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our gratitude to God and Christ awakened, our perception of duty enlivened, and our attachment to "the things that are excellent" invigorated. By intermingling serious observations with our common discourse, and taking a deyout notice of the numerous incidents and objects, which daily offer us moral instruction, an habitual sense of religion will be engraven on our hearts; and we shall be encouraged to act under the prevailing influence of its laws. Thus edified ourselves, we shall contribute, at the same time, to the edification of surrounding brethren: For, to adopt the words of another," in whatever we set ourselves to learn" or practise," partnership, joint advice, mutual incitement, imitation, and emulation, if there be room for it, have unspeakable force." ››

II. Hence appears, secondly, the great im portance of making our conversation uniformly conducive to the purposes of religion and mo rality.

As a science only, christianity claims profound attention, and may well employ our thoughts and tongues. It discloses a comprehensive, connected system of truth, compared to which, the brightest discoveries of reason and philosophy lose their lustre; and the ordinary themes of * Archbishop Secker.

discourse appear totally insignificant. But when we consider its august design; the obligations it inculcates, the hopes it inspires, and the glory it brings to light, neither the duty, nor the utility of holding frequent converse on its doctrines and laws can be denied. To talk of them, when we sit in the house, and when we walk by the way; when we lie down, and when we rise up,' is not only becoming, but necessary to establish our faith, and excite our obedience.

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We have already seen, that subjects, which we seldom or never mention to others, soon fall into oblivion. To this origin may be traced a great part of the ignorance and vice, which prevail in the world. Terrified by the apprehension of ridicule from the unreflecting, many are "ashamed of the gospel of Christ," and stifle in silence every serious impression. There are few, perhaps, even among the most profligate, who, at some period of their lives, have not had convictions, the explicit avowal of which might have banished seducers from their presence, and procured them such counsellors, as would have ensured their conversion.

By a criminal deficiency in this respect, even the virtuous too often fail of many improvements and comforts, to which they might otherwise attain. Neglecting the daily interchange of advice,

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admonition, and reproof, they become indifferent. in their feelings; their zeal insensibly abates; and though they may not "draw back to perdition," their progress in knowledge and holiness is hardly perceived.

In temporal affairs, we consult our friends, and express our opinions and wishes, without reserve. Nor is our labour lost. We, in most cases, obtain the information, assistance, and encouragement, which we seek. Often are our doubts removed, our fears diminished, our hopes revived, and our industry quickened, in the pursuits of this life, by the cheering voice of friendship. Do we need less support in quest of “the ⠀¦ true riches,” than in prosecution of the transient. interests of time? Or is the welfare of the body more important than the salvation of the soul? Or have we greater cause to be ashamed of," that: good part, which can never be taken away from us," than of our regard to the perishable posses-..." sions and enjoyments, which earth affords? If not; for your consciences have already given a negative answer, why should we neglect the use of means, so visibly calculated to animate and 1 embolden us to "run with patience the race set before us?" Were we to speak of spiritual things.. with the same unaffected freedom and alacrity, with which we confer together on sublunary con

céras, not our improvement only, but our pleasure would be perpetually increased by the fellowship of society. Each company would become a school of instruction, and whilst knowledge and virtue were mutually cherished, mutual comfort, hope, and joy would be the happy result.

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Under the impression of this truth, it is equally astonishing and painful to observe, with what indifference, and even aversion, religion is commonly treated. In many circles, otherwise full of life and spirit, a serious remark, however naturally interposed, produces an instantaneous gloom upon every countenance, and seals every mouth in the profoundest silence! With downcast looks of uneasiness, which an immodest insinuation, or a profane expression would hardly occasion, all studiously avoid reply, and wait, with manifest impatience, for a pretext to resume the former topick, or introduce some other, detached from the irksome thought of God and duty! No sooner is this object gained, than vivacity brightens every face, and unlooses every tongue Restored to their accustomed and favourite element, they again unite in the loquacious reciprocation of trifles, and seem to felicitate themselves in their deliverance from the intrusion of reflexions, which bring into view the aircumstances and end of their being !

Are such feelings and conduct consistent with the dignity of our reasonable nature? What more noble employment can be conceived, than to explore the character and will of our heavenly Fa ther; "make mention of his loving-kindness, and talk of his wondrous works ?"

Formed for immortality, and destined to a future state of retribution, religion is our highest glory, and ought to be our chief delight. Shall we then cherish aversion to its language, and imagine it unfriendly to our social enjoyment? Its tendency to purify and exalt the soul, if duly realized, would overcome this criminal aversion, and render us both solicitous and communicative

respecting "the things, which belong to our. everlasting peace." Had we just apprehensions of the prize, for which we are called to contend, we should invariably direct our words, as well as actions to its attainment. Not that we are required to confine our conversation exclusively to religious subjects.. "To every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heaven." The business, cares, and interests of this life demand a portion of our attention; and of these we may innocently converse. Nor are we denied the relaxation, which the harmless excursions of wit, humour, and fancy afford. These, on proper occasions, and within proper limits, may, at once, enliven a social hour, and prepare

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