professor,) more strikingly exemplified than in the fore feet of these extinct quadrupeds. The very same arrangement of the bones which permits the coexistence of hoofs and claws in the same foot, in a great degree expressly provides for the efficiency of the clawed digits in their application to the violent exertions which the whole skeleton of the mylodon indicates to have been habitual to the living animal." "In human works, though labour'd on with pain, A thousand movements scarce one purpose gain; In God's, one single can its end produce, Yet serve to second, too, some other use." POPE. That an animal passing the greater portion of existence in wrestling with the trees of the forest should be liable to injury from the falling of trunks, is very obvious, and hence the necessity of that double protection of the brain, alluded to, and which, in the individual in question, had actually been the means of saving its life; and that the blows which produced those fractures, were the result of such an accident, many considerations render most probable. If produced by the blow of some more powerful and ferocious beast, the stunned animal would have fallen an easy and unresisting prey, and been destroyed, the victor following up his advantage; and assuming that the American forest, in the days of its existence, were tenanted by a race of human beings, "the same difficulty presents itself to the supposition of the recovery and escape of a stunned mylodon from their deadly assaults with clubs and other weapons, as from the claws and teeth of a beast of prey, for the flesh of the leaf-eating mylodon would doubtless be as much prized for food by a human destroyer, as that of the sloth is by the Indians of the present day." Besides, the form and character of the fractures accord better with a blow from a branch or trunk, than from one inflicted by the print of a large claw, or even the end of a massive club, which, to have produced fractures in such a skull, must have been wielded by superhuman might. The fissures diverge from a longitudinal depression. In the case of the sloth, which is liable to falls, in consequence of the branch to which it clings giving way, the same arrangement of the tables of the skull, as already noticed, exists; and, moreover, it is clad in deep, curling, harsh hair, well calculated to break the force of a fall. There is nothing to lead to the suppo sition that the mylodon, or more colossal megatherium, were at enmity; all the animals belonging to the same order, (Edentata,) namely, sloths, anteaters, etc., are quiet and peaceful; they seek to do no injury, they fight not among themselves, and from analogy, we may conclude that their stupendous representatives of other days exhibited the same inoffensive disposition. In conclusion, we would recommend our readers to visit the Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons, assuring them that the skeleton of the mylodon alone, irrespective of anything else, will amply repay them for their trouble. TRUE HAPPINESS. We are not competent to appreciate the effect, were the knowledge of God blotted out of the universe. There was a moment when the only created mind fully capable of comprehending the fearful thought, seemed to feel it as an insupportable reality. And who can tell the feelings of that mighty mind at that awful moment, when God hid his face from him, and the suffering Son looked up in vain, and exclaimed, "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me!" Nearly such would be the condition of this world without the Bible. The Bible alone points the exile to his native land. It conducts the wandering, thirsty traveller to the very fountain of life. It leads the long-lost spirit back to God. But beside the support and hope which the knowledge of God procures, unspeakably greater is the pleasure we derive from loving him. What greater blessing has Heaven bestowed upon the human race than pure and amiable affections? Of all men he is the most miserable who has nothing to love. His heart is cold, and his bosom like the desolate heath. Nor is there anything that can revive and refresh his withered mind until he has found an object on which to bestow his affections. No small portion of our happiness in this world arises from the love we feel toward those who are dear to us. We may indeed have affections that are not virtuous; but the pleasures we derive from them do not deserve the name. We may love what is unworthy, inconstant, and changeful; and then our expectations are defeated. We may love what is transient and dying; and then our joys are turned into grief. And yet, with all its fickleness and uncertainty, earth furnishes no such happiness as where heart yearns towards its fellow-heart. In so far as their characters are faulty, the pleasure of our love, it is true, is in proportion diminished; and yet with all their blemishes the loss of their affections could not be easily repaired. But suppose those we love are exalted beyond their fellow-men, endowed with an amiable and generous mind, gifted with a strength of intellect and purpose that are softened by benevolence and condescension, and over all these qualities a winning manner throws its attractive charms; what delight do we experience in affectionate intercourse with them! We feel, as it were, almost raised to their level, and enjoy a pride and gratification that we are esteemed worthy of their love. And this thought elevates us indeed, and keeps us above the level of the common world. And how careful are we to do nothing to forfeit their confidence, and what grief and self-reproach do we feel if we have forfeited it; for conscience tells us that the folly, the error is all our own. What, then, must be the happiness of fixing the heart on God, where there is nothing unlovely, nothing fickle, nothing false or dying! From our best affections towards creatures up to the love of God, there is a height as lofty as his ways and attributes are above the attributes and ways of mortals. No fear can haunt the mind, that he may change in his character, or in his love. He is above the reach of accident, or mutation, perfect in benevolence and power, and to those who trust in him is a sure and perpetually increasing source of joy. Men no longer grasp at shadows, when they fix their hearts on God. They think of him, and are happy; they contemplate his nature, and their best affections and purest happiness become more exalted and more pure, the greater their love. Solicitude subsides into tranquillity, peace is invigorated to confidence, love awakes to joy, and not unfrequently joy to transport, at a view of the Divine excellence and glory. And then to receive love for love; to lean on the bosom of Divine faithfulness; to make the eternal God our refuge and portion-this is the blessedness for which the spiritual nature of man is formed. This is that great law of moral attraction, by which the soul enjoys even a sort of sympathy with the Divine nature, and participates in his blessedness. -Dr. Spring. HUMANITAS. A SKETCH FROM LIFE. "BLESSED are the merciful," saith the Saviour of mankind, "for they shall obtain mercy." This glorious language recurs to memory as often as I see Humanitas pass from cottage to cottage, to administer relief and consolation to the children of want and misery. Blessedness is, indeed, stamped upon his countenance: his face serves as an index to a heart replete with happiness. Humanitas is an "old sea captain." Many a storm has he weathered, during life, on the mighty waters. He has been raised aloft on the mountainous billows, and then suddenly engulfed in the valleys beneath. And during that period he was by no means conspicuous for humane conduct. He was, in truth, a commander of the old school. Many a freeborn Briton has he caused to be tied up to the mast, to receive the fearful lash of the cat-o'-nine tails. I have heard him characterize his disposition in those days, as being rough and stern as that of the bear of the forest. Such was the nature of Humanitas when he first left his sea-faring life, and came to settle in our village. I remember his being talked of, when I was a boy, as the "rough old captain;" and my boyish fancy long looked upon him as an object of terror, and when I have met him in our green lanes, I have slunk by on the opposite side, lest I should feel the weight of the knobbed oaken staff with which he walked. But rugged as was the nature of Humanitas, it was not invincible. Grace triumphed over it, and he became meek and gentle as the lamb of the meads. The conduct of Humanitas contains evident traces of the change which has been effected in his nature. From morning to night he is seeking to do good to all around him. He dries the orphan's tears, and makes the widow's heart sing for joy. "That good Christian," said dame Hudson to me the other day, with reference to Humanitas, "that good Christian, what should I have done, or where should I have been, if it had not been for his aid? When my old man died, I was left friendless; and you know, sir, what a dread I have always had of applying to the parish for relief. I had only the prospect of the union before me, and my heart was bowed down with griefs. I wept while the sun shone around me, and my pillow was wet with my tears. But thanks to Hu- j On two occasions I have had an opportunity of witnessing the conduct of Humanitas in our parish school, and it was very pleasing. It appears from thence that it is his usual wont to give them a short address, which may be useful to them in after life: seconding it by some act of kindness. and peace. It is not in man to guide his course aright. The paths of sin are flowery, and if you resolve to tread in them, then you will lose happiness here and hereafter." The second address of Humanitas was on the sin of lying, and it was elicited by one of the group being seriously punished for this fault. The sin of lying," said he, "is one of the greatest to which a child or man can be addicted. I was taught its evils by my father, when very young, in a way that may seem strange to children now-a-days. Having been detected in telling a lie, he took hold of my right hand, and thrust it near the fire, and while I roared with terror, he exclaimed, 'Think of hell-fire : such is the portion of liars.' I have never forgotten that event, and from that time I avoided the sin of lying. And I would have you do the same. For only think of enduring a long eternity of pain, infinitely more terrible than that which Ï endured at the hands of my father. How fearful a thing would that be, for who can dwell with everlasting burnings? Besides, a liar can never succeed in this world. When he is known as such, he is shunned by all as a pest to society; as one in whom no confidence can be placed. God and man have each set a mark upon him, and he may be said to wander over the face of the earth, like another Cain." Humanitas is, in truth, a zealous Christian. He has his weekly meetings in every part of our parish, and it is pleasing to see the widows and the aged resort to hear him read the word of God, or some books emanating from that hallowed source. He is, as I heard one of them observe, "Doing a world of good," in this way, for he opens their hearts to receive the truth by acts of charity. There is an irresistible charm in his disinter On the first of these occasions Humanitas addressed them on the advantages they might derive, through life, from good conduct. "You know, boys," said | he, "that I am called a captain. Well, so I am; but you must know, also, that I was not born a captain. I went to sea a poor half-friendless cabin-boy. Well, then, how was it, you ask, that you became a captain? I will tell you. It was by good conduct. Whenever I was told to do anything, I obeyed, and for that reason my superiors looked upon me with favour, and I rose by degrees to become a captain, and a man of some wealth. Perhaps none of you may become cabin-boys, and therefore will not have the opportunity I had of gaining honour in naval affairs. But, depend upon it, let you be placed in whatever situation you may in the world, good conduct will always en-ested kindness. His gold and his silver sure you happiness, if not advancement in life. Good conduct is a jewel, which will always turn to a good account. It is held in high estimation, both in the farm and the shop, as well as in the service of your country. Be sure then you practise it, and you will one day remember your friend, the old captain. You will say that his words were wise, and you will rejoice that you have followed his counsel. But I will tell you a secret of which I was then ignorant, or heedless. You must look upwards for guidance, defence, and a blessing, or you may soon be turned aside from the path of holiness are theirs, according to their need, and they, experiencing his kindness, are, in many instances, led to think highly of the source from whence it springs. I will not say that some of them do not sit at his feet for what they can obtain-for poverty sometimes makes men hypocrites but of this I am sure, that many of them are helped onward in their Christian course by his zealous exertions. His conversation cannot fail to benefit them, for it is replete with wisdom and instruction. Oh, I wish that every parish was blessed with its Humanitas! for I verily believe that such a one as he is, does more good among the poor, than many stated minis- | attentive observer of passing events can ters of the gospel; for unhappily these fail to observe, that a great change is are too often looked upon, by the multi- coming over the world. It casts its amtude, as men who have their own self-ple shadow before it. All things are tendinterest at heart, more than the good of ing to that happy consummation, when others. Even if they are charitable and all nations shall become the kingdoms of zealous, it is considered as no more than our God and of his Christ; when all a part of their duty. I have heard it mankind shall not only know, but fear, said by some ungracious souls respecting and serve, and love the Lord. My head such, "They are paid for what they do!" which is silvered over with age, and yours Nor could any arguments of mine alter over which but half the allotted years their loose and dogged sentiment. of man have rolled, may be pillowed in the grave before that day; but it is manifest that not many ages will elapse before that glorious era arrives. Turn we our eyes to whatever quarter of the globe we may, there are evidences of the approaching change, and I rejoice that our own beloved country is a chosen instrument, in the hands of an all-wise God, to bring it to pass. "His conver But it is not alone among the poor that Humanitas is doing good. sation is in heaven," and no one can converse with him without being benefited by his discourse. I met him the other day near the margin of the stream that washes the foot of our village, and was pleased to linger with him for a brief period. After the usual greetings, he observed that he had been thinking, that, as the waters of the stream, by our side, flowed into the sea, so do the streams of human life flow into eternity. The thought was a happy one, and while I joined in the sentiment, I replied, "How careful then ought we to be, so to live as to be prepared for that consummation!" "You are right," rejoined Humanitas, "and I would that all mankind were of your opinion. But, alas! how different is the case. Men live like the beasts that perish, regardless of aught else, but that which concerns this transitory life. Wealth, honours, pleasures-these are the objects of which they are in busy search, to the utter neglect of the one thing needful.' Even the aged who, like myself, are stepping into the grave, that bourn from whence no traveller returns,' although they feel that they must soon leave the world, cling to it with a pertinacity that is perfectly astounding to a thinking and enlightened mind. But it is poor human nature, and while I deplore the evil, I would rejoice that I am led to lay up treasures in heaven, in common with the children of God. 'There is my house and portion fair; And Jesus bids me come."" Humanitas paused, and while I was inly musing on his happy frame of mind, he thus resumed: "But although mankind are thus, as they have been since the fall of Adam, wandering in error, and pursuing shadows like silly childhood, no She holds the sword of the Spirit,' which is the word of God.' Her societies are appointed means to spread knowledge over the earth, as the waters cover the sea, and it is an unspeakable privilege to aid in their support. I would not be debarred that privilege, for all the thrones of this world: it conveys a sense of happiness to my heart such as I cannot derive from any earthly enjoyment, great as those are which God has poured around my hearth.” As Humanitas ceased, I involuntarily grasped his hand, and exclaimed, “You are a happy man; and in you is fulfilled the promise, that the merciful shall be blessed." "True happiness," replied Humanitas, "consists in the enjoyment of the favour of God, through the blood of a crucified Redeemer. Adieu.” Such is Humanitas. Reader, copy his example, and you shall share his happiness. DOING GOOD. E. F. IT was remarked by Crabbe, "How often do we sigh for opportunities of doing good, whilst we neglect the openings of Providence in little things, which would frequently lead to the accomplishment of most important usefulness!" Dr. Johnson used to say, "He who waits to do a great deal of good at once will never do any." Good is done by degrees. However small in proportion the benefit which follows individual attempts to do good, a great deal may thus be accomplished by perseverance, even in the midst of discouragements and disappoint ments. ENGLISH HISTORY. JAMES II. Capture of Monmouth. ALL opposition to the succession of the duke of York to the crown of England had been subdued before his brother was called to give account of his reign to the King of kings. The council assembled immediately on the decease of Charles 11., when James addressed them in terms declaratory of a desire to conciliate, and assuring them that it should be his deavour to preserve the government, both in church and state, as it is now by law established:" terms which it will be found that he failed to observe. Hitherto he had been found scrupulous in keeping his word; the people therefore believed his promises. 66 en In some respects the beginning of the reign of James 11. promised improvement. No change was made in the officers or proceedings of the government, while, to use the words of Evelyn, an eye-witness, "The face of the whole court was exceedingly changed into a more solemn and moral behaviour, the new king affecting neither profaneness nor buffoonery;" but in less than two years, he bestowed titles on one mistress, and on the progeny of another. The late monarch was buried on the night of February 14th, 1685, with very little ceremony, and he was soon forgotten. His successor soon began to show forgetfulness of his early pledges. On the following Sunday he proceeded in state to the Romish service, and caused the doors to be set wide open during the ceremonial of mass. On the first occasion, the sword of state was carried by lord Powis, a papist, who entered; on another, by the duke of Norfolk, who stopped at the entrance. "Your father would have gone further," said the king. "Your majesty's father would not have gone so far," replied the duke. James soon showed his bigoted attachment to the popish religion by his zeal in seeking to make proselytes; among other things, he had two papers printed, containing the common-place arguments in defence of Popery, which were found in his brother's cabinet. These were probably documents given to the late king, which had been influential upon his mind. An agent was sent to Rome to signify his intention to reconcile England to the pope. The pontiff, however, recommended him not to hurry matters. Another proceeding showed that he adopted the family determination to consider the royal authority paramount to law. The customs, and part of the excise, had been granted to the late king only for his life. Under this difficulty it was S |