Your natural fondness for the beauties of nature will probably increase, now that you wish to "look through Nature up to Nature's God." Drawing, of which you are so fond, is useful in leading us more closely to notice and admire the works of creation; and poetry comes in beautifully to assist in forming our ideas and directing our taste. I am persuaded that cultivating tastes of this kind, disposes us to enter into many beauties of Scripture which would otherwise be disregarded. When, for instance, do we understand that passage respecting the sun, "which cometh forth as a bridegroom out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race," so fully, as when early in the cool of some lovely morning, we watch the first approach of his bright beams, till he shines full upon the dewy landscape? What language could then more beautifully describe the scene? And yet there are some to whom such a sight would convey little pleasure.

you

Emily. But do think there can be persons then who do not care about seeing the sun rise?

"Do not you be one of their number, my dear," said Miss Windermere, smiling; "you see how much you would lose."

Emily smiled in her turn, and said, " And then,

ma'am, as to reading-I have found great pleasure in history, and also in some of the works for young people on different branches of science: would you advise me to continue them?

Miss W. Undoubtedly, my dear, go on endeavouring to gain useful knowledge on all subjects within your reach some pursuits will contribute to the strength, others to the enlargement of your mind; and the farther you advance in life,the more you will understand of their utility. But only let all your talents be laid at the feet of the Saviour, my love; ask the blessing of God upon all your studies, and his direction how to use them for the promotion of his glory. Thus, and thus only, will you be secure from every snare attendant on the pursuit of human knowledge; for neither the "fool" nor the wise man will err, if taught of God. I would advise you also to form habits of reflection, and try to glean some useful lessons from all you read. Thus cultivate the soil now, and hereafter I trust you will reap fruit which will amply repay the toil.

Emily. Oh, ma'am, it is less a toil than a pleasure.

Miss W. Ah, I know it is so; I made quite a mistake to call it otherwise.

SO

Emily. You have removed my difficulties nicely, dear Miss Windermere, as you have often done before what a kind guide you always are

to me!

Her friend kissed her affectionately. "Emily, my dear, I trust you will have an infinitely higher and better guide, when I am far away from you."

Here the conversation ended, but it long dwelt in Emily's remembrance; the counsels of her friend were often revolved in her mind, and carried to a throne of grace, and their effect was visible in her daily conduct. She was still cheerful, industrious, and intelligent as before; while humility, gentleness, self-denial, and disinterested kindness, became the objects of her constant desire, and began to shed their mild lustre over her character. She listened to the voice which speaks from heaven, "Wilt thou not from this time say unto me, My Father, thou art the guide of my youth?" and the reply of her heart was, "Thou shalt guide me with thy counsels, and afterwards receive me to glory." Which of our young readers will follow her example? Perhaps some are almost disposed to do so; but let not this satisfy them, for multitudes are almost persuaded to be Christians, who never become al

together so; and the way of the almost Christian leads as surely to destruction as that of the hardened sinner. If then we would be saved from a doom so fearful, we must strive, with our whole hearts, to enter in at the strait gate; we must do it decidedly,—and we must do it immediately.

Miss Windermere had not been exclusive in her attentions to Emily, for she sought opportunities of impressing the supreme importance of religion on all her pupils; but though in the minds of some, it was to be hoped her affectionate admonitions, enforced as they were by her consistent example, left an impression which was never totally effaced; still, the hope she entertained of Emily's decided piety, gave her most cause for pleasure and thankfulness. She was, by this time, regarded with respect and affection by all the young ladies, and had herself become much attached to them; but in Emily and Miss Wilmot she found kindred. spirits, and she felt for them a friendship which she trusted would never be broken.

There was, however, one little girl in whom our young friend felt much interest, and who excited in her mind the most pleasing hopes as

to future character; this was little Mary. The wish she on one occasion expressed, that Miss Windermere would talk with her again, had been frequently complied with, as she was permitted to come early on Sunday mornings to the chamber of her friend, who used then to spend a short time in reading and explaining the Scriptures to her. These were seasons of great delight to the affectionate little Mary; she would enter the room with her rosy face beaming with joy, and, laying her red morocco bible on the table, she would set a chair near the window, "And now, dear Miss Windermere," she would say, "every thing is ready, and we are quite alone:" and she used then to enter with great interest on their morning engagements. Often was her instructress gratified with observing the pleasure which the dear little girl took in hearing or reading of the Saviour, and with listening to the expression of her artless desires that she might be one of Jesus' lambs. On one occasion, when they had finished, Mary threw her arms round Miss Windermere's neck, and said, "Oh, ma'am, I do love you so dearly; I will tell mamma all about you, and how kindly you talk to me, when I go home." "You may tell