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communities, when, unable to settle their disputes by an amicable arrangement, they have recourse to the sword.

Origin or Cause.-The ultimate source of war must be sought for in the breast of man. In a rude state of society, it can frequently be attributed to no other cause than the antipathy of tribe towards tribe. Among civilised nations, its necessity is generally urged under cover of some specious pretext. Ambition, and the passion for power, are among its most fruitful sources.

Antiquity or Novelty.-War is almost coeval with the history of the human race. It ascends to a period long anterior to authentic record, being a constant theme in the mythology and traditions of the most ancient nations. The history of more recent times, descending even to our own day, unfortunately proves it to be the characteristic of society in every age, modern no less than ancient. The more humane spirit in which it is now carried on, may, however, be advantageously contrasted with the unmitigated barbarity of ancient times, when, as in the cases of Carthage and Palmyra, conquest was frequently but another name for extermination. The unfortunate captive is no longer dragged in triumph at the chariot wheels of his unfeeling conqueror, and then delivered up to the executioner, or consigned to a life of slavery worse than death itself. A mutual acknowledgment of the rights of humanity having banished such atrocities from modern warfare, it is to be hoped that a more enlarged recognition of that principle may yet be attended by still happier results.

Universality or Locality. From what has been already observed, it is almost a necessary conclusion that no particular locality can be claimed as the exclusive province of war, but that it may find a theatre wherever there are men to carry it on. It is almost certain, indeed, that it has done so. Where is the happy country that has not, at one period or another, experienced its bitter scourge, or that can be said to have secured an exemption from it for all future time?

Effects.-Amongst the consequences by which war is invariably attended, the interruption of commerce is that, perhaps, which is felt more widely than any other by the contending parties. This evil is enormously increased by the levies that are constantly made in order to defray the expenses inseparable from war. Within the sphere of military operations, the agriculturist deplores the ruin of his harvest, happy if he has not also to bewail the loss of those whom no following year can restore. Such evils as these are sufficient, without enumerating the miseries of actual conflict, to demonstrate the pernicious character and disastrous effects of war.

Conclusion. It may be observed, in conclusion, that war, however much it is to be lamented, may nevertheless, in certain circumstances, be unavoidable. The odium in which it is involved must in that case be borne by those who have rendered it necessary. Peace is desirable; but right, and truth, and freedom, are still more so. These sacred privileges must be maintained, as the unalienable inheritance of man; and those by whom they are invaded must be held responsible for the consequences.

SKELETONS.

Commerce.

The meaning of the term and the considerations involved in it—Its origin in the mutual dependence of the nations of the world for the supply of their various wants-Its consequent antiquity-Earliest instance recorded-Principal commercial states of antiquity mentioned in sacred and profane history-Extent to which ancient Commerce was carried on-l n-IllustrateWhat causes set limits to it-State the circumstances that made Europe the centre of the world's Commerce -The causes that secured its permanence as suchChief commercial states at the present time-From its origin we may infer its universality-No country that

may not beneficially engage in it-Effects of Commerce -Extent of its contributions to the necessities and comforts of mankind-It is the chain that binds savage and civilised countries together, overcoming whatever obstacles may separate them-Its consequent influence on civilisation-Its advantages illustrated by considering the condition, physical and moral, of any country without it-Conclusion-Everything tending to promote Commerce may be considered a blessing to the world-War generally its greatest enemy.

Travelling.

Naturally suggests itself to civilised man as a means of improvement-Estimation in which it has always been held-Earliest travellers, as Solon, Pythagoras, Herodotus-For what they prepared themselves by it -Necessity of it in their circumstances-General objects of travel-Discovery-Knowledge in all its departments-Cultivation of the mind and formation of the character-Illustrate the extent of its benefits in all these respects-The preparations requisite for travelling, and the habits necessary for travelling to advantage.

Music.

Meaning of the term, and the considerations involved in it-Its first development in Melody-What are the two constituents of this-Show that they are implanted in our nature, and manifest themselves spontaneouslyMusic, then, as the expression of feeling, has its foundation in the constitution of our nature-What is Harmony-Belongs to an advanced stage of musical cultivation-Different kinds of Music-Its antiquity naturally to be inferred-Earliest record of it-Chief musical nations of antiquity-Hebrew Music-Greek Music-With what intimately connected-Extent of our knowledge of Ancient Music-Early use of Music

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in the Christian Church-Principal steps in the development of the art-Its greatest masters-Its universality also naturally to be inferred-Its use among all nations-National styles-Circumstances necessary to their formation-Influences that mould them-Illustrate by examples-Effects-Influence attributed to Music by the ancients-Illustrate from their mythology -Its influence on the feelings-Devotional, patriotic, joyful, sorrowful-Illustrate-How it soothes passion -Some remarkable effects of Music, as in the case of Saul, Philip V. of Spain, and others-Advantage of cultivating it as a source of pleasure-The beneficial influence produced upon society by a taste for Music.

Government.

What is meant by Government-Its objects-Its necessity to mankind-Its divine sanction-The foundation and characteristics of good Government as opposed to mere force-Universality of Government under different aspects-Its antiquity-Earliest form-Various forms prevailing at present, with their characteristics-Examples-The advantages of our own form of Government-Influence of Government on civilisation -On the happiness and advancement of mankind, social, mental, and moral-The condition of those countries where it is imperfectly developed-The duty of citizens with regard to it.

Education.

Man's progress dependent on the cultivation of his mental and moral faculties conjointly-Hence the true idea of Education is twofold-The importance of right Education in youth illustrated from the constitution of our nature-The progress of Education during youth, and throughout life-Estimation in which it has always been held-Sentiment of Alexander the Great-Partial diffusion of Education in ancient times-Obstacles in its way-Teaching of the ancient philosophers-Wider

diffusion in modern times-To what owing-Countries where it is most prevalent-The influence of Education on the relative conditions of men, intellectually, morally, and socially considered-Its effects may be compared to those of the cultivation of the ground-Happiness of which it is the source-Contrast the condition of man without it-Natural gifts insufficient to compensate for the want of it-The propriety therefore of attending to it in youth, and of carrying it on throughout life.

Religion.

Explain what the religious feeling in man is-Its source-Natural to man-Its universal prevalence, but diversity of manifestation-Illustrate-The nature of the inquiries it gives rise to-Religion coeval with man-Different kinds that prevailed in ancient times

-Their insufficiency-Proof of it-Publication of the Christian Religion-Its doctrinal and moral aspectsIts universal adaptation to the wants and circumstances of man-Its development, past and future-Powerful influence Religion exercises over man- -Consequent importance of the true Religion-The beneficial effects of Christianity on the world-How it has ameliorated the civil condition of men- -Give examples of enormities anciently prevalent which it has removed-Its advantage confirmed by contrasting the condition of countries destitute of it-Its due effects, however, not properly estimated. by looking only or primarily at mankind in the mass-Its influence on individuals in the present life, and in the future-Our duty and privilege to embrace it, and spread it according to our ability.

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