gery, and the tenderness of their sentiment. They give a deep insight into domestic life, and open for us the heart of man, in all the various states he may occupy→→ a frequent review of PROVERBS should enter into our readings; and although they are no longer the ornaments of conversation, they have not ceased to be the treasures of thought !"—Curiosities of Literature, 2nd Series, p. 479. Were there no other learning than that comprised in proverbs, it may be doubted whether it would not be adequate to the chief business of life. It is only in those branches of knowledge, connected with the arts and natural philosophy, that the ancient lore is deficient; but in every thing that relates to the great science of human nature, it is commensurate with our necessities and occasions. In making it the basis of our studies, there is a great economy of time and labour; for it puts us in possession of useful truths, without either enslaving us to systems, or perplexing us with abstruse and unprofitable inquiries. With respect to the present volume, as no merit is claimed in its contents, further than the arrangement of the materials and their occasional illustration, I will venture to say, that few can be found in modern literature, comprising an equal fund of amusement and instruction. It is not, however, a volume, small as it is, that we ought to take up and peruse at a sitting; but one to which we may occasionally resort- and never, I believe, without profit-without finding something to amuse or instruct—a flash of wit, a stroke of humour, or an useful precept to guide and adorn life. |