eternal life is of such incalculable value, that it is infinitely worth while to part with every thing that must be sacrificed to its attainment. The merchant sold his all to gain one pearl; for, by this means, he would abundantly enrich himself : he acted wisely therefore, for "the children of this world are, in their generation, wiser than the children of light." In like manner, whatever we may resign of present pleasure or advantage with a view to our eternal welfare, will prove so unspeakably advantageous in the end, that nothing but the grossest blindness and inattention to our own interests, could make us unwilling to do so. The language of the apostle Peter, quoted above, is no less plain and practical in its import. The apparel he recommends, is no fancy dress which we are not really expected to wear. On the contrary, we may, we must, if we are Christians, be thus clothed with humility, and have the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. Some of our young readers would probably hear with considerable interest, that the most becoming dress and the most brilliant jewels ever worn, were offered for their acceptance. Now, this is truly the case. Clothed with humility, and adorned with a meek and quiet spirit, they would be more richly attired than in the most costly array. Who then will turn away disappointed from such a gift, and think some sparkling bubble more desirable! Oh! remember in whose sight this ornament is of" great price." It is well to pause and reflect closely upon such an assertion. Many such passages of Scripture are, t is to be feared, passed over with slight atten says, "not tion, so that their force and beauty are little per ceived. Many perhaps, who spend some precious hours every day in reflection upon their outward decorations have never stopped to meditate upon this striking declaration;—in the sight of GOD of great price. He who forms the most accurate and impartial estimate of the true and comparative value of all things, He who formed and gave their lustre to those shining gems we so greatly admire, is fully aware of whatever beauty and value they possess. Yet, he with gold, and pearls, and costly array," but "with the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.” It is not our present intention to enter upon that part of the subject to which the words just quoted would afford so suitable a text: nor to inquire how far the expression "not with gold and pearls," &c. may be supposed to imply a direct prohibition of a showy style of attire. That they condemn the excessive attention paid to appearance which so greatly prevails among professing Christians, cannot, however be doubted. But our present purpose is to recommend that "inward adorning of the mind," which is here described. Indeed there is little fear, that they who eminently shine with these internal graces, will be prone to excess in external decoration. Humility, whose chief characteristic it is to be contented to pass without observation, will, surely, seldom be found excessively arrayed in those ornaments which expressly invite it. There may be some, however, who, though not destitute of this Christian grace, yet conform too much to the customs of those around them, merely from the want of a due consideration of the subject. "Be ye clothed with humility." There is a grace in the very word; an attraction, which they who feel not, must be as destitute of true taste as of right principle. There is no age to which it does not belong; but to the young how eminently becoming! Humility is the very foundation of Christianity; we must be abased, before we can be exalted; and our highest exaltation must, at last, consist in the depth of our humiliation. He who is the "High and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity," exhibited, during the whole period of his abode on earth, a perfect pattern of this virtue. He not only found in fashion as a man," but "took upon him the form of a servant ;" and let us remember, that he set us this example in order "that we might follow his steps. 66 was When we are conScious of the swellings of pride or the risings of vanity, let us think of the Lord Jesus Christ,endeavor to realize his appearance, his manner, and to ascertain what conduct of feelings he would display or recommend on the present occasion. Above all, let us remember, however we may imagine the secret workings of our vain hearts to be concealed from those around us, (though even this is rarely the case,)—that his eye beholds them all, and with what sentiments we are fully informed; "The Lord resisteth the proud; the proud He knoweth afar off." Be ye clothed with humility: there is a peculiar beauty in this figure. It is to cover us completely, like a garment, and without it we must This simple attire need fear no never appear. injury. A person walking the streets in delicate and costly clothing, is perpetually in danger of its being soiled and torn; while another, in plain garments, may go about without fear of inconvenience from the common accidents to which he is exposed. So a vain, showy mind, is continually exposed to pain and mortification, from which one of an humble unassuming temper is perfectly secure. The freedom, ease and tran quility he enjoys can, indeed, scarcely be conceived of by those of an opposite spirit. And the garments of humility are armour as well as clothing. They form an invulnerable covering, which malice itself cannot penetrate. "He that is down, need fear no fall, He that is humble ever shall Have God to be his guide." Bunyan's shepherd boy sang sweetly when he sang thus. And what is this ornament on which we ough to set so high a value ?—A meek and quiet spirit O, what a different world ours would be, if thi heavenly jewelry were to become fashionable but alas! how rarely do we see it worn! w hear much outcry of wrong, insult, ingratitude The peace of every private circle is interrupted more or less, by some petty contention. here is a simple means which would heal ever breach, calm every storm, allay every irritation There is a certain temper called spirit in som young people, which is altogether opposed t meekness and quietness. The very terms, in deed, would probably excite in them a smile contempt. But this would only prove them t An be unacquainted with the nature of true dignity and real manliness. That the most perfect dignity of character and manner is consistent with these virtues was eminently manifested in Him who was beyond all others," meek and lowly in heart." That spirit which is by some so greatly admired, would upon investigation, be found to be made up of the most mean and pitiful quallities, and to proceed from a contemptible species of vanity. But, can it be necessary to insist on the excellence of those tempers which the Bible itself recommends? Can that be mean, unmanly, or of small value, which in the sight of God is of great price! Every word of God is true. It is therefore true, however reluctantly we may be disposed to admit it, that even a child, who subdues a rising fit of passion, or submits patiently to some little grievance that he felt disposed to resist, is "greater than he that taketh a city." Do we need other inducements to cultivate this temper? Let us make the trial for one day; let us be peaceable, meek, forbearing, submissive; determining not to be provoked by provocation; and remark, if that day will not be more productive of happiness to ourselves, as well as to all around us, than another in which rights have been maintained, privileges asserted, insults returned, and wrongs ever so successfully revenged. This, indeed, must be the case, because holiness and happiness, our duty and our interest, are inseparably connected. Let our young readers then, while they wisely repress that inordinate attention to external decoration which so generally prevails, be ambitious Vol. I. Ꭰ |