works to fall within the reach of the domestic circle. Youth need every inducement to engage them heartily in the cause of religion; to rise above the level of ordinary profession; and to quicken their zeal in the service of their "Lord and Master;" and nothing can be a greater hindrance to their advancement in the divine life, than the sarcasms and ridicule of authors, who are held in general repute, and are in almost every one's hands. The writings of these persons are not directed to any particular age or class, but are intended generally for the whole reading community. There are, however, numerous other modern authors, who, like them, have entered the field of poetry and fiction, but with an especial reference to the rising generation: and it is thankfully acknowledged that their object is, perhaps, universally, to promote their best interests, by smoothing the rugged path of education, and endeavouring to give a right cast to the youthful character: and if good intentions could always ensure the best re sults, they would be entitled to unqualified commedation. But we must look at principles, and follow them through all their operations and consequences; and if these should be pernicious, no uprightness of design ought to prevent our exposing the danger and of this tendency I conceive are some of the publications just adverted to. They profess to form the character of the young, entirely by prudent discipline and moral motives, without calling in the least aid from what is peculiar to the Christian system. They have exhibited great talent in setting forth the deformity and ultimate misery of vice; and the beauty and consequent happiness of an opposite course. They have shown, with great effect, that nothing is so degrading as the predominance of the selfish principle, and nothing so becoming as an open, benevolent, and generous disposition. The most striking instances are given of the advantages resulting from an inflexible course of integrity; whilst the artful and designing never fail to meet eventually with the con tempt and infamy they deserve. The pleasures of a mind at ease with itself are set forth with peculiar effect; and the corroding remorse of the vicious is painted in strong, but not overcharged colours. The various sources of enjoyment from domestic and social intercourse, rational amusements, the works of nature, the cultivation of the fine arts; from botany, chemistry, natural philosophy, and every branch of science, are laid open with every attraction which these copious subjects admit; and the whole is embellished with all the simple and elegant ornaments of which language is capable. The character, formed on this model, is exhibited as at once beautiful and perfect. He fills his station in life, whether as parent or child, relation or friend, the man of business, or holding an honourable profession, the statesman or the soldier, with the most scrupulous and efficient exactness and all this is accomplished without adopting a single peculiarity of the Gospel, or feeling the influence of a single Christian motive. As far as this system is concerned, Chris : : sults, they would be entitled to unqualified commedation. But we must look at principles, and follow them through all their operations and consequences; and if these should be pernicious, no uprightness of design ought to prevent our exposing the danger and of this tendency I conceive are some of the publications just adverted to. They profess to form the character of the young, entirely by prudent discipline and moral motives, without calling in the least aid from what is peculiar to the Christian system. They have exhibited great talent in setting forth the deformity and ultimate misery of vice; and the beauty and consequent happiness of an opposite course. They have shown, with great effect, that nothing is so degrading as the predominance of the selfish principle, and nothing so becoming as an open, benevolent, and generous disposition. The most striking instances are given of the advantages resulting from an inflexible course of integrity; whilst the artful and designing never fail to meet eventually with the con tempt and infamy they deserve. The pleasures of a mind at ease with itself are set forth with peculiar effect; and the corroding remorse of the vicious is painted in strong, but not overcharged colours. The various sources of enjoyment from domestic and social intercourse, rational amusements, the works of nature, the cultivation of the fine arts; from botany, chemistry, natural philosophy, and every branch of science, are laid open with every attraction which these copious subjects admit; and the whole is embellished with all the simple and elegant ornaments of which language is capable. The character, formed on this model, is exhibited as at once beautiful and perfect. He fills his station in life, whether as parent or child, relation or friend, the man of business, or holding an honourable profession, the statesman or the soldier, with the most scrupulous and efficient exactness: and all this is accomplished without adopting a single peculiarity of the Gospel, or feeling the influence of a single Christian motive. As far as this system is concerned, Chris |