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and variety of remark, appealing to all the interests of immortal man, as the kingdom of God. And so far from being a theme too sacred for frequent and familiar discourse, it is a subject too serious to be neglected. Yea, it deserves a place, and that the choicest, in every house, and in every heart. Not that it mingles with profaneness, or is suited to scenes of domestic discord. It has no affinity with one or the other. To those however who would acquaint themselves with the Almighty, and be at peace, the subject is at all times welcome.

Religious instruction therefore, in a familiar manner, is to be communicated to children every day, and at various intervals as occasion offers

during the day. As for example, "When thou sittest in thy house, and

when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." How many opportunities are thus daily presented, which the parent may turn to spiritual advantage! The mother at her work-table may easily convey many precious lessons of truth. The father resting his weary limbs, or holding his little child upon his knee, may redeem the very fragments of time by conversing about the duties and delights of early piety. This process also can be pursued in connection with active and interesting labor. The farmer in the field may moralize with his children, and that, too, with mutual pleasure and profit, upon almost every process of vegetation, and every purpose of husbandry. As he breaks up the fallow ground, and prepares it for the seed, and scatters abroad the chosen

grain, he may inculcate that important spiritual precept, "In the morning sow thy seed;" and thus preaching as he proceeds, he will be providing for the soul as well as for the body.

In summer, too, and in harvest-time, there are very many appropriate occasions for reference to religious obligation. A devout mind can hardly fail of perceiving indications of this character on every hand. They appear in the face of the earth and sky, in every aspect of surrounding scenery. While the mountains and the hills break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field clap their hands, surely man may speak of creative Goodness. How can he be silent, in circumstances so inspiring? How can he be dumb, while nature is devotional? How can he suppress the prompt

ings of gratitude which would teach children their indebtedness to the Lord

of creation? Is there, in fact, in any sphere of human employment, an apology for omitting allusions of this nature?

Especially, however, is the domestic circle, with its wonted and acknowledged privileges, propitious to the purpose of religious impression. Is your table spread with plenty, and surrounded with proofs of health and happiness; how appropriate is it to render thanks to the Giver. Yea, how seasonable to speak of his goodness and grace! Ah, what praise should ascend to the Father of lights in view of his mercy!

Yet the beginning and close of the day, in particular, are indicated as times peculiarly favorable. Then there are reasons obvious to all, why devotion

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should be paid to the Preserver of men. Children can easily be taught to perceive them; and thus their judgment will approve and appreciate the suitable services of such occasions. morning and evening sacrifices, accordingly, are the happiest of all opportunities for awakening in their minds desirable sentiments of obligation and interest. Let the fire burn brightly at the family altar, and the generous flame will catch and enkindle the sympathies of the young. Yes, the atmosphere of prayer will so pervade their spirits that the hour of domestic worship will be anticipated as a feast. This is supposing, of course, that petition is offered expressly for themaye, that they are borne upon the friendly arms of faith, and commended to the gracious regards of Heaven

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