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-Our duty then to use our means aright and to contribute by them to the promotion of human happiness, so far as the immediate claims of family and friends allow.

Envy.

What is it-Its tendency-Its foundation, selfishness-Its components, hatred and grief-Hatred of another for what he has, grief for our want of it-How it manifests itself in slander and outward opposition to its object-Its characteristics-Malicious, as having no apparent motive, and as converting goodness itself into a source of evil-Weak, as it cannot gain that good for its subject, which might be obtained by other means— Unrelenting, as admitting no reconciliation with its object-Ungenerous, as directed without scruple even against friends and those who have a just claim to the good wishes of its subject-What qualities most expose a man to it-Prevalence in every station-No protection against its darts-Its effect on the spirit of its subject-Its influence on friendship and all the ties that bind men together-Actual evil which it has produced, as shown in history-Exemplify by the case of Saul and David-Practical inferences.

Contentment.

There is much that we cannot possess in the world -Folly of striving after such things-The essentials of happiness generally easy of acquisition-What does. contentment imply - It springs not from outward sources-A man may change his condition often without finding it-It is contained in the mind itself—Not to be confounded with indifference to external things -Not antagonistic to honourable exertion-Happiness which a contented spirit carries within itself, and imparts to those with whom it comes in contact-ExamplesCurius Dentatus, Cincinnatus, Washington-Advantage of cultivating such a spirit as the contented man has What the ambitious, with endless labour and risk, are only seeking to obtain, namely the attainment of his wishes.

SECTION IV.

THEME WRITING-continued.

Write Themes according to the following Method.

Fourth Method.

I. The PROPOSITION or STATEMENT: Where you show the meaning of the subject, by amplification, paraphrase, or explanation.

II. The REASON or PROOF: Where you prove the truth of the proposition by some reason or argument.

III. The CONFIRMATION: Where you show the unreasonableness of the contrary opinion, or advance some other reason in support of the former.

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IV. The ANALOGY or SIMILE: Where you lustrate the truth of what is affirmed by introducing some comparison.

V. The EXAMPLE: Where you bring instances from history to corroborate the truth of your affirmations, or the soundness of your reasoning.

VI. The TESTIMONY: Where you introduce proverbial sentences or passages from good authors, to show that others think as you do.

VII. The CONCLUSION: Where you sum up the whole, and show the practical use of the subject, by some pertinent observations.

MODEL.

Contentment is better than Riches.

Proposition.-Contentment with our lot, if accompanied by a faithful discharge of duty, is one of the most enviable conditions of the human mind, and is much more desirable than the attainment of wealth.

Reason.-Riches being only a means of happiness, their possession does not necessarily infer the enjoyment of that blessing. So far, indeed, from securing to their owner an exemption from the cares of life, they are often a source of anxiety and annoyance. The contented man is thus in the actual enjoyment of what many of the wealthy have still to obtain.

Confirmation.-Riches, besides, being proverbially a precarious possession, their loss frequently reduces those who value them as their only source of happiness, to a state of abject wretchedness. The happiness of the contented man, on the contrary, being independent of external circumstances, is permanent in its character, and in no wise subject to the caprice of fortune.

Example. We have only to look around us in the world for examples in corroboration of the proposition. How often may we see the wealthy, satiated with pleasure, oppressed with weariness, or burdened with care, pass their lives in peevishness, languor, or melancholy; while their more humble, but contented neighbours, fulfilling their allotted duties with cheerful resignation, present an example of that happiness which no riches can purchase. Who would not say that the pleasing serenity of mind enjoyed by the frugal and industrious Icelander, were not more desirable than the unwholesome turmoil so frequently associated with luxury and wealth!

Testimony.-Writers of all ages have, in every variety of expression, inculcated the advantages of pious contentment over the possession of mere riches; but, if anything were wanting to establish beyond dispute the truth of the sentiment, it would be supplied by the words of the inspired writer: "Contentment with godliness is great gain."

Application.-From what has been observed, it will be evident that one of the best means of preventing unhappiness, and of arming ourselves against the misfortunes incident to life, is to cultivate the habit of contentment, and assiduously to train the mind to a

cheerful acquiescence in the dispensations of Providence. It does not necessarily follow, however, that such a rule of conduct is inconsistent with a desire to attain such a position in society as that to which diligence and honourable exertions would fairly entitle us. Neither does it follow that a contented mind is incompatible with the possession of riches.

SKELETONS.

Perseverance overcomes all difficulties. Proposition-Reason-It is in the nature of things that a spirit such as perseverance indicates should attain the end for which it strives-ConfirmationMost of what is great in the world, whether the production of mind or of hand, is the result of Perseverance-Illustrate variously-Analogy-Dropping water hollows out the stone in course of time-Perseverance exemplified throughout creation—The spider, beaver, and other animals-Most men of eminence-Examples -Robert Bruce, Columbus-Testimony or quotationLessons drawn from the proposition-Encouragement afforded by a knowledge of the way to insure success in our pursuits-Fate of the character infected with an opposite habit.

Delays are dangerous.

Proposition-Reasons-Probable non-attainment of the end delayed-The uncertainty of our lives, constant change in the position of affairs, others will not wait for us-Even if the end be attained, much loss of time and annoyance are entailed, both on the subject himself and on others-Illustrations-The stories of Archias, a magistrate of Thebes, and of Mark Antony -Franklin's advice-Practical inferences-Advantage of doing everything in its proper time-Our duty to practise and inculcate regularity, if we would preserve our own comfort or respectability.

Honesty is the best policy.

The meaning of the proverb-What it does not mean -Reasons supporting the proposition-Honesty procures the esteem and confidence of others, which is a great means of advancement―The probability of dishonesty being discovered, though it benefit at the instant-Consequences of this discovery-Danger of one dishonest act succeeding another, thereby rendering the utter ruin of one's character and its consequences not improbable-The feelings engendered by dishonesty -The dishonest man having wronged others, has many enemies to fear-Most honest men can furnish from their own lives instances of the truth of the proposition -History records many, as the story of Washington, of Earl Fitzwilliam and the Farmer-Testimony or quotation-Our duty to practise honesty and to inculcate it, as evinced by the above considerations-Why we should carefully refrain from speaking lightly of it.

Excellence is not limited by station.

Excellence not limited by station, seeing that, as a gift of nature, or the result of industry, it does not depend on the adventitious distinctions of society-It is mind that makes the man-The same faculties are distributed among high and low, so that improvement is open to both-A great proportion of eminent men of humble origin in all pursuits-Socrates, Cicero, Shakspere, Ferguson the Astronomer-Testimony or quotation-The encouragement thus held out to the humble to engage in honourable exertion-Excellence truly the rank of the humble-Warning also thus given not to despise the humble.

Punctuality procures confidence.

The Proposition-How punctuality procures confidence-Qualities it indicates in its subject, as resolution, perseverance, promptness in action-Nature seems to

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