conversation, and the singing was resumed-it was the same air-but drawing nearer we could distinctly hear the words: "What though in lonely grief I sigh, Thy will be done!” My friend now gave a gentle rap, and after the ceremony of introduction, we were seated by her side. She was still young, and though her features were not perfectly symmetrical, the expression of her countenance was pleasing; she was dressed in widow's weeds, and the marks of chastened sorrow, seen through smiles, gave additional interest to her appearance. I found my friend was no stranger to her experience; rather was he the guide to whom she looked for counsel and direction. Her enquiries as to the path she should pursue fully told the perplexed nature of her circumstances She said her way sometimes appeared hedged up with difficulties-she knew not what to doindeed she could do nothing, but trust in God. - At this mention of her best friend, the cloud of sadness which hovered over the recital of her embarrassments was chased away-she rested her eye of confidence upon the promises given for her support, and her countenance glowing with the fervour of devotion, she emphatically repeated the language of Job, "though he slay me, yet will I trust in him." Well, said I, you have a neverfailing refuge in distress-no doubt you are supported with interior comfort in this hour of need 66 "Yes," she replied with emphasis, though all his waves and his billows go over me, yet, is my head kept above the water-flood."-I have no doubt, she continued, but that some wise or gracious design is to be answered by this suffering, and if the end be accomplished -all is well. -All is well! Yes, it shall be well-Farewell, Eliza! thy firm, unflinching steadfastness shall one day yield thee brighter joy. After the lapse of years, I again saw Eliza; she had maintained a constant struggle with adversity since my former visit; and though time had blunted the edge of misfortune, the exercise of patience had been daily called forth to bear minor cares and petty disquietudes. These, as they were more frequent, were perhaps more harassing than heavier trials; at least, they equally needed the support which Christian fortitude inspires. I found her in a solitary chamber, her frame wasted by sickness and contending with disease. She still retained the same pleasing smile mingled with sadness, but the ravages of affliction were more visible. Our interview brought recollections of past trouble to remembrance-unconsciously did the tears suffuse her eyes, and betray the emotions of her breast-I also wept-how could I refrain nature's tribute, the sympathy of grief? Her But religion gives a dignity to distress; Eliza soon recovered her former self-possession. Sorrow in treaty with death, was buoyant with hope. ties were severed, her fond hopes withered, her young affections blighted, yet peace was in her breast, and heaven in her eye. She comforted her very comforters, and suffered with all the majesty of chastened woe. In the sick-chamber, she gathered strength to encounter and to subdue her grief; there she learnt the proper estimate of sublunary good; there she experienced the consolations of the gospel; there she communed with God, until, "Meet through consecrated pain, She saw the face Divine." No. VII. EXTRAVAGANCE. -WHO would have thought that our uncle would have died insolvent? said Catherine. -Every one who knew him, replied Edwin, the news is sad, but not unexpected-and now our hopes from this quarter are cut off, it is for us to use economy. The sound of the word economy was not so pleasing to Catherine as the remembrance of her uncle's splendour -He was so kind, so free, so open, so much the gentleman-nobody can charge him with meanness-his name and memory must be dear to every one I fear, said Edwin, interrupting his sister, that his memory will make the |