degrading nature, which tend to vitiate every feeling and principle of the soul. And even independently of any such actual depravity and corruption of the processes of the mind, the mental habits may be such as fix it under the power of the things of time, to the total exclusion of any correct impression of the overwhelming interest of the things which are eternal. Among the characters of those of whom the apostle says, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ, is, that they "mind earthly things." "To be carnally minded," says the same apostle, "is death."

The means of correcting all such destructive habits of the mind are to be found in the careful culture of habits which have an opposite tendency. And as the bad habits grow out of individual acts, so also will they fall before individual acts and processes of a proper kind, as these shall gradually grow into habits which are worthy of the high destinies of an immortal being. The subject is too extensive to be discussed at length, but there are a few leading points which it may be desirable to keep in view, and which, under a dependance on the Divine Spirit, will be cultivated carefully by every one who feels the deep importance of this department of Christian watchfulness.

(3.) Cultivate the habit of realizing the presence of God, and of committing the way to him in every process of the mind, and every act of life. It is given

in

as the peculiar characteristic of the saints in ancient times, that "they endured as seeing him who is invisible." And what would be the effect upon the whole character, if the habitual language of the heart every decision of life were, "thou, God, seest me;" if its habitual tendency were to look to him for counsel, for direction, for strength;-if, in every situation of doubt, perplexity, or temptation, the man were promptly to say to himself,-God is my witness,— what, in the circumstances in which I am now placed, will be most pleasing to him. When such has become the established habit of the mind, this is to "walk with God." The man who has made the high attainment, may look with humble confidence for a communication of Divine aid, proportioned to every want, -for direction in every step of life, and for grace adapted to the higher concern, the discipline of the soul for a life which is to come. In regard to the things of earth, he is raised above the corroding anxieties of those, who, while they seek the world as their portion, are yet passing through it without a guide. In all that can happen to him amid the transient concerns of this life, he traces the hand of One who cannot err, and, with the feelings of meek and filial reverence, only says, "My Father, who art in heaven, thy will be done."

(4.) As an important mean of cultivating these mental habits, be diligent to have the mind well stored with the Word of God,-to make it the subject of habitual earnest reflection, and to bring its maxims to bear upon every transaction of life. This subject has already been referred to. As a mean of Christian watchfulness, nothing can be more efficient, and, at the same time, more accessible, than a simple appeal to what is written. This is calculated to afford occupation of the deepest interest to the most enlarged and cultivated mind; and, on the other hand, it is remarkable to observe how the inspired writer even enjoins, as an improving exercise in the Christian life, the humblest process of which the mind is capable-the simple repetition of the Word of God, "speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs." It seems not unreasonable to believe that such an exercise might be one of the intentions of the poetical parts of Scripture. It is adapted to minds least cultivated and least accustomed to reflection or thought, and yet it is an occupation from which they may derive spiritual improvement; "the entrance of thy word giveth light; it giveth understanding to the simple."

(5.) Cultivate the habit of looking steadily within, —of inquiring what is your moral condition in the

sight of God,-what are the propensities of character which seem most to retard your spiritual progress,— and what care you are bestowing upon deliverance from their power. In what degree are you using the armour of God against the enemies of the soul; with what serious earnestness are you watching unto prayer. Study earnestly the comparative states of your moral condition; watch for progress of character. Are you becoming more under the power of eternal things,— or more devoted to, and engrossed with, the concerns of earth. Is your mind becoming more under the impression of the Divine presence, and more disposed to seek after intercourse with God; or does it more readily betake itself to earthly things, or to visions of its own formation as empty as dreams. Whenever the great principle has been established in the heart, it spreads like leaven;-there must be progress ;where there is no progress, there is no life. no life. Watch, therefore, earnestly for progress. At certain seasons of reflection, have you perceived propensities of character, which you felt were endangering the highest interests of the soul;-and have you formed resolutions against them;-have you, it may be, prayed against them; and, at the next season of serious thought, have you been compelled to acknowledge that you have made no progress in the contest;-what is the cause? Is it not want of watch

fulness? Has not the conviction been forced upon you, that you have voluntarily given way to those propensities, against which you have formed some feeble resolutions, and against which you had also professed to pray? But you feel that you had prayed without watching.

Such, be assured, will be the discovery; but do not despair. Return to the spiritual contest,-pray more earnestly, and more perseveringly, and watch more assiduously. Look more frequently and more searchingly within. Be earnest :— be diligent; the concern is mighty, the salvation of the soul;-the armour is infallible, the whole armour of God. Use it with diligence, and the victory is

sure.

(6.) Cultivate earnestly, in the daily walks of life, the character and conduct which accord with the high morality of the gospel of Christ; and seek after a growing conformity to his example. As one great mean of this, cultivate the habit of placing yourself in the situation of others, and so, with tender interest, entering into their wants, their cares, their feelings, and their sorrows. "Blessed," says the inspired writer, “is he that considereth the poor,”—that enters into their circumstances and wants with feeling, interest, and kind consideration. This is the mental act; the necessary care will follow of course. is not to the poor alone that this exercise applies. It

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