self, by his love of study, his amiable disposition, and by writing most of the public orations delivered while he resided there. At this early age two sons of a German nobleman were committed to his care for instruction. But as Heidelberg seemed unfriendly to his feeble constitution, and he was somewhat displeased, because a literary honour was denied him " on account of his youth," after remaining there three years, he went to the university of Tubingen. Here his advantages for learning were much increased, and he was eager to make the best use of them. So ardent was his desire for knowledge, that he earnestly applied himself to the study of mathematics, law, logic, medicine, and theology; and such was his progress, that at the age of 17 he received the degree of "doctor of philosophy, or master of arts." This, you should know, was an honourable testimony from the learned men of the university, to Melancthon's diligence, talents, and progress in learning.

Not long after this, he was appointed public lecturer in the university. By his great knowledge and fine taste in the Latin language, and by his extensive attainments in other branches of learning, he excited the admiration of the greatest scholars of the age. His excellent character and extraordinary acquisitions when only 18, were repeatedly and highly

commended by Erasmus who was among the first of learned men. He said of him, "What hopes may we not entertain of Philip Melancthon, who, though as yet very young, and almost a boy is equally to be admired for his knowledge of both languages? What quickness of invention !-What purity of diction !— What powers of memory-What variety of reading!—What modesty and gracefulness of behaviour !"

The particulars which I have now recited, you will perceive, relate only to the early life and education of Melancthon. You may now look upon him as having finished his public education, and as prepared to employ his knowledge and talents for the good of others, and to move in the scenes of public life.

Here let me suspend the narrative for a moment. Let me ask if it does not seem to you an extraordinary thing, and deserving your special notice, that a young man only six years older than you are, should have learned so much?

Does it not merit particular attention, that by his good conduct, and eminent attainments he should have gained thus early, such reputation with the wise and learned men of his time? While you have been reading this account, have you not thought how many hours and days you have spent in idleness and play,

which you might have employed in useful reading? When you see how many valuable things may be learned in a few years, are you not disposed to say, how much better it would have been, if I had spent these hours in reading, and in labouring to increase my knowledge and means of usefulness? Do you not feel a resolution to be more careful of your time hereafter, and more in earnest to increase your stock of knowledge?

What, if you are not in such circumstances as Melancthon was? What, if you cannot learn so much as he did? You are to remember that God has given you some talents. These he commands you to improve. Do not suppose that knowledge is useless. Every degree of it may be rendered useful to yourself and to others also. You should consider, that by gaining a little every day, the amount will be considerable in a year, and much in a few years. Do not forget that God has formed your mind capable of continual enlargement, and that what you gain to-day will prepare you to gain the more to-morrow. Every thing you learn well, not only increases your present stock of knowledge, but will render future acquisitions more easy and pleasant. You remember those peach trees;-how small they were when first planted, and that they grew but slowly for a time. But now, you perceive,

they grow faster and faster. As their roots penetrate deeper, you see, that their growth greatly increases every year. For a few years they did not bear. Now you see they produce valuable fruit :-so it may be with your mind.

To say one thing further;-just observe that school-fellow who hates his books, runs to every amusement, and joins every noisy company. Now look at another one, one who is careful of his time, shuns idle and wicked companions, reads some useful things every day. See him frequently entertaining his mother and sisters with some pleasant story, or some valuable information which they had not heard. Now, when these two school-fellows grow up to manhood and come to act in the various business of life, which do you think will be the wisest man, the most respected, and the most useful?

But, let us return to the story of Melancthon. We left him at about 18, when he had completed his public education. Here, I must mention, that we have not so particular an account of his religious, as we have of his literary history, during the progress of his education. The probability is, that like too many others, he did not Remember his Creator in the days of his youth. He had no such advantages as you have, from Sabbath schools,

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and other means of religious instruction. But, one thing occurred about this time, which I may not omit, because it formed a remarkable circumstance in his religious history. I mean "The gift of a small Bible from his friend Caprico, upon which he was accustomed to note such explanatory hints as occurred to his own mind, or as pleased him in the works of others, and which he made his constant companion, particularly, during the service of public worship."

This, we are told, is the principal fact illustrative of his early religious principles. It doubtless seems to you a very small circumstance. But things which are small in themselves, frequently become great in their consequences. Behold, says an apostle, how great a matter a little fire kindleth. As I have remarked before, a Bible, in those days was rarely to be found, because the people were strictly forbidden by the bishop of Rome, to read the Bible at all. Had not that Bible been given to Melancthon, he might have lived without one, till his sentiments had become firmly fixed in accordance with the fatal errors of the Romish Church. But as the fact was, if you

look at the consequences of the Bible being put into the hand of such a young man, and see what an influence it had upon his mind, and how it directed and animated his wonder