I. Birth, condition in life, vocation.

II. Character, disposition.

III. Mental abilities, leading characteristics of mind.

IV. Successive events, beginning at the earliest period of life.

V. His peculiarities, or what rendered him fa

mous.

How do biographical sketches rank among other pieces of composition?

They are among the most interesting and useful.

What renders them useful?

They are useful, because the lives of the most distinguished men teach us that a course of uprightness and industry secures the respect of the world, and that idleness and vice bring their votaries to suffering and disgrace.

What length is proper for biographical sketches?

They may be of any length. Some men's lives are so eventful as to furnish sufficient matter for volumes. When brevity is required, only a few of the leading facts may be presented, and the whole may be so abridged as to occupy but a few pages, or be reduced even to the compass of a single page.

EXERCISE.

Copy and punctuate the following specimen of a biographical sketch:

MAHOMET.

"Mahomet was born at Mecca in 569 AD The tribe from which he descended was that of the Korash

ites and the most noble in Arabia His immediate ancestors seem however to have been undistinguished and though his natural talents were great it is certain that his education was inconsiderable He acquired knowledge but not from books Intercourse with mankind had sharpened his faculties and given him an insight into the human heart

In 609 when he was about 40 years old he began to concert a system of measures the issue of which was the establishment of a new religion in the world and of an empire which spreading over many countries lasted more than six centuries The religion still remains

His impostures were not at first well received The citizens of Mecca even opposed them Forsaking his native city where his life was in jeopardy he fled to Medina at the epoch called by the Mahometans the hegira or flight which was in the year 622 By the aid of his disciples at Medina he returned to Mecca as a conqueror and making numerous proselytes he soon became master of Arabia and Syria and was saluted as king in 627

The main arguments which Mahomet employed to persuade men to embrace his religion were promises and threats which he knew would easily work on the minds of the multitude His promises related chiefly to Paradise and to the sensual delights to be enjoyed in that region of pure waters shady groves and exquisite fruits Such a heaven had strong charms for the Arabians whose burning climate made them regard images of this sort with excessive pleasure His threats on the other hand were peculiarly terrific to this people Those who re jected his religion were in the next world to drink nothing but putrid and boiling water to breathe nothing but exceedingly hot winds they were to dwell for ever in con

tinual fire intensely burning and be surrounded with a black hot salt smoke as with a coverlet

Mahomet was distinguished for the beauty of his person he had a commanding presence a majestic aspect piercing eyes a flowing beard and his whole countenance depicted the strong emotions of his mind His memory was retentive his wit easy and his judgment clear and decisive In his intercourse with society he observed the forms of that grave and ceremonious politeness so com mon in his country

Mahomet persisted in his fanaticism to the last On his death-bed he asserted that the angel of death was not allowed to take his soul till he had respectfully asked the permission of the prophet The request being granted Mahomet fell into the agony of dissolution.he fainted with the violence of pain but recovering his spirits in a degree he raised his eyes upwards and looking stead fastly said with a faltering voice O God pardon my sins Yes I come among my fellow-citizens on high and in this manner expired"

LESSON LXXVII.

EXERCISE IN BIOGRAPHICAL NARRATTON.

WRITE, in your own language, a biographical sketch of Newton from the facts furnished below. You may adopt whatever arrangement is most convenient.

SIR ISAAC NEWTON.

The most illustrious philosopher and mathematician that ever lived. Born, 1642, at Woolsthorpe, Lincoln

shire, England. Lost his father when very young; his mother took great care of his early education. At 18, entered Trinity College, Cambridge; here he devoted himself to mathematics; displayed great ability in the various branches of that science. At 22, discovered the method of fluxions, which, however, he afterwards greatly simplified and improved. Next, made important improvements in telescopes, by the grinding of optical glasses. Next, began to investigate the prism, and put forth a new theory respecting light and colors. His next discovery startled the whole world-this was the principle of gravitation. He was led to this by seeing an apple fall, while he was reclining under a tree in an orchard; his inquiring mind at once set about investigating the cause. His great work entitled "Principia," was published in 1687; this added much to his reputation, and procured him the respect of the learned and scientific of all countries. The friendship of Lord Halifax obtained for him the lucrative situation of master of the mint.

At 80 he became affected with a painful disease, which, five years later, proved fatal. Suffered great agony during the last five weeks of his life; bore it patiently; even smiled, while the paroxysms caused large drops of sweat to roll down his cheeks.

Newton was amiable; a Christian; studied the Bible much. Always rebuked irreverence. He was of middling height; his countenance, venerable and pleasant. His power of mind is universally admitted. A great writer has said that, if the learned men of all ages could meet in one assembly, they would choose Sir Isaac New ton for their president.

LESSON LXXVIII.

*

FICTION.

WHAT is fiction?

Fiction is a species of composition in which events are narrated that have no foundation except in the imagination of the writer.

What makes fiction interesting?

Striking scenes, and novel combinations of

events.

Repeat the three divisions that are embraced under the head of fiction.

Tales, novels, and romances.

What is the difference between a tale and a novel?

A novel is longer than a tale.

What is the difference between a novel and a romance ?

A novel is founded on events that resemble those of real life; while a romance is a narration of wilder and more unnatural incidents.

In fiction, what other species of composition may be introduced with advantage?

Description and historical narration.

EXERCISE.

An extract illustrative of fiction is unnecessary, as the pupil will recognize specimens of it in the various stories and fairytales which he has read.

Imagine that you had an encounter with banditti, while travelling in Italy, and write an account of it according to the following hints:

THE BANDIT OF THE APENNINES.

Describe the scene; pass in the Apennines; night;