side from the path of truth and sincerity, one lie makes way for another, and how many lies must be told to hide the first. The conduct of Rebekah was still more blameable than that of Jacob, even allowing she had a good end in view. She proposes and recommends the plan of deceiving Isaac, and offers to take the whole blame on herself. She acted her part and Jacob acted his, and both acted very badly. How many parents there are who imitate Rebekah by training up their children in the arts of lying and deceit, for the sake of a little wordly advantage. The Hindoos think falsehood and deceit are not sins. They think it an honor to excell in cheating. Their Shaster permits a man to tell a lie if it is to save the life of a Bramin, or to appease an angry wife. It is allowed also if it is to save his own life or the goods in his house from being spoiled. But you are not to tell lies for peace sake, nor yet to tell only half the truth when the telling of the whole would be better. The truth may be told in such a manner as to do all the harm and mischief of a lie. How ready and quick was Jacob with those lying answers to the questions of his father Isaac. Take heed, my dear dear young friends, of Lying. Imitate "THE LITTLE BOY THAT COULD NOT TELL A LIE." "When George Washington was about six years old, some one made him a present of a hatchet; of which, like most children, he was very fond. He went about chopping every thing that came in his way. Going into the garden he cut an English cherry tree, so much that there was but little hope that the tree would live. The next morning his father saw the tree, which was a great favorite, in that condition, and enquired who it was that had been so mischievous. He declared that he would not have taken 40 rupees for that tree. No one could tell him who had cut the cherry tree. Presently after George came with his batchet in his hand. George, said his father, do you know who killed that beautiful little cherry tree yonder in the garden. The child was silent for a moment, and then nobly replied, "I cannot tell a lie, Papa. You know I cannot tell a lie. I did cut it with my hatchet. Run to my arms! my boy, cried his father. Run to my arms. Glad am I George that you killed my cherry tree, for you have paid me for it a thousand fold! Such an act of greatness in my son, is of more worth than a thousand cherry trees, though blossomed of silver and their fruits of gold."* Go, my children, imitate George Washington. Never tell a lieGod is one that cannot lie, and he will bless those that love the truth. * See Evan. Mag, for 1813, page 100. HYMN. 1 A HYMN. Against Lying. O'tis a lovely thing for youth, But liars we can never trust, (true; Though they should speak the thing that's For he that does one fault at first And lies to hide it, makes it two. The Lord delights in them that speak Then let me always watch my lips, Watts. LECTURE JACOB'S DREAM. GEN. 28. 12. And he dreamed and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the Angels of God ascending and descending on it. YOU have heard how and in what manner Jacob obtained the blessing. Now you shall hear some of the consequences of his sinful deception. His brother Esau was so angry that he threatened to kill him. And Esau hated Jacob, because of the blessing wherewith his Father blessed him: and Esau said in his heart, the days of mourning for my father are at hand; then will I slay my brother Jacob. And these words of Esau, her eldest son, were told to Rebekah: and she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said unto him, Behold, thy brother Esau, as touching thee, doth comfort himself, proposing to kill thee. Now therefore, my son, obey my voice, and arise, flee thou to Laban, my brother, |