and ingenuity which it prescribes to itself; is never willingly the author of contention, but rather will recede from the most equitable pretensions, as far as the rules of prudence and discretion will admit, than be the occasion of strife and debate. Even in the offices of humanity and beneficence, charity seeketh not her own; aims not at her own glory and applause, but terminates her views wholly in procuring the happiness, or relieving the misery of others.

The next ornament of the charitable character is that of a meek and quiet spirit; it is not easily provoked. As it allows of no degree of revenge, it endeavours in itself to suppress every motion of anger and resentment; and, as far as is possible, to live peaceably with all men. Hence it is not to be moved by little injuries or offences; and thus often defeats, in the best manner, the malice of its enemies, by resolutely preserving that tranquillity of mind which they attempt in vain to disturb. Not that the person of this character is more insensible to injuries and ill treatment than others. The man who has a general good will for mankind will be himself but too apt to set a value upon the good will and esteem of men, and cannot be unconcerned at the ill returns which, instead of this, he will sometimes meet with; but it is still slow to anger; and, when kindled on any worthy occasion, it burns not with violence, but, as a lambent flame, is gentle in its effects, and will soon be extinguished. Charity spreads a calm over the mind, which no storms of rage and passion can long interrupt or disturb; the heavenly dove dwells there, in the

heart where charity resides; and the peace of God will rest upon it.

Charity thinketh no evil. It is not inclined to think ill of others, but puts the best and most favourable construction upon their words and actions. It does not depreciate their seeming virtues, by ill natured surmises and indirect insinuations; it is not ingenious in finding out motives and designs, which do not appear; but where the actions of men appear fair and commendable, supposes them to arise from the best principles, and gives them their due praise. And as it is not of itself disposed to think any evil, so neither will it hastily give credit to it on the representation of others. It will carefully examine the grounds of every relation, before it will believe any thing to the prejudice of its neighbours; and in these instances is often harder put to it to think well of the tale-bearer, than of the person who is the subject of his censorious remarks.

Charity rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; it takes no unjust advantages, nor triumphs in any success but what is obtained by the most lawful and innocent methods; it is a stranger to artifice and dissimulation; and places its sole strength and security in honesty and truth. It flatters not, nor applauds the vices of others, but sees with a due concern the prevailing corruption of the world, and is never more pleased than when it sees the cause of truth and virtue prosper. W. ADAMS.

ON THE ADVANTAGE OF ACQUIRING

KNOWLEDGE.

IN every period of life the acquisition of knowledge is one of the most pleasing employments of the human mind. But in youth there are circumstances which make it productive of higher enjoyment. It is then that everything has the charm of novelty; that curiosity and fancy are awake; and that the heart swells with the anticipations of future eminence and utility. Even in those lower branches of instruction which we call mere accomplishments, there is something always pleasing to the young in their acquisition. They seem to become every well educated person, -they adorn, if they do not dignify humanity; and what is far more, while they give an elegant employment to the hours of leisure and relaxation, they afford a means of contributing to the purity and innocence of domestic life. But in the acquisition of knowledge of a higher kind,—in the hours when the young gradually begin the study of the laws of nature, and of the faculties of the human mind, or of the magnificent revelations of the gospel,-there is a pleasure of a sublimer nature. The cloud which, in their infant years, seemed to cover nature from their view, begins gradually to resolve. The world in which they are placed opens with all its wonders upon their eye; their powers of attention and observation seem to expand with the scene before them; and, while they see, for the first

time, the immensity of the universe of God, and mark the majestic simplicity of those laws by which its operations are conducted, they feel as if they were awakened to a higher species of being, and admitted into nearer intercourse with the Author of Nature. It is this period of all others, accordingly, that must determine our hopes or fears of the future fate of the young. To feel no joy in such pursuits; to listen carelessly to the voice which brings such magnificent instruction; to see the veil raised which conceals the counsels of the Deity, and to show no emotion at the discovery, are symptoms of a weak and torpid spirit, of a mind unworthy of the advantages it possesses, and which is fitted only for the humility of sensual and ignoble pleasure. Of those, on the contrary, who distinguish themselves by the love of knowledge, who follow with ardour the career that is opened to them, we are apt to form the most honourable presages. It is the character natural to youth, and which, therefore, promises well of their maturity. We foresee for them, at least, a life of pure and virtuous enjoyment, and are willing to anticipate no common share of future usefulness and splendour.

In the second place, the pursuits of knowledge lead not only to happiness but to honour. "Length of days," in the words of the text," is in her right hand, and in her left are riches and honour." It is honourable to excel even in the most trifling species of knowledge, in those which can amuse only the passing hour. It is more honourable to excel in those different branches of science which

VOL. I.

Ꮓ

are connected with the liberal professions of life, and which tend so much to the dignity and well being of humanity. It is the means of raising the most obscure to esteem and attention; it opens to the just ambition of youth some of the most distinguished and respected situations in society; and it places them there with the consoling reflection, that it is to their own industry and labour, in the providence of God, that they are alone indebted for them. But to excel in the higher attainments of knowledge, to be distinguished in those greater pursuits which have commanded the attention, and exhausted the abilities of the wise in every former age, is per. haps, of all the distinctions of human understanding, the most honourable and grateful. we look back upon the great men who have gone before us in every path of glory, we feel our eye turn from the career of war and of ambition, and involuntarily rest upon those who have displayed the great truths of religion, who have investigated the laws of social welfare, or extended the sphere of useful knowledge. These are honours, we feel, which have been gained without a crime, and which can be enjoyed without remorse; they are honours also which can never die,-which can shed lustre even upon the humblest head,— and to which the young of every succeeding age will look up as their brightest incentives to the pursuit of virtuous fame.

When

ALISON.