rapture in the soul, finding in the regions of scepticism nothing to which it corresponds, droops, ana languishes. In a world which presents a fair spectacle of order, and beauty, of a vast family, nourished, and supported by an Almighty Parent in a world which leads the devout mind, step by step, to the contemplation of the first fair, and the first good, the sceptic is encompassed with nothing but obscurity, meanness, and disorder. When we reflect on the manner in which the idea of Deity is formed, we must be convinced that such an idea intimately present to the mind, must have a most powerful effect in refining the moral taste. Composed of the richest elements," it embraces in the character of a beneficent Parent, and Almighty Ruler, whatever is venerable in wis dom, whatever is awful in authority, whatever is touching in goodness. So Human excellence is blended with many imperfections, and seen under many limita tions. It is beheld only in detached, and separate portions, nor ever appears in any one character, whole, and entire. that, when, in imitation of the Stoics, we wish to form out of these fragments, the notion of a perfectly wise, and good man, we know it is a mere fiction of the mind, without any real being in whom it is embodied, and realized. In the belief of a Deity, these conceptions are reduced to reality - the scattered rays of an ideal excellence, are concentrated, and become the real attributes of that Being with whom we stand in the nearest relation who sits supreme at the head of the universe, is armed with infinite power, and pervades all nature with his presence. ¡ The efficacy of these sentiments, in producing, and augmenting a virtuous taste, will indeed be proportioned to the vividness with which they are formed, and the frequency with which they recur.; yet some Spêk'ta-kl. El'è-ments; not elurmunts. • Pa'rènt. benefit will not fail to result from them even in their lowest degree. The idea of the Supreme Being, has this peculiar | property that, as it admits of no substitute, so, from the first moment it is impressed, it is capable of continual growth, and enlargement. God himself is immutable; but our conception of his character, is continually receiving fresh accessions, is continually growing more extended and refulgent, by having transferred upon it new perceptions of beauty, and goodness; by attracting to itself, as a centre, ¦ whatever bears the impress of dignity, or'der, or happiness. It borrows splendor from all that is fair, subordinates to itself all that is great, and sits enthroned on the riches of the universe. | THE THREE WARNINGS. (MRS. THRALE.) The tree of deepest root, is found | This great affection to believe, | Be pleas'd to hear a modern tale. I When sports went round, and all were gay, And looking grave "You must," says he, "Quit your sweet bride', | and come with me.” 266 With you and quit my Susan's side'!¦ Yet, calling up a serious look ('His hour-glass trembled while he spoke) | 266 2. Neighbor," he said, "farewell. No more To give you time for preparation, | In hopes you'll have no more to say`;! Well pleas'd the world will leave." | What next the hero of our tale befell, How long he liv'd, how wise', how well, | He chaffer'd then, he bought, he sold, I Nor once perceiv'd his growing old', Nor thought of Death as near; | He pass'd his hours in peace.] And now, one night, in musing mood, | The unwelcome messenger of Fate, | Half kill'd with anger, and surprise, I 'Tis six-and-thirty years, at least,' | "So much the worse," 'the clown rejoin'd\,} Beside, you promis'd me Three Warnings | I can recover damages." | "I know," cries Death, "that, at the best', | But don't be captious, friend, at least: But in jest; not button jest. Years at least; not years'at-least "Hold," says the farmer, "not so fast! And sure, to see one's loves, and friends, | "This is a shocking tale, 't is true, I If you are Lame', and Deaf', and Blind', | THE CHAMELEON; OR, PERTINACITY EXPOSED. (MERRICK.) Oft has it been my lot to mark | |