ver be guilty of a crime, because we now shrink from the thought of it; but rather, if we find that we have not resolution to resist the small temptations of the present moment, let us remember that we are in the high road to vice, although as yet but at its commencement. It is presumption and ignorance of ourselves to imagine, that the power of resistance will increase with the strength of temptation. By such selfdeception, some once promising characters have become the tyrants and scourges of society: from their examples we should learn, “when we think we stand, to take heed lest we fall."

But if so much improvement may be derived from the history of bad men, and of others who have eminently possessed "the wisdom of this world," how much more profitable must it be to study the lives of those who became "wise unto salvation," who were good and great in the truest sense of the words? Our libraries are richly furnished with such profitable records; and the young reader is amply supplied with animating accounts of those of his own age, who had the courage to " come out and be separate" from a vain world. But are we not too apt to read the lives of eminent Christians with the same feeling of distance, as those of heroes and philosophers? as though the higher attainments of holiness were as much beyond our reach, as the gifts of genius. This is a common, but lamentable mistake, proceeding not from humility, but indolence. Although perseverence and industry will in a great degree supply the want of great abilities, yet genius, it must be acknowledged, is so far a gift of nature, that it cannot be acquired by our own

endeavours; but this is not the case with regard to "the wisdom which is from above." Hence Christian biography is all encouragement; and it is only sinful sloth which tempts us to say, "I can never hope to make such attainments in religion as others." Here ambition is sanctified; and here to be contented with mediocrity, is dangerous indeed. By what means, does it appear, that these "burning and shining lights" arrived at such eminence in their profession! were they not such as are in the power of every reader, however humble in station, mean in intellect, or young in years?—is it not invariably by watchfulness and diligence, by self denial, fervent prayer, and giving up the world;-in other words, by being deeply in earnest in religion, that these 'best gifts' are attained? Let us not then merely envy the attainments of those we read of, but with a holy ambition resolve to emulate their graces. There is no obstacle in the way but our own unwillingness. It is true, that, like every other good, this degree of growth in grace must be given from above; but this surely is not a hindrance, but the highest possible advantage. "He giveth more grace" to those who desire more; and they who ask "will assuredly receive." To young readers, the encouragements and inducements are especially great because their course is but beginning, and it is yet for them to determine in what way to direct it; now they may either become like stars of the first magnitude, or sink to the level of those common, careless, doubtful characters, who live in worldliness, and die without comfort. Closely connected with this subject is that deVOL. I.

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partment of religious reading, which has proved. very edifying to many, and with which our young readers are frequently presented; we refer to obituaries. In reading the lives of individuals, we observe various situations wherein they are placed, in which it is highly improbable we shall ever follow them. But in accounts of the deaths of our fellow creatures, we are intimately interested; since it is a scene through which we must certainly ourselves pass: and to read such records without a deep, thoughtful impression of that fact, is folly indeed. We too, must die; and as we know not how soon, it behoves us immediately to inquire what reason there is to suppose that we should enjoy the same tranquillity and hope on a dying pillow, as we frequently read of. The agonizing doubts of a death-bed repentance, call loudly to those yet in health, to "remember their Creator before those evil days come." While the cheerful hope of those whose youthful and healthful days were devoted to him

-whom sickness and death found "watching," should stimulate us to "be also ready;" especially as the many early deaths that are continually recorded, prove, that we know not at what hour the angel of death may come; with some it is "at cock-crowing and in the morning."

VIII.

EVERY MAN HIS OWN FORTUNE-TELLER.

THERE is a strong propensity in the human mind to look forward to distant years, and to

penetrate the secrets of futurity. This desire in the minds of the vulgar and ignorant, has given rise to the foolish and wicked practice of consulting pretended fortune-tellers. In these enlightened days, I have little fear that any of my readers should wish to have recourse to such absurd and sinful means of information; and yet as it is very likely they may sometimes feel curiosity respecting their future destiny, they will I hope listen to the plan I have to propose ; which, without incurring either guilt or disgrace, will enable them, each for himself, to foretel with considerable accuracy, what they may have to expect in future life.

To prevent disappointment, I here candidly confess, that I do not pretend to enable them to divine the amount of their fortunes,-what connexions they may form,-in what parts they may reside, nor at what period they will die: nor do I regret this; nor need they; since these are circumstances which it is better for us not to know beforehand but, with regard to things of still greater importance than these, such as the degree of success and of happiness they may reasonably expect in their undertakings and situations in the world, they will find the proposed method may be depended on.

I shall, then, suppose myself to be consulted by a number of young persons, wishing to be initiated in my secret; but they will not find me commencing my instructions with any mystical ceremony, nor pronouncing any unintelligible charm. I do not even wish to examine the palms of their hands; although I may perhaps take the

liberty to notice the expression of their faces; all I require is, some insight into their present characters and past conduct.

Suppose one of them, for instance, should appear to be a lad of an indolent inactive disposition; to whom learning and exertion, whether of body or mind, was always irksome and burdensome, performed as a task, and by compulsion; he is looking forward anxiously to the time when coercion will cease, and when he shall be free from the necessity of exertion.-In this case, I do not hesitate to shake my knowing head, and in the technical language of my profession, to pronounce bad luck to him. I need not ask, nor can I guess, what may be his line of business, nor what the extent of his capital; but I can foretell, with great confidence, that he will be neither successful, respectable, nor happy. That when restraints are removed, and he is thrown upon himself, life will be burthensome to him; and that it will, very probably, end in poverty and disgrace.

I shall suppose my next applicant to be a gay young lady, desirous of knowing how soon she shall be her own mistress, and how large her fortune will be; as she is in want of a thousand things that she is not allowed to purchase: she is very partial to jewels and laces, and to all that is showy and expensive; and wishes extremely to be able to gratify her desires. Here again, I could augur no good; so many husbands and fathers have been ruined by expensive wives and daughters, for "as poor Richard says, silks and satins put out the kitchen fire," that what could I see in her destiny, but bills and bailiffs, a hus