they who have known it from early life, have been able to fay, with the pfalmift, "through thy precepts, I get understanding therefore, I hate every falfe way."

The firft ftep, then, to be taken, is to examine the various rules of duty prefcribed by divine revelation. Search the fcriptures. Inquire what difpofition of mind, and what outward actions they condemn; and what temper and line of conduct they approve. Confider the warnings, perfuafions, and arguments, which they furnish; and weigh the motives, which they fet before you. Have recourse to the fcriptures frequently; consult them impartially; and ftudy them diligently. And you will find, that they are able to make you wife to falvation. They may leave fome unimportant fpeculations in darkness, but they will throw divine light on the subject of duty.

But further to get wisdom, or, in other words, to form good habits, you would do well to receive, with meekness, the inftructions of those who study your improvement; and to take in good part their friendly reproofs and admonitions. It is obferved by the wife man, that "reproofs of inftruction are the way of life." Accordingly, he addreffes the young and inconfiderate

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inconfiderate part of mankind, in the following ftrain." Hear inftruction, and be wife, and refuse it not. He that refuseth inftruction, defpifeth his own foul but he that heareth reproof, getteth underftanding." Thofe, who have gone before you in the journey of life, may be able to aid your progrefs. It is therefore the part of prudence to liften to their counfel.

The choice of virtuous companions is another measure wifely adapted to religious purposes. "I am, fays David, a companion of them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts." And Solomon remarks, "He that walketh with wife men, fhall be wife." The danger of evil company is univerfally acknowledged. That "evil communications corrupt good manners," is an established maxim. And hence that folemn admonition, "Enter not into the path of the wicked go not into the way of evil men: avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pafs away."-" Forfake the foolifh, and live."

An attention to good examples will likewise tend to form and establish good habits. In the chriftian revelation, we are often reminded of this duty." My brethren, fays the apoftle James, take the

prophets,

prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example." And St. Paul fays, "Be followers of them, who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises.' The most engaging, and inftructive of all examples is that of our bleffed Saviour. He was a pattern of moral goodness in its utmoft perfection. Next, the example of his immediate followers may be contemplated with advantage. The virtues of the primitive chriftians furnish many good leffons. And from the patterns of piety, which still exift in the world, the young may learn the dignity and importance of religion. As one of the means of practical wisdom, I muft, therefore, insist on a conftant attention to the good examples, which either the facred volume, or the age may furnish.

To proceed. The public folemnities of religion, and, more efpecially, the dif cuffion of moral fubjects, which has become a stated service, may be greatly fubfervient to the interefts of virtue. Though new truths cannot be always proposed; though new discoveries are not to be expected; yet we learn fomething by frequenting the houfe of God. By hearing the advantages of religion often stated, we may learn to prize it. And by reproofs, exhortations,

exhortations, and inftructions often administered, we may be led to fear God, and keep his commandments. Religious difcourfes may furely put us upon reflec tion. And if we can be only brought to reflect, there can be no great doubt of our future progress in wisdom and virtue.

Finally. Having diligently used all other means, we fhould humbly repair to the bleffed God for his divine fupport and affiftance. He is the Father of lights, and Fountain of wisdom; and he giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not. Never was there a man, who wished to improve, who had not recourse to the duty of prayer. Go then to the best of beings, and let it be your language :-"Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy ftatutes, and I will keep it unto the end. Give me understanding, and I fhall keep thy.law, yea, I fhall obferve it with my whole heart."

Thus have I endeavoured to fhow by what means a wife or religious character may be formed. Convinced that religion is the principal thing, let all, but particularly the young, ufe every measure to obtain it. Labour for a comprehenfive knowledge of your duty. Study the facred fcriptures: hear counfel, and fubmit to reproof: imitate good examples: rev

erence

erence the day, and frequent the house of God and pray earnestly, that he would "turn away your eyes from beholding vanity, and quicken you in his way.' Above all, fet before you the example of Jefus Chrift, and endeavour to walk as he walked. If you do these things, you will never fall. Growing in years, you will grow in favour with God and man. And you will realize the truth of those fair profeffions:-"I love them, who love me, and they who feek me early fhall find me." Amen..

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