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From the length of the preceding lessons, we have been obliged to omit many subjects which appeared interesting. We have preferred giving a few lessons at greater length, to offering a variety more shortly. Almost every object in the natural creation-multitudes of artificial objects, may be considered with benefit.

We would be allowed to repeat, that objects must be attentively examined, not slightly noticed, if we would enter into their peculiar qualities. From an attentive observation of a leaf, for instance, when held to the light, often might the mind be led to adore the wonderworking hand of God.*-When we consider the multitude of toys and vanities, which are too often made the first subjects of an infant's observation, we are tempted to express our full conviction that the infant, and the inquiring pupil, might be led to find continual, evervarying amusement in the simplest works of Creation, were their early instructors capable of rightly directing their attention.-Pebbles, shells, the multiplied varieties of plants, with their leaves and flowers, would gratify the unsophisticated taste of a child more than the gaudy, useless objects with which it is presented.

* In many a leaf, the rich, minute texture of its transparent veins will present to the feeling observer, an idea of the Creator's mind, which never could be conveyed by words. We have noticed some of these things, but we cannot too strongly call the reader to actual examination of them.

It is through early mismanagement, that the child loses its relish for simplicity, and acquires a sickly taste for the allurements of the world.

Several of the following subjects are intended, rather as heads for consideration, than as perfect lessons.

MISCELLANEOUS SUBJECTS.

CHARITY.

In what sense is the word Charity used in the New Testament? *

What is said by our Saviour, John xiii. 34? We will then, consider charity, as christian love.

Who are the subjects of a Christian's love? Will he love only his friends?

What exhortation does our Lord give, Matt. v. 44-48?

* Persons often call alms-giving charity-they put a part for the whole: alms-giving is only one branch of charity. A truly charitable person will be bountiful in alms-giving and in all the works connected with it-but we may give alms bountifully, and yet be uncharitable.-Observe that St. Paul (1 Cor. xiii.) speaks of alms-giving carried to a far greater extent, than any one practises it. He speaks of giving all one's goods to feed the poor; he goes farther--he supposes the sacrifice of life itself, and yet concludes that the person who would be thought a martyr to the cause of charity, may be destitute of its principle.

What is meant by the precept-" thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself?" See Luke x. 29-37.

Can we love God, if we do not love our neighbour? See 1 John iii. 16-18; iv. 7-11, 20, 21.

What rules of love are given by St. Paul, Rom. xii? (first clause of ver. 9; and verses 10, 13-21.)

What is charity or love called, Rom. xiii. 10? See also Gal. v. 14.

How is love the fulfilling of the law?

[In the primeval state of man, the law of love was the sole law of God. Man fulfilled this law by the instinct of his own perfect nature.--When he had fallen, a prohibitory law became necessary -he had lost the law of love written in his heart, and the violation of it must be repressed by outward statutes. In proportion as the soul is new-moulded, is restored to its original state, through regeneration and sanctification-in that proportion is the law of love again engraven on the heart, in that proportion does it again become the rule of man's life. To love God with all the heart, to love our neighbour perfectly, is to fulfil the primæval, the eternal law. The true love of man is inseparable from the love of God.]

Where do we read the most complete description of charity? [1 Cor. xiii.]

Let us endeavour to trace the principal features in the heavenly picture, and, as we pro

ceed, examine how far each is formed in our own heart.

Read verses 1, 2, 3. Observe that the most exalted gifts, the most splendid works, without charity, or true love, are nothing. Having insisted upon the worthlessness of other gifts and performances, having shewn in what Charity does not consist, the Apostle goes on to describe its characters.

Read verses 4-7. What is the first characteristic of charity? (the 1st clause of the 4th verse.)" Charity suffereth long"-Is this natural to us?

Do we know any thing of the charity which suffereth long?

What is the 2d character of charity? (2d clause of the 4th ver.)

How far is the principle of Envy extinct in our souls?

What is the 3d character of charity? (latter clause of the 4th ver.)

Self-love may often restrain us from outwardly vaunting"-but are we never inwardly "puffed up p?" Do we never assume external humility, and indulge internal self-complacency? True charity is "poor in spirit."

Tell me the 4th character of charity? (5th ver. 1st clause.)

Here we observe the outward deportment of charity-it is beautiful within, it never violates external propriety.

Read the 5th character of charity. (ver. 5, 2d clause.)

So far as charity prevails, selfishness is rooted up.-Love is the only principle which can extinguish self.

What is the 6th property of charity? (5th ver. 3d clause.)

By nature, we are" easily provoked:" pride and selfishness soon take alarm, and the evil fire is kindled. We have seen that it is the nature of charity to extinguish pride and selfishness. Charity is meek.

What is the 7th disposition of charity? (5th ver. last clause.)

Are we not apt to judge our brother? Do we never put the worst, instead of the best, construction on his actions?

Tell me the 8th property of charity. (ver. 6.) Do we never secretly rejoice at discovering evil in others? And do we not inwardly exalt ourselves, or think ourselves less guilty?-Do we rejoice when truth prospers; when others manifest it, of whatever condition, station, party they may be?

What is said of charity in the 7th verse? *

Charity "hopeth all things."-In moral and spiritual, as well as in the natural darkness, there are always some faint glimmerings of heaven: these, charity, like the diamond in the

* The word translated beareth, is of doubtful import-it may signify, concealeth, covereth, sheltereth. (1 Pet. iv. 8.)

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