with which they are oppressed in life, and which they frequently bring upon themselves. Although we must not presume to conclude that every calamity of life is a token of Divine wrath, as such a decision would be as unjust as ungenerous; still it behoves every individual to keep a strict watch upon himself; and in all cases, both of sickness and misfortune, to inquire within-Have I deserved the one, or have I myself been the cause of the other? If conscience reply in the affirmative, chide thyself and profit by the correction. Be not blindly satisfied, like the Pharisee of old, because thou hast been scrupulously attentive to some duties, nor boast a long list of pious deeds to cover thy transgressions; but rather imitate the Publican, and with sincerity of heart, cry“God be merciful to me a sinner.”

"There is a dignity in virtue," says a great Divine, "for which all men have a veneration;" and the practice of it, no doubt, contributes to happiness, both here and hereafter; "but there is an excellence in godliness that causes even angels to rejoice." It ennobles the soul, and makes every great action which it produces pre-eminently good. It transforms the morality of the Barbarian, and the philosophy of the Heathen, into heavenly virtues. It brings the Christian disciple into the habit of conforming his life and his actions according to God's ordinances; and inspires him with that charity which is the soul of religion.

Without true devotion, the performance of our moral duties, as Christians, will avail us nought; and without practising these, holiness sinks into mere ceremony. Remember, then, O Christian, whilst thou art exercising all the virtues of the moralist, thou hast higher duties to perform. The discharge of social obligations, however praiseworthy in itself, still is not all-sufficient: nor is the strictest attention to sacred obligations alone, of greater weight. The neglect of either is a serious omission in the Christian's calendar. It transforms devotion into hypocrisy good deeds into mere pharisaical parade-and renders that religion incomplete, which would be perfect by the united virtues of holiness and benevolence.

Look into thine heart, therefore, and ask if all be right; nor be too indulgent to thine errors. It will be better for thee to judge thyself severely, and to become thine own admonisher, than to make excuses for thy failings. A scrupulous examination of thyself will teach thee, that though thou may have done one good thing, thou hast left another undone. That faithful monitor which every man has within, will tell thee, perhaps, thou hast visited the sick-thou hast comforted the afflicted-but thou hast neglected that Being who gave thee the disposition to do it. Omit not, then, to inquire of thyself-Have I been grateful to my Creator for the benefits I have received at His hands, or have I only been sensible of the difficulties that have fallen to my lot? Have I

not trusted more to friends and my own exertions, than to His all-powerful aid? Have I kept holy the sabbath day? Have I instructed my family in the pure principles of the gospel? Have I laid open to them those sacred pages, and thereby fortified their minds against the sophistical reasonings of superstitious devotees, the fallacious arguments of wild enthusiasts, and the unscriptural tenets they are too apt to imbibe from false advisers? If thou hast attended to these things, friend, thou hast laid a good foundation for future happiness, though thy joys may be imbittered for a time. Hast thou failed in these duties, quickly repair thy negligence. Recollect "there is great joy in heaven over a sinner that repenteth." It is not the Papist, the Heretic, or the Schismatic, whose professions and ceremonies will save or condemn him hereafter; but it is attention to the word of God-purity of heart and life-and sincerity of devotion, that will secure to the true penitent eternal peace in heaven.

"And now, Israel, hearken to the statutes and unto the judgments which I teach you," saith the Lord, "for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers giveth you. Ye shall not ADD UNTO THE WORD which I command you, neither shall ye DIMINISH OUGHT FROM IT."

What can be plainer? Why should people be puzzled to know what is right and what is wrong?

The scriptures declare the whole duty of man, and it is meet and right that we read and abide by them. The word of God must be the surest guide to heaven. It was written for our edification, and by HIM commanded to be read. Should it then be withheld, under false pretences, from man, woman, or child? Those Pastors who, to the utter ruin, perhaps, of the souls committed to their charge, presume to forbid the reading of the Holy Scriptures, are probably entailing misery on themselves as well as others, by acting in direct opposition to the Divine command. The first duty of a Christian is to study the precepts of his Redeemer the second is to follow them up. A diligent attention to the Scriptures, then, is obvious. They direct us as well in our moral as in our devotional exercises; and enable us to meet the calamities with which we are assailed in this life, with becoming fortitude and pious resignation.

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Be not discomfited, then, when troubles assail thee; for if thou love God, that is to say, if thou hold constant communion with Him by prayer, and put thy whole trust in Him, resign thyself with meekness to His will, who at pleasure can bring good out of evil, and be grateful to Him for the blessings bestowed on thee, HE will not forsake thee in the time of need. But if thou neglect HIM in prosperity, take heed lest HE neglect thee in adversity.

David, recollect, who had sullied many noble

the malevolence of one of these unfeeling mortals, who had ingratiated himself into the favour of a high officer of state; and, by gross misrepresentations of circumstances, of which he was totally ignorant, he succeeded in revenging some private pique, unjustly entertained against the sufferer; and thus accomplished the ruin of a worthy man.