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righteousness, shall have all else added unto him. I desire to be entirely submissive to the Divine will, and I know that if the Almighty thinks fit to make any change in my circumstances, he will do so; and I feel that when I would desire any thing beyond what God has given me, I am doing wrong; but, in my own strength, I can neither think nor act as I ought to do; therefore I feel that if I have been enabled, in your eyes, to seem to act consistently in any degree, I have owed that seeming good to the daily, hourly, momentary assistance of the Holy Spirit. I therefore tremble at the idea of taking the smallest credit to myself, hence I do not like you to speak well of my conduct."

"I must consider a little," I replied, " before I can admit all this," for I could not comprehend this excessive modesty of Maria, although I have since entirely acquiesced in her opinion as being strictly scriptural, and applicable not only to herself, but to every created being, and have been brought to see whence she derived that consistency of character so remarkable at her age, namely, from that source of strength which never ebbs, and is never exhausted; however, I proceeded to make other inquiries, and said, "I am surprised, when I consider how near you all are of an age, that you do not dispute with each other, and that you bring so much to pass so quietly. Oh! how different is your domestic circle in this particular to what ours used to be."

"Perhaps the case will be altered with you, when you return," she answered, smilingly, "but, indeed, I verily believe that no human means, no watchfulness, no forbearance, would ever be sufficient to insure a constant agreeable intercourse between the different members of a large family, without a continual supply of assistance from above. You say we live well together, and, indeed, we are blessed in that particular; but we have all our natural defects of temper, and it was our dear mother's object to make us all well acquainted, through the Divine assistance, with our own particular besetments, in order that we might each guard against them, and that each, feeling humility on his own account, might be less eagle-sighted to the faults of his neighbour. One useful rule, however," she added, "we have had occasion to make for ourselves, since our dear mother's death, which was less needful in her life-time, and that is, that we should discuss private concerns of business as little as possible in public, and with such of our family only as they concern, or from whom we may expect advice; by attention to which rule we avoid much unpleasing and perplexing discussion, and keep our hours of re-union free from business, and open for more elegant and agreeable conversation.'

"And when you differ from each other," I remarked, “you have a pleasant way of doing so."

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"My mother used particularly to caution us," proceeded Maria, against flat contradictions and unqualified assertions; she taught us to be particularly studious of the feelings of others, and to avoid giving pain in word or manner whenever it was possible; she accustomed us also, as often as we met, to bring our mite of cheerfulness, of useful information, or anecdote, to the public stock of happiness, and to be ready to listen to the communication of each of the family in his turn.

'Every human being,' she would say, 'has so much of private trial to bear, that we should not, without cause, or merely to gratify feelings we ought to suppress, intrude our own evils upon others. Study charity in its fullest sense,' she would often add, 'and you will have the best rules for true politeness.'

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She was proceeding, when I interrupted her by exclaiming, "Every word you utter seems to lead me to condemn myself more and more decidedly; how have I acted towards my aunt! where has been my charity, my love, my forbearance?"

"As to what is past," replied my cousin, "we have all need to say we have done what we ought not, and we have left undone what we ought; and, as to the future, we must look above for that assistance which is promised us through Christ our Saviour."

We then proceeded to talk of my aunt's state of mind, which Maria thought exceedingly sweet, and, at my earnest request, she gave me some advice respecting my future conduct towards her. I laid open to her, at this time, the whole state of my mind, and I trust that I have never forgotten the important counsels she then gave me, neither can I remember them without thankfulness to that God by whose blessing they sunk into my heart. We took our leave the next day of this dear family, with feelings of deep regret; we had a quiet, but not a very cheerful journey; it was not the season of visiting when we returned, it being still the height of summer; and we passed that season in great retirement. We read may books which my dear cousin had recommended, and we enjoyed many sweet country walks; but though we had sat and read together many times before, and walked in those lanes and fields as often; yet was all new and sweet to us, as if we had but just entered into life and were we not only just entered into life, into spiritual life? and though not entered into the fruition of spiritual life, not as yet among the society of redeemed souls, yet was not another and a glorious world opening to us in all we saw and heard around us? Were not the golden glories of a future state already shedding their rays on our path of life? and my poor aunt, how was she changed, and how anxious was she to present the cup of living waters, of which she had drank, to the lips of all her former acquaintance, and for whose everlasting welfare was she more anxious than for that of poor Sarah ?

The following winter Maria paid us a long visit, during which time we formed a few valuable acquaintance among persons whom we had hitherto only known by sight, and by whom I was introduced to a share, in some degree, of those many useful employments which are now carried on in every town, with a view, in some way or other, to the promotion of religion.

Being very inexperienced, I took but an inferior part in these at first, and, indeed, have always been cautious that they should not draw me from the attentions due to my aunt.

As winter returned, my aunt declined all large parties, on the plea of health, and never after her visit to my cousins played again at cards. I think the greatest trials she had to undergo were experienced on this point; but the firmness she manifested on these occasions gave us more satisfactory proof of the change in her character than

could have been exhibited, under her circumstances, in any other way.

Four years have now passed away since my aunt's first visit to my uncle's house. I am now twenty-two, and I must say that, all things considered, I enjoy as much peace as any human being on the face of this earth. No one is without his trials; but it is a cause of infinite gratitude when we have been brought to know where we may find perfect happiness when time shall be no more. We visit my uncle every summer, and one of my cousins is with us every winter; and the more I see of my cousins, the more I am convinced that godliness has the promise of the life that now is, as well as of that which is to come; and that he that is found of Christ hath obtained the true philosopher's stone, which shall convert all things present into that which, as gold, shall abide in that day when the elements shall melt with fervent heat, and all things not thus sanctified shall be consumed.

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THERE is no place upon this sinful earth which awakens such heavenly emotions in the Christian's breast, as the communion table of his Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. Here he sits beside the bleeding body of his Saviour, beholding the price of the ransom which redeemed his soul from the curse of a violated law. This place, to the humble Christian, is hallowed. It is a world where no sin dare intrude; where no sorrow can mingle in his cup. No unhallowed passion dare enter the sacred enclosure of his bosom, and turn his affections from his Redeemer. Here he holds sweet communion with his Father, and drinks of that cup of bliss which the world never tasted.

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Imprinted upon my memory is a communion season which in my own mind awakened thrilling emotions. It was a lovely Sabbath. The church-going bell" had sounded its last call, and the solemn assembly had surrounded the board spread for the "hungry, starving poor." They sung a sweet song of Zion, which seemed to rise like incense from the altar of a thousand hearts to the Lord of the Sabbath. After the song had ceased, the minister rose and invited those who desired to subscribe with their hands to the Lord, to present themselves. In a moment I saw a man whose head was covered with the marks of many years, making his way to the altar. By his side stood a little boy, the fruits of the Sabbath-school. Here, at the feet of Jesus, and around the sacred board, met the man of many years, and the youth of sixteen. Methought angels bent over the walls of their heavenly city to behold the sight, and, as they beheld, they sang the song of redeeming mercy, and struck a new note to the praise of Him who sits upon the throne.

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The feast was ended. The assembly dispersed, to mingle in the world and follow their various avocations. But I see them still. see the big tear-drops rolling down the furrowed face of the old man, and the eager eye of the little lad, as he strove to catch the words

which fell from the lips of God's ambassador. I see the congregation of the saints, and hear their sweet songs; and alas! while they dwell upon my ear, and I behold in vision the beauties of that scene, I see too the gazing multitude, who had "no part or lot in the matter;' who were silent and indifferent spectators of a scene which called angels from their seats in heaven! I see them passing away from the place where God's honour dwelleth, and running with eagerness into the world, to deafen their ears to the call of mercy! Oh, what a scene! Well might the angels lay aside their harps, to see and wonder. Well might listening Mercy bend still lower, to catch the first breathings of repentance and sorrow from the broken heart! But that hour has passed, and its momentous record is sealed to the judgment of the great day. When I next behold this assembly, it will be at the bar of God. Christians, you will be there. Then will I point you to the little lamb, and to him who became as a little child, and you may sit and converse with them for ever of the love of Him who redeemed them unto God, and gave them an inheritance with the assembly of the church of the first-born in heaven.

No. VI.-TESTIMONIES OF DYING CHRISTIANS.

I would not exchange my hope in Christ for ten thousand worlds. I once entertained some doubts of his divinity; but, blessed be God, these doubts were soon removed by inquiry and reflection. I shall soon be at rest. I shall soon be with my God. O glorious hope! blessed rest!-Judge Bayard.

I feel that I am a poor sinner. I need to be washed from head to foot in the blood of atonement; but I hope that I may be saved through Christ. Within the last year, and especially of late, Christ has been becoming more and more precious to my soul, and I feel that I can commit my immortal all to him. Here I wish to bear my dying testimony that I go to the judgment relying on nothing but the blood of Jesus Christ.-Mr. Cornelius.

O my heavenly Father, though I be taken out of this life, and must lay down this frail body, yet I certainly know that I shall live with thee eternally, and that I cannot be taken out of thy hand.-M. Luther. I am sick, not to death, but to life.-Myconius.

I am almost well.-Richard Baxter.

Mercy is triumphant.-Dr. Rice.

I shall be the most glorious instance of sovereign grace in all heaven. -Rev. Thomas Walter.

My hope is in the mercy of God through Jesus Christ.-Fisher Ames. A poor wretch and a miserable man as I am, the least of all saints, and the greatest of all sinners, yet I trust in, and, by the eye of faith, I look upon Christ, my Saviour.-Deering.

My work is almost done; Jesus reigns; I wish to lie as a penitent sinner at the foot of the cross.-Evarts.

I shall enjoy that most blessed Saviour whom I have so long desired to see, in that state where is the fulness of joy for ever.-Leo Judae, a Swiss reformer.

No. VII. -A THOUGHT FOR TEACHERS.

If you should never again have the privilege of meeting your class, does your conscience bear witness that you have fully and faithfully proclaimed the gospel to them? Could you, with the sincerity of Paul, when he was taking his farewell of the elders of Ephesus, appeal to each of your charge, that you "have kept back nothing that was profitable unto them, but have shown them, and have taught them publicly, and from house to house?" Can you say as the apostle did, and in the same sense, "I take you to record this day that I am pure from the blood of all, for I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God?"

If summoned this hour to leave for ever all your earthly employments, is there not some one point you would desire to adjust, something that is incomplete? Is there not some one individual whom you would wish, for your conscience' sake, to be more explicit with? Would there be consciousness of some deficiency or other; something that has been omitted or slighted, which you would rather have one opportunity more of correcting? Has any thing been put off from one week to another, and from one month to another, which you would desire now to accomplish in good earnest ?

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Or to vary the question. Think of each one under your care separately, and suppose that this hour is to terminate his or her life. there any one thing which gives you particular uneasiness in thinking that that soul is going away for ever from your influence? Have you had a purpose respecting any one of them which you are now sorry you had not fulfilled before it was for ever put out of your power? In a word-would you be willing, so far as you are concerned, to stand with your pupils this hour, and surrender your stewardship for eternity?

Do these questions, honestly applied, produce uneasiness? We do not mean, do they make you feel your unworthiness and comparative unprofitableness? but do they bring to your mind some positive and definite defect, omission, or negligence? some solemn but unredeemed pledge? some unaccomplished resolution? Recollect if there be not some hint which you intended to give, some admonition, some plainer and more direct exhortation, some kind expostulation, which you had determined to employ. Having ascertained what you would desire to do that you might render your account to your Lord without remorse, be persuaded to do it now. If it is something to be said, say it; if it is something to be done, do it. Make your next Sabbath just such an one, as to fidelity and earnestness, as you should if you believed it to be the last opportunity you should have of putting forth an effort for the glory of Christ and the conversion of souls.

No. VIII. -THE BELOVED APOSTLE.

Various writers have taken notice of the peculiar character of John's writings. Tholuck says, "No one can read the Gospel of John without receiving the impression that a spirit pervades it which can be found in no other human book." He quotes a passage from Chrysos

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