with that compassionate kindness, that tenderness of affection, which the great Creator has been pleased to manifest towards his rational creatures." "I am sure," said Harry, "I should be very glad to understand these things, if it were possible." "As for the possibility, I believe your understanding was given you for this very purpose: it depends upon yourself whether it was given in vain. You have seen, in the works of art and nature, that the usefulness and ingenuity of many things are not apparent at first sight; they require to be examined. So it is in religion: if we desire to know the truth, we must seek it-seek it earnestly and diligently; but the misfortune is, we are too apt to suppose ourselves already acquainted with religion. We are not aware how imperfectly we understand the commonest expressions relating to it: for instance, you have often heard of heaven; tell me, if you can, Harry, what is meant by that word?" "The state of happiness which good men enjoy after death." "But are you aware, my dear child, that no person can have a correct idea of that happiness; and that our present senses and faculties are incapable of comprehending the extent of such felicity? It will not be like any thing we enjoy here, for in all earthly pleasures there is something which we could wish otherwise, and the most desirable of them are soon over; but the pleasures of heaven are perfect, and will never have an end. To be admitted into such an abode, is a reward infinitely beyond what the best of men can think that their good conduct has any right to claim. They regard it as a blessing bestowed by the unmerited mercy of that glorious Being whose benevolence delights in imparting a share of his own happiness. Do you not think that the Bestower of such a gift has a right to offer it on what conditions he pleases?" 66 Certainly: and whatever they may be, we should still be exceedingly obliged to him." "I trust then, that you will endeavour to make use of those faculties with which his goodness has blessed you, that so you may clearly understand a subject of such infinite importance. I have frequently told you that every other kind of knowledge is trifling, when compared with this." "But, mamma, do you think that children can be much to blame for not understanding these things?" "The blame is in exact proportion to the means of knowledge afforded them. You, my child, are without excuse, and carelessness on this subject would in you be a crime; because you have seen in the works of creation, such evident proofs of the wisdom and goodness of God, that you are become in some degree acquainted with his character. In the Bible he offers you the means of knowing more-of becoming better informed respecting his intentions towards mankind, and their duty towards him: and will he not be justly offended with all who slight so great a favour? "I should think so; but such knowledge seems very difficult." "Not so difficult as you imagine, if due attention be given to the subject. An infant does not know its right hand from its left; it has no idea of good or evil; but as it grows strong enough to make use of its powers of mind and body, they are gradually developed. You have long passed this infant state: for some years you have been capable of perceiving the reason of many things, of recollecting your own conduct, and reflecting upon it. You are now an accountable creature, capable of understanding the reasons we have for |