Superstition though it wears the garb of religion, is a very different thing, both in its principles and in its effects. Religion emanates from the bosom of God, and produces charity and good works; while Superstition, arising from the fancy of men, or from the machinations of Satan, produces strife, envy, and evil works. Religion commends itself by meekness and love: Superstition is distinguished by hatred and desire of revenge. Religion uses only lawful and laudable means to establish her dominion; but the arms of Superstition are not only carnal, but diabolical. Such are the general effects of Superstition. I have now to consider more particularly its advantages: and these are rather negative than positive. It prevents Atheism: and, where united with Christianity, it in some measure guards it from the attacks of scepticism. If the heathen, deprived as they were of every source of instruction, and of every spiritual idea of God, had not been helped in their conceptions of the Supreme Being, restrained from sin, and assisted in their devotions, by Superstition, they must have become Atheists both in theory and practice. It may sometimes also strengthen a man's belief in christianity. Many men have been educated in such a way, that they know but little of religion, and yet are well acquainted with the Superstitions with which the fancy of men has disfigured it, and have been taught from their childhood to revere them, and to connect them with the idea of religion. These, then, have guarded religion, till the man has been able to examine it; and then, having seen the beauty of undefiled religion, he takes away the incumbrances with which it was surrounded, and casts off the chains with which he himself was bound. But still, the evils of Superstition vastly preponderate. And we are happy that we can look forward to a period when Truth shall come in like a flood; when the river, which springs from the throne of God, shall grow wider and wider, shall overflow its banks, and refresh, and fertilize, and beautify that "dry and thirsty land where no water is;" when the Sun, which is now rising, shall shine forth in full splendor, and shall dispel the mists of darkness and of error; and when Truth alone shall reign. He continued his weekly compositions from thirteen to fourteen; and I should, with pleasure, continue the extracts, did I not fear that I should weary my readers with too great an abundance of these juvenile, or rather childish, productions. The last prose piece which he wrote was on THE CONNECTION OF IDEAS." It is far too long for insertion; and though it contains many beautiful thoughts, clothed in charming language, I can dare to offer only the commencement and the conclusion of the essay. It was begun when he was thirteen years and nine months old. THE CONNECTION OF IDEAS. ALL Sciences may be divided into two classes:those which are purely speculative, which afford considerable amusement; but in which the lover of his species and the lover of improvement can find little or nothing that may serve to strengthen his own faculties, to sweeten his own disposition, or to ameliorate the condition of mankind at large :—and those which, while they are continually opening new sources of pleasure, strengthen the faculties, enlarge the mind; and, contributing to the happiness of their possessor, enable him to contribute largely to the happiness of the world. The subject which I am to consider unites all the advantages I have enumerated. To the man who is fond of reasoning and speculation, it will afford matter of contemplation which will delight, but never cloy; satisfy, but never satiate him; while the philanthropist may make it the foundation of new plans, by which he may bless, and raise, and dignify mankind. Whoever studies this subject will find that, as he passes on, fresh prospects are ever opening before him; that as soon as he has gained one object, another, brighter and more lovely, presents itself; and that regions more beauteous than those through which he has already passed, invite him to continue his endeavours. Man, like every other species, has his distinguishing peculiarities :-a peculiar conformation of body; peculiar habits; and a |