INTRODUCTORY SKETCH. STRICT religion is now so much more common in well educated circles than it unhappily was some years ago, that there are very few young people in those circles, who have not, in some way, had it brought under their notice. Almost every young person knows that there are people, many of whom are highly distinguished for superiority of talent, and great cultivation of mind, who consider the superficial, inefficacious, cold profession of religion, which is generally thought sufficient by the world, as altogether different from true religion. Some young people there are, who not only know this, but who have had real religion so forcibly presented to them, as to arrest their attention, and create alarm in their consciences, yet who have ventured to stifle this voice of the Spirit of God, though they felt that the impression it made was unlike any other, and powerful beyond any other. There are other young people, who, though at first they revolt at the idea, that they whom they love and esteem are not only themselves ignorant of true religion, but have educated them also in ignorance of it, are yet too, honest and candid to resist truth when it is placed before them, and who cannot rest satisfied till they have examined whether all is indeed right, both with themselves and with those they love. It is a person of this last character whom I wish to introduce to my young readers; and, by placing before them a few scenes and conversations drawn from the early part of her religious life, to show the influence that true religion, learned chiefly and simply from the Bible, and proved to be so by its genuine fruits, may have on those who love us, and with whom we associate. This young person, whom I shall introduce under the name of Gertrude Aberley, is the youngest daughter of a lady, who, while still very young, was, by the death of her husband, left a widow with the charge of three children, a son and two daughters. Colonel Aberley died in Egypt, of a wound received on the day brave Abercrombie fell. Mrs. Aberley was, for some time, almost overwhelmed by this blow; and it was long before the mistaken kindness of friends could induce her to return to society and the world. At last her sincere belief of what her friends constantly urged, that it was absolutely necessary, for the advantage of her children, that she should again cultivate a large circle of acquaintances, induced poor Mrs. Aberley once more to involve herself in the society, cares, and bustle of the worldfor to her it no longer offered any pleasures. Mrs. Aberley's children were educated amongst those, and like those of their own rank. When they grew up, her daughters were, by their common acquaintances, thought amiable and accomplished; her son, though considered a fine young man, was regarded as yet more than even the world considers allowably impetuous and ungovernable. The truth regarding these young people was, that Edward, though, as a boy, he had been all his mother could wish, on attaining manhood had entered upon the follies and vices of young men of his age and fortune, with an eagerness that made him spurn all restraint, and cost his mother many a secret tear. Anna, Mrs. Aberley's eldest daughter, was of a thoughtless and lively character, with strong feelings and warm affections; but rash in judging and in forming her opinions, and equally disposed to be unguarded in their expression, and vehement in their defence. Gertrude, Mrs. Aberley's youngest daughter, was of a very different character from her sister. Naturally modest, thoughtful, and reflecting, with good sense, VOL. I. |