turned, and brought with him, as specimens of his skill, several baskets adapted to fruit, flowers and needlework. These were presented to the young lady, and universally admired for the delicacy and perfection of the workmanship. Nothing now remained to prevent the accomplishment of the noble youth's wishes, and the marriage was solemnized to the satisfaction of all parties.

The young couple lived several years in affluence; and seemed, by their virtues and moderation, to have secured the favours of fortune. But the ravages of war, at dength, extended themselves to the Palatinate. Both the families were driven from their country, and their estates forfeited. And now opens a most interesting scene. The young nobleman commenced his trade of basket-making; and, by his superior skill in the art, soon commanded extensive business. For many years, he liberally supported, not only his own family, but also that of the good old nobleman, his father-in-law; and enjoyed the high satisfaction of contributing, by his own industry, to the happiness of connexions doubly endeared to him by their misfortunes; and who otherwise would have sunk into the miseries of neglect and indigence, sharpened by the remembrance of better days.

CHAPTER III.

DIDACTIC PIECES.

SECTION I.

TENDERNESS TO MOTHERS.

MARK that parent hen, said a father to a beloved son. With what anxious eare does she call together her offspring, and cover them with her expanded wings! The kite is hovering in the air, and, disappointed of his prey, may perhaps dart forward upon the hen herself, and bear her off in his talons.

Does not this sight suggest to you the tenderness and affection of your mother? Her watchful care potected you in the helpless period of infancy, when she nourished you with her milk, taught your limbs to move, and your tongue to lisp its unformed accents. In your childhood, she mourned over your little griefs; rejoiced in your innocent delights; administered to you the healing balm in sickness; and instilled into your mind the love of truth, of virtue, and of wisdom, Oh! cherish every sentiment of respect for such a mother. She merits your warmest gratitude, esteem and veneration.

PERCIVAL

SECTION II.

INGRATITUDE TO OUR SUPREME BENEFACTOR, IS HIGHLY CULPABLE.

ARTABANES was distinguished with peculiar favour by a wise, powerful, and good prince. A magnificent palace, surrounded with a delightful garden, was provided for his residence. He partook of all the luxu ries of his sovereign's table, was invested with extensive authority, and admitted to the honour of a free intercourse with his gracious master. But Artabanes was insensible of the advantages which he enjoyed; his heart glowed not with gratitude and respect: he avoided the society of his benefactor, and abused his bounty. "I detest such a character," said Alexis, with generous indignation!" It is your own picture which I have drawn,” replied Euphronius. "The great Potentate of heaven and earth has placed you in a world, which displays the highest beauty, order, and magnificence; and which abounds with every means of convenience, enjoyment and happiness. He has furnished you with such powers of body and mind, as give you dominion over the fishes of the sea, the fowls of the air, and the beasts of the field. He has invited you to hold communion with him, and to exalt your own nature, by the love and imitation of his divine perfections. Yet have your eyes wandered, with brutal gaze, over the fair creation, unconscious of the mighty hand from which it sprung. You have rioted in the profusion of nature, without suitable emotions of gratitude to the sovereign Dispenser of all good; and you have

too often slighted the glorious converse, and forgotten the presence of that Omnipotent Being, who flls all space, and exists through all eternity." PERCIVAL.

SECTION III.

ON FILIAL PIETY.

FROM the creatures of God let man learn wisdom, and apply to himself the instruction they give. Go to the desert, my son; observe the young stork of the wilderness; let him speak to thy heart. He bears on his wings his aged sire; he lodges him in safety, and supplies him with food.

The piety of a child is sweeter than the incense of Persia offered to the sun; yea, more delicious than odours wafted from a field of Arabian spices, by the western gales.

Be grateful to thy father for he gave thee life, and to thy mother, for she sustained thee. Hear the words of their mouth, for they are spoken for thy good; give ear to their admonition, for it proceeds from love.

Thy father has watched for thy welfare, he has toiled for thy ease: do honour, therefore to his age, and let not his gray hairs be treated with irreverence. Forget not thy helpless infancy, nor the frowardness of thy youth; and bear with the infirmities of thy aged parents: assist and support them in the decline of life. So shall their hoary heads go down to the grave in peace; and thy own children in reverence of thy example, shall repay thy piety with filial love.

ECONOMY OF HUMAN LIFE,

SECTION IV.

LOVE BETWEEN BROTHERS AND SISTERS.

You are the children of one father, provided for by his care; and the breast of one mother gave you suck. Let the bonds of affection, therefore, unite thee with thy brothers and sisters, that peace and happiness may dwell in thy father's house.

And, when you are separated in the world, remember the relation that binds you to love and unity; and prefer not a stranger before thy own blood. If thy brother is in adversity, assist him; if thy sister is in trouble, forsake her not. So shall the fortunes of thy father contribute to the support of his whole race; and his care be continued to you all, in your love to each other.

ECONOMY OF HUMAN LIFE.

SECTION V.

BENEVOLENCE.

WHEN thou considerest thy wants, when thou beholdest thy imperfections, acknowledge his goodness, O son of humanity! who honoured thee with reason; endued thee with speech; and placed thee in society, to receive and confer reciprocal helps and mutual obligations? Thy food, thy clothing, thy convenience of habitation; thy protection from the injuries, thy enjoyment of the comforts and the pleasures of life: all