more lovely or sprightly infant presented to the arms of a fond father. He gave indications of a peculiar sweetness of disposition at a very early period, and gladdened the heart of his affectionate parents, by many a fair promise of future excellence. He soon discovered, also, such application to his learning, and such unremitted diligence, and so distinguished himself by the ease and rapidity of his progress, that all who knew him, anticipated with delight the realization of their hopes. To secure the approbation of Heaven, to prepare himself for usefulness in the world, to reward the kind endeavours of his beloved preceptors, by his constant diligence in improving the advantages he enjoyed:-in these points were all his wishes concentrated. He was taught, at a very early age, to think for himself, to reason upon every subject that excited his attention, to trace effects to their causes, and to exert his own powers of understanding. When he was quite a

little boy, his father used sometimes to take him on his knee, and reason with him, as your papa has sometimes reasoned with you. "Do you not think we know what is best for you?" "Yes." "Do you not know that we love you too well to keep from you any thing that would make you happy?" "Yes." "Well, then, why do you ask a second time for what we would have given you at once, had it been proper?" After some such short dialogues as this, it was almost needless to say more. Little William yielded implicit obedience to his judicious parents. Once, and only once, in his life, did he meditate opposition to their will; and then he was not more than two years age: few parents can say as much of any child.

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Louisa. And what was that, mamma?

Mamma. He one day refused, for two hours, to comply with a demand from his mother, to entreat her pardon for an of

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fence. She was inflexible; and at length he modestly turned round, fell on his knees, and in accents which convinced her of his penitence, said, "I beg your pardon, mamma, and will never be so naughty again." This was the only time in William's life that he ever committed an action which he feared they might seriously disapprove. His talents soon began to unfold themselves, and he was very early remarkable for a readiness of comprehension, rather unusual in children so young as he. One incident, which confirms this remark, will, I think, amuse you.

Louisa. Pray, mamma, relate it. I am much pleased with this account.

Mamma. His father was in the regular habit of going to their place of worship, after breakfast, on the Sunday morning, for the purpose of setting his watch by the clock. On returning one day, he perceived a small defect in his black silk stocking, (which he always

wore over thin white cotton,) and took it off. Little William, who was then not four years of age, soon after came into the parlour, and smiling at his father's piebald appearance, exclaimed, with great vivacity, "Has papa been out in the town in such a dress?" His mother answered, "No! but I suppose you would have been highly delighted if he had." He instantly rejoined, "No, mamma, not delighted, but diverted, certainly." She immediately saw the accuracy of the dis tinction; but, affecting not to notice it, said, "Well, but is not that the same thing?" "No, mamma," replied he: don't you know, that that which delights is something something something which makes us very happy; and that which diverts is something funny, you know, mamma."

Louisa. This is a pretty anecdote, indeed. Why, mamma, I do not know that I should make so good a distinction between the terms diverting and delight

ful, as little William did, though I am more than twice as old as he was. I hope you have something more to tell us about him.

Mamma. His mother adopted the plan used by Sir William Jones's mother, in his education. She endeavoured to awaken his attention and curiosity, and then to direct them to useful objects; and, above all, to inspire him with the love of order, and to habituate him to steady and persevering application; for she was aware of the benefit that would accrue from the early acquisition of such a habit, as well as your mamma. She did not give him long tasks, or confine him for a long time. together to his lessons; but her language ever was, "Work while you work, play when you play;" and, by following this judicious plan, his mind was soon stored with useful knowledge. At the age of seven, the habit of regular application was completely formed; and from that time till the moment of his last short illness,