the conviction that his own plans were right, and he did not like to have them deranged. The only really blameable part of his character had been his prejudice against true religion—that was now removed, and he seemed likely to adorn the doctrine of God his Saviour. We cannot hope that he has many years to continue, but we venture to predict that his remaining course will shine brighter and brighter unto the perfect day. One sweet evidence of his sincerity was the concern he felt for others. No sooner did the glow of genuine piety warm his own bosom, no sooner did he see the gulf from which he had been delivered, but his heart yearned over all whom he knew. He thought of Mrs. Tucker, his friendly old neighbour ; even Mrs. Potter shared his care;-he wished he could see her, he wished he could persuade her, poor thoughtless creature, and he felt that he had passed from death unto life, by the glowing principle of love which warmed his bosom. " This is the grace that lives and sings, When faith and hope shall cease; In the sweet realms of bliss.” About this time, nearly a fortnight after James Finch arrived at the Brow on one of his accustomed visits, he received a letter from his sister Jemima ; and as we know our readers are partial to this amiable young woman, we do not scruple to give a copy : " My dear James. “ I do sadly miss you, and next to the pleasure of having you with me, will be that of hearing from you; and I write, as I promised you, the very first leisure moment. You will be concerned to hear that Mr. Cooper has been very ill, and my dear mother is constantly with him, endeavouring all she can to relieve Mrs. Cooper from the fatigue of nursing, which is still very great. You know the sweet natural temper of all parties, and you will feel for me, when I tell you how continually my dear mother keeps dwelling on Mr. Cooper's virtues, how fit he is for heaven; and if he is not fit to go to heaven, she cannot see who should. I did venture yesterday to say, 'Oh, my dear mother, it costs more to redeem our souls; we must let that alone;' and she is continually saying, “Pure religion and undefiled before God, is this-to visit the fatherless and the widow in their affliction, and to keep ourselves unspotted from the world.' 'Well, if any one ever did this, Mr. Cooper 6 6 6 has.' · Indeed he has, my dear mother,' was my reply. 'Well, child, and yet you do not seem satisfied. I was constrained to reply, and I only said, “My dear mother, I love Mr. Cooper, and am under the greatest obligations to him, for he has been most kind both to you, to James, and to every body.' "Well, child. And ' yet, my dear mother, Mr. Cooper needs an atonement for his own sins; the blood of Christ can alone cleanse him.' · Well, child, I know that; who denies that?' · My dear mother, you dwelt so much upon his good works, that I thought you fancied that they could save him.' . Well, child, and do you think he could be saved if he did not do good works? I ventured again : “My dear, kind, excellent mother, do not be angry with me, but these works must be the fruit of his faith, not the foundation of his hope. Like Nehemiah, I prayed to the God of heaven, and I said, * All our righteousness are as filthy rags, we must be clothed with a better righteousness, my dear mother.' I took the Bible out of my pocket, and I read with some emphasis that portion, the marriage feast and the address. • Friend, how comest thou here, not having a wedding garment? When I came to bind him hand and foot, and cast him into outer 6 darkness,' I saw the colour rise in my dear mother's face, and she turned away, whether convinced or angry I know not; but I ventured yet further, and read that portion where our Lord says, publicans and harlots should enter the kingdom of heaven before Pharisees. I then kissed our dear parent, saying, 'Oh, my precious mother, never would your own Jemima thus talk to you, thus run the risk of offending you, if she did not love you most tenderly.' Dear creature, she kissed me, and went out of the room without speaking one word. I have often thought, my dear James, that our mother is not so prejudiced as she was ; it is true, she never invites me to talk, but she is less offended certainly with any thing I say, and seems to consider it more, and I cannot but hope that the number of persons she sees walking consistently will do away her prejudices, and bring her to the foot of that cross where all sin was atoned for, and the work of salvation completed. You left your pocket Bible under the head of your bed, I shall take the greatest care of it, but not send it you for fear of accidents. Williamson sends you his duty; Ellen Meredith is in service at the next village, I am happy to say, in a quiet amiable family. She is so very handsome, that it requires care where she is placed, and one or two families have declined her services because they had sons. I do most sincerely hope we shall be able now to establish her permanently; she makes herself so very useful with her needle, that in a large family she is a treasure. I write thus much about her, because I think her brother Mr. Meredith was looking out, and to prevent his taking unnecessary trouble. Her father and mother are going on as respectably as ever; I sometimes call and sit half an hour, and though, poor things, as yet they seem in darkness, there is something so beautiful in the order of their household, that I cannot help admiring and liking them, and hoping that they are not far from all we wish them. God bless you, my dear James, make the most of your privileges; I long to see you, and yet I am delighted to have you where you are, under the eye of so kind a friend, and more especially under such a powerful and active ministry. Believe me, your most faithful and affectionate sister JEMIMA Finch." It was about this time that poor Mary Humphries was afflicted with a serious illness, and the heart of her duteous daughter was pierced most deeply; but by good 1 |