biographical page, that lives in every line, is giving lessons of
fortitude in time of danger, patience in suffering, hope in distress,
invention in necessity, and resignation to unavoidable evils. Here also
may be learned, pity for the bereaved, benevolence for the destitute, and
compassion for the helpless; and at the same time all the sympathies of
the soul will be naturally excited to sigh at the unfavorable result, or
to smile at the fortunate relief.

In the great inexplicable chain which forms the circle of human events,
each individual link is placed on a level with the others, and performs an
equal task; but, as the world is partial, it is the situation that
attracts the attention of mankind, and excites the unfortunate vociferous
eclat of elevation, that raises the pampered parasite to such an immense
height in the scale of personal vanity, as, generally, to deprive him of
respect, before he can return to a state of equilibrium with his fellows,
or to the place whence he started.

Few great men have passed from the stage of action, who have not left in
the history of their lives indelible marks of ambition or folly, which
produced insurmountable reverses, and rendered the whole a mere
caricature, that can be examined only with disgust and regret. Such
pictures, however, are profitable, for "by others' faults wise men correct
their own."

The following is a piece of biography, that shows what changes may be
effected in the animal and mental constitution of man; what trials may be
surmounted; what cruelties perpetrated, and what pain endured, when stern
necessity holds the reins, and drives the car of fate.

As books of this kind are sought and read with avidity, especially by