w much food should we find
for bitter repentance in the thoughts of a single Sabbath! Strive, then,
to "bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." "I
hate vain thoughts," says the Psalmist; "but thy law do I love."

4. _Set a guard over your lips._ Conversing about the affairs of the
world, is a direct breach of the holy Sabbath. But we are not only
required to refrain from worldly and vain conversation, but from
speaking _our own words_. All unprofitable conversation, even though it
be about the externals of religion, should be avoided. It has a tendency
to dissipate the mind, and to remove any serious impressions which the
truth may have made. Our thoughts should be fixed on divine things, and
our conversation should be heavenly. We are not only required to refrain
from finding our own pleasure, speaking our own words, and doing our own
ways; but we are to "call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord,
honorable." And so will every one regard God's holy day, who lives in
the lively exercise of spiritual affections.

Your affectionate Brother.

LETTER IX.

_Meditation._

"Meditate upon these things."--1 TIM. 4:15.

MY DEAR SISTER:

The subject of this letter is intimately connected with that of the
last; and in proportion to your faithfulness in the duty now under
consideration, will be your interest in the word and worship of God.
Religious meditation is a serious, devout and practical thinking of
divine things; a duty enjoined in Scripture, both by precept and
example; and concerning which, let us observe,

1. _Its importance._ That God has required it, ought to be a sufficient
motive to its performance. But its inseparable connection with our
growth in grace magnifies its importance. It is by "beholding the glory
of the Lord," that we are "changed into the same image." And how can we
behold his glory, but by the spiritual contemplation of his infinite
perfections? Again: the word of God is "a lamp to our feet;" but if we
do not open our eyes to its truths, how can they guide our steps? It is
only by the practical contemplation of these truths, that our souls can
come into communion with them, drink in their spirit, and be guided by
their precepts. Hence, the intimate connection of this devout exercise
with growth in grace.

2. _The time and manner of Meditation._ It should be constant. Our minds
and hearts should be so habitually fixed