magic wand, it in a moment subverts all those ideas of beauty, elegance, and propriety, we had before cherished. Unwilling to renounce our title to rationality, unable to resist the power of fashion, we make every attempt to reconcile reason with absurdity, and in numberless instances, attempt to vindicate to ourselves and others this novel affection. "I had rather," said Alphonsus, King of Arragon," excel my subjects in my behaviour, than in purple garments." No. 73.] HUMANITY. [WEDNESDAY. We HUMANITY is the concern men feel for the human species in general; it is just we should have a superior tenderness for domestic relations; but there is a sort of affection which we owe to all mankind, as being members of the same family, of which God is the Creator and Father. must not do to others what we would not have others to do to us. This is the golden rule for conduct. It determines what kind of treatment is forbidden, it prohibits every thing which were it done to ourselves would appear hard, barbarous, and cruel. No. 74.] JUSTICE. [THURSDAY. JUSTICE, in the general acceptation of the word, is that virtue, by which we render to God, our neighbour, and ourselves, that which is their due. It comprehends all our duties, and to be just, and to be virtuous, is the same thing. If we consider justice only as a principle of equity; we shall find it causes a rectitude of conduct, and excites us to render our species what in particular is due to it from every individual. Fidelity and truth are the foundation of justice. As to be perfectly just is an attribute of the divine nature, to be so to the utmost of our ability is the glory of man. No man is wise or safe but he that is honest. No. 75.] INCONTINENCE. [FRIDAY. LOVE produces the sweetest union, and the warmest friendships, the tenderest alliances, and the most amiable society: but it produces these happy effects only when it is under the government and direction of reason. Lust, is as a watchful thief, which seizes its prey, and lays snares for its own gratification; and its principal object being innocence, it never robs but it murders at the same time. Every vice and folly has a train of secret and necessary punishments linked to it. "On love of virtue reverence attends, No. 76.] ADMONITIONS. [SATURDAY. THE mercantile wisdom of "a penny saved is two-pence got," may be accommodated to all conditions, by observing, that not only they who pursue any lucrative employment will save time when they forbear expence, and that time may be employed to the increase of profit; but that they who are above such minute considerations, will find by every victory over appetite or passion, new strength added to the mind; will gain the power of refusing those solicitations by which the young and vivacious are hourly assaulted, and, in time, set themselves above the reach of extravagance and folly. No. 77.] OF BAPTISM. [SUNDAY. BAPTISM is not only a sign of profession, and mark of difference, whereby christian men are discerned from others that be not christened, but it is also a sign of regeneration or new birth, whereby, as by an instrument, they that receive baptism rightly are grafted into the church; the promises of forgiveness of sin, and of our adoption to be the sons of God by the Holy Ghost, are visibly signed and sealed; faith is confirmed, and grace increased by virtue of prayer unto God. No. 78.] GENEROSITY. [MONDAY. GENEROSITY is such an attachment to the interests of others, as leads us to sacrifice our own. Christian morality is true generosity. "If ye love them only who love you," says our Lord, "what reward have ye? But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you and persecute you." We must do justice, to escape the censure of the laws; but to be generous, we must do something more than the laws require. Though sometimes ill requited, it is always respected and admired; and is sure to be accompanied with a self satisfaction, which, in some measure, makes amends for the want of a suitable return. No. 79.] [TUESDAY. MAN FORMED BY NATURE FOR PEACE. To all other animals, the Almighty has given appropriate weapons of offence. The inborn violence of the bull, is seconded by his pointed horn. The rage of the lion by claws. On the wild boar are fixed terrible tusks. The elephant, is furnished with a proboscis, which he wields with dexterous and fatal agility. Chanticleer crows defiance, conscious of his spur: but there is nothing in the frame of man adapted to fighting or violence. His countenance is mild and placid, expressing by external signs the benignity of his disposition. His eyes are full of affectionate expression. He alone has the power of laughing. His voice is bland, soothing and friendly. Tears, the symbol of clemency and compassion, are peculiar to him; and on him alone is bestowed reason and the use of speech. No. 80.] ENGLISH PROVERBS. [WEDNESDAY. "HARM watch, harm catch." This is a trite adage, and intimates that malice, spite, and envy, are generally self-murderers; that to intend, study, or contrive any harm to our neighbours, will injure ourselves at last. He who prepares evil for another, prepares it for himself. "Hunger's the best sauce." This proverb is a severe satire against all unnecessary varieties, and delicacies of food, and dictates the best way of living in the world, with an injunction of temperance, health and frugality. "A lark is better than a kite." This proverb intimates, that things are not to be valued by their bulk, but according to their intrinsic worth and value. No. 81.] FLATTERY. [THURSDAY. In order that all men may be taught to speak |