his want of that education, which he never had an opportunity of acquiring himself, though, sensible of its value, he spares no expence to bestow it upon her? Religion, reason, nature, and gratitude, all forbid the thought!

It is with much regret observed, that in these days, which are so much distinguished by a desire for change and innovation, and by a fallacious mode of thinking and reasoning, connected with modern French philosophy, accompanied by a licentious freedom of conduct, the bonds and ties of social life have been considerably endangered, and that even youth have made some progress in opposing these new-fangled doctrines, to the reverence and respect due to the opinions of their aged, better informed, and more experienced parents; and, setting themselves up for men of judgment, and reformers, have prematurely shook off the necessary shackles of education, even set their instructors at defiance, and almost exploded religion from the schools; by which means, the very form and external appearance of discipline and instruction are gradually wearing away, and, if not speedily reinvigorated by legislative interference, must altogether perish. Reverence and submission in children to their parents, industry and dignity in those who teach, and subordination and modesty in those who learn, cannot long survive the PRINCIPLE, which alone gives permanency to them all. HUMA

HUMANITY and kindness to individuals is another valuable principle, which you ought also, ingenuous youth! carefully to cultivate within your mind.

It is a most amiable virtue, and ought even to be extended to the very brutes; for, as scripture intimates to us, the righteous man is merciful even to his beast; indeed, humanity, kindness, and benevolence, are innate in the youthful mind; for, though children will sometimes appear to take a wanton pleasure in sporting with the miseries of animals, yet it seems to be an effect only of the activity, and love of diversion, that is so natural to them, and not of a cruel disposition; yet, if it be indulged without check, it may degenerate into an insensibility to human pain, or sullen delight in beholding miserable objects. Your own reason and feeling will convince you, as you grow up, of the injustice and inhumanity of tormenting animals, and of the inward pleasure you will feci from protecting and cherishing them.

There is a certain affectionate temper in children, a sensibility with respect to the condition of others, which, by due care, may be improved into the most friendly and generous AFFECTIONS, They not only love to do good-natured things, but are greatly delighted with the simple recital of kind actions; and nothing is a finer entertainment to them than a MORAL tale, wherein Good

ness

ness forms the principal character, and appears in a variety of beautiful incidents.

Thus you see, that benevolence and kindness are natural to us, and that, consequently, you will find no difficulty in continuing that cultivation of them, in your own heart, which Nature, and the instruction of your teachers, have already paved the way for. ---You are to improve the love of these principles by the practical exercise of them among your suffering fellow-creatures; and the earlier you begin, the better, before the cares, disappointments, and sorrows of life, have blunted the edge of your benevolent feelings, and, perhaps, rendered you, in the end, insensible to them; for, as well as other mortals, you must expect your share of trouble in life, knowing that "man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upwards."

It will be proper for you often to consider, that, upon this innate stock of benevolence peculiar to youth, the noblest and most useful virtues in life may be grafted; and that, in order to cultivate it, you should acquire those high notions of humanity, which the example of those characters and actions in which it prevails will naturally inspire you with, upon seeing, reading of, or hearing them commended above all others, and their superior excellence and utility pointed out. Indeed, the doing good to others may be

made

made the chief instrument of promoting your own pleasure.

You ought to avoid every thing, ingenuous youth! that has the appearance of selfishness, or betrays a sordid griping turn; and carefully cherish those early habits of goodness and feeling for the wants and miseries of your fellowcreatures, which, as it is the most beneficial, social quality, that you can possess, so it is the most important lesson you have to learn at the outset of life.

LOVE for your COUNTRY is another valuable principle which you ought also equally to cherish, with the last mentioned, and particularly at this most critical and arduous period, when it is in danger; threatened from without, and its peace and stability attempting to be undermined at home.

Man may be considered in three great points of view, viz. first, as a rational being; second, as a child of the Supreme parent, a creature of the Author and Governor of the Universe, who sees and knows all his actions, and to whom he is accountable for them; and, third, as a social being. In which last view of the matter, nothing seems to me more to deserve your care and pains than to possess yourself strongly with a sense of the connexion you have with the PUBLIC, and the meanness of all selfish and narrow views. In this third character you sus

tain an important duty, and the part you have to act deserves an especial regard.

Now, the most essential ingredient in this, is, public spirit, and love of one's country; and the most opposite principle to the public character, with which Nature hath invested us, is, that little, wretched, mean disposition, we call selfishness. This is a quality which, above all things, debases human nature, as man is a social creature; and is accompanied with the most pernicious effects, with regard to the community of which he is a member.

to act in a For that pur

Therefore, were a sense of the connexion they have with the public, and their obligations to promote its interests, strongly imprinted upon the minds of youth, it would lead them, in the future busy scenes of public life, more wide and exalted sphere. pose, they should call to mind the examples of great and good men, who have been lovers of their country, its warm defenders and supporters, and who have deserved well of their fellowcountrymen and posterity. They should recall the memory of an Alfred, a Henry V., an Elizabeth, a Hampden, a Sydney, a Drake, a Newton, a Wolfe, a Chatham, a Howard (the visitor of prisons); and place in their view the recent actions of a St. Vincent, a. Cornwallis, a Nelson, an Abercrombie; and a Wilberforce, the friend of humanity!

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