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SECTION V.

MISCELLANEOUS ESSAYS (continued).

Write miscellaneous essays according to the following method:

I. The PROPOSITION, or NARRATIVE: where you show the meaning of the subject, by amplification, paraphrase, or explanation.

II. The REASON: where you prove the truth of the proposition by some reason or argument.

III. The CONFIRMATION: where you show the unreasonableness of the contrary opinion, or advance some other reason in support of the former.

IV. The SIMILE: where you illustrate the truth of what is affirmed, by introducing some comparison. V. The EXAMPLE: where you bring instances from history to corroborate the truth of your affirmations, or the soundness of your reasoning.

VI. The TESTIMONY: where you introduce proverbial sentences, or passages from good authors, which show that others think as you do.

VII. The CONCLUSION: where you sum up the whole, and show the practical use of the subject, by some pertinent observations.

EXAMPLE.

Virtue is its own reward.

I. Virtue consists in doing our duty to God and our neighbour, in opposition to all temptations to the contrary. Such conduct is so consonant to the light of reason, and so agreeable to our moral sentiments, and produces so much peace of mind, that it may be said to carry its reward along with it, even if unattended by that recompense which it generally meets in the world.

II. The reason of this seems to lie in the very nature of things. The all-wise and benevolent Author of nature has so framed the soul of man, that he cannot but approve of virtue; and has annexed to the practice of it an inward satisfaction, that mankind may be encouraged to become virtuous.

III. If it were not so, if virtue were accompanied with no selfsatisfaction, we should not only be discouraged from practising it,

but should be tempted to think that there was something very wrong in the laws and the administration of Providence.

IV. But the reward of virtue is not always confined to this internal peace and happiness. As, in the works of nature and art, whatever is really beautiful, is generally useful; so, in the moral world, whatever is truly virtuous, is at the same time so beneficial to society, that it seldom goes without some external recompense.

V. How has the approbation of all future ages rewarded the virtue of Scipio! That young warrior had taken a beautiful captive, with whose charms he was greatly enamoured; but, finding that she was betrothed to a young nobleman of her own country, he, without hesitation, generously delivered her up to him. This one action of the noble Roman has, more than all his conquests, shed an imperishable lustre around his character.

VI. Nor has the approbation of mankind been limited to the virtuous actions of individuals. The loveliness of virtue generally has been the constant topic of all moralists, ancient and modern. Plato remarks, that if virtue were to assume a human form, it would command the admiration of the whole world. A late writer has said, "In every region, every clime, the homage paid to virtue is the same. In no one sentiment were ever mankind more generally agreed."

VII. If, therefore, virtue is in itself so lovely; if it generally commands the approbation of mankind; if it is accompanied with inward peace and satisfaction: surely it may be said to be its own reward; for, though it must be acknowledged that it is frequently attended with crosses and misfortunes in this life, and that there is something of self-denial in the very idea of it; yet, in the words of the poet, is

"The broadest mirth unfeeling folly wears,
Less pleasing far than virtue's very tears.'

1. Delays are dangerous.

EXERCISES.

2. Evil communications corrupt good manners.

3. Well begun is half done.

4. Perseverance generally prevails.

5. Necessity is the mother of invention.

6. Custom is second nature.

7. Honesty is the best policy.*

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The exercises on these subjects may also be written in the form of fictitious narratives.

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19. Adaptation of animals to the countries in which they live.

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40. Reason and instinct.

41. Progress of error.

42. Knowledge is power.
43. Public opinion.
44. The senses.

45. The mental powers.

46. The law of gravitation.

47. An effect presupposes a cause.

48. Five minutes too late.

49. The Castaway.

50. Life, reign, and character of James 1. of Scotland.

51. Cyrus the Great, and his contemporaries.

52. Summary of Scripture History.

53. Typical character of the Old Testament.

54. Evidences of Christianity.

55. Influence of Christianity on the social condition of mankind. 56. Immortality of the soul.

THE END.

Printed by OLIVER & BOYD,
Tweeddale Court, High Street, Edinburgh.

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