Among the histories of men who have, by means of self-education, attained eminence in various pursuits, there are few more remarkable than that of James Ferguson. If ever anyone was literally his own instructor, in the very elements of knowledge, it was he. Acquisitions were made by him without the assistance either of books or a living teacher, and many of his most interesting and important discoveries were those of his solitary and almost illiterate boyhood.

The early life of this remarkable man, the means by which he obtained a knowledge of the elements of learning, and how he applied them so as to produce such remarkable results, are of so interesting a kind, and are so well narrated by Mr. Craik, in his work, 'The Pursuit of Knowledge under Difficulties,' that we recommend its perusal to all youth, especially those who are labouring in the work of mental cultivation.

Another notable instance of self-education is that of Benjamin Franklin. Perhaps this is the most remarkable name to be found in the annals of self-educated men. Of all those who have raised themselves to a high social position. by their own efforts, there is no one, it is said, the close of whose history presents so great a contrast to its beginning. He contrived to raise himself from the lowest poverty and obscurity to affluence and distinction, and,

above all, in the absence of instructors and of the ordinary helps to the acquisition of knowledge. Here, then, we have an example and a lesson, perhaps the most instructive to be anywhere found, for all who have to be either the architects of their own fortunes or their own guides in the pursuit of knowledge.

ON NOBILITY OF NATURE.

Who e'er amidst the sons

Of Reason, Valour, Liberty, and Virtue,
Displays distinguish'd merit, is a noble

Of Nature's own creating. Such have risen,
Sprung from the dust; or where had been our honours?

The man of true nobility is one whose nature has been fashioned after the highest models. To possess this character is a dignity of itself, commanding the instinctive homage of every generous mind. His qualities depend not upon fashion or manners, but upon moral worth; not on personal possessions, but on personal qualities.

A man of noble spirit is eminently distinguished for his self-respect. He has a keen sense of honour, scrupulously avoiding mean actions. He feels that truth is the summit of being' and the soul of rectitude in human affairs. Such a man is also generous and forbearing, never unforgiving and cruel. These are some of the tests by which a man of noble

spirit may be known, but there is one that never fails-How does he those subordinate to him?

exercise power over How does he con

duct himself toward women and children? The discretion, forbearance, and kindliness with which power in such cases is used, may indeed be regarded as the crucial test of a noble character. He who bullies those who are not in a position to resist, cannot be a gentleman. Occasionally the noble, brave, and gentle character may be found under the humblest garb. Riches and rank have no necessary connection with genuine noble qualities. The poor man may be a true nobleman, in spirit and in daily life. The poor man with a rich spirit is in all ways superior to the rich man with a poor spirit. The first hopes everything and fears nothing, the last hopes nothing and fears everything. He who has lost all, but retains his courage, cheerfulness, hope, virtue, and selfrespect, is still rich. For such a man the world is, as it were, held in trust; his spirit dominating over its grosser cares, he can still walk erect a truly noble man.

Many instances of poor men possessing this character might be named. We are told that among the Alps especially are found men rustic and noble without being ferocious, civilised without being corrupted. There, living among their equals, they are contented, possess an elevated mind, are generous, and welcome

strangers as brothers. The following trait is as characteristic as it is singular :

'You see,

Frantz went one evening to Gaspard, who was mowing his field. My friend,' said he, 'the time is come to get up this hay. You know there is a dispute about the meadow as to whether it belongs to you or me. To decide the question, I have assembled together the appointed judges at Salenche; so come with me. to-morrow and state your claims.' Frantz,' answered Gaspard, that I have cut the grass; it is therefore absolutely necessary that I should get it up to-morrow. I cannot leave it.' 'And I,' replied Frantz, 'cannot send away the judges, who have chosen the day themselves; besides, we must know to whom the meadow belongs before it is cleared.' They debated the matter for some time. At length Gaspard said to Frantz, Go to Salenche, tell the judges my reasons as well as your own for claiming the meadow, and then I need not go myself. So it was agreed. Frantz pleaded both for himself and Gaspard, giving in his own claims as well as those of Gaspard to the best of his power. When the judges had pronounced their opinion, he returned to his friend Gaspard, saying, 'The sentence of the judges is in thy favour; the meadow is thine, and I wish you joy. Frantz and Gaspard

ever after remained friends.

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MORAL LESSONS FROM THE TEACHING OF THE SCRIPTURES.

ON THE CONDUCT OF THE UNDER

STANDING.

Of Instruction.

My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go for she is thy life.

not the law of thy mother.

Of Knowledge.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Receive my instruction, and knowledge rather than choice gold. Alas, that the soul be without knowledge is not good.

Of Wisdom.

Behold the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding. He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good. Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. She is more precious than rubies; and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.