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have overturned by the roots; the cause of which is, the ground is rather loose and inclined to moss, where it grew; whereas, had it been rooted in firm ground, it might still have been growing in full verdure.

Thus many who profess Christianity, and a strong attachment to the principles of our holy Protestant religion, make a great show of godliness, and apparently bid fair for the kingdom of heaven; but, owing to the winds of adversity blowing full in their face, or the strong gales of prosperity on their back, are overturned and fall away, Luke viii. 13, and this is owing to their not having been rooted and grounded in Christ Jesus. Eph. iii. 17. Col. ii. 7.

Hear the awful consequence of such an apostasy: "For it is impossible for those "who were once enlightened, and have "tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made "partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have "tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall "fall away, to renew them again unto re

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pentance; seeing seeing they crucify to them"selves the Son of God afresh, and put him Heb. vi. 4, 5, 6.

"to an open

shame."

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But blessed be God, this is not meant of all falls, for a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again, Prov. xxiv. 16, Though he “fall he shall not utterly be cast down; for "the Lord upholdeth him with his hand,” Psalm xxxvii. 24, but of the falling away of those who had arrived at such lengths, and partaken of such blessings as the apostle there describeth; yet how very carefully ought we to comply with the apostle's admonition, "Let him that thinketh he standeth, take "heed lest he fall." 1 Cor. x. 12.

"Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know "these things before, beware lest ye also being "led away with the error of the wicked, fall "from your own stedfastness." 2 Pet. iii. 17.

What a ravishing concert is this, all on a sudden struck up over my head! How the little choristers warble their notes, and sing

the beauties of spring!

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From the midst of yonder flowery hawthorn, the blackbird, cheering his mate, which he tenderly eyes in the task of incubation by the side of the rill, sweetly pipes the symphony; while the wood-lark and thrush, as masters of the song, perch high on the bough, and pour forth their peerless melody through the grove.

How delightful is this place! Amid the harmony of sprays, the sweet smelling crowfoots, and the smiling green which every where flushes the lovely cheek of surrounding nature where is the man who can indulge himself in carelessness of thought? Write that man thoughtless indeed, unworthy of the blessings of spring.

of

But as for thee, O my soul, as the sap vegetation arises from the root to the top, improving the whole, climb the ladder of nature, contemplate thy God, see his glory in all, and his goodness profusely scattered around.

Is there a single plant silent in his praise? Yes, silent they are, but expressing infinitely

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