reputation of virtue or piety, by splendid acts of public beneficence. Though I give all my goods to feed the poor and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.'

X.

BE contented with the station and circumstances in which Providence has placed you. Never repine at God's dealings towards you, nor envy those who are above you in worldly advantages. Consider not so much what you want, as what you have; and look less at those above you, than at those in inferior circumstances. Accustom yourselves to look on the bright, rather than the dark side of the picture. Indulge not in unreasonable fears, nor give way to feelings of despondency. Exercise fortitude, and maintain tranquillity of mind. Be not ruffled and disconcerted by every little cross event which may occur. Place not your happiness at the disposal of every one who may be disposed to speak an unkind word, or do an unhandsome thing. Learn to possess your souls in patience, believing that when appearances are darkest, the dawn of a more comfortable day is near.

XI.

CHERISH and diligently cultivate genuine piety. 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.'

Early piety is the most beautiful spectacle in the world. Without piety all your morality, however useful to men, is but a shadow. It is a branch without a root. Religion, above every other acquisition, enriches and adorns the mind of man; and it is especially congenial with the natural susceptibilities of the youthful mind. The vivacity and versatility of youth, the tenderness and ardour of the affections in this age, exhibit piety to the best advantage. How delightful is it, to see the bosoms of the young swelling with the lively emotions of pure devotion. How beautiful is the tear of penitence or of holy joy which glistens in the eye of tender youth. Think not, dear young people, that true religion will detract from your happiness. It is a reproach cast upon your Maker, to indulge such a thought. It cannot be. A God of goodness never required any thing of his creatures, which did not tend to their true felicity. Piety may indeed lead you to exchange the pleasures of the theatre and ball-room, for the purer joys of the church and oratory. It may turn your attention from books of mere idle fancy and fiction, to the word of God, which, to a regenerated soul, is found to be sweeter than honey, and more excellent than the choicest gold; but this will add to your happiness, rather than diminish it. We would then affectionately

and earnestly exhort and entreat you, to 'remember now your Creator in the days of your youth.' This will be your best security against all the dangers and temptations to which you are exposed; this will secure to you 'the favour of God which is life, and his loving kindness which is better than life.' Delay not your conversion; every day is lost time, which is not spent in the service of God. Besides, procrastination has proved ruinous to many. Eternity is at hand; the judgment day must be met, and how can we appear there, without piety? This is our only preparation and passport for heaven. Dear youth, be wise, and secure an inheritance among the saints in light. God invites you to be reconciled. Christ extends his arms of mercy to secure you. Angels are waiting to rejoice at your conversion, and to become your daily and nightly guardians. The doors of the church will be open to receive you. The ministers of the gospel, and all the company of believers will hail your entrance, and will welcome you to the precious ordinances of God's house. And, finally, remember that, 'now is the accepted time and the day of salvation.'

XII.

OUR last counsel is, that you seek divine direc

tion and aid, by incessant, fervent prayer. You need

grace to help you every day.

Your own wisdom is

folly, your own strength weakness, and your own righteousness altogether insufficient. 'It is not in

man that walketh to direct his steps.' But if you lack wisdom, you are permitted to ask; and you have a gracious promise, that you shall receive. Whatever we need will be granted, if we humbly and believingly ask for it. Ask and ye shall receive, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you.' 'Be careful for nothing, but in every thing with prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.'

In all your troubles, make God your refuge. Flee to him by humble trust and prayer, and he will hide you under the shadow of his wings, and in his secret pavilion, and even in death you shall fear no evil, for Jehovah, your shepherd, will be present to comfort you. And when you shall have finished your earthly pilgrimage, a mansion in the heavens will await you; Christ, your Saviour, will receive your departing spirit, and you shall go, to be present with the Lord.

PRINCETON.

A. A.

HYMN OF THE REAPERS.

OUR Father, to fields that are white

For harvest, the sickle we bear,

And praise shall our voices unite

To Thee, who hast made them thy care!

The seed that was dropped in the soil,
We left with a holy belief

In one who was blessing the toil,

To crown it at length with the sheaf.

And ever our faith shall be firm

In him who was life to the root

Whose finger has led up the germ,
And finished the blade and the fruit.

The heads that are heavy with grain
Are bowing and asking to fall;