THERE are, indeed, few gratifications more exquisite than those which we experience in being able to identify the scenes, and realize the descriptions, which have been long consecrated in the mind by genius and by virtue; which have supplied the fancy with its earliest images, and are connected with its most lasting associations. In such moments as these, we appear to be able suddenly to arrest the progress and lessen the devastations of time. We hardly contemplate with regret the ages that have passed in silence and oblivion; and we behold, for the first time, the fading and faint descriptions of languages, stamped with the fresh impressions of reality and truth. REV. JOHN MITFORD. WHAT man so wise, what earthly wit so ware, To seem like Truth, whose shape she well can fain, The guiltless man with guile to entertain? SPENSER. WHERE there is yet shame, there may in time be virtue. JOHNSON. THE SABBATH BELL. PILGRIM, thou hast meekly borne Idler, following fashion's toys, Poet, dreaming o'er thy lyre, Monarch, on thy regal throne; Bid earth's minor cares farewell Hark! it is the Sabbath bell! Statesman, toiling in the mart, Maiden, with thy brow so fair, Blushing cheek, and shining hair; Child, with bright and laughing eye, Chasing the wing'd butterfly; Hasten, when o'er vale and dell Sounds the gath'ring Sabbath bell! Trav'ller, thou whom gain or taste Soldier, who, on battle plain, Prayer and praise become ye well, Mother, that, with tearful eye, Bending o'er his cradle bed, "thus it seems to say, 66 Mourner," "Weeping o'er this fragile clay, THE religious man fears, the man of honour scorns to do an ill action. The latter considers vice as something beneath him; the other, as something that is offensive to the Divine Being; the one, as what is unbecoming; the other, as what is forbidden. ADDISON. OH! there are looks and tones that dart Some treasure it through life had sought; As if the very lips and eyes, Predestined to have all our sighs, And never be forgot again, Sparkled and spoke before us then! MOORE. SWEET Mercy's healing balm Is the extraction of brave spirits, which, With that fair gem the triumphs of success, CHAMBERLAYNE. No torture has yet been invented so cruel, as would be the obligation of reading every morning, the record of all which we may have said during the preceding day; except, perhaps, to have our thoughts, during that period, brought before us in the same visible form. SWIFT favours charm; but when too long they stay, They lose the name of kindness by delay. NOTHING awakes our sleeping virtues like the noble acts of our predecessors. They are standing beacons that fame and time have set on hills, to call us to a defence of virtue, whensoever vice invades the common wealth of man. FELTHAM. |