not by any means let this consideration depress your spirits, rather let it increase your perseverance in virtuous attainments, and you will find (I speak from experience) that you will rise in estimation as their malignity sinks; this idea, added to a clear conscience, which the world cannot rob you of, will support you through many trying dispensations. Know this, enough for man to know, Virtue alone, is happiness below But to return to my subject: the courageous LION is a lesson of perseverance and intrepidity, by which we learn that by an open and disinterested conduct and a steady adherence to truth and sincerity, we need fear neither dangers nor difficulties, but like the lordly lion, boldly face every enemy of virtue, religion, or morality; having the assurance that God who watches over all our actions, will guide and strengthen us in every trouble or embarrassment, however trying or distressing. The CAMEL and the REIN DEER are another emblem of virtue, whose docility and tractability is too well known to admit of any thing further being said on the subject. Then it teaches us that a gentle docility should be observed to those who have the rule over us; this is fre quently another trial to young persons being aware that it has pleased Providence to place many in trying situations; should this be your case, I strongly advise you to follow the example of the Camel, and by your amiable docility win the affections and soften the rigour of your teachers or guardians, and by your gentleness and assiduity, soften their severity. Should you not succeed in your laudable endeavour, you will at least derive the satisfaction of doing your duty, which far exceeds any earthly consideration whatever. From the Doe we learn fidelity and gratitude; his faithful attachment to his master is really surprising; truly, he is bountifully fed, for which in return the faithful creature will forfeit his life to protect him from danger or harm. How sincere then should be our gratitude to our parents or kindred, who not only gave us our being, but fostered us from our earliest infancy with the tenderest care. Blow, blow, thou winter wind, As man's ingratitude. Thy tooth is not so keen, Because thou art not seen, Although thy breath be rude. |