such expressions as these: "I thought of thy loving-kindness in the midst of thy temple." And if this be regarded as the representation of a state of mind at one particular period, and not a direct assertion in reference to the prevailing habit of thought, we have at least an interesting and characteristic specimen of a mind truly renewed, in those words of the Psalmist, "In the multiude of my thoughts within me, thy comforts delight my soul." O! this is indeed the language of a spiritual mind; of a heart right with God. Who can estimate the value, who can describe the delight of this spirituality of mind! They that are after the flesh, do mind the things of the flesh; but

they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. Now, to be carnally minded, is death; but to be spiritually minded, is life and peace." Let it be considered,

Fourthly, That it is in the thoughts of the mind that both dispositions and actions originate.

"As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he" in the course and character of his life. The thoughts of the mind have been justly compared to the blossoms which appear on a tree in the vernal season of the year. Many of these blossoms prematurely fall off; but from those which remain springs all the fruit which the tree yields: so are there many thoughts which transiently occupy the mind, without

leaving any permanent trace; but from the thoughts which are cherished and retained spring all the dispositions of the heart, all the words of the lips, and all the actions of the life. It was worthy, then, of the wisest of men, and worthy of the Spirit of wisdom under whose dictation he wrote, most urgently to enforce the safe-keeping of the heart: Keep thy heart with all diligence; (or 'above all keeping;') for out of it are the issues of life." There is no member of our body, there is no organ of sensation, there is no faculty of intellect, there is no avenue of feeling, over which it is not important to exercise a watchful care; but more important still is the guardianship of the heart, whence are all

the

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the issues of life. Have you studied the history of the inner man? you, with the eyes of self-inspection, carefully traced the process which commences with a rising thought, and terminates in an important action? Have you watched the influence of suggestion-the incentive-the anticipation of consequences-the suspense, and the final resolve? If you are familiar with processes such as these, and with the correspondent results, it is unnecessary for me to make any further demand on your mind, with a view to demonstrate the importance of the right government of the Thoughts.

Let your attention be now transferred,

SECONDLY, To the most effectual means of attaining and preserving the due government of the Thoughts.

First, there must be the attainment and the exercise of a good conscience.

The conscience is designed to be the keeper of the mind and heart. Its appointed office is that of a sentinel to guard the avenues of approach, and to sound the alarm at the first advances of an enemy. But never can the conscience of sinful and degenerate man be competent for such an office, unless the disqualifying influence of guilt be removed, by the efficacy of "the blood which cleanseth from all sin." The heart must remain an impure fountain whence can issue only polluted streams, unless it be