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signifies but little what it is, whether covetousness, pride, malice, an unbridled tongue, (James i. 26.) intemperance, or any other lust of the flesh-the indulgence of it proves there is something you love better than Christ, and that something prevents your having part or lot in Him; for "whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath," that would keep you from the right course, "cannot be my disciple." Luke xiv. 33. All the observances and all the duties which I have mentioned above are needful, but they will not excuse you for the willing admission of your favourite sin.

V. 21-23. "Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun." This cheerful, gladdening property of light is so well known, that the word light is often used in Scripture for joy and happiness. "Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart;" and a part of the blessedness promised hereafter to the people of God, is the constant light of the new heavens and new earth. "Thy sun shall no more go down, neither shall thy moon withdraw itself, for the Lord shall be thy everlasting light." "There shall be no night there." On the other hand, darkness is put for sorrow, trouble, and misery-" behold trouble, and darkness, and dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness" and "the blackness of darkness," is only another name for the place prepared for the devil and his angels. We are so accustomed to the return of daylight, in its regular time, that we can form but a faint idea of the horror of this Egyptian darkness, which was over the whole land; even darkness that might be felt-they saw not one another, neither rose any from his place, for three days." This darkness was so heavy and oppressive, that all activity was taken away; they could only wait in horror and perplexity for the Lord to remove this plague. "But all the children of Israel had

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light in their dwellings :" they were visited by the bright beams of day as usual; the dismal sign of God's displeasure was not suffered to fill them with gloom; and the difference between their state and that of the Egyptians, was more clearly pointed out by this, than by any division which had yet been put between the people of God and his enemies. The light in their dwellings was an earnest of light upon their path, through all their journeyings; it was a token that God had a favour unto them, and would not suffer their feet to stumble for want of the day-spring from on high; He thus bare them witness, that they belonged to Him, who " giveth light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death." Have you this mark of belonging to Him? Do you know what it is to have light in your dwelling? Do you see the hand of God in what happens to you? Have you the light of the Spirit shed upon his word, making its promises, its reproofs and corrections profitable, its doctrines suitable to you, and causing you to perceive "the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ?"

V. 24-26. How Pharaoh is driven from one thing to another-the little ones may go, but let the flocks and herds remain, as a pledge that the captive Israelites shall return, or as a forfeit if they do not. But no, this will not do: the Lord's free men were to have no tie to Egypt; and, instead of leaving their own possessions, they are to go out with the gold and silver of the Egyptians.

V. 29. "I will see thy face again no more." Yet one plague, and the quarrel will be decided: there will be no need to meet again, for all Egypt will rise up to speed the departure of Israel.-It is supposed, that the conversation between Moses and Pharaoh, mentioned in the next chapter, took place at this time.

T. B. P.

Letter from William Penn.

FAMILY WORSHIP.

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WHAT SO lovely, so attractive as the family altar, "adorned with the social feelings," and approached morning and evening by the high-priest of the domestic temple, and his train of worshippers? There the master's authority is softened, and he feels respect for the servant who is kneeling at his side, and "free indeed." There the servant's submission is made pleasant, and he loves while he obeys a master who is praying for his welfare. Here the father, worn down with the labour of the day, is cheered and refreshed. Here the anxious mother hushes her cares to rest. "If any thing in the day has been diverted from its course, now all finds its place, and glides along in its proper channel. If the relative affections have declined during the day, the evening service, like the dew of heaven, revives and enlivens them. If offences have come, they are easily forgiven, when all are asking for pardon for themselves. Every angry word, every wrong temper, every petulant feeling, flies before the hallowing influence of social devotion."-Jay's Christian Contemplated.

Sent by G. B.

LETTER FROM WILLIAM PENN TO HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN.

[The beautiful Letter from which we have copied the following passages, was written by Wm. Penn, in the year 1682, and left with his wife and children when he was about to depart for America.]

MY DEAR WIFE AND CHILDREN,

My love, which neither sea nor land, nor death itself can extinguish or lessen towards you, most

endearedly visits you with eternal embraces, and will abide with you for ever; and may the God of my life watch over you, and bless you, and do you good in this world and for ever! Some things are upon my mind to leave with you in your respective capacities, as I am to one a husband, and to the rest a father, if I should never see you more in this world.

My dear wife: remember thou wast the love of my youth, and much the joy of my life; the most beloved, as well as most worthy of all my outward comforts; and the reason of that love was more thy inward than thy outward excellencies, which yet were many. Now I am to leave thee, and that without knowing whether I shall ever see thee more in this world, take counsel into thy bosom, and let it dwell with thee in my stead while thou livest.

First: Let the fear of the Lord, and a zeal and love to his glory dwell richly in thy heart; and thou wilt watch for good over thyself and thy dear children and family, that no rude, light, or bad thing be committed: else God will be offended, and will keep back the good that he intends to thee and thine.

Secondly. Be diligent in worshipping God; stir up thyself and others herein: it is thy duty and thy place and let family worship be kept. And, my dearest, to make thy family matters easy to thee, divide thy time, and be regular. In the morning view the business of the house, and fix it as thou desirest, seeing all be in order, that by thy counsel all may move, and to thee render an account every evening. Thy time for work, for walking, for meals, may be nearly certain. Grieve not thyself with careless servants; they will disorder thee; rather pay them and let them go, if they will not be better by admonition: this is best, to avoid many words, which I know wound the soul and offend the Lord.

Thirdly cast up thy income, and see what it amounts to, daily; by which thou mayest be sure to

Letter from William Penn.

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have it in thy sight and power to keep within compass. My mind is wrapped up in a saying of thy father's: "I desire not riches, but I desire to owe nothing," and truly that is riches. Let thy children, thy devotions, and friends, be the pleasure of thy life. Fourthly: and now, my dearest, let me recommend to thy care my dear children, abundantly beloved of me, as the Lord's blessings, and the sweet pledges of our mutual and endeared affection. Above all things endeavour to breed them up in the love of what is good, and that plain way of it which we have lived in. I had rather they were homely than finely bred as to outward behaviour; yet I love sweetness mixed with gravity, and cheerfulness tempered with sobriety. Religion in the heart leads into this true civility, teaching men and women to be mild and courteous in their behaviour; an accomplishment worthy indeed of praise.

Fifthly: Next breed them up in a love one of another; tell them it is the charge that I left behind me, and that it is the way to have the blessing of God upon them. Sometimes separate them, but not long; and allow them to send and give each other small things to endear one another with. Once more I say, tell them it was my counsel that they should be tender and affectionate one to another. Be liberal in giving them learning; all is lost that is saved in that way: but give them useful knowledge, such as suits with truth and godliness. When grown big, have most care of them; for then there are most snares within and without. When old enough to be married, see that they have worthy persons in their eye, of good life, and good fame for piety and understanding. Endeavour, my dear, to breed them dutiful to the Lord. Next, obedience to thee, their dear mother; and that not for weal but for conscience sake. And may God make thee a blessing, and give thee comfort in thy children; and in age gather thee to the joy and blessed