mother, and determined now to let her hear me bless her. I went, but she was on her death-bed: she had heard of my disgrace, and the agitation of her mind threw her into a fever, which ended in typhus. She was delirious when I entered her room, and I had the heartrending affliction of hearing her, in all her ravings, reproach me with bitterness, or in affecting words beseeching me not to curse her so. Oh! he groaned, when I think of that last scene of my dying mother, it is more than I can bear. Isn't it marvellous that I live, and that I live in grace, and that my Saviour did not turn from me in everlasting wrath, and say, "Let him die the death!!"

After pausing to recover himself, he proceeded, I remained five years in my place, and it was five years of happiness and peace. And then, having taken a love for the young woman who is now my wife, my master gave us his favour, and put us into this nice cottage, and he and his lady employed us both with constant work for some years, so that we got put into a good way of earning our bread. I ought to tell you, gentlemen, that the ground of my love for my wife, was her meek and patient behaviour to

her old father, who was a terrible blasphemer; but she shewed that Gospel spirit and obedience, "When they curse, bless thou." I have seen her in many a trying moment, but she never varied, but prayed for them that despitefully used her. One who loved God, and obeyed his precepts, you may be sure, gentlemen, makes a good wife, and she's a blessing from the Lord. And now, gentlemen, I've ended a long story of sin, and a story of everlasting grace. Bless the Lord, O my soul !

Our hearts were full, and we took leave. On our way back, Frederick said, Charles, when can I repay you for your love to me? can I hope, as John, to be cured of my sin by Grace?

Charles said, Remember that enquiry in the 119th Psalm, "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way?" The answer is, By TAKING HEED thereto ACCORDING to thy word."

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You will therefore, I trust, my young friend, do as the Psalmist, who said,. "I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments."

And resolve, as he did, "I will never forget thy precepts, for with them thou hast quickened me.'

And change the society you have kept, so that you may be able to add, "I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts.'

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These verses give you a whole course of conduct, in the pursuit of which you will be blessed; and you must look with faith and love to that Saviour, who manifests himself as God of all grace.

We walked together in profitable communion, until we came to the spot where the road parted into two directions, the one leading to our cousin's house, and the other to my friend's.

Here we must separate, I believe, said Charles, as it will be needful for me to be at home this evening.

Frederick held his hand out to us both, and said, As I am now to endeavour to walk by Scripture rules, and to be a companion of them that fear the Lord, and keep his precepts, you will permit me to return your call to-morrow, and perhaps you may introduce me to some more useful scenes and instructions.

The proposal was embraced with readiness, and we parted for the day.

CHAPTER X.

THE next day we made our arrangements 'to enquire again after the waggoner, and waited at home for Frederick's arrival, that we might go together. As he approached, we met him at the gate, and immediately turned our feet into the way leading to the wretched sufferer's.

I ought to apprize you, Frederick, said Charles, that we are going to witness a very different scene from that we enjoyed yesterday, and you must be prepared to see such a one as John Smith was before the grace of God changed him, and I greatly fear now beyond all hope of life here or hereafter.

Can I stand it, do you think? I am a coward in looking on death.

It may be profitable to witness the contrast, and therefore I hope you will endeavour to stand it.

When we reached the house, we met the doctor coming out, and saw by his countenance that all was sad within.

I would advise you not to go in, gen

tlemen, he said, You can do no good, and the scene is too distressing. The unhappy man has not many hours to live. The pain of approaching mortification has been dreadful; but as he is becoming quieter, I believe the fatal sentence is sealed, and that his soul will soon be before its Judge.

Can we say a word which may yet point to Jesus?

Alas! no; he is insensible to every thing that is addressed to him, and I believe him entirely deaf. The sight, I think, would be too much for your young friend, even if you could endure it: I own I have scarcely had power to visit him, but as my professional duty obliged

me.

Does he speak? Has he uttered a single word which could give a hope?

I cannot describe him in clearer language than that of the Psalmist, "His inward part is very wickedness, his throat is an open sepulchre." I beseech you not to take that young man within hearing.

But his wife! can nothing be done for her?

Hopeless case at present. You must try her hereafter, if it may please God