parsimony, and which at length ends in that terrible condition we have endeavoured to describe in the earlier part of this paper.

(Conclusion.) Surely, then, no one can, without shuddering, contemplate the possibility of being brought into such a state. The very term 'miser' implies misery. 'Nemo miser felix.' It is impossible for a miser to be happy; and as happiness is our being's end and aim, everyone must see that it would be the height of folly to endeavour to obtain it by such means. Let us desire wealth not for selfish, but for benevolent, purposes-to do good to others; and if we have it, let us put it to its proper use, but never fall into the wicked absurdity of imagining that the possession of hoarded riches will add one iota to our real welfare.

The following sketches may be of assistance to the writer in his first attempts at composition in general subjects.

MORAL SUBJECTS.

I. ON ANGER.

Introduction. 1. Human passions-enumeratebenevolent and malevolent. To which class does anger belong?

2. Origin of anger-temperament-habits, &c. Describe degrees of anger.

3. General opinion-passions to be controlled. 4. Effects on ourselves, weakness of intellect-madness; on others, injustice-bodily injury, &c.

5. All excess must be wrong (explain).

7. Virtue consists in control, not in extinction, of

feeling.

8. Conclusion.

II. ON IDLENESS.

Introduction. Activity a universal principle-even in inanimate objects (explain).

1. We must do something; if not right, wrong. Action. must be directed.

2. Causes of idleness. Want of steadiness of character; neglect of the cultivation of the mind in youth, &c.

3. Results of idleness. Positive ignorance, or imperfect ' knowledge, a smattering (go into particulars). 4. Contrast. Show the difference between an idle and an occupied man.

5. Analogy. Iron will corrode, stagnant water will putrefy, &c.

6. Do the indolent perform their duties?

7. Is it possible for the idle to make a reputation? 8. Conclusion. What inference is to be drawn?

III. ON FALSEHOOD.

Introduction. A natural antipathy between the true

and the false.

1. Various forms of falsehood-cheating-fraud-the lie-equivocation-prevarication (explain).

2. Falsehood held in universal detestation by the good. 3. The false are base, mean, dishonourable; the truthful, open, candid, frank, &c.

4. No trust or reliance can be placed, either in word or deed, in the false.

5. Motives for falsehood-always bad; to gratify selfishness to conceal faults, &c.

6. Avoid beginnings-exaggerations—white lies, &c. 7. Does harm both to ourselves and others; bad example; makes others distrustful, &c.

8. Conclusion. Motives for avoiding falsehood, &c.

IV. ON PRIDE.

Introduction. Vices frequently the excess of proper feelings. Prodigality springs from liberality; avarice from economy, &c.

1. In what pride consists, and whence its origin. 2. Arguments against it. Its injustice-it refuses to recognise the merit of others.

3. It destroys sympathy; removes us from intercourse. The proud solitary.

4. Universally disliked; when absent, the jest of society.

5. The proud cannot be happy-pride engenders a thousand miseries in the heart.

6. The source of many vices (enumerate).

7. Pride incompatible with improvement.

8. Conclusion. Self-confidence desirable-but carry it not to excess- -do justice both to yourselves and others.

V. ON CONTENTMENT.

Introduction. Difference between the happy and the unhappy depends much on self-the feelings to be cherished to make ourselves happy.

1. Why contentment is such a blessing.

2. It removes envy, jealousy, malice, &c.-all tormenting passions.

3. Not annoyed by reverses; adapts itself easily to changes of fortune.

4. Contrast. Condition of the discontented.

5. Describe the feelings consequent upon contentment. 6. All the wealth and power of this world insufficient to satisfy (therefore?).

7. 'Not he who has most, but he who desires least, is happy.'

8. Conclusion. Motives for contentment.

VI. ON AFFECTATION.

Introduction. Many failings which interfere with the improvement of character (enumerate).

1. What is affectation? its origin, its various forms, and at what period of life is it most frequently found?

2. Arguments against. It is dishonest-imposture a species of falsehood.

3. It is unwise and ridiculous-it never succeeds. 4. Contrast it with truthful simplicity.

5. Unnatural and artificial.

6. Leads to positive falsehood—the beginning of a great evil.

7. Troublesome and difficult to support a false cha

racter.

8. Conclusion. Be what

you would seem.

VII. ON LUXURY.

Introduction. Analogy between nations and individuals-similar causes produce similar effects (explain).

1. What is luxury?—and what may be its causes? 2. State its effects on the mind.

3. The bad example it sets to others.

4. Incompatible with health either of mind or body. 5. Leads to extravagance, ruin of fortune.

6. Historical examples-Lucullus, Cleopatra, &c. 7. Fall of Rome-French Revolution.-How connected with these events?

8. Conclusion. Motives for its avoidance.

VIII. ON PLEASURE.

Introduction. All naturally seek pleasure; but few understand in what it consists.

1. Pleasure not business, but recreation from business. 2. False sources of pleasure; excitement, change of scene, accumulation of wealth, eating and drinking, &c.

3. The effects of such-injurious to the body; wearisome to the mind.

4. Loss of time involved in such practices.

5. Real sources of pleasure; practice of virtue-improvement of intellect-occupation, &c.

6. Kindness to others; assistance to the needy, &c. 7. Moderation in all our actions.

8. Conclusion. Temperance-a clear conscience-attention to business-mens sana in

corpore sano.'