You need not be afraid of that, my dear Charles, the world has now continued for near six thousand years.—What wood we annually consume, is again annually supplied by shoots; and thus the face of nature is renewed—God takes care! Charles thanked Dr. Bartlett for his instructions, and we returned—and how happy am I, dear mother, that I can partake in these instructions. Charles has just been with me to shew me a canary-bird which he has bought, he intends to tame it.—But I must not forget to tell you, to-morrow is Charles’s birth-day. Edward thinks we shall have some dainties; but Emilia says, she is sure her brother will not spend his father’s present in such a way;—and I agree with her, and imagine he will lay out his money in books, rather than dainties, which he seldom seeks for. WILLIAM. LETTER XXXIV. WILLIAM _to his_ MOTHER. You will wonder, my dear mother, at Charles; he did not buy books with the money—but you shall hear all about it. His father came into his room before he had finished his prayers, I was in the next room; I had said mine, and waited for him to go with him to Dr. Bartlett. He rose hastily when his father entered, who laid a paper on the table, and desired him to conclude the sacred duty he was employed in, before he paid any respect to his earthly father;—and saying so, he left the chamber. When Charles joined me he opened the paper, and found four guineas—he paused a moment.—William, said he, I wish to have your opinion, we have in our neighbourhood but few young people, we must have a dance, we all love dancing, and we may be merry, without spending money in sweetmeats and unnecessary dainties. Well then, said Charles, I will gratify my own inclination: and immediately we joined the breakfast table. When we were alone with Sir Charles, my friend addressed him, May I, Sir, do what I please with the money you have given me? SIR CHARLES. Yes, certainly, I gave it you. CHARLES. Then I know who shall celebrate my birth-day, if you approve of it—and I shall be quite happy if you consent. SIR CHARLES. Well, who? CHARLES. I have more money than I want, I will invite a few acquaintance not to disappoint my sister and Edward, and indeed I do not wish to make a show of self-denial, or to let all my acquaintance know that I give my money to the poor. One guinea will be sufficient for the treat, and the other three I will give to two poor families, to buy cloathing for their children. How happy will these poor people be! all those I shall invite have abundance, I do not desire they should admire my treat and call me generous, when I should only be vain. SIR CHARLES.