"Let no corrupt

and is a great snare to others. conversation (says an apostle) proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers." Eph. iv. 29.

Q. Are thoughts and desires criminal of themselves?

A. There can be no doubt but that impure thoughts and desires are criminal when cherished and indulged, inasmuch as they defile the soul and lead immediately to crimes. It is therefore that our Lord declares him guilty of violating the command of God, who wilfully cherishes in his heart unchaste desires. Matth. v. 28.

Q. What means should be used to preserve our bodies and hearts pure?

A. It is necessary to pray often, to realize the presence of God, to avoid the occasions and objects that might seduce us from duty; always to be actively employed in some useful or innocent pursuit, and never to frequent company, nor read books that tend to lessen our regard for religion, or to corrupt our morals.

Q. What precautions should we take in regard to ourselves?

A. We should obtain the command of ourselves by temperance, by industry, and by sometimes abstaining even from lawful pleasures. We should suppress the first risings of ⚫ unchaste desires; we should exclude every impure thought, by turning the attention of the mind to reflections of a pure and holy nature.

Q. What are the thoughts that are best calculated to preserve us pure and chaste.

That as

A. To remember that the eye of God is con tinually upon us, and that hereafter he will bring us into judgment for every evil thought and word we here indulge or utter. Christians we are bound to set a good exam→ ple; that by a pure and exemplary life, we do honor to ourselves and our connexions, and by an impure life, we bring disgrace on ourselves, our friends, and our religion; and lay the foundation for the keenest sufferings here and hereafter.

SEGT. 4. Of temperance in regard to Riches. Q. What is the duty of temperance in regard to the goods of this life?

A. It is to pursue and enjoy them with moderation, and to maintain a contented mind in regard to them. "Let your moderation be known to all men, be careful for nothing." Philip. v. 6.

Q. What is contentment of mind?

A. It is that disposition which makes a man pleased and satisfied with what he has, not desiring what he has not. The apostles exhort Christians to this duty. "Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have, for he hath said, I will never leave thee or forsake thee." Heb. xiii. 5. Q. What will produce this temper in us? A. Submission to the will of God, and confidence in his providence.

Q. Why are Christians forbidden to place their affections on temporal things?

A. Because they are vain and transient, and

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God has reserved for his people enduring treasures in heaven. "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, says our Lord, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Matth. vi. 19, 20.

Q. What are the dangers attending an inordinate desire of riches?

A. It is not only inconsistent with a supreme love to God, but it is the cause of many sins against Justice and Charity." But they that will be rich, fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition; for the love of money is the root of all evil, which while some have coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." 1 Tim. vi. 9.

Q. Should not Christian contentment extend to every state?

A. Yes; a Christian should be content not only when he has all that is necessary, but in poverty likewise. The apostle is an example of this. He says, "For I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound; every where and in all things, I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and suffer need. Phillip. iv. 11,

12.

Q. What is the duty of the poor?

A. To be humble, patient, laborious, and resigned to the will of God, without murmuring or envying, nor taking from others by any unlawful means their property; but after they have by all lawful means sought to supply their needs, remain content with that portion which God permits them to possess.

Q. Is not a state of mediocrity the most eligible?

A. It is so represented in the Scriptures. For this Agur made a wise prayer. "Give me neither poverty nor riches, but feed me with food convenient for me." Prov. xxx. S.

Q. In what manner is the duty of the rich enforced in Scripture ?

A. St. Paul says, "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate, laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." 1 Tim. vi. 18, 19. Q. What are the vices opposed to contentment?

A. Avarice, covetousness, envy, extreme anxiety, and a repining disposition.

Q. What are the particular evils attending discontent ?

A. Insatiable desires, accompanied with disquietude, distrust, and chagrin, which not only prevents the possessor from enjoying what he has, or communicating any part to others; but

likewise tempt him to use dishonest means for the gratification of his desires.

SECT. 5. Of temperance in regard to Pride and Ambition.

Q. What virtue are we to cultivate as a guard against pride and ambition?

A. Humility.

Q. What is comprehended in this virtue? A. A modest opinion of ourselves, not laying claim to advantages which we do not possess, or valuing ourselves on those we do possess.

Q. What considerations will lead us to this temper.

A. The considerations of our original and actual sinfulness; of our frailty, and entire dependence on God; of our many remaining corruptions, even after entering upon, and making considerable progress in, the spiritual life; and of every thing good in us, and comfortably enjoyed by us, being of God.

Q. What further effects proceeds from humility?

A. Not to contemn others, or set ourselves above them by vain ostentation; not to court flattery, but to suffer reproof patiently, and to conduct ourselves in all the relations of life with meekness and sobriety.

Q. What motives should prompt us to humility?

A. The commands of God; the precepts and example of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lived in the most humble state among men, together with the blessings promised to those who prac