unfathomable abyss-it discovers something more admirable still. Though not infinite, it feels almost able to grasp infinity. The thought that nothing less than the infinite can excel its attributes, leads at once to that Omnipotence, which has created the universe and itself.
Most sublime and ennobling of thoughts! intellect can reach no higher pinnacle than a faint appreciation of a Providence that guides the spheres in their circles, while it directs and governs the impulses of the mind which contemplates them. This elevating conception, the basis of all religion and all virtue, youth should never be permitted to forget. It should abide with them and guide their steps-like the visible sign of the Omnipotent in the desert-their cloud by day and their fire by night.
Another important task of the teacher, is to prepare the youth for the duties of the citizen. It is difficult to select a single idea, as prominent in this connection,-but, if a choice must be made-we would say the pupil should be educated not to be a scrambler for office. He should be taught that patriotism consists in devotion to the interests of the country and not to his own. INCULCATE THE LESSON OF SELF-DEPENDENCE. Teach youth to look to their industry for support-to
skill in their respective arts, and proficiency in their chosen professions. Teach them that a life spent in office-seeking is a servitude, unworthy of freemen and more degrading than subsistence by the labor of their hands. Proficiency and success in their own business, will not disqualify them from attention to that of the public. If the peculiar talent of conducting the affairs of the country exists, it will be discovered, and be assured it will not be the less valued, from being discovered by others. In time of your country's dangerwhen bold hearts and strong arms are needed for the fiery strife-then without waiting for solicitation, you may rush to the field. But if it shall be your fortune to do your country good service— look not for other reward than an honored name -the richest inheritance of the patriot to his children.
"Who shall decide, when parsons disagree," If there be Hell for an eternity,
Or other place of short duration, where
The souls of sinners for Heaven must prepare?
How can one know who cannot Hebrew speak-
Translate the Syriac, Chaldee, or the Greek?
How find the truth when learned parsons tell,
"That there's a valley which we call a Hell"-
"That Hell in fact, is mental grief and woe
For wicked deeds committed here below?"
When either side is urged with such skill
It leads to doubts, and doubts lead further still;
For the unlearned will surely pause and say—
"Tis clear to me they prove it either way.”
Grant Hell be short, or never ending pain,
What is't to man-what profit or what gain?
If we believe God made it as He should,
We'll take it as it is and know it good;
For all His works, by every soul confessed,
Are made in wisdom, and made for the best.
And why should He reveal His every plan
And all His wise intentions show to man;
Whether this Hell shall everlasting be-
Shall last an hour, or an eternity?
And why suppose that certain rules must guide
The hand that could the foaming deep divide?
If He doth please, He surely hath the power
To damn for ever, or but for an hour.
And can the preachers show, or will they plead
That this is not the way he does proceed?
If they cannot, their wrangling let them cease
Or teach but what they prove, or hold their peace.
Nor waste their time in mere surmise and doubt
Concerning things that they know nought about;
For there is want of knowledge and of light
When each can prove the other is not right.
One learned man by every one confessed,
Declares that all shall finally be blessed,
While one as learned, whose head with lore is cram
Declares that some shall certainly be damned-
Be damned for ever-world without an end-
In burning flames shall countless ages spend.
The first by way of proof, doth here maintain,
"That evil deeds bring retributive pain,
As cause precedes effect," and argues well:
"That it is true the Bible mentions Hell;
That an effect doth follow every cause
Is true-for it is one of Nature's Laws;
And plain that guilt must rack an erring mind
For here the cause and the effect we find."
And this plain way of reasoning is the true,
Nor learning needs the Scriptures to construe,
But leads the mind so easily along,
The wayfarer, though fool, cannot go wrong.
If Gospel truths require such mighty lore
How can plain men their mysteries explore?
How learn the truth, or entertain a hope
To know what's literal, and what's a trope?
Upon their preachers they cannot depend
For any light, who strive but to defend
The dogmas they themselves do entertain,
Which if they prove at all are proved in vain.
For when the learned dispute about a word,
A Hebrew adjective, how shall the herd
Of common men the truth select and weigh?
This don't instruct, but leads the mind astray.
Then, since 'tis clear to men of every clime
That retribution ever follows crime-
For that is shown by nature's settled laws―
That woe is the effect where guilt's the cause;
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