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depository in so judicious and pertinent a manner, that his speech may be at all times seasoned with salt, and that no man may be able to accuse him of neglect, or inquire, like Esau, in the tone of mingled regret and reproachHast thou not a blessing for me also?

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Much discretion is necessary for the due acquittal of the conscience in this respect, and therefore there must be much study of the divine model, and much earnest prayer for assistance from above that the priest's lips may keep knowledge,' and speak seasonably as well as affectionately or boldly, as the occasion may require. If he be a scribe instructed unto the kingdom of heaven, he will be like an householder which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old.' He will conform himself to the capacities and identify himself with the feelings of each; he will not speak of the first elements of Christianity to those whose foundation is already laid and their faith settled, neither will he talk of the multiplied effusions of divine grace to those who have not so much

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as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. He will not cast his pearls before swine without discrimination or reserve, but he will not shrink in any company or at any time from avowing the principles on which he acts, and giving a reason for the hope that is in him. In a word, he will hold himself ready and furnished richly in all knowledge for every demand upon his good offices-he will comfort the broken-hearted he will humble the proud-he will awaken the careless-he will guide the inquirer he will recal the wandering-he will conciliate the prejudiced-above all, by the general tendency of his conversation he will endeavour to impart a salutary tincture to the society in which he mixes, and even in his daily intercourse with the world,' will minister" in some sort unto godly edifying.' Considering our Lord's example, and studying daily in his school of teaching, he will hear that solemn declaration as if it were addressed with a special application to his own order and profession I say unto you, that every idle word

that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgement!'

2. We may learn also, as a general inference, the importance of making religion the subject of conversation.

Waving the discussion of the arguments so often urged against its introduction, the danger of profaning grave and solemn questions in miscellaneous society, or the altercation and personal heat which might be likely to arise from such a practice,—it is only intended to assert, that where no such objections can with justice be alleged, in family circles for instance, there is often a very unchristian desertion of religious topics, altogether inconsistent with the profession of those who read and believe, that whosoever shall be ashamed of the Son of Man and of his words, of him shall the Son of Man be ashamed when he shall come in his glory. There is too often a keeping silence from good words, but without any of that pain and grief of which David complained as the

consequence of his forced reserve. How few could appeal like him to God, to bear testimony to their conscientious discharge of duty in this particular. Lo! I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest 8.

It is, indeed, remarkable how much the language of the Israelitish law is at variance with the opinions of those who connect the ideas of hypocrisy or affectation with every introduction of subjects relating to to God.

These words which I command thee this day shall be in thine heart, and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thiné house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. There is no reason to suppose that these injunctions were not intended to be taken in a literal sense; and when it is considered how

8 Ps. xl. 9.

9 Deut. vi. 6, 7. See also xi. 19. 1 Chron. xvi. 24. Archbishop Secker judiciously observes, that it is not meant that our conversation should be of nothing but religion; but that religion should have a due share in it.

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difficult it is to act up to their spirit in the present state of society, it contrasts very painfully the difference between the world as it actually is, and as God meant it to be.

3. Lastly, our Saviour's example teaches us how to use knowledge aright' for the purposes of promoting the cause of truth and of disseminating the seeds of Christian principle. For though the abuse of the tongue be a deadly evil, it is an instrument which if employed in the work of edification may communicate life

from circle to circle, and be the medium of imparting blessings, the influence of which may extend beyond the sphere of our immediate observation.

In fact, our conversation is in general a very faithful symptom of the state of the heart. A man will naturally be telling of the things which interest him most, and in proportion as he experiences the comfort of religious truths in his own person, he will be anxious to make others participate in the same saving knowledge, and

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