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RELIGION THE CHIEF CONCERN.

life as an arrow passes through the air;spirits come from God and going to God; a few moments hence we disappear and are seen no more; we drop into eternity, and are swallowed up amidst its unchanging scenes. Whilst then, in view of these scenes, we press upon you the duties you owe to society, disclose the dangers which beset your path, enforce the importance of established principles and a high standard of character, we say, first of all, and more important than all,— Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Then will your life be a public blessing, and your end peace; and when this material universe shall give place to new heavens, and a new earth, your names will appear in the book of life, and your spirits be united to the just made perfect before the throne of God

LECTURE VI.

ON READING.*

I. TIMOTHY, iv. 13.

GIVE ATTENDANCE TO READING.

It is the glory of man, that the Creator has made him capable of endless improvement in knowledge, virtue, and happiness. And it is the high privilege of those who dwell in this favored land, that they enjoy, in rich abundance, the means of such improvement. Among these means, books hold a prominent place. They are indeed our principal instructers, and do more, perhaps, in the formation of our intellectual and moral habits, than all other means combined. But as books are of very various character, some good, some indifferent, and some of a positively pernicious tendency, it is plainly a matter of great importance, to make a wise selection of them, and to read them with due caution. Especially is this true in respect to young persons, and those to whom the active duties of life leave but little lei

* Delivered before the Mechanics' Society, Hartford, March, 1829.

sure for reading. I have thought, therefore, that I might render an acceptable service to the Society, and others whom I have the happiness to address on this occasion, by calling their attention to the general subject of reading. In the discussion of this subject, I shall, first, make some remarks to assist you in a proper choice of books; then suggest a few brief rules in regard to the best manner of reading; and close by adducing some considerations to show the importance of a diligent use of this means of improvement.

I. First, then, the choice of books. In this, there is great need of caution; particularly in the spring season of life, while the mental and moral habits are yet in a process of formation. A person may be ruined by reading a single volume. The authors, with which you are most familiar, can hardly fail to impress on your minds their own image and superscription. Your habits of thinking, your sentiments, your social and moral feelings, your whole character will receive their shape and coloring, very much from the books you read. If these are wisely selected and properly studied, they will enlighten your minds, improve your hearts, and establish your character on the firm basis of virtue and piety; if otherwise, they will enfeeble your intellects, corrupt your

principles, and destroy your happiness. It is a maxim, then, ever to be borne in mind, take heed what ye read.

To acquire useful information; to improve the mind in knowledge, and the heart in goodness; to become qualified to perform with honor and usefulness the duties of life, and prepared for a happy immortality beyond the grave, these are the great objects which ought ever to be kept in view in reading. And all books are to be accounted good or bad, in their effects, just as they tend to promote or hinder the attainment of these objects.

Taking this as the criterion by which to regulate your choice of books, you will, I think, be led to give an important place to historical reading, especially, to that which relates to our own country. History is the mirror of the world. In it, we behold the origin and progress of society, the rise and fall of empires; we become acquainted with the institutions, laws, manners, and customs of different nations, trace the course, and witness the progress of that silent, but mighty current that is continually bearing men and all their works into the gulf of oblivion, and see, as in a moving picture, the generations of our race, as they have risen into being, acted their part on the stage of life, and passed in quick succession with the years beyond the flood. Such scenes, con

templated in the light of authentic history, are replete with the most interesting and profitable lessons. Especially are they so, when they relate to our own country. And with the history of our own country, every American citizen ought to be familiar. It is the history of a new world; of a new state of society, established for new purposes, developing new views of the character and destiny of man; and marked, in every stage of its progress, with the most signal interpositions of a gracious and all-pervading providence. No history on earth is more interesting and instructive, than that of New England. The heart of man and the hand of God are visible in every part of it; and every person, come to years of maturity, ought to be acquainted with it. "Whence we sprung, from what race, at what time, in what circumstances, for what objects, and by what means, has the country to which we belong, risen to its present glory and happiness," are inquiries, most deeply interesting in themselves, and to which, every son and daughter of New England ought to be able to give a clear and rational answer.

In addition to a knowledge of our own history, some acquaintance with the government and laws of the society in which we live, would seem an almost indispensable qualification of a good citizen. In ancient