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is an individual living who approves of drunkenness; this is now out of fashion, and moderation stands in its place. But instead of railing against the effect, (drunkenness), I would point out the cause, (intoxicating liquors) and the amount of evil produced by this ever-acting cause is at once fearful and extensive. It produces four fifths of all crime, two thirds of all poverty, one half of all suicides, two thirds of all madness, and a great proportion of all shipwrecks. The Parliamentary committee on shipwrecks have stated nine tenths. Of how much idleness, sabbath breaking, lying, swearing, disease, uncleanness, and accidents by fire and water, flood and field, it is the direct or indirect cause, I leave it to every observer of passing events to say. The evil is by no means confined to any one class or condition of men, it extends from the highest to the lowest, and very many who were never observed to have passed the line of strict moderation, have by a continuous use of the article, brought themselves to poverty, and shame, and premature death. But to produce the evidence of fact, Judge Hale has remarked, that "if all crime were divided into five parts, four of them would be found to be caused by intemperance." Mr. R. G. White, who was High Sheriff of Dublin in 1818, states, that in the month of October in that year, twenty two persons were condemned to suffer death, of whom one was a female; and that every one who was executed declared that drunkenness had been among the chief causes of their ruin.

The Recorder of Dublin has declared that "out of fifty cases of crime that came before him weekly, forty he believed were tracible to intemperance."

But to come nearer home, very lately I heard the Chaplain of the City Gaol say, that her Majesty's Inspector of Prisons who had been visiting our city, declared it to be the result of his observation throughout the kingdom, that nine tenths of all the prisoners confined in England are brought into prison for crimes committed under the effects of intoxication. Where does the dishonest poacher meet to plan his schemes of robbery, but where intoxicating drinks may be procured to drive his clagging courage, and stimulate his fainting heart. What nerves the assassin's arin to take a brother's life but this fiendish Alcohol, which mixed with water and some pleasant drug for flavour is nevertheless swallowed by the gentlest and the greatest. O that I could believe it is only the most abandoned that hurt themselves by wine and strong drink. I will only say in the words of the Holy Writ.

"The

priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink, they err in vision, they stumble in judgment."

I have stated above that strong drink is the producing cause of two thirds of all poverty. I think there needs not much evidence upon this part of Mr. Alcohol's trial, for the whole experience of poorhouses goes to prove the fact but it is exactly fulfilling the words of God's blessed Book, that thus it should be; Solomon says, "the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty," and it would be strange indeed if that text were not fulfilled. But drunkenness, says a reader,

was

no one defends, that is the abuse; true, but drinking begets idleness, and the habit becomes so much the nature of the man, that he cannot be industrious when he is sober. I know a case of a young man, who now lives in this city, who was once as industrious and attentive to his business as any man could be, and up to the time of his forming a liking for strong drink was exemplary in his conduct, and happy in his mind: but now he is not only idle when drinking, but he is idle when sober; and his temper which once cheerful and lively, is now morose and churlish. But an authenticated fact or two upon this head may not be out of place. Mr. George Hewish, of St George's, Southwark, says, "I have stationed persons at well known ginshops to observe the number of paupers that came in, and the money they spent; and from all such statements I have drawn the conclusion, that out of every £100 of the money given as out door relief, £30 is spent in the ginshop "" How is it possible to relieve the wants of those who spend one third of their parish relief in the purchase of the very agent of their poverty?

"Who lost to sense of shame, and more than poor,
Drest up in rags besiege the ginshop door;
Who madly rush on ruin, grief, and pain,
And drink to drown their wretchedness in vain."

The Rev. H. S. Joseph, who is Chaplain to the Liverpool poor house, declared in this city, that nine tenths of all the paupers in that house were brought there by drunkenness. It is some consolation to the 50,000 Liverpool Tee-totalers, that, though they now pay at least 17s. 6d. in the pound more than they would if temperance universally prevailed, perhaps their children may reap the benefit of present exertions to rid the country of intemperance, and the few poor who shall never cease out of the land, will only need 2s. 6d. in the pound for their comfortable support.

In the year 1828, Professor Edgar made a calculation that the Irish people alone spent six millions three hundred thousand pounds in whisky, and other strong liquors! When we take into account that it is said two millions three hundred eighty-five thousand of the Irish people are destitute of the means of subsistence during 30 weeks in the year, the above enormous sum spent for at least a useless article, is almost too monstrous to be true! But true it is, and the annual cost at this present time is estimated at eight million pounds.

I am really afraid of tiring your patience, and occupying space better filled by some abler pen, but if you do not consider me tiresome, I may re ume my evidence at some future time, if the Lord will. I remain, Reverend Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,
ONESIMUS.

SOCIALISM.

To the Editor of the Christian Beacon.

REVEREND SIR,-The announcement of your intention to commence a periodical for the Godly purpose of counteracting the daringly impious opinions propagating around you by a sect calling themselves " Socialists," gave me much pleasure, and I doubt not that there are many who enjoy the power of Godliness, in these days

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of "rebuke and blasphemy," that will be encouraged by your timely and important undertaking. The active energies of every man of God are called for at this moment. The foes of his faith are gathering thickly, determined upon nothing short of the utter annihilation of that which is alone the origin and the barrier of those principles which have for so long a period been the distinguished honour and happiness of our nation. I beg leave to place before your readers the following short but important narrative :

Rather more than twelve months have elapsed since I visited Manchester, which is my native place, for the first time since my departure from it. A circumstance was then related to me which I think affords so clear a testimony to the practical working of the "Social System," that the relation of it may be useful. A Teacher of the Sunday School, with which I had been associated up to the time of my leaving Manchester, had died, and the circumstances prior to, and at his death, are as follow :He quitted the school through some trifling cause, and soon afterwards joined himself with the Socialists. God, however, did not permit him to remain long in their society. He was seized with a serious sickness, which terminated in his death. Finding all hopes of recovery unavailing, the Clergyman, whose faithful ministry he had forsaken, was sent for, who endeavoured in vain to administer the consolation of that blessed Book which he had contemptuously rejected. The interview was one doubtless deeply affecting to his pastor, of whose faithfulness as a "Watchman in Israel," I most gladly at this distance desire to bear a grateful testimony. To behold one of his "pastoral care" in so fearful a state, that his soul seemed closed to all consolatory impressions, must have been to him a source of the deepest concernment. wickedness of the "Social System" had been faithfully exhibited to all his flock, leaving none of them unwarned of the dangerous character and tendency of its principles, opposed as they are in every part to that Holy Word of God, of which the individual in question had been for some time a Teacher. May the sequel enter into the ears and heart of every votary to this accomplished deceit of Satan. Nothing bearing the least feature of hope, could be gathered from his look or expressions. A strong delirium had overwhelmed his immortal soul, and his last exclamations, uttered in the deepest anguish of spirit, were, O the Social System! O the Social System!

The

Such were the last moments of my once fellow-labourer in the Sunday School. How momentously instructive to professing christians! How fraught with warning to the unstable! Ah! little did he think, in the evil moment of his withdrawal from the school and his class, that he was placing his soul in such jeopardy. Little did he consider that the enemy of his soul was so effectually throwing out his bait for his ruin, in the shape of pleasure. The allurement was too successful, the "unstable soul" was beguiled. Could he have seen, at this moment, with the vision of Elisha's servant (2 Kings 6. 17.) the terribleness of the foe that was against him, how would he have shrunk with horror at the sight! and fled for refuge to Him whose service he had so treacherously forsaken. But there needed not such a vision or revelation. not the counsel sufficient ? Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist stead

Was

fast in the faith. (1 Peter v. 8, 9.) Doubtless it was; but the same word declares with equal clearness, "The time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shall turn away from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." (2 Tim. iv. 3, 4.) The character of the people of these "last days," is strikingly described in one of the foregoing chapters, as "Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof," from "such" we are warned to "turn away;" but how little is the gracious counsel regarded.

What multitudes do we find ready in these " perilous times" to be "carried about with every wind of doctrine." (Eph. iv. 14.) Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." (2 Tim. iii. 7.)

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In all my experience in Sunday Schools, I never found a negligent Teacher a prosperous one in the things of God; but ever the contrary; and I am sure that the more devoutly and self-denyingly any one pursues this Godly vocation in love to Jesus, and in love to souls, accompanied with a devout and diligent study of the Word of God, as the foundation and source of all his teaching, he will have more exalted views of it, and great will be his joy and happiness therein. Of him whose melancholy end I have just described, I would just further observe, that for some time I entertained a favourable opinion of him, which arose principally from his serious deportment; but his attendance began to be irregular, which finally issued in his withdrawal, as before mentioned.

And

May it please Him, with whom is the preparation of the heart, to dispose the reader to ponder well upon these remarks, that he may draw his inferences, not according to man's vision, which is foolishness with God, but according to that which is from above, that the heart may be savingly affected with their momentous truth. may the great Head of His church draw together His own people into one holy and united band, so that there may be no schism, which may leave an inlet for the admission of the combined and mighty force which is now brought against it. Every day brings with it fresh warning and counsel to us to be at our posts, watching every movement of the enemy. The time is one for decision, and well will it be if we are not found among the "outer court worshippers."

In the next number I may, probably, give some further illustration of the practical working of the "Social System." I am, Rev. Sir, Most respectfully yours,

A FRIENDLY CAUTION.

B. T. S.

Rev. Sir,-If it is time to fire at the approach of an enemy, it must be high time when he has forced his way into our City under the name of Socialism, which is in fact Atheism; to attack this God denying, and soul destroying system, I must leave to the leaders of the army of the living God, the Ministers of the Lord Jesus Christ, but though I leave the work of attacking in the hands of those who are better qualified, yet I may, under the divine blessing, be of some service, if I can place before your readers, any thing which may deter individuals from inclining towards a system, so calculated to produce misery here, and ruin--irretrievable ruin--hereafter. I beg to hand you the following extract from an old author, as being well adapted for the present time.

THE INCLINING ATHEIST.

“FIRST, he quarrels at the diversities of religions in the world. Complaining how great Clerks dissent in their judgments, which makes him sceptical in all opinions. Whereas such differences should not make men careless to have any, but careful to have the best religion.

"He loves to maintain Paradoxes, and to shut his eyes against the beams of a known truth; not only for discourse, which might be permitted: for as no cloth can be woven except the woof and the warp be cast cross one to another, so discourse will not be maintained without some opposition for the time. But our inclining Atheist goes further, engaging his affections in disputes, even in such matters where the supposing them wounds piety, but the positive maintaining them stabs it to the heart.

"He scoffs and makes sport at sacred things. This by degrees abates the reverence of religion, and ulcers men's hearts with profaneness. The Popish Proverb well understood has a truth in it. Never dog barked against the crucifix but he ran mad.

"Hence he proceeds to take exception at God's Word. He keeps a register of many difficult places of Scripture, not that he desires satisfaction therein, but delights to puzzle Divines therewith; and counts it a great conquest when he has opposed them. Unnecessary questions out of the Bible are his most necessary study, and he is more curious to know where Lazarus' soul was the four days he lay in the grave, than careful to provide for his own soul when he shall be dead. Thus it is just in God that they who will not feed on the plain meat of his Word, should be choked with the bones thereof. But his principal delight is to sound the alarm, and to set several places of Scripture to fight one against another, betwixt which there is a seeming, and he would make a real contradiction.

"Afterwards, he grows so impudent as to deny the Scripture itself. As Sampson being fastened by a web to a pin, carried away both web and pin; so if any one urge our Atheist with arguments from Scripture, and tie him to the Authority of God's Word, he denies both reason and God's Word, to which the reason is fastened.

"Hence, he procee Is to deny God himself. First, in his Administration, then in his Essence. What else could be expected, but that he should bite at last, who had snarled so long. First, he denies God's ordering of sublunary matters. Tush! doth the Lord see, or is there knowledge in the most High? making him a maimed Deity, without an eye of Providence, or an arm of Power, and at most restraining him to matters above the clouds. But he that dares to confine the King of heaven, will soon after endeavour to depose him, and fall at last flatly to deny him."

How descriptive this is of the downward march of those, who, unhappily, embrace the baneful, unsocial, unscriptural system of the Owenites; let all beware of the first step, and watch and pray against the temptation, and if tempted, for power to resist it. Imploring the blessing of God upon the work of your hands,

I remain, Rev. Sir,

Yours, very respectfully,

"A VOICE FROM THE WEST."

The Faith of a Socinian or Anti-Trinitarian.

To the Editor of the Christian Beacon.

REVEREND SIR,-While hearing from the pulpit proofs of the Divinity of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, I have often wondered, by what means they who have so unjustly appropriated to themselves the name of Unitarians, could satisfy themselves in believing the palpable contradiction, That the Bible is true, and that Jesus Christ is not God. My course of study has, however, of late, led me to an examination of their reasons for so contradictory a course; and I should be very glad if you would give the

following short extract a place in the next number of the BEACON and allow me to assure your readers, that it is only a fair specimen of their general way of dealing with those texts of the Bible which so unanswerably assert the " Unity in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity," of the Eternal Godhead. Praying that your publica. tion may indeed be made a Witness for the Most High, and a safeguard from the quicksands of infidelity, and all the channels which lead to them. I am, Rev. Sir, most respectfully yours, ORTHODOXUS.

--:

HE retire with unshaken fortitude within the citadel of his philosophic conviction, and under its impenetrable cover bids defiance to the utmost force of his adversary's argument. Of this let Dr. Priestley furnish an instance in his own words. Endeavouring to prove, in opposition to Dr. Price, that the expressions in John vi. 62. What and if ye shall see the Son of Man ascend up where he was before? supply no argument in favour of Christ's preexistence, he uses the following remarkable language:"though not satisfied with any interpretation of this extraordinary passage, yet rather than believe our Saviour to have existed in any other state before the creation of the world,or to have left some state of great dignity and happiness when he came hither, he would have recourse to the old and exploded Socinian idea of Christ's actual ascent into heaven, or of his imagining that he had been carried up thither in a vision; which, like that of St. Paul, he had not been able to distinguish from a reality: nay, he would not build an article of faith of such magnitude, on the correctness of John's recollection and representation of our Lord's language: and so strange and incredible does the hypothesis of a pre-existent state appear, that sooner than admit it, he would suppose the whole verse to be an interpolation, or that THE OLD APOSTLE DICTATED ONE THING, AND HIS AMANUENSIS WROTE ANOTHER." (Letters to Dr. Price, pp. 57, 58, &c.) Thus is completed the triumph of Unitarian philosophy over revelation: aud thus is the charge of incredulity against the pretended philosopher of the present day refuted! For what is there too monstrous for his belief, if you except only the truths of the Gospel? Magee on the Atonement, 5th edition, Vol. I. pp. 86, 87.

"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever."-Isa. xl. 8.

Hast thou deem'd sweet beauty's brow
Fairer than its wreathing roses ?
Pass a few short years-and now

What a change that brow discloses:
Form so bright can care invade ?
Yes-the sweetest flower must fade.
Hast thou marked the warrior's eye
Brighter than his glancing crest?
Look again-the last faint sigh

Issues from his dying breast!
Can Death steal the hero's crown?
Yes the grass is soon cut down.
Hast thou thought the Christian's heart
Weaker than the cross ordain'd him;
See-he falters 'neath the dart ?

No-an Arm Divine sustains him:
Fresh grass wither, fade sweet flower,
But the Word of God hath power.
Since then youth and strength must wither,
May our hearts above them rise;
Earth in vain would chain them hither;
Let us follow to the skies:

Death from flower and grass must sever,
But God's Word shall stand for ever.

Y.

Temperance in the United States of America.

BY JOHN C. WARREN, ESQ M.D. Professor of Anatomy in Boston.

IN 1813 a society was formed in Boston, called the Massachusetts Society for the suppression of Intemperance. The individuals who combined for this object were distinguished statesmen, clergymen, and physicians. The means employed were the annual distribution of discourses showing the great evils produced by the use of alkoholic drinks. The efforts of this society were met with ridicule and abuse for some years; their opinions, however, gradually extended among the people, and in the year 1826 the American Temperance Society was formed in the same city, and immediately began a train of active operations. In the year 1827 the Massachusetts Medical Society passed three important resolutions, almost unanimonsly-1. That the use of ardent spirits was not necessary to health and strength. 2. That the employment of alkohol and alkoholic medicines in fever had been carried to a pernicious extent. 3. That the most salubrious drink was water.

About this period medical men, generally, in the northern states, united in opposition to the use of alkohol. The clergy attacked it from the pulpit; the judges and a number of lawyers made use of official situations and public occasions to give expression to opinions unfavour- . able to the influence of ardent spirits. The results of all these movements appeared in the year 1835, from the following facts:-About 2,000,000 of persons who had been in the habit of using alkohol, had abandoned it. More than 8000 temperance societies had been formed, embracing 1,500,000 members. Of these societies twentythree were state societies, comprising all the states in the union but one. Four thousand distilleries had been stopped. More than 1,200 vessels sailed without ardent spirits, and the price of insurance lessened on these vessels. About 12,000 drunkards had been reclaimed, and more than 200,000 persons had abandoned the use of all intoxicating drinks. Since the year 1835, the numbers above stated have been increasing, and other important results have shewn themselves. The bills of mortality exhibit a decrease of deaths in the places where reform has been extensive. The inmates of poor-houses, compared with the increase of population, are diminishing; the amount of crimes is decidedly less, and it is a frequent occurrence to notice in the news-papers, that a county jail is without a single tenant. Alienations of property from families, whose heads had become drunkards, have lessened in a very remarkable manner in almost every town; the use of wine is diminished among the rich, and instead of the strong Spanish wines, the light wines of France and Germany are getting into general use. In consequence of this the chronic affection of the stomach, commonly called dyspepsia, which was very prevalent, has almost disappeared, and gout is scarcely heard of.

The disuse of ardent spirits in the northern states is believed to have increased the physical power of this section at least one-sixth, so that if we allow for its population about 5,000,000, the force of a million of persons will have been added, while the expense of supporting the 5,000,000, instead of being increased, has diminished by the appropriation of that grain for nutrition which was employed for distillation.

The public sentiment is so strongly in favour of prosecuting the temperance reform, that it called on the legis lature of Massachusetts to prohibit the sale of ardent spirits on Sundays, about a year since; and this law has operated so satisfactorily, that in the present year (1838,) a law has passed prohibiting the sale of ardent spirits in less quantities than fifteen gallons, thus annihilating all

the grog-shops in that state at a single blow. A similar measure has been adopted by the state of Tennessee, in the west, at a distance of 1000 miles from Massachusetts, which is in the east, and other states will probably follow their example.

The Servants' Home and Registry.

"Whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free."-Eph. vi. 8.

I WOULD advise you, said a lady, addressing two young women to whom she had just paid some wages, and who stood ready equipped to say farewell to a very kind mistress, I would advise you, immediately upon your arrival at Chester, to repair to the Servants' Home; you may there enter your name in the Register Book without payment, be lodged and boarded at a very moderate rate, until you succeed in finding situations; and what is of still greater importance, you will be free from those snares and temptations to which, in large towns, young women from the country are generally exposed. I do trust that you will both avail yourselves of the friendly shelter held out for your acceptance by this excellent society.

Thank you, ma'am, said the elder of the young women, in a confident tone; a tone which had in it nothing of that lowliness and diffidence which is at least as lovely and becoming in a Christian servant, as it is in a Christian master or mistress. Thank you, ma'am, but I do not like a home of other people's choosing. I dare say I shall be able to find a home for myself during the short time I shall be out of place, and as for snares and temptations, she added, looking offended and angry, what do you know of me, ma'am, to make you think that I cannot take care of myself?

Margaret, said the lady, and she spoke seriously, and even solemnly, I know that you have a "heart" like my own, "deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked." Nay, do not be angry, she continued, observing the young woman about to reply in no very gentle strain, you must not dare to gainsay these words; they are not mine, they are the words of Him "unto whom all hearts are open, and from whom no secrets are hid." I know, for God Himself has told me in His holy word, that you have not only a deceitful, but also a wicked heart. I know, likewise, that you, in common with every human being, are a weak and helpless creature. I know that of yourself you cannot even think a good thought, much less can you stand firm to your duty throughout all the temptations that may assail you. Hitherto you have not been tempted to that love of dress beyond your station-that inclination for rambling-that desire to frequent play-houses, and races, and wakes, and many other practices which are beyond all doubt contrary to the will of God, but which at present so unhappily prevail in our towns and villages. You do not know what it is to be surrounded by giddy and thoughtless and wicked companions persuading you that there is no harm in strolling about the street and walks of the city on the Sabbath Day, violating its sacred rest, taking your own pleasure on that day which belongs to the Lord, and madly breaking the plain command of our God, "Remember that thou keep holy the Sabbath Day." My poor Margaret, you will doubtless find these temptations too strong for any self-grounded resolutions to withstand. As a friend who would wish you well, I entreat you to put yourself out of the way of them by joining the society of those better conducted young women who pledge themselves to abstain from these open sins. Remember that holy prayer with which we daily conclude our family devotions. Remember the petition, "Lead us not into temptation;" it has proceeded out of your lips every day since you have been under this roof. Take care that you do not now lead yourself into temptation. "Be not

deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." I warn you that it is written, "Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil. A companion of fools shall be destroyed;" you will find the words in the twenty-third chapter of the book of Exodus, the second verse, and in the thirteenth chapter of the book of Proverbs, the twentieth verse.

Will you be so good, ma'am, as to tell me where the Servants' Home may be found? said the young woman who had not yet spoken, but who had been listening very attentively to the preceding conversation.

I will give you the necessary information with much pleasure, returned the lady, you will find the house No. 10, Egerton Street; but I should tell you that, as this society is intended exclusively for well-conducted young women, your character will have to undergo some scrutiny before you will be allowed to enrol your name as a member. I have the pleasure of numbering among my friends one or two of the ladies under whose superintendence this establishment is conducted; I will write to them, and I make no doubt but that the character which your orderly conduct and respectful behaviour since you have been in my service empower me to give you, will be sufficient to admit you as a member of the Chester Female Servants' Society. I am sorry, continued the lady, that I cannot say thus much of you, Margaret, I can say every thing with respect to your honesty, and your orderly conduct, but I cannot say that your manner has been altogether, and at all times, such as is becoming in a Christian servant. I am sorry that my letter, if you wish me to write one, must speak with some degree of hesitation on this point. The ladies of this committee act upon Bible principles, and with that text of scripture before their eyes, "Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things, not answering again," Tit. ii. 9. They would not dare to do otherwise than most decidedly to discountenance every species of impertinence. I will not give your want of humility and submission, she added, so harsh a name as impertinence, but I will counsel you not to forget how mild, "and gentle and easy to be entreated" ought the followers of Jesus Christ to be. Nothing in the conduct of a master or mistress can ever excuse a tone of disrespect and impatience on the part of those who are commanded to "count their own masters worthy of all honour." The true Christian servant who is seeking to know and to perform the duties of the station in which God has seen fit to place her, will surely never cease to remember that she is commanded to be subject not only "to the good and gentle" master or mistress, "but also to the froward." For this is thankworthy, says the Apostle Peter, in his first epistle, second chapter, nineteenth and twentieth verses, this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffetted for your faults, ye shall take patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. I speak to you in the spirit of love, continued the lady, remembering that I myself have a Master in heaven to serve, and earnestly desiring both of you to join in the blessed service. Remember that poor as you are in this world's goods, the true and lasting riches may be obtained by the poor, as well as by the rich; by the servant, as well as by his lord. How humble soever may be the station in which an infinitely wise God has seen fit to place you, never forget that it cannot be so humble nor so obscure, but that you may let your light shine before men in a holy life, and so"glorify your Father which is in Heaven." The young women arrived in Chester. Harris did not obtain a situation quite so soon as she had expected. She remained some time at a small lodging house, for several ladies to whom she had been directed

Margaret

to apply declared they intended to have the vacant situations in their households filled by members of the Female Servants' Society. Magaret tossed her head, and once her pert and haughty spirit discovered itself so far as to cause her to quit the room almost before the lady, who was addressing her, had done speaking. What business is it of any Society, thought she, how I dress, or where I live. If Mary Dalton is so foolish as to mind them, choose to have my own way. Alas! she lived to know that her own way was not a right way.

You

At last Margaret obtained a reference to a Mrs. Moreton, and she was engaged as housemaid. She did not, however, remain long in this place. Her consequential airs were extremely displeasing to her mistress. You must provide yourself with another situation, said Mrs. Moreton to her about six months after her entrance into this family. You cannot bear to be spoken to. have always some pert answer to make when I explain to you the manner in which I desire any thing to be done. I will not allow so self-conceited a young person to remain in my service; and remember, added Mrs. Moreton, that when I am called upon to give you a character, I am bound to give you a just one. 1 dare not tell an untruth. Owing to this conscientious determination Margaret lost a very excellent place, as under-housemaid in the family of a gentleman who resided in the neighbourhood. On this situation Margaret had set her heart. She went to the Hall an hour or two after the housekeeper had waited upon Mrs. Moreton for her character, not doubting but that she should be hired. The reply which she received was, however, fatal to her expectations.

I have not received a satisfactory answer to the first and only enquiry which I have made concerning yon, said the respectable old housekeeper. I have lived at Greenbridge Hall more than forty years, she continued, and during the last twenty years it has been my invariable custom, when I have waited upon a mistress for the character of a servant, to commence my enquiries with requesting to know the reason of the young woman's leaving her place. When the cause appears to be a just one I proceed with my enquiries, when, as in your case, it is unsatisfactory, I never give the lady any further trouble. I should be sorry to disturb the tranquillity of my master's household by admitting into it those who give way to bad tempers, and who think themselves too wise to be taught. Margaret began to make many excuses and many promises, but the housekeeper interrupted her. You would not suit me, she said, if I were to accept you; I should conceive that it would be my duty to command, and yours to obey ; therefore, I should expect things to be done according to my orders, even if you were to think your own ways the best. These orders might not always suit your fancies, and I assure you it would not suit my fancy to have pert answers and sullen looks. On the contrary, a willing and cheerful service is very pleasing to me, and I shall seek for a civil, obliging, and teachable young woman to fill our vacant place. I have no hope of conceited persons, she added, as the disappointed applicant was preparing to withdraw. I read my Bible, and I find written in the twenty-sixth chapter of Proverbs, the twelfth verse, "Seest thou a man wise in his own couceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him."

Margaret was again some weeks out of place. Towards the end of November, she was hired by a widow lady who was an excellent and a kind mistress, but whose service she quitted in less than one month. It was a

rule of this house to have the back door locked at the hour of four during the winter months. Margaret had promised obedience, but she found that it was more troublesome to answer the front door than the back, and she had besides other reasons for wishing the back door to remain unlocked, so she determined on leaving it open

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