which pernicious habits have brought together, may overthrow the edifice of truth and virtue."

Those habits which seem too weak to be felt, become too strong to be broken; they entwine themselves around the soul, and the coil proves fatal.

Once commence the downward course, and it is uncertain if you will ever return: "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof is death." The lives of many in history illustrate the "downward steps from innocence to guilt." "A painter once wanted a picture of innocence, and painted a child at prayer; the little suppliant was kneeling beside his mother, the palms of his uplifted hands were reverently pressed together, his rosy cheek spoke of health, and his mild blue eye was upturned with the expression of devotion and peace. The portrait of young Rupert was much prized by the painter, and was hung up on his study wall, and called 'Innocence.'

Years passed away, and the painter became an old man; still the picture hung there; he had often thought of painting a contrast-the picture of guilt-but he had not found the opportunity. At last he effected his purpose by paying a visit to a neighbouring jail. On the damp floor of his cell lay a wretched culprit, named Randall, heavily ironed; wasted was his body, and hollow his eye,-vice was visible in his face. The painter succeeded in copying his features admirably, and the portraits of young Rupert and old Randall were hung up side by side, as 'Innocence' and 'Guilt.' But who were young Rupert, and old Randall? Alas! the two were one. Old Randall was young Rupert led astray by his companions, and ending his life in this damp dungeon of the jail."

The common phrase, "I see no harm in it," so often used in society, if allowed to influence our actions and conduct, may prove pernicious, or

even dangerous. If we would walk safely, we must check every approach to evil, and pray, 'Hold Thou me up, and I shall be safe."

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"A gentleman required a coachman; he asked each man that applied, 'How near can you drive to the edge of a precipice without driving over?' The first replied, 'Near, sir? within a foot I've been many a time.' The second replied, 'I'll go within an inch of it, or eat my head.' The third replied, "There, sir, you put a hard question; I always keep as far as I can from danger.' Of course, the last obtained the situation."

Beware of trifling with sinful habits. Satan lays his fatal snares for the unwary; the bait is adjusted, and the soul is taken captive by the devil; such indeed, is the corruption of our nature, that those who are in the habit of doing wrong will find it as impossible to do right as for the Ethiopian to change his skin, or the leopard his spots. You may cut a thorn

off a briar, but it is a briar still; you may plume a raven in gaudy feathers, but it is a raven still. The old nature must be changed, and God's grace alone can do it, for sin is the blackness and the deformity of the soul. Sin has polluted the springs of our being, and made the heart corrupt. Like the ants' nest, on which while a stone covers it, none of them appear; but take off the stone, and then stir them up with a piece of lively swarm there will be!

straw, what a So let tempta

tion come, and we at once find how strong our corruptions are, and our need of divine aid to withstand both the tempter, and discover the evil inclinations of our nature.

Seek, then, God's help to acquire good habits.

Seek divine strength to resist evil, and the will to do right.

Seek the cleansing blood of Jesus to wash away the pollutions of your nature.

Hide God's word in your heart, that you may not sin against Him. It will be a bulwark to shield you, and a guide to direct you.

Be assured of this: that man's greatest enemy is himself. Let our prayer be, "O Lord, show me myself, my weakness, my insufficiency; let no rival reign in my heart; subdue all within me, Thou King of hearts; and to Thy name shall be all the glory."

murderer,

Use it, there

SAYINGS AND MAXIMS. "Use sin as it will use you; spare it not, for it will not spare you; it is your and the murderer of the world. fore, as a murderer should be used; kill it before it kills you; and though it kill you, it will not be able to kill your souls.”—BAXTER. "Never open the door to a little vice, lest a great one should enter also."

"Never acquiesce in immoral or pernicious opinions."