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ance. When we add to this deficiency in religious and mental cultivation, the laxity in morals which is invariably to be found on the borders of civilization, and the examples of cupidity, profligacy, and crime, to which children in those circumstances must be more or less exposed, the parent who is properly awake to the welfare of his offspring, cannot be blind to the dangers in which they would be involved. The young man who, on entering business life, possesses good habits and sound morality, is blessed with that which is of more worth to him than untold stores of gold.

I make not these remarks to prevent any individual from emigrating to the West, who may feel it his duty to do so; there is, undoubtedly, a large class of cases, where such a step is perfectly justifiable and laudable. My only object is to induce my readers not to act blindly and unadvisedly in a matter so important. I would have them scrutinize the whole subject candidly-look at it in every possible point of view-so that if finally determined to emigrate, they will not, (as thousands have,) on arriving at their place of destination, and testing its advantages, awake as from a vision, and when it is too late, regret that flattering dream could have lured them from the home of their childhood and the scenes of their youth!

It may not, perhaps, be improper to make a few remarks here in regard to the location and structure of dwelling-houses. In erecting or renting a tenement, no small attention should be paid to the loca

tion. Most people, in selecting a dwelling, allow themselves to be guided almost entirely by pecuniary considerations. And hence, in our crowded cities, families even in competent circumstances, will frequently purchase or hire dwellings situated in low, dark, and narrow streets, where the Genius of Pestilence would seem to reside—and then wonder, from year to year, why they are so constantly assaulted by painful and long continued diseases. Economy is to be commended in all cases: but health and comfort should never be sacrificed that riches may be hoarded. This would be paying too dearly for that "dross" which can never purchase enjoyment when sickness lays its palsying hand upon the body.

In securing a dwelling-house, three things should never be overlooked, viz., health, convenience, and pleasantness. The first is the all important requisite in life, and its promotion should never be lost sight of. Hence, in erecting a residence, avoid placing it in a low, damp location, or in a narrow street or lane, where the light of the sun, or the salubrious air of the heavens, can scarcely penetrate and if possible to prevent it, never inhabit a building in such a location. Thousands of lives have been lost, by residing in dwellings in moist situations, where the humid exhalations have induced and hurried to a fatal termination every species of disease. A constant or frequent exposure to dampness from wet cellars, or basements, or any other source, is certain destruction to health,

and no care or pains can be too great to avoid it. As far as it is within the bounds of practicability, select for a residence, a situation which is elevated, dry, and airy. Providence in this respect, as in many others, has united utility with benefit and pleasure. No situation for an abode can be more pleasant than a gentle eminence, somewhat isolated from other dwellings, surrounded by well-cultivated gardens, and embosomed in thrifty trees.— And no place is more conducive to health. The life-giving light of the sun beams upon such an abode with the most grateful influence—for light is as essential to the healthy existence of the human frame, as to vegetable bodies. The sweet breezes of heaven draw through it, bearing the very spirit of life and vigor upon their wings-and the sur rounding foliage exhales abundantly the most healthful and buoyant constituents of the atmos phere to be breathed. But I cannot dwell upon these points, or even enumerate all the advantages to be derived from the judicious selection of a dwel ling-place.

In closing, I would remark, that in the erection of a dwelling, let much attention be paid to conve nience and comfort. It is astonishing how people differ in this respect. While one man is governed entirely by outside show, and pays little attention to interior arrangements-another allows the out side to be a matter of minor importance, and directs his care more exclusively to convenience within. And in most cases, while the former is compelled

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to submit to inconvenience in his family arrange. ments, on account of an ill contrived interior ar rangement, the dwelling of the latter not only makes a good appearance in its exterior, but he has been careful to have such a construction within, as to secure comfort and enjoyment to himself and all connected with his family. Much might be said with profit upon these topics, but this chapter is already too protracted. I can only add, that in erecting a place of abode, let your motto be, convenience before show, and health and comfort before all! In regard to all things connected with the dwelling, the husband should freely consult the wife, and allow her suggestions to have a proper influence upon his decisions. This is more especially important in regard to the interior construction; as from her knowledge and experience, she is much more capable of judging respecting convenience, utility, and pleasantness, than any other individual connected with the family.

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Thou art the nurse of Virtue; in thine arms
She smiles, appearing, as in truth she is,

Heaven-born, and destined to the skies again."

ONE of the most important secrets in the attainment of happiness, is to accommodate ourselves to the peculiar condition or circumstances in which Providence has been pleased to place us. This is equally true whether in prosperity or adversity. It is in vain that the utmost success attends a man in his business affairs, if his mind is so absorbed and harassed by schemes of future adventure, as to prevent his enjoyment of his present prosperity.— He cannot be happy, because he allows future uncertainties to poison present certainties. On the other hand, it is vain and unwise to struggle against that which is inevitable, and which strugglings and repinings cannot prevent. Instead of this, true philosophy and Christianity alike dictate that it is wiser and better, to submit cheerfully to those things which cannot be avoided; and that,

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