abraham, actuated by the kindest motives, often, no doubt, pressed his brother's hand; and often bade him adieu; and even followed him to repeat his farewell wishes, ere he could suffer him to depart.

SECTION V.

A persecuting spirit reproved.

1. ARAM was sitting at the door of his tent, under the shade of his fig-tree, when it came to pass that a man, stricken with years, bearing a staff in his hand, journeyed that way. And it was noon-day. And Aram said unto the stranger; "Pass not by, I pray thee, but come in, and wash

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thy feet, and tarry here until the evening; for thou art stricken with years, and the heat overcometh thee."

2. And the stranger left his staff at the door, and entered into the tent of Aram. And he rested himself. And Aram set before him bread, and cakes of fine meal, baked upon the hearth. And Aram blessed the bread calling upon the name of the Lord. But the stranger did eat, and refused to pray unto the Most High; saying, "Thy Lord is not the God of my fathers; why therefore should I present my vows unto him?"

3. And Aram's wrath was kindled; and he called his servants, and they beat the stranger, and drove him into the wilderness. Now in the evening, Aram lifted up his voice unto the Lord, and prayed unto him. And the Lord said, "Aram, where is the stranger that sojourneth this day with thee?" And Aram answered and said, "Behold, O Lord! he eat of thy bread, and would not offer unto thee his prayers and thanksgivings. Therefore did I chastise him, and drive him from before me into the wilderness.”

4. And the Lord said unto Aram; "Who hath made thee a judge between me and him? Have not I borne with thine iniquities, and winked at thy backslidings; and shalt thou be severe with thy brother, to mark his errors, and to punish his perverseness? Arise and follow the stranger; and carry with thee oil and wine, and anoint his bruises, and speak kindly unto him. For I, the Lord thy God, am a jealous God, and judgment belongeth only unto me. Vain is thine oblation of thanksgiving, without a lowly heart.

5. As a bulrush thou mayest bow down thine head, and lift up thy voice like a trumpet; but thou obeyest not the ordinance of thy God, if thy worship be for strife and debate. Behold the sacrifice that I have chosen; is it not to undo the heavy burdens; to let the oppressed go free; and to break every yoke? to deal thy bread to the hungry: and to bring the poor, that are cast out, to thy house?" And Aram trembled before the presence of God. And he arose, and put on sackcloth and ashes; and went out into the wilderness, to do as the Lord had commanded him.

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