A KITE had been sick a long time; and finding there were no hopes of recovery, begged of his mother to go to all the churches and religious houses in the country, to try what prayers and promises would effect in his behalf. The old Kite replied: "Indeed, dear Son, I would willingly undertake any thing to save your life, but I have great reason to despair of doing you any service in the way you propose: for, with what face can I ask any thing of God in favour of one, whose whole life has been a continued scene of rapine and injustice, and who has not scrupled, upon occasion, to rob the very altars themselves?"

REFLECTION.

The perusal of this fable almost unavoidably draws our attention to that very serious and important point,

the consideration of a death-bed repentance. And, to expose the absurdity of relying upon such a weak foundation, we need only ask the same question with the Kite in the fable: how can he, that has offended God all his life-time by doing acts of dishonour and injustice, expect, that he should be pleased with him at last, for no other reason but because he fears he shall not be able to offend him any longer; when, in truth, such a repentance can signify nothing, but a confirmation of his former impudence and folly? For sure no stupidity can exceed that of the man, who expects a future judg ment, and yet can bear to commit any piece of injustice, with a sense and deliberation of the fact.

AN earthen Pot and one of brass, standing together upon the river's brink, were both carried away by the flowing in of the tide. The earthen Pot shewed some uneasiness, as fearing he should be broken; but his companion of brass bid him be under no apprehensions, for that he would take care of him. O! replies the other, keep as far off as ever you can, I intreat you; it is you I am most afraid of: for, whether the stream dashes you against me, or me against you, I am sure to be the sufferer; and therefore, I beg of you, do not let us come near one another.

REFLECTION.

A man of a moderate fortune, who is contented with what he has, and finds he can live happily upon it, should take care not to hazard and expose his felicity,

D

by consorting with the great and the powerful. People of equal conditions may float down the current of life without hurting each other; but it is a point of some difficulty to steer one's course in the company of the great, so as to escape without a bulge. One would not choose to have one's little country-box situated in the neighbourhood of a very great man; for whether I ignorantly trespass upon him, or he knowingly incroaches upon me, I only am like to be the sufferer. neither entertain, nor play with him, upon his own terms; for that which is moderation and diversion to him, in me would be extravagance and ruin.

I can

THE MILLER, HIS SON, AND THEIR ASS.

A MILLER and his Son were driving their Ass to market, in order to sell him: and that he might get thither fresh and in good condition, they drove him on gently before them. They had not proceeded far, when they met with a company of travellers. Sure, say they, you are mighty careful of your Ass: methinks one of you might as well get up and ride, as suffer him to walk on at his ease, while you trudge after on foot. In compliance with this advice, the Old Man set his Son upon the beast. And now, they had scarce advanced a quarter of a mile farther, before they met another company. You idle young rogue, said one of the party, why don't you get down, and let your poor father ride? Upon this, the Old Man made his Son dismount, and got up himself. While they were marching in this manner, a third company began to insult the Father.