ing shows of riches, and leave our children little else but wise instructions, a good example, and the knowledge of some honest employment; these, with the blessing of Providence, are sufficient for their happiness, and are more likely to prove so, than laying up treasures for them, which are often rather a snare, than any real benefit; especially to them, who instead of being exampled to temperance, are in all things taught to prefer the getting of riches, and to eye the temporal distinctions they give, as the principal business of this life. These readily overlook the true happiness of man, as it results from the enjoyment of all things in the fear of God, and, miserably substituting an inferior good, dangerous in the acquiring, and uncertain in the fruition, they are subject to many disappointments, and every sweet carries its sting.

It is the conclusion of our blessed Lord and his apostles, as appears by their lives and doctrines, that the highest delights of sense, or most pleasing objects visible, ought ever to be accounted infinitely inferior to that real intellectual happiness suited to man in his primitive innocence, and now to be found in true renovation of mind; and that the comforts of our present life, the things most grateful to us, ought always to be received with temperance, and never made the chief objects of our desire, hope, or love; but that our whole heart and affections be principally looking to that "city which hath foundations, whose maker and builder is God." Did we so improve the gifts bestowed upon us, that our children might have an education suited to these doctrines, and our example to confirm. it, we might rejoice in hopes of their being heirs of an inheritance incorruptible.

They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. vi. 9, 10.

1 TIM.

In holy writ the Divine Being saith of himself, "I am the Lord, which exercise loving-kindness, judgment and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight, saith the Lord." (JER. ix. 24.) Again, speaking in the way of man, to show his compassion to Israel, whose wickedness had occasioned a calamity, and then being humbled under it, it is said His soul was grieved for their miseries. (JUDGES x. 16.) If we consider the life of our blessed Saviour when on earth, as it is recorded by his followers, we shall find, that one uniform desire for the eternal and temporal good of mankind, discovered itself in all his actions. If we observe men, both apostles and others, in many different ages, who have really come to the unity of the spirit, and the fellowship of the saints, there still appears the like disposition, and in them the desire of the real happiness of mankind has outbalanced the desire of ease, liberty, and many times, life itself.

If upon a true search, we find that our natures are so far renewed, that to exercise righteousness and loving-kindness (according to our ability) towards all men, without respect of persons, is easy to us, or is our delight; if our love be so orderly and regular, that he who doeth the will of our Father, who is in heaven, appears in cur view, to be our nearest relation,

our brother, and sister, and mother; if this be our case, there is a good foundation to hope, that the blessing of God will sweeten our treasures during our stay in this life, and our memory be savoury, when we are entered into rest.

It is a truth most certain, that a life guided by wisdom from above, agreeable with justice, equity, and mercy, is throughout consistent and amiable, and truly beneficial to society; the serenity and calmness of mind in it affords an unparalleled comfort in this life, and the end of it is blessed. And no less true that they, who in the midst of high favours, remain ungrateful, and, under all the advantages that a Christian can desire, are selfish, earthly, and sensual, do miss the true fountain of happiness, and wander in a maze of dark anxiety, where all their treasures are insufficient to quiet their minds: hence from an insatiable craving, they neglect doing good with what they have acquired, and too often add oppression to vanity, that they may compass more.-O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!-DEUT. xxxii. 29.

In all our concerns, it is necessary that nothing we do may carry the appearance of approbation of the works of wickedness, make the unrighteous more at ease in unrighteousness, or occasion the injuries committed against the oppressed to be more lightly looked

over.

NEWTON.-There is but one thing worth living for; that we may live to him who died for us; that we may live to show forth his praise, by obedience, by submis

sion, by usefulness to others, in visiting the afflicted, assisting them by our sympathy, counsel, prayers, or purse, as the case requires; in supporting the cause. of the gospel, and forwarding whatever bids fair for the good of society. These aims ought chiefly to engage our time, talents, and influence. O! what an honour to be the instruments of the Lord, in diffusing his benefits around us! to be the followers of him who went about doing good!

WHO IS MY NEIGHBOUR?

Thy neighbour? It is he whom thou
Hast power to aid and bless,

Whose aching heart, or burning brow,
Thy soothing hand may press.

Thy neighbour? 'Tis the fainting poor,
Whose eye with want is dim,
Whom hunger sends from door to door;
Go thou and succour him.

Thy neighbour? 'Tis that weary man,
Whose years are at their brim,
Bent low with sickness, cares, and pain;
Go thou and comfort him.

Thy neighbour? 'Tis the heart bereft
Of every earthly gem,
Widow and orphan, helpless left;
Go thou and shelter them.

Thy neighbour? Yonder toiling slave,
Fetter'd in thought and limb,
Whose hopes are all beyond the grave;
Go thou and ransom him.

Whene'er thou meet'st a human form
Less favour'd than thine own,
Remember, 'tis thy neighbour worm,
Thy brother, or thy son.

Oh! pass not, pass not heedless by,
Perhaps thou canst redeem

The aching heart from misery;
Go share thy lot with him.

In thy light shall we see light.-Psalm xxxvi. 9.

Of outward testimony it is said, every word shall be established by two witnesses. (MATT. xviii. 16.) But truths presented to the mind in the Divine light, require no such evidence: they produce a distinctive assent, and leave no more room for doubt and conjecture, than when in the clear sunshine we see any person or thing with which we are well acquainted.

To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.-JOHN xviii. 37.

Men commonly read and hear, and may possibly preach, of the sufferings of Christ as a common story, and in that way it may a little move a man, and wring tears from his eyes. But faith hath another kind of sight of them, and so works another kind of affections; and without that, the very eye-sight of them had availed the apostles nothing; for how many saw him suffer as they did, who reviled, or at least despised him. But by the eye of faith to see the only begotten Son of God, as stricken and smitten of God, bearing our