learned languages do not contain all, which it is necessary to know. 2d, The time of the student being engrossed by them, all other information is superseded; and he enters the world a learned, but not an intelligent, man. 3d, It is possible to employ boys even at an early age, upon other subjects than the classics; a knowledge of their own vernacular, could not be injurious; to be able to read and spell, is not degrading; nor to write legibly, an unpardonable offence; but these are attainments which classical students often overlook, and have to acquire, if acquired at all, after they have received the "rudiments of a sound education." 4th, We seldom see in the general business of life, that a knowledge of the languages, to obtain which, has cost such endless time and labour, is ever applied to any useful purpose, but is, generally, speedily forgotten; to substitute, then, scientific knowledge, and general information, could not but be advantageous. 5th, Physical and scientific studies, even if "thrust by the hot-bed system into a boy's head," would rivet his attention, encourage habits of assiduity and diligence, and would exercise and strengthen the thinking powers to a degree, which abstract inquiries and researches into the composition of languages, and the ramifications of words, can never elicit.

Thus, youth may be taught to think, and be provided with materials on which to exercise his faculties. Give him general imformation, introduce him to the experience of the age, to an acquaintance with the arts and sciences, to a participation in the discoveries or systems of philosophers, logicians, and politicians, and he becomes possessed of solid acquirements; his intellect becomes strong and vigorous, from repeated exercise; he acquires a clear perception and sound judgment; and although he may not be as profound a logician or mathematician, nor sufficiently skilled in philology or metaphysics, as to qualify him for a professor's chair, yet he will be qualified to enter into life, to mix with the world. He will feel conscious of the possession of what is termed common sense; be able to compare the actions of men, with the situations in which they are placed; trace those actions to their causes; recognise those latent principles through all their tortuous windings, by which men are generally impelled; and thus acquiring an insight into the human character, he will acquire a knowledge of his species, he will, consequently, acquire the means of knowing himself. Hence, his capa

bility of correctly performing those duties, which society requires from each individual; hence, his 66 power to promote the happiness of his fellow-creatures.'

Perhaps, it may be conceived, that there is a privileged class to whom such worldly wisdom, as that here described, would be of little use; which, by the possession of hereditary property, is removed from the common cares of life, and moving in an elevated rank, is placed above the level of every day occurrences; which, therefore, takes but little interest in the sentiments or habits of the mass of society, with which, in feelings and modes of thinking, it seldom agrees. And that the ancient system has done exceedingly well for this class, and does not exhibit any symptoms of deterioration.

But if no class exempts its members from promoting, to the utmost extent, the happiness of the human race, neither will they be exempted from that system of education calculated to produce that effect. Such studies may yet be beneath the notice of nobility; but there is a power, which if not planted, is mainly fostered and supported, by that education, of whose correctness it is a triumphant proof a power, which but of yesterday, as it were, in its origin, already manifests such irresistible potency, that it dare not be held in derision. It is public opinion, and that opinion based upon popular improvement, will denounce ignorance, though sheltered by a ducal coronet, or covered with chivalric trappings. Eventually, therefore, the education even of these high unbending classes, will be improved, and the improvement will be beneficial to all. View the young scions of wealth and rank, who from the stations held by their families, will consequently participate in the legislation of their country, give a tone to her public proceedings, tinge her opinions, and wield that incalculable influence, which the aristocracy and gentry certainly possess: and may not the happiest results be anticipated, provided their education be founded and trained on broad enlightened principles? Suppose them, for instance, imbued with true notions of the social compact, and of the real end and design of government, of the general and inalienable rights of man, the freedom of the will and of conscience, the liberty of the subject, as distinguished from slavery on the one hand, and licentiousness on the other; suppose them to have thoroughly investigated the peculiar constitution of Great Britain, its

component parts, their several distinctions and characters, the basis of its international treaties and policy-to have gained an intimate acquaintance with the situation of the people, and the peculiarities of the various classes-to have analyzed and compared the various opposing parties, and clashing interests which are observable and to have instituted a general inquiry into the national resources, produce, and real strength; our legislators would then understand their business; we should not be disgraced abroad by "just and necessary wars," or at home by an obsolete or contradictory, but often bloody, statute-book, by oppressive game laws, irresponsible and inefficient magistrates, and an extravagantly profuse public expenditure. Such men, their minds expanded by a general acquaintance, more or less, with the various sciences, and liberalized by the amiable influence of literature and philosophy, would produce incalculable results, by their ascendency in national councils, and their example in private circles; the condition of our country would be gradually ameliorated, and we should rapidly advance in the scale of real improvement, civilization, intellectuality.

And these remarks are generally applicable to the middle class, as it is termed, which will necessarily be an equal participator in all effected improvement. Of that class, it may, however, be averred, that it has enjoyed an education superior to any other-one which, though miserably defective, was better adapted, and more advantageous, to the respective situations and future wants of its members. Embued in common schools, with the rudiments of knowledge, the middle rank attained that moderate proficiency as a body, by after culture (occasionally affording a shining example of individual excellence), which has called forth such well-merited eulogy from every quarter. Here it is, that intellect has chiefly shone-not being, as on the one hand, enervated by luxury, or inanimate from lack of impulse; or, on the other, chilled by penury, or paralyzed by neglect: from hence, chiefly, have sprung our poets and sages, our men of science, our legislators, jurists, and philosophers. It must be allowed, however, that all this must be attributed to subsequent self-instruction; in fact, all really valuable information, beyond mere elementary principles, had to be acquired without the precincts of the school or college. The middle rank are reputed to be well-informed men. Why are they

so? Simply, because from situation, occupation, and variety of pursuits, they are obliged to mix much with one another; they are and must be active members of the community. They speedily discover that a fund of general information is requisite, even to support ordinary conversation. This, therefore, it is necessary to acquire. Books are consulted, they not being prohibited by scantiness of pecuniary resources, nor their contents interdicted by frivolity or apathy. Literary and philosophical institutions present their advantages, whilst information is easily, imperceptibly, but widely diffused, by the general intercourses of friendly unconstrained society. Hence, respectable in talent and intellect, the middle classes are, for the most part, thinkers and reasoners, not rash in forming conclusions, nor precipitate in action; and hence, the degree of honour and respect with which they are treated, as in fact, the most valuable portion of society, by whose spirit and intelligence, the glory of the nation is promoted and sustained, as giving "to science, to art, and to legislation itself, their most distinguished ornaments, and as the chief source of all that has exalted and refined human nature."

If such be the present importance of the middle class, what incalculable advantages will result to it also, by these alterations in the ancient system of education, so ably advocated at the present time!

(To be Continued.)

ZACCHEUS.

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The Bed of Death.

WHEN on the bed of death,

Sickness, or age, our weary frame shall lay,
And fast our fleeting breath

No

Its airy flight shall wing,

power of earthly balm can then allay
The pains of conscience' sting.

A still but dreadful sound,

With magic voice, of actions past will tell,
How in the giddy round

Of Fashion's idle maze,

We stepp'd enthrall'd beneath a willing spell,
And courted Folly's blaze.

"Twill speak of wasted hours,
Of talents laid on Pleasure's glittering shrine,
Of Dissipation's bowers,

Those fruitful courts of shame,

Where falsehood, lust, intemperance, combine
To mar the virtuous name.

Cold Faith no power can boast

To calm the aching heart with guilt oppress'd;
For, on the doubtful coast

Of dark Eternity,

Vice, in her naked form, will stand confess'd,
And meet the closing eye.

'Tis conscious worth alone,

Can strew with flowers the passage to the tomb;
And while the anguish'd moan
Bursts from the heaving heart,

And racking pains the body's strength consume,
Can lull the mind to rest.

When in that awful hour,

My soul its last eternal flight shall wing,
May I, Almighty Power!
With joyful piety,

Triumphant ask of Death, "Monster-Thy sting?"
Of Grave-" Thy victory?"

Objections to Unitarian Christianity.

(Continued from page 344.)

H. M. B.

WE are charged with expecting to be saved by works, and not by grace. This charge may easily be despatched, for a more groundless one cannot easily be imagined. We indeed attach great importance to Christian works, or Christian obedience, believing that a practice or life, conformed to the precepts and example of Jesus, is the great end for which faith in him is required, and is the great condition on which everlasting life is bestowed. We are accustomed to speak highly of the virtues and improvements of a true Christian, rejecting with abhorrence the idea, that they are no better than the outward Jewish righteousness, which the Prophet called "filthy rags;" and maintaining with the Apostle, that they are "in the sight of God, of great price." We believe, that holiness or vir