eputable of that sex, partially to shade the face,
and thus add to their unholy fascinations. Beware of a tincture of this
spirit. Let your deportment be always so pure and self-respectful, that
"guilt shall seem a thing impossible in you." Consummate the marriage
intended, under Providence, between Taste and Virtue.

The last topic I name in this connection is Moral Courage. There is a
tyranny of circumstances which you may sometimes fail of successfully
resisting. But never may you desist from the attempt to do this. Strive
to maintain, mildly, yet firmly, every particle of the ground of right
and duty.

Perhaps no one source of temptation will so try your moral energies, in
this respect, as that of amusements and recreations. God intended that
you should sometimes rest from toil, and find relaxations to repair your
exhausted spirits. Pursued for this purpose, they will ever prove more
than innocent; they will be useful, and acceptable before Heaven.

I would not specify particular amusements. For, perilous as are
theatrical entertainments, and protracted dances, there is, sometimes,
greater guilt in the scandal of those who condemn, than in the character
of those who pursue, them. But why desire these exciting indulgences?
Why risk health and morals, for the sake of a few hours' pleasure?
Excitement do you seek? Where is there more of this, so far as it is
rational and safe, than in leaving your studies for an hour's domestic
avocations; for a walk amid the enchanting beauties of nature; or for a
cheerful interview with a tried friend? In the very change of
employments, there is a fund of recreation. To train a few flowers for
the hand of the sick, or prepare a dish of fruit for a neighbor, is a
blessed amusement. Of such enjoyments you would never be constrained to
ask, "May I safely partake in them?" They are sweet at the moment, and
hallowed by the ever-fresh joys of memory.

Enter, finally, the world, with the holy purpose of passing its fiery
ordeal unharmed. Let not fashion enslave and consume your soul. If
society would degrade your nature, say to it, "Get thee behind me,
Satan." So will it exalt, and purify, and save, instead of overwhelming,
you in perdition. Avow before all persons, your attachment to principle,
to your Savior, and your God. Fix your eye, not on this vanishing scene,
but on that land, where lies "the pearl of great price." Submit not for
a day to the dominion of an outward adorning. Let