class are a dishonor to religion-they are a dead weight to the denomination to which they may happen to be attached--and their exertions in behalf of any doctrine will but tend to sink it lower in the estimation of all the virtuous and pure hearted.

The religion of the Gospel possesses a life-giving spirit, which will manifest itself in the conduct of the believer, when its principles are actually cherished in the heart. As before remarked, the doctrinal and moral principles of the Gospel are susceptible of a practical application, in the ordinary avocations of life. Hence these principles should not only be acknowledged by the understanding, but should be infused into the emotions of the soulthey should be incorporated into the feelings, as well as the mind-they should be allowed to control the will and the habits, as well as the speculative theories.

Having passed the frivolities of single life, let it be the especial desire of the married to put into practical application, in daily life, the principles of the religion they profess. Most people are attached to some particular denomination of Christians, and are undoubtedly desirous of forwarding its interests. Allow me, then, to say to every reader, if you would recommend the doctrine you profess to believe to the acceptance of the world-if you would have it respected, and honored, and adopted by the enlightened and moral-strive to live constantly under the influence of its moral pre

cepts-endeavor to reduce its principles to every day practice.

Theoretical argument is very well, in its proper place; but the argument of a blameless life—of a meek, benevolent, kind, and forgiving spirit—of an honest, virtuous, and discreet walk before the world --will be of immensely greater benefit to your de nomination, than all the theories in the world!— One individual leading such a life, will do more to recommend your system of doctrines to the favor of the public, than a hundred who may reason well, but who neglect to act well.

The married should always exhibit a proper respect for religion in their domestic circle. On certain occasions, (the frequency of which must depend upon the views of duty entertained by the head of the family,) the different members should be assembled for family worship. Let an appropriate chapter be read—a hymn sung, if practicaple—and a prayer offered by the husband to the Father of mercies. If he feels incompetent to lead in extempore prayer, let him read one from some family manual. I am clearly of the opinion, that a well-arranged prayer can be read from a book, with as much profit to the listeners, and even to the reader himself, when he enters properly into its spirit, as one that is uttered with little or no premeditation.

Before closing this chapter, I must be indulged in another remark. Let all who bear the Christian name, exhibit the spirit of charity! St. Paul

ranks charity as the highest of the Christian graces. Whoever is destitute of this spirit, can lay no just claim to be considered a follower of Christ. I have especial reference to differences of opinion on doctrinal points.

There is no illiberality more striking-no token which manifests more distinctly the absence of the spirit of Jesus-no clearer exhibition of selfishness, littleness of soul, and barrenness of heart-than to deny unto a believer in Christ, the Christian name, simply for a difference on speculative points in religion! Reader, never become guilty of this great folly and greater wickedness! Look wherever you will, and you will discover that actual Christians those who have imbibed the true, catholic spirit of the Redeemer's religion, always extend broad and wide the mantle of charity. They look upon the family of man as a common brotherhood. To all who acknowledge belief in Jesus as their Saviour, and who lead lives of morality and peace, they extend the Christian name and Christian fellowship.

Follow this worthy example. Never confine your good-will to the narrow bounds of any sect. Look upon the different denominations who acknowledge Christ as their Master, as branches of the same church of the Redeemer-all working in their respective spheres, for the promotion and extension of the Messiah's kingdom on the earth. This is the only true and evangelical spirit. Be

lieve and acknowledge that there are Christians in all sects and parties; and never exclude from your good-will or charity, another who honestly differs from you in religious doctrines.

CHAPTER VII.

ATTENDANCE ON DIVINE WORSHIP.

"Lord of the worlds above,

How pleasant and how fair

The dwellings of thy love,

Thine earthly temples are!
To thine abode my heart aspires.

With warm desires to see my God."

It is a generally admitted truth, that the public worship of God exerts a highly salutary influence upon the morality and happiness of community. Such are man's passions and propensities—such his general frailties and imperfections-that he needs some restraining power to guard him against those practices which lead to degradation and ruin; and some directing light to guide him into "paths of pleasantness and peace." This power and this light are furnished in the divine institution of religion-in the perfect principles of Christianity, brought most effectually to bear upon the human understanding and conscience, in the services of the sanctuary of the Most High. To assemble in the house of God, from Sabbath to Sabbath-to listen to the songs of praise to the Giver of all good-to join in humble prayer and devout thanks