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opinions, and a steady and beneficial influence to his example. The young look up to him as their guide; and even the old listen to his suggestions with respect.

Prudence is conducive to domestic and neighborhood peace. By his judicious advice, a prudent man will prevent the occurrence of difficulties; and when they exist, he will, by his conciliatory advice, contribute to their removal. A character for prudence will give a person more influence, and deservedly so, than will either talents or riches or office. Here, then, it is seen, that true dignity and extensive usefulness are attained by walking in the path of sound wisdom and discretion. Prudence, indeed, is not religion. prudence is one of her most useful attendants, as she is one of her brightest ornaments.

But

In regard to this life, prudence exerts a most benign influence on the temporal prospects of a youth. It guards him from rash experiments and hazardous enterprise. He moves slowly but surely and as he is not hasty to be rich, so riches do not come hastily. But he holds what he

has, and gains more. And ultimately, with a good conscience, he possesses abundance. It was said long ago that "a Prudent man shall stand before kings." Many are the recorded instances in Scripture of this truth. Joseph was raised to high eminence by his prudence. He was a slave in Egypt, yet his known and eminent discretion gave him favor in the sight of Pharaoh, the king, who said to this seemingly unfortunate youth; "As there is none so discreet and wise as thou art, thou shalt be over my house, and according to thy word shall my people be ruled. And he took off his ring and put it upon Joseph's hand; and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck, and made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and commanded that obeisance should be paid to him." Here were the unsought and unexpected triumphs of prudence.

Nor was the cause of David's elevation very dissimilar. With other interesting qualities, it was his prudence when a youth which attracted the attention of one of Saul's courtiers, and was

the means of his becoming a resident in Saul's palace, and ultimately his successor. The truth is, whether persons themselves are prudent or not -they deem it of the first importance, that they who hold places of responsibility under them, should be prudent. They may dispense with mere shining attainments, but prudence is indispensable.

There is another illustration of this virtue in Scripture, not less interesting and encouraging.

In the most trying exigencies, although a young man, Daniel was profoundly prudent. While in his captivity, he maintained a conscience void of offence, by openly worshipping his Maker; and his courage never forsook him, but enabled him to reason with the proud despot of Assyria without dismay; yet he was respectful and conciliatory. Bland and submissive in manner, yet he was immovable in principle; so that his enemies were constrained to say, that "he had in him the spirit of the most holy gods."

was, that after a few severe trials, he

The result

gained the

confidence of the Babylonish monarch; and al

though a foreigner, he was raised to the high eminence of being the second man in the kingdom. So it often happens. There are so few thoughtful and prudent men, that those who are so have a more than common prospect of worldly dvancement and success.

And in regard to a future world, prudence exerts both directly and indirectly, a more powerful influence in forming its possessors for it, than is generally supposed. By its open-eyed vigilance, its minute circumspection and self-restraint, it preserves them from many faults of temper and aberrations of conduct, into which others fall. And it contributes largely to the attainment of that excellence of character, which constitutes "meetness for the inheritance of the Saints in light." It is not therefore surprising that the Holy One himself should say :-" He that offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I show the salvation of God.”—Ps. 1., 23.

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WRITTEN ON SEEING THE TWIN INFANTS OF THE LATE MRS. MASON, DAUGHTER OF AMOS LAWRENCE, ESQ.

S

BY E. TAP. SMITH,

WEET cherubs! life before thee now
Shows an unwritten page:

We know not what the blank will show
Through change of future age;

Yet, precious thought, the recording pen,
By angels all unseen

Is held, who will with heavenly ken
Thy path in mercy screen.

How blest the hope to mortals given,
That ministering angels wait,

And, from the face of God in Heaven*
Behold this earthly state-

* Matt. xviii. 18.-Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones, for I say unto you that in Heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father who is in Heaven.

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