SUBMISSION TO GOD REQUIRED TO FORM A PERFECT MORAL CHARACTER. AN humble and dutiful submission to the appointments of Providence, as part of a great system which is regulated by infinite wisdom, is indispensable to the perfect moral character, and the man who bears upon the mind this sublime impression, has learned to contemplate the Almighty One as disposing the events of the lower world, and assigning to each of his rational creatures the place which he occupies. That place, whatever it may be, he perceives has attached to it special duties and responsibilities, and calls for the cultivation of moral qualities peculiarly adapted to it. Is it one of comfort, wealth, or influence? solemn obligations arise out of the means of usefulness which these command. Is it one of humble life, privation, or actual suffering?-each of these also has its peculiar duties, and each is to be contemplated as belonging to a great system of moral discipline, in which no part can be wanting in consistency with the harmony of the whole. Such a submission of the soul to the appointments of God does not preclude the use of all legitimate means for bettering our condition, or for preventing or removing sources of distress. But when, under the proper use of such means, these are not removed, it leads us habitually to that higher Power, to whose will all such attempts must be subservient; and while it elevates our thoughts above present events and second causes, it reminds us of that great scheme of discipline through which we are passing, and the purposes which these events are calculated to promote in our own moral improvement. Viewed under such feelings, the ills of life lose that aspect in which we are too apt to contemplate them; and will be considered with new and peculiar interest, as essential to that system, the great object of which is to prepare and purify us for a higher state of being. ABERCROMBIE. THE TEMPLE OF NATURE. MAN can build nothing worthy of his Maker, The wondrous world which he himself created, And praises poured. Its altar earth, its roof the sky untainted; Sun, moon, and stars the lamps that give it light, And clouds, by the celestial Artist painted, Its pictures bright. Its choir all vocal things, whose glad devotion The face of nature is God's written Bible, Which all mankind may study and explore, While none can wrest, interpolate or libel Its living lore. Hence learn we that our Maker, whose affection Knows no distinction, suffers no recall, Sheds his impartial favour and protection Alike on all. Thus by Divine example do we gather That every race should love alike all others, Christian, Jew, Pagan, children of one father, All, all are brothers. 3 Oh thou most visible but unseen Teacher, Whose finger writes its lessons on our sphere, Oh thou most audible but unheard Preacher Whose sermons clear Are seen and read in all that thou performest, Wilt thou look down and bless, if, when I kneel Apart from man-built fanes, I feel the warmest And purest zeal. If in the temple thine own hand hath fashioned If fearing thee, I love thy whole creation, Keeping my bosom undefiled by guilt, Wilt thou receive and bless mine adoration? Thou wilt, thou wilt. PIERPONT. THE CHILDREN'S BALL. BRILLIANT and gay was the lighted hall, There were sylph-like forms in the mazy dance, I saw not in all that festive scene, The cloudless brow, and the careless mien, And Envy shrunk from another's praise, And Pride repelled, with disdainful eye, Alas! that feeling so far from mild, Should find place in the breast of a little child! |