attention to the 'HEART.'

For what are tal

ents unsanctified? Knowledge puffeth up,' but charity edifieth.' What are notions the most sublime, and sentiments the most admired, if the disposition be not under the bias of religion? How defective will the whole figure appear, without the ornament of a MEEK AND QUIET SPIRIT?' What so unsightly, so odious, as a discontented, fretful, foaming, boisterous, scolding woman? A continual dropping in a very rainy day, and a contentious woman are alike.' 'It is better to dwell in the corner of a house-top than with a brawling woman in a wide house.' 'It is better to dwell in the wilderness than with a contentious and an angry woman. Whoso hideth her, hideth the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, that bewrayeth itself.' The Graces were female: so were the Furies too. Much depends on the cultivation of the mind; more on the regulation of the temper. The necessity of this qualification, in family connexion, is inconceivable. In managing the concerns of a household, how many things will perpetually arise to disappoint, to ruffle, to unhinge, to vex, and

to provoke! These require the command of temper. And there are wives, and there are wives in this assembly, who in 'patience possess their souls;' who can feel, but retain their composure; who can calmly remonstrate, but know not to insist; who can yield and accommodate; who are 'not easily provoked,' but ' easily entreated;' who are disposed rather to endure than complain; and to suffer in secret, rather than disturb others with their grief.

Suffer me then, my fair hearers, to recommend this exchange, this preference of decoration. Like the king's daughter, be all glorious within.' Let the Bible be the mirror at which you dress; and while others are weightily engaged in catching a fashion, or adjusting a curl, let the object of your cultivation be the understanding, the memory, the will, the affections, the conscience. Let no part of this internal creation be unadorned: let it sparkle with the diamonds of wisdom, of prudence, of humility, of gentleness. These ornaments alone will confer dignity, and prepare for usefulness. If destitute of these, can you imagine it possible to obtain real, durable

regard? Need you be told, that these skindeep perfections, those exterior, senseless appendages, imply no excellency in the wearer, and are only admired by the weak, or the worthless? Are you ignorant that men often despise a soul lodged in a form they adore, and admire nonsense, because it is poured from handsome lips? Are you designed for toys, or rational beings? the playthings of the senses, or improving companions? Would you in company keep your husbands on thorns, while they wish you to be seen, and hope you will not be heard; knowing how much more likely you are to strike by the quality and pattern of your robes, than by the insipidity and inanity of your discourse? Adorn yourselves in the newest mode, in the richest attire, plait your hair, deck yourselves with pearls-will these render you valuable? Will these qualify you to manage the concerns of a family, 'to give a portion to your maidens,' to train up your children in wisdom and virtue, to be a help meet for your husband! What are you endued with reason and immortality, only to be enamoured with a piece of embroidery, or

to pay your devotions to the colour of silk? Are you sublimely resolved never, never to leave the world of fans, and enter the region of intelligence and of mind ?

These decorations are not CORRUPTIBLE.' All other ornaments 'perish in the using.' All other attire gives place to the shroud. 'Beauty consumes away like a moth; the sparkling eye 'is closed in darkness;' the body is 'laid in the grave; death shall feed upon it.' The charmer, looking in vain for admirers, says 'to corruption, Thou art my father: to the worm, Thou art my mother and my sister.' Prolong life. Accidents may disfigure, and diseases corrode. How quickly time changes the countenance! How transient the empire of colours and of tints! How soon wrinkles and gaudy attire disagree! Having laid in no stock of mental influence, and sober entertainment against the evil day, what becomes of these delightful creatures? A few years reduce them to insignificance, leaving them only the humiliating claims of pity, or the uncertain returns of gratitude. But an accomplished, pious woman, can never be the object of ne

glect; she will attract notice, and confer happiness, even when descending into the vale of years. The ravages of time cannot reach the soul: death cannot strip off the habits of immortality it will only change her from glory to glory' only remove her from earth, unworthy of continuance, and place her among 'the innumerable company of angels.'

In adorning ourselves, the opinion of others is very influential; especially if the admirers discover taste, possess sway, or can give law to fashion. This decoration is in the SIGHT OF GOD of great price.' 'Not' she "who commendeth herself is approved, but whom the LORD commendeth.' What is the honour that cometh from man?' How wavering, how vain, how debasing! But the honour that cometh from GOD only,' is purifying, satisfying, enduring. It is impossible to feel a complacency in ourselves, while conscious that we are disesteemed by a Being of infinite wisdom, excellency, and goodness. His 'judgment is always according to truth.' In his favour is life;' on his applause our happiness depends; and in vain we approach him with