.

conduct. Remember that every thing within you and about you, is opposed to your religious progress. If you are doubtful of any action or engagement, try it by the following questions-Is it warranted by Scripture? Will it injure my religion? Can I ask the blessing of God upon it?—If it will not bear this test, consider it doubtful no longer-it is a snare of the wicked one. Secondly, In addition to your daily prayers, commence each day by meditating on a selected text of Scripture; and close it by serious examination. Ask yourself before you sink into sleep such questions as these: -Have I observed my devotions? Have I done the duties of my station? Have I benefitted any fellow creature? Have I indulged any improper passion→ pride-anger—or resentment? Have I made any progress in knowledge or holiness? It is impossible for me to tell from what evils such a practice may deliver you, what good it may confer upon you.

"Shall I own to you, my dear John, that in penning this short letter, I have been obliged repeatedly to stop, and weep.

I have wept, because I saw you standing in slippery places. I have wept, because, every advice to you was a reproach to myself; similar advice was given to me, but I trifled with it. However, I will hope you may be confirmed in wisdom by my dear bought experience. Trust not the world so much as to try it. I have tried itmadly tried it. It is but a bubbleadorned with glittering colors indeed—yet still a bubble: yea more-a barbed, poisoned dagger, that carries, death with its wounds! And, though you should be exempt from its stings; though you should be prosperous in all your ways; though you should be gratified in every desire, and freed from the trials and disappointments necessary to humanity; your heart would still ache with dissatisfaction and uneasiness. Yes, nothing but God can satisfy and felicitate the soul. You live but for Him; and it is more important for you to live to Him, than for you to live at all. O despise not, then, your Maker, your Preserver, your God! You are bound to Him by countless obligations.

To me you are grateful for some little temporal assistance, and will you not be grateful to God for all you enjoy? O, give Him your gratitude, He only deserves it; raise to Him your prayers, He only can gratify them; fix on Him your hopes, He only can crown them! In His favor there is life, and His loving kindness is better than life!

"Let me hear of you all particulars. You know I have an interest in all that belongs to you. It is likely I shall never see your face again in the flesh; but let me have communion with you on earth; and let us mutually pray for a blessed meeting in heaven. See as much as you can of Mr. Douglas; you cannot prize his society too highly. May religion be the guide of your youth-the glory of your age—your immortal reward!

"Your's, my dear young friend,

with anxious affection,

"CHARLES LEFEVRE."

These letters require no comment.

They put Lefevre in different lights, but

in all he appears to the greatest advantage. It is neither easy nor important to resolve the doubt he expresses, as to his former piety. The good seed might have been stifled in its growth; or he might, though it is difficult to conceive it, have mistaken a superficial for a radical change. However, it was well, if he erred, to err on the safe side; for it is infinitely better, to fear we are not regenerate when we are, than to conclude we are when we are not. And, whatever may be the doubt on the past, the present state of his mind admits not of hesitation. His affecting penitencehis humble submission-his living faithhis anxious zeal and benevolence speak not only of divine illumination, but of surprising proficiency in the lessons of grace,

CHAPTER XXVIII.

AT length Lefevre reached the shores of Canada, and passed on to Montreal, with a strong detachment, as the ultimate point of destination.

This island is one of the most beautiful spots in the whole Province. Around its base flow the waters of the mighty river St. Lawrence. On its bosom rest the principal town, bearing its own name, the settlements, the villas, and gardens of the opulent inhabitants; while its lovely bills clothed with pasturage and wood, rise in undulating lines upon the horizon. It was on a gay spring day that Lefevre first saw it. The cattle were lowing for joy. Vegetation was bursting into life, with a vigor, luxuriance, and variety unknown to our climate. The sun was up in his strength, glorying in his influence on the earth, and smiling at his image in