active life.

No small degree of firmness in reli. gious principle, and of constancy in virtue, is requisite, in order to prevent his being assimilated to the spirit of the world, and carried away by 'multitude of evil doers.' Let him therefore call to mind those principles which ought to fortify him against such temptations to vice. Let him often recollect that, whatever his station in life may be, he is a man, he is a Christian. These are the chief characters which he has to support; characters superior far, if they be supported with dignity, to any of the titles with which courts can decorate him; superior to all that can be acquired in the strife of a busy world. Let him think, that though it may be desirable to increase his opulence, or to advance his rank, yet what he ought to hold much more sacred is, to maintain his integrity and honour. If these be forfeited, wealth or station will have few charms left. They will not be able to protect him long from sinking into contempt in the eye of an observing world. Even to his own eye he will at last appear base and wretched.-Let not, then, the affairs of the world entirely engross his time and thoughts. From that contagious air which he breathes, in the midst of it, let him sometimes retreat into the salutary shade, consecrated to devotion and to wisdom. There, conversing seriously with his own soul, and looking up to the Father of Spirits, let him study to calm those unquiet passions, and to rectify those internal disorders, which intercourse with the world had excited and increased

In preparation for old age

While we thus study to correct the errors, and to

provide against the dangers, which are peculiar to this stage of life, let us also lay foundation for comfort in old age. That is a period which all expect and hope to see; and to which, amidst the toils of the world, men sometimes look forward, not without satisfaction, as to the period of retreat and rest. But let them not deceive themselves. A joyless and dreary season it will prove, if they arrive at it with an unimproved or corrupted mind. For old age, as for every other thing, a certain preparation is requisite and that preparation consists chiefly in three particulars: in the acquisition of knowledge, of friends, of virtue. There is an acquisition of another kind, of which it is altogether needless for me to give any recommendation, that of riches. But though this, by many, will be esteemed a more material acquisition than all three I have named, it may be confidently pronounced, that, without these other requisites, all the wealth we can lay up in store will prove insufficient for making our latter days pass smoothly away.

First, he who wishes to render his old age comfortable, should study betimes to enlarge and improve his mind; and by inquiry, by reading and reflecting, to acquire a taste for useful knowledge. This will provide for him a great and noble entertainment when other entertainments leave him. If he bring into the solitary retreat of age a vacant uninformed mind, where no knowledge dawns, where no ideas rise, which has nothing to feed upon within itself, many a heavy and comfortless day he must necessarily pass.-Next, when a man declines into the vale of years, he depends more on the aid of his friends, than in any other period of his life. Then is the time, when he would especially wish

to find himself surrounded by some who love and respect him: who will bear with his infirmities, rclieve him of his labours, and cheer him with their society. Let him therefore, now, in the summer of his days, while yet active and flourishing, by acts of seasonable kindness and beneficence, ensure that love, and by upright and honorable conduct lay foundation for that respect, wnich in old age he would wish to enjoy. In the last place, let him consider a good conscience, peace with God, and the hope of heaven, as the most effectual consolations he can possess, when the evil days shall come wherein, otherwise he is likely to find little pleasure. It is not merely by transient acts of devotion that such consolations are to be provided. The regular tenor of a virtuous and pious life, spent in the faithful discharge of all the duties of our station, will prove the best preparation for old age, for death, and for immortality.

The conclusion

From the whole of what has been said, this important instruction arises, that the happiness of every man depends more upon the state of his own mind, thau upon any one external circumstance; nay, more than all external things put together. We have seen, that inordinate passions are the great disturbers of life; and that unless we possess a good conscience, and a well-governed mind, discontent will blast every enjoyment, and the highest prosperity will prove only disguised misery. Fix then this conclusion in your ininds, that the destruc tion of your virtue is the destruction of your peace. Keep thy heart with all diligence,' govern it with

the greatest care, for out of it are the issues of life. In no station, in no period, think yourselves secure from the dangers which spring from your passions. Every age, and every station, they beset; from youth to grey hairs, and from the peasant to the prince.

ON

HONOUR AS A PRINCIPLE.

BY DR. JAMES FORDYCE.

I CONCEIVE, gentlemen, that to preserve and cherish the sense of truth, integrity and glory, which we have found interwoven with the human mind, is the main design of moral culture; and that he will be the most estimable person in manhood, who is the least perverted from the ingenuity of youth; who is constantly recurring to his earliest and tenderest perceptions of virtue; who, while a man in understanding, is in malice a child,' who, with the improvements of reflection, and the acquisitions of experience, retains, as much as may be, that simplicity of soul, and that generosity of affection, which give such grace and sweetness to the bloom of life.

Is it possible to think of those lovely qualities, and not sigh to see them so often defaced in the succeeding scenes? Is it possible to contemplate the ruins of youthful excellence, and forbear to weep over them? But whence, my brothers, this deplorable change? From neglecting early to fix, and firmly to keep, that best and bravest of all resolutions, which was formed by one of the most celebrated persons of whom we have any record :— My heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.'