such indications as I have
described, that they will think I carry my cautions to the extreme.
Perhaps I do; but the Saviour said, "By their fruits ye shall know
them," and it is safest to follow his direction.

By the word fruits, however, our Saviour unquestionably does not mean,
the mere moral virtues of this life. The fruits to be looked at, are the
fruits of _piety_, that is, indications of permanent attachment to the
Creator, and a desire to obey his commands. We must look for these.

There is no objection to your giving particular individuals special
instruction, adapted to their wants and circumstances. You may do this,
by writing, or in other ways, but do not lead them to make up their
minds fully that they are Christians, in such a sense as to induce them
to feel that the work is done. Let them understand that becoming a
Christian is _beginning_ a work, not _finishing_ it. Be cautious how you
form an opinion even yourself on the question of the genuineness of
their piety. Be content not to know. You will be more faithful and
watchful if you consider it uncertain, and they will be more faithful
and watchful too.

(5.) Bring, very fully and frequently, before your pupils the practical
duties of religion in all their details, especially their duties at
home; to their parents and to their brothers and sisters. Do not,
however, allow them to mistake morality for religion. Show them clearly
what piety is, in its essence, and this you can do most successfully by
exhibiting its effects.

(6.) Finally let me insert as the keystone of all that I have been
saying in this chapter, be sincere, and ardent, and consistent, in your
own piety. The whole structure which I have been attempting to build,
will tumble into ruins without this. Be constantly watchful and
careful, not only to maintain intimate communion with God, and to renew
it daily in your seasons of retirement, but guard your conduct. Let
piety control and regulate it. Show your pupils that it makes you
amiable, patient, forbearing, benevolent in little things, as well as in
great things, and your example will co-operate with your instructions,
and allure your pupils to walk in the paths which you tread. But no
clearness and faithfulness in religious teaching will atone for the
injury which a bad example will effect. Conduct speaks louder than
words, and no persons are more shrewd than the young, to discover the
hollowness of empty professions, and the heartle