I in

trifles. All that was wanted was a school-master's salary, and some other trifling expenses. treated Mamma's permission to have it begun, and at last she yielded, saying, that when you age you might continue or stop it as you

were of

chose.

EDW. And you, Gertrude, out of your allowance, which is not an eighth part of what I receive, are supporting a school on my property. Dear Gertrude, you have begun my duties for

me.

GER. Oh, if you knew how it delights me to find that it is in my power to be the means of having so many young creatures brought to the knowledge of their God and Saviour, you would envy me my feelings.

Edw. And tell me, is this because you believe your doing so is pleasing to God?

GER. Not exactly; there is so much evil in all I do so very much of self-so much forgetfulness, that without Christ I can do nothing-so much of a feeling that I have some merit in my poor imperfect performances of duty, that I am constantly permitted in some way to feel how weak and sinful I am; so that, when I go to my knees, I have nothing but confessions to make, and pardon and mercy to seek. But I know that, if I sin, "I have an Advocate with the Father;" and if I confess my sins, God is right

eous in forgiving my sins for his sake; and that his blood cleanseth from all sin.

EDW. But what then gives you such delight in having it in your power to begin this school?

GER. Many things. I feel honoured and softened in thinking that my Lord has shown me a way of which I was quite ignorant, where I can employ his gifts so as to promote the knowledge of himself, and teach the way of salvation through him to some of my young fellow-sinners. And when I reflect on the different manner in which I have hitherto spent his gifts, I cannot express the love and gratitude which fills my heart to that Lord who has so manifested his glory to my soul as to draw me from the world, and all that is in it, to himself. Such feelings, Edward, are unlike, and O how superior to, all other feelings ! They soften, they purify, they elevate, they subdue and overcome the heart, and bring it into willing, irresistible captivity to Christ.

EDW. What ought I to do first, Gertrude?

GER. First go to Christ in prayer. Pour out your heart to him. He knows you far better than you know yourself. Endeavour to open

whole heart and soul to him, as to a near, your and present, and most tender friend. Give yourself to him. He commands you to give him your heart.

Edw. But I have been so sinful—must I not first repent?

GER. You must repent, Edward—but are you not relapsing into that error from which you supposed Mr. Percy had freed you, in asking that question? If you can do nothing without Christ, can you repent without him? No, my dear Edward, but," Him hath God exalted to give repentance." You have no power but as you receive it from Him. Go, wait on Him-seek a new heart from Him.

EDW. Good night, my dear Gertrude.

GER. Good night, my own beloved brothermore than a common brother-a brother, I hope, in soul also a brother and friend for ever!

MORNING.

A Breakfast-Room in Mrs. Aberley's House.

GERTRUDE alone.

GER. (Rises and looks at a clock on the mantlepiece.) Eleven o'clock; and no one come to breakfast!

Enters a Servant.

SER. (Presenting a letter.) My master desired me, Ma'am, to give that letter into your own hands.

GER. Is your master gone out, Thomas?

SER. Yes, Ma'am; he set off for the country at eight this morning.

GER. At eight this morning! very well, Exit THOMAS.

Thomas.

GER. (Hastily opens the letter and reads.) "My dearest Gertrude,-After leaving you last night I attempted to follow your advice. I knelt down alone in the presence of God. A strange kind

of awe came over my soul. I could not address God. I felt that I knew him not. I recollected that you had said Go to Christ, pour out your heart to him as to your nearest and tenderest friend.' I attempted to do so, but neither did I know him; and my ideas were vague and undefined. Mr. Percy's text came into my thoughts, 'Ye will not come to me that ye might have life;' and I said,Lord I come unto thee; cast me not from thee, but give me life.' I remained on my knees, and I felt an awful kind of pleasure in the idea that I was in the presence of God. My sins against God, however, arose on my recollection, and for a time so appalled me, that I had almost risen from my knees in despair; but I remembered your words, If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. If we confess our sin, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins,'—and, the blood of Jesus Christ his son cleanseth from all sin.' I attempted to confess my sins, but found them too numerous-they seemed more than the hairs of my head. head. Yet a strange and heavenly peace of mind followed. I felt my breast unloaded of a weight. Still, however, I see every thing most indistinctly, and feel very ignorant, but long for knowledge. I am determined to set out for Scotland immediately. Jarvis is preparing, and I hope to be on the road, with only my Bible as a companion, an hour hence. I have