choice of a profession for a son, and every son, in making the same choice for himself, should seriously and deliberately inquire, what profession affords the best chance for happiness;-happiness, in the noblest and broadest sense- -happiness, which consists in contentment, independence, and real usefulness-happiness, which begins in the conscientious and successful discharge of duty on earth, and reaches forward to the unerring retribution of a future world.

ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY.

THERE are many who speak of riches, and their uses, in a way injurious to the truth. Indeed, very few are able to enforce their doctrine by their practice, who speak of riches as of that which is not really valuable. For all

who live need the things of this life, which cannot be obtained without property or its equivalent.

The desire to possess more property than is sufficient for our present maintenance, is almost universal. It may be said to be a law of our nature. And it is so for very wise and benevolent purposes. From this common desire, may it not be presumed that it is a duty to be rich ? One thing is certain ; no man can be obedient to God's will, as revealed in the Bible, without, as the general result, becoming wealthy. It is the duty of all men to be diligent. The command, "Six days shalt thou labor," is as positive, as “On the seventh thou shalt do no work." Neither is optional. Both are imperative. We must work, we must rest. Paul says, “If any would not work, neither should he eat ;" and Timothy, "If any provide not for his own, and, especially for his own house, (or kin

dred,) he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."

Wastefulness is a sin. The prodi

gal wasted his estate.

This was a

He

part of his sin against heaven. that is slothful in his work, is brother to "him that is a great waster." Of the wicked it is said, CC wasting and destruction are in their paths."

Prudence is a duty. He, that is surety for a stranger, shall smart for it; and he that hateth suretyship is sure." "A good man showeth favor, and lendeth; he will guide his affairs with discretion."

Now if men attend to these duties, and they cannot neglect them without sin, they will, as the general result, become rich. God has said so. "He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand; but the hand of the diligent maketh rich." "The hand of the diligent shall bear rule, but the slothful shall be under tribute." 66 'The soul of the diligent shall be made fat."

God has promised riches as rewards. "Blessed is the man that fears the Lord, that greatly delighteth in his commands;-riches and wealth shall be in his house." "Abraham was made very rich in cattle, and silver, and gold." God gave wealth to Solomon as a reward. He also blessed Job, after his severe afflictions, with astonishing wealth. Now would God have given these rules, and required obedience to them; would he have made these promises and fulfilled them, if it were a sin to be rich? If then it is not a sin, if riches are blessings, it is not wrong to desire, to acquire, nor to enjoy them. It is not affirmed that this desire may not be carried to a sinful length. It often is. But in itself, it is certainly a duty. Nor is it said that providential circumstances may not make men poor; and that all poor men are disobedient to God. But, in general, poverty is a sin, and it always is so, when it results from idleness, wastefulness, want of dis

cretion, and of prudence in the management of our affairs.

We are not required, as a general rule, to give away all that we have to benevolent institutions. There are duties of a social, domestic, and private nature, which require the possession of pecuniary means, in order that they may be performed. It is the duty of all men to provide for their families, so as to leave them independent. "If any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, (or kindred) he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." From the whole scope of this passage, it is evident that men cannot, without sin, needlessly leave their families dependent on the charities of the world. But that they are bound to diminish rather than to increase the miseries of society. We must provide for our own families; not only for their present wants, but for their future support. Of course, we have no right to give away to others,