to the Divine image, than they once did even for the grossest sins. To you then, dearly Beloved, I would address myself in the language of consolation and encouragement. It is well that you see and lament your vileness, provided you make it only an occasion of humiliation, and not of despon- dency. The more lowly you are in your own eyes, the more exalted you are in God's,' who has said, that " he who hum- bleth himself shall be exalted." Let your sense of your remaining imperfections make you plead more earnestly with your God that reviving promise, " From all your filthiness, and from all your idols, I will cleanse you'." And remember, that you are not to wash yourselves first, and then to lay hold on the promises, but to embrace the promises first, and then by means of them to cleanse yourselves from the defilements you lament. This is the order prescribed in the Gospel'"; and, if you will adhere to it, you shall have increasing evidence that it is the destined path of purity and peace.]
1 Ezek. xxxvi. 25. 1 John i. 9. ™ 2 Cor. vii. 1.
Prov. xxxi. 10. Who can find a virtuous woman ? for her price
is far above rubies.
WHILE we rejoice in the progress of civilization, we cannot but regret the loss of primitive simplicity. In former days, women of the highest rank did not disdain to employ themselves in the most common offices of life^ King Lemuel, supposed by some to be Solomon himself, was exhorted by his inspired mother to select for his wife a woman who was not ashamed to occupy herself in domestic duties. The description here given of a queen, is, alas! but ill suited to the refinement of the present age. It is rather calculated for the lower classes of the com- munity. With a more immediate view therefore to their benefit, we shall consider it, and shew,
I. The character of a virtuous woman —
There is no other character so fully drawn in Scrip- ture as this. She is described by, 1. Her industry —
" Gen. xviii. 6.