heart and the mouth to testify of him! But how much is the neglect of every opportunity to sow good seed in the children's hearts, to be deplored! I cannot forget the expression of a child, of whom I was recently reading. The little girl, though only five years old, by the faithful care of her pious mother, already manifested an attention to the truth, and a desire for it in her heart, which is seldom found at that age. She frequently reflected upon the principal truths of the gospel-Christ, redemption, salvation, and perdition. Some time ago, a pious preacher visited her mother, in order to converse with her on Scriptural subjects. He spoke long and edifyingly with Mrs. W

but did not address a single word to her little daughter, who, during the whole of the conversation, was sitting attentively at her feet; nay, he did not even look at her. At length the good man withdrew. Scarcely had he closed the door behind him, when the girl looked up to her mother, and said, with tears in her eyes, "Mother, I believe the clergyman thinks that I do not even possess an immortal soul !”

On attaining my fifteenth year, the important period had arrived, when I was to be admitted to the reception of the sacrament. But the clergyman to whom I went with many others to receive religious instruction, was, alas! one whose soul so adhered to the earth, that he was unable to raise his own thoughts, or those of others, to higher objects. He was devoted to covetousness and worldly amusements, as were his children also.

His bad example had operated, for a series of years, in such a melancholy manner upon his congregation, that gross sins had become prevalent amongst young and old of both sexes; and hence it was not to be wondered at, that little attention was paid to the word of God; for even when he preached it, no one believed that he was in earnest. I saw clearly the sinfulness of such a state, cause I had read much, and could judge accordingly. My conscience immediately told me what was right or wrong; and although

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at that time I did not properly know either my own heart or my Saviour, yet it was my decided wish to become a pious man. If any one had spoken to my heart at that time in an evangelical manner, it would have been well received; for I was willing to do all that was proper, and the renewal of my baptismal covenant was a matter of great importance to me.

On the Sunday when I had to receive the sacrament for the first time, I went into my little room, threw myself on my knees before Him, who was still an unknown God to me, and heartily besought him, as well as I was able, to grant me his gracious aid, promising him, at the same time, that I would become his. I satisfied myself with this at the time; but from that hour I had, for several years, no real peace in my heart, until I became acquainted with the Saviour. I was well aware that I was in want of something, but knew not how to set about obtaining it; for I was destitute of the true guide, which is the word of God. Neither I nor my parents possessed a Bible. This precious book was at that period scarce in my native land, and difficult

to procure. I had indeed occasionally met with it in my wanderings, and also read much in it; but I knew not how to appreciate it as the word of God, in its highest and exclusive sense. For the strange and pernicious custom prevailed there, and perhaps does so still, of calling other pious works, which treated either of the Scriptures, or, generally speaking, of spiritual things, such as old acknowledged volumes of sermons, prayerbooks, &c., "the word of God." Thus I had read some religious works and commentaries, of which I understood nothing, and was unable duly to distinguish them from the Bible.

I therefore could not make any progress, because I was ignorant of the Bible, and always continued cleaving to an outward piety. I made it a rule to be strictly conscientious in my conduct, and I even kept a journal, in order to keep an account of myself. But I had still no test for that which is within, and all that I wrote down, had reference only to outward things-to my conduct towards men, and to the relation in which I stood towards God, only in so far as

it manifested itself in some outward work,

such as prayer, &c. But there was nothing in my journal which had reference to the state of my heart as it respects real love to God, whether I had made progress in fellowship with Christ, and the like; for these things were strange to me. In this manner I became possessed of a truly pharisaic spirit; and when, after some time, I was desirous of judging of myself, and trying my conduct according to the journals I kept, I found little noted down of what I had to repent. But having read in religious books that repentance and penitence were necessary, if any one desires to become a Christian, I was obliged to look for some sin in me. I found none, except that of being so negligent in prayer; and forced some penitential tears from myself on that account, in order minutely to fulfil every thing that was legally required in the book. This was soon accomplished, and was repeated, as often as I found it necessary. In this ignorant condition I continued for several years, until it pleased the Lord to open my eyes.

I have already said that I had become

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