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and so to it they fell upon a velvet couch. The Country Mouse, who had never seen or heard of such doings before, bless'd herself at the change of her condition; when all on a sudden the doors flew open, and in comes a crew of noisy servants, to feast upon the dainties that were left. This put the poor mice to their wit's end how to save their lives; the stranger especially, who had never been in such danger before: but she made a shift, however, for the present to slink into a corner, where she lay trembling and panting till the company As soon as ever the house was quiet again, "Well! my Court Sister," says she, "if this be the sauce to your rich meats, I'll even back to my cottage and my mouldy cheese again; for I had much rather lie nibbling of crusts, without fear or hazard in my own hole, than be mistress of all the delicacies in the world, and subject to such terrifying alarms and dangers."

went away.

REFLECTION.

This fable shews the difference between a court and a country life: the delights, innocence, and security of the one, compared with the anxiety, voluptuousness, and hazards of the other.

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THE ASS, THE APE, AND THE MOLE.

AN Ass and an Ape were conferring on grievances. The Ass complained mightily for want of horns, and the Ape. was as much troubled for want of a tail. "Hold your tongues, both of you," says the Mole, "and be thankful for what you have; for the poor blind Moles are in a worse condition than either of you."

REFLECTION.

Since nature provides for the necessities of all creatures, and for the well-being of every one-in its kind; and since it is not in the power of any creature to make itself other that what by Providence it was designed to be; what a madness it is to wish ourselves other than what we are; and what we must continue to be! every atom of the creation has its place assigned: every creature has its proper figure, and there is no disputing with

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him that made it so. Why have I not this? and, why have I not that? are questions for a Philosopher of Bedlam to ask; and we may as well cavil at the motions of the heavens, the vicissitude of day and night, and the succession of the seasons, as exposti late with Providence upon any of the rest of God's works.

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IN a terrible storm at sea, a seaman took notice, that the rest of his shipmates were praying severally to so many Saints. "Have a care, my friends," says he, "what you do; for what if we should all be drowned now before the messenger can deliver his errand? would it not be better, without going so far about, to pray to him that can save us without help."

REFLECTION.

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"What needs any man make his court to the servant," says Sir Roger L'Estrange, "when his access is open to the master? and especially when that master is as ready to give, as the petitioner to ask."-With regard to secular matters, we are told a pleasant story of one of our princes, King Charles II. He had often observed a country gentleman attending to speak with one of his

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first ministers; and once passing through the apartment where the gentleman happened to be alone, he asked him his business. He told him, that he was attending his minister, as he had often done, for such a post in his Majesty's gift. The King asked him, what he was to give for it to the minister? he said £1000. The King humorously told him, he should have it, and bid him give him £500. and keep the other £500. to himself; and if he or his friends wanted any more such bargains, he might apply to himself directly, and be served at half price.

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