without wiping their shoes, I am afraid that she is destroying in them the sense of moral rectitude. What more could she do, if they had been guilty of theft or falsehood? And though it is very right to inculcate on them lessons of cleanliness and care, it is wrong to confound moral distinctions. Besides, I am afraid lest it should harden their little hearts against her, and that, instead of feeling towards her the affection and gratitude to which, on some accounts, she is so well entitled, they should look upon her with aversion, as a tyrant. It is not unlikely, too, that instead of copying her example in cleanliness and care, they may, by her over-strictness and particularity, be driven to the other extreme, and take no thought or care at all. Then, when her husband comes in tired from work, and wants to take his meal in quietness, it must be very irksome to be snapped at, and thwarted in every little thing; and if he brings in a friend, to be grudged any little hospitality, as if it was robbing her and her children. This is both unkind and injudicious; it is what has driven many a man to the public-house to spend his earnings, and seek his enjoyments, out of hearing of a scolding wife. To be sure, the conduct of the husband in such a case, is as mistaken and wrong as that of the wife; and I am very glad that neighbour Brown does not seem inclined to take to such courses; but the best way to avoid evil is to avoid the occasion of evil. I wish Mrs. Brown would think of this, and endeavour to make home as comfortable, by her good temper, cheerfulness, and forbearance, as she does by her industry and cleanliness.

I must remark, also, that I am sorry to observe Mrs. Brown employing her Sunday mornings at work in her garden: to be sure the garden is a pattern of neatness, and I do not wonder at her feeling a little proud of it; but I am sure it would be for her comfort, as well as it is her duty, to spend that day in a different manner. I do not

say she could always go to church when she has a young child, but, at least, she might take turns with her husband and eldest girl; and if she must be at home, she might improve the time in a manner more suitable to the day. Indeed, if I am not very greatly mistaken, the neglect of religion is at the root of all her other errors and failings. If she were but brought to pay due attention to her Bible, and to seek the instructions of a faithful minister of Christ, she would be taught to discharge her duty, not in one particular only, but in every respect; her good qualities would be improved and regulated, and her bad ones corrected; she would be taught not only to keep her children in subjection to her will, but to "bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; "and that she must not "provoke them to wrath," lest they should be discouraged, Eph. vi. 4. She would learn that cleanliness, though it is said to be next to godliness, is no substitute for it; but that "godliness with contentment is great gain," 1 Tim. vi. 6. While proving that "the hand of the diligent maketh rich," Prov. x. 4, she would not forget that to the blessing of God she is indebted for the success of her own diligence. While suitably concerned to provide for the wants of her family, and to lay up in

provident reserve for a rainy day, she would not forget that " one thing is needful," Luke x. 42, namely, true religion; and she would be chiefly concerned that herself, and those connected with her, should have a treasure laid up in heaven that cannot waste away, Luke xii. 33.

One thing more I must just hint at: Mrs. Brown is not the most agreeable neighbour; she is very easily offended when no offence was thought of. If a neighbour meets her at the pump, she generally contends for filling her pail first: and on a windy day, if any thing blows off a neighbour's line into her garden, she first tramples it under her feet, and then flings it back with a torrent of abuse, for the injury it has done her garden. She teaches the children to stand up for their rights, and this often leads them to quarrel with neighbours' children, and fosters a spirit of ill-will in their bosoms. I must say, that since Mrs. Brown has lived in the row, I question whether any neighbour has received an act of kindness from her for my own part, I have been so fortunate as to avoid any quarrel, but it has been by taking the greatest care that not a child, or an animal, or even a branch of a tree, should intrude one inch on her premises: and even the feelings of good-will which, as a neighbour, I sincerely cherish towards her, I never venture to express, lest I should inadvertently give offence when I meant only kindness. But this unaccommodating disposition, like the other unamiable traits in Mrs. Brown's character, may be traced to the same source, a worldly, selfish spirit; and would be effectually cured by the same remedy, the soften

:

ing influence of the grace of Christ, which would induce neighbours to endeavour, as much as possible, to live peaceably with all men, Rom. xii. 19; to be all of one mind, having compassion one of another, to love as brethren, to be pitiful and courteous: not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing, but contrariwise, blessing; knowing that we are thereunto called, that we should inherit a blessing, 1 Pet. iii. 8, 9.

No. 3, I have already stated, is occupied by myself. I may, therefore, be excused from entering into particulars. As far as I know, I do my best to promote the comfort of those around me, to provide things honest in the sight of all men, and to live in peace and good-will with my neighbours. There is no doubt great room for improvement, and I shall thankfully receive any hints which may conduce thereto.

D

CHAPTER III.

No. 4. MRS. DUNCAN, THE WIDOW LADY.

My next door neighbour, at No. 4, is Mrs. Duncan, a widow lady, who, having experienced many trying vicissitudes of circumstances, lives in a retired way on a very small income; maintaining, however, a respectable and genteel appearance, and exemplifying the superiority which belongs to an enlightened mind, sound religious principles, and conscientious conduct; a superiority which the rudest shock of outward circumstances can never shake. Some people are considered great, only because they are surrounded by external circumstances of grandeur, because they have much riches to spend, much finery to display, many servants to command; but let them be stripped of these external circumstances, which are no part of themselves, and what remains but littleness and insignificance? nothing whatever to command esteem, and but little to excite sympathy. Others are great, independently of circumstances: in affluence, they are great in moderation, condescension, and benevolence; in