their hearts right, rather than force them to act against their wills. Moral changes must be effected by moral means. A celebrated missionary relates, that when sent to a drunken and degraded tribe, he aimed his discourses at their hearts, rather than at their particular vices. After a while his preaching took effect; and he relates with astonishment the entire change which was witnessed among them in leaving off all their wicked habits and practices, and all without his saying anything about them.

Parents in order to prevent their children seeking recreation and amusement at improper places, should endeavor to make their homes agreeable and attractive. In order to preserve a family, or community, in virtuous courses, temptations to crime should be prevented, or removed as far as possible. The man who has been addicted to intemperance, needs all the assistance which can be rendered, to keep him from returning to his former habits. He needs all kinds of suasion, legal, as well as moral.

Many persons who have commenced reforming themselves from evil and vicious courses, have been overcome by the mere sight of forbidden objects. Such is human weakness, that every safeguard which can be used, is needed to shield and preserve us from the many temptations to evil by which we are surrounded. Many a heart has swelled with gratitude in after life, towards those who have forcibly prevented them from following a path which led to destruction.

Leisure, without learning is death, and idleness the grave of a living man.

Solitude relieves us when we are sick of company, and conversation, when we are weary of being alone.

As too long retirement weakens the mind, so too much company dissipates it.

A first minister of state has not so much business in public, as a wise man has in private.

Give me a retired life, a peaceful conscience, honest thoughts, and virtuous actions, and I can pity Cæsar.

Counsel with caution; few are thanked for advice which they are forward to give.

Directly contradict none, except such as deal in bold and groundless assertions.

Remember that a dollar in your purse, will do you more honor than ten spent.

Set bounds to your zeal by discretion, to error by truth, to passion by reason, to divisions by charity. Let your prayers be as frequent as your wants; and your thanksgivings as your blessings.

He that dares sometimes be wicked for his advantage, will be always so, if his interest requires it. If your mind suit not with your ends, pursue those ends which suit with your means.

In your discourse take heed what you speak, and to whom you speak; how you speak and when you speak; what you speak, speak truly; when you speak, speak wisely. A fool's heart is in his tongue, but a wise man's tongue is in his heart.

Be timely, wise rather than wise in time, for after wisdom is ever accompanied with tormenting wishes.

Beware of a too sanguine dependence upon future expectations; the most promising hopes are sometimes dashed in pieces, by the intervention of some unforeseen and unexpected accident.

The numerous systems scattered wide abroad,
Compare them closely by the Word of God;
Hold fast the good, have all things truly tried
By that all comprehensive guide.
What'er is false, reject without delay;
Uphold the right, and cast the rest away.

A man of learning and high intelligence is here represented as examining a new moral theory just presented him by the author. He is looking to see if it corresponds with the Bible, which is allowed to be the standard on moral questions, by all professing christianity. If he finds any thing contrary to its teachings, it is rejected but whatever is in accordance with it, it is accepted, and he holds it fast.

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In religious matters, in order to ascertain what is truth, we must look at the tendency of the doctrines advanced. A good tree, and a good system carried out, will produce good fruit; that which is bad, will produce evil. This is the testimony of the highest possible authority.

The tendency of all true religious systems and doctrines is to make mankind better, morally and physically. There is perhaps no better way to try or prove a doctrine advanced, than to subject it to the following question. Does this doctrine, or theory, in any way favor, or palliate sin? If it does, we may at once feel assured that it is false. No matter in what a holy garb, or shape, it may be presented, it is our duty to reject it at once.

As the world is at present, we must not believe every thing we hear, or that is spoken to us. If we receive any information which calls for our action, we want some proof of the truth of what is asserted. Actions it is stated, speak louder than words. We can tell what a man is, by his every-day actions; when he is, as it were, off his guard, rather than by any words he may utter.

In the judgment of Solomon between the two harlots, maternal affection proved the truth. When the living child was brought forth to be divided between the two who claimed it, she, who was the liar, was willing that the child should be sacrificed, rather than the other should have it. The mother, however, yearned over her son, and was willing that he should be

placed in the possession of another, rather than he should be injured.

In human governments, many laws are made to promote the welfare of the community. Many of these, though apparently well formed, have proved to be unavailing. But where one has been enacted which has proved to be good, it ought to be retained, and held fast, even if it conflicts with our former theories, or opinions.

Any law which prevents human misery and suffering, gives bread to the hungry, and clothing to the naked, which prevents his more than brutal degradation, is a good law, however it may be opposed by interested politicians.

Whatever is good, we are bound to sustain; and according to apostolic direction, hold it fast, by all means which Providence has placed in our power.

It is much better to keep children in order by shame and generosity of inclination, than by fear.

In marriage, prefer the person before wealth, virtue before beauty, and the mind before the body; then you have a wife, a friend, and a companion.

Better bring thy mind to thy condition, than have thy condition brought to thy mind.

Keep your tongue and keep your friend; for few words cover much wisdom, and a fool being silent, is thought wise.

Know the secrets of your estate; how much you are able, and how much you ought to spend. But live not at the utmost; save something to pay for misfortunes.