relieved with a plain white pendent collar; he holds a locket in his right hand, and only part of the left is visible. The background of this excellent picture is composed of a portion of a Gothic building. Our illustration is taken from one of Cuyp's more peculiar subjects. The painting called the Trooper was exhibited in the British Gallery, in 1826 and 1827, and was in the collection of his late Majesty. The size is three feet ten inches, by four feet ten and a half inches. It represents a soldier bourgeois, wearing a buff jerkin, a cuirass, and a large hat, standing at the head of a fine dappled-gray charger, decorating the bridle with a blue riband; a large dog crouches behind him. These, forming the principal objects of the picture, are introduced in the foreground of a landscape, bounded on the left by, mountains, at the foot of which is seen an encampment, and close to the side is a gentleman on horseback coming over a hill. This picture is pronounced to be a most masterly production. NOTES OF A VISIT TO THE GARDEN OF THE ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY, REGENT'S PARK. Nor many years ago the above Society was formed and incorporated by royal charter for the furtherance of the important science of Botany in all branches; in its application to medicine, to the arts, and manufactures; and with the especial object of forming extensive botanical and ornamental gardens within the immediate vicinity of the metropolis. The charter was granted to the Dukes of Norfolk and Richmond, the Earl of Albemarle, Lieut.-Col. Rushbrook, Mr. Barnes, Mr. J. D. C. Sowerby, and to such other persons as should from time to time be chosen Fellows of the Society. The Society consists of Fellows, Members, Honorary Members, Foreign Members, Corresponding Members, and Associates, and the direction of the business and concerns of the Society is committed to the care of a president, treasurer, and council consisting of thirty-two members. The remaining officers are the auditors, secretaries, librarian, curators, &c. The Society has received the patronage of nearly all the members of the Royal Family, and is gradually rising into the importance it deserves. And nothing perhaps is so well calculated to bring the important purposes for which it was established prominently before the public, and to excite a general interest in what has been hitherto regarded too much in the light of a difficult and abstruse science, as the admirable and attractive site which has been chosen for the Society's botanical garden, and the excellent arrangements which have been made for its adaptation to objects of utility, beauty, and pleasure. The most beautiful and picturesque spot in the immediate vicinity of the metropolis is undoubtedly the Regent's Park; and it is in the very centre of this park that the Society has been so fortunate as to meet with appropriate ground for their purpose. By reference to a map of London and its environs, those who have never been so fortunate as to visit this beautiful park, and to view its diversity of surface, its lakes, islets, and suspension bridges, may observe that the area of which the whole park is composed, is divided into two circles, the inner and the outer circle, separated from each other by an exactly circular road. The outer circle presents all those lovely features for which the park is so much celebrated; but the inner circle has hitherto been comparatively devoid of interest, not being thrown open to the public, nor so occupied as to offer much attraction to the passers by. Some time ago it was occupied as Jenkins's nursery ground and when it was no longer required for that purpose it naturally attracted the notice of the Botanic Society as offering peculiar advantages for the object which they had in view. A lease of the ground was therefore obtained from the crown. Mr. Jenkins's stock was purchased at the cost of two thousand pounds, and the talents of Mr. Decimus Burton, the architect, and Mr. Marnock, the curator of the gardens, were put in requisition, to form a plan for the laying out of the grounds. According to the plan furnished by these gentlemen the garden is now being laid out and planted; but with some few deviations as it respects the minor details. Respecting the general arrangement of the grounds, and the operations now going on, a statement published by the Society runs thus: The land now in the possession of the Society for the purpose of effecting the intention of the charter, is held under a lease granted to the Society by the Commis sioners of Woods and Forests. It forms the inner circle of the Regent's Park, consists of above eighteen acres, and is admirably adapted to the purposes contemplated, both as regards its situation near the metropolis, and its form; the soil has been long under cultivation, and preparations are making for the reception of plants from all countries. A great part of the garden has been laid out ornamentally and planted, and it is proposed to erect conservatories, hothouses, and suitable buildings for a lecture-room, museum, library, studio, or such other purposes as may be deemed requisite to attain the objects stated in the charter. Among the operations commenced are a medico-botanical garden, and a collection of plants applicable to agriculture, the arts and manufactures; so that great facilities will soon be offered to students in their respective pursuits. We have said that the central portion of the Regent's Park formerly offered but few attractions to notice. Such is not the case at present, for, at the southern part of the boundary which separates it from the circular road already mentioned, a carriage-drive and handsome entrance indicate the mode of access to the Royal Botanic Garden. The view of the interior, gained from this entrance, though partially intercepted by trelliswork of a tasteful description, and the elegant creeping plants, &c., to which it forms a support, is yet sufficiently inviting to prompt the wish for a nearer approach. Through the kindness of Mr. Sowerby we have been permitted to spend some hours in this interesting inclosure, and we will, therefore, give our readers some idea of the present appearance of the garden, and also of the arrangements now in progress; following the same order in which we viewed them. After passing the porter's lodge, and the ornamental trellis-work just alluded to, we were particularly struck with the beauty of the "Grand Promenade." This is a broad path-way of gravel about five hundred feet long, by thirty or thirty-two feet wide, the surface of which, for firmness and perfect uniformity might well call forth the exclamation from a lady in our hearing, that it was a royal path. Nor is the level lawn stretching away on either side of this splendid path-way less to be admired than the promenade itself. Ornamental vases placed on sculptured pedestals, mark the termination of the promenade, from whence, by a temporary flight of wooden steps, we ascended to the terThis terrace forms the intended site of a spacious winter garden, but is, at present, in an unformed state, or merely occupied by offices, conservatories, and hot-beds, for temporary use. We were favoured with a sight of the model for the winter garden, and observed that the centre is to be occupied by a basin of water, near which accommodation is to be provided for an orchestra; while provision is also made for the erection of a museum, lecture-room, library, &c. The different portions of the winter-garden are to be devoted to rare and interesting plants-one division is to contain the productions of New Holland, another is to be filled with the beautiful Cape plants, and so on. Variations of surface are to be so managed that the visitors will in some places have to descend into valleys, to cross rustic bridges, &c., and all race. this (be it remembered) beneath a roof of glass, which will inclose the whole of the winter garden, and be surmounted by a central dome. It is expected that this winter promenade will be sufficiently extensive to accomodate four thousand persons, and the surface of glass by which it is to be inclosed will probably be the largest in Europe. From the elevation of the terrace, we observed that the semicircle, west of the grand promenade, appeared much farther advanced as to the laying out and planting of the ground than that to the east; we, therefore, proceeded thither by the nearest path. This path is planted on either side, and to some extent around, with a great variety of pines. Besides most of the common species of fir, we noticed many from North America, from Chili, from the Hymalayas, from Nepal, from Austria, Siberia, Corsica, Jersey, &c. Pursuing this path we came to a grotto of some extent, the effect of which will be much heightened when the pines shall have attained some elevation, and when we approach it beneath their sombre foliage. It will then give a most pleasing variety to the garden, and will form a "cool grot, and mossy cell," to which, on summer days, visitors will gladly retire. This grotto is adorned with numerous rock and other plants, and in the scanty portions of soil which are deposited in the rock-work, we saw flourishing abundantly the nasturtium, ivy, sedum, London pride, wall-pink, tormentil, soap-wort, saxifrage, fern, stonecrop, house-leek, &c. Leaving the grotto we crossed a small wooden bridge, and pond, and, passing near some more rockwork, we came to a plot of ground, of an elliptical form, devoted to the purposes of agriculture. Here the directors or friends of the institution will have an opportunity of giving a fair trial to such plants as they may wish to experiment upon. The ground is as yet only partially planted; but we noticed many varieties of wheat, barley, oats, and potato, also beans, lentils, clover, maize, millet, sanfoin, vetches, tobacco, and various kinds of herbs. Proceeding from the agricultural garden, we came to the ground originally intended to illustrate the geographical distribution of plants; but for which a garden of spring flowers and alpines has been substituted. The garden was brilliant with flowers at the time of our visit, and we were glad to see, amid the rockwork which surrounds the pond, the little blue Myosotis, or forget-me-not, as abundant, and flourishing as well among its gay companions as we have seen it on the brink of a rivulet, in the depths of the country. The garden containing specimens of plants used in the arts and manufactures, next attracted our attention. This will also be a most interesting portion of the botanical garden, when completed. At present we find but few indications of the intended purpose, for while the ground is agreeably diversified with flowers, we only meet with a few specimens of hemp, flax, weld, or dyer'sweed, safflower, &c., with several varieties of grasses used in the straw-plat manufacture. We have not paused to describe that which gives a very pleasing appearance to the whole of this part of the garden, i.e., the intersection of the several divisions with greensward, winding paths, garden-seats, and ornamental trees. Some of the last-named are extremely graceful, and afford a pleasing shade. After resting awhile in a sort of American hut, or log-house, we proceeded to examine the eastern semicircle, where active operations seemed to be going on. These we found to consist in the necessary excavations for the lake, which is to be of considerable extent, and crossed by two or three bridges. Artificial mounds, reservoirs of water, &c., are in contemplation or in progress: English and American trees and shrubs are to occupy a portion of the area, and three or four plots of ground are to be devoted to specific and distinct purposes, as in the western semicircle. The systems of Jussieu and of Linnæus are here to be illustrated, an experimental garden, and a medico-botanical garden, are already indicated, and we have reason to believe that this eastern portion, though at present in a rough and unformed state, will equal if not surpass in interest the portions already described. We trust that this spirited undertaking will meet with abundant encouragement, and that no difficulty will arise in carrying out the full intentions of the Council. This does indeed promise to be a botanical garden, worthy the name, and worthy also of the important site it occupies. ON VOLTAIC ELECTRICITY. II. In the simple voltaic circles described in our former article, there is an objection which has been removed only within a very few years, viz., the acid is soon neutralized: oxide of zinc is formed and immediately reduced by the nascent hydrogen, at the surface of the copper, so that the latter metal becomes coated with zinc-it is in fact converted at its surface into a zinc plate; and as two zinc plates under similar conditions do not produce a voltaic current, the electrical action soon declines. Professor Daniell, however, has obviated this disadvan tage in his constant voltaic battery, which may be regarded as a most valuable contribution to electrical science. This arrangement is contrived upon the principle of absorbing the hydrogen, by means of a solution of sulphate of copper, which it decomposes, and precipitates upon the surface of the copper plate a layer of clean, new, metallic copper, in the best possible condition, for supporting the action of Fig. 1. the battery. Fig. 1 shows a sec A tion of one of the cells of this battery. It consists of a cylinder of copper a, b, c, d, three inches and a half in diameter, which experience has proved to afford the most advantageous distance between the generating and conducting surfaces, but which may vary in height, according to the power which it is wished to obtain. tube e, f, formed of the gullet of an ox, or of porous earthenware, is hung in the centre by a collar and circular copper plate resting upon a rim, placed near the top of the cylinder; and in this is suspended by a wooden cross-bar, a cylindrical rod l, m, of amalgamated zinc, half an inch in diameter, resting upon the top of the interior cy.inder by a cross piece of wood, and forming the axis of the arrangement. The cell is charged with a mixture of eight parts of water and one of sulphuric acid, which has been saturated with sulphate of copper; and portions of the solid salt are placed upon the upper copper plate i, k, which is perforated like a colander, for the purpose of keeping the solu tion always in a state of saturation. The internal tube is filled with the same acid mixture without the copper. A tube of porous earthenware may be substituted for the membrane with great advantage. Bladders and other membranous substances are liable to become rapidly corroded and pierced by the action of the exciting fluids, and torn by the sharp edges of the crystals of metallic copper deposited on the copper plate. In this arrangement the acid is in contact with the zinc, and not, as in former cases, with the copper also. The electric current passes from the zinc through the acid, the membrane and the solution of sulphate of copper, to the copper. The copper is thus protected from the solution of zinc; the nascent hydrogen reduces the oxide of copper, and a film of that metal is deposited on the copper-plate, so that a clean and good conducting surface is always preserved. Another great advantage of the above arrangement is that the zinc may be reduced in size without loss of power: strong chemical action, a good conducting solution, and a clean and large surface of copper are conditions whereby a powerful electric action is obtained. A permanent arrangement has also been described by Mr. Mullins. It consists of two copper cylindrical vessels, one soldered within the other, and connected by means of a perforated shelf. This double vessel is placed in a bladder and tied at the top with string, for the reception of which there is a groove in the upper part of the outer copper vessel. The zinc part is a cylinder of stout rolled zinc, open at both ends. This is placed in a white porcelain jar, and within the zinc cylinder is placed the bladder containing the copper cylinders. The connections are made by means of two narrow bands of copper, one attached to the copper, and the other to the zinc cylinder. with the zinc-end of the arrangement being positive, and that attached to the copper-end being negative. Since the direction of the current is the same in the simple and in the compound circles, it may appear difficult to account for this variation in the nature of the poles. But we must remember that, in the simple arrangement, the conducting wire is in direct contact with the plate, which is acted on by the acid solution; while, in the compound circle, it proceeds from the plate which is in contact with the plate acted on by the solu-, tion, and, therefore, becomes oppositely electrified. If we consider the compound circle to be thus arranged:Copper-zinc-fluid-copper-zinc- the copper end is negative, and the zinc end positive-but if we remove the two exterior plates, the compound circle is reduced to a simple one, in which the zinc is negative and the copper positive. Bearing in mind the either + or — induces an opposite state of electricity in another body brought near it, there will be no difficulty in understanding how the terminal copper and zinc of the compound battery, become, the one- and the other +, from the zinc and copper of the simple circuit which are in opposite states. Z Fig. 2. P The original voltaic pile was composed of silver coins and zinc disks of the same size, piled up in the manner shown in the figure, with paper moistened with a saline solution, or a dilute acid, placed between each pair. When the pile is in this state, if the upper plate of metal, z, be touched with the finger of one hand previously wetted in salt water, and a finger of the other hand, similarly wetted, be applied to the bottom plate c, a shock is felt in the arms similar to that afforded by the Leyden Jar. A weaker shock may be felt by touching any two dissimilar intermediate plates. If a pointed piece of dry and well burnt charcoal be attached to each pole, P, N, and the charcoal points be brought near each other, a spark will pass between them. To bring this battery into action, a solution of common salt, or muriate of ammonia, is placed in the porce-law of induction, already explained, that a body electrified lain vessel outside the bladder, and a saturated solution of sulphate of copper is poured between the two copper cylinders: the solution being kept saturated by placing crystals of the salt on the perforated shelf, which connects the two copper cylinders. When the action commences, the hydrogen is transferred through the membrane, and meeting there the solution of copper, is absorbed in the production of metallic copper. The copper cylinder is thus never subject to loss or impurity of surface: the metal is all recovered from the sulphate of copper, and the only requisite is occasionally to renew the zinc plate and the membrane. This simple circle is very convenient on account of the great ease with which it is formed-its power will continue unimpaired for a length of time, provided the solution of the sulphate be kept saturated. Its power, however, is not equal to that of Daniell's, in which the copper is on the outside, and hence is capable, with exposure of the same surface of zinc, of producing a much more powerful current. These two forms of constant battery are particularly valuable from the perfect uniformity of their action, inasmuch as the conditions of the current may remain for days perfectly unaltered. These batteries have been varied by different inquirers to so great an extent that we cannot venture to describe them, except in general terms. The most powerful voltaic arrangements were long subject to the double disadvantage of being very costly and very bulky. Several forms of battery have recently been proposed, in which, under a small compass, a very great power is obtained. First, by placing the plates very near each other; second, choosing solid elements, which differ as much as possible in their chemical relations; and third, using as the exciting fluids, those of the most intense action, and of the highest conducting power. By observing these conditions Mr. Grove has contrived a most powerful arrangement, which we shall have to refer to hereafter. We come now to consider that combination of simple circles into one arrangement, which forms what are called compound voltaic circles. N Such a pile may be constructed of 30 or 40 plates of copper and as many of zinc, each plate being about two inches square. The pile may be sustained by a light frame of wood to prevent it from upsetting. If the flan nels be merely wetted with pure water, a slight shock can be obtained from the pile; and if the poles be brought in contact with a gold leaf electrometor the leaves will diverge the wire in contact with the extreme zinc plate diverging the leaves positively, and that connected with the extreme copper plate diverging them negatively. But when the flannels are wetted with water only no spark can be obtained. When the flannels are wetted with a tolerably strong acid solution, a powerful shock is obtained from the pile, as also a brilliant spark as above described. If we place the end of one pole under the upper lip, and the The pile of Volta is a compound circle and is formed end of the other pole upon the tongue, a sharp stinging by placing pairs of zinc and copper one above the other, taste will be perceived, and a flash of light pass before each pair being separated by pieces of flannel, smaller the eyes whenever the circle is closed by the tongue. than the metallic plates, wetted with a saturated solution Each pole should be passed through a piece of glass of salt or of dilute sulphuric acid. The relative position tube to serve as an insulating handle. If a strip of of the metals must be preserved throughout the series, platinum foil be attached to the end of each pole and that is, if the zinc be placed below the copper in the both ends be thus placed in a glass of water, decompofirst pair, the same order must be preserved throughout sition of the water will ensue but of this we shall —thus-zinc-copper-acid-zinc-copper-acid-speak more particularly hereafter. We may, however, zinc-copper. If this precaution be not attended to, opposite currents will be generated, which will tend to neutralize each other's action. A piece of wire may be soldered to the bottom plate of zinc, and another wire to the top copper plate, to serve for poles: but here it must be observed that, as in the common circle the copper was positive and the zinc negative-the reverse is the case in the compound circle-the wire connected remark, that the attractive and repulsive power communicable by the pile, or that power which is called its intensity, is not increased by the chemical action of the acid liquid on the metallic plates; but the quantity of electricity is thereby greater than before. A simple circle has a very low tension; if the plates are wide apart, and water or a similar bad conductor be placed between them the quantity of electricity is very small; if the plates are near together and the liquid be an acid. solution, the electricity when it has arrived at the oppo site plates, obtains a discharge through the solution. The circle which affords the highest tension is one where electricity is excited in sufficient quantity to charge the apparatus and at the same time to prevent a spontaneous discharge. A battery formed of a large number of small plates excited by water, or a weak acid, or saline solution, behaves thus. When an electric cur MEMOIR OF LINDLEY MURRAY. WHO has not heard of Murray the grammarian? We rent is broken by the interposition of bad conductors between its poles, its intensity may be estimated by the facility with which the electricity forces a passage through them. The quantity of electricity in a compound circle is the same in all its parts; also along the conducting wires Familiarity with the works of Murray, however, does and through any liquid, or other conductor, with which author, and as this history, though unmarked by any not suppose an acquaintance with the history of their those wires communicate. It is also proportional to the magnetic and chemical effects which it produces; striking events, appears to us capable of yielding plea and the quantity of electricity moving through any sure and instruction to our readers, we proceed to sketch closed circle, is estimated by the number of degrees.e., from the memoirs of his life and writings, penned its principal features from the most authentic sources, which it causes a poised magnetic needle to move out of by himself, and afterwards published with additions by the plane of the magnetic meridian. The quantity of Elizabeth Frank; and also from other materials kindly electricity may also be estimated by its power of furnished to us by the son of Tindley Murray's esteemed chemical decomposition. friend and correspondent, the late Joseph Crosfield, of Hartshill, Warwickshire; to whose criticisms, we under inconsiderable degree indebted for the acknowledged stand, Murray considered himself and the public in no accuracy of his various publications. The quantity of electricity depends upon the amount and nature of the chemical action going on upon the plates of the voltaic arrangement: so that while intensity is obtained by a large number of small plates, quantity is obtained by a small number of large plates, and quantity, not intensity, of electricity is indicated by the deflection of the magnetic needle. DIRT OF ROME. THERE is a drawback upon the splendid and interesting objects in Rome, which I own diminishes their effect, in my eyes at least, to a wonderful degree. It is the extreme filth and shabbiness of the wretched town that surrounds them. Regular streets of lofty well-built housas are not at all necessary in order to set off fine public buildings. Oxford is a sufficient proof of that, where there is hardly a single handsome private house; and yet where everything appears to the best advantage. But cleanliness, neatness, space, and a tolerable state of repair, are quite indispensable. In Rome you search in vain for any one of these advantages. There is not a single wide street, and but one handsome square, Piazza di Savona. Poverty and dirt pursue you to the gates of every monument, ancient or modern, public or private. You never saw any place so nasty nor so beggarly; nor I, except one. Lisbon is a little worse than Rome, and only a little; and it is a disgrace to civilized man. The description of dirt is no very pleasant thing; and therefore, for your sake and for my own, I will not make one. But if you ever come to Rome, you must prepare yourself for having your senses outrageously offended wherever you go. The dignity of a palace-the sanctity of a church-the veneration that is due to the remains of ancient greatness-nothing commands the smallest attention to decency or cleanliness. One of our earliest and most natural associations is that of purity with a fountain. Rome has destroyed that in my mind for ever. It contains an incredible number of beautiful fountains most abundantly supplied with water, but they are all so surrounded by every object that is calculated to excite disgust, as to be absolutely unapproachable. So much dirt implies negligence and sloth. Accordingly, everything is kept in a careless, slovenly way. Not a trace of that neatness and attention to details which gives so much additional beauty to the splendid scene you have beheld from the Place de Louis XV., and which in England is quite universal. In everything here, and in everybody, you see symptoms of that sort of foolish laziness of which among us none but children and very bad servants are guilty. it on all occasions, great and small. When they repair a You meet with church, the rubbish remains to spoil the roof and encumber the steps; when they cut a garden-hedge, they leave the clippings to stop up the walks.-LORD DUDLEY'S Letters. the state of Pennsylvania, in the year 1745. The The subject of our memoir was born at Swetara, in characters of his parents, as drawn by himself, possess much interest. His father was an active, enterprising man, anxious to make a competent provision for his family, and gradually extending his commercial engage became one of the most respectable merchants in ments, till he "in time acquired large possessions, and America," yet possessing such strong powers of mind, that he never appeared agitated or oppressed by his multifarious employments, but was distinguished for equanimity and composure. His mother was an amiable, mild, humane, and liberal woman, faithful and affectionate as a wife, tender as a mother, and kind as the mistress of a large household. Both his parents belonged to the Society of Friends, and were anxious to promote the religious welfare of their children. They often gave us salutary admonition, (says Murray,) and trained us up to attend the public worship of God. which, when regularly and devoutly performed, must be The Holy Scriptures were read in the family: a duty fraught with beneficial effects. I recollect being, at one time, in a situation of the room, where I observed my father, on reading these inspired volumes to us, was so much affected as to shed tears. This, which I suppose was frequently the case, made a pleasing and profitable impres sion on my young mind, which I have often remembered with peculiar satisfaction. Lindley Murray was the oldest of twelve children. For the first six months of his life, he was a sickly, weeping infant, giving no promise of bodily or mental vigour, so that his mother often said that if, at that time, Providence had been pleased to take away her first-born, she should have thought the dispensation merciful, both to the poor little infant and its parents. period his health improved, and his strength, spirit, and But after that activity exceeded his age. calls himself not only an active but a mischievous child. He was full of vivacity, and Through the indulgence of an over-fond grandmother, he was often protected from chastisement, when his conscience told him that he richly deserved it; and he salutary control of an aunt, under whose care he was acknowledges his particular obligations to the wise and duct brought him into order and submission. afterwards placed, and whose discreet and sensible conThis is our author's own account of his early years; we subjoin that of his biographer, as giving the opinion of his friends. From various accounts, and from many little anecdotes which I have heard, I cannot but conclude that his childhood and youth were lovely; and formed a natural and beautiful prelude to the wisdom, piety, and benevolence, which his advanced years exhibited. Though from his extraordinary vivacity and exuberance of spirits, he was inclined to playfulness and frolic, and at times to some degree of mischievousness; yet he possessed every quality that can adorn that period of life: activity of body and mind; an ardent desire for knowledge; docility in submitting to superior reason; a mild obliging temper; a heart, grateful, affectionate, and highly susceptible of religious feelings. When he was about six or seven years old he was sent to school at Philadelphia, and he mentions with pleasure the care and attention he received from the master of the English department of the academy, and the circumstance (indicative of his future turn of mind) of his finding, even at that early age, the business of parsing sentences an agreeable exercise. On the removal of the family to New York in 1753, he was placed in a good school in that city, and appears to have made considerable progress there, though his oft-lamented love of playful diversions was some barrier in the way of his studies. He mentions an apparently trifling circumstance occurring at this period as having produced a pleasing and serious impression on his young mind. Having to write on a decorated sheet of paper that message of "peace and good-will towards men," proclaimed by the angels to the shepherds at Bethlehem, he became so deeply impressed with the interesting narrative, that it had a permanent effect on his mind, and he could seldom read the passage of Scripture in after-life without particular emotion. His own observation is here worthy our regard:-"If parents and others who have the care of young persons, would be studious to seize occasions of presenting the Holy Scriptures to them, under favourable and inviting points of view, it would probably be attended with the happiest effects." The succeeding passages in the life of Lindley Murray forcibly illustrate his own judicious remarks on the importance of consulting the genius, inclinations, and constitutions of young persons before they are entered on employments which will probably continue for life. His father was extremely anxious that he should follow the mercantile profession, though well aware that his son would rather be anything than a merchant. Imagining perhaps that the boy's dislike to business would gradually abate, he took him at an early age into his counting-house, and afterwards placed him with a merchant in Philadelphia; but all to no purpose. The more steadily and strictly he was kept to business, the more earnestly did he yearn after pursuits of a different character. He had acquired a taste for reading, and a desire for literary improvement. The pleasure which he found in study, and the advantages which learning and knowledge had conferred on others, made him long for the acquisition of science and literature. Finding that his taste for learning was likely to meet with opposition rather than encouragement, and experiencing, on his return to New York, a great degree, of severity on the part of his father, (which, though perfectly well-intentioned, was most injudiciously employed on a youth of lively sensibilities,) he took the unjustifiable step of quitting his parent's roof in a clandestine manner. From his own resources, he placed himself in an excellent school at Burlington, a town in the interior of the country, and applied himself with diligence to his favourite studies, though not withoat uneasy reflections at having occasioned sorrow to a most affectionate mother. After a short residence at this seminary, circumstances led him to pay a visit to New York, but he was so far from wishing to see his friends there, that it was a morfying event to him, when the packet-boat which bore hiin thither could not sail at the appointed time, and he was obliged to remain over the night. He went to an inn near the wharf, and waited with some anxiety for the time of his departure. But he had already been noticed by some person who knew his family; and he was surprised by a visit from an uncle, who treated him with affection and kindness, and urged him by every argument in his power to return to his father's house. Young Murray at first positively refused to comply with his entreaties; but was deeply moved to hear of his mother's affectionate anxiety about him, and hastily resolved to see her for a few moments ere he took his departure from the city. His meeting with her was most affecting, and all she said convinced him of the sorrow his departure had occasioned her, and the unabated affection she entertained for him. While thus engaged, his father unexpectedly entered, and instead of upbraiding him for his rash conduct, as he had every reason to expect, approached him in the kindest manner, saluted him tenderly, and expressed great satisfaction at seeing him again. The heart of the wanderer was overcome, and he abandoned entirely, and without a moment's hesitation, the idea of leaving a house and family which were now dearer to him than ever. When I reflect (says Murray) on this rash and imprudent adventure; on the miseries in which it might have involved me; and on the singular manner in which I was restored to the bosom of my family, I cannot avoid seeing the hand of Divine Providence in my preservation, and feeling that I ought to be humbly and deeply thankful for the gracious interposition. Murray was never reproached by his parents for this piece of imprudence; but, on the contrary, was treated with the greatest kindness, indulged in his reasonable requests, and allowed to devote himself to those studies to which his mind so powerfully inclined. A private tutor was procured to assist him in classical knowledge and liberal studies, and he now endeavoured to make up, by diligent application, for the desultory kind of education he had received. Respecting his character at this period of life, he speaks of himself as being a youth who, though not exempt from follies and imprudences, was imbued with respect and veneration for religion, and entertained a high opinion of such as appeared to be consistent professors of it, while he was, at times, filled with regret at the distance which he felt himself to be at from their happy and pious course. His mind was happily free from all sceptical doubts on the subject of religion; and so firmly were his sentiments fixed, that no argument which he ever met with, either in company or books, had any injurious effect upon him. Some of his acquaintance were either deists or sceptics, but he always found replies to their reasonings, and remained undisturbed in his own belief. We must here, however, take occasion to warn our young readers of the danger of holding intercourse (beyond that which the necessary concerns of life enforce) with persons of sceptical views and opinions. Vain and futile as may appear the arguments by which they endeavour to support their unhappy misbelief, those arguments may yet recur with painful influence, at a time when, weakened by bodily disease or mental anxiety, we need all the consolation which an unclouded dependence on the truths of Christianity is sure to impart. Murray attributed much of his happy confidence, under Divine Providence, to his early acquaintance with such books as "Leland's View of the Deistical Writers," "Butler's Analogy," "Sherlock on Providence," &c., and gives it as his firm persuasion that the perplexity and doubts with regard to Christianity and its evidences, which many sensible and well-disposed minds have encountered, and the absolute infidelity of others, may be fairly attributed to the scanty information which they received on these subjects during the period of their education, or that by which it was immediately succeeded. About this time, Murray entered a debating society, where subjects of difficulty and importance were weekly discussed, and where the young persons who composed |