against the enemies of the Faith, who are ranging themselves under the Prince of Darkness on the other; it seems to her unpardonable, for any one, who has tasted that the Lord is gracious, to remain idle during the Spiritual contest.

Her chief design in the following work has been to impress upon the minds of her readers, that the common expression, "Going too far in religion," and the idea connected with it, are totally incorrect. Something which we mistake for religion may carry us too far; but real religion can never lead us astray. We may go too far in supersti tion; we may go too far in the formalities of devotion; but in the spirit of religion, never! That which is at last to carry us to heaven, can never carry us too far from the ways of this world.

Perhaps it may be said that some of the characters in this work are made to suffer too

much.

Should such an observation be made, the Author has only to say, that her aim has been to point out the consolation, which, under every affliction of this life, religion is capable of bestowing. At the same time she ventures to express her opinion, that her characters do not suffer more than we see falling to the lot of many around us every day, who, perhaps, want the consolation which is here described.

Again, it may be objected, that, in more than one instance, the human character has been brought too near perfection. But what are the means by which this excellence is represented as having been produced? Not by man's feeble strength; not by his unstable endeavours; but by the power of the Spirit of God! and shall we dare to say, that even in this world, such an agent may not produce much greater effects than are here displayed? Shall we dare to say that there is any work

for which the grace of God is insufficient? With respect to one instance, the Author can assert, that the character, life, and death of Alfred Lester, is not a fancy's sketch, but a copy from real life.

And now she casts her little book upon the waters; hoping, that if it contains any spiritual nourishment, it may be found, though after many days. But if not, that it may sink for ever, and the motive which sent it forth alone be remembered.

GOING TOO FAR.

CHAP. I.

"I DO confess, I think the righteous people go too far in religion," said Flora Percy to Ellen Seyton, as they sat together at the work-table of the latter.

"And I will allow you to think so," answered her companion, "when you can convince me that they go farther than Scripture not merely warrants, but commands: surely, dear Flora, it is impossible to go too far in the right way, when the end of our journey is beyond this world."

"How quietly she enrolls herself in the list of the righteous," observed Flora to a young man who sat beside her, winding a skein of netting silk. A shrug and a wink answered her as she desired.

"In the present case, I may do so without vanity,” said Ellen, mildly, "since by you it

is intended as a term of reproach: you have, however, mistaken my meaning: when I used the word our, I meant to apply it not exclusively to those whom you call the righteous, but to mankind in general; the broad, as well as the narrow way, leads those who walk in it beyond this world: but" she continued in a more solemn accent," when they shall have each gained the limit of their journey, it will then be seen whether it is the sinner or the righteous man that has gone too far."

"Or, to speak your meaning without innuendo," said Flora, "it will then be seen whether you or I will go to heaven. A rare example of the prime Christian virtues, charity and humility!"

"O Flora, it is not by comparison with frail mortals like ourselves that we are to estimate our fitness for heaven: To the law and to the testimony,'-if our lives speak not according to this rule, there is no light in

us."

"To the law and to the testimony, if you will," replied Flora; "I can quote