which, I have always admired. They said that, in so far as they were conscious of having done their duty, it was a great comfort to them; and for the rest, they trusted in the mercy of God.

Anything hollow, and partaking of the nature of a sham, connected with solemn religious observances, is offensive and wicked in a heinous degree, but is it uncommon? I sometimes think that there is still much of heathenism in man's conception of deity, and in the mode of worship with which they think they "honor" him. Many years ago, a meeting, held in one of our towns by the American Board of Commissioners, was closed, as usual, I suppose, by the communion service. As the time came for this, it was announced somewhat pompously from the pulpit; that it would now be administered, and that the elements would be carried around by Governor So and so, Ex-Governor So and so, Judge So and so, etc. Not a name was mentioned, I think, that had not some title appended to it-why mentioned at all, no one could see; but it does not seem uncharitable to infer a belief on the part of the presiding clergyman, that the master of the feast was greatly honored by having such waiters at his table. This, however, was simply ridiculous and disgusting. There seems to be absolute impiety in the circumstances under which solemn vows are sometimes made. I was once present at a ceremony of

baptism, when a godfather and godmother, provided for the occasion, took the customary vows to perform certain duties towards the children then baptized, who were to depart with their parents the next day to a distant part of the country, and whom, in all probability, the god-parents would never see again. They were aware of all these circumstances; and so, also, was the officiating clergyman. Who would dare to use such mummery in any transaction with a fellow-man ? Could such a solemn farce be enacted in a New England village, if proper regard were paid by parents and religious teachers to the inculcation of truth in conduct? Are occurrences of this nature infrequent, and do they not help to make a community dishonest?

Probably not a week passes in which the ceremony of baptism is not performed in many churches with great display; at which those assist, who solemnly promise, in the name of the children presented for this rite, to renounce the pomps and vanities of the world; renounce the very things sought to give prominence and importance to the occasion. Such things should not be in Christian temples, but familiarity with them seems to blind pastors as well as people to their real character. Probably no meaning or significance, whatever, is attached to the promise; it is used as a mere form of words.

A good deal of doubt may well exist as to the expediency of college prayers as now, and I believe always, instituted; which, in their practical effect, as I have often been assured, serve, chiefly, as a "roll-call." Especially is this the case in the winter season, when the student rushes, shivering, in the darkness of the early morning, from his warm bed; often with his toilet imperfectly, because very hastily, made, to a cold room, where he remains shivering; while he listens, probably, only for the amen which shall relieve him from his uncomfortable condition. A reveillé, with beat of drums, or other signal, would surely be better at that hour of the day; and prayers might be had later, under circumstances of comfort and convenience that would promote, rather than prevent, their proper effect. effect. A religious observance of any sort, should be made to retain its character as strictly as possible; and care should be taken not to render it repulsive by any accompanying circumstances.

I think that even the marriage contract might be worded more carefully than it is. How can one promise to "love and honor," as if love were voluntary, and honor could be rendered whether deserved or not? And what propriety is there in a woman promising absolute, unconditional obedience to mortal man, when she cannot be sure that such obedience may not involve, in some way and upon some occasion, the violation of her con

science, and the infliction of misery and wrong upon her family. Yet this promise, of such doubtful performance, even in possibility, is made with great solemnity.

I have not, of course, the presumption to suggest a new form, but I believe that when Christian communities are so much farther advanced as to adopt a higher standard of truth, one infinitely better will be found. At present, the best that I know is that used by the Quakers. It is as follows: "In the presence of the Lord and this assembly, I take to be my husband, prom

ising, with divine assistance, to be unto him a loving, and faithful wife, until death shall separate us." The husband makes precisely the same vow.

The question often arises, how far it is right and proper to use, or to dispense with, those conventional phrases and conventional manners that express a great deal and mean nothing; and to which there is often no correspondence in feeling; in other words, how to preserve sincerity, and avoid rudeness. One thing is certain; that those who, on the score of being true, assume the liberty of expressing freely their dislikes and disapprovals or indifference, and indulge freely in criticisms, are never willing that on the same, or any other score, the same liberty should be taken with them. So, instead of promoting the system they advocate, they only help to prove that it is utterly inex

pedient; as well as impracticable. If they are tolerated at all, it is only on account of some striking excellences in themselves, which, however, do not secure to them half the influence they might, under other circumstances, exert for the good of those with whom they are associated. This free criticism and open censure awaken resistance, arouse all the worst parts of one's nature, It is only the still, small voice that comes from example which has the accent of persuasion. As the body is held sacred from the touch of indignity, so the spirit of man should be safe from smiting. While, therefore, we ought to avoid, carefully, a flattering, extravagant style of manner and expression in our intercourse with our fellows; kindness and courtesy should always be preserved. This could easily be done without any violation of sincerity, if all were truly Christian in character and feeling. To express thanks for an unwelcome service, pleasure at an unwelcome invitation, or at the arrival of an unwelcome visitor; to show some degree of complacence in the society of the dull and distasteful, without a sacrifice of truth, is only possible in the case of a few who love their neighbors as themselves; who can be truly glad of what gives pleasure to others, even at their own cost; and in whom the errors, failings, and littlenesses of others excite no feeling so strong as compassion and a desire to do them good.