THE English Reading Book in Prose, opens with a selection of moral sentences; proceeds to give narratives of important events, and pictures of national and individual characters, from some of the most celebrated historians; Thucydides, Xenophon, Sallust, Tacitus, Rollin, Gibbon; introduces to the young reader, many interesting scenes and phenomena in natural history, as described by Humboldt, Scoresby, and other modern writers; and concludes with serious pieces, selected from the works of some of the most pious and able divines.

It is hoped that the first part will conduce to the furnishing of the youthful mind with maxims of wisdom and precepts of morality, which may present themselves upon emergencies, and assist in guiding the conduct.

The second part is intended to lead to an acquaintance with some historians, not so commonly read as many others; and to raise admiration of truly illustrious characters.

The third part may assist in forming a taste for contemplating the marvellous works of the universal, all-powerful, wise and gracious Creator, by giving a glimpse of the amusement as well as profit, which such a study is capable of affording.

Finally, it is the earnest wish of the compiler, that the fourth part may aid to make serious impressions, and to excite those religious feelings which alone can preserve from the snares of folly and vice, and conduct to the path of everlasting life and happiness.

THE

ENGLISH

READING BOOK,

IN PROSE.

A

PART I.

MORAL SENTENCES AND MAXIMS.

WISE man will hear, and will increase learning, and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction. When wisdom shall enter thy heart, and knowledge be pleasing to thy soul, discretion shall guard thee; prudence shall watch over thee, that thou mayest walk in the way of the good, and keep the paths of the righteous.

Happy is the man who hath acquired wisdom, and the man who hath attained unto prudence; for wisdom procureth what silver cannot purchase, and her revenues are better than gold. More precious is she than pearls; the most

B

desirable things besides are not comparable to her. In her right hand is length of days; in her left are riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.

Keep thou sound wisdom and understanding, let them not depart from thine eyes, for they will be life to thy soul. Then in security shalt thou tread thy path, and thy foot shall not stumble. If thou lie down, thou shalt not be afraid; and when thou liest down, thy sleep shall be sweet. Thou shalt not be scared by sudden terror, nor by the overthrow of the wicked when it cometh.

To be prudent, honest, and good, is far better than to be learned, eloquent, or genteel; all that the world calls a great scholar and a fine gentleman.

For this reason have we two ears, and but one tongue, that we should hear much and speak little.

He who is taught to live upon a little, owes more to his father's wisdom, than he who inherits a large property, does, to his father's

care.

Too many regulate their lives by opinion and fashion, which are ever changing, and, therefore, full of perturbation. They forsake the plain rule of reason, which gives calmness and se

renity.

Opinion is an abundant source of good, or evil, in the world. False opinions ruin multitudes.

It is difficult to determine, whether fondness for fashion, or love of novelty, betrays men into

By

the most and most mischievous mistakes. some, the most valuable things are slighted merely on account of their antiquity, though they are founded upon reason and just authority; while by others, whatsoever custom has established is venerated, though founded upon neither.

Vicious habits are so great a degradation to human nature, and so odious in themselves, that all persons actuated by right reason would avoid them, though certain of their being concealed from God and man, and of their not producing future punishment.

Novelty has charms that few minds can withstand. The most valuable things, when grown common, make not impressions in proportion to their value, but rather excite distaste, in proportion as they are old. But when the influence of this caprice is over, by a happy return of good taste, and good sense, they will again become objects of admiration. No man is wise, or safe, but he who is honest.

Solon, the illustrious Athenian legislator, being asked why there was no law against personal insults, replied, because it was not to be believed that men, in general, could be so absurd as to regard and notice them.

Self-denial is the most exalted pleasure, and the conquest of evil habits is the most glorious triumph.

They who endure calamity without dejection, attract the like veneration with demolished temples, the very ruins of which are reverenced. As fortitude suffereth not the mind to be over