steadily, on the end to which his efforts should be directed. The shortness of life, large fragments of which are necessarily occupied by animal wants or wasted on frivolous cares and amusements, leave, at best, but an inconsiderable portion to be devoted to intellectual cultivation and exertion. To waste this portion would be criminal improvidence, and it is of the highest moment to learn betimes how it may be most beneficially applied. The end which an ingenuous youth naturally proposes to himself is a faithful and honorable discharge of the duties of life. His objects are to realize the fond hopes of his parents and friends, to acquire the affection and esteem of those around him, to become the dispenser of good to his fellow-men and thus to fulfill the purposes for which it has pleased God to place him in this world of trial and discipline. He feels that these objects are indeed good. By a moral instinct he is propelled towards them as fit to fill his heart, kindle his aspirations, and animate his exertions. Reason, as she gradually unfolds her powers and assumes dominion over him, sanctions this choice with her approbation; and religion comes in aid of nature and reason, to teach him that talents are but lent to be improved, and that an account must be one day rendered in which their use or neglect will be amply rewarded or severely punished. How much is it not to be lamented that sloth should enervate, dissipation corrupt, or vice brutalize this child of hope and promise? You, who have him in charge, watch over him with never-sleeping vigilance and affectionate solicitude. Give him a happy start, sustain him when disposed to flag, reanimate him when discouraged, check kindly his wanderings, soothe his wounded feelings, guide him with your counsels, and save him from the foes by which he is waylaid and beset. _Macte nova virtute puer sic itur ad astra._ Most faithfully, no doubt, are these duties performed by the able and excellent men who are here charged with the office of instruction. Little can be done in aid of their efforts but to exhort and entreat all placed under their care to attend to their admonitions, treasure up their counsels, and obey their injunctions. Yet, there are some errors which were prevalent when I was a boy which I have reason to believe still prevail in public schools, and which may perhaps be better handled by an old friend than an acknowledged instructor, and to these, therefore, I would for a few moments request the favorable attention of the younger portion of my hearers.