returned for a smile. Generosity is a most admirable trait of character, and if once possessed, will not easily wear out-give it a trial, and you will be amply repaid by the continued happiness it will afford you. I have read in an old book it is a duty even to our enemies. "If thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: and what will be the effect of this conduct? Why, it will be like "heaping coals of fire on his head;" he will soon be melted down to tenderness and love. Generosity is included in that charity, without which a man is light as "sounding brass," and empty as a "tinkling cymbal." III. If you would be happy, you must be active. In fact, you cannot be happy without it. It is a natural and Divine law. I can imagine no person more miserable than the person who has nothing to do. If you want to improve your condition in the world, it must be by active industry. If you intend to make anything out, in any branch of study, it must be by bringing the powers of the mind into active exercise. We should seek to excel in everything we undertake; let us do everything better than others; then there will be pleasure in the pursuit, and satisfaction in knowing we have accomplished anything. Activity is good both for body and mind. By the constant exercise of the muscles, the body becomes healthy and vigorous, which is almost indispensable to enjoy life. Activity is not only good for the body, but good for the mind. By employment it becomes stronger-can accomplish anything easier. The mind is the noblest part of man, and deserves to be cultivated. It can only be in its proper element when active. Activity is a divine requirement. God has given us a portion of time to improve, and it is our duty to make the most of it, and turn it to the best account. IV. The way to be happy is to have a contented mind.—A person of a roving disposition will never make anything gathers no moss." A person once remarked, "A man's happiness depends in a great degree upon the extent of his wants." We have often many imaginary wants that are not real necessaries. Socrates, once walking through the market, said, "How many things do I not want!" "A contented mind is a continual feast." Paul's language to Timothy is, "Godliness, with contentment, is great gain." V. The way to be happy is to be intelligent.-We beg to differ from those who tell us "ignorance is bliss." Intelligence is noble and Godlike. To be intelligent, in the first place, is to have good common sense. But intelligence means something more than this; it implies something acquired by reading and study. I understand intelligence to be a knowledge gained from experience. It is also a knowledge gained from others, and stored up in the chambers of the memory, to be fetched out when required. To pursue our regular employment with any degree of comfort, we must have a thorough knowledge of the work we have to perform; but a man who knows only how to go through his daily toil, is not one of the most accomplished of men. The mind must be cultivated. Knowledge is worth seeking after, if it is only to better our condition in the world; for there are many things we may learn, that some day or other may be an advantage to us in this way. But knowledge is worth having for its own sake, for the sake of the pleasure it gives to the possessor. Let us be particular in the choice of our subjects for study. Those that are likely to be the most useful, should have our first attention;-the subjects of a more extensive range. Let us be particular in the choice of the book we read, for this will tell amazingly in after life. Books contain principles, and principles influence the character. Let us choose books of the first class, which is very important, especially to those who have but a limited time for reading. Let us avoid too much light reading. The constant reading of many of those silly novels now in circulation, will spoil our taste for books more substantial. Especially, let us not forget the best of all books, the Bible; this, of all others, will afford us the greatest happiness. Why, to make us happy was one of the great objects of its Divine author, in giving us the Bible. The Bible contains a perfect morality, issuing from him who cannot sin. Its truths are divine; therefore we may place the greatest confidence in them. It is a book of inquiry, containing something which is peculiarly adapted to every circumstance in life. And best of all it tells us of the great scheme of human redemption,-how "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself." Here is peace, here is happiness. Who would not drink of this rich fountain? Who would not "buy wine and milk, without money and without price?" Let the Bible ever be the foremost in our studies, the Australia of our research. VI. If you would be happy, keep good company. Let your companions be few, and of the right sort. If possible, choose those who are wiser than yourself, that you may learn something from them. Let them be persons of character, distinguished for truthfulness, honesty, heartiness. To have a friend, a real one, in whom you can place confidence, whose faithfulness you cannot question, is worth having. Shun the society of those addicted to vicious habits, who indulge too freely in intoxicating drinks. How many a young man has been reduced to misery and ruin by keeping company with such persons! Besides the evil men of dissipated habits bring upon themselves, there is the influence upon his neighbour. Every man, more or less, exerts an influence upon his fellowman; his conduct must have an influence upon society. Some one says, "Habit, like a complex mathematical scheme, flowed originally from a point which insensibly became a line, which unfortunately became a curve, which finally became a circle, from which it became very difficult to escape.' Whilst, on the one hand, there is an evil influence from bad companions, on the other there is an advantage in keeping good company. Solomon says, "Iron sharpeneth iron, so doth the countenance of a man his friend." VII. If you would be happy, cultivate decision of character.--There is perhaps nothing teazes a person and spoils his pleasure, more than being fickle and undecided. Those who have attained to any high position in the world, have almost to a man possessed decision of character, which has led them to depend, in a great measure, upon themselves. Self-reliance is indispensible for success in any important undertaking. It is our duty often to ask the advice of those superior in years and experience; at the same time we should act, in a great measure, upon our own judgment. A man of resolute determination can overcome diffi- | culties with comparative ease. Some one has remarked, "A man seeking advice from everybody, finds such a diversity of opinions, that if he cannot depend upon his own judgment, he is like a vessel tossed upon the tempestuous ocean without an anchor;" the wind drives him whither it listeth. Such a man is feeble indeed, and, conscious of this, he is always discontented and unhappy; trying to follow the directions of everybody, he pleases nobody, and is laughed at in the bargain. Decision of character leads a man to act with promptness. If his course is clear, his mind is at once made up, and he commences operations; he does not hesitate because some little obstacle is in the way. I have often admired the conduct of 1 Elijah, when standing on Mount Carmel. With a boldness which always characterized his actions when in the cause of truth, he cried,"Why halt ye between two opinions? if the Lord be God, serve him; but if Baal, serve him. And they answered him not a word." Finally: If you wish to be happy, be a Christian.-Religion is the foundation of human happiness. Some tell us religion is a gloomy thing, but we deny that this is the fact; religion alone can make a man happy. Religion converts everything good into a source of pleasure. The pious man looks upon everything good as de signed for at least two objects; viz. the glory of God and the happiness of man. The Psalmist found religion a blessing to him, even in such a little matter as sleep; he says, "I will both lay me down and sleep in peace, for thou, Lord, only makest me to dwell in safety." Then how much more in matters belonging to the salvation of the soul: "He only is my rock and my salvation." Religion, as a whole, does not injure people's worldly circumstances; it rather tends to improve them. It teaches a man honesty, industry, faithfulness, to his employer; uprightness in his dealings with the world. Who can tell how much religion has had to do, in raising this country to its present greatness? Yes! Religion is the great source of that social, political, and religious freedom we now enjoy. Religion, in a certain sense, rules the destiny of nations. Religion elevates a man to the dignity of his being. It strikes at the root of those vices which cause so much misery in the world. It destroys pride, which, as a canker worm, would eat out our enjoyment. It encourages humility, an admirable trait of character. Religion sweetens the temper, calms the passions, soothes sorrows, and comforts the heart. The religion of Christ is a religion of love; it draws forth the lovlier qualities of the human mind. "Perfect love casts out fear," that "fear which hath torment." A good man has strong faith, a firm confidence in Divine Providence, which helps him through the many difficulties of life. Strong faith is calculated to increase our courage, and give an impetus to our exertions. Look at Paul, whose sufferings on account of his principles were perhaps as great as any one ever experienced, and what is his language? "None of these things move me." Here is a hero! See him again, with Silas, in the gaol at Philippi, when enduring intense suffering. Listen! they are singing praises to God, and the prisoners hear them. Are they sad? No. Are they happy? Yes. Can anything but religion equal this? The prospects religion holds out to us are a source of happiness; having not only "the promise of the life that now is, but of that which is to come." Religion gives us a peace "which passeth all understanding; a joy which we cannot describe, a hope which shall be as "an anchor to the soul;" "I When a hope blooming with " immortality and eternal life." Look at Paul! have fought the good fight," &c. Look at Simeon! "Now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace," &c. we think of heaven, there is pleasure in the anticipation, which makes us "desire to depart and to be with Christ, which is far better." But who can tell what is the realization? Heaven is a place of unceasing happiness. It is the perfection of real happiness, substantial enjoyment. Then, if religion is such a source of happiness, so much so that we cannot be really happy without it, let us seek after it; let it be the main purpose of our life. The pleasures of the world are fleeting; they soon pass away. In religion you will find happiness more lasting than the sun, more durable than the world on which we stand. Oh! to live, when the heavens have passed away with a great noise, and the elements melted with fervent heat; to live in a place where "they need no sun," for the glory of the Lamb would eclipse ten thousand suns; to have a crown which is "incorruptible, undefiled, and fadeth not away;" to be in possession of those riches, "where neither moth nor rust corrupteth, nor thieves break through to steal;" to live in a "house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens ;' a Sabbath without a week day, a day without a night, a rest without a sigh!-Here is happiness, in comparison with which all the pleasures, the wealth, the riches, and honours of a world put together, would be but a phantom! W. WHAT YOUNG MEN MIGHT DO. LET not the young be satisfied with a mere Christian profession. Be not satisfied with that measure of religious character that shall save you from the discipline of the church, or even secure your salvation so as by fire. Rise up to a vigorous and lofty tone of Christian feeling and action. Let no one mark your daily conduct without perceiving that it is an ever-brightening light. And here, after all, is the hope of the country-the hope of the age. If I could but see the young of this generation, as a body, baptized with the spirit of true Christianity, and I would say to them—if it must be acting habitually under a high sense of so, do your best to ruin us, and the obligation, I should confidently expect nation will live in spite of you. Your to see the clouds that darken our mission of evil will not last always. horizon soon pass away. And I should You cannot always utter bitter words, then give myself no concern about or perform desperate acts; for ere the prevalence of one political party long your voice will be hushed, and or another; for if I could be sure that your arms folded in death. I pity the mass were acting under the in-you, but I fear you not-for these fluence of Christian feeling, and that an enlightened and active conscience was in the politics of the nation, I should have no fear that the mistakes incident to human weakness, would ever greatly mar our public prosperity. Oh, if I could feel sure that the young men of the nation at large would be valiant for the truth and the right-I would defy all the miserable plotting demagogues of the land to ruin my country. I would say to all evil men, whether in high or low places whether they make part of the constituted authorities of the nation, or of the very refuse and dregs of the mob young men, full of faith in God. and of zeal in his service, are preparing to undo the wretched labours of your life. Could I but feel an assurance that this would be so, I would go abroad and proclaim it every where; I would entreat every man who loves his country or his race, to fall upon his knees, and offer up thanksgiving for such a gracious interposition. Oh, it is a glorious vision to dwell upon.-Young men of this nation, it is for you to decide whether the vision shall go out in darkness, or brighten into a glorious accomplishment.-Dr. Sprague. The Fragment Basket. ANECDOTE. Old mother Bender was pious, but poor. In the midst of her extreme want, her trust and confidence were in God. It was late one chilly night, in the autumn of the year, that two rather wild young men were passing near her little cottage on their way home. One of them had under his arm some loaves of bread, which he had procured at the village store. A faint light flickered from mother Bender's casement. Said the one who had the loaves, to his companion, "Let's have some fun with the old woman." "Agreed," said the other. They approached the house, and peeping in at the window, saw the old lady upon her knees by the hearth, where a few embers were smouldering in the ashes. She was engaged in prayer. They listened, and heard her offering earnest petitions for bread. She was entirely destitute of food. In furtherance of their fun, one of them, with the loaves, climbed softly up the low roof of the cottage, and dropped one loaf after the other down the chimney. As they rolled out upon the hearth, they caught daunted; "the Lord sent them, if the Inference.-The Lord uses evil agents for the accomplishment of good ends. PUNCTUALITY. Washington was a minute man. An accurate clock in the entry at Mount! Vernon controlled the movements of the family. At his dinner parties he allowed five minutes for difference of watches, and then waited for no one. If members of Congress came at a late hour, his simple apology was, "Gentlemen, we are too punctual for you ;" or, "Gentlemen, I have a cook who never asks whether the company has come, but whether the hour has come." Nobody ever waited for Gen. Washington. He was always five minutes before the time; and if the parties he had en 1 gaged to meet were not present at the season appointed, he considered the engagement cancelled, and would leave the place, and refuse to return. universal frame is without a mind. God never wrought miracles to convince Atheists, because his ordinary works are sufficient to convince them. It is true that a little philosophy inclineth men's minds to Atheism, but depth in philosophy bringeth them back to religion; for while the mind of man looketh upon second causes scattered, it may sometimes rest on them, and go no further: but when it beholdeth the chain of them confede The above is given on good authority. It is an illustration of the completeness which entered into the character of Washington. Let young men, in their aims at success and eminence in life, engrave the foregoing on their memories. Such an element of character is always connected with power of influence. Men void of punctuality com-rate and linked together, it must needs monly lack something else. THE LORD'S PRAYER. "I remember, on one occasion,' says Mr. Hay, "travelling with a companion, who possessed some knowledge of medicine. We arrived at a door, near which we were about to pitch our tents, when a crowd of Arabs surrounded us, cursing and swearing at the rebellers against God. My friend, who spoke a little Arabic to an elderly person, whose garb bespoke him a priest, said, 'Who taught you that we were disbelievers ? Hear my daily prayer, and judge for yourselves.' He then repeated the Lord's prayer. All stood amazed and silent, till the priest exclaimed, May God curse me if ever I again curse those who hold such a belief; nay, more, the prayer shall be my prayer till my hour be come. pray thee, O Nazarene, repeat that prayer, that it may be remembered among us in letters of gold.'" ON ATHEISM. I "I had rather," says Sir Francis Bacon, "believe all the fables in the Talmud and the Koran, than that this fly to Providence and Deity.". SEVEN PROPERTIES OF SCRIPTURE. The properties of Scripture may be summarily enumerated as follows: 1. All of it is clear and intelligible enough to persons who sincerely desire to conform the heart and life accordingly. 2. The Word of God is found to be of special effect upon the human heart for conviction, conversion, instruction, and comfort, in all ages and nations; and thereby evinces, 3. Its Divine authority; whence it follows, 4. That it is the standard for determining every controversy in matters of faith. 5. It is perfect, as containing whatever is necessary to be known and believed in order to salvation. 6. It is also profitable, as containing nothing irrelevant or useless. 7. The providence of God has watched over it, so that it retains its purity unsullied, and can be enjoyed now, as it ever could be from the beginning -Bengel. Poetry. "WORK WHILE IT IS CALLED TO DAY." BY J. A. LANGFORD. WORK while the day is, Wait for no morrow, Life else a prey is To dreaming and sorrow. Doing and duty Will gladden the hour, Giving earth beauty, And joy for her dower. Twelve hours are given: Then faithfully use The bounty which Heaven To none doth refuse. The storms of life breasting, As swimmers the sea; "Unhasting, unresting," Thy motto should be. |