CHAPTER IX.

ALTHOUGH the mind of Mrs. Seymour. was unaffectedly humble in every thing which concerned herself, feeling that fortune, rank, and genius were rich gifts, though, as appertaining to this world, perishable and of secondary consideration; but even supposing them less fluctuating and evanescent-throwing as they do a certain degree of splendour round a child of dust; still must his dependence and feebleness be felt and betrayed. She knew that unqualified submission to the will of God is a most positive duty; why should she then feel faint under this tribulation? Why should she, who so solemnly recog

nized the authority, wisdom, and goodness of God, shrink from this trial?

It was the latent feeling of maternal pride and of situation, the last spark of that passion left in her heart; but it was to be extinguished, and Mrs. Seymour felt that it was not to be done without a struggle.

Alice was now about to enter the world; not as once she had fondly anticipated, surrounded by all the advantages which her station in life would have secured to her; but alone and unprotected, in the humble situation of a teacher of music.

It was not altogether from that small portion of venal pride which still mingled with her better feelings; but it was maternal solicitude which filled the heart of Mrs. Seymour with overwhelming anguish. She remembered the excessive beauty of her child, her talents; and instead of its producing those feelings of delight which they formerly created in her breast, they

tortured her imagination. To what temptations they might now expose her!

How often are we called upon to witness the destruction of our fondest wishes and our brightest hopes! Our dreams of earthly happiness vanish as the morning dew, and mortal comforts drop like withering flowers; but in the midst of his judgments the Almighty "remembereth mercy," and he who could convey unseen supplies into "the little cruise," and who suffered not "the barrel of meal to fail," can still speak comfort to the sorrowing heart. Mrs. Seymour looked up to heaven for support, and soon her heart felt soothed and comforted; and she was able to say, "Not my will, O Lord, but thine be done." O then, when woes gather round us, and calamities pour in like a full tide, let us with confidence "lay hold on God;"-let us remember that even these bitter sorrows are administered by the hand of infinite love, that we may be brought to him.

Mrs. Seymour, in the solitude of her chamber, humbled and brought low her heart; and in that one night of severe conflict, gained a victory over her last remaining human frailty. She gave her child completely to the care of her heavenly Parent, and she felt secure in his love. Afflictions she knew might be the lot of Alice, privations and humiliations; but she hoped and prayed that they might all tend to the improvement of her heart. She thanked God for the virtuous feelings which beamed in every action of her daughter, and trusted that blessings might accompany her undertakings.

Precious indeed are the privileges of those who cast all their cares upon God. "The earth may shake, the pillars of the world may tremble under us, the countenance of the heavens may be appalled, the sun may lose his light, the moon its beauty, and the stars their glory; but concerning the man who trusteth in God, he knows in whom he has believed; he is

not ignorant whose precious blood has been shed for him; he hath a shepherd full of kindness, full of care, full of power."

When Mrs. Seymour saw her daughter the next morning, she told her, that she might go and prosper;" requesting, however, that she might have an interview with Mr. Turner, previous to her entering upon her new employment. Mr. Turner promptly obeyed her summons; and Mrs. Seymour, in that earnest manner which a parent alone can appreciate, commended her child to his care, and he promised with sincerity to watch over her, and to be most careful of the society into which she should be thrown.

Alice is now before us as the active assistant of Mr. Turner. Patient, indefatigable, and clever, her whole energies were exerted in the business. At first, her extreme youth surprised and disappointed the parents and friends of her pupils; it appeared impossible that one so