Three good rules, said Henry; but do mention a few of the books to which you allude.

The works of Bacon, said the Tutor; the Conduct of the Understanding, by Locke; the Improvement of the Mind, by Watts; and the Inquiries concerning the Intellectual Powers, by Abercrombie. Such books will check the vagrancy of the mind, prevent your forming superficial views, and enable you to read with profit, and to think with propriety. They will furnish you with principles and rules which you will always find to be valuable. I would say of these:

Nocturnâ versate manu, versate diurnâ.

I am much indebted to you, said Henry, for your auto-biography, and for your recommendation of books to which I am not an entire stranger, but with which I will endeavour to make myself more familiar.

CHAP. XXX.

THE COUNTRY GENTLEMAN.

If

THERE is, said the Rector, a pleasing and instructive analogy between the visible universe and human society. If I look up to the vault of heaven in a clear night of winter, I see various constellations, and these are composed of stars of different magnitudes. Some of the stars immediately strike the eye; others appear as orbs of smaller size; and others are only noticed by the careful observer. I look on the family of mankind, scattered over the surface of the earth, I find that they are divided into different nations: in these nations some men are conspicuous from their station, talents, and wealth; others are less conspicuous, and the multitude of our species must be distinctly observed to be seen. Thus God is in all things the god of order.

The idea, said Osborne, is equally pleasing and just. But you are ready, I presume, to proceed, and to tell us how we ought to shine in our different stations, some with a stronger, some with a feebler, but all with a lovely splendour.

I might easily speak much, said the Rector, on that view of the subject.

But I fear, said Henry, that you would not account us country gentlemen very brilliant stars; you will give that honour to divines and philosophers.

I should maintain, said the Rector, that you ought to be as brilliant stars. You have ample means and opportunity for shining in society with peculiar splendour. I view a country gentleman a most important character in society, and a most valuable one, if he act as he ought to do.

I shall like to hear your sentiments freely, said Osborne, on this subject: my son at least may derive profit from your remarks.

Society, said the Rector, is a piece of complex machinery it is composed of various parts, all of which are most intimately connected with, and mutually dependent upon each other, so that the welfare of the whole results from the sound state and right action of every part. Kings, nobles, gentlemen, commonalty. Here is a chain, here is a gradation: let all know and perform their several duties, and then all things will go on well.

Your idea is correct, said Osborne: we see order and gradation in the universe; and in society it arises from the constitution of man.

I am in the habit, said the Rector, of viewing all things in their moral relations and effects. This is the grand and important view; no other comports

with the nature, condition, and destiny of man, who is a rational, accountable, and immortal being. Moral good is true good; it is spiritual and eternal.

That, said Osborne, is incontrovertible; you, therefore, would have gentlemen act as much as possible for the moral good of mankind.

Certainly, said the Rector : a gentleman, I frankly confess, to have my approbation, esteem, and love, must know his blessings, use them, and improve them.

You will not allow us then, said Henry, to live for ourselves in splendour, sloth, luxury, pleasure, and amusement.

A gentleman, said the Rector, should in all things have the style of a gentleman. I advocate what I call tone a right tone in virtue, opposed to all vice; a right tone in honour, opposed to all meanness; a right tone in religion, opposed to all tameness and dulness; and I now add, a right tone of a social nature, opposed to all vulgarity. There is an elegance in society which is only the polish and expression of pride; but there is also an elegance in society which is the visible indication of sound sense, of true taste, and of right feeling.

Your idea pleases me, said Osborne; but let us hear what we are to avoid, and what we are to do.

I may confine myself, said the Rector, to the latter point; for if a man do on right principles what he ought to do, his avoiding impropriety will follow as

a matter of course. But you will think me rather Utopian.

We do not dislike poetry, said Henry; if you make the colouring a little bright, we will pardon the offence.

I will mention a few particulars, said the Rector, and leave the colouring to you. My country gentleman shall regulate his own house well, with a due reference to the claims of religion on the Sunday, and on the six days of the week. This is a great point; one that will act with mighty and beneficial influence; for all know what is done in the gentleman's house.

My country gentleman shall be a man who loves sound books, and who makes himself an intelligent man by the proper study of them.

My country gentleman shall use his influence in discountenancing all vicious, foolish, and vain proceedings in his district; and in advocating and befriending every thing laudable and virtuous.

My country gentleman shall be generous, benevolent, and humane. I do not wish him to be indiscreet and lavish in charity, for that would be to be weak and injurious; but he shall be truly charitable he shall not be suspected of being cold and parsimonious; all shall own that his heart is warm and his hand open.

My country gentleman shall speak and act as one who well knows, and who properly feels for the