slothful, not only in temporal but in spiritual things. This thought cannot be too strongly impressed upon the minds of those who are just commencing a Christian life. To them, peculiarly, are such promises as these directed: "Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Every one that asketh receiveth," &c.

Do not be afraid of indulging in feelings which may seem to be right, from the fear of deception. On the contrary, cherish such feelings, and try to recall them often. Go forward and do your duty, and God will save you from deception while thus employed.

8. There is one caution which is peculiarly needful to those who have been greatly interested in the subject of religion, and that is, to take particular care of the health.

There is such a mysterious and intimate connection between the mind and the body, that one cannot be wearied or suffer, without affecting the other. When the mind is fatigued or exhausted, it affects the body, and this again reäcts on the mind.

Every person ought to be aware, that the more anxiously and intensely the mind is interested on any subject, the greater is the

need of exercise, sleep and frequent relaxation. Attention to religion, does not demand that all lawful business be suspended, and forbid the neglect of all needful rest and exercise.

9. Do not expect to be made happy by religion, unless you become eminent Christians. A half-way Christian can neither enjoy the pleasures of the world nor the pleasures of religion; for his conscience will not let him seek the one, and he is too indolent to obtain the other. The Christian may be the happiest man on earth, but he must be a faithful, active and devoted Christian. None are disappointed in finding religion a source of unfailing peace and joy, but those who refuse to drink deep of the wells of salvation; unless we except those who, from some derangement of the nervous system, or failure of health, do not enjoy the clear and undisturbed exercise of their faculties. A healthy mind in a healthy body, may always be made happy by religion.

10. Do not look at the practice and example of other Christians, in forming the standard of piety at which you aim. The allowance of this thing has probably had a more disastrous influence on the church and on the world, than all other causes that

could be named. Generally, when persons commence a Christian life, their consciences are susceptible and tender. They are strict and watchful in the performance of duty, and are pained even by a slight neglect. They have been wont to feel that becoming religious implies a great change; that "old things must pass away and all things become new." But when they begin to look around among their Christian friends, and turn to them for aid, as those who have had experience and have made advances in Christian life, they find that they seem to look upon duties and deficiencies in a very different manner. They seem to neglect many things which the young Christian has felt to be very important; and to practise many things which he had supposed to be inconsistent with religion. Then commences the disastrous effect. The young Christian begins to feel that he need not be more particular than those to whom he has ever looked up with deference and respect. He begins to imagine that he has been rather too strict and particular. He begins to take a retrograde course; and though his conscience and the Bible often check and reprove, yet, after a few inefficient struggles, he lowers his standard and walks as others do.

Look into your Bible, and see how Christians ought to live. See how the Bible says those who are Christians must live, and then, if you find your Christian friends living in a different way, instead of having cause for feeling that you may do so too, you have only cause to fear that they are deceiving themselves with the belief that they are Christians, when they are not. Remember that the farther your Christian friends depart from the standard of Christian character laid down in the Bible, the less reason have you to hope that they are Christians. And do not hesitate on this subject because you find many professed Christians, who are indifferent and lax in their practice and example. Remember that Christ has said, 66 Many shall say unto me, in that day, Lord, Lord," thus claiming to be his disciples, to whom he will say, "I never knew you." Do not let professed Christians tempt you to fall into the society of such unhappy castaways.

11. Do not be periodical Christians. There are some who profess religion, who never seem to feel any interest on the subject except when every one else does. It is true, there are special seasons of revived religion in the hearts of all Christians, but

if it is only at such times that progress is made in divine life, and interest is manifested in the salvation of souls, there is great reason to fear that what is called religion is nothing but sympathy with the feelings of others.

12. Be sure that there exists a marked difference between your appearance and conduct, and that of those who are not Christians. Remember that Christ has required this of you, and that even the world expects it.

Do not suppose you can recommend religion, by appearing interested in everything that interests those who have no better portion than this world. Remember that your deportment; your conversation; your interest in dress, in company and amusements; the manner in which you perform your religious duties; are all carefully noted and weighed by those around you, who do not love religion; and if they do not see a marked difference between you and themselves, they either conclude there is nothing in religion, or else, that you are a hypocrite. The world expect that you will be very different from them, and despise you in their hearts if you are not. If you wish to recommend religion, let the world see it acted out