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resumes his business, and forms new schemes and projects. The christian, also, commences his life anew, under the influence of fear and hope. But with what sentiments does he enter upon the new year, that is to bring with it some new joy or sorrow? He seeks the depths of retirement and solitude, where his soul holds eloqucnt communion with itself, and pours forth his thanksgivings to the throne of the Eternal. Hear his prayer :

"I am unworthy of the great love and mercy which thou hast shown me! Thou art the disposer of every blessing that I receive! Thou hast guided me through a thousand dangers of which I was ignorant! In all my sorrows and troubles, thou wast with me! Thou didst watch over me and my family, sinful and wicked as we were! Whatever may have appeared mysterious in thy providence during the past year, was no doubt, intended for my good! With what infinite wisdom dost thou govern the universe, and direct every thing so as to contribute to the happiness of man!

"Oh, God! thou art full of goodness and mercy! Watch over me, and my family, and my kindred! Do not desert us, even though we should forsake thy ways! Thy erring children, weeping and sorrowful, are ever glad to be restored to thy love.

"Oh Lord! thou hast ever guarded over and protected me! I pray thee still to extend to me thy tender mercies! Full of confidence, I look to thee for support! I will cling to thee, as the tender infant clings to the embrace of its parent! I will follow the precepts of thy beloved Son, and

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be satisfied with whatever evil or good may attend me in the coming year!

"Oh, most heavenly Father! like an ignorant child I make known to thee my wishes, but thou wilt only grant me those which will be beneficial to me! I will resign my. self, and my kindred, and all who are dear to my heart, into thy hands, for Thou, alone, art God! I will divest myself of every fruitless sorrow and vain hope, and rely only on thy providence for support!"

We should not anticipate too much of evil or good that may await us in the future. Both are equally pernicious. Neither be deluded by hope. It ever leads men astray. When they confidently expect to realize some good fortune, without any sure foundation, they are apt to regulate their projects in accordance with those deceitful views, and when it is too late, find they have been engaged in a blind and foolish enterprize. We seldom recollect how frequently we have already been deceived in our expectations.

When we are disappointed in our hopes, we grow peevish and are compelled to endure many bitter moments, which we might have easily avoided. Hopes deceived, are always accompanied with pain, sometimes rendering us unjust to our fellow men, and scoffers at the goodness of God. But we must blame ourselves alone; it is the result of our own foolishness and imprudence.

Be not too ardent in your hopes, or you will be unprepared for any incidental evil that may befal you. If you flatter yourself with glowing prospects, it renders you effeminate, and you will be unable to brave the storm that

may unexpectedly break in upon you. The christian prepares himself for every extremity, and is armed with courage to stand fearlessly forth in the hour of peril, even as the unshrinking soldier in the presence of his enemy. He looks to heaven and is satisfied with its decrees. If he experiences an unexpected joy, or encounters an unexpected misfortune, he regards both with the same christian and exemplary spirit.

Hope only to earn thyself happiness by a just and virtuous conduct. This hope will seldom disappoint thee. Virtuous actions always have their reward. Leave off thy vicious habits, and thou wilt be respected by those who despise and hate thee. Thy amiable qualities—thy engag ing manners-thy desire to serve others without selfishness ―thy endeavour to speak good of every one-thy zeal in business that is entrusted to thee-a withdrawal from all indecent things; these, will secure to thee the confidence and love of those who now look with indifference and contempt upon thee. In what does our permanent happiness consist, but in so demeaning ourselves, as to be satisfied with our own conduct, and gain the respect and esteem of all good men? If thou art unhappy, it is thy own fault. Divest thyself of thy evil propensities, which render thee hateful to those around thee, and destroy thy peace and serenity of mind. Do not foolishly expect happiness at the hands of others, which thou canst better and more permanently create for thyself. If it seems too difficult for thee to correct the evil of thy ways, then cease thy bitter complaints, for thou hast not the courage or resolution to

strive after handiness.

Hope only for that reputation and wealth, which thou canst honestly acquire by thy own industry and perseverance. Depend always on thyself and the goodness of God, rather than the assistance of other men, or on incidental circumstances. The more we learn to depend upon our own exertions, the more noble and exalted we become, and better able to accomplish every good. Why then shouldst thou hope for great riches? Is it not because it flatters thy vanity? Thou shouldst learn that he who is not contented with what he can acquire by his own industry, is not deserving of any greater blessing.

Hope only for that degree of joy in this world, which thy own prudence in human life will secure to thee. Be guided by thy own experience. God gave thee reason and understanding, to be the creator of thy own happiness. Avoid all hazardous undertakings; be prudent in thy expenditures careful in the choice of thy friends; avail thyself of every means to profit honestly by thy trade or occupation; show a proper respect to those whose opinions or standing in so ciety is different from thine own; then thou wilt avoid much uneasiness of mind, and the circle of thy friends will be unto thee a paradise, which will prove a far greater trans port, than all those fanciful, but deceptive pictures of thy hopes.

Time is as an empty field, whereon grows neither good I nor evil of itself. Like the husbandman, thou must culti vate it. What thou sowest, that shalt thou also reap. thou scatterest the seed of prayer, and shalt nurture it by

thine own prudence and care, the dews and sunshine of heaven will reward thee with a golden harvest.

If thou shouldst meet with sudden happiness or good fortune, it will be the sweeter and more blessed to thy soul. Oh, how great is the goodness of our creator! In the coming year, he will shower upon us many unexpected blessings!

Do not live in constant fear. We suffer more from the anticipation of evil, than the misfortune itself. It poisons the health, and destroys many little pleasures which we might otherwise enjoy. Fear with some men becomes an evil habit; they are always complaining, and forever tormenting themselves with foolish apprehensions. In their madness, they deprive themselves of every worldly enjoy

ment.

Unnecessary fear renders us spiritless, and causes us Prudence will teach us to to adopt a wrong mode of life. avoid all fruitless anxiety of the mind, and calmly to partake of the enjoyments of the present. It will also enable us in the hour of affliction, to diminish our apprehensions of evil, and increase the brightness and fervor of our hopes. The mariner in the midst of the ocean, is delighted with a clear sky, and a favorable breeze. Then, should he torment himself with apprehensions of storms and shipwreck?but clouds are gathering in the heavens!-a fearful storm is beginning to rage-the wind is howling and leaping through the sails, and the roaring and angry billows threaten him with destruction! Unnecessary fear would increase his danger. But he confidently trusts in God, who accom