TO BEGINNERS IN LEARNING FOR THEIR PLEASURE AND

PROFIT.

ABILITY.

If any man minister, let him do it according to the ability which God giveth. 1 Peter, iv. 11.

No one but yourself knows what that which is in you can do,

you know till you have tried.

nor do

That which each can do best, none but his Maker can teach him.

The force of his own merit makes his way -
A gift that heaven gives.

Make one basket, make a hundred.

In consideration of the services he had rendered to his country Pittacus was offered an estate equally spacious and agreeable. The sage took a spear and threw it with all his might saying, “Give me so much.” “Why not accept the whole?" was the answer. “ Because a part is more useful.”

AFFECTION.

Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love. Rom. xii. 10.

Precious are the kind affections

Which around this life entwine,
Making Earth with all its troubles

Something more than half divine.

But alas! they fade and perish

Like the bright and fragrant flowers
Sorrow blights and death destroys them,

And their beauty time devours.

'Tis not so with those affections

That are set on heavenly things;
They will bloom and flourish ever,

Watered by Eternal springs;
Warmed by Everlasting sunshine,

Sheltered from the storms of Earth :
Ever growing and increasing,

Knowing nought of drought or dearth.

AFFLICTION.

Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now have I kept thy word. Psalm cxix. 67.

To bear affliction with a bended brow,
Or stubborn heart is but to disallow
The speedy means to health.

A life all ease is all abused ;

O precious grace that made the wise
To know affliction rightly used

Is mercy in disguise.

Affliction has a taste as sweet
As any cordial comfort.

AGE.

Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man. Lev. xix. 32.

The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness. Prov. xvi. 31.

I love to see a man forget

His blood is growing cold,
And leap or swim, or gather flowers

Oblivious of his gold ;
And mix with children in their sport

Nor think he's growing old.

I love to see the man of care

Take pleasure in a toy ;
I love to see him roam or ride

And tread the grass with joy,
Or hunt the flying cricket-ball

As lusty as a boy.

'Tis something, when the noon has passed,

To brave the touch of Time,
And say, "Good friend, thou harmest me not,

,
My soul is in its prime ;-
Thou canst not chill my warmth of heart;

I carol while I climb.”

AID.

Work out your own salvation, for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to do. Philippians, ü. 12.

He swims at ease who is held up by his chin.

H