contempt upon that law by his own inconsistencies and transgressions; but will seek to maintain, in the world and in the family as well as in the church, a conscience void of offence toward God and toward men. It may not be an easy task, and the corruptions of his own heart may, at times, render it exceedingly difficult; but herein will he exercise himself. Nor shall his efforts or his prayers be in vain. No: they shall succeed to the joy of his heart, to the welfare of his family, and to the glory of his God. Thus he honors his God, and he shall be honored by Him. He shall see the fruit of his piety, and exult, not with vainglory but with fervent gratitude, in the success of his labors. His children shall rise up and call him blessed. Taught in early life from that holy book, which they plainly discovered was their father's solace and their mother's joy, as well as the directory of the whole family-Taught from those sacred oracles to honor all men, to love the brotherhood, to fear God, and to honor the king; when arrived at years of discretion they shall exemplify those

lessons which were inculcated upon them in the days of their childhood and youth, inculcated too by those who, through grace, practised as well as taught, who not only "allured to brighter worlds," but "led the way."

It is scarcely necessary for me to add, that the pious family will be the happy family. Where the Lord is honored, He shall dwell, and He shall bless. Riches will often be bestowed as the fruit of pious industry. If they come, it shall be with the Divine blessing. The gift shall not take the place of the Giver. In such a family, wealth will be received with gratitude, but yet with trembling, the result of a deep sense of their responsibility to Him whose they are and whom they serve. Nor, at such a season, will they forget the express command given in their family directory, Charge them who are rich in this world that they be ready to give, and glad to distribute; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may attain eternal life. How beautiful a sight! when opulence is thus used, not

for the corruption but for the benefit of mankind! When the grand inquiry is, how the cause of Jesus may be best promoted, the church most enlarged and edified, the sons of wretchedness relieved and converted, and the poor members of Christ's mystical body cheered and comforted, by the hand of brotherly affection, in their passage through poverty, trial, and pain, to the regions of immortality, and to the land of rest.

We know, however, that it is written, Riches make to themselves wings and fly away. The family we have been attempting to describe may experience some of those reverses of fortune, to which man must ever be exposed while a sojourner in this state of change and uncertainty. But the Christian household, while they may find that the world and the fashion thereof passeth away, can rejoice in the conviction that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to-day, and for ever. The family directory points out to their notice immutable promises and unfading joys. Wealth has disappeared; but they know that the silver and the gold are

up

the Lord's; that he bringeth down one, and setteth another. The rising murmur is suppressed by Christian meekness, and stifled by Christian hope. Such know in whom they have believed, and feel persuaded that He is able to keep that which they have committed unto him until that day. In the mean time, they are prepared to pass through much tribulation, in their way to the kingdom. They feel grateful to God that they were enabled to use prosperity to his honor, and they are now most desirous that they may, in this the season of their adversity, through the same grace, glorify the Lord in the fires. Whatever their affliction, whatever their calamity, they are not unnoticed by their brethren beloved in the Lord. Above all, they

are visited, cheered, and animated to pa tience, and to all long-suffering with joyfulness by the manifestation of their Saviour's love. He smiles, and all is light, and peace, and joy. "The Holy Ghost the Comforter," and the Sanctifier of all the elect people of God," causes their affliction, their light affliction, which is but for a moment, to turn to their salvation, yea, to work out for

them a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Whoever may despise them, they are honored of God even in the depth of their sorrow. A sacred interchange of communication is established and maintained between their hearts and the unseen world. Holy angels minister to them as heirs of salvation, and the Sun of Righteousness breaks through every cloud, and, shining into their hearts, bestows the light of the knowledge of the glory of God; which can only be manifested to sinful man in the face of Jesus Christ.

Behold the pious parent of such a family receiving the summons from above to join "the goodly fellowship of the prophets," "the glorious company of the apostles," and "the noble army of martyrs." He is called from the embraces of his family, but it is to enter into the joy of his Lord. The separation is only for a season, a short season; even till that hour when they shall meet no more to part, and smile no more to weep. The stroke of separation is felt, but is felt as the stroke of mercy. The tear of affection and gratitude bedews the