the whole mass. If that be the leaven of infidelity, you will diffuse an influence more fatal than the leper's touch; but if that of genuine piety, to use the emphatic language of the Scripture, you will be "the salt of the earth."

I have often thought, that if an Angelic spirit could assume a human form, and mingle in some of the ordinary associations of life, with what surprize would he listen to the general subjects of conversation. Expecting on his descent, that those for whom the Prince of life expired on the cross, would be occupied in discusing some of the grand peculiarities of that system of Redemption on which their hope of final happiness is placed, he would feel no common degree of astonishment to perceive that the whole interview was spent in conversing on the various style of dress, or some other subject equally trifling. Necessity, not choice, must compel him to remain, but if in his presence the language of indecent wit, or improper allusion, should be employed to degrade the truths of the Scripture, he would immediately retire, shedding a tear on his departure, over such consummate wickedness, and secretly adoring that long-suffering Mercy which forbears immediate punishment. If in company your modesty pre

vents you from taking the lead, yet your piety, if adorning a highly cultivated mind, will give a bias and a tone to the subjects of conversation. Men in general are anxious to afford you pleasure, and if they perceive that you are partial to religious subjects, those who possess a corres. pondence of taste will cheerfully introduce them, and those who do not, will cautiously avoid every expression or reference which may excite pain or disgust.

Such an influence, employed in a close alliance with the remonstrances of the pulpit, and the labours of the press, would operate as a powerful check to the encroachment of infidelity-it would render the profane less capable of indulging their propensities, by convincing them, that the moral atmosphere which surrounds your character is too pure to admit their contaminating presence; and would invest religion, at least in her external forms, with a degree of honour that would secure a respectful homage, if not the affection of the heart.

The superior degree of happiness which you will enjoy by improving your intellectual powers, is another reason which demands your consideration. You must be conscious, that happiness is the object of universal pursuit, and

that each individual expects to obtain it in his own way. Minds of a higher order, despising the grovelling pursuits of the Miser, or the inhuman exploits of the Martial Hero, imagine that it is to be acquired by mere literary attainments. Transported by the sublime views which Nature, in her varied aspects, exbibits; charmed by the captivating productions of the Muse's pen; or engrossed by the diversified studies of literature and science, they forget that the "fashion of this world is passing away," and that a period is hastening when the final destiny of the soul will be determined according to its moral character. How they shall appear, when standing in the immediate presence of the Judge of all, is no object even of their speculative enquiry. If an individual presume to suggest to them, that the prospect of future felicity, arising from a cordial reception of the doctrines of the scriptures, is essential to the present happiness of Man, he is sure to excite their ridicule, if not their contempt. To bow their knees at the throne of Mercy, to implore forgiveness through the mediation of a Saviour, to solicit the purifying influence of the Holy Spirit to prepare them for the society and employments of the celestial world, are exercises

of such an humiliating nature, that they would blush, and feel themselves degraded, if they were conscious that by any moral considerations, they could be compelled to engage in them. Starting back from the approach of religion, as the witch of Endor from the rising form of the Prophet, they exclaim, "depart from us, for we desire not a knowledge of thy ways."

But it is obvious, that their scheme is not so productive of human happiness as they pretend to believe, for we have seen some of the most elevated minds plunged into the depths of woe. Driven from their moorings by the sudden storms of life, we have seen them drifting about for a short period, amidst the conflicting elements, till they have sunk in hopeless Misery. And if you trace this catastrophe to its real cause, you will find it in that theory which makes present happiness consist in mere literary pursuits and mental attainments; but which provides no adequate relief for the sorrows of Man-which supplies him with no motives that can render him superior to the disasters of adversity; which opens to his view no transporting scene beyond the grave.

To a reflecting mind it is astonishing that a plan so defective should ever, for a solitary hour,

receive the admiration and homage which are exclusively due to the Christian scheme. This, viewing man, as he is, proposes a plan for his happiness which will endure the test of examination and experience. "And what, according to this communication, are the essential requisites to that condition of mind, without which no man ought to be called happy? A reader of the scriptures will reply, that they are a change of heart, called conversion, the assurance of the pardon of sin through Jesus Christ, a habit of devotion, approaching so near to intercourse with the Supreme Object of devotion, that revelation has called it communion with God; a process of improvement, called sanctification; a confidence in the divine Providence, that all things work together for good, and a conscious preparation for another life, including a firm hope of eternal felicity."

This scheme, devised by infinite wisdom, is adapted to men of every age, character, and situation of life. It descends to the level of the most enfeebled minds, throwing some rays of light within their gloomy recesses, cleansing by its influence, and animating by its promises; and it rises to the most exalted talents, expanding their powers and elevating their desires, without diminishing its lustre, or undergoing any change.