and prove that evil communications corrupt good manners.'

"That I repent of my past crimes I solemnly declare, but time and conduct alone, can prove my repentance genuine. I throw myself at your feet, intreating your forgiveness, and waiting your further commands. Should you desire any additional explanation, it shall be afforded by, injured sir,

Your most unworthy servant,

ARTHUR FREEMAN."

This letter was forwarded to Mr. Le Monde, with a request to know when Arthur Freeman should wait upon him. A time being fixed on, a long conversation ensued, and it was at length settled that Freeman should leave his native country, and not return to it again without the permission of Mr. Le Monde.

In due time Freeman left his friends, his companions, and his pleasures, a striking instance of the truth of that scripture, which declares that "the way of transgressors is hard." The fate of her son brought upon his mother a dejection of mind, which first produced a total nervous debility, and led to a consumption, which terminated in her death. The elder Freeman, consoled by religion, the blessings of which he sought and found, sustained his

trouble under the hope, that as his son's life was preserved, he might eventually be led to seek the ways of life eternal.

The health of Mrs. Elworthy was so far restored as to enable her to return to her former habitation. Her son had not failed to visit his friend John Holmly, at the eighth mile.. stone, whose conversation he found most profitable and encouraging. John Holmly was a man who enjoyed religion, and who endeavoured to gain some good from every discourse he heard. He accepted the reproofs, as well as the consolations, and not only heard but practised. His temper, which was formerly impetuous and irascible, had become so much improved and ameliorated, that he appeared altogether changed. He took an active part in every project of benevolence, and strove to provoke others to love and good works. By his zeal, he did provoke very many.

Prayer meetings were established by him in many villages around, in which the word of God was afterwards preached by the minister whom he attended. Nor was the power of religion confined to him; his wife and children were excited to do something for the cause of God. Sarah had her Missionary Box for Home and Foreign Missions, and her children became collectors amongst the poor neighbours, who contributed their weekly mite,

and by their united exertions no inconsiderable sum was raised annually.

Elworthy was anxious that his mother should visit John Holmly's cottage, and a day was fixed for the purpose. He accompanied her to the peaceful abode; but how great was the astonishment of Mrs. Elworthy, when she saw in Sarah Holmly a servant that had formerly lived with her. "Astonishing," said she, "Do I see Sarah Johnson? Is this the Sarah Holmly of whom I have heard so much?"

“Indeed it is, Ma'am. I did not say much to the young gentleman about it, nor did I ask him his name; but sure so like my dear mas ter I never saw any one."

"Well, Sarah, I rejoice to hear the good account of your being so devoted to God."

"Ah! Madam, it was by God's blessing on the prayers and sermons of your dear hus band. I appeared very inattentive while under your roof, and would leave you. I have often repented of my foolish conduct since, and frequently thought upon the mercies I enjoyed while I was your servant.'

It is a pity, Sarah, that servants do not more esteem the blessing of living in a pious family, where they are so much protected, and have the opportunity of doing so well for themselves."

"Tis very true, Ma'am. how de

CHAP. XI.

"Think of the power of solid virtue:

Think on that providence that guards the good,”

Johnson.

Difference between the righteous and the wicked Both have influence Happy change in Elworthy An interesting acknowledgment Piety rewarded-Reflections.

4

In the preceding pages the reader has seen the evil of transgression, and the nature of the -reward that sin bestows. There is and there will ever be a "difference between the righteous and the wicked,” and no power, no artifice, can alter the decree of God, that His Blessing shall be on the former, but that the latter shall suffer shame and eternal contempt. The writer of these pages is aware of the sarcasms cast upon THE SAINTS ;"' but the abuse of the irreligious is no reproach. Let those who fear God act upon the principles of the sacred volume; let them be consistent in their conduct, just in their transactions, and true to their engagements; let them shew piety at home as well as abroad; let them respect the character of their neighbours, and connect with all this, a sincere and unaffected piety, and they have nothing to fear from the lips or pens of Infidels, or of pretended Chris

tians, who are properly denominated, 'men of the world, who have their portion in this life.'

The characters of Robert Melville and Arthur Freeman were diametrically opposite, yet they both possessed influence; One sinner destroyeth much good,' and were it not, for the over-ruling providence of the Most High, the mischief effected by dissolute characters would be incalculable. There are however, some in every age, who are valiant for the truth,' and cannot be seduced from their allegiance to God, nor diverted from their purpose of living to His praise. They cannot be seduced, for they are kept by Almighty power, through faith unto salvation. Such a character was Robert Melville, firm, undaunted, yet modest and humble. By the most obliging demeanour, by strict attention to business, by unimpeach able integrity, he gained the confidence of Mr. Le Monde, and by persevering in the same honourable course, he secured it. In the family he was kind to the domestics, and acquired their esteem, and by his courteous manners to Mrs. Le Monde, he became the object of her regards, and was treated by her as a son. In a word, his influence was beneficial in the best sense, for religion in Melville appeared so lovely and desirable, that from admiring its efG