LESSON CIV. 1 JOHN'SON, SAMUEL, the celebrated English lexicographer, was born at Licthfield, England, 1709; and died 1784. He was educated at Oxford, and became one of the most prominent characters in English literary history. A large portion of his writings appeared in the "Gentleman's Magazine,' ," "The Rambler," and "The Idler." His Life by Boswell contains a curious collection of sayings, that are held to convey a more favorable impression of his real strength, both in thought and language, than any thing in the works which he wrote or published. GENIUS AND ORIGINALITY. REV. DR. G. W. EATON. Y philosophy teaches me that what is called genius, is an extraordinary development of a single faculty, or set of faculties; and is in many, perhaps in most cases, an evidence of disease or distortion in mental constitution ; and, therefore, something neither to be envied nor desired. GENIUS!who wants more genius than he possesses in a mind of immortal and ever-growing capacities? Let him stir up his powers, and set them energetically to work. It is this that marks a man as original and peculiar among his fellow-men. 2. It is not that he possesses faculties which others have not, and tendencies which do not belong to common humanity; but he has waked up his immortal energies, and they live, and intensely act within him; and his whole intellectual and moral nature stands out in bold and glowing relief. He may be called original and eccentric, and a genius," and be looked upon as something out of the ordinary course of nature; but all his originality and eccentricity may be owing to the fact that he does his own thinking. 66 3. He forms his own opinions, and therefore they must be cast, whatever the material may be, in the peculiar mold of his own mind, and partake of all the peculiarities of that mold. If there was more deep and original thinking, there would be a greater number of real geniuses, of original and eccentric characters; or rather eccentricity would be seen to be a natural movement. It is this process which makes "originals." We all might be original and peculiar, if we would take the pains to improve to the utmost the powers our Creator has given us. 4. Trust not, then, to an imaginary phantom to breathe inspiration into your sluggish spirits, nor wait for the auspicious moment, when some pitying Muse, invoked from a distant sphere, shall descend and infuse life into your torpid faculties, and kindle up the "glow of composition." If you have an exercise in composition to prepare, act upon the advice of the sage Dr. Johnson,'-"Sit down doggedly to the work." I know of no certain way to bring on the "glow of composition," (which is indeed a most desirable state,) but by the intense friction of great truths with our faculties. 5. This will soon kindle up an internal fire that will send a warmth and glow through the entire system. It is this friction which causes the strange transitions in the mind, of which we have spoken. When we first address ourselves to the examination of a difficult subject, all may be dark as midnight, and we have no power to do any thing with it. But by holding it steadily before the mind, pressing the faculties up to it, and keeping up the friction, by and by a sort of electric power is generated, which emits blazing illuminations, dispelling the darkness, and elances a lightning energy, splitting into ribbons the gnarled and refractory subject. 6. Now the toil is over. Henceforth all is enthusiastic play. The mind moves with freedom and majesty. “The hidings of its power" are disclosed. Bright and glorious thoughts come thronging round, attended by words, their obedient "servitors," all ready to robe them in appropriate attire. But how few ever attain to this state of mental elevation and power! And why? They give over too soon. The process is discontinued before the result is reached. 1. 2. 3. LESSON CV. HURRYING ON. "HURRYING on, hurrying on!" Says a Voice that speaks from the works of God; "Hurrying on, hurrying on!" Says the voice of Time; and his stealthy feet From the past to the future: the pause between Of the life that is hurrying on. "Hurrying on, hurrying on!" The busy throng of the city and town, 4. 66 Hurrying on, hurrying on!" The myriads that walk on this busy stage, With youth's gay trip, with man's firm tread, In untroubled sleep to lay their head LESSON CVI. THE PEOPLE'S ADVENT. GERALD MASSEY. This piece should be read in a bold, spirited manner; and an excellent effect will be produced by having the last line of each stanza read by the whole class in concert, as indicated. 1. IS coming up the steep of Time, And this old world is growing brighter: We may not see its dawn sublime, Yet high hopes make the heart throb lighter. And heard its voice of living thunder,(Whole class) 'Tis coming! yes, 'tis coming! 2. 'Tis coming now, the glorious time Foretold by seers, and sung in story, Souls leaped to Heaven from scaffolds gory! Nor the crowned hopes of centuries blossom; And daring deeds, doth pulse earth's bosom, (Whole class) 'Tis coming! yes, 'tis coming! 3. Creeds, Systems, Empires, rot with age; To our humanity more truthful. To waken at the name of "Brother: 4. Out of the light, old Past! nor fling Your dark, cold shadows on us longer! The People's step is quicker, stronger. That makes men great whene'er they will it: -- And the time cometh to reveal it, (Whole class) 'Tis coming! yes, 'tis coming! 5. Ay, it must come! The tyrant's throne Is crumbling, with our hot tears rusted; Ye can not stop the opening day; The world rolls on, the light grows stronger, (Whole class) The People's Advent's coming! |