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The moral cultivation of the imagination is of the first importance to the young.

I. ITS NEGATIVE DISCIPLINE. The imagination must be restrained —

1. Because our lower nature will master our higher.

2. We inherit a sinful nature, prone to evil imaginings from our youth up.

3. We may sin in thought as well as in deed. This raises the question —

(1) Of literature. We must give heed to right reading. A few moments of tainted literature may impart a fever to the imagination which will blight its beauty for ever.

(2) Of art. There is much pagan art in Europe, The value of Ruskin's art-criticisms lies not in its infallibility, but in its moral elevation.

(3) Of pleasure.

II. ITS POSITIVE DISCIPLINE. We must seek the things which stimulate and refine the imagination.

1. By means of noble literature.

2. By means of Christian conceptions.A cultivated imagination is an aid to faith. Let it kindle over Christian truth, the nature of God, the incarnation, redemption, etc. Application:

1. Some think there is no harm in imagining evil, if it is not committed. Read Sermon on Mount.

2. This should convince the unconverted of sin.

(S. E. Keeble.)

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KJV: And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.

WEB: You, Solomon my son, know the God of your father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind; for Yahweh searches all hearts, and understands all the imaginations of the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever.