and the negroes assured me that they are never seen but at such times. TEMPTATION. no longer the same man: he LYPIUS, a friend of St. passion for these games. And tomed to hold in the utmost horror and detestation the gladiatorial combats which were exhibited in the age in which he lived. Being invited one day by his companions to be a spectator of those inhuman sports, he refused to go. They, however, insisted on his accompanying them, and drew him along against his will. When they had all taken their seats the games commenced. Alypius shut his eyes, that scenes so abominable might not pollute his mind. "Would to God," said Augustine, "he had also stopped his ears!" For having heard a great cry, he suffered himself to be conquered by his curiosity, and opened his eyes to see what it was. One of the combatants was wounded. sooner did he behold the purple stream issuing from the body of the unhappy wretch, than, instead of turning away his eyes, they were fixed on what he saw, and he felt even a pleasure in those brutal combats. He was No not only did he go the second time with those who had ensnared him, but he himself enticed others. Yet this man began at first with an abhor rence of such criminal amuse ments, and resolved to take no part in them. But sad experience taught him that the best resolutions are not always sufficient to withstand temptations, and that the only way to escape danger is to keep at a distance from it. GORDALE SCAR. W HEN rivers flow through mountainous countries, they are frequently thrown down precipices produced by rocks, and form cascades or cataracts. These present various appearances, according to the circumstances under which they are hurried over the steep declivities or rocky ledges from which they fall. Sometimes the water passes over the brink of a precipice in a broad, unbroken 66 shire, a short distance from the huge rock called "Malham Cove," of which a view was given in the last volume of 'Early Days." "Some violent convulsion of nature at a remote period has split a lofty mass of limestone into two parts, forming a tremendous gorge, through which a stream often rushes with a roaring noise. In very dry weather the water is reduced to a rill that trickles down the face of the rock, at which seasons adventurous visitors may climb from point to point, until they reach the top of the yawning chasm. Scotland abounds in cataracts, and some of them are remarkably beautiful. Corra Linn is a celebrated waterfall on the Clyde, and is about eighty-four feet deep; the river is thrown over in three distinct sheets, which greatly adds to the sublimity of its appearance. The Fall of Bruar, the Cascade of Glamma in Glen Elchaig, and many others, have long been objects of interest to travellers. But the Fall of Foyers, situated to the east of Loch Ness, is the largest cataract in Scotland. The river Foyers descends two hundred Page 127. and twelve feet, enclosed by steep, broken rocks, one of its leaps being ninety feet. In Ireland there are also some considerable waterfalls, one of the most beautiful of which is that of Powerscourt, in Wicklow, where the stream flows down a steep declivity of three hundred and sixty feet, amid agreeably variegated woods. That part of Yorkshire in which Gordale Scar is situated, is rich in objects possessing a like interest. Caverns formed by the wearing away by water of the limestone rocks, with which the district abounds, occur in several localities, and are well worth a visit from the tourist; the cave at Clapham, discovered about fifty years ago, being one of the most remarkable natural curiosities in Great Britain. Rivers force their passage through deep clefts in the hill-sides, or wind through rugged glens, affording scenery on which the eye of the artist rests with delight; while the mountains Whernside, Ingleborough, and Pennigant, all of them above two thousand feet high, present a suitable background to many a noble prospect. Yet few persons, probably, except the inhabitants, are acquainted with this pictu KINDNESS OF DIS POSITION. VERY child must have observed how much more happy and beloved some young people appear to be than others. There are children with whom you may always love to be; they are happy themselves, and they make others happy. But there are girls and boys whose society you would always avoid; the very expression of whose countenances produces unpleasant feelings, and who seem to have no friends. No person can be long happy without friends; and y you cannot receive affection, unless you will also show it. Hence the importance of cultivating a cheerful and obliging disposition. You cannot be happy without it. I have sometimes heard a girl say, "I know that I am not liked at school." Now, this is a plain confession that she is unamiable in her temper. If your companions do not love you, it is most likely your own fault. They cannot help loving you, if you will be kind and friendly. It is true that a sense of duty may at times render it necessary for you to do that which is displeasing to them; but if it is seen that you have a kind spirit; that you are above selfishness; that you are willing to make sacrifices of your own convenience to promote the happiness of your associates, you will never be in want of friends. You must not regard it as your misfortune, but your fault, when others do not love you. It is not beauty, it is not wealth, that will give you favour. Your own heart must glow with kindness, if you would attract to yourself the esteem of your companions. You are little aware how much the happiness of your whole life depends upon the cultivation of an affectionate disposition. If you adopt the resolution to confer favours whenever you have an opportunity, you will surround yourself with pleasant associates. Begin upon this principle in childhood, and act upon it through life, and you will not only make yourself happy, but also promote the happiness of others. Look and see who of your companions have the most friends, and you will find that they are those who have a generous spirit; who are willing to deny themselves, that they may make those around them happy. This is not peculiar to childhood, but is the same in all periods of life. There is but one way to make friends; and that is, by being friendly to others. Be willing to make sacrifices of your own pleasure, that you may promote the happiness of those about you. When you are playing with your brothers and sisters, be always ready to give them more than their share of privileges. Manifest a courteous disposition, and they cannot but regard you with affection. In all your intercourse with others, at home or abroad, let these feelings influence you, and you will receive a rich reward. THE BEST FRIEND. NE there is, above all others. His is love beyond a brother's,- They who will His kindness prove, Find it everlasting love! Which of all our friends to save us Could or would have shed their blood? But our Jesus died to have us Reconciled in Him to God: This was boundless love indeed! Jesus is a Friend in need. Men, when raised to lofty stations, Often know their friends no more: Slight and scorn their poor relations, Though they valued them before: |