POWDER AND BALLS. LET ancient or modern history be produced, they will not afford a more heroic reply than that of the Yankees at Stonington, to the British commanders. The people were piling the balls, which the enemy had wasted, when the foe applied to them, "We want balls; will you sell them?" They answered, "We want powder; send us powder, and we 'll return your balls." REPUTATION. THE desire of praise, when it is discreet and moderate, is always attended with emulation and a strong desire of excelling; and so long as we can stop here, there is no harm done to ourselves or others. St Paul exhorts christians to follow, not only whatsoever things are right, but whatsoever things are of good report. The love of reputation, therefore, if it be not joined to a bad disposition, will scarcely of itself lead us to immoral actions. Yet the things which the world generally admires and praises most, are not the things in their own nature most valuable. They are those bright abilities and fair endowments, which relate to the present life, and terminate with it. Christian virtues are of a more silent and retired nature. God and good angels approve them; but the busy world overlooks them. So that he who principally affects popular approbation, runs some danger of living and dying, well known to others, and little known to himself; ignorant of the state of his own soul, and forgetful of the account which he has to render up to God. THE LITTLE VOYAGERS. THE lake was smooth and not a breatlı "Yes, brother," and the plank she drew Yet forth they drifted, till the lake, So, they who sail on pleasure's streams, For every scene around them, seems But, when attracted from the shore The threat'ning waves begin to roar, Thought it quite entertaining She let him climb upon her back, And bite her by the ear; She curb'd him not, but only said "Be quiet; - there's a dear." The puppy had an uncle, A sober quiet dog, Who said "I wish that urchin Had a muzzle or a clog; "Dear sister, if you don't, in time, "You let him tumble you about, "I think it right to laugh and romp, He went away; the mother cried, "My worthy neighbor, Billy Goat, Come in, I'm glad to see you all; The uncle's prudent caution was. 1 1 The puppy jump'd about the horse, He nearly sprain'd the goose's leg, Politeness made them bear it once, They thought the puppy's conduct The horse's kick, goat Billy's horn, And from the goosé a bite, Soon sent him yelping from the place; The puppy's mother frown'd and said: You are not fond of young folks, As you snub my little dear." The horse replied, "Why really, ma'am, I do not like them rude; But I love them very dearly, ma'am, MORAL. Now that is what I say myself, And many think with me; 'Tis sweet to sport with children But we likewise love to see, That they can shew good manners In the parlor or at table; And I hope my youthful readers all |