Delightful task! to rear the tender thought, "And teach the young idea how to shoot."

She found her time fully occupied in imparting instruction to her youthful charge -in acts of benevolence-and in assisting her sister, whose delicate state of health, rendered her incapable of performing those duties which her family demanded at her hand.

Julia found her world of enjoyment in the society of" dear mamma,” and “cousin Ellen;" the similarity of the age and circumstances of these two cousins, made them constant companions, and an attachment little less than generally subsists between sisters, was felt in each bosom, and preserved them from any desire of mixing with other associates. Often did Mrs. Grey join in their childish amusements, in order to secure their confidence, and win their obedience; various were the methods she used to repress the volatility of Ellen, and persuade Julia to throw aside part of that timidity and diffidence, which cast her excellencies into the shade;

nor did she fail to store their minds with a knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, and the doctrines therein contained. Sensible that "line must be upon line, precept upon precept," she fainted not, in thus sowing the seeds of piety and virtue upon the youthful soil, but earnestly besought the throne of grace, for those influences of the Holy Spirit to succeed her endeavours, which would cause the seed sown, to germinate, spring forth, and bear an abundant harvest. Year after year was the prayer presented, "Oh, that my child might live before thee!" diligent was she in watching for the fulfilment of her desire, and how was her heart gladdened by the accidental discovery of a note, written by Julia to her cousin, repeating the promise,

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they that seek me early, shall find me."

Mrs. Grey observed with thankfulness, the deep seriousness upon her daughter's countenance-more frequent retirement for prayer-and an increased love to the means of grace, and ministers of the gospel. Carefully was the precious embryo

guarded from the withering blast, the blighting mildew, of mere professors of religion, while, with maternal solicitude, she watched its full developement in the christian character.

The time allotted for play and recreation, was now devoted to reading, and Julia was often heard to express her surprise, that she should ever have preferred trifling amusement to the cultivation of her mind; every gratification was cheerfully laid aside to attend her devotional exercises, when the heaving bosom, and the flow of tears, evidenced the emotions of her heart, and the gentle drawings of the Father. Her mother, who was made her confidant upon all occasions, soon became acquainted with her new state of feeling, and the fear that troubled her mind, lest her past ingratitude to God, and obstinacy of heart in not yielding to the requirements of his law, should receive punishment instead of the forgiveness she so earnestly desired. Encouraged by the repeated promises of scripture, to "ask

and receive," she ventured to hope, that for the sake of Jesus Christ her Saviour, mercy would be extended unto her, and she should rejoice in the salvation of the gospel.

After the services of the sabbath, which had been particularly impressive, she left her mother at the chapel to commemorate the dying love of her Redeemer, and retired to her room earlier than usual. Mrs. Grey fearing that indisposition might be the cause of her daughter's absence from the supper-table, ascended the staircase, and beheld her prostrate by the bedside, earnestly supplicating a throne of grace; she knelt down, and was for several minutes an unobserved spectator of the penitential pleadings of her child, for the justifying grace of God; their prayers were mingled together, until by an act of faith, the weeping penitent appropriated the merit of her Saviour's death unto herself, and felt that "there is no condemnation to them who are in Christ Jesus." Her fears now subsided into a calm tran

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quillity, the agitation of her mind was hushed into a heaven-born peace, and she rejoiced with joy unspeakable, and full of glory." Her mother beheld with delight the happy change, and was amply repaid in the felicity of that hour, for fourteen years' toil, care, and anxiety: with Simeon of old, she could say, "Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation."

Possessing the smile of God, and the love that seeks the happiness of every creature, Julia anxiously waited an opportunity for relating the interesting particulars of the preceding day to her cousin, who she doubted not, would immediately commence the pursuit of a blessing so invaluable; she was disappointed, at perceiving the listlessness and indifference with which Ellen treated the subject, and for the first time, was painfully convinced of the difference existing in their views and feelings.

In every other respect, Julia saw her