woful experience. From this aperture I faw a large quantity of meal lying loofe on the floor of the building; which circumftance led me to think, that it was intended for a granary or storehouse. As I had already gratified the cravings of my appetite, I chose to poftpone the treasures of this magazine for a future banquet; for I am (as my dear fifter well knows) an utter enemy to the voluptuary and glutton. A few nights afterwards I repeated my visit to the cheesemonger's, and, springing upon the counter, I had a full view of the iron meal-house. My ftomach at that period being delicate, and my digestion somewhat impaired by the richness of the Parmefan, I judged it prudent to vary my diet; and therefore determined to regale myself with the contents of that curious repofitory which I have just now defcribed. In pursuance of this refolution, I fcaled the wall of the building, and entering at the opening in the fummit, I defcended with ease to the bottom, where I fupped with moderation and contentment. After fome time, I began to think of retiring to my own home. But judge of my confternation, when I caft my eyes upwards, and found my retreat precluded by a hundred fwords pointing towards me. In order to explain this mystery, it will be necessary that I expatiate more largely on the conftruction of the edifice. The aperture at the top was formed after this manner. There was a large iron hoop, the center as it were of all the circular and perpendicular bars already defcribed. From this hoop proceeded a vast number of ftrait pikes, with their extremities tending downwards and terminating at a confiderable diftance from the floor. As they advanced downwards they likewise kept advancing nearer to each other, in this refpect refembling the termination of a funnel; leaving space fufficient for my entrance. But by the description now given, you will readily conceive, that the points of these pikes, like the points of fo many fwords, prevented my egrefs from this prison. I was now too fenfible of my error, condemned my curiofity, and gave myself up for loft. And oh! what a night of horrors did I pafs! But indeed far greater horrors were ftill in referve for me. In the morning, when the mafter of the shop had difcovered his prisoner, he called a council of his houfe; and they, without hearing what I had to say in my defence, unanimously adjudged me guilty of felony, and fentenced me to death. You will easily imagine the exceffive perturbation of my spirits, when I heard the irrevocable decree paffed C 4 passed upon me. But what a thousand additional terrors did I fuffer, when I was acquainted with the manner of my execution! In a few minutes the four-legged favage, mentioned formerly, was brought into the fhop, and I was forthwith to be delivered into the paws of this merciless enemy. Accordingly my prifon was lifted from the counter, when fuddenly the treacherous floor gave way, and I fell into the claws of the monster. catched me with fuch violence, that he drove two of his talons into my fides, and thereby fractured my ribs. He then cruelly sported with my agonies; and thinking it was impoffible that I could escape, he retired to a little diftance from me, and smiled, or rather grinned with all the malignant complacency of a dæmon. He During this fhort interval, I had sense enough remaining to meditate flight. Presently I descried a breach in the wall of the shop, which breach was ample enough to admit me, and small enough to exclude my adverfary. Whereupon I fummoned up all the shattered remains of my ftrength and spirits, and with one effort happily gained that favourable fanctuary. Long I lay languishing with my wounds; but in process of time my bones coalefced, my fores healed, and my ftrength returned. tender and com I do not doubt but that your paffionate heart will bleed at this melancholy recital of my woes. Let your brother's misfortunes teach you this inftructive and important leffon-that when we riot in plenty and fecurity, then danger and death are at the door. Improve these hints, live, and be happy. I am, My dearest fifter's Moft affectionate brother, March 20, 1750. SERMON S. SERMON S. SERMON I ECCLESIASTES, VERSE I. CHA P. xii. to VERSE 8. Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt fay, I have no pleafure in them. N the earlier part of thy life, think frequently IN upon thy Creator. Remember, that thou art indebted to him, not for thy existence only, but likewife for the continued preservation, and the various comforts of thy being. Be sure therefore to teftify thy gratitude for fuch high obligations by confecrating the bloom and strength of thy youth to Almighty God. This is affuredly the period of thy moft acceptable fervices. Wherefore do not poftpone the discharge of religious duties to more advanced life; because at that period infirmities, pains, and forrows fhall imbitter the remainder of thy |