THIRD.

Gather up the fragments that nothing be lost. John vi. 12.

BLESSED Jesus! how well do thy miracles comport with thy character, and illustrate thy mercy. The eyes of the hungry wait on thee, and thou givest them meat in due season; thou stretchest forth the hand of thy power, the bread multiplies, the five loaves and two fishes become plenteousness. The multitude sit down at thy command, and there is sufficient for every one. A miracle: it excites our astonishment, and even exceeds the belief of some. But a like miracle is wrought every year. The grain we sow is multiplied; the bread is multiplied in the hands of the disciples who distributed it. The same omnipotence does both.

But we read, Gather up the fragments, that nothing be lost. What need of this, when it is so easy to make loaves? I do not know. But this page in the gospel well agrees with the book of nature: for, amidst all the "profusions of divine bounty, God hath so constituted the world that there should be no waste, and there is none. He weighed the dust and measured the water, when the world was made; so much of each. The same quantity still remains. The decayed leaves nourish the tree, from which they fell. Something gathers up all fragments, and it is the voice of him who made the world, Let nothing be lost."

Husbands and housewives, be frugal. Let not the accusation, that you have wasted his goods, be preferred to the great husbandman in heaven. Nothing will contribute more to ease in living, than frugality. A second only may be required to pick up a corn, but a minute perhaps to raise one. With economy

we may keep out of debt, live in plenty, entertain strangers, have our children clean and warm, and something left to assist a friend in troubles, and also to give a poor, sick neighbour. Though we labor six days with ever so much diligence, yet wastefulness will leave us nothing to eat on the seventh. Wastefulness is like the horseleech, crying, Give, give; but is never satisfied, nor says, It is enough.

Reason, religion, self interest, all say, Gather up the fragments. Be frugal of bread; of money; of time; of strength; of every thing; and particularly economize with reason, nor waste the powers of the mind in trifling contests, but reserve their best exertions to defend the truth, and especially that allcomprehensive truth, He that is wise, is wise for himself.

FOURTH.

Speak not evil one of another, brethren. James iv. 11.

No vice receives more countenance in society than evil speaking; and yet no vice is more frequently checked by the genuine principles of christian goodness. If I am humble, I shall open my eyes to my own, and not my

neighbour's defect. If I am charitable, I shall hardly believe, much less utter, what I wish not true. If I am just, I shall do to others what I would they should do to me, i. e. Be silent, when they cannot commend. If we cannot save a man from infamy, O let us not assist in overwhelming him with disgrace. Perhaps he has repented of his sin. Shall I proclaim the disgrace of one, whom God has forgiven? Let us remember a backsliding neighbour in our secret prayers to God, but forget him in the presence of men. That tongue which blesses the father, and confesses Christ, ought never to utter an evil report. A brother, a sister, has fallen. A holy example will sooner reclaim, than bitter censure. Beside, if we shew no mercy, how shall we approach with the least confidence the throne of grace, and pray God to cover our transgressions? Wherefore, lay aside all evil speakings. Judge not that ye be not judged.

FIFTH.

Entreat the younger [women] as sisters, with all purity. 1 Tim. v. 2.

HAVE We any unchaste desires towards sisters? No. We ought not to have any towards our female acquaintances and companions, but treat them with respect and affection. This behaviour indicates a cultivated mind, real humanity, a christian spirit, morai discernment, and delicacy.

As sisters. We are friendly towards sisters, affectionate, and attentive. The female sex are entitled to a similar regard, and may justly demand a similar conversation. I I will be the generous am a young man. friend of every young woman with whom I have intercourse; take an interest in her pleasures and pains; and adopt my behaviour to her condition in life and mode of education. I will love her, and be desirous of her improvement and welfare. I will exercise the benevolent affections, and perform every I needed act of kindness; but heaven grant, that it may be with all purity; that every sister may witness and applaud my chaste conversation, coupled with respect; that no evil thoughts may proceed out of my heart; that I may never defile the temple of God. Let me ever esteem it the highest honor of character to protect female virtue; to suggest no temptation which may endanger female innocence; to extinguish every incentive to vice. Let no corrupt communication proceed from my mouth. May God preserve me, soul and body, undefiled, and cleanse me from all filthiness of flesh and spirit!

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