Sins Of Youth.—

The history of a respected citizen of the town of A———, is remarkable, on account of his seven sons, who, though not otherwise deformed, were quite dumb. The father was constantly sorrowing over his sons, and could not com-prehend why God visited him so dreadfully, more than other fathers. One day he accompanied them to a neighbouring farm, and where an old Swiss sold refreshments. The afflicted father looked with much feeling at his sons, who sat blooming and healthy round the table. The tears started in his eyes, and he exclaimed, “O God! why have I deserved this?” The old Swiss, who had overheard him, drew him to one side, and said, with honesty, “I see you are downcast at the affliction of your sons; but I do not wonder at it. Do you not remember (I knew you from your youth) when a boy, how you laid snares for the birds, and when caught, tore their tongues out of their mouths, and then with malignant joy let them fly again? How often have I not warned you; O, the birds under the heavens, who could not praise God with their tongues, have accused you, and you shall never hear the sweet name of father from the lips of your children.”

Early Religious Training Necessary.—

Coleridge and his friends were once talking on this subject, one of whom maintained that religion should not be instilled into the youthful mind, and Coleridge contending that it should. His friend observed that the page 257 mind should be left to itself upon that subject, and in mature years it would of itself, asume the right direction. After dinner, he walked into his garden, and showed him a spot full of nothing but mustard plants. “There,” said C. “is a fine flower garden.” “Flower garden!” says his friend, “why they are all mustard plants.” “I know that said Coleridge, “but after a while, somehow or other, the mustard will be all rooted out, and we shall have a splendid variety of cultivated flowers. True religion never produced fanaticism or bigotry. The greatest fanatics I ever knew were infidels; the greatest bigots were Deists.

Injure No Man.—

The meanest person may once in seven years have an opportunity of doing you much good or harm. Though we have a thousand friends, we may ask more; but one enemy is too much.

Preaching.—

Reading good sermons (as one says,) is like milk cold out of the dish, but preaching is like milk warm from the breast which is far more nourishing to the child. Let us always then as new-born babes desire this milk, that we may both live and grow thereby. I Peter ii, 10. Willison.

Praise.—

Praising God by signing is often enjoined in Scripture. It is comely for the people of God; they are called singing birds. Cant. ii, 10, They are such as should sing all the months of the year; yea, even in the dead month of affliction.

—Willison.

Singing.—

Singing is the breath or flame of love or joy; it is the eternal work of heaven, the music of saints and angels there. I know nothing in the world that more resembles heaven than a company of God's people harmoniously singing his praises with grace in their hearts, making melody to the Lord. Let us make conscience of this heavenly duty in the public assemblies, and perform it with heart and tongue; for if it were not a rare exercise, God would not honour it to be the only work of heaven.

—Willison.

Grace.—

It is almost a fearful consideration; and yet there is a superstitious notion, and an unbelieving one too, which cannot receive God's mercies as his free gift, but will be always looking out for something to purchase them.

—Arnold.

Catholicity.—

I have one great principle which I never lose sight of; to insist strongly on the difference between Christian and non-Christian, and to sink into nothing the difference between Christian and Christian.

—Ib.