especially it preserves that frame of mind, which is suitable to the service of God and the enjoyment of devotion. It seems almost impossible for a very discontented person to be able heartily to join in any act of divine worship.

Consider how the Apostle exhorts christians, 1 THES. v, 16. "Rejoice evermore; pray without ceasing; in every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God, in Christ Jesus, concerning you." It is indeed quite plain from this and similar scriptures, that true piety is attended not merely with contentment, but with heartfelt thankfulness. When St. Paul, in his different letters, is pointing out the chief features of a Christian's character, and is giving advice about the tempers and the conduct of religious persons, he constantly refers to this state of mind. "As ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him: rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving." COL. ii, 6, 7. Again-"Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving." iv, 2. And

"let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." iii, 15. A part of the dreadful description given of very wicked men, (ROM. i, 21,) is this-"When they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful.” While the privilege of christians is thus largely expressed. "Giving thanks always, for all things unto God and the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." EPH. v, 20. A contented and grateful spirit is therefore a very pleasing and most satisfactory evidence of true religion; especially when, as in the case of this pious woman, it flourishes in the midst of lowliness and poverty, opening its beautiful flowers, not to the sunshine of the world, but to the smile and the blessing of God.

CHAPTER VI.

PROPRIETY OF CONDUCT.

One of the very comfortable truths plainly repeated in the Bible, and known by experience to the diligent and faithful, is thus expressed. "God giveth to a man, that is good in His sight, wisdom and knowledge." ECCL. ii, 26. "He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous." PROV. ii, 7. They that seek the Lord understand all things. xxviii, 5. The writer of these pages has observed almost with astonishment, the literal fulfilment of these and similar Scriptures. Yet, why should we be surprised at any good effects which arise from religion? Is it not the great gift of God to man? Is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and all its full provision intended exactly to meet the wants of our fallen race? We ought therefore, to expect very great

things indeed, whenever a child of man is led and taught by the spirit of God. "Oh thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt," is a reproof which applies to many of us, as well as the sink. ing Peter. And it is worthy of notice, that when our Lord seemed, as it were, restricted in His power, "when He could do no mighty work," it was because of the unbelief of the people. MARK, vi, 6. Our language and feeling should rather be, "He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also, freely give us all things?" ROM. viii, 32. Certainly we may reasonably believe, that when any one is brought under the influence of true religion, the whole course of his being will be more or less affected by it. Now it is most interesting to observe, that in addition to that temper and conduct mentioned above, there were found in the christian woman, about whom we are writing, other pleasing proofs of what the Lord can do for "the people who serve Him." Particularly any one who conversed with her, could not fail to be struck with the correctness and soundness of her judgment. This was

discovered generally in the opinions she expressed on different subjects, and in the manner in which she portioned out her employment, and performed her various duties. But as an example we may take her management and disposal of her little property. As a very poor person, she would be likely to attach as much importance to her shillings, as many richer persons would to several hundred pounds; and yet there was a liberality and prudence combined, which shewed at once the most enlarged and sober mind. It was stated above, that she had saved a certain sum, during the time of her service: the principal of this, without any suggestion from another, she expressed her intention of leaving to her eldest son and his family. But she had also gathered together, by rigid economy, five pounds, with which she designed to buy some carpenter's tools for her younger son, just beginning histrade: before, however, the purchase was made, by a sudden illness he was removed from this world. "As it has pleased God," she said "to take my poor child away, and he no longer needs my little help, I shall give what I have gathered to the Lord."