9. Conclusion.

General reflections: the infirmities of nature-evil inclinations must be curbedsecurity of life and property maintained, &c.

List of general Subjects for Composition.

1. On the order of litera- | 19. On the physical philosophy

ture.

of the middle ages.

2. On the commercial spirit 20. On variety.

of the English.

3. On architecture.

4. On the characteristics of great musical composers. 5. On rules, laws, and principles.

6. On the drama.

7. On the history of the 16th century.

8. On rhetoric.

9. On English history. 10. On superstition. 11. On vulgar errors. 12. On economy.

13. On ceremonies.

21. On our duties towards
animals.

22. On English poetry.
23. On liberty.
24. On slavery.

25. On the British essayists.
26. On evidence; positive and
circumstantial.

27. On advice.

28. On satire.

29. On the causes and consequences of war.

30. On the Crusades.

31. On the passion of fear.
32. On the feudal system.

14. On the influence of popular 33. On chivalry.

writers.

15. On colonization.

34. On the communes of France. 35. On the Reformation.

16. On the education of the 36. On treaties of peace.

poor.

37. On the causes of war.

17. On the character of the 38. On patriotism.

Another form of writing which may be proposed as a useful exercise for the reasoning power, is when a question is put in such a form as to admit of two answers. On many subjects there may be a variety of opinions, some directly opposed to others. People may, and very often do, admit the truth of a general

proposition, but differ as to particulars. Most people, now-a-days, agree in the opinion that education is desirable; but there is a very wide difference of opinion as to how the process of education should be conducted. We would all arrive at the same goal, but would not travel thither by the same path. Again, of two prominent historical characters, our sympathies may lead us to prefer one to the other, though we admire both. Or, it might be a question whether the object of our penal law should be to reform the criminal, or to secure the lives and property of the community, &c. In all these and such cases there are two sides to the question, and it will be for the writer to collect all the arguments on one side, and then on the other, to weigh them against each other, and thus form his opinion. The following piece of writing will illustrate this form of composition.

SUBJECT.

Which was the greater character, Alexander the Great or Julius Cæsar?

Before we can answer this question, there is much to be considered: the different condition of the world at the periods in which these great men respectively lived, the circumstances under which they both rose to eminence, the peculiar advantages and disadvantages attached to their respective lives, &c., must all have their weight in assisting us to arrive at any definitive conclusion on this question.

Alexander was left, unexpectedly, heir to the Macedonian kingdom at an early age, surrounded by political and personal difficulties. But notwithstanding his youth and inexperience, these obstacles were at

once removed by the fertility of his genius and the firmness of his will; and he was soon in a condition to undertake that expedition which had so long been the ardent desire of the Greek States. an expedition which was to carry war into the country of their ancient enemies-avenge the heroes of Thermopyla, and the insults offered to the sacred city of Minerva. Victory followed his standard at a pace proportioned to the advance of his soldiers, and the Persian Empire soon lay prostrate at the feet of the youthful conqueror. Would that we could here close the brilliant scene, and draw a veil over the future career of the hero. But the truth must be spoken; and historical justice demands that his vices and crimes should be placed on record.

In the madness of his pride, he now exacted from his subjects the adoration paid to a god; and the rest of his life was but a tissue of vice and crime. In a fit of violent passion, he murdered his oldest and best friend; and, probably seeking to drown his remorse in the pleasures of the table, he at length fell a victim to his excesses, in the twelfth year of his reign.

Alexander had many advantages; he studied under Aristotle, one of the greatest philosophers of Greece; he had an ardent love of literature, especially the poetry of Homer. He was of a most generous disposition, as evidenced by his behaviour to the wife and mother of Darius, and to his physician Philip. He possessed a large and comprehensive intellect, of which we may form a more distinct notion when we contemplate the gigantic projects he left unfinished.

On the other hand, Cæsar had to contend against many disadvantages. He won his way to distinction.

by his abilities. He carved out his fortune with his sword. He was opposed to fierce and powerful barbarians, formidable both for their numbers and their ferocity; but he overcame all these difficulties, and added at least one province to the Roman Empire. During the civil wars, he displayed as much skill and sagacity as he had shown in his government of Gaul, and here also he was invariably successful. Nor was he wanting in those high personal qualities which are naturally looked for in a soldier. On several occasions he displayed an intrepid courage, and a cool resolution worthy of the highest admiration.

In comparing the characters of these two great men, we cannot fail to be struck with the many points in which they resemble each other. Ambition was the ruling passion of both; and if there is merit in conquering, both are entitled to the highest praise. But there is here a difference. Alexander attacked an effeminate people, disorganised and enfeebled by luxury. Of these he made an easy conquest. With Cæsar the case was different; he was always opposed to a brave and energetic enemy-sometimes to his own countrymen-yet he was always successful. He had that confidence in himself which is an invariable sign of genius; and his reproach to the nervous pilot, "Cæsarem vehis!" is the key to his uniform

success.

His "Com

But Cæsar was not only a great general, he has claims to our notice on other grounds. He was an accomplished man of science and letters. mentaries" are still read with delight, and are considered a model of pure style. His oratory was copious and flowing, and his knowledge of astronomy led to

that improvement of the calendar which has continued to the present day.

Though far from perfect, Cæsar is not open to the charge of immorality which can be brought against Alexander. They were both generous; but Cæsar had a greater command over his passions. The Roman general was singularly merciful and kind; and his first care, after conquering his enemies, was to make them his friends by the gentleness and consideration with which he treated them. The deaths of these great men were strikingly different; and however we may regret the fate of Cæsar, it was far more favourable to his future reputation than if he had "lived the lease of time,” and died the death of ordinary men. But the circumstances of the Macedonian king's death seemed to expunge all his virtues; they present us with the degrading picture of one who, having overcome all external opposition, failed to conquer his own passions, and left to future generations a lasting example of weakness and intemperance.

The following list of double subjects will furnish exercises in this form of writing :

DOUBLE SUBJECTS.

1. Which is the better form of government, a monarchy or a republic?

2. Which has the more powerful effect in forming national character, climate or habits?

3. A comparison between the characters of Thomas à Becket and Cardinal Wolsey.

4. On the comparative merits of the English and German languages.