not corrupt, nor thieves break through and steal. Seek that faith, which will at once render you rich for both worlds.

3. Let it be your constant desire and endeavour, to become rich in good works.

The liberal man deviseth liberal things, and by liberal things shall he stand. There are many who have great possessions, who neither enjoy good in them, nor do good with them. These are poor earth worms, at once miserable and contemptible.

Timothy was required, to charge the rich in this world, to be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to cummunicate, 1 Tim. vi. 18. They only are good works which spring from pure motives, and are directed to right ends. Such works as arise from interest, or pride, and are intended for self praise, not for God's glory, are base metal, or rather dross. Good works in their proper place, cannot be too highly commended. "One good work of a christian," said Luther, "is more precious than heaven and earth. If I might have my desire, I would rather choose the meanest work of a poor christian, than all the victories and triumphs of Alexander the Great, or Julius Cæsar."

If possible, do some some good every day, and thus you will be growing rich in the best things.

On Reputation.

A GOOD name is better than precious ointment, Eccles. vii. 1. Let it, however, be remembered, that there may be a good name without a great name. A soldier may acquire fame by arms, a scholar reputation by learning, a tradesman credit in business, and yet be destitute of those more valuable qualities which ought chiefly to be commended and imitated. A fair and honourable character in a humble station, is far preferable to a vile character on the highest summit of power. Youth, in general, are inflamed with an ardent desire for reputation. In whatever form it glitters before their eyes, they press towards it, as if attracted by some powerful charm. Now it is of great consequence, my young friend, that you should know how to value, how to gain, and how to keep a good name.

1. Learn how you may justly estimate repu

tation.

It may be either overrated, or undervalued. Both extremes ought to be carefully avoided. Too many seem to direct all their thoughts, their words, their looks, and their actions, to please men, without regard to any higher principle. They wish to be much known, much admired, and much applauded. The taste soon becomes so vitiated, as to require that every thing should

have a sprinkling of commendation, or even a seasoning of flattery, to render it agreeable. Yet is it not clear, that whoever neglects the honour that cometh from God, to possess the praise of men, is losing a substance to grasp at a shaddow? But though reputation is not to be sought as the chief thing, it ought not to be despised. As there are some, who through vanity set too high a value on the good opinion of their fellow-creatures, so there are others who through pride treat it with contempt. To shun each extreme, think on those things which are lovely and of good report; buf no farther try to please men, than while you can do it without displeasing God.

2. Consider how you may gain reputation.

When you are once convinced that any thing is worth seeking, the next enquiry is, by what means it may be soonest obtained. If then you would have a good name, let the will of God be your guide, and the glory of God your end. Those who resolve to glide down every current of custom, and sail with every wind of fashion, have no reason to expect a successful voyage. Keep your eye steadily fixed on the word of God, and steer by it, as the mariner does by his compass. With this precaution, though you may not escape storms, you will be enabled safely to weather them. Prove what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God; and invariably adhere to it, for the direction of your whole course. Let your grand end be, to promote the great Crea

tor's praise. If you have your heart fixed on any inferior object, you will be wretched, whether you fail or succeed. "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might; let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth, glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord, which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth." Jer. ix. 23, 24.

If you would have a fair character, never try to please men at the expence of truth, conscience, and duty; nor oppose them, from whim, self-conceit, or love of singularity. Speak as little as possible of yourself, and let what you say of others be carefully weighed in the scales of justice and prudence. Be active in doing good, but make no great bustle or noise with it.

3. Consider how you may keep or preserve your reputation.

It is hardly gained, but easily lost. A good name is as precious ointment, but one dead fly will spoil the perfume. On this point then let me drop a few words of advice.

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Would you preserve a good name, never indulge sin in secret. Let your very thoughts be under due government. Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life." The best way to prevent those foul irruptions which

disfigure the skin, and those crimes which disgrace the character, is to preserve both the body and the mind from ill-humours, by temperance and self-government. !

4. Let your conversation be modest, amiable, and pertinent.

Shun the extremes of bashful reserve, and unbecoming forwardness. The young man who has no bridle for his tongue, will be certainly hurried by it into danger, if not into mischief.

5. Let your walk be circumspect.

The fairer and higher your character, the greater need you have of caution. A white garinent is soon stained. Beware of mixing with loose and vicious companions. When you are called into the busy scenes of life, be careful to keep yourself unspotted from the world. Reputation has been compared to a fine china vessel, which a single fall breaks, aud no art can afterward so repair, as to hide the flaw. If you would preserve it uninjured, give no handle to envy and calumny. Let it be your constant aim, first to approve yourself to God, next to your own conscience, and lastly to the best of men; and you will assuredly acquire and maintain a good character, whatever opinion the vain and profligate may have of you.