with them that every such offence should be a forfeit of one shilling, as by law established. Sin is the greatest of all evils; the salvation of the soul our best good; and the grace of God our richest treasure. By sin and wickedness, people became very miserable for, cheating and lying make them despised; drunkenness ruins them, and their families; idleness and extravagance produce beggary; discontent is unhappiness; stealing leads to the gallows; and, what is worse than all, wickedness, which makes them unhappy in this world, carries them into everlasting misery in the next. On the other hand, by religion, people, even in very low circumstances, become happy and honourable for, honesty gains them a character; truth makes their word respected; sobriety preserves their health; kind behaviour, neatness, and cleanliness, render their homes pleasant and comfortable; industry and frugality drive out want; contentment is real happiness; faith in Christ, and holy prayers, make holy lives; a good conscience gives peace at last; and everlasting happiness crowns all. SECTION 10. Advice to young persons respecting friendly societies. THE members of friendly societies, help and are helped; they do good, and get good. They are, in general, sober, industrious, and frugal themselves; and they encourage sobriety, industry, and frugality, in others. Young persons! neglect not to become, as early as possible, members of some reputable, well-managed friendly society. Those societies in which ladies and gentlemen, from a truly Christian desire to do good, are honorary members, and superintendents, are usually the best managed, the most profitable, and the most to be depended upon. The expense of contributing to friendly societies, is but small; most young persons might easily lay by a great deal more, from their earnings in time of health. They would then have the unspeakable comfort to think, that, in sickness or old age, they should not die for want, as some poor wretches do; nor come upon their parish; nor be chargeable to any of their friends and neighbours: but that, with the blessing of God, they should have quite sufficient to maintain themselves decently, comfortably, and honourably*. Some young people when they are advised to become members of friendly societies, foolishly say: "I shall not be a member of any friendly society. I can do very well for myself: I want no help. I have very good health: most likely, I shall not live to be old." How few there are, who are not, at some time or other, afflicted with sickness; and how many do we see, who once were young, healthy, and strong, now grown old, infirm, and helpless? Besides, if people do * If well-established friendly societies, in all places where there are no SAVING-BANKS, were to allow their members to put into their funds, small sums of money at interest, they would render a great service to many young persons: who, after they have very prudently saved money, often find themselves much at a loss how to place it out properly.-The kind attention of considerate masters and mistresses, in allowing their servants interest for the money which they have saved; or in advising and assisting them to put it out elsewhere, in a safe and proper manner; is highly commendable, and very useful, especially to young persons: it attaches them to their places; encourages them to be frugal, industrious, and prudent; and often lays the foundation of their future comfort and credit in life. not want help themselves, they can better afford to help others; and to give, every year, a trifle towards forming a fund for the relief of their sick, aged, and distressed neighbours. It is written in the Bible, that we ought to bear one another's burthens; and be kindly affectioned one to another. When you are become members of a friendly society, attend to the Rules of the society; and follow them, in all respects, as exactly as possible. Be punctual in paying your contributions, on the very day on which they are due: never wait to be asked for them. If all members of friendly societies would do their duty in this respect, there would be much less trouble and perplexity in managing the accounts, than is usually the case. Never ask for, or desire, an allowance from the society, on any short, trifling illness; and on no occasion, receive it longer, than you are fully entitled to it, according to the Rules. For fear you should make any mistake in this respect, consult, whenever you are in doubt, some prudent persons; or, if you have an opportunity, the managers of the society. If you cannot be certain what is exactly just and equal, rather wrong yourselves, than wrong the society. If the members of your society meet, once a year, to attend divine service, and to hear a sermon, fail not, whenever you have an opportunity, to unite with them: you may then be instructed in your duty as members of the society, and of the great society of Christians. But on all other occasions, spend as little time, as possible, in attending the meetings of the society. If they are held at a public house, either send your money; or, if you take it yourselves, stay no longer than is necessary to pay it, and to do the business relating to the society, that is required of you. Many persons who once were sober and industrious, have, by going, on such occasions, to public houses, and getting into company, become idle and drunken; and thus lost much more, than they ever gained, by being members of a friendly society. Do not grudge, nor allow yourselves to feel dissatisfied, when any of your fellow-members receive the assistance from the society, to which they are entitled. Consider, that the time may come, and that speedily, when you, like them, may be afflicted; and, like them, need kind pity and assistance. When you have a proper opportunity, visit them in their distress; try to comfort and assist them; and attend, in a sober and becoming manner, the funerals of deceased members. In the house of mourning, the heart is made better and it learns to bear afflictions, when they become its own lot. : If your society gives rewards for good behaviour, be thankful if you ever obtain any: and carefully check an envious and a repining spirit, when they fall to the lot of others; even of those who, you think, do not fully deserve them. Remember, that it is part of a Christian's duty, to "rejoice with them that do rejoice," as well as to weep with them that weep:" (Romans xii. 15.) and that true Christian "charity is kind; envieth not; is not puffed up; thinketh no evil; hopeth all things." (1 Corinthians xiii. 4-7.)-How much is said in the Bible against envy, and strife, and evil-speaking! 66 Behave very respectfully to the managers of the society; especially if they are ladies and gentlemen, who take so much trouble, without any prospect of benefit to themselves. If they say, or do, any thing, that does not quite please you, be disposed to put the best construction on their conduct, rather than the worst. If you think they act amiss, or if they have given you particular offence, consider within yourselves whether it would not be doing wisely, and like Christians, to tell them so, in a very civil and respectful manner, rather than to speak ill of them behind their backs, when they cannot answer you. It is not at all likely that they would be offended at your telling them, honestly and civilly, what you thought: but if they heard that you backbited them, or made bitter complaints of them to other people, they would, indeed, have great cause to be displeased with you. It is most probable they would respect you, for dealing fairly and openly with them. At any rate, you would have the satisfaction of thinking that you had done your duty: which, after all, is one of the greatest comforts that we can have in this world. If you undertake any business relating to the society, do it attentively and faithfully, and to the best of your judgment: but, at the same time that you endeavour to do your duty to the society, avoid, as much as possible, disputing with any of the members, or speaking ill of them, or giving them any offence.-At all times, endeavour to live with your fellow-members on good terms; and do your best, to make your society peaceable and orderly, and worthy to be called by its sweet name, FRIENDLY. Do not, from mere fickleness, or from any trifling, illjudged offence that you have taken against the managers, or some of your fellow-members, or from any slight reasons, be induced to withdraw from the so |