thought he was destined to be one of the most unfortunate of men. Whereas he was only destined, like other persons, to know the world, mankind, and himself.

It seems, however, that a considerable portion of David's early life had passed before he was afflicted: and as this is according to the most usual dispensations of Providence with us, it may be useful to inquire what effect was produced upon him by this exemption from troubles. Of this the text fully informs us ;--" before I was afflicted," he says, "I went astray." Such an acknowledgment may, therefore, very properly, be improved by way of caution to all those who are at present in similar circumstances. Now, reader before you are afflicted, consider what imminent danger there is of your going astray. David, you see, did: although from his youth he was piously inclined, and of a devout and contemplative turn of mind. Certainly he was more thoughtful than many young persons appear to be: nor can we suppose that his youth was disgraced by any immoralities; but yet, he went astray. The world appeared so engaging to him, society so enchanting, friendship so sweet, that his heart clung to these things. He thought of God with reverence; but he did not love Him supremely ; nor was he, at this time, deeply affected with the value of his soul, with the excellence of religion: he did then know, that "fulness of joy" is only to be experienced in the divine presence and he probably mistook some paltry streams of earthly happiness, for those "rivers of pleasure," which he afterwards found flow only at the right hand of God. Yes, it was with David as it is with many other persons before they are afflicted,--he loved the world too well to seek God supremely, and in earnest.

How necessary then, it is for those who are yet rejoicing in their youth, and have known no adversity, to inquire whether they are not going astray! and if conscience assures them that they are wandering far from

God, let them be assured that, if they continue to do so, one of these alternatives is inevitable ;--either He will visit them with some trial which will at once poison their present enjoyments, and, as it were, compel them to seek a better portion; or they will be abandoned to earthly happiness, such as it is, and left to take their portion, here and hereafter, with the men of this world. Consider again, that to turn in heart to God, while the world is yet smiling, is far more pleasing to Him, more honourable, and a far more satisfactory test of sincerity, than to delay to do so till its enjoyments are withdrawn from us. It is a mercy to be able at last to say, "Now have I kept thy word;" but far happier are they, who having never yet been visited with severe affliction, and for whom this life has still many charms, can yet profess, "Thou art my portion, O Lord, in the land of the living.' O, reader! do not think to wait until God calls you by the terrors of his Providence; this is tempting him indeed! You know not how sudden, nor how tremendous that voice may be ; nor can you tell whether it will come in mercy or in judgment. Therefore, 66 now is the accepted time;" now before you are afflicted.

But it does not always happen that childhood and youth are exempt from suffering: some are called "to bear the yoke in their youth :" and the Scripture says, it is good to do so. There are those who have "chosen rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;" even for the season of youth. But as afflictions are not in themselves desirable, let those who are the subjects of them seriously inquire whether it is good for them to have been so visited. If trials do not produce the peaceable fruits of righteousness, the afflicted are indeed, "of all men most miserable." To be loaded with a painful, diseased body, or to look around on a friendless world, and yet to have no consolation in Christ," no good hope towards God,

66

this is adversity indeed!

For let it not be supposed that afflictions alone are sufficient to turn the heart from idols to serve the living God. When the dresser of the vineyard had digged around the unfruitful tree, then, he was to wait and see if it would bear fruit. Thus, when the means are afforded, and when individuals are placed by Providence in advantageous circumstances, then the Lord waits to see if they improve them: if not, after that He will cut them down. O, then, whatever others do, "if any is afflicted let him pray!" let him humbly cry, "Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised: turn thou me and I shall be turned."

But some have been afflicted, who having cried to God in their distress, He heard their cry and delivered them. The cloud is blown over their sky is again clear. How seriously should such inquire whether they can adopt the language of the text throughout," but now I have kept thy word:" or have they forgotten their sorrows, their fears, and their resolutions; and the views they had when in trouble, of the value of their souls? Will they venture to wait the issue of another stroke? Will they add to the anguish of a second trial the bitterness of not having improved the first? Rather let them at once set themselves to rear the peaceable fruits of righteousness:-It may be they have begun to put forth the tender bud :—afterwards, the apostle says, afflictions produce them. The actual time of trial is sometimes too overwhelming for much to be done; but now is the advantageous and hopeful season. O, let it not escape unimproved.

These words are full of consolation to the afflicted ones who feel that sorrow is doing its kind office; who can already say, "It is good for me to be afflicted." Let them be comforted by the experience of David. He, like them, "before he was afflicted went astray;" and they, like him, (if they do not suffer present impres

sions to die away,) will have the unspeakable happiness of being able to add," now have I kept thy word."

XXXVI.

66 I CAN DO WITHOUT IT."

THIS is one of the best mottos in the world or one of the worst, according to the meaning attached to it: which will appear from the conduct of two young people who were acquainted with each other; each of whom happened to take the above sentence into frequent use. Eliza disliked and ridiculed the manner in which it was applied by Ruth; and Ruth could not but disapprove of the way in which it was used by Eliza. The purpose to which Ruth appropriated the words, and the way in which she came to adopt them as her motto, shall be explained in the present paper.

Her parents were persons of superior education, but their income was limited and narrow; so that they were compelled by their circumstances, as well as inclined by their good sense, to study economy. Ruth entered into the prudent and sensible views of her parents at an early age; and her general conduct gave them so much satisfaction, that on the day she was fourteen, her mother informed her that from that time she should be intrusted with the purchase and entire management of her own dress; and that her annual allowance would be increased accordingly. The sum now allotted to her was such as her mother considered sufficient, with prudence and management, to meet all her real wants and reasonable wishes.

When Ruth received her first quarterage, the possession of a sum of money so much larger than she had ever been mistress of before, made her feel a little giddy.

8

However, she deposited it safely in her desk, resolving not to touch it till it was really wanted. Economy, her mother told her, did not consist in grudging to supply our wants, but in restraining the desire for superfluities. Not many days after she had entered upon this new responsibility, Ruth accompanied her father and mother to a neighbouring market town, where they frequently went to make purchases, as they lived in the country. She had often been with them on former occasions; but it was with sensations entirely new that she now walked through the busy streets of this town, and passed its long rows of well-furnished shops. Heretofore she had surveyed the various tempting articles they exhibited merely as an amusing spectacle; and with no more idea of possessing any of them than one has of purchasing the curiosities of a museum. But now circumstances were altered. Here were things, and pretty things too, that she might have if she pleased. And this thought, notwithstanding Ruth's prudent temper and good resolutions, presented itself to her mind temptingly.

The first thing that struck her as a real desideratum was a steel purse, of which she saw several, glittering in a jeweller's window. There were also silver ones, but of these she did not allow herself to think. A new purse, now that she had so much more to do with money, appeared very suitable for a first purchase.

"Mamma," said she, touching her mother's elbow, "would you stop one minute? I think I should like one of those purses. Her mother, who was aware that this day's excursion would prove rather trying to her daughter's prudence, replied, "yes, I will stop a minute; but we will wait here, that you may have time to consider before you go in, whether you want a new purse. "To be sure," said Ruth, after a moment's thought, "I have my old silk one; but then-ah well, I can do without