we use that word, it would read, "Let them learn to show kindness at home." But this probably is not the full meaning of the original. Nor does the word piety, as generally understood, give the full meaning. Piety is usually regarded as the possession and manifestation of a devotional, submissive spirit towards God. But the word itself means more than this. It was formerly used as expressive of the fulfilment of the filial duties. It meant all that a child should feel and do towards its parents. It combined reverence, gratitude and love. And this, no doubt, is the apostle's meaning. He as much as said, "Let them learn to show respect, gratitude, and kindness at home;" for this is really the service due from the child to the parent. And as we all of us bear the

same relation to God and the members of our household, as the child does to its parents, and brothers, and sisters, so we should all learn to show reverence and gratitude to God, and kindness to our families at home. And, as these feelings are all blended and expressed by the word piety, it shows that our feelings of kindness should be imbued with the feeling of devotion, or reverence to God. Thus our natural love, or disposition to kindness, should be consecrated by reverence and love to God. And as our natural love and goodness are to be shown in natural acts of tenderness and kindness, so our reverence and love for God are to be shown in proper outward acts. If we say we have love, and perform not the out

ward acts of love, we deceive ourselves. Our love is not true, sincere and faithful. It is only a momentary passion, or sudden impulse. It is not love. For love makes good all its professions; it is more tender in acts than it can possibly be in words. So, if we say we have reverence and love for God, and do not perform the proper outward acts, in respect, praise and devotion, we deceive ourselves. Our reverence is not so deep, our love not so strong and faithful, as it should be.

But what are the outward acts in which we should show our piety at home? They are numerous, but we will mention only a few of them.

. I. Respect for the NAME of God. It should not be spoken lightly; not in thoughtlessness; not in jest; not in passion; not in profanity; but in deep respect, as a name too sacred, too great, and too dear, to awaken other than holy, respectful, and grateful feelings. At home, in the home circle, this great name when spoken should stir a general feeling of thankfulness, gratitude and love, for the good Being that bears it; and should always remind us of our Father in heaven," from whom we receive "every good and perfect gift."

II. God's word should be so respected as never to be spoken of irreverently or disparagingly; never used in jest, or for unhallowed purposes; never made the object of ridicule or disrespect, though some of it may not be understood, or may be deemed of no im

portance to us, who live several thousand years from the time it was written. Some portions of it should be made a daily study, that its treasures of wisdom may be unlocked, its hymns of praise repeated, and its moral lessons inculcated. There is a divine power in many portions of the sacred word to elevate and transform the soul that reads them attentively and understandingly. The Psalms of David, the Proverbs, the prophecies, and some parts of Moses, are rich with inspiring influences to good. The instructions of Christ and his apostles are the highest and most perfect forms of moral teaching ever given to man. They are the very spring-sources of moral life to the world. There is a divinity in them. Strength is in their words, and salvation in their spirit. They are the only chart of life, the only guide to blessedness, the only sure light through the night of time. How important that they should be respected, read, studied and treasured, as sacred diamond-dust of wisdom, at home, that their lessons of practical wisdom, their inspiring influences to devotion, and their glorious encouragements to duty and love, may be felt and practised around the hearth-stone! Where the grand law of Christ is made the grand law of home, what a picture of heaven on earth is presented!

III. Books that are redolent of piety and practical goodness, devotional works, works designed to comfort, to strengthen and encourage in virtue, works written to explain and illustrate divine truths,

to elucidate the doctrines of the Gospel, to strengthen faith, and brighten hopes; biographies of the lives of great and good men, eminent for piety and usefulness, should be read at home for mutual benefit and enjoyment. Great is the power of good books to mould a strong and noble character; and great the pleasure in reading and realizing their glorious lessons. Books on the centre-tables and shelves of home are good for nothing unless they are read. A strange error has crept into this age, that books are made to be looked at, and not to be read. O, how much may be gathered into the treasure-house of home by reading properly the writings of the pious benefactors of our race! They may become the guardians of our homes, may come and live, and commune with us, and breathe their great virtues into our souls.

IV. Conversation upon moral and religious subjects-upon duty, home and heaven- upon the teachings of the Bible upon what is read in other works, should be carried on freely at home, and all should engage in it. It cultivates the powers of expression, gives freedom and fluency to speech, blandness and refinement to the manners, elevation to the mental powers, strengthens the memory, endears home and its inmates. I mean not that conversation which is a parley of words for victory, or the outburst of passion, or a glow of impulse; but that higher, nobler kind of conversation which expresses convictions in earnest affectionateness, which is, at all times, imbued

with moral vigor, and religious aspirations, which seeks for the good, the beautiful, and the true, to impart and receive generous and elevated influences. Such conversation is eminently useful. It always makes home a delightful and profitable place.

V. Music, sacred music, either vocal or instrumental, is well calculated to breathe elevated harmonies through the hearts of home. Hymns of praise and devotion, spiritual songs, affectionate ballads, sung in the spirit of propriety, are subduing and chastening in their influence, and, when they can be, should be often sung as the melodies of home. Especially do they assist the heart in its preparations for devotion. They subdue and refine it. They harmonize its feelings. Often should inspiring music awaken the tender feelings that spring into being at home.

VI. Devotional exercises from the devotional parts of the Bible, from devotional books, in thanksgiving and prayer, either oral or read, are probably more elevating and subduing than anything else in the family circle. Devotion, as a simple ceremonial, as a formal and outward obedience to a supposed command, can be of but little service, and that little is questionable in its character. But devotion, when the heart is right, and moves to its solemn and tender rites, is the very highest form of human virtue, is the noblest expression of subdued passions, of chastened affections, of pure thoughts, of harmonized feelings, of freedom from sin, and liberty in divine truth, that