pations It is se who 1 enable manner. step is In the diciously oper esti. equently or profesility or in least be table oc- on. HOURS OF DEVOTION. same calling? And is your envy or foolish ambition hon- Do not aspire to things that are not within your reach, but be satisfied with the present good which you enjoy. If you are animated by a laudable ambition, let it be to excel in the profession you have already adopted; instead of sinking below mediocrity in some other. If you feel conscious that you are worthy of a better situation in life, do not envy him who enjoys it; even though he is not deserving of the preference given to him. There is many a noble heart concealed in rags; as well as much human depravity hid beneath the ermine and purple of royalty. But, in the estimation of the judicious few, it is the virtue and not the rank of the man, that imparts to him a higher value. Endeavour to confer honor upon your profession, instead of believing that it will confer honor upon you. Again, others are dissatisfied with their occupation, because it affords them no prospect of accumulating a fortune. They desire riches, that they may indulge in some vain have hitherto you pomp and show. Insatiable man! If earned a livelihood for yourself and family, why are you repining and discontented? We all have different capacities for enjoyment, and are designed to be dependent upon each other. If there are those who are richer than ourselves; there are others again, who are far more indigent. Do you desire that we all should be equally rich? Or, why do you ask that boon for yourself, which you are ready to deny to all others? Perhaps you are more worthy and Your fellow mortals? It may happen that your earnings are not adequate your honest perseverance in business. War or famine ma surround you; but the industrious will never perish. If yo are distressed in seasons of want, you have not been car ful in your prosperity to provide for the future. You no suffer the penalty of your folly! The want of econom has reduced you to misery! But learn that in contentme there are great riches. Many men are displeased with their situation in life, b cause it brings them in contact with those whom they d spise for their principles, or way of thinking. Thus, the lives are converted into bitterness. They should, howeve be thankful for the advantages which are even thus obtaine They have acquired many agreeable acquaintances an valuable friends, of which, otherwise, they would have bee destitute. Observe, how the evil is always equalized by th good. And finally, be courteous to those whom you do not lik It is a common error of mankind, that they will not b persuaded that every calling or business, has its mixture and evil. They see the gilding of the object to whic quate to nine may h. If you been care You now economy ntentment n life, be n they dehus, their however, s obtained. nces and have been ced by the they aspire, but not the canker within. Our seeming good fortune is often envied by those who can know nothing of the anguish we endure; as we envy that of others, whose trouble and anxiety do not afflict us. We, therefore, vainly and foolishly torment ourselves We show thereby, how little without a reasonable cause. we know of the world-how little we are conscious that it is our heart, and not our situation, that requires improvement, and how little confidence we have in the providence of God! Man has no greater persecutor on the earth than himself. Nothing can wound us so deeply as our own secret vices and foolish propensities, which we sometimes thoughtlessly unbosom to the world. Observe the man who is not contented with his employment; to whom indeed, it is irksome, and hear how he curses his destiny! how he is distracted by a thousand miseries; and that too, without receiving the compassion of a single individual. He has not courage enough to overcome the infirmities of his character; or to rid himself of the phrenzy that is destroying his happiness. His petulance and ill humor, affect the gaiety of those with whom he is associated. He wearies us with his complaints His secret pride and censures of every person he meets. and ambition are betrayed in all his actions. He is dissatisfied with his fortune, because it will not gratify his passion for idle splendor and magnificence. He neglects his business, because his heart is set on other things. He is continually undermining the good, which otherwise might be in store for him. He is daily sinking himsel the estimation of his friends. At length he becomes an ject of suspicion and distrust, and finally, he is universa despised. O, thou eternal and most heavenly father! thou give: every good and perfect gift! thou, who canst dethr kings, as well as exalt the peasant! I will supplicate th for neither wealth, nor honor, nor power, but for a wise, c tented and happy spirit. The situation which thou h assigned to me in this life, is sufficient to afford me eve needful enjoyment. I will partake of thy bounty w gratitude, and to render my happiness the more durable will accustom myself to think only of the good, and not evil of my situation. Thus, misery will be deprived of sharpest sting, and I will enjoy a serene and cheerful min As I entered the world, so will I again leave it. The is nothing I can take with me, but a guiltless conscien with the assurance, that in every situation of life, I ha been useful to my fellow men. Ah! this is a treasur which can never be taken away! we will enjoy through countless ages of eternity. Let m strive for this, and do thou, most merciful and infinite Go crown my efforts with success! g himself in comes an ob. s universally thou giver of nst dethrone plicate thee ra wise, con ch thou hast rd me every Dounty with durable, I and not the prived of its eerful mind. it. There Conscience, ife, I have a treasure, ng which Let me Lite God, THE PROPER SELECTION OF OUR ENJOY. When all around are alive with joy, why should I restrain so sublime an emotion? I have had my moments of sorrow and weeping; why should I not have their opposites, of peace and serenity? The changes of time bring darkness and light-sunshine and tempest-transport and tears. But these vicissitudes will prove a source of instruction and improvement. The creator, who struck the world from his hand, did not intend that it should be an abode of unqualified affliction. In the infinitude of his love, he desires the happiness of all his children. Therefore are they mistaken, who would recommend constant gloominess of character, which is so entirely at variance with the nature of our minds. God is a God of love, and rejoices in the welfare of his creatures. |