themselves to what themes their thoughts most gladly and naturally recur. And happy, happy they, who, after such an investigation, can sincerely exclaim, "O how love I thy law; it is my meditation all the day!"

Let none be discouraged from attempting to acquire the right regulation of their thoughts, by the difficulties they may have to encounter. Habit will render that easy and delightful, which, at first, appears dry and difficult. The mind will gradually become enlarged and ennobled; will feel disgusted at the trifles which used to satisfy it, and aspire to pursuits and pleasures of the highest order. To be prepared for the great change-meetened for a world of intellectual and spiritual enjoyment, will then appear to us the grand concern of life, the one thing needful." Then shall we be able to say with the Psalmist, "I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies."

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III.

FASHIONS FOR OCTOBER.

BE CLOTHED WITH HUMILITY," AND HAVE "THE ORNAMENT CF A MEEK AND QUIET SPIRIT, WHICH IS IN THE SIGHT OF GOD OF GREAT PRICE."

THIS is the most graceful, becoming, and, at the same time, novel costume that has ever solicited public patronage. The mantle is of the most

exquisite hue and delicate texture; tastefully decorated with the above-mentioned costly brilliants; and will be found to unite every advantage of utility and elegance. This dress is suitable to all seasons, and is considered equally becoming to the young and the old. It possesses extraordinary durability; is less liable to take a soil than any other material, and retains its freshness and novelty to the last. It falls over the person in the most graceful folds; and is so adjusted as to veil every blemish, and set off the least favourable figure to the best possible advantage. The colour usually preferred for this costume is invisible green, which casts the most delicate shade upon the whole form, and produces an effect indescribably agreeable and prepossessing. Nothing can be more tastefully imagined, than the ornament with which this mantle is finished; and although this jewel is pronounced by the best judges to be of immense value, it may be obtained upor. very reasonable terms. It is so delicate in its hue, and so chaste and simple in its workmanship, that it has been mistaken, by unskilful observers, for an ordinary pebble: but connoisseurs instantly recognize it, and allow it to be " more precious than rubies." Notwithstanding the many recommendations it possesses, this dress has never become common, although universally approved. It was once worn as a royal robe, and has ever since been held in high estimation and general use, amongst the subjects of the great Prince who first introduced it.

The figurative language of the Bible will always allow of the most plain and practical interpretation. When our Lord, for instance, relates the parable of the merchantman seeking goodly pearls, who sold all that he had to obtain one of great price, we are not to regard it as an entertaining fable. Its meaning is plainly this-that eternal life is of such incalculable value, that it is infinitely worth while to part with every thing which must be sacrificed to its attainment. The merchant sold his all to gain one pearl; for, by this means, he would abundantly enrich himself: he acted wisely therefore, for "the children of this world are, in their generation, wiser than the children of light." In like manner, whatever we may resign of present pleasure or advantage with a view to our eternal welfare, will prove so unspeakably advantageous in the end, that nothing but the grossest blindness and inattention to our own interests, could make us unwilling to do so.

The language of the apostle Peter, quoted above, is no less plain and practical in its import. The apparel he recommends, is no fancy dress which we are not really expected to wear. On the contrary, we may-we must, if we are Christians, be thus clothed with humility, and have this ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. Some of our young readers would probably hear with considerable interest, that the most becoming dress and the most brilliant jewels ever worn, were offered for their acceptance. Now, this is truly the case. Clothed with humility, and adorned with a meek and quiet spirit, they

would be more richly attired than in the most costly array. Who then will turn away disappointed from such a gift, and think some sparkling bauble more desirable! Oh! remember in whose sight this ornanent is "of great price." It is well to pause and reflect closely upon such an assertion. Many such passages of Scripture are, it is to be feared, passed over with light attention, so that their force and beauty are little perceived. Many, perhaps, who spend some precious hours every day in reflection upon their outward decorations, have never stopped to meditate upon this striking declaration—in the sight of GOD of great price. He who forms the most accurate and impartial estimate of the true and comparative value of all things, He who formed and gave their lustre to those shining gems we so greatly admire, is fully aware of whatever beauty and value they possess. Yet, He says, "not with gold, and pearls, and costly array," but "with the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit." It is not our present intention, to enter upon that part of the subject to which the words just quoted would afford so suitable a text; nor to inquire how far the expression "not with gold and pearls," &c. may be supposed to imply a direct prohibition of a showy style of attire. That they condemn that excessive attention paid to appearance which so greatly prevails among professing Christians, cannot, however, be doubted. present purpose is to recommend "that inward adorning of the mind," which is here described. Indeed, there is little fear, that they who eminently shine with these internal graces, will be

But our

prone to excess in external decoration. Humility whose chief characteristic it is to be contented t pass without attracting observation, will surely seldor be found excessively arrayed in those ornament which expressly invite it. There may be some however, who, though not destitute of this Christia grace, yet conform too much to the customs of thos around them, merely from the want of a due consi deration of the subject.

"Be ye clothed with humility." There is grac in the very word; an attraction, which they who feel not, must be as destitute of true taste as of right principle. There is no age to which it does not belong; but to the young, how eminently be coming! Humility is the very foundation of Christianity; we must be abased, before we can be exalted; and our highest exaltation must, at last, consist in the depth of our humiliation. He who is the "High and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity," exhibited, during the whole period of his abode on earth, a perfect pattern of this virtue. He not only was found in fashion as a man," but "took upon him the form of a servant;" and let us remember, that he set us this example in order "that we might follow his steps." When we are conscious of the swellings of pride, or the risings of vanity, let us think of the Lord Jesus Christ-endeavour to realize his appearance, his manner, and to ascertain what conduct or feelings he would display or recommend on the present occasion. Above all, let us remember-however we may imagine the secret workings of our vain hearts to be concealed

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