outward condition of the object whose distrosses excite our compassion.

Lord G. Why does this history particularly

afford us this lesson?

Ment. Because the Jews and Samaritans were at such enmity, it was thought a capital offence to have the least intercourse; thus the woman of Samaria was surprised our Saviour should ask water of her, as he was a Jew.

Lady M. Then it was particularly good of the Samaritan to take such care of the poor man in distress. You cannot imagine, my dear Mentoria, how much I admire his conduct.

Ment. He acted as every person ought to do, in the same situation; which is to perform the service required without any consideration of the advantages which would arise from, or the inconveniences that might attend it. Let us follow his example, and bind up the wounds of the afflicted, pouring in the balm of comfort and consolation. Let us ever practise the exhortation of our Saviour, delivered in these words, "Go, and do thou likewise;" which implies we should seek an opportunity to testify our approbation of the Samaritan's conduct by the convincing proof of imitation, "Let your light so shine before men, that

they

they may see your good works, and glorify. your Father who is in heaven."

Lady L. Are there any other duties, my Mentoria?

Ment. It is necessary, for the good of the community, that there should be a subordination in the different classes of mankind. I shall consider them under the heads of Superiority, Equality, and Inferiority; which I hope will enable you to form a just conception of the several states. Superiority requires the persons who possess it to act with dignity and caution to exercise their authority with moderation and justice; and to dispense their favours to those who appear most deserving of them,

Lady L. What is our duty to our equals? Ment. Like most other duties, it is recipro cal, and consists of a mutual exchange of kind offices and general good-will. As this state equally excludes profound respect and implicit obedience, it is necessary to point out the medium which should be preserved between these extremes, in order to make the cement of friendship binding. Undue familiarity proverbially produces contempt; we have also scriptural authority, that where servile fear is, there can be no love, as love casteth out fear. From which

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which it may be inferred, our deportment towards our equals ought to be tinctured with the respect due to our superiors, and the condescension and freedom authorised to our inferiors; which is productive of the pleasing compound, usually called politeness. Without the due observance of this amiable quality, the friendly intercourse of society degenerates into barbarism and incivility.

Lady M. The state of inferiority is the next branch you are to explain: I know persons in that class are required to be obedient.

Ment. This obedience is limited; as they should ever avoid flattering the weakness and imperfections of their superiors, and in all their actions make a distinction between servility and respect. From the dependence of their state, it is necessary they should conform to the will of their rulers in every instance which is not repugnant to reason or conscience.

Lady M. But how will these rules regulate our conduct?

Ment. You must be actuated by the precept enjoined by our Saviour, "To do to others as you would they should do unto you." You must therefore pursue the same conduct to your inferiors as you would that your superiors should to you; and pay the same deference to

thos

those above you expect to receive from those beneath you. Το persons who are on a level with yourself, you should perform such services as seem most acceptable and necessary to the sphere of life in which you move. Be courteous to all, haughty and imperious to none, Be not high-minded, but condescend to those of low estate, and you will be respected by the great, and reverenced by the humble.

Excel and emulate thy parents praise,
Let thy intrinsic worth the fabric raise ;
In every useful art thy time employ,
Zealous to gain esteem, true heart-felt joy!
Attain each grace that can adorn thy mind,
Blended with sentiment and taste refin'd.

Envy can find no harbour in a breast

Th' abode, I trust, of peace, more welcome guest,
Beatitude divine, and source of rest.

Neglect no duty, act with graceful ease,
Ever desire with modesty to please:
Let Virtue be thy guide, for she'll dispense
Love, happiness, and meek-ey'd innocence.
Oh! may she, kind to thee, her grace impart,
Never forsake, deep-rooted in thy heart.

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DIALOGUE

DIALOGUE XI.

THURSDAY.

ON COMPLACENCY AND CHEERFULNESS.

THE

Mentoria.

HE advantages which arise from Complatency, or serenity of mind, are so obvious, that few endeavours should seem needful to recommend it; yet the frequent deviations we trace in various persons from the practice of this amiable quality, induce me, my dear pupils, to point out the self-satisfaction it produces as an excitement to the discharge of a duty which increases our own happiness, and is the means of diffusing it to those with whom we are connected.

Lady