these strangers. They did not act like your favourite Abdiel, but continued watching these beautiful women, till they were enticed by them to sin against God.

Michael explained to Adam, that these were the tents of wickedness, wherein dwelt the race of Cain. The men who descended from the mountains were, on account of their religious lives, entitled "the sons of God;" but, alas, they were overcome by temptation:-They married, and went to live with sinners.

Another scene was then presented to Adam: - A wide territory spread before him. There were towns, and rural walks between; cities, with lofty gates and towers; armed men; fierce forces, threatening war; giants of mighty bone and bold emprise. Flocks and herds were taken from their owners: This occasioned a dreadful battle, and soon arms and dead bodies lay scattered on the field, where so lately the cattle pastured. In another direction a strong city was besieged; and Adam, with astonished eyes, beheld slaughter and gigantic deeds on either hand. Then the sceptered heralds called a council in the gates of that city. Forthwith assembled with the warriors, grey

headed men and grave: Harangues were heard, and factions succeeded. At last arose a middle-aged man, of wise deportment, who spoke much of justice, of religion, truth and peace, and judgment from above: But all his auditors opposed him; and he would have been seized by violent hands, had not a cloud descending snatched him unseen from among the throng:

So violence

Proceeded, and oppression, and sword-law,

Through all the plain; and refuge none was found.
Adam was all in tears. and to his guide
Lamenting turn'd, full sad,

Michael explained, that these warriors and giants of high renown, were the children of the sons of God and the wicked women he had seen in the former part of his vision. Enoch was the righteous man who was so beset with foes, for daring to be just, and for prophesying God would come with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment upon all the ungodly. He was taken from the earth,—

To walk with God,

High in salvation and the climes of bliss.

Directed by the angel, Adam again looked, and behold the face of things was entirely changed:

The brazen throat of war had ceas'd to roar;
All now was turn'd to jollity and game,
To luxury and riot, feast and dance.

At length a reverend sire came among them, and testified against their evil ways. He often attended their assemblies and festivals, in order to preach repentance and conversion; but when he found no good resulted from his presence, he removed his tents far off. Then he hewed down tall trees, and began to build a vessel of enormous size. He measured the length and breadth and height: He smeared it with pitch, and contrived a door in the side. Adam still fixed his eyes upon this man, and saw him lay in a large store of provisions. This done,

Lo, a wonder strange!

Of every beast, and bird, and insect small,
Came sev'ns, and pairs, and entered in, as taught
Their order: Last the sire, and his three sons,
With their four wives: And God made fast the door.
Meanwhile the south wind rose, and with black wings
Wide hovering, all the clouds together drove
From under heav'n.

The thickened sky became like a dark ceiling: Down rushed the rain impetuous, and ceased not, till the whole earth was covered with water. Save the floating vessel, that

rode tilting over the waves, every dwelling of man was overwhelmed by the mighty flood. Adam sunk down oppressed: He mourned the death of thousands of his children, destroyed at once. The kind angel gently raised him, and again he looked. The clouds were gone, the windows of heaven shut, the ark seemed fixed on the top of a high mountain, and the hills began to appear above the waves. A raven flew out of the ark; and twice a dove went forth, the second time returning with an olive leaf. Shortly afterwards, the ancient man, attended by his family, and all the animals, quitted his place of refuge from the tremendous flood. Then appeared the beauteous rainbow, betokening peace from God, and covenant new. Adam greatly rejoiced to find that mankind was not utterly destroyed, that one of his sons was found so just, and that God vouchsafed to raise another world from him.

Here, my dears, I must cease for to-day: I wish you to amuse yourselves in another

room.

CHAPTER X.

William.-I am very sorry to see Mamma is looking over the last Book of Paradise Lost; there cannot be much of the story left now.

Emily.-Never mind, Willie; we can think about it when we like; and I shall try to repeat it to my cousins. Among us all, I expect we shall recollect the whole.

Eliza.-I can tell you some good news: I heard my uncle beg Mamma, this morning, to write all she had related to us from this divine poem, for the benefit and entertainment of other children. These were exactly his words; and he said, from what we had told him of the story, there was not a doubt of its being interesting to intelligent young readers. Mamma did not absolutely promise, but I thought she looked as if she would write it.

Mamma.-Now, my dears, cease talking, if you wish to hear; for I have not much time to spend with you this evening: