EARS OF CORN,

&c. &c.

MEDITATION.

Mount up aloft through heavenly contemplation,
From this dark world, whose damps the soul do blind;
And, like the native brood of eagles' kind,

On that bright Sun of Glory fix thine eyes,

Clear'd from gross mists of frail infirmities.-SPENSER.

The meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.
I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient time.

I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

Let the words of my month, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

He must know little of the world, and still less of his own heart, who is not aware how difficult it is amidst the corrupting examples with which it abounds, to maintain the spirit of devotion unimpaired, or to preserve, in their due force and delicacy, those vivid moral impressions, that quick perception of good, and instinctive abhorrence of evil, which form the chief characteristic of a pure and elevated mind. These, like the morning dew, are easily brushed off in the collision of worldly interest, or exhaled by the meridian sun. Hence the necessity of

B

frequent intervals of retirement, when the mind may recover its scattered powers, and renew its strength by a devout application to the Fountain of all grace.Robert Hall.

To attain clear and just views of our duties in their full extent, of the various virtues and excellences which belong to our nature and state, and which must combine to render the character perfect, and the life truly happy

-we must employ frequent reflection; we must dwell on the precepts and life of Jesus Christ, in which all human excellences are unfolded; we must make our minds familiar with the lofty sentiments, pure principles, devout and generous affections from which the Christian is called to act; we must consider the various modes in which each good disposition will express itself, the proper feelings and actions in the various circumstances amidst which we are to be placed.

By this activity of mind on the duties of religion, we shall gradually attain a very desirable state of mind, so that we shall carry within us, as it were, a chart of Christianity. Conscience will be prepared with instruction in every condition into which we may be thrown. At every moment the purest and best feelings and actions, such as we shall approve when we review our course, will rise to our view, and invite and attract us. This habitual activity and quickness of conscience, this power of seizing at the first glance on the best rules, on the most becoming, honourable, fit, and useful course, is most desirable, if we would live consistently and escape remorse.-Channing.