66 a night of moral darkness. The silent tear, the love of retirement, and the frequency of prayer were only looked upon as the harbinger of more visible signs. The time, the place, with all the attending circumstances of conversion, were held forth as the indubitable seals of pardoning mercy; and the ecstatic joy which followed, was considered tantamount to the spirit of adoption." The gentle heart of Thirza did not dare to question her mother's capability of giving instruction in the way of righteousness; but readily yielded to the decision that as yet, she "had neither part nor lot in the matter." Greater discernment of character would have hailed her as "an Israelite indeed, in whom there was no guile." It is true, her repentance was not marked with poignancy of grief: infinite love did not thus expose the shorn lamb to the piercing blast; a milder course was used, and "thou God seest me!" laid her soul prostrate in the dust-she did not dare to sin. Neither did she ever experience the rapturous emotions of transporting joy; her placid mind was not formed either for great mental depression or sudden bursts of excitement; in learning the sacred lessons of His grace, who was meek and lowly of heart, she found rest unto her soul; and though with mistrustful hesitancy she held back from the assurance of adoption, yet was the love of God shed abroad in her heart, and she enjoyed a calm and settled peace. The truths of God's word fell upon her tender spirit like dew upon the opening flower; hers was eminently the religion of holy love; and with the most cheerful surrender she sacrificed all for Christ. It was not long that Mrs. Lomax could see the development of Christian graces without recognising the work of God. She lamented that error in judgment should have "quenched the smoking flax" instead of fanning it into a holy flame; and in order to atone for past distrust, she now held forth the privilege of "the Spirit bearing witness with our spirits, that we are the children of God." Thus encouraged, her daughter laid claim to being an heir of heaven; with filial confidence she cried, "Abba, Father!" and in her future life, walked worthy of the vocation wherewith she was called. No. XIX. EMULATION. ALTHOUGH different degrees of intellectual and moral power distinguish different individuals, yet it is certainly within the compass of each individual to aspire after something beyond the indulgence of mere animal gratification. It is entirely unworthy of a sound and well-regulated mind for the attention to be engrossed solely with transient objects. We display the strength of our judgment by apportioning our time and attention according to the relative value of those subjects which claim our consideration. The ordinary engagements of life necessarily occupy a large portion of our thoughts; literature and science also claim our regard; but another state of being is paramount in importance— the interests of eternity demand our attention. To secure everlasting bliss is the end of knowledge; to seek to live for ever is practical wisdom. Each individual has the choice of being distinguished by an ascendancy or a fall; each may be the jewel or the clod. The human soul may become a mirror reflecting the divine perfections. Religion expands the mind, exalts the faculties, refines the taste, elevates the character, sanctifies the affections, and in its sublimer range it gives a nobility and an aspiration which link earth with heaven, the soul with God, and time with eternity. There is no cause for our partaking of the curse pronounced upon the serpent. We need not lie prostrate upon the earth, and feed upon the dust. The promise of glory, honour, immortality, and eternal life is given. It is ours to rise from a state of degradation; it is ours to recover the purity, the holiness |