you should eat nothing until the time for the next meal arrives; and then do not double the quantity. As a general rule, it is not good to eat between meals. It tends to vitiate the secretions and disturb the regular operations of nature. Never take suppers before retiring.

TEMPERANCE.

THIS practice is viewed by the apostle Peter as a cardinal virtue, and Paul remarks, Every man, that striveth for the mastery, is temperate in all things." I shall here touch only upon two particulars, eating and drinking. In these no rule can be given which will accurately apply in all things to every individual. Says Gregory, "It is not the quantity or quality of the meat and drink, but the love of it, that

is condemned,”—the inordinate attachment to it. Water is the natural and best beverage for man. This is the opinion of the most respectable physicians, and of the most considerate part of the community. But even of water so much may be used as to be detrimental. An unnecessary quantity has a tendency to weaken the system generally, and in a particular manner the digestive organs. Almost all other liquids used as a beverage are injurious, in a greater or less degree. As for the use of distilled spirits, it would seem that there could be but one opinion, since the subject has been so largely discussed, and so much light has been thrown upon it at the present day. No new arguments can be presented, nor need there be, to induce you to advocate the cause of temperance. Reason and revelation, the motives of three worlds proclaim, as with the voice of seven thunders, in the monitory language, Touch not; taste not; han

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dle not "Total abstinence forever. Temperate drinking is the down-hill road to intemperance," and Entire abstinence from ardent spirits is the only certain preventive of intemperance." These mottoes should be inscribed upon the door-posts of every house, that the destroying angel may pass by. Like the phylacteries of the Jews, they should be fastened upon the forehead of every man, upon his wrists, and upon the hem of his garments, that they may be as amulets or preservatives to himself and others.

The injunction, "Do thyself no harm,” may be applied to the unlawful indulgence of appetite in eating. "Temperance," says sir William Temple, consists in a regular, simple diet, regulated by every man's experience of his own easy digestion." General rules, in respect to regimen, may be advantageously prescribed, but there will be many exceptions, owing to constitution, health, employment, and other circum

stances. Food should be simple, nutritious, plainly prepared, and received regularly in moderate quantities. Three meals in a day, and one dish at a meal, are considered the most favorable to health. Abstemiousness greatly prevailed among the Grecians. Though they ate at different times, yet they indulged themselves with but one full meal in a day. Most of the ancient philosophers were patterns of temperance, and lived principally on vegetable food. The early Christians, too, were remarkable for their temperance in eating. Multitudes, in various periods, have been specially regardful of their diet, and have profited by it in health and longevity. The subject of dietetics has been much discussed at the present day, and no doubt much benefit has been derived from its discussion.

It has been noticed that those who read and converse much on dietetics,ļare frequently most afflicted with dispepsy

This is to be

and its train of evils. accounted for principally from the fact that, because they are afflicted with this malady, they read and converse respecting it; and also, in part, from the fact, that because they thus read and converse, they are thus afflicted. I am constrained to believe that an anxious solicitude on the subject has a very injurious effect on the health, and therefore this should not be indulged. As a general rule, spend an hour a day in taking your meals; masticate your food thoroughly, and receive your refreshments with a cheerful and thankful heart. Never indulge in luxurious living, but hold in utter detestation the epicurean character.