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, which discouraged the people; but those who shew us the joy and cheerfulness that attend real goodness, are like Caleb and Joshua, who brought a true report, and also the cluster of grapes, by which they invite others into the pleasant and fruitful country.

3. It is true, indeed, that some good persons are naturally gloomy, or perhaps have become so by great trials; but this is not owing to religion, but to their peculiar circumstances, or dispositions.

4. Religion banishes all vicious and vulgar mirth and levity of behaviour; but in exchange, it is the perpetual source of real gladness of heart; it cheers as well as composes the soul under the severest troubles, and fills the mind with a perpetual serenity and cheerfulness, as well as an habitual inclination to please others.

5. Ebenezer Adams, a celebrated quaker of Philadelphia, on visiting a lady of rank, whom he found six months after the death of her husband, sitting on a sopha, covered with black cloth, and in all the dignity of woe, approaching her with great solemnity, and gently taking her by the hand, thus accosted her—“So friend, I see thou hast not yet forgiven God Almighty.” This seasonable reproof had such an effect upon her, that she immediately had all her trappings of grief destroyed, and went about her necessary business.