Do not be alarmed, my dear friend, when I begin by telling you, not merely that I observed with equal surprise and regret what appeared to me a considerable deficiency in your domestic management; but that the error to which I allude was connected with the commencement of every returning day; not an occasional, but an habitually repeated delinquency. And I very much fear, not only that it is likely to fasten a stigma on the little social community of which you are. the head, but that its evil effects will be extended to the succeeding generation, on which you so often look with a paternal and anxious interest. You will guess that I refer to the many, many hours consumed in bed, instead of being devoted to the numberless beneficial employments in which they might have been spent. And I really cannot help thinking that, as your example has so much influence upon those who look up to you for a pattern, if I can convince you of the folly -the worse than folly-the guilt of this prejudicial habit, you will be neglecting your duty to those in whose welfare you are so

greatly concerned, as well as your personal duty, if you do not immediately endeavour to conquer it, and to be as instrumental in leading others to effect a similar victory, as you have been unintentionally the means of confirming them in their error.

It is not unlikely that, ere this, you have smiled at the importance which I appear to attach to what has seldom occupied your thoughts; and been even pleased to think, that the formidable charge you had anticipated has ended in an arraignment, to which, though you cannot plead "not guilty," you imagine you have much to urge in mitigation of punishment. But, my dear friend, now I have assumed the gravity, and arrayed myself in the imposing dignity, of the judge, I must proceed to try you with impartiality; and though I shall listen with patience to all you can urge in your defence, yet I am resolved that the emotions of friendly attachment shall not interfere with the sterner justice of my judicial character.

You may possibly be led to suspect that I shall not be sufficiently disinterested; that I

am attached to the peculiar habits of my own life, and therefore censure those of others which do not agree with them. But, whilst I am willing to acknowledge that a long-continued course in any particular line of conduct serves to strengthen our prejudices in its favour, I would at the same time remind you, that if that course were originally adopted upon the convictions of our judgment and the dictates of our conscience, a perseverance in it ought to increase its importance, and to render our testimony of superior value and greater weight. And when in addition to this it is found, that this course resulted from a thorough persuasion of the error of that which had been abandoned, and was continued on a contrast of the benefits of the one with the evils of the other, it surely can be no objection, that the party who recommends, possesses all the knowledge which experience affords; whilst the party who opposes. labours under all the disadvantages which inexperience occasions.

But I really feel that I am now doing you an injustice, in believing for one moment that

you can seriously defend the indolent and pernicious habit to which I have alluded. An excuse, is surely all you will attempt to urge; and even this I would not admit, if you should venture it. I must in your case pronounce it inexcusable: and while as a friend I so deeply regret that you should be daily committing what appears to me a very culpable fault, I am also anxious that you should partake of the pleasures, and share with myself the advantages, which the practice of early rising affords. But, if you should be inclined to adduce any extenuating circumstances, I feel so confident of the high ground on which I stand, that I shall not only be happy to meet them, but must anticipate your complete surrender to my opinions. And should that surrender of the judgment lead to a corresponding change in the conduct, I shall rejoice; and I am sure you will not regret that I ever directed your attention to the subject..

But though I did not begin with an apology, I will end with one. I am intruding upon your valuable time: to the writer it is not of

so much importance, as he has most likely lived, and thought, and moved, and acted, two or three hours more to-day than you have; but, to the reader who has lost those precious hours, the engagements of the day are more than sufficient for the extent of its duration.

Adieu.