mer. lages, and the prospect was bounded by a large town obscurely seen in the horizon. Before him was the place whither he was journeying. It was watered by a beautiful river, whose windings were seen along the course of the valley. Here and there it was seen to intersect the meadows, and give a pleasing variety to the landscape. Sometimes its streams were hid by the intervention of a tuft of trees, and at other places it was concealed by the prominence of little hillocks on its banks. The sun shone with the brightness of sumThe birds carolled their sweetest lays, and formed a concert in the recesses of a wood through which he passed, the shrill notes of the thrush harmonizing with the mellow pipe of the sooty black-bird, while the faithful red-breast sung to its mate, and the dove cooed its note of endearment. How pleasing a contrast did these form with the gentle swelling of the ocean's waves, and the murmuring of the trees, under whose shade a little rivulet purled along and at length fell into the sea. A gentle breeze allayed the fervency of the heat, and the expectation of pleasure incited him to hope. Yet still he felt an anxious desire for something, he knew not what, and, while engaged in reflections on the causes of his discontent, he arrived at the end of his journey as the sun was fast declining to the western horizon. Accident led him to a numerous assemblage of young females, to nearly all of whom he was an utter stranger. He possessed a lively wit, but had not an opportunity of exercising it; he had good sense, but knew not how to use it to his own advantage. He looked around him, and saw every countenance beam with a pleasure which was foreign to his heart. Cheerfulness and ease everywhere prevailed, while jealousy and deceit (which, as he had read in books, he supposed to be the characteristics of the female sex) seemed to be banished from this happy society; for every individual seemed only solicitous how she might most successfully please her companions. How accomplished soever he might be, his accomplishments were there unknown, and himself entirely disregarded. To any question which was put to him he answered with correctness and propriety, but at the same time with a degree of embarrassment which showed he was more accustomed to the study than the drawing room. He sat for some time absolved in reflection, and indifferent to all that passed, for when, awaking from his revery, he perceived that the evening was already far advanced, and recollecting that he had some miles to travel ere he reached his home, he rose and with some abruptness retired. "How happy," thought he, "how very happy do these appear, but from what source is it that they derive their happiness? The pursuit of riches and the career of ambition cannot furnish cheerfulness like theirs. They have, therefore, found some nearer, some surer road to happiness. They have, perhaps, discovered that domestic comfort and the intercourse of friendship constitute the utmost of human bliss. If so, why am I deprived of these? I never knew the endearing love of a sister, nor since my infancy have I ever experienced the tender solicitude of a mother's care. To what use is it that the powers of my understanding are enlarged, since those powers contribute not to the happiness of their possessor? To what purpose is it that I learn, since the greater part of what I have already learned is of no use either to myself or others?" While he thus murmured, his guardian angel, who was hovering near, fraught with the spirit of instruction, impressed the following reflections on his mind : "Hath not Providence allotted to every son of Adain some particular station in life with certain duties to perform and offices to fill? Then, and then only, do they act their part, when, in the fulfilment of these offices and duties, they serve the purposes of their creation. The feet should not be dissatisfied with the head, nor the head murmur against the heart, but should endear themselves to each other in the performance of those duties which have been allotted to them. Think not, Euclid, because all the young females whom thou hast seen this evening wore the appearance of joy, that they were all really happy. The cheerfulness of some of them was as artificial as their dress. There was one indeed with whom it was otherwise. Not she, whose dress or whose behaviour was the gayest. It was one whom in the midst of others you seem to have overlooked, whose behaviour was equally removed from sullenness and levity, and whose dress was easy without slovenliness, and genteel though not excessive. She acted from a principle to which her companions were strangers. Animated indeed with a desire to please, but impressed at the same time with a fear of offending Him who alone is the true object of religious adoration, she has learned that true greatness consists in humility, and that to brook the contempt of a thoughtless world is genuine heroism. And will you, whose intellectual powers are so much superior, suffer that she should surpass you in the practice of piety and virtue? For what purpose, Euclid, was it that you were endowed with those talents you possess, but that you might be of use to others as well as to yourself? The mechanics furnish you with all you need, yet you give them nothing in return; you have by no means repaid the obligation when you have discharged the debt. Is there none whom you could benefit by your advice, or improve by your instruction? Are there none who need your assistance, and would be profited by your example? Learn to live for mankind, and your own happiness will be increased in proportion as you add to that of others." Such were the suggestions of the hovering spirit. Euclid felt convinced and ashamed of his weakness; and, as he leisurely pursued his journey, every object which before had created dislike, now gave him pleasure. The moon's silver light gave the ocean a delightful appearance; the billows which gently undųlated on the shore resembled the sweet emotions of his own mind; a calm composure tranquillized his soul; and he determined that, with the aid of Omnipotence, the succeeding day should be spent in a manner more becoming and more useful than any of the former. No. 10. November 2, 1813. "Wisdom and learning, far from being one, Knowledge a rude, unprofitable mass, The mere materials with which wisdom builds: Knowledge is proud that she has learn'd so much-- IT has often been a matter of surprise to observe, that men who can reason justly, should not be found to act wisely; but a most satisfactory solution is given to this problem in the beautiful lines of my motto. It is, indeed, lamentable to consider how many men who have been endued with the brightest genius have tainted their character with the basest of vices. This country has had to mourn over many such; and the name of Dryden, of Crichton, and of Savage, has been delivered to posterity with alternate effusions of admiration and contempt. "It was," says Johnson, "soon discovered that superiority of wealth did not confer on its possessor any real happiness; but it might have been expected," continues. he, "that intellectual greatness should produce better effects: that minds qualified for great attainments should first endeavour their own benefit; and that they who are best able to teach others the way to happiness should, with most certainty, follow it themselves." Thus did the philosopher reason; but at the same time he confesses the futility of his inference; which may in this manner be accounted for. When we calmly investigate any truth, reason sits umpire, and determines with accuracy and precision. But when we come to act, so many motives both of hope and fear, hitherto unseen, arise to influence our conduct, that the voice of reason is overpowered by that of passion. I have often, in reviewing this subject, been struck with a certain truth which it holds forth, namely, that the means of happiness are equally within the attainment of every son of Adam. Riches bring with them disquietude to their possessor; with mediocrity but few learn to be content; and from poverty all men flee as from the face of a serpent. Learning serves but to increase the pride of the unwise, and adds but little to true wisdom; and the man of refined feelings can hope for no other superiority than "to die of aromatic pain." But he who is truly wise is one of the greatest as well |