How then can they offer stronger convic tion? It is out of their power word is suspected, there is no reliance. where their sure bond of The Scriptures call the Devil "the Father of lies," and assure us, "that all liars shall have their portion in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone." Which is designed to: express to us, that they will certainly be partakers of that future severe punishment which is prepared for the wicked in another life. Fear, vanity, and pride, are the chief causes of deceit. To avert an unexpected evil, you may be tempted to the denial of truth, or to a mean equivocation, which is much the same in effect; but in the practice of virtue, our way is certain. Be determined always to do what is right, and expect the event without apprehension. Difficulties may arise to the good, but they cannot suffer from remorse. If they expe. rience some present inconvenience, it will be soon overpast, and then they will have no regret in looking back on their conduct; Heaven will approve the struggles of virtue, and their character will rise from every trial. Temptations to evil are no excuse for our failings. How will piety be known, if it be not tried? The merit of truth consists in avowing it in every circumstance, and in suffering all things rather than betray our integrity. Nor is there less danger to a youthful mind from the indulgence of vanity. A desire of appearing superior either in talents or accomplishments, is frequently a powerful motive in some to pretend to more knowledge than they possess. Hence they are led to depreciate others, and, out of a vain pride, to put on an appearance of superiority, to which they are certain they have no just pretensions. This haughtiness of mind will make them deny the most convincing arguments; and while they feel that they are to blame, dispose them obstinately to persist in error, and to dispute the most clear conviction, even at the expense of truth as well as reason. Disgusted if they are opposed, their vanity will never acknow. ledge a fault; and if you ask them whether they are not convinced, they will sooner lie than candidly confess it; not considering that modesty, truth, and an ingenuous acknowledgment, is the best atonement for human frailty, and will entitle those who possess such engaging qualities to every allowance of candour and generosity. : The pride of wishing to appear rich and great, is likewise in many respects a tempta. tion to deceive. Whatever we are ashamed. of, we have a desire to hide; and some young and uninformed minds forget the distinction between things which are proper objects of contempt, and those that become so only from their mistaken ideas. All vice, every deviation from virtue, and mean and every base action, are the only just subjects of shame and hence it must follow, that to be in indigent circumstances, to be dressed in plain clothes, or to be in any respect inferior to your companions, is no reason for your suffering such a painful sensation; but if you make an apology which is untrue, and would hide your real situation by deceit, that is a sufficient cause to call forth the blushes of shame, and will make you despicable indeed in the esteem of persons of real worth. Be persuaded, therefore, always to appear in your true character. Aim not at things beyond your reach. A good heart is an object worthy of admiration in every station, and in all circumstances. Let truth be your guide through each scene of your existence. Maintain a sacred regard to that principle alike in your thoughts, your words, and your actions. Disdain even the appearance of falsehood, nor allow the image of deceit a place in your mind. This resolution will establish your reputation on the firmest basis. You will have no fear of any private inquiries, of any secret discovery; but open, frank, candid, and honest, will receive the confidence of all with whom you are connected; and, as the last and most glorious of all motives, will be entitled to the approbation of your Creator and Preserver, -of that God who is styled the God of Truth. SUNDAY IX. ON PRAYER. THE observance of this duty is so necessary to your happiness in this life, and so needful to prepare you for the next, that I would wish with the greatest earnestness to enforce it. You have been taught, that it is right to address your prayers every day to God who made you; to express your thanks for his blessings, and to beg the continuance of his protection; but though you may observe this custom without the least omission, recollect whether your thoughts accompany your words; whether, in the form which you have been taught to utter, you do not repeat the sounds without attention to the sense. When you beg that God's will may be done on earth as it is in heaven, do you consider that it is a part of that will, that you should pray in sincerity and truth? Do you reflect, that the Almighty in a peculiar manner watches your thoughts, and will not accept the words which praise his mercy, unless the heart that offers them is grateful and obedient? Do not, therefore, consider your morning and evening prayers as a part of the ceremony of dressing or undressing, to be performed in the same careless and indifferent manner; but remember that it ought to be a serious and |