In short, the life of society is the life of constant, unremitting mortification and self-denial. It is this that makes the only useful hardship of the cloister ; not the fastings, hair-cloths, watchings, and disci plines. But it is really still harder in uncloistered society. To keep the mind in right frame, amid ten thousand interruptions; to be regular and di ligent, without the possibility of any settled plan; to spread cheerfulness when one is not pleased; to support it in one's self when others are dejected→→ and a sad look or a sad word from those I love, sinks my heart, as a good word and a smile raises it instantaneously.

But far, far better than the cloistered rules of man's foolish and arbitrary invention, the life of society, with all its self-denials, is the appointment of the Almighty: every individual of human society is ennobled and endeared by its relation to him; for the meanest of these Christ died: our love to each other, to every one of each other, is the proof required of our being his disciples.

Selfishness, therefore, must be continually overcome, except where some real harm or great pain may be avoided by very slight inconvenience; and then it should not be cunningly contrived, but openly requested; and if granted, accepted as a favour, or the refusal cheerfully acquiesced in.

But, in other respects, how can we do good? Follow, as God's providence leads, each in his station, within his bounds and within his capacity.

Above all, keep up cheerfulness and good humour: an air of dissatisfaction is doubly faulty; it belies your eternal hopes, and disheartens all around you. -But conversation is so empty, so useless.-Keep it peaceable and innocent, at least. Restrain talkativeness in yourself, that you may think a little how to introduce somewhat useful; but do not strive too much. Mere good humour is very useful; it tunes the mind. Do, in every thing, the best you can; and trust in better merits that it shall be accepted. Look forward to the conversation of angels and perfected spirits; of those whom you have loved, and who have loved you amidst all your mutual imperfections here: there will be nothing but joy and eternal improvement: all joined in executing the divine will, and dwelling on its praises: no more fear of sorrow or parting; no more doubts and jealousies of yourself; no anxieties for them all fixed and secure. Of past sorrows and frailties will remain only the everlasting gratitude of those who have been relieved and forgiven each to other, in their due degrees; all supremely, to their God and Saviour!

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XXV.

On Trust in Providence.

Tuis is a day I have cause to bless : let no gloomy thought come near it. But can I keep out of my mind the thought of such a friend as I so lately had, with a whole train of ideas attending that thought? No, undoubtedly but let me think of that friend, and regulate those ideas, as I ought. Let me, with humble joyful gratitude, consider in how many excellent beings I have the interest of an affectionate and beloved friend. Glories of the world! I look down upon you; my happiness, my boast, are of a higher kind.

These friends are, at present, far separated from one another, but all happy; and, in a blessed hereafter, I am permitted humbly but joyfully to hope, that we shall all be eternally re-united. What mutual gratulations, what tender recollections must attend that re-union! And O, what unspeakable gratitude and adoration to him, through whose blessed redemption that bliss snall be attained, and "this mortal put on immortality!" The frail

* Probably her birth-day.

H

human heart can hardly bear the transport of the thought. This idea is too vast and too bright: yet it is not a fairy vision, but a steadfast, eternal truth.

Far away, then, all melancholy apprehensions of death, of pain, of parting, mere shadows every one! For what is pain?-An hour of trial, the proof of our faith, patience, and fortitude. What is death? -The entrance upon our reward, the end of our dangers and perplexities, the point to which we have been tending from our birth. What is parting? More bitter in itself than death, because it leaves us destitute of our dearest supports in a state wherein we seem to need them most. This, then, as the severest pain, is the noblest trial: and are we not sure that we are in the hands of a merciful God, whose every attribute is engaged to lay no more upon us than, our own faith and own sincere endeavours concurring, he will enable us to bear, to triumph over?

We are born into this world poor helpless creatures; but parents, friends, protectors, are provided, to conduct us up to maturity. An all-gracious Providence works by what variety of instruments it sees fit; but fit instruments it never wants, and never can want. The seeds of good and evil grow up with us; at least, the enemy sows his tares so early, that they soon overtake the grain. To root out the one, and to cherish the other, is the business of life. What is it to us by what means, or by what change of hands, the Master of