and observations, in such a way as to communicate a distinct account of emulation to all who shall read his essay. Where are the materials to be found? His first recourse would probably be to authors who have treated of emulation, from whom he might take what serves his purpose. But he is instructed that there is a nearer and much more fertile source, which will furnish him with materials, providing he seek for them in the proper way. And what is that source? His own mind, working upon the materials which he already possesses. Let him put the question to himself, What is emulation? Here let him recollect the early scenes in which this feeling was first excited. On the verge of childhood, he must remember the language used in amusements, 'I can do this, and you cannot,' 'I shall be at that mark before you.' He may have, perhaps, read the beautiful description of Gray, in the distant prospect of Eton College: Who, foremost, now delights to cleave Or the description of the Trojan games, in the sixth book of the Eneid. He may recollect that, when at school, he contended for the first place in his class, or may be now contending for the first prize at college. Upon the recollection of these scenes, and from associated feelings which exist in his mind, he is in some sort prepared to answer the question, What is ' emulation?' A desire and endeavor to excel others, to be the first in any competition." "From whence proceeds, or what excites this desire and endeavor? From obtaining an object first, which other competitors wish to possess. Is it the intrinsic value of the object of competition? No;-it may be a sprig of laurel, —a palm-branch, -a fox's tail,- -a medal of little value, a book, a seat of preferment or of honor. From what, then, does the object receive its value? It is the circumstance of obtaining it before other competitors. And what is it that gives such value to the being first in the competition? It is the presence of many spectators and admirers. It is their reflected praise, which animates the competitors, which makes the breast of the student palpitate when he receives the prize. Let the competition take place in a desert, where there are no spectators, the charm is dissolved, and the competitors walk over the course without pleasure or expectation." Again, what are the effects of emulation? When this principle operates with full effect, and under control of virtue and honor, it produces vigorous conflict, persevering exertion, contempt of difficulties and dangers, increasing hopes, eager expectations, and, in the moments of success, exquisite delight. The student may have a clearer view of this generous and energetic feeling, by turning his attention to the histories of great characters and great events, and distinguishing emulation from the effects of other feelings not unfrequently associated with it. He will thus be enabled to draw a line of distinction between it and its collaterals, ambition and fame. These fix upon the possession of their objects without any view of competition, or of the means by which they may be obtained, whereas the pleasures of emulation spring from the love of excellence and superiority." The experience of competitions, in which the student has been engaged, or of those which he has observed, will suggest to him, that emulation in its purest form can only take place where the prize is won by the personal exertions of the individual. When any undue means are used to obtain it, or any obstacle indirectly thrown in the way of a rival con. petitor, the generous flame of emulation is extinguished, and a mear degrading spirit is substituted in its place. One would think that the mortification which the student must suffer, when he receives a priz which he is conscious he did not deserve, should dispose him to reject it as altogether unworthy of his acceptance. The student cannot have for gotten the manner in which the friendly stratagem of Nisus, in favor of Euryalus, was received by the other competitors at the celebration of the Trojan games." "An enlarged view should be taken of the field of competition. Tha field may be called up by the imagination. The person in whom the true spark of emulation is kindled, may imagine himself placed upon the same arena with the competitors of other centuries and other ages. Virgil en deavored to rival the fame of Homer, and Cicero that of Demosthenes When Cæsar passed the statue of Alexander, he is said to have burst into tears, because the Macedonian had surpassed him in military achieve ments. When ambition and emulation are conjoined in the same character occupied in similar exploits, it requires some discrimination to determine what belongs to each." This sketch, of course, is not intended as a specimen of a simple theme on emulation, but merely as a general outline of the materials, with the view of pointing out to the student the course he should take to find them. He has only to embrace the subject of the theme closely, to apply to his own mind for light and knowledge, to press himself with interrogatories relative to his demands, - to follow the natural associations of things, and he will soon find materials enough, and arrive at much information which he could not otherwise have conceived to be within his reach. The concluding step is to select from these materials, and to arrange them according to the particular end he has in view. If this part of his work be rightly performed, he will not find much difficulty in suitably expressing what he clearly and distinctly knows.” [A list of subjects for Exercises will be found in the last article, under the head of Regular Subjects.] If the course thus laid down by Mr. Jardine for the management of themes, be found too loose or too difficult, the student may follow the more mechanical one of Mr. Walker. His course for regular subjects or simple themes has already been given. The following is his course, with regard to themes in general: * After the Theme or Truth is laid down, the Proof consists of the following parts: 1st. The Proposition or Narrative; where we show the meaning of the Theme, by amplifying, paraphrasing, or explaining it more at large. It will be noticed that Mr. Walker designates simple themes as Regular Subjects; while he embraces, under the term of Theme, those only which in general are called complex themes. This accords with his definition of a theme, which he says is the "proving of some truth." 2d. The Reason; where we prove the truth of the Theme by some reason or argument. 3d. The Confirmation; where we show the unreasonableness of the contrary opinion; or, if we cannot do that, we try to bring some other reason in support of the former. 4th. The Simile; where we bring in something in nature or art, similar to what is affirmed in our Theme, for illustrating the truth of it. 5th. The Example; where we bring instances from History to corroborate the truth of our Theme. 6th. The testimony or Quotation; where we bring in proverbial sentences or passages from good authors, which show that others think as we do. 7th. The Conclusion; when we sum up the whole and show the practical use of the Theme, by concluding with some pertinent observations. Example. TOO MUCH FAMILIARITY GENERALLY BREEDS CONTEMPT. Proposition. There is no observation more generally true than that our esteem of a person seldom rises in proportion to our intimacy with him, Reason. Such is the general disguise men wear, that their good qualities commonly appear at first, and their bad ones are discovered by degrees; and this gradual discovery of their * The rules are thus versified by Mr. Walker The Proposition, the Reason, the Confirmation, tne Simile, the Example, the Testimony, and the Conclusion. The Theme at large the Proposition gives, And the same thought in other words conceives. The Reason shows the Proposition true, failings and weaknesses, must necessarily lessen our opinion of them. Confirmation. It is the nature of man to have a high opinion of any excellence he is not fully acquainted with: he is prone to imagine it much greater than it really is; and therefore when it becomes thoroughly known, the expectation is at an end, and the good qualities which we at first admired, having no longer the recommendation of novelty, become not only less striking, but often produce indifference and contempt. Simile.. As the frogs in the fable were at first terrified by the noise of the falling of the log which Jupiter threw down into the lake for their king, but by degrees became so familiar with their wooden monarch as to despise it; so kings have often found by mixing too familiarly with their subjects, and masters by being too free with their servants, that they have lost their importance in proportion to their condescension. Example. James the First, King of England, was a man of considerable learning, and had as few bad qualities as the generality of his subjects; but, by jesting with his attendants, and descending to childish familiarity with them, scarcely any King of England was held in greater contempt. Testimony. A celebrated teacher has said that young people cannot be too much on their guard against falling into too great familiarity with their companions; for they are sure to lose the good opinion of those with whom they are familiar. Conclusion. It may, therefore, be laid down, as confirmed by reason and experience, that nothing requires greater caution in our conduct, than our behaviour to those with whom we are most intimate. The necessity of Exercise. Exercises. The proper use of Amusements. On Laudable Exertion. The importance of a good character. The Folly of Dissipation. Want of Piety arises from the want of sensibility. The importance of Hospitality and the civilities of common life Religion consistent with true politeness. On the pleasures of Conversation. The dignity of virtue amid corrupt examples. The duties and pleasures of Reflection. The obligations of Learning to the Christian Religion. On Decency as the only motive of our apparent virtucs. The importance of the government of temper. The value of the art of printing. The baneful effects of Indulgence. The influence of the Great. The Beauty and Happiness of an open behaviour and an ingenuous Disposition. The utility of religious ceremonies. A good heart necessary to enjoy the beauties of nature. The wisdom of aiming at perfection. Family Disagreements the frequent cause of immoral conduct. The selfishness of men of the world. The necessity of Temperance to the health of the mind. Advantages of music as a recreation. Necessity of attention to things as well as books. The influence of fashion. An honorable death preferable to a degraded life. LXVII. ABSTRACTS. An abstract is a summary, or epitome, containing the substance, a general view, or the principal heads of a treatise or writing. The taking of abstracts from sermons, speeches, essays, &c. is an exercise which the student will find exceedingly useful in the cultivation of habits of attention, as well as of analysis. In writing abstracts, it is not necessary to endeavor to recall the exact language of the original, the purpose of the exercise is fully subserved, if the principal idea be recorded Example. ON DIVERSIONS. It is generally taken for granted, by most young people of fortune, that diversion is the principle object of life; and this opinion is often carried to such an excess, that pleasure seems to be the great ruling principle which directs all their thoughts, words, and actions, and which makes all the serious duties of life heavy and disgusting. This opinion, however, is no less absurd than unhappy, as may be shown by taking the other side of the question, and proving that there is no pleasure and enjoyment of life without labor. The words commonly used to signify diversion are these three, namely, relaxation, amusement, and recreation; and the precise meaning of these words may lead us to very useful instruction. The idea of relaxation is taken from a bow, which must be unbent when it is not wanted to be used, |