with the grace of heaven, to form such dispositions in their tender hearts. But let such parents at the same time remember, that however virtuous the dispositions of children may be, they fall far short of that perfection of holiness, which was exclusively characteristic of their divine model, and, cannot boast that character of stability, which was essentially inherent in him: let them remember, to speak in the language of the apostle, that the heavenly treasures which their beloved offspring may have the happiness to possess, are carried about in earthen vessels, the natural fragility of which, should induce every discreet and truly christian parent, to guard them with the most jealous and vigilant circumspection, against the numerous dangers to which they are exposed. Finally, let them remember, that that complete exemption from every principle of corruption, which was the high privilege of the immaculate Lamb of God, and which abundantly justified the most confident security of his earthly parents, respecting his moral character, is not granted to any of the rest of the descendants of Adam; and does not therefore release other parents from that prudent watchfulness over the highest interests of their progeny, which, as their natural guardians, they are conscientiously bounden to exercise. Be careful therefore, parents, not only to sow early principles of religion and virtue in the minds of your children, and "to bring them up" as the Apostle admonishes," in the discipline and correction of

the Lord;" (EPH. c. vi. v. 4.) but let it also be your constant study, by gentle admonitions, exhortations, and instructions, to foster and to cherish the good grain within them, to clear it from every noxious weed which you may perceive to be springing up, and to shelter it assiduously from the pestilential influence of the various sources of irreligion and immorality, which may blight it in its growth, and prevent it from bringing forth fruit in due season. Let every object calculated to taint their innocent minds with impure ideas, be removed from their sight; let them be secured, as much as possible, against the baneful contagion of those "evil communications," which, as the Apostle observes, "corrupt good manners;" let no unseemly words, as far as it may depend on you, be suffered to meet their ears; let no irreligious or licentious writings which may, in any manner, contribute to unsettle their orthodox principles, to sully their imaginations, or to inflame their passions, be placed within their reach; And above all, let there be nothing in your own conduct to give offence to those dear little ones, whose edification it is in an especial manner your duty to promote. Remember the emphatic declaration of our blessed Saviour, that rather than offend them, "it were better that a mill stone were suspended from your necks, and that you were precipitated into the depth of the sea."

Thus far I have addressed myself to parents, and in the exemplary conduct of the Virgin Mo

ther of Jesus, and of his reputed father, have presented them with an object highly worthy of their imitation. I am now about to address myself to children, and to them I have to recommend a still more perfect model. That model is no less a personage than the holy Jesus himself. Let me entreat you then, my dear children, to fix stedfastly your attention on that finished pattern of youthful excellence, delineated to you in this day's gospel. He was conducted, we are informed, by his parents to the temple of God in Jerusalem, there to join in the celebration of the Passover. Of the manner in which he there comported himself, the Gospel is silent. But the spirit of piety which invariably animated him during the course of his mortal life, and which occasionally burst forth in those admirable expressions of devotional ardour recorded in holy writ, is abundantly sufficient to satisfy our curiosity on that subject. His thoughts were undoubtedly absorbed by the contemplation of that adorable Being in whose temple he was, and his affections corresponded with the lofty conceptions of his elevated mind. Be it your endeavour to imitate this divine model when you repair to the house of God, to present him with your tribute of religious homage. Remember that the great Being whom you are there called upon to adore, and praise, and thank, and supplicate, is the Sovereign Lord of heaven and earth; that he authorises you nevertheless, to look up to him as your father, and that he has promised to give you whatever it

ness.

may be expedient for you to receive, provided you ask with becoming respect, attention, and earnestThink then, my dear. children, think seriously on the awful character, and vast importance of the solemn act in which you are engaged. Let your thoughts accompany the words which you read in your prayer books, and let earnest desires to obtain what you ask accompany your thoughts. Prostrate yourselves in spirit with deep humility before the altar of God. Acknowledge his supreme dominion over you, and your entire dependence upon him. Praise him for the wonders of his incomprehensible power, wisdom, and goodness, which you see every where displayed. Thank him, oh! thank him, with the most lively feelings of gratitude, for the innumerable blessings which you daily receive from his bountiful hand. Implore with fervor his divine protection in behalf of yourselves, of your parents, relations, friends, and benefactors in particular, and of all mankind in general. Bewail with penitential sorrow the offences you may have had the misfortune to commit against so good a Father; promise faithfully not to offend him any more; Intreat him to pardon your past misdeeds; and resolve to devote the remainder of your lives to his holy service.

The evangelist closes the Gospel of this Sunday, by informing us that the blessed Jesus went down with his parents, and was subject to them, and that he increased in wisdom and age, and favor with God and men. Behold, my dear children

it?

exemplified to you, in the conduct of your heavenly model, that dutiful submission and obedience to your parents, which every christian child should endeavour to copy. Do you endeavour to copy Do you, like the dutiful child Jesus, love, honor, reverence, and obey your parents? Then, like him, as you grow in age and stature, you will increase in wisdom, and with the good-will of men, you will be sure to obtain, what is of infinitely higher importance, the approbation of God.