rashness of youth. 5. "Let this be an example to you in the conduct of your future life, never to throw away your corks till time has given you strength and experience enough to swim without them."

SECTION IV.

SCRIPTURE BIOGRAPHY.

Lesson 184.-p. 111.

Character of Joseph as a Brother.

Gen. xlii. ver. 6, 7. to 28. In this portion we see that Joseph instantly recognised his brethren, as soon as they were brought into his presence. Many years had elapsed; but their language, features, and occupation, soon divulged their relationship. Recollecting the inhuman treatment which he had experienced at their hands, he assumed upon their first interview a stern forbidding tone and bearing towards them.

Though no recognition on their part appears to be hinted at by the sacred historian, yet the stern reception which they met with, struck their guilty consciences as an act of retributive justice for their barbarous treatment towards their youthful and innocent brother. Joseph evidently knew who was the principal perpetrator in the vile outrage, by selecting Simeon and binding him before their eyes. In spite of all this apparent harshness, the deep fraternal affection of Joseph was with difficulty concealed, when he turned himself from them, and wept.

Gen. xliii. ver. 15. to 34. In his second interview on their return fron Canaan, Joseph recognised his brother Benjamin. Concealing, however, his knowledge, he proceeded to execute the duties of his high office, giving orders to his steward to prepare an entertainment for his guests. In the interim, the men having been brought into the house, felt alarmed at their position, and offered the humblest apologies to the pious steward for the unexpected discovery of the returned money found in their sacks.

Their apology was accepted; their fears assuaged by the

comforting words of the steward: "Peace be to you, fear not; your God and the God of your father, hath given you treasure in your sacks; I had your money." Afterwards, Simeon, who had been imprisoned as the most guilty, was restored to his brothers.

Being ushered into the presence of Joseph, they bowed submissively to the ground. Joseph, still concealing his relationship, affectionately inquired after their father. The reply indicated the concern of the brothers, whilst it called forth the filial feelings of Joseph himself. With difficulty could he restrain his feelings, on beholding his own innocent brother standing with those who had formerly attempted to take away his life. He did, however, so far refrain, as to spend a happy evening in their company.

Gen. xliv. ver. 1. to 34. In the morning, before their departure, Joseph secretly ordered his servant to place his own cup in the sack of Benjamin. This was done that he might be satisfied of their real affection towards Benjamin.

The experiment succeeded. No sooner was the cup found to be in Benjamin's sack, than the noble feelings of Judah were called forth in pleading with the "Lord of Egypt" on behalf of the old man and of his brother. His tender natural appeal produced the desired effect.

Gen. xlv. ver. 1. to 24. Joseph, unable to restrain himself any longer, ordered every man to go out. Then discovering himself to his brethren, he wept aloud till the house of Pharaoh heard. At this discovery, the consciences of his brethren became troubled at his presence. Their guilt, so long dormant, revived in all its fulness, enormity, and alarm. They stood before the powerful Lord of Egypt, who they fancied could not forget the anguish of his soul, when he providentially escaped the murderous attempts of his own kinsmen. But their present suspicions and fears were as ill-timed as their previous conduct had been mean, dastardly, and unnatural. The nobleness of Joseph rose

with the occasion.

Viewing all the afflicting circumstances of his life as under the controlling influence of a superintending providence, he frankly and generously forgave them, telling them "that God had sent him before them to preserve life."

After enumerating his sufferings, his rise, and present greatness, he bids them haste to inform his father of his son Joseph's prosperity and power. Then, falling on his brother Benjamin's neck, he wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck. Moreover, he kissed all his brethren, and wept upon them; and after that, his brethren talked with him.

Enough has now been adduced, to exhibit the forgiving spirit, the fraternal affection, and the exalted worth of Joseph, the perfect model of what a brother should be.

May be drawn up according to the preceding model.

SECTION V. - JOURNAL OF OCCURRENCES.

Lesson 191.-p. 114.

A Trip on the Railway.

1. In the autumn of last year I left Leeds for Edinburgh, 2. travelling in first class. 3. The fare 17. 16s. 4. The train started at half-past four A. M.

5. The station appeared dull and gloomy, as there were few persons travelling, owing perhaps to the early hour of departure. 6. A middle-aged gentleman, who, like myself, was making his first tour to Scotland, was my only companion until we arrived at York. We then made some addition to our company, in the persons of a gentleman and his wife, who had been detained all night in York, owing to an accident on the line on which they travelled. 7. They were loud in their complaints of the tardiness of railway

officials, in expediting their journey or providing them with suitable accommodation.

8. Their account of the accident caused me to remark, that railway accidents were most frequently the result of carelessness: but considering the number of trains that daily leave our large towns and cities, and the number of persons journeying in them, it was surprising that they were so few. 9. As we passed the city of York, its magnificent cathedral was admired by all. The city and cathedral of Durham next occupied our attention - then the town of Newcastle, with its handsome bridge across the Tyne. As we proceeded, we had fine views of the German Ocean, Holy-Isle, and Bamborough Castle. We next arrived at the border town of Berwick-upon-Tweed.

10. After leaving this place, a slight accident which occurred to one of the carriages, in consequence of the breaking of the coupling chain, caused some little delay. In a short time, the injury having been repaired, we were again on our way through a picturesque and well-cultivated country, having charming views of the sea along a great part of the route; and arrived at the Northern Capital at two P. M., after a pleasant journey of nine hours and a half.

COURSE III.

CHAPTER VII.

DESCRIPTIONS.

SECTION I. — ARTIFICIAL OBJECTS OF TRADE,
INVENTION, ETC.

Lesson 201.-p. 118.

A Ship.

1. A ship is a large vessel intended for conveying over the sea, goods, cattle, and passengers.

2. At first, sailing vessels were very small, little better than mere rafts. Gradually, observation and men's wants suggested larger and more commodious vehicles. Ages elapsed before speed, security, and convenience were se cured.

3. The figure of a ship is oblong, to enable it to cut the water with the greater ease. The size will vary according to its particular purpose; a merchant ship varies from 200 tons to 2000. A man of war will carry from 1000 to 3000 tons' burden.

The leading parts are the hull, deck, rudder, masts, sailyards, and sails. These are subdivided into a variety of subordinate parts.

4. The principal persons employed are the designers, ship-wrights, smiths, carpenters, caulkers, rope and sailmakers.

5. The wood considered to be best adapted for shipbuilding is oak, pine, teak, elm, or beech. Whatever wood may be employed should be strong, dry, and well-seasoned.

6. By means of ships we are enabled to traverse the widest oceans, exchange the commodities of one country for