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popular; and a liberal education is far more frequently sought and obtained. It is an undoubted fact that the number of those, who are now shaping their course for the high walks of science and literature, is far greater than in any former period. Nor can it be denied that there is now a general and rapid progress in the improvement of every useful art and science. The young, therefore, in order to acquit themselves with honor and advantage, should wake up to useful inquiries, take fast hold of instruction, and make laudable calculations to move with the general current, and rise with the rising tide of improvement. It is true, indeed, that a college education is within the reach of but comparatively few; nevertheless, such are the facilities which this enlightened age and country offer, that every youth who feels himself disposed, may acquire that variety of information which will eaable him to pass the career of life reputably for himself, and beneficially for his fellow men. Nor is there any want of those motives and inducements, which are proper and justifiable, to influence those, for whose benefit this paper is principally designed. Let the young soberly look forward, consider the rapid movement of time, and see one generation passing away, while they themselves are coming up in their stead. In the place of the father will soon be the son. In the place of the

teacher will soon be the scholar. In place of the many, who are, in general, now active in the concerns of societies, towns, cities, countries, and churches, will soon be the rising generation. What high and solemn responsibilities await the young! Let them make timely and answerable exertions to sustain the same with honor to themselves, with benefit to their fellow mortals, and with the approbation of him whose favor is life.

Permit me, Mr. Editor, to inform you that I am gratified in perusing the Monitor, and deem it a seasonable and promising work. It deserves encouragement and patronage. It conveys rich portions of solid, interesting, and appropriate instruction to that class of readers, for whose benefit it is chiefly designed. You will rest in the assurance, that it ever gives me pleasure to encourage a publication which promises to exert a salutary influence.

T. S.

[For the Monitor.}

BIOGRAPHICAL READING.

THE trite maxim that "a man is known by the company he keeps," is replete with instruction. To associate familiarly with others, and remain wholly unaffected by such intercourse is impossible. But, our favorite authors have no less influence in forming our characters, than our intimate associates. By the former, as well as the latter, a colouring is given to our tempers, our thoughts, our reasoning, our conduct, and our habits. But no reading engraves more deeply on our characters its own impress, than Biographical. To say that in choosing books of this kind, we should select the history of the good and great, is therefore superfluous. In perusing such, however, caution is necessary.

To reap the greatest benefit from biographical read ing, we must keep in mind both the advantages, which it may bring, and the dangers, to which it will expose Let it be understood that the books of which I now speak are the best of their kind-the history of great and good men.

us.

The advantages of such reading will first be exhibited. It enlarges our acquaintance with the human character in general, and our own in particular. The grand features of character are the same in all men. Varieties indeed there are, and shades of difference not less numerous than the individuals, which compose our species: yet all these varieties may be reduced to a few general features. Their peculiar form and the circumstances which render any one of them prominent, gives to each man his peculiar character. That ambition is a trait of character peculiar to Cæsar, Cromwell, or Buonaparte no man would attempt to mintain. That it rose in these instances to an uncommon height will be conceded by all. But this passion is found (being depraved, as all men are) in the breast of every human being. By tracing the lineaments of character exhibited in the history of any individual, we are led to compare him with ourselves. In this way, we are greatly

assisted in ascertaining what is our own character. We are put upon examination, and notice things, which before had never distinctly come under observation. We begin to form some definite conceptions respecting our characters. If there are excellencies, we perceive them, and learn in what they consist. Faults and defects are exposed, and traced back to their source. Circumstances which have conduced to strengthen and perpetuate evil habits, are discovered. We notice more readily, and see more clearly, our own faults by contrasting them with the good qualities of the person, whose biography we are perusing.

The effect of this is to produce humility; which is another advantage to be gained by reading Biography.

When the excellencies of good men pass before our minds, we are made to feel our inferiority and worthlessness. Their attainments in piety, the strength and permanency of their Christian principle, makes us ashamed of the inconstancy and weakness of our pious affection, and the tardiness of our progress in the Christian course. Who can read of the zeal, the activity, the fortitude, the self-denial, the holy fervour, the unremitted labours of Zeigenbalg, of Eliot, of Brainerd, of Buchanan, and Martyn, and not sicken at the contrast which his own character will furnish? Who does not blush at his own indolence, when he learns how much has been accomplished by the persevering industry of Watts, Doddridge, Baxter, Edwards, Scott, and many others of a kindred spirit? By their valuable productions-the fruit of their Christian diligence while on earth, they are now doing, and will continue to do for ages, more good than can be estimated.

How low in his own estimation does a man sink in comparison with such bright examples! He shrinks away to nothing. He is lost. His life appears a blank. If he was ever before disposed to think highly of himself, he is now ashamed of that very thought. He knows (for he sees that it has been done by others), that incomparably more good might have been accomplished in a given time. This reflection prostrates

him in deep humiliation. But may we expect that, under this impression, he will sink down in despair and total inactivity? Will he be so sensible of his weakness as never to make another effort to exert the little strength which he may have? By no means. The contrary will be the effect.

He will be aroused to greater activity, he will put forth a mightier effort.

Having discovered his defects, and having them brought distinctly before him by contrast, he immediately engages in the work of reform. The example of others encourages him. Men, like himself, have been instrumental of accomplishing great good. He is inspired by hope. What he is about to undertake is possible, is practicable. Strenuous, persevering effort is indeed necessary, but certain success will follow. That such has been the effect of biographical reading, in a multitude of instances, cannot be controverted.

It is impossible to say how great an influence the reading of Brainerd's life had in forming the missionary character of Martyn. It is most evident that it gave a powerful impulse to his mind, and greatly strengthened his resolution to wear out his life in missionary labours. And, who can estimate the amount of good, which has resulted, and is to result, from the reading of Martyn's own life? No Christian can arise from its perusal without being fired with new zeal and gathering new strength. His heart will melt into greater tenderness and commiseration for perishing sinners, and glow with a more intense desire for their salvation. His conviction of the necessity of making vigorous exertions to increase in personal holiness will be greatly heightened. This conviction will be followed by corresponding efforts.

To be continued.

[For the Monitor.]

A DIALOGUE BETWEEN HELEN AND ELIZA.

Helen. I am happy to see you, dear Eliza, and hope you have come to pass the afternoon with me.

Eliza. No, Helen, I am going to the Reading and Working Society, and called for you to accompany me. Helen. O dear, does it meet to day? I had entirely forgotten it, and cannot possibly go.

Eliza. Don't say so---it is a long time since you have attended, and we greatly need your assistance.

Helen. Well, I really wish I could go, but 'tis impossible. See here; I must finish this gown before I sleep.-To-morrow evening I am to be a wedding guest, and this very gown I intend to wear.

Eliza. But surely, cousin, you have others.—I hope you will not let this prevent you from going. We have much work in our society basket now, and the young ladies are so negligent about attending, we have not had more than four or five for several weeks past.

Helen. No more? Are there not above forty who belong to the Society?

Eliza There are; yet since it is no longer a novelty, they are extremely indifferent. They all have some excuse to be sure for non-attendance; yet it is evident that want of inclination is the real cause. Last week I called on several and invited their attendance. One had forgotten the day, and was pre-engaged; another had work to do at home; and a third had a severe headach; but afterwards, I was told, she walked two miles to a singing-school.

Helen. Well, don't be uncharitable, cousin; it is sometimes very inconvenient to attend. Some of the members live at a distance, and all have not so much time at command as you have.

Eliza. I know it all, and am willing to make every reasonable allowance. It is true that some of the ladies are at a distance from the place of meeting, and others, sometimes, have hindrances. Yet you know, notwithstanding all this, at a party of pleasure there is no difficulty in collecting a company of forty or fifty; whereas if we have a dozen at a society meeting, we congratulate ourselves, and speak of it as a thing quite out of common course; and so indeed it is. Besides, it is not unfrequent that these, parties are invited on the same day of our meetings, and by members of the soci

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