SECTION II. PROVERBS. 1. Write a short illustration of the following Proverbs. MODEL. All is not gold that glitters. This proverb is of frequent and various application in the affairs of life, since nothing is more common than the disappointments that result from trusting too much to appearances. Regarding the subject with special reference to that kind of ostentation which displays itself in an unwarranted assumption of mental superiority, we find that such pretensions too frequently pass current. While real merit is modest and retiring, its counterfeit is generally arrogant and obtrusive. The mere presence of these opposite traits would therefore seem to afford a sufficient test for the discovery of the genuine metal, and the detection of the specious glitter; but multiplied and immemorial experience attests the ready preference accorded to the one, and the neglect or tardy acknowledgment of the other. Such, indeed, is the effect of a voluble assurance, that we too frequently yield to an impression in its favour which the modest dignity of conscious merit would disdain to court by similar means. The maxim is finely illustrated by the poet in the following lines: "How is the world deceived by noise and show! While, like some nobler stream, true knowledge glides, EXERCISES. 1. Better late than never. 2. Look before you leap. 3. A friend in need is a friend indeed. 4. A rolling stone gathers no moss. 5. Many a slip betwixt the cup and the lip. 6. Empty vessels make the greatest sound. 7. No rose without a thorn. 8. Strike while the iron is hot. 9. Prevention is better than cure. 10. A small spark makes a great fire. 11. Where there's a will there's a way. The burnt child dreads the fire. 12. 2. Write a short illustration of the following Scripture Proverbs. MODEL. Iron sharpeneth iron, so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend. Intercourse and conversation with our fellow-men, besides exercising an important influence on the moral character, are of great account in the improvement of the intellect. Meditation and study undoubtedly require the silence and retirement of the closet; but, if we would preserve the powers of the mind in due vigour and healthy tone, we must beware of contracting the habits of a recluse. Solitary reflection and seclusion from the world, when indulged in to excess, may sometimes be said to produce such effects on the mind as rust does upon iron, encrusting it with prejudices, and blunting or impairing some of its valuable faculties. Opinions which, adopted in privacy, have been allowed to slumber for a long time in undisturbed security, are often startled by a rude shock when brought to the ordeal of discussion, which places an argument in various points of view, exposes its defects, and sharpens the wits of those who may be engaged in defending or opposing it. In considering the proverb, however, we must not disregard the pleasure to be derived from cheerful conversation, and its beneficial effects on the spirits. How welcome, too, are the tones of friendship in danger or difficulty, and how soothing its voice in the time of trouble! Such are the circumstances in which we most readily yield to the counsels of our friend, and seek his assistance in brightening or sharpening the countenance. EXERCISES. 1. A soft answer turneth away wrath. 2. They that are whole need not a physician. 3. Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein. 4. Death and life are in the power of the tongue. 5. The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong. 6. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox with hatred therewith. 7. Faithful are the wounds of a friend. 8. The hand of the diligent maketh rich. 9. As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. 10. As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly. 11. There is that scattereth and yet increaseth, and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. 12. As in water face answereth to face, so the heart of man to man. SECTION III. PRECEPTS. 1. Write a short illustration of the following Precepts. MODEL. Judge not, that ye be not judged. A propensity to discover and exaggerate the failings of our neighbour, is one of the most ordinary forms of that selfishness which is too often so predominant in the human character; and many are the considerations which render it imperative upon us to be careful that we do not encourage it. Nothing is more likely to blind us entirely to our own imperfections than the habit of dexterously spying out and descanting upon the faults of others; while, at the same time, so far from thereby gaining credit or esteem, there is much greater probability that our statements will be regarded with suspicion, and ourselves with dislike. The world will be apt to conclude, and not without some reason, that a person who is so much occupied in censuring others, cannot have much time to bestow upon selfexamination; and it is not unlikely that the world may perform for him the duty that he has so much neglected. "He never has a good word to say of any one," is, indeed, an observation frequently applied to an industrious fault-finder; and the conclusion to which it leads is generally considered unfavourable to himself. As, besides, a censorious judgment is often too hastily formed, and consequently unfounded, the expression of it may be highly injurious to the feelings or the prospects of our neighbour; and this consideration also should seriously incline us to the indulgence of charitable sentiments towards him. But, above all, the severity with which the Great Author of our religion has, on various occasions, reproved the habit of judging our brother in a rash and uncharitable spirit, shows how strongly it must stand opposed to those virtues which constitute a truly Christian character; while the solemn warning conveyed in the words now before us, "Judge not, that ye be not judged," is equally instructive as to the ultimate consequences which may result from its indulgence. EXERCISES. 7. 8. 1. Let not the sun go down upon your wrath. 2. Honour yourself, and you will be honoured. 3. Do as you would be done by. 4. Listen not to all that is spoken. 5. Avoid extremes. 6. Deliberate slowly, execute promptly. Never put off till to-morrow what can be done to-day. Nip sin in the bud. 9. Be just before you are generous. 10. Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth. 11. Use pleasures moderately. 12. Condemn no man unheard SECTION IV. SUBJECTS FROM NATURE. 1. Write a short illustration of the following Adaptations. MODEL.-The Eyelids. Nature, in all its aspects, presents the most ample evidence of design, or adaptation of means to accomplish a certain end; but the most striking examples, perhaps, are to be found in the structure of the human frame. The more we contemplate the functions and uses of any part of it, the more we must admire and reverence the wisdom as well as the beneficence of the Creator. Let us examine, in illustration of these remarks, the various instances of contrivance and adaptation in the Eyelids. The office of these "fringéd curtains of the eye" being the protection of that wonderful organ from injury, we at once perceive that, in form, and in every other respect, they are perfectly adapted to their intended functions. When open, they are disposed in folds, which expand in such a manner as to envelop the eye completely when shut. They may thus, in point of design, be compared to window curtains, capable of being opened and closed at pleasure. The skin with which the eyelids are covered is unusually fine, thereby yielding with great facility to their almost incessant motion, which, again, is effected by means of certain muscles with which they are provided. The eyelids cover the eye during sleep, and at all times prevent it from being irritated or injured by particles flying about in the air. Closing with extraordinary rapidity, they protect it from any sudden glare of light; and their habitual and regular motions preserve it from the effects of continual exposure to the air. The necessity of such preservation will be sufficiently ap |