This enterprising and persevering pair seemed to possess elasticity of power for whatever they undertook. The effort was made, and proved successful; and thus, from year to year, and from circumstance to circumstance, the work of the house was managed without any further assistance. The children being accustomed to regularity, were brought up with surprisingly little trouble, and at a very early age were made useful.

After thirty years' servitude, Peggy "ne'er had changed, nor wished to change her place." She knew the value of a comfortable home, steady regular gains, and a master, mistress, and family, really attached to her; they too, sensible of the value of a trusty faithful servant, from time to time advanced her wages, and often made her valuable presents, which her industry and frugality put it in their power to do.

Thus, she who was saving for her employers, was in reality saving for herself, and laid up a sufficient fund to make her comfortable in old age. She still speaks with pleasure of the silver spoons without a bruise, and the mahogany chairs without a chip, after thirty years' service; and of the eight children, every one of whom she has nursed and brought up to man and woman's estate-every one of the young ladies knowing the duties of a mistress almost as well as their mamma, and the duties of a servant quite as well as herself.

Coply's Mother's Stories.

THE PRESENT PECULIAR DANGERS OF THE PROFESSEDLY PIOUS.

CHRISTIANITY now walks, as good John Bunyan says, in "silver slippers." The profession of it is

popular, the practice of its moral duties general. The exalted character of its doctrines is acknowledged; their elevating power admitted; and the practical effects which they are capable of producing are admired. Indeed, numbers of persons, distinguished by character, talent, and birth, exert all their influence in favor of religion. This, it cannot be denied, is a cause for gratitude and praise to God; but it is likewise a cause for watchfulness against those secret snares,-snares more dangerous to vital piety than the persecution of past times— and why? Because they are unexpected. The

Christian graces are pure, lovely, and of good report in the eyes of men. Satan, our ever-watchful enemy, is aware of this, and tries to draw our attention to the premature developement of our talents, so as to excite the admiration of the world, and to deter us from the cultivation of that root of godliness within us, which, if carefully nourished, would in due time produce fair and healthy fruit. Thus the soul is lulled into false peace; the fire of spiritual pride is kindled; and the corroding canker of vanity generated; vanity, which, by prompting us to seek the praise of men instead of the favor of God, creates a false test of right and wrong; and changes the divine gift of conscience into a means of luring us to destruction.

Religious conversation has indeed become general in many circles; but, alas! the style of it is little different from that adopted in confessedly worldly society. The last missionary meeting is spoken of instead of the last ball:-a new clergyman's merits are discussed as those of a new tragedian would be ; new religious publications are criticised in place of new novels; and religious intelligence supplies the

place of fashionable news; controversy too, is often engaged in, rather as affording an opportunity for the exercise of penetration or the display of eloquence and learned research, than with regard to its legitimate use, as a means of eliciting truth, and cooperating with Christian charity by discovering those errors which she seeks to remove. That active benevolence which is so characteristic of genuine piety, besides opening a door for ostentation and self-satisfaction, is apt to cause a species of excitement unfitting the mind for private prayer, and calm selfexamination; thus aiming an effectual blow at spiritual religion.

There is another danger more insidious yet, than these, and which especially assaults the young; it is the habit of allowing poetical religious imaginings to supply the place of sound scriptural meditation. These are but a few of the dangers by which the professedly pious are surrounded, and the description of these dangers is far from being exaggerated. The appearance of zealous piety we know is every day assumed; but Scripture, it will be remembered, warns us that Satan is often transformed into an angel of light, his object being to render us contented in his service; and he therefore encourages us to improve the plausible appearance of moral conduct, to acquire scriptural knowledge as an ornamental accomplishment, enabling us to shine in conversation, and secure our own glory instead of that of our great Creator-and thus the enemy of our souls is constantly striving to divert us from seeking that entire change of heart which is the one thing needful.

MARY P. B.

VISITED

THE DYING OUTCAST.

She was one of the most abandoned characters in the city; and was, whilst I visited her, suffering under an accumulation of disease, brought on by vicious practices. She at length became the paramour of

a man of depraved and dissolute habits, who treated her in a manner the most brutal-keeping a small whip, with which he constantly flogged her when unsuccessful in her midnight walks, and on one occasion flogged her so severely that she was unable to stand. In this miserable state of degradation I found her on the 27th of July, 1839, and set before her the misery and danger consequent on the life she was then pursuing, and at the same time directed her attention to the infinite mercy of God in the gift of his Son, who came into the world to save sinners. These statements were evidently applied to her mind by the Holy Spirit, for she afterwards evinced a deep concern for her soul, as the following entries from the Journal will show. "Found this poor woman a picture of wretchedness and destitution, apparently as miserable as a human being could be. At this visit she appeared much distressed in mind, and said, 'I have been looking at my past life-I feel my sins a burdenand am sorry on account of them.' I reminded her of Him who came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Nov. 4. She spoke of having a good hope through grace, and said, "I have been thinking of what my blessed Saviour has done for me. He died and rose again for me; and blessed be his name: when I die, I hope to live with him for ever."

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Dec. 2. This morning she appeared overjoyed at seeing me, and was some time before she could speak for weeping. When she had recovered, she said, "I am thankful that you have come, for I am a deal weaker in body; but, thank God, I am so much nearer the prize." I spoke of the richness of the grace wherein we stand, till she interrupted me, by saying, Yes; I know that after this life I shall live for ever, and not for my own sake, but for Christ's, who died for me. Here she paused: then, with much emotion, continued, “O what mercy that God has spared me, that He did not cut me down in the thank him for sending you." earnestly entreated me to call

midst of my sins: I have to When I was leaving her, she again soon.-The prayer she

offered up to a Throne of Grace on the behalf of myself and the people who dwell in this street, followed me down the stairs.

To-day, I spent a considerable time with her in conversation. She said, "My hope is in the Lord Jesus: I abhor myself for the sinful life I have lived, and ascribe it to Sovereign grace that I have been brought to a knowledge of my ruined state." She also said she would not part with the hope she has of an interest in the Son of God for ten thousand worlds. She has no desire to live, except to adorn the doctrine of God her Saviour by her life. When leaving her, she wept, and desired me to call again; saying, “God, in his mercy, has sent you to me, and blessed the visits to my poor soul."

This morning, I found her evidently much weaker in body. She complained of the cold (not having sufficient clothing); then remained silent for a moment, with her eyes fixed upon me, and said, "I have more than I deserve; I don't wonder at not being assisted by those who are kind to the poor, when I consider the character I have borne:" then began to praise the Lord for all his mercies. I asked her on whom her hope was based. She replied, with uplifted hands, "My blessed Saviour, who died for me." I read the 21st chapter of St. Matthew's Gospel, over which she wept. She sweetly fell asleep in Jesus on the 24th December, 1839, with these words upon her lips-"I am going to another and a better world." From the Report of the Bath City Mission.

Review Bepartment.

The Believer's Triumph over Death, being a brief account of the Lord's dealing with Jane Cox, of Milton, Hampshire. 12 pp.-HOULSTON & STONEMAN.

THIS narrative exhibits in a striking manner the power of Divine grace in supporting the mind under the pressure of severe affliction, and enabling a naturally timid spirit,-one who was for some time in great bondage through fear of death, to triumph over the last enemy,