Page images
PDF
EPUB

No. 290.]

[WEDNESDAY.

CONNEXION BETWEEN THE DUTIES OF, &c.

(concluded.)

ATHEISM can neither affect the existence of God nor annihilate the obligations of man to him. It may ruin the interests of the creature, but it cannot shake the throne of the Creator.

Thus the relations of nature, and those of religion mutually explain each other, and both involve corresponding duties. Thus they move in perfect harmony, and their obligations never clash. It is the object of revelation to define their limits, to state their importance, and to furnish the means of meeting their requisitions. Jesus is in relation to both, a perfect pattern, and for the honourable discharge of their present claims, as well as for the security of their future recompence, it is necessary, that "the same spirit which was in him, should dwell also in us.'

No. 291.]

[THURSDAY.

THE PRESENT CONDITION OF MAN VINDI

CATED.

Heav'n from all creatures hides the book of fate,
All but the page prescrib'd, their present state,
Oh! blindness to the future! kindly giv'n,
That each may fill the circle mark'd by heav'n.
Hope humbly then; with trembling pinions soar;
Wait the great teacher, death; and God adore.

What future bliss, he gives not thee to know,
But gives that hope to be thy blessing now.
Hope springs eternal in the human breast;
Man never is, but always to be blest.

No. 292.] ADVANTAGES OF VIRTUE. [FRIDAY.

In the usual course of human affairs, it will be found that a plain understanding, joined with acknowledged worth, contributes more to prosperity, than the brightest parts, without probity or honour, whether science, or business, or public life be your aim, virtue still enters for a principal share into all those great departments of society. It is connected with eminence, in every liberal art; with reputation, in every branch of fair and useful business; with distinction, in every public station. The vigour which it gives the mind, and the weight which it adds to character, the generous sentiments which it breathes the undaunted spirit which it inspires; the ardour of diligence with it quickens; the freedom which it procures from pernicious and dishonourable avocations, are the foundations of all that is high in fame, or great in success among

men.

es;

No. 293.]

WISDOM.

[SATURDAY.

KNOWLEDGE relates to the essence of things. Wisdom relates to the operation of things. Wis

dom is the power of judging rightly in all matters of practice. The wisdom of man lies in the strength of his understanding to judge and determine of the relation of means to ends, and of the value and importance of those ends to the man himself, by whom they are proposed and pursued.

Wisdom likewise consists in being discreet, in using the best means to attain the goods we want, and avoid the evils we fear.

Religion is beautifully described in the Proverbs under the name of wisdom.

No. 294.]

THANKSGIVING.

[SUNDAY.

THE duty of praise and thanksgiving is a debt and law of our nature. We had such faculties bestowed upon us by our Creator, as make us capable of satisfying this debt, and obeying this law; and they never, therefore, are employed more naturally than in this occupation.

This duty of thanksgiving takes the surer hold of us, by that strong bent towards gratitude which the author of our nature has implanted in it. There is not a more active principle than this in the mind of man; and surely that which deserves its utmost force is God, the great and universal benefactor, from whom alone we received whatever we either have or are, and to whom we can repay nothing but our praises and thanksgiving, to whom therefore be glory and praise for ever!

No. 295.]

[MONDAY. IMPORTANCE OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE IMAGINATION AND THOUGHTS.

"Awake but one, and lo! what myriads rise-
Each stamps its image as the other flies."

Is it not then, an object of the highest importance to strengthen that controul, which we naturally possess in a certain degree, over our waking thoughts, and on which so materially depends the high direction of our minds. How great then, must be the superiority of that man's imagination, who from his youth upward, has filled it with the purest and noblest materials of thinking, and who has made it the channel of unpoluted streams. Such a man has turned the arbitrary union between certain classes of ideas to the best sort of freedom,-the freedom from idle, vicious, and degrading thoughts.

No 296.] JUSTICE AND KNAVERY. [TUESDAY.

Justice is a good disposition of the heart, to treat all mankind in such a manner, upon all occasions, as we would wish to be treated by them, if we were exactly in their case. Justice will teach us to make a just return in matters of civilitythe opposite is called rudeness. To be just in affairs of social kindness-the opposite is called ingratitude. To be just in matters of compassion, to misery, to want,-the opposite is called cruelty. To be just in the forgiveness of injuries-the op

posite is called revenge. To be just in the report of men's characters-the opposite is called slander. To be just in matters of trust, money, and secrets committed to us-the opposite is called unfaithfulness.

No. 297.]

[WEDNESDAY. JUSTICE AND KNAVERY (continued).

To be just in our obedience to magistrates, ministers, and masters-the opposite is called rebellion. To be just in matters of civil and religious liberty, or liberty of conscience, permitting to others as much liberty as I take myself in all cases civil and religious-the opposite to this is called tyranny and persecution. To be just in trade and commerce, in all actions of buying and selling-the opposite to this is called cheating and knavery. To be just in heart, to honour and respect our tutors and governors, the ministers of religion, our parents, our superiors in learning and virtue, and our magistrates. To be just in loving those who love us affectionately, and to be full of gratitude to those that have done us good, and been kind to our body, our souls, or our estates.

No. 298.]

CONVERSATION. [THURSDAY. CONVERSATION calls to light what has been lodged in all the recesses and secret chambers

« PreviousContinue »