brother, will indeed, I fear, bring down my grey hairs with sorrow to the grave.

"He does not yet know me. I stand and look at him, and am ready, at some moments, to wish that God had hidden me, with his father, in the grave, that the darkness of this day might never have been witnessed by me.

"The inmost feelings of my soul harmonize with those of Israel's monarch: I gently whisper his language, as I tread softly across this chamber of affliction. 'O Absalom! my son Absalom! Would God I had died for thee! O Absalom, my son, my son!'

"I wait with much anxiety to see you; though, I fear, your coming will be of no service to poor George: it is too late now to do him good. His poor body is sinking into the grave, and his spirit is on the brink of eternity. I can add no more, except that I am ever your affectionate, but now much afflicted sister, "E. C. BLUNT."

Edwin and Emma wept whilst Mr. H. read this letter; nor could he himself refrain from tears. A silence of some minutes ensued, which was at length broke by Edwin, who exclaimed:

"You said, papa, that unless George altered, he would not come to any good; and, indeed, it is so." :

Satan liberally devote their property to their master's honour, and to the advancement of his accursed empire. And ought the servants of the most High God to be more sparing of their labour and property, in their exertions for the advancement of immortal truth, and for the enlargement of the kingdom of holiness, of happiness, and of love? Forbid it justice, decency, humanity! We ought not to grudge any labour or expense to extend Christianity, a system which so eminently diffuses the sacred principles mentioned in the angelic hymn, 'Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, and good will towards men.'

"There is a magnificent society, formed by Christians of different denominations, for the diffusion of the Scriptures. There will be a meeting of the friends to this institution in a few weeks, in this neighbourhood. If possible, you shall be present on the occasion."

CHAP. XIII.

WHILST Mr. Howard was consulting with Emma and Edwin which way they should walk, the postman came to the door with a letter. As soon as he took it into his hand, he said:

"I see it is from your aunt, Edwin. I hope it has brought us good news. Alas!" said Mr. H. after he had glanced over the first page, "it is not so. Your cousin George is very ill, and not expected to live. I must go by the coach this evening, and see him. But here is the letter."

"MY DEAR BROTHER,

"I SIT down to communicate to you the most painful intelligence. Poor George, yesterday, whilst he was out hunting with the Racketts and others, had some words with John. It appears that they met near his house, in the evening, with their friends, and fought a duel, and George is dangerously wounded. He has not spoken since he was taken home, except

"I never saw any one, who practically contemned God's holy commandments, who came at last to any good. Indeed, it is impossible they should," said Mr. H. "The way of transgressors is hard,' as Solomon says. There is no peace to the wicked, saith my God.' 'Who hath hardened himself against God, and hath prospered?' No one; assuredly, no one." "Papa often says so," said Emma, "and it is very true."

"The Bible has in it many proofs of this sentiment,"

"It has, Edwin. Will you mention two or three?"

"Was not Cain a proof of it, papa ?" "Yes: he murdered his brother. God's displeasure rested on him. He was a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth."

"And was not Pharaoh another proof of it?" "Yes: he said, 'Who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice?' And when the people of God were released from his cruel tyranny, in contempt of the divine will made known to him by the plagues of Egypt, and by express messages by Moses, he said: 'I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil: my lust shall be satiated on them.' He overtook-he followed them into the path God had made for them through the mighty waters; but he gained not

his object: God blew with his wind, and he and his hosts perished in the ocean. It is nothing with the Almighty to save or to destroy, by many, or by few, or by none at all."

"And was not Herod another proof of it, papa?"

"Yes, my dear. He killed James, the brother of John, with the sword, and he was about to take away the life of Peter also. One day he dressed himself very magnificently, assembled his subjects, and made a fine speech to them. At the close of it they gave a great shout, and said: 'It is the voice of a god, and not that of a man;' and immediately the angel of the Lord slew him. Truly, Edwin, without mentioning any more proofs, for they are innumerable, none have hardened themselves against God, and have prospered. God has bid his servants say to the wicked: 'It shall go ill with you.' Indeed, our principles and conduct bear a similar reference to eternity, which the seed does to the future harvest. A man cannot sow tares, and reap wheat. This is the sentiment of the apostle: 'Be not deceived, God is not mocked. Whatsoever a man soweth, that also shall he reap: he that soweth to the flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption; he that soweth to the spirit, shall of the spirit reap life everlasting.""