melting exercise, which softens
the heart, and brings it low before God: while a sight of the cross of
Christ, and a sense of pardoning love, bring a holy calm and heavenly
peace over all the soul. But despondency comes over us like the
withering blasts of winter. It congeals the tender emotions of the
heart, and casts an icy gloom over every object. It hides from our view
everything lovely. It makes us insensible to the mercies of God which he
is daily lavishing upon us. It shuts up the soul to brood alone, over
everything dark and hideous. It is no less unfriendly to the exercise of
holy affections than levity of conversation and manners. Although often
created by bodily infirmity, it reacts, and renders disease doubly
ferocious. Yet it is so far under the control of the will, that grace
will enable us to subdue it. There is a very intimate connection between
the mind and body. The one acts upon the other. Depression of spirits
enfeebles all the animal powers; and particularly disturbs digestion,
thereby deranging the whole system. If, therefore, you ever feel a
gloomy depression of spirits, try to bring your mind into a serene and
grateful frame, by meditating on the mercies you enjoy, and exercising a
cheerful submission to the will of God. Remember that God directs all
your ways, and that you have just as much of every comfort and blessing
as he sees fit to give you, and infinitely more than you deserve. Rise
above yourself, and think of the infinite loveliness of the divine
character. But, if this is not sufficient, walk out and view the works
of Nature; and try to forget yourself in contemplating the wisdom and
glory of God, as manifest in them; and the bodily exercise will assist
in driving-away this disturber of your peace. Or, seek the society of
some Christian friend, who is not subject to depression of spirits, and
converse about those heavenly truths which are calculated to call forth
the exercise of love, joy, and gratitude, and make you lose sight of
yourself in the fulness and glory of God. Any violent emotion of the
mind, or exercise of strong passions of any kind, is likewise
exceedingly injurious to the health of the body.

3. _Be_ REGULAR _in all your habits._ Ascertain, as nearly as you can,
from your own feelings and experience, how many hours of sleep you
require. No general rule can be adopted, on this subject. Some people
need more sleep than others. The want of sleep, and excessive indulgence