"Christ without the world is enough; but the world without Christ is nothing." Let us show that he is enough, and more than enough, and that we are well satisfied with our heavenly inheritance, and to be the sons and daughters of the Lord Almighty, according to his own gracious promise.* The Holy Spirit himself has taught us how we ought to walk, and that, "denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works."t

Precept in all cases is good; but example is better, and far more influential. It is well to bear our testimony against worldly pleasures amid worldly scenes; but it is better to live so that those around us may see how happy and cheerful we can be without them. A Christian may do a great deal of good by only looking happy. The hour will come when many shall be weary of those things in which they now take delight; when they shall feel within their †Titus ii. 12-14.

* 2 Cor. vi. 18.

hearts an aching void, which earthly pleasures can never satisfy. And if at such times they behold the child of God, still calm and peaceful, rejoicing in his Father's love, will they not long to exchange the laughter in which the heart is sad, for that peace which passeth all understanding?

"How happy Laura B always seems!" was the exclamation of a young acquaintance; "and yet she never goes to balls or theatres."

Oh, let us all strive to recommend, by a cheerful demeanour, the religion which we profess, and which we love; and uphold the Christian standard in a humble and watchful and prayerful walk before the Lord, and before our fellow-creatures. In the world, but not of the world, let us, so to speak, pass on our way singing, that others may hear us and be glad, and say within themselves-" The religion of Jesus must be a very happy thing, after all.”

CHAPTER XI.

OUR INFLUENCE UPON STRANGERS.

Ir is not enough, we are told, "that we act and mean kindly in our intercourse with strangers; we must manifest kindly feelings by a gentle and conciliatory manner." To increase the happiness of one human being-to speak peace to a mind oppressed with sorrow or disappointment - what a delightful privilege! Old Humphrey tells us-and Old Humphrey is one of those who pass through the world singing, and finding good in every thing and everywhere that "every sunny thought, every kindly deed, every event, however trifling, that confers a momentary joy, is in itself a blessing."

Smiles and kind words constitute a considerable proportion of the wealth of human benevolence; and the more we give away, the richer we become. We have elsewhere likened them to diamonds, and pearls, and precious stones; they also resemble flowers-the hearts-ease and forget-me-not-the way-side flowers of everyday life, which we may all gather, and exchange

with mutual benefit, as we pass through the world.

A very little circumstance, a very trifling kindness, a very few words, done and spoken at the right time and in the name of Jesus, have often been made powerful for good. A fond but injudicious mother was speaking one day, in a small party, of the talents and abilities of her only daughter. "It is perfectly astonishing," said she, "what Adèle does; and yet she has very little time to herself."

A stranger, who happened to be present, drew the blushing girl towards her, and asked her kindly how it was she managed.

"I study at night," was the reply, "after I am in my own room, and every thing in the house is quiet. I can always do most then." "But do you not read a little in the Bible, and pray to God?'

Her companion was silent.

"Poor child!" said the lady, looking at her kindly, and with tears in her eyes: "poor child! what good will all your learning and accomplishments do you without Christ? What good would they do you on the bed of death? And you do not appear to be very strong. Promise me that henceforth you will give those

quiet hours to God. You do not know how sweet it is, having prayed to the Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, to lie down with our sins forgiven us for his sake; but you will know, if you pray aright.”

She

Adèle was touched by her earnestness. promised to begin that very night, and she kept her word.

"From that time," said she, writing years afterwards to a dear friend; "from that time a change came over my whole life. Her words haunted me. Amid the praises of others, I heard only her pitying voice-'Poor child! What good will all your learning and accomplishments do you without Christ?' God made them words of power. Upon inquiring about the lady to whom I owed so much, I learned that she left the country the very day after we met, to join a dear sister who was seriously ill. I never saw her again; but I shall know her in heaven."

Not very long since, the inmates of a stagecoach were placed in circumstances of extreme danger. One lady fainted; another, not being able to unfasten the door, madly attempted to fling herself from the window; while a third was observed to draw a tiny book from her