ment and instruction which it has afforded those for

whom it was originally written.

b. It seems decidedly improper to translate books to be used by students in assisting them in their recitations.

II. Such translations are injurious to the student: first,

A. In regard to the discipline of the mind.

a. They hinder the application of its faculties, and habituate it to pass quickly over passages best adapted to sharpen the powers of reasoning and to cultivate the taste.

b. They hinder solid knowledge, and prevent real progress in the mastery of the language.

c. Depending on translations, the student gradually loses his elasticity of mind, and soon falls into habits of idleness.

d. It is injurious to the importance of public instruction; for the student imagines himself in no need of the explanations of his teacher, and gives away to distraction in class-hours.

B. In regard to morality.

a. The teacher is deceived, and the character of the student is clouded by untruthfulness.

b. They give to the student more leisure, which is seldom applied to self-improvement.

C. In regard to other evils.

a. They deprive the student of the intellectual pleasure of self-exertion.

b. Also of manly self-confidence.

III. Conclusion. Cases in which they may be allowed.

A. They may serve to verify or to correct translations already made by the student, and to enable him to read from the original a more fluent and graceful translation.

B. This may be allowed to students,

a. Who have already made considerable progress, and who wish to enter more fully into the spirit of the original ; and,

b. To those who possess sufficient firmness of character not to allow themselves to submit to self-deception.

C. As such students are rarely found, it is better not to encourage the use of translations in the study of the classics.

24.

ON THE PROPER USE OF VACATION.

I. Introduction.

a. After long and arduous labors, man needs to recruit himself: nature requires it.

b. For this purpose, the Christian Church has instituted the Sunday and the festival. Besides these, there is given to the student at the close of each year the time of

vacation.

c. But it not unfrequently happens that some students abuse this salutary season in the same manner as certain persons abuse the Sunday and the festival.

II. How, then, should the student spend his vacation?

a. Simply according to the design for which it was intended.

1. Namely, to afford to student and teacher an opportunity to recruit their health and refresh their minds.

A. The design of vacation is not for,

a. Entire absence of intellectual occupation. That would be waste of time, of which an intelligent student will not be guilty.

b. Nor is it for mere sensual pleasure; for this, instead of strengthening, rather tends to weaken and enervate, both mind and body.

B. Vacation should afford,

a. Rest from the severities of accustomed labor.

III.

b. An opportunity for voluntary and spontaneous activity, in which the best qualities of character and genius may manifest themselves.

c. Also a time for enjoyments suited to the taste of the
young man, - the pleasures of home, the companion-
ship of relatives and friends among the scenes hal-
lowed by the recollections of youth.

C. The design of this happy time will be answered,
a. Not by idleness: this would injure the tone of the mental
and moral character, and, in the end, afford no real
pleasure.

b. To accustom himself to regularity, it is well for the
student to draw up a plan for at least a portion of his
time.

1. To solve certain difficulties in his studies which had given him trouble.

2. To make up something lacking in one branch or another.

3. To read some instructive work not used in his

classes.

4. To devote himself to some favorite science, espe

cially to become acquainted with that branch or profession which he intends to make the object of his pursuit during life.

5. To read the best current or classical English litera

ture.

D. But vacation is especially a time of rest and recreation among its enjoyments are,—

a. The beauties of natural scenery, walks, gymnastic exercises, games, &c.

b. Short journeys (the best are made on foot) to visit remarkable places, to meet friends or relatives, "to do good and to get good."

Vacation thus spent makes the student cheerful, leaves no room for remorse, elevates the mind, gives health to the body, and invigorates the whole man for the intellectual labors of the new year.

25.

UTILITY OF THE STUDY OF NATURAL HISTORY.

I. This science is the history of all that is in Nature, comprehending the description and classification of animals, vegetables, and minerals.

As no age has paid greater attention to the science than ours, we will endeavor to define its influence upon man.

II. Treatise.

A. Relating to the body.

a. Being much in the open air strengthens the body, and promotes the regular exercise of its functions.

b. Also improves the acuteness of the senses.

B. Relating to the mind.

a. It improves the faculty of thinking by cultivating,

1. The perception.

2. The reason.

3. The memory.

b. It checks,

1. Ignorance.

2. Superstition.

3. Infidelity; for its study leads to God, showing his power, his wisdom, his goodness.

III. The study of natural history is very instructive and interesting; for it teaches the diversity and characteristics of animals, plants, and minerals.

A. Regarding the functions and habits of animals.

a. Some prey upon other animals.

b. Some live upon plants alone, and

c. Some partly on animal, and partly on vegetable food.

d. Some evince feelings of attachment for one another, and live together in companies or communities.

e. Others are unsocial, and prefer solitude. They are all subject to man.

"Heaven from all creatures hides the book of fate:

From brutes what men, from men what spirits know."

B. Relating to plants.

POPE.

a. What a world of wonder do they present to our senses!
b. What beauty and magnificence in their different species,
especially in that of the flowers!

c. What admiration must we have even for the weakness of
the latter!

C. Relating to minerals.

a. Mineralogy is the science of inorganic bodies belonging to or found upon or within the earth.

b. In its domain are included all natural products which belong neither to animal nor vegetable bodies.

c. Not, however, those artificial compounds which are produced by the hand of man.

IV. In conclusion, bear in mind that the basis of all science is the immutability of the laws which the Creator has given to nature and to events.

26.

SUFFER NO PART OF LIFE TO REMAIN UNIMPROVED.

I. Time is all-important, is fleeting, never re

turns.

"Touch us gently, Time!

Let us glide adown thy stream

Gently as we sometimes glide

Through a quiet dream. "

II. Man can make good use of his time, and

he is bound to do so.