rapture in the soul, finding in the regions of scepticism nothing to which it corresponds, droops, and languishes. | In a world which presents a fair spectaclea of order, and beauty, of a vast family, nourished, and supported by an Almighty Parent in a world which leads the devout mind, step by step, to the contemplation of the first fair, and the first good, the sceptic is encompassed with nothing but obscurity, meanness, and disorder. | When we reflect on the manner in which the idea of Deity is formed, we must be convinced that such an idea intimately present to the mind, must have a most powerful effect in refining the moral taste. | Composed of the richest elements," it embraces in the character of a beneficent Parent, and Almighty Ruler, | whatever is venerable in wis dom, | whatever is awful in author'ity, | whatever is touching in good.ness. | Human excellence is blended with many imperfec1tions, and seen under many limitations. It is beheld only in detached, and separate portions, nor ever appears in any one character, whole, and entire. | So that, when, in imitation of the Stoics, we wish to form out of these fragments, the notion of a perfectly wise, and good man, we know it is a mere fiction of the mind, without any real being in whom it is embodied, and realized. In the belief of a Deity, | these conceptions are reduced to reality the scattered rays of an ideal excellence, are concentrated, and become the real attributes of that Being with whom we stand in the nearest relation — who sits supreme at the head of the universe, is armed with infinite power, and pervades all nature with his presence. | The efficacy of these sentiments, | in producing, and augmenting a virtuous taste, will indeed be proportioned to the vividness with which they are formed`, | and the frequency with which they recur; yet some a * Spêk'tå-kl. b El'è-ments; not elurmunts. с c Pa'rent. benefit will not fail to result from them even in their lowest degree. | The idea of the Supreme Being, has this' peculiar property that, as it admits of no substitute, ! so, from the first moment it is impressed, it is capable of continual growth, and enlargement. God himself, is immutable; but our conception of his character, | is continually receiving fresh acces.sions, is continually growing more extended and refulgent, | by having transferred upon it new perceptions of beauty, and good.ness; by attracting to itself, as a centre, | whatever bears the impress of dignity, or'der, or happiness. [ It borrows splendour from all that is fair, subordinates to itself all that is great', and sits enthroned on the riches of the universe. | THE THREE WARNINGS. (MRS. THRALE.) The tree of deepest root, is found, I This great affection to believe, | When sports went round, and all were gay, | And looking grave | "You must," says he, 266 "With you'! and quit my Susan's side'!| ('His hour-glass trembled while he spoke) | To give you time for preparation, | In hopes you'll have no more to say`;! Well pleas'd the world will leave." | What next the hero of our tale befell, | And smok'd his pipe', and strok'd his horse', He chaffer'd then, he bought', | he sold, | His friends not false', his wife no shrew', | a He pass'd his hours in peace. I But, while he view'd his wealth increase, | The unwelcome messenger of Fate, | Half kill'd with anger, and surprise, "So soon return'd'!" | 'old Dodson cries, 66 266 2" So soon, d'ye call it?" | 'Death replies,: | 'Tis six-and-thirty years', at least," | And you are now fourscore." | "So much the worse," 'the clown rejoin'd, | Beside, you promis'd me Three War'nings, | I can recover damages." | "I know," cries Death, "that, at the best', | But don't be captious, friend, at least: | I wish you joy, though, of your strength.!" | b But in jest; not button jest. Years at least; not years'at-least. 66 Hold," says the farmer, "not so fast! I have been lame these four years past." | "And no great won'der," | Death replies :| "However, you still keep your eyes';] And sure, to see one's loves, and friends, | For legs, and arms, would make amends." | "Perhaps," says Dodson, "so it might', | But latterly, I've lost my sight.." | "This is a shocking tale, 't is true, | If you are Lame', and Deaf, and Blind', | THE CHAMELEON; OR, PERTINACITY EXPOSED. (MERRICK.) Oft has it been my lot to mark | |