life-giving as is its wisdom, and imperishable as
are its truths, it is too frequently left unread.

As a general thing, too much is read; more than can be well retained.
One page well read is more beneficial than a whole volume merely glanced
over. Never read the second line until the first is fully understood.
Make the author's sentiments your own. In reading history it is highly
important you should have a clear idea of the locality where the events
occurred. I have found by experience that the best method deeply to
impress what I have read, is to have at hand writing materials, and
after each reading write out as fully as possible whatever new idea has
been presented. But in all that you read, keep in view the great object
of your reading,--_Self Improvement_.

A SABBATH SCHOOL EXCURSION.

The morning breaks. A hundred voices rise,
In shouts of gladness echoing to the skies.
The happy time draws near, the day is fair,
To festive scenes and rural joys repair.
Bright expectation gleams from every face,
And lighter footsteps bend with eager pace;
Children and parents, pastor, people, all
With one accord obey the welcome call;
And hand in hand, along the path they wind,
As heart responds to heart a greeting kind,
To hold in verdant temples high and broad,
Commune with Nature and with Nature's God.
Far from the city's worn and narrow streets,
To sunny slopes embowered by Nature's sweets,
How blest the change; to breathe the scented air,
Steals for the moment every sense of care,
Its healing powers to all new life impart,
Expand the mind and elevate the heart.
But now arrived at the appointed place,--
A rural spot adorned with every grace,
Which Nature from her bounties could bestow,
To make the world a paradise below,--
Our party pause a moment to reflect;
Then towards a path their several steps direct,
Which leads the way to some sequestered seat,
Secured by foliage from the noonday heat;
Or to the various sports their tastes incline,
Where art and nature, toil and skill combine
To give to all a welcome warm and kind,
That every weary heart sweet rest may find.
Here a few friends in social cheer are met,
Discoursing topics which such scenes beget;
And there a crowd, intent on sports more gay,
In lively measure tread the hours away.
Some roam in groups through fields and meadows green,
And laden with the fragrant spoils are seen,
Bedecked with crowns from Flora's own fair hand,
A radiant company