some mitigation of our duty, and some more easy means of obtaining the same end. We then relax our vigour, and resolve no longer to be terrified with crimes at a distance but rely upon our own constancy, and venture to approach what we resolve never to touch. We thus enter the bowers of ease, and repose in the shades of security. Here the heart softens, and vigilance subsides; we are then willing to enquire whether another advance can not be made, and whether we may not, at least, turn our eyes upon the gardens of pleasure. We approach them with scruple and hesitation; we enter them, but enter timorous and trembling; and always hope to pass through them without losing the road of virtue, which, for a while, we keep in our sight, and to which we purpose to return. But temptation succeeds temptation, and one compliance prepares us for another; we in time lose the happiness of innocence, and solace our disquiet with sensual gratifications. By degrees, we let fall the remembrance of our original intention, and quit the only adequate object of rational desire. We entangle ourselves in business, immerge ourselves in luxury, and rove through the labyrinths of inconstancy; till the darkness of old age begins to invade us, and disease and anxiety obstruct our way. We then look back upon our lives with horror, with sorrow, with repentance; and wish, but too often vainly wish, that we had not forsaken the ways of virtue. Happy are they, my son, who shall learn from thy example, not to de

spair; but shall remember, that, though the day. is past, and their strength is wasted, there yet remains one effort to be made that reformation is never hopeless, nor sincere endeavours ever unassisted; that the wanderer may at length return after all his errors; and that he who implores strength and courage from above, shall find danger and difficulty give way before him. DR. JOHNSON.

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APPENDIX.

THERE are several specimens of composition, which, from their nature cannot be reduced to the structure of a theme. Narratives, descriptions, and familiar letters, are of this character. There are also many choice specimens of writing, which, although of a class that generally admits such an arrangement; yet have the distinct parts so ingeniously interwoven as to render the separation of them from each other very difficult.

That students and tutors may have an opportunity of examining such instances of composition, this appendix is made.

I know it has been said that narrative is the easiest mode of writing. I am not anxious to conceal that my opinion is directly otherwise ; and as I have never seen any practicable rule for commencing a narrative, I am the more inclined to continue my opinion. In subjects for discussion there is always a distinct point upon which the mind is immediately fixed; and clear and practical precepts, if precepts.

were necessary, would direct the understanding to that point, But in the beginning of a narrative it is extremely difficult to determine at which of the circumstances that form the account, the interest and perspicuity of the relation commences. I think, however, it is a very good practice for young persons, to take the out line of a story, and put it into their own language; and they should afterwards compare their composition with the same story as told by an approved writer. It is unnecessary to name suitable subjects. The discretion of teachers can best determine the examples which are adapted to the capacities of their scholars.

MAN.

Man, considered in himself, is a very helpless and a very wretched being. He is subject every moment to the greatest calamities and misfortunes. He is beset with dangers on all sides, and may become unhappy by numberless casualties, which he could not foresee, nor have prevented, had he foreseen them.

It is our comfort, while we are obnoxious to so many accidents, that we are under the care of one who directs contingencies, and has in his hands the management of every thing that is capable of annoying or offending us; who knows the assistance we stand in need of, and is always ready to bestow it on those who ask it of him.

The natural homage, which such a creature bears to so infinitely wise and good a being, is,

a firm reliance on him for the blessings and conveniences of life, and an habitual trust in him for deliverance out of all such dangers and difficulties as may befal us.

ADDISON.

'ACCOUNT OF THE EXECUTION OF KING CHARLES THE

FIRST.

The street before Whitehall was the place. destined for the execution for it was intended, by choosing that very place, in sight of his own palace, to display more evidently the triumph of popular justice over royal majesty. When the king came upon the scaffold, he found it so surrounded with soldiers, that he could not expect to be heard by any of the people he addressed, therefore his discourse to the few persons who were about him; particularly Colonel Tomlinson, to whose care he had lately been committed, and upon whom, as upon many others, his amiable deportment had wrought an entire conversion. He justified his own innocence in the late fatal wars, and observed that he had not taken arms till after the parliament had enlisted forces; nor had he any other object in his warlike operations than to preserve that authority entire, which his pedecessors had transmitted to him. He threw not, however, the blame upon the parliament; but was more inclined to think that ill instruments had interposed, and raised in them fears and jealousies with regard to his intentions. Though innocent towards his people, he acknowledged the equity of his execution in the eyes of his Maker; and ob