the whole aspect of the old lady, their sole auditor; until, arriving at the crisis of their dispute, one of them positively asserted that her plan would be the most equitable. The old woman then rose from her chair, and, fixing a keen look upon the other, laid her withered hand upon her arm, and exclaimed, "And can you hesitate ?" An electric shock would scarcely have occasioned greater convulsions in the form of the fair disputant. riness or pain. I had friends-I had fortune I had all that renders life desirable, and have been assailed by few of its most trying calamities; yet has disappointment been my daily portion, and sorrow the companion of my path. Tears more than time have worn these furrows on my cheek-I am not so old as I am wretched!" A long pause ensued, during which the sufferer appeared to be struggling with some mental agony. Restless, but silent, she sat with both her hands pressed violently upon her forehead, and her head bent forward as if beneath the weight of severe affliction. It seemed as though the floodgates of memory were thrown open, and the deluge that poured in brought nothing along with it but "Wrecks, and the salt surf weeds of bitterness." It was strange to behold one who had so nearly finished her course-one who had approached the confines of eternity—thus agitated by the recollection of former years. It was not, however, with fruitless effort that she endeavoured to regain her former composure. She cleared her voice, and smoothed her forehead, and, rising from the posture of resumed the thread of her discourse. "Listen to me!" continued the ancient dame, drawing her youthful companion to the window. "Behold yon sun, the great source of light and life! Were he to consult the inclinations of man, where, think you, would he shine? When the city dame walked forth, she would beg that the splendour of his beams might be turned away, in mercy to her lily skin; while, at the same time, the husbandman would implore the blessing of his rays, to ripen the harvest of his hope; and the sportsman would curse his mid-day heat; while the prayer of the aged and infirm would arise from the abodes of. wretchedness, that some portion of his warmth and brightness might illuminate their humble dwellings: but yon glorious lumi-humiliation, in a calm and collected manner nary, drawn by the hand of mercy, and directed by the councils of wisdom, goes on "I said that I had spent a long life in the his heavenly way undeviating, giving beauty service of my fellow-creatures. Well might and gladness to the earth-to the industri- I quote the memorable words of the dying ous labourer, the morning light-to the Cardinal, and say, 'That had I served my flowers and fruits, the mid-day heat-to the God half as sincerely as I have served my worn and the weary, the calm of evening friends, He would not have left me thus.' and to the wide realm of nature the repose I said that I had served my fellow-creatures; of night! but what was my motive? If kind offices, "You wonder at my earnestness and and willing gifts, and charity, and good will warmth. Look upon me; and if your youth--if patient suffering, and unmurmuring subful eyes shrink not from a sight so abject, contemplate the being before you. I have spent a long life in the service of my fellowcreatures, adapting myself to their various moods and temperaments, labouring to make myself beloved-and my reward has been a lonely and desolate old age. Not one of all those to whose happiness or amusement I have contributed would now seek me in this lowly habitation, to soothe my hours of wea mission, may entitle me to the name of Christian, I, indeed, have been a follower of Christ. But, let me ask again, what was my motive? With kind services I sought to purchase friends, amongst whom I might live, the centre of a charmed circle-friends, whose partial love might screen my faults and foibles, even from my own observation; with gifts I conciliated those whom my humour sometimes offended; with charity I bought the poor, that my step might be welcome in the cottage of the needy, and my countenance hailed as the harbinger of joy. To every creature in the universe my heart naturally overflowed with benevolence. I was patient, too, by nature, and never hesitated to suffer in the cause of another, when certain that suffering would be known and appreciated. To submit, without resistance, was a part of my creed-and verily, I had my reward; for all that I did and endured (and truly there was enough of both) was without any reference to a higher object than that of making myself beloved: and I am the more willing to lay my own errors before the world, because the character at which I aimed is one that too frequently passes under the designation of amiable, and, as such, is held up to admiration, while concealing, beneath a cloak of loveliness, a selfish and ignoble mind. applause of fickle friends, have passed away from my remembrance with the worthless stimulus by which they were excited. "Alas! my young friends, it is only that heaven-born benevolence, which regards all human creatures as the children of one Universal Father, that can prompt us to true Christian charity and love. It is only by first desiring to serve God, that we can ever effectually serve mankind. "But I detain you, and the hour is late. Come to me to-morrow evening, if you are at leisure, and have no more agreeable employment, and you shall listen to the story of an old woman." CHAPTER II. "Should either of my fair friends be running heedlessly upon the shoals where I have suffered shipwreck, it may be worth her while to listen for a few hours to the detail of circumstances tending to the develope-out farther introduction. ment of those feelings which have made me what I am feelings, which have been a constant source of disappointment and humiliation for threescore years-feelings, which still pursue me to the brink of the grave, and occupy that place in my heart where higher thoughts should reign supreme. FAITHFUL. to the appointed hour, on the following day the two young ladies seated themselves at the fireside of their venerable friend, who commenced her simple narrative with "Raise not your expectations to the heights of romantic interest: mine has been the common lot of mortals-my character unmarked by any extraordinary traits. The narrative to which I call your attention is that of a mis-spent, but, in great measure, an inoffensive life, displaying none of the extremes of vice or virtue, good fortune or calamity. Perhaps, were I inclined to look with partial eye upon the past, I might be able to recount no trifling number of actions commendable in themselves, and which, had they originated in a love of God, and devotedness to his service, might have been held as memorials in my favour; but which, having nothing for their object, save the transient I was born to that station in life which entitled me to all the indulgences and advantages that a reasonable mind could desire. My mother died early, and my father, being fully engaged with the business of a bank, in which he was an active partner, an older sister and myself were sent, during the usual term of education, to a fashionable boarding-school, and afterwards left to the uncontrouled formation of our own tastes, and the regulation of our own conduct. For my sister this was all sufficient, as her regular, methodical, and even temperament secured her against any temptation to deviate from the customs most approved in society. At first, I thought that her immoveable stability of character arose solely from apathy of feeling; but I learned in time, to respect the substantial reasons she was able to give for everything she did; and after experience taught me that she had all along been acting upon principle. She had my faculties being always awake and watchful, it was surprising how soon I was able to throw in my well-timed observations upon the common topics of conversation. This, however, was not so much my field of triumph as the cultivation of private intimacies; for, I may say for myself, that I had natural not, it is true, the most conciliating manners to those around her; and often, when I would gladly have made her my guide and support, I fancied myself driven away from her confidence and affection. Still she was so exemplary in her daily walk and conversation, that she was exactly fitted to be held up as an example to others, and, in this way, wasly a kind and affectionate heart, and that the often forced upon my notice in the most injudicious manner, along with reproaches liberally bestowed upon myself. sympathy and interest which I so fluently expressed, was real. Nor was it less sincere than unbounded, for in my varied experience, Thus is the baneful poison of envy not un- I imbibed no prejudice, but could feel for all frequently administered to the infant mind--the high and the low, the wise and the fatal to happiness, and destructive to every weak, the good and the evil. kindly feeling. Thus I inwardly resolved, that if I could not be so much respected as my sister, I would be more beloved: nor was I long in accomplishing my purpose, for alas! it is not merit alone that ensures the attachment of our fellow-creatures. Naturally quick sighted and versatile, I first made observations upon the tastes and prejudices of those around me, and then, as I felt my way, fell in with their peculiar sentiments, until I often found that I had really adopted what I had intended only tacitly to assume. I was not, certainly, daring enough openly to assert my acquiescence in that which I did not believe; but, there are many ways of appearing to agree with those who converse with us, without directly telling a falsehood. No sooner were my sister and myself of age to be introduced, than having the reputation of fortune and some beauty, our house was thronged with visitors. For our countenance and protection under these novel circumstances my father had arranged with a widowed sister, Mrs. Morris, who had long been struggling to maintain her daughter and herself upon the scanty remnant of a clergyman's stipend, and they came accordingly to live near us, not a little gratified by the opportunity of partaking in the amusement of our parties. At first, I advanced warily upon the slippery and adventurous path I had chosen, for I had much to learn, without which it was impossible to make successful advances; but On first turning my attention to religion, I was much surprised, that the blessed hope held forth to all mankind on equal terms, instead of being a bond of holy fellowship and love, should so often, under false pretences, be made the root of envy, malice, and all uncharitableness! Of this, I had ample oppor tunity of making frequent and mournful observations, for the circle of my acquaintance included sectarians of almost every description, who seriously and earnestly warned me against the danger of each other's society. "There must," thought I, "be something strange in that institution, whose members disagree amongst themselves," and I had one friend, who ventured to insinuate, that the fault was in religion itself, and not in the misconceptions which man had formed of it; the mingling of his own pride, passion, and prejudice, with its holy injunctions, and the resistance of his rebellious heart to the overruling influence of a merciful and gracious Providence. Amongst my intimate and confidential friends, I could claim a methodist, a quaker, a unitarian, and a calvinist; all characters whom I esteemed superior to myself, and well calculated to instruct my mind, and direct my judgment. With each of these, I endeavoured to make my creed agree as nearly as possible. I attended their places of worship, read their books, and listened to their arguments, invariably arriving at the final conviction, that a great deal might be said for all. But, though I was satisfied with this conclusion, my friends were not. With the most sweeping condemnation they attacked all doctrines but their own, and some of the most unsatisfactory moments of my life were spent in listening to the abuses and sarcasms which these professors of Christianity levelled against each other. But more distressing still to me, were the less obtrusive lamentations expressed in a milder spirit with which they would sometimes bemoan the errors of those who looked upon the great truths of religion with views and feelings different from their own. To those who spoke thus mildly, I was disposed to give more heed, and used on such occasions to retire to my own chamber, with a heart tortured by accumulating doubts and apprehen sions. "If," thought I, "it is impossible that any creed but one can save us, it is high time for me to settle my own faith," and in order to do this without partiality or bias, I read the scriptures with my separate friends, listening attentively to their different interpretations of particular passages, until my brain was nearly turned, and my spirits were more oppressed than before. Oh! if I had but simplified my views-if I had but dared to shake off the bondage of the world, and looked for instruction to Him who is able to teach as never man taught,-I might now in my old age have opened the bible as a book of consolation, with feelings undisturbed by the conflicting opinions of man, which still attach to every page upon which I cast my eye, as memory recalls the various translations, constructions, and arguments, that were forced upon my attention along with my first searching of the scriptures of truth. Finding it impossible to reconcile my own ideas of religion to the various and contending opinions of others, I secretly resolved to leave this great and weighty consideration to a later period of my life, when my judgment would be more matured; and while carefully observing the line of right and wrong in my moral conduct, hearing all the arguments of all parties, and keeping my mind unwarped by prejudice, and open to conviction, I could not, I thought, be deviating very far from the right path; and must in time gather wisdom. As if nothing more was required to constitute my claim to eternal happiness. Surely the simple question why Jesus Christ was sent into the world, might have roused me from this dangerous dream of slothful security. But the "aim of my existence" was not here-Christ was not the master whom I had chosen ; the world was the tyrant who ruled my life, and the hardness of his yoke, and the weight of his burden, I had hardly yet begun to feel. Sometimes, it is true, I thought it would be more noble boldly to assert the independence of mind; and I had myself some favourite notions, which I more than once stood forth to defend; but such ebullitions of feeling seemed to make me enemies, and I found it would not do. I recollect one evening in particular, when the conviction of the smallness of the part I was acting forced itself upon me with mortifying truth. At the house of a gentleman, who took an active part in all popular affairs, a large party had been collected, previous to an evening lecture on the subject of slavery. It was my fate to be seated beside a very handsome gentleman, just returned from the West Indies, who was insinuating his plausible arguments, wherever he could find a sufficient want of good sense and good feeling to make room for their admittance. Seeing he was likely to be the star of the evening, I accommodated my lens accordingly, to receive the beams of this western luminary. I was a good listener, than which a greater recommendation cannot well be found to the general suffrage of society; for since by far the greater part of mankind (to say nothing of woman) are better pleased to talk than be silent, one-half, at least, in all companies must remain dumb and disappointed. I had, I believe, an attentive, interested look, that made many an unfortunate proser, who had worn out his audience until one after another had gone off to join the general buzz, turn to me, with his unfinished history of himself or his doings still quivering on his lips: and let none plume themselves upon the quality of patience, unless they can say, like me, that on such occasions they have invariably heard the story out. In the present instance, I had nothing to do but to ask a few grave questions on the subject of slavery, as if I really wanted to be informed by a judicious, impartial, and enlightened observer, before I made up my mighty mind; and a pair of brilliant eyes were beaming upon me, and before the whole assembly I was seen to be engaged in earnest conversation with the gentleman from the West Indies. He spoke so long and loud, and looked so animated and handsome, that other listeners joined our circle of interest, which at last extended itself so as to include all the party except one; and other pretty ladies besides myself peeped from beneath their shining ringlets, and asked if it was really true that the slaves were so well dressed, and did not actually feed on odious beans? "True, beyond all doubt," replied the gentleman, "that they are often dressed in a manner that would excite the envy of many a poor English girl. Could one of your peasants behold the active, healthylooking men and women, whose labour may well be called play, when compared with that of your population of paupers; could he behold them seated through the sultry hours of the day under the shade of magnificent trees, whose Indian foliage spreads a cool shadow on the verdant earth, there enjoying their plentiful repast of wholesome rice, flavoured with delicious vegetables; could he behold them returning to their habitations, where hunger and poverty are never permitted to threaten their security, he would rather petition that he and his family might share the fate of the negro, than that the negro should be exposed to that penury under which he is groaning." "But the cart-whip!" sighed a gentle lady. threat than a real infliction, and, I scruple not to say, has been more heard of in England than in the country where it is said to resound with such frightful severity." "But the separation of near connexions, and the breaking up of families!" said a fair bride. With a smile worthy the demon of Faust, the handsome gentleman replied by ill-timed sarcasms upon the exaggerated happiness of domestic life, questioning whether many a wise man would not rather be well rid of his Zantippe, than doomed to the discord of her temper through life. This remark was ill suited to the taste of English ladies; and I was amongst a very small minority who laughed, and seemed to think the joke a good one. "There is one question," said my sister, with earnest gravity, "which I have always thought sufficient to quiet the idle speculations of those who are not compelled to regard the subject in a political point of view Is slavery compatible with the principles of Christianity?" Here the gentleman forgot himself again, and asked, with a look of derision, whether Christianity was ever intended for a class of beings acknowledged to be but one step above the brutes ?-at which, the minority became smaller, and even I scarcely ventured a look of approbation. The pause which followed allowed my sister time to speak again, which she did with a degree of warmth and indignation startling almost to herself. "For those who have to govern the state," said she, "it may be essential to the present condition of man, that a portion of apparent evil should be mixed with good, in order to force into operation those wholesome regulations which are designed to correct old abuses and long-established errors-in the same way that medicines of poisonous quality are sometimes administered to the sick, before the constitution can be fitted for natural food: but, when those whose sphere of action is within the limits of social and domes "The whip, my dear madam, is more a tic life can listen with pleasure to sarcasms |