ligion, and drew me to the public house, where I passed my evenings, and acquired every bad habit, till at length I had not a penny to help myself, and I was then obliged to take any work I could procure. I tremble even now, when I reflect upon my past life. Blessed be the grace that pitied me, that called me out of that awful state of darkness!""

"How were you brought to see the error of your ways

"I was strolling about one evening, before I was married to Sarah, and happened to pass by a chapel-a voice arrested my attention, and I went in, out of curiosity, to hear what the preacher had to say. He was but a plain man, but he described my character so exactly, that I thought he must surely have known me. He called upon me and others to repent and return to God with all our hearts,' assuringlus that the Lord Jesus Christ would receive us, and forgive all our sins. Well, Sir, I went out, as you may suppose, very thoughtful and much concerned; I read my Bible, and tried to pray for the mercy of God. He heard my prayers I regularly attended divine worship afterwards, left all my former companions,

and....

"But how could you leave them, did you not experience their ridicule?"

"Yes, yes; but what was their ridicule,

compared with the worth of my soul? when the Word of God said, 'Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and I will receive you, The friendship of God is worth more than all the world."

"And have you been happy since ?"

"Happy! Can I be otherwise, when the Lord is my portion! I was never happy till I gave myself up to God. But (looking at the clock) I see my time is gone. Come, wife, bring the Bible."

The good man then read a portion of scripture, and offered up an earnest prayer to God, commending the family and their concerus to him, and beseeching him to bless the young stranger and give him his grace, that he might be preserved and kept from the evils of the world.

Elworthy was so overcome when he rose from his knees, that he could scarcely thank honest John for his prayer for him, except by a cordial shake of the hand. "Farewell, Sir," said John, "I shall be glad to see you again."

Sarah gazed at Elworthy, and said, "Really, Sir, although you are a stranger, yet you are so like my late dear master, that you seem quite natural to me. Dear man! I shall never forget him; no, never, never. Excuse my weeping, Sir, but he was the means of bring

ing me acquainted with the blessedness of religion. I can't tell you any more now; but when you come again we will talk of it.”

"Thank you, Sarah, I shall be glad to hear your account," said Elworthy, and taking his leave, proceeded to visit his mother. He found her in a languid and enfeebled state, but possessed of that joy which arises from a sweet sense of pardoning mercy. The scene was truly affecting. The tide of filial love flowed strongly, and Mrs. Elworthy never felt her son so dear to her as at this period.

He

related all that had occurred since he last saw her, and declared his determination, in the strength of God, to forsake his associates, and to pursue the ways of religion.

"Blessed be thy holy name," said the enraptured mother, with a countenance illuminated with celestial joy. "Blessed be thy holy name, thou God, that hearest and answerest prayer! At length thou hast given me the request of my heart. Now I am ready to depart. Mine eyes have seen thy salvation! O Henry! O my son! Do I see thee again turning towards the Lord?" "Pray for me, dear mother, pray that I may not again turn aside to folly. I now begin to feel my weakness, to see my danger-my heart is deceitful, desparately wicked, I dare not trust it."

"Look to God, my son-He is a presentTM

help-A sure refuge-In all thy ways acknowledge HIM, and HE will direct thy paths." The rest of the time was spent in the most delightful and profitable conversation, and Elworthy took leave of his tender mother, promising to visit her again in a few days.

My reader will readily conclude, that the alteration in Elworthy's conduct did not pass by unnoticed. He said little to any one; but that little was spoken in a manner so totally different from his former manner, that it attracted the attention of the whole family. Ile appeared thoughtful, and as if something oppressed his mind, His evenings were spent

at home, and his books were his constant

resource.

Mr. Le Monde was a man of observation, and instantly recognized the change in Elworthy; but the cause was unknown, and he sometimes feared it arose from a sense of guilt. Yet he would not indulge his suspicions, and, trembled while he suspected. Robert Melville, too, was not without his apprehensions that Elworthy had a weight on his conscience, and although he was civil and courteous to him, yet he did not encourage him to open his mind. Elworthy needed encouragement, but was afraid of himself, least he should again be ensnared. The only one that he

could talk with on religious topics was his friend John, "at the eighth mile stone," and he longed for the time to come, when he should have another interview.

It is to be regretted that many young persons are so tacit in regard to their religious feelings! How backward are they to express what they feel, to disclose the secret workings of their minds-their doubts-their difficulties-their desires-their joys! Some indeed there are who endeavour to conceal their love to Christ, and their attachment to his people. Happy are those who meet some in their progress to Zion, who, like themselves, are on the Lord's side, but secretly. When such are known to each other, they become mutual helps, and prove, that "two are better than one." If such young persons would express their feelings to their minister, how would it gladden his heart-what joy would it produce in the minds of those Christians who have borne "the burden and heat of the day." If such would attach themselves publicly to His people how beneficial would be their example! How cheering, how animating would it be to hear them say, “Come, all ye that fear God, and I will tell you what he hath done for my soul."

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