I have more money than I want, I will invite a few acquaintance not to disappoint my sister and Edward, and indeed I do not wish to make a show of self-denial, or to let all my acquaintance know that I give my money to the poor. One guinea will be sufficient for the treat, and the other three I will give to two poor families, to buy cloathing for their children. How happy will these poor people be! all those I shall invite have abundance, I do not desire they should admire my treat and call me generous, when I should only be vain.

SIR CHARLES.

Can you suppose, my dear Charles, that I should disapprove of your intention? You begin the year very well, and may expect the happiness which flows from benevolence: it is an omen and a foretaste.

Charles then modestly thanked his father, and I went with him to distribute the money; afterwards we danced with a light heart, indeed we had a pleasant evening.——While we were dancing, as Sir Charles passed by his son, he whispered him, Pleasure is sweet when we do not sacrifice our duty to purchase it. And as he repeated his blessing, when Charles wished him a good night, he added, You have been happy, my son, because you first thought of making others rejoice.—I shall not forget this lesson, for I felt its force. I am sleepy, and yet I must tell you, that while the company were refreshing themselves, Charles and I slipped away, and hastened to the barn, and found the invited poor regaling merrily; I cannot describe the pleasure that was pictured on every countenance, but it has left a pleasing impression on my mind. The people were so delighted with their good cheer, they did not sufficiently attend to a poor blind man. Charles observed this neglect; Father, said he, let me assist you, and he cut his meat for him.

I find the treat was more acceptable to the poor than the rich—I will ever try to recollect, that it is more delightful to give pleasure, than excite admiration.

WILLIAM.

LETTER XXXV.
William to his Mother.

We rode out yesterday, and had not the pleasure we expected. When we left home the weather was fine; but the sky soon began to lower, and the rain fell in large drops; we were obliged to gallop to a little farm-house, and wait there till the storm was over. Edward was grumbling all the way, and Emilia was low-spirited, and I own I was disappointed; Charles looked so for a moment, but soon recollected himself.

EDWARD.

This is dreadful.—What a pity it is—the rain will prevent our enjoying any pleasure.