drove up, he observed that both the shafts of his gig were broken, and that they were held together by withs formed from the bark of a hickory sapling. Our traveller observed further that he was plainly clad, that his knee buckles were loosened, and that something like negligence pervaded his dress. Conceiving him to be one of the honest yeomanry of our land, the courtesies of strangers passed between them, and they entered the tavern. It was about the same time that an addition of three or four young gentlemen was made to their number; most, if not all of them, of the legal profession. As soon as they became conveniently accommodated, the conversation was turned by one of the latter, upon an eloquent harangue which had that day been displayed at the bar. It was replied by the other, that he had witnessed the same day, a degree of eloquence no doubt equal, but that it was from the pulpit. Something like a sarcastic rejoinder was made to the eloquence of the pulpit; and a warm and able altercation ensued, in which the merits of the Christian Religion became the subject of discussion. From six o'clock until eleven, the young champions wielded the sword of argument, adducing, with ingenuity and ability, every thing that could be said, pro and con. During this protracted period, the old gentleman listened with all the meekness and modesty of a child, as if he was adding new information to the stores of his own mind; or perhaps, he was observing, with philosophic eyes, the faculties of the youthful mind, and how new energies are evolved by repeated action; or perhaps, with patriotic emotion, he was reflecting upon the future destinies of his country, and on the rising generation upon whom those destinies must devolve; or most probably, with a sentiment of moral and religious feeling, he was collecting an argument, which, characteristic of himself, no art would be "able to elude, and no force to resist."-Our traveller remained a spectator, and took no part in what was said. At last one of the young men remarked, that it was impossible to combat with long and established prejudices, wheeled around, and with some familiarity exclaimed, "Well, my old gentleman, what think you of these things?" If, said the traveller, a streak of vivid lightning had at that moment crossed the room, their amazement could not have been greater than it was with what followed. The most eloquent and unanswerable appeal was made for nearly an hour by the old gentleman, that he had ever heard or read; so perfect was his recollection, that every argument urged against the Christian Religion, was met in the order in which it was advanced. Hume's sophistry on the subject of miracles was, if possible more perfectly answered than it had already been by Campbell. And in the whole lecture there was so much simplicity and energy, pathos and sublimity, that not another word was uttered—an attempt to describe it, said the traveller, would be an attempt to paint the sunbeams. It was immediately a matter of curiosity and inquiry who the old gentleman was: the traveller concluded it was the preacher, from whom the pulpit eloquence had been heard: but no, it was the CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE UNITED STATES. ADVERSITY. Adversity has ever been considered as the state in which a man most easily becomes acquainted with himself; and this effect it must produce, by withdrawing flatterers, whose business it is to hide our weaknesses from us; or by giving loose to malice, and license to reproach; or, at least, by cutting off those pleasures which called us away from meditation on our own conduct, and repressing that pride which too easily persuades us that we merit whatever we enjoy. VIRTUE. It is not an inheritance of the wealthy,-nay, it rather resides in the cottage than the palace; but beset with all the ills which dependence inflicts, it is then that virtue is tried, and proved, as it were, in the furnace of affliction. "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil," is a prominent part of the wisest petition ever offered up to the FOUNTAIN OF ALL GOOD, and it operates as a command upon all, that we should help one another. PARENTS. In general, those parents have most reverence, who most deserve it; for he that lives well cannot be despised. POETRY & MUSIC. THE HOUR OF DISTRESS. O'tis not when the fairy breeze fans the green ocean, The fervor and truth of a friend can be known. No! the bark must be prov'd when the tempest is howling, For the touchstone of Friendship's-the hour of distress. When Prosperity's day-star beams pure and unclouded, Then thousands will mingle their shouts round its throne. But Oh! let its light for one moment be shrouded, And the smiles of the faithless-like shadows, are gone. Grief fades like a night cloud; bliss mingles with sorrows, O'tis those whose life's path hath been clouded and cheerless, Past griefs may yet cease to be thought on, but never May the blessing of God rest for ever and ever TIME. I saw him hasting on his way, And mark'd his light'ning flight; Rapid the gloomy phantom hied, His eye shone out in sullen pride, I saw him grasp the Warrior's wreath, The laurel withering sunk in death, That wreath was stain'd with bloody dew, It met the phantom's chilling view, I saw him pass by Beauty's bower, Around the spot was many a flower On Youth's warm brow his hand he press'd, His fell siroc* o'er Nature pass'd, But hark! a mighty Angel's voicef SPRING.-BY MARY HOWETT. Our star of hope through wintry hours. And run to meet her night and morn. * A desolating wind. + Rev. x. 5, 6. The little brooks run on in light, The maiden 'mong her garden flowers, Of wants that fret and care that lowers. And breathe the fresh and balmy air: The flower has opened to the bee, And health, and love, and peace are there! EVENING. How calm and beautiful is Day's sweet close! THE INFANT. I saw an infant-health, and joy, and light, On the sad mother's breast-stern death was nigh, Like a fair flower untimely snatch'd away, |