tragedy begins. If not hardened with infidelity or stupified by disease, all within feels dark, uncertain, and disturbed, full of fears and forebodings, the prelude of hell. What will his riches avail him now? They can procure him medicines, physicians, attendants. But the king of terrors mocks all their assistance. The sinner wants now, what they cannot give: he wants _religion_. But the joys of that, with all the peace and hope it inspires, are fled for ever. Behold the contrast. Look into the humble habitation of a little family, sequestered from the noise and snares of life, like the humble shrub in a valley, that escapes the fury of the tempest, which tears up by the roots the lofty cedar. See at the head of this modest happy household, an upright Christian, whose industry provides them food, and whose religious example leads them in the way to heaven. His daily resolution resembles that of Joshua, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord;” and his practice exemplifies it. The morning finds him upon his knees to implore the blessing of Heaven: the day is closed with thanksgivings to God for the gift of his Son, and for every domestic, social, and personal blessing vouchsafed, of which his evening sacrifice is a solemn and grateful recognition. The sacred scriptures are constantly applied to, as to a source of uncorrupted truth, of consolation, guidance, and instruction. The religion which they inspire, sweetens his cares, is a spur to industry, and helps him to bear the frowns of the world, or the visitations of domestic affliction, with patience and submission; persuaded that the goodness and faithfulness of his heavenly Father will “make all work together for good.” To walk by faith with God reconciled to him through the Son of his love; to act as under the inspection of his all-seeing eye in his intercourse with men; to bring forth the fruits of faith and keep a conscience void of the least allowed offence; _constitute_ the main business of life, and the chief object of his care and solicitude.