cheerful countenance, all that they are desired,→→→→ esteeming it a pleasure, and not a toil, to render the little services they require. Children should never be sullen when commanded, nor reluctant to obey. A disobedient child, or youth, may make a very wicked man, and, eventually, break the heart which he ought to soothe. Disobedience to parents may be regarded as the opening germe of a character that will trample upon all laws, human and divine. Obedience to parents is one of the first virtues that a child is capable of acting; and it is strongly enforced by the Apostle Paul,-Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right."

Children may honour their parents, by attention to their advice, by seeking their counsel in all things, and by diligently observing the rules given to direct them in their learning, and to regulate them in their amusements. Let them carefully avoid all hypocrisy: it is hateful for a child, when not under the eye of his parents, to practise those things which he knows would grieve and distress them. The advice of parents

7 Eph. vi. 1.

should have the same influence when they are absent as when they are present.

Several things concur to form a dutiful and teachable child; to produce at all times a conscientious regard to the will of a Parent. Let children remember that God Almighty sees all that we do, and hears all that we say; and although friends may be deceived, He cannot, In their prayers, let them daily thank God for the continuance of their parents, and entreat that they may be long spared to enjoy every mercy, and to guide their youthful steps. Let them cherish in their hearts the warmest affection for their parents, by reflecting on their kindness, their anxiety, and their disinterested love. Let them encourage the greatest confidence in their judgment, as those who by age, experience, and reflection, are capable of advising and directing them, and therefore claim reverence and submission.

If to these things be added the fear of the Lord; if piety possess the heart of a child; if he love the Lord Jesus Christ supremely, and closely imitate his example in all things, the

parent is blessed indeed, for the greatest pleasure a parent can have is to look upon a godly child. Some have honoured their parents by their learning, by their science, by their valour, but the glory of every achievement is eclipsed by that which stamps the truest dignity upon our nature, the image of God.

Children, whose youthful hearts are devoted to God, if removed in early life, by disease or accident, are prepared for heaven, and the grief of their parents is assuaged by the consoling thought, that their souls are happy before the throne of God; and, if spared to survive their parents, it will render their dying pillow easy, to know that they leave behind them children who, by perpetuating their virtues, will honour their memory. But wicked children, while they disgrace and ruin themselves, render their parents wretched through life, and, at last, bring their grey hairs with sorrow to the grave. May every child read with diligence, delight, and prayer, those scriptures which are able to make wise unto salvation !8

82 Tim. iii. 15.

MR. THOMAS GILBERT, the sixth child of Thomas and Elizabeth Gilbert, of Chatham, Ként, was born on the thirteenth of September, 1795; and, at a proper age, was placed for instruction under the care of Mr. Baines, of Canterbury, at which place he conducted himself with so much propriety as to gain the great esteem and affection of his master.

On his return from school, about the age of fifteen years and a half, he was articled for five years to Messrs. Beeching and Edmett, linen and woollen drapers, in Maidstone, Kent; where, by his diligence and integrity in business, he gave satisfaction to his employers; and, so far as attention could promote prosperity, he warranted the expectations which his friends had formed of his proving a good and successful tradesman..

Nothing remarkable or unusual occurred in the life of Mr. Gilbert. It is his melancholy death alone which gives to strangers any particular interest in his character, which may be expressed in few words, in addition to what is stated above.

Towards his parents, he was very dutiful and affectionate, and scarcely ever known to disobey, except in the instance which proved so fatal; when, on the day that he came of age, influenced by a strong desire to visit Halling, his mother's native village, he refused to yield to that request, which would have detained him the whole day at Chatham. His general morals were excellent, and his attendance on divine worship regular and

constant.

For two or three months before his death, he had been inquiring for some situation in which his knowledge of business might be improved, or for some established trade, in which he might embark his property, and settle for life,—but God had appointed it otherwise.

On the very day of his death, the writer of this memoir received a letter from his brotherin-law, requesting him to make inquiries concerning a linen and woollen drapery business, at Romsey, Hants, which, at that time, was offered by advertisement, and which Mr. Gilbert was willing to accept, if the prospect of success should appear favourable. The inquiries sug

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