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very foundation of Christianity itself. Even the semblance to religion which the world assumes, endanger the Christian profession. That it does not oppose, that it is friendly, will make it the more difficult to expose its errors, reprove its wickedness, or withstand its seductive influences. How many are drawn from their steadfastness who never could have been driven, and have given their suffrages for irreligion, from its apparent resemblance to virtue!

Never were discrimination and decision more important, or moral heroism in greater demand, than now. Never was the Christian life more a warfare, a race, or a struggle, than at present, for never was it more exposed to those things which tend to enervate and supplant it.

THE INFLUENCE OF FAMILIAR ASSOCIATES.

BY REV. L. POTTER.

That the creatures of God in this world are strongly inclined, in a great variety of cases, to partake of the nature and quality, character and habits, of their associates is a well known fact.

Steel brought in contact with the load-stone, partakes of its magnetic power. Thus by a variety of synthetical operations, the nature of many minerals may be changed, as is clearly demonstrated in the science of chemistry.

Vegetables, growing in contiguity with other vegetables, often change their quality. Therefore the skillful agriculturist takes special care, in planting and sowing

his fields, to keep certain plants and grains, of different kinds and qualities, at a suitable distance from each other, lest he should suffer loss, by an unprofitable mixture.

Animals by being caged, penned, or herded together, often partake of each other's tempers and habits. Domestic animals often partake largely of the temper of their masters, hence we frequently see in the old housedog, an exhibition of the general disposition of the family to which he belongs, and in the horse, the disposition of the man by whom he was reared.

This tendency which is so clearly exhibited in the mineral, vegetable, and animal kingdoms, is also strikingly developed in human society.

All men are influenced in their character and habits, to a greater or less extent, by the example of their familiar associates. "It is the province of example to govern modes of dress, modes of living, and modes of diversion. Example commands the French always to change, and forbids the Spaniards ever to alter their dress; both are equally obedient."

The old proverb that "birds of a feather flock together," is not only true, but it is also true that birds which flock together become of one feather.

The multitudes that flock to this country from foreign nations, retain their language, peculiar customs and habits for a time, but in a few years they become conformed to our customs, and often by the second or third generation their peculiarities disappear.

Changes of a moral nature are made at the same time, which should most deeply interest us, because they effect our destiny for weal or woe, in this world, and the world to come. It is to be feared that comparatively few realize to what extent our youth are influenced by their associates in the formation of their moral character.

One vicious young man, of prepossessing appearance, and fascinating manners, especially if he belongs to a wealthy and influential family, is more dangerous in community than the cholera in its worst forms; for that scourge of nations can only destroy the body, whereas he infects the souls of his victims with a disease that will cause them to feel the pains of the second death.

The only safe course, for young and old, is never to be familiar with such characters. If they are persons of wealth and fashion, that makes them the more dangerous. The language of divine inspiration is, "Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, turn from it, and pass away." (Prov. xiv, 15.)

Even adult Christians are cautioned to beware, lest they be led away with the error of the wicked and fall from their own steadfastness. (2 Peter, iii, 17.)

We are not to abandon society and live in seclusion. Such a course would not glorify God. He has given us power to influence others, and we should ever exert that influence to reform and save our fellow beings from sin and ruin.

Our Lord visited publicans and sinners, as the physician visits the sick. To make sacrifices, in doing good, is well pleasing to God. (Heb. xiii, 16.) We thereby become associated with the blessed Jesus in a great and glorious work; and as we contemplate his perfections, beholding the glory of the Lord, by divine influence, we are changed into the same image from glory to glory. (2 Cor., iii, 18.)

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ONWARD! UPWARD!

BY REV. A. JOHNSON.

Press onward! upward! O my soul!
Fix faith's strong eye upon the goal;
And tremble not, though all is dark,
And waves are dashing o'er thy bark;
Though night and storms, are round thee here,
The break of day will soon appear.

Press onward! upward! toward the skies,
With eager steps, to gain the prize:
If clouds and storms shut out the day,
And darker still becomes the way,
O let this thought thy bosom cheer,
The break of day will soon appear.

Press onward! upward! urge the strife
For glory, and immortal life;
Though strong may be thy hellish foes,
And few the moments for repose,
And faint thy heart, and great thy fear,
Look up! the day will soon appear.

Press onward! upward! hold thy way,
Through darkest night, when not a ray
Breaks through the cloud to cheer thy gaze,
And light thee through the fearful maze,
Though all thy path is dark and drear,
The dawning day will soon appear.

Press onward! upward! never rest
Until, among the pure and blest,
At life's ambrosial fount, you drink
Pure nectar from its flowing brink,
And sing, through one eternal year,
Nor night, nor sin, can enter here.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PARENTAL PIETY TO SUCCESSFUL FAMILY GOVERNMENT.

BY REV. M. WITHERILL.

Piety, in its common acceptation, is nearly synonymous with true religion; a pious person, therefore, is one who "fears God and keeps his commandments.”

The object of this article, is to show, that true piety is an essential aid in parental government. It is not asserted that no parent without piety can have an orderly and quiet household, nor that all pious parents govern well their families; but that piety is an important aid in this difficult and momentous work. And that this is true will appear from several considerations.

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In the first place, he who is truly and deeply pious, will be able to govern himself. It is an axiom in the science of government, that he who can not govern himself is not fit to govern others; and we are taught by inspiration, that he who ruleth his own spirit is better than he that taketh a city." But however difficult may be the attainment of self-government, the Christian finds the grace of God sufficient. Children, like adults, are possessed of the carnal mind; they are often thoughtless and wayward, and do that which is well calculated to vex the parent and excite his passions. Self-government will enable him at all times. and under all circumstances to be calm, and act with prudence and discretion. It will enable him, when duty, and the good of the child require it, to use the rod; although a false sympathy would plead" spare the child." And it will enable him to use this means of correction within the limits of justice and propriety. If the rod be spared when it should be used, or if it be used when

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