would the time employed in reading his book be considered unprofitably spent? Would anybody think, or would the young man himself think, that, in reading it, he was merely gratifying an idle curiosity?
Well, then, we ask if the desire for some information about that country whither we are all going—going, we know not how soon, and going to remain forever—be not equally natural, yes, and equally lawful? And can we conceive of no higher use for such information, than merely to gratify a morbid curiosity? Who knows but it may be turned to good account in enabling us to fit ourselves more thoroughly for the duties and enjoyments of our future home? Who knows but a graphic picture of both the upper and the nether realms in the spirit-land—of life in heaven and life in hell—may kindle in our hearts a deeper desire for the former and a more intense loathing of the latter? Who knows but it may quicken our diligence and nerve our energies toward the attainment of the one and the avoidance of the other? It has generally been believed by Christians that there exists some sort of connection between the present life and the life to come. And who dares say that the knowledge of how our life hereafter is related to our life here, can be of no practical importance?
A wise parent in the education of his children, usually has some reference to the part they are expected to act when they shall have come to years of maturity. And it will not be denied that his knowledge of their future duties as husbands, fathers, wives, mothers—as members of society and citizens of the state—enables him to direct their education more wisely and profitably
