suppose that these waters, by some mysterious change, become insipid, and even poisonous. Confusion, disappointment, and even intense suffering, are the immediate results. Amidst the universal dismay of such a misfortune, two men appear before the City Councils, with specifics for the healing of the waters.

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"I," affirms the first, "have a powder, a pinch of which will heal a gallon of the water, and render it sweet as before.".

The city fathers look joyfully at each other. Water is brought. The powder is infused with eager haste; each official sips a drop or two, and pronounces it delicious. The powder is equal to the claims of the inventor. Eulogy is exhausted in its praise. They inquire the price of this great discovery; and are about to conclude a contract for its purchase, when the second man steps up, saying:

"Gentlemen, I have a specific, which, cast into the springs of the lake or the river, will heal the whole forever!"

The city fathers are incredulous at first. But the man is earnest, and evidently sincere. He demands

a bond for an immense price, to be paid if he fulfils his promise. Otherwise, he asks nothing. Now, if these city fathers were wise, with which of these men, think you, they would conclude a contract? Judge for them, young man, if they ought not, at almost any cost, to purchase the specific which would entirely remove the evil at once!

Need I make an application of this illustration? Can you not already perceive its force, and feel its bearing on yourself? Know you not that the heart, originally pure as the springs of Paradise, has become radically unclean? that its natural streams *flow forth in bitterness exceeding the taste of aloes; and in pollution more vile than the spumy waves of a turbid sea? Hence, it follows that life becomes a "heritage of woe." To escape from this woe, every young immortal looks out of himself for help. Before him stands the genius of this world, inviting to the "lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and to the pride of life." There, also, is the radiant form of Religion, inviting him to the cross of Christ, to virtue. and to heaven. The former dares not promise more

than occasional hours of delight; and makes no pretence to heal the springs of misery, which are ever sending their streams of sorrow through the life. The latter, like Elisha standing with his cruse of salt at the waters of Jericho, boldly promises to heal those springs, and to convert the heart into a living fountain of tranquil joy, capable of yielding sweet satisfaction under every variety of outward circum

stance.

Say, then, young man, which is the choice of wisdom? As a mere question of advantage during the present life, ought you not to lay a foundation of evangelical piety? I appeal to the tribunal of your reason. I demand the verdict of your intellect. To enforce that, I implore the authority of your conscience. With your reason and conscience on the side of religion, I beg you to yield a submissive will! And, hearken! A higher voice than mine supports this appeal! From Him whom "the heaven of heavens cannot contain," a sound, " still, small," but

thrilling, steals into every young man's heart, saying

“WILT THOU NOT, FROM THIS TIME, CRY UNTO ME, MY FATHER, THOU ART THE GUIDE OF MY YOUTH!

Take heed how you despise this appeal of your Creator! Look at your life, in its relations to him, and to eternity! Contemplate your destinies from that "height which no duration limits,-where Hope spreads in immensity her indefatigable wings,where you can feel within yourself a secret force, which bears you above all time, as a light body rises from the depth of the sea. From this height, look into this narrow valley, where the first term of your existence is to be accomplished." And thus, with both worlds before you, come to the great decision to lay your foundation surely and steadfastly on Him who is the "Rock of ages.”

To be successful in life, to rise above the common herd of mankind, a young man requires certain elements of character; - all of which are attainable

through the power of religion, and many of which most young men never will attain without that power. He must possess INTEGRITY, that he may win public confidence ; INTELLIGENCE, that he may command re

spect; INDUSTRY, that he may collect honey from the flowers of trade; ECONOMY and frugality, to preserve his gains; ENERGY, by which to surmount obstacles; and TACT, to enable him to adapt himself to the openings of Providence, and to make him the man for the hour of opportunity. These qualifications are, to success in life, as foundations of jasper to a royal palace. Whoever possesses them cannot be an inferior man. To that man who retains them, life cannot be a failure. Nay, he must rise to social superiority; he must win a commanding influence. And, hear me, young man! These elements of success are all attainable, in a greater or less degree, by every youth who will cordially embrace, and faithfully adhere to, the religion of Christ; as I will endeavor to prove, in the succeeding chapters.