many now a-days, who can also boast of pious ancestry, he had for himself "sought out" the ways of God, and he knew by reflection and experience that they were "just and true."

Nor are principles to be lightly relinquished, because those who urge them may not be eminently skilled in their defence; they may be weak champions in combating the sophistry of infidelity, who yet prove that they are strong Christians by their consistent profession : like one who said, "I cannot argue for Christ, but I can die for him." They may be able to give a good reason of the hope that is in them, although it may not be such a one as shall satisfy a captious doubter. It is possible even that their creed is correct: and one that has been adopted by such a host of worthies for so many ages, must not be hastily or contemptuously discarded.

The mention of a throne of grace to irreligious persons, is, if not literally unintelligible, at least adopting a phraseology at which they scoff: yet thither the names of graceless children are often carried with "O that Ishmael might live before thee!" And thither

too in answer to their prayers, those very children are often found to repair and sue in their own persons for the mercy which once they rejected. "Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power." May that propitious day be at hand, when those young readers who are yet afar off shall be brought nigh, whether they be among the lukewarm and careless, or rank with the dissipated and profane; or whether they class with those who, from a love of dissipation and worldly pleasure, endeavour to persuade themselves that they disbelieve Christianity: this is a common process, for

"Ills in the life breed errors in the brain,
And these, reciprocally, those again."

But whatever be the kind or degree of their aversion to religion, whenever they shall return and seek the God of their fathers, they will find him compassionate and full of mercy. Even now, while they are afar off, he is ready to meet them with a full pardon and a free welcome. "Good and upright is the Lord, therefore will He teach sinners in the way."

But let us reverse the picture. There are

many who, notwithstanding every obstacle, every hindrance from within and from without, resolutely maintain their religious course, even while their parents remain enemies to God. (They would probably feel indignant at being so designated; but "he that is not for Him is against Him." The worldly mind is enmity to God, whatever specious appearance it may assume.) But should you, my young friend, be the child of such parents, suffer not spiritual pride to alloy the purity of that religion which you are solicitous to recommend, the chief character of which is to be meek and lowly: for "who made you to differ?" " or what have you that you have not received?" The cause you would support may sustain the greatest injury, by your assuming that superiority over your parents which genuine religion will not sanction. If you are a real disciple of Jesus, you will aim to be like Him; nor will you adopt that carriage towards your fellow-creatures, much less towards those whom His providence has set over you, which he never displayed even when surrounded by persecutors, and although He was Lord of all.

H

You are, indeed, placed in delicate circumstances, which require that "the wisdom of the serpent should be blended with the harmlessness of the dove:" for if the constancy you evince in maintaining your liberty of conscience is liable to misconstruction, probably much more liable would be any attempts on your part to enlighten the minds of your parents; such endeavours should be made with the utmost circumspection, delicacy, and address; and perhaps after all, the most effectual method that can be adopted in such a case, is the cultivation of those christian graces which adorn the doctrine you profess these will more effectually recommend it than all you can urge in its behalf. Let your religion reflect such a radiant lustre all around, that not only your parents, but all within your sphere," may see your good works, and so learn to glorify your Father which is in heaven."

:

CHAP. XI.

THE DEATH OF PARENTS.

"And when Jacob had made an end of eommanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed, and yielded up the ghost, and was gathered unto his people.

GENESIS, xlix. 33.

"And Joseph fell upon his Father's face, and wept

upon him, and kissed him."

GENESIS, l. 1.

EVERY fresh stage in the life of man is important, especially as he is connected with others by natural ties; and with parents, each increases in interest as their families advance towards maturity. When they have disposed of them in life, when they have dandled their children's children on their knees, then another interesting event-the most interesting of all awaits them. Having set their house in or