her to overcome the difficulties of almost unassisted study, and through diligence and perseverance, she could now read, with tolerable correctness, the history of her Saviour's love, therein recorded. Her knowledge was very limited, but it was important; she knew, and knew "no more, her Bible true." This summed up her stock of literary information, and this she endeavoured to impart to her dear orphan charge; but the work of instruction went on slowly the week days were recessarily devoted to labour, and her fellow cottagers were nearly as much occupied as herself, and were, for the most part, still less fitted to undertake the task of instruction, even had they been so disposed.

One day having occasion to send some trifling articles of linen to the house of Mr. Stanley, the clergyman, she put them up neatly in a small basket, and sent her grandchildren with it, and bid them give it in with her humble duty. When they arrived, the basket was taken from them by the servant, and they were informed that Mr. Stanley wished to see them in the parlour. The little girls entered the room with their best curtsies. Mr. Stanley, who had a'

book in his hand, called them to him, and, presenting it the eldest, inquired if she could read. She said they could both spell easy words, as their grandmother taught them on the Sabbath evening. He observed, that he was very much pleased to hear it; and now he was going to open a school, and, with the assistance of some young friends of his own, would teach them and all the little boys and girls in the village, so that, when they grew up to be men and women, they might be able to read the Bible, and there learn for themselves what Jesus Christ had done and suffered for their salvation. He then gave each of them a little fruit and a cake-commended their behaviour at churchbid them continue to be good children, and obey their kind grandmother, and with this affectionate admonition dismissed them.

The poor little things scarcely knew how to contain their joy, they were so delighted with the kindness their good pastor had shown them, and his promise that they should attend his school. Running home with all the speed they could, almost breathless with haste, their countenances glowing with health, and their eyes

sparkling with ecstasy, they began their communication, which their eagerness made almost unintelligible. Both speaking at once, it was some time before the good woman could comprehend the matter; and, when she did, her joy made her doubt the correctness of the information. She sought the presence of her pastor, to learn whether the news was not too good to be believed; and when its truth was confirmed to her, and she was told that her little orphans would be taught to read, and be instructed likewise in the best things, she heartily thanked God, and her benefactors, for such a merciful interposition in favour of the poor. Most gladly did she engage to send them regularly neat and clean upon the Sabbath, and see that their lessons were attended to during the week.

Mrs. Neville's anxious wish was now granted: the dear children would now be enabled to peruse the word of God, and when her sight should fail, they would be able to read to her some of those great and precious promises which had hitherto been her encouragement and support.

The following Sunday, Elizabeth and Margaret were up at an early hour: their faces were washed, and their hair nicely combed; indeed they were at all times cleanly and neat, but so anxious were they on this important occasion, that they were fearful lest a spot should soil their clothes, or their hands should not be suffi ciently clean. Their eagerness and joy would scarcely allow them to eat their morning's meal, which they could not help thinking unusually long in its preparation; but their good grandmother had taken care that there should be sufficient time for all that was necessary, and there was one thing, it is to be feared few take into their account, which she deemed the most es sential: "In all thy ways," says the Psalmist, " acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." This duty she had not forgotten, nor left it to be performed at the last moment; but this was a season that called for peculiar gratitude. Mrs. Neville knew from whom " "every good and every perfect gift cometh," and she rightly felt that the gift of instruction to her poore fatherless children, was a good gift, and well merited her sincere and heartfelt thanks: and accordingly, when the breakfast things had

been put aside, and all was decent and in order, she took a hand of each, and kneeling down, blessed God for this fresh display of his mercy, and prayed that his blessing might rest upon the benefactors he had raised up, and that their Christian exertions for the good of others, might through his grace be successful, and also benefit their own souls.

This act of devotion over, with a mind serene and thankful, filled with that " peace which passeth all understanding," Mrs. Neville set cut with little Elizabeth and Margaret for the school. They were received with kindness, and the young folks soon provided with books, and appointed to a class. The good woman left them with much pleasure, and returned home to prepare for the public services of the house of God. She ever hailed the return of this day; it was to her truly a Sabbath of rest, but not of sloth, though nothing of a worldly nature was suffered to intrude. She could have said with the poet, had she known the poet's words; but at least her heart felt their import.

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