wholly consecrated to the service of the Lord. (In pleading human law, men will avail themselves of every advantage to gain their cause. O how they shame us! How wise are the children of this world in all their calcula

I

tions!) How much more good a person may do, possessed of agreeable manners, than one of coarse and awkward habits! How much more probable is the success of a minister, who to his solemnity and holy conversation, joins an improved and polished mind, an easy and handsome elocution, and an extensive acquaintance with the world! There very much needs to be a religious influence in the higher walks of life; the high, as well as the low, need the influences of the Holy Spirit, and the influence of holy men. would at the same time entirely disapprove of young men's rushing into the ministry heedlessly. Should I hear a young man enthusiastic upon the subject, asserting, 'I must preach or do nothing---I can bear no other profession---I know I have a call to preach, for I think I should like it,' &c. I should indeed be inclined to show him a letter Newton addressed to a young clergyman, who was inclined to become an itinerant. "Let me beg you," said he, "to deliberate well, and to pray earnestly before you take this step. Be afraid of acting in your own spirit, or under a wrong impression; however honestly you

mean, you may be mistaken. The Lord has given you a little charge; be faithful in it, and in his good time he will advance you to a greater. But let his providence evidently open the door for you, and be afraid of moving one step before the cloud and pillar."---My friend, by prayer and fasting you will discover the finger of Providence pointing the way in which you should go. May your heart respond, "Lord, teach me to know and do thy will."

Do not let the opposition you meet with from your former associates, turn you aside from wisdom's ways. "Those that live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution." I care not for hard sayings, sarcasms, or the scorn and laugh of the world, but for three reasons. The first is, 'tis painful to me to subject friends to any mortification on my ac Second; it is sin in him who sits in the seat of the scornful. The third reason is this; there is no evil spoken of me, but what, by searching my wicked heart, I find to be mine in some form or other. But if we should ever be persecuted, is it not to be feared it would be for the form of godliness? O may it be for righteousness' sake!

count.

Respectfully,

E. C.

I have been thinking where our traveller can be to-day, and how far she is advanced on her long journey from U to C—. I have also thought it was just such a tour as I should love to take; in just such a way, and at just such a season. In September the year is in her prime; most of her flowers have ripened into fruits, and she appears in full dress, the heroine of the day. No thanks to her, however; to the God of seasons be all the glory. "These as they change, Almighty Father, these are but the varied God."

But I too am a wanderer, for it was my intention to confine myself wholly to one subject; the theme is visiting; and as you expect to be on the wing till the last of Autumn, you must apply it all to yourself. Let us contemplate for a few moments the pleasures and pains, the advantages and disadvantages, and the great opportunity for doing good and evil connected with visiting. I think, so soon as a journey or visit of any kind is thought of, it should be a subject of prayer. How often we are in doubt as to duty and propriety of going out even to pass an evening;

much more a week, month, or year. But if we would think of it, 'tis very easy to ask Him, who knows all that is best, to make duty plain, and enable us to say from the heart, "If thy presence go not with me, carry me not hence." I have nothing more to say of the pleasures and pains of visiting, than that the former are dangerous, and the latter profitable, if sanctified. It is pleasant to embrace our friends, but it is painful to give and receive the parting kiss; it should teach us to seek Him who stayeth closer than a brother. The advantages and disadvantages are also numerous, from much association with company. Converse we know inspires a fellow feeling, and reminds us, that the village is one great fire-side, and all those around are brothers and sisters of the same family. By becoming acquainted in neighbouring towns, and with sister states, the friendly circle only enlarges, and our sphere for usefulness becomes more extensive. On the conCrary, I have often said, that each of my friends were so many temptations. When I enjoy their society I am tempted to place my affections supremely upon them, to desire some "continuing city" on the earth, and neglect religious duties. But I believe I said, or I meant to say, that visits either paid or received presented an opportunity for doing much good. I heard a useful observation G

made a short time since; it will be apropos to the occasion. "Almost every person, whoever he or she may be, has some one friend at least, over whom he may have more influence than any other person; and this influence all belongs to God, and to him must be accounted for, even the uttermost farthing." I believe not only this is true, but that we have a greater or less influence, with all our friends and acquaintance, and in all the families and societies we visit. Perhaps Miss B-L-, may now be at the house of Lawyer P--s; if so, you are surrounded with gay, though affectionate friends. When I was there, style and fashion, dress and parties, were the invariable song, as I thought; but after staying a day or two, I observed, that though their subject was unaltered, their tones and feelings changed. I was sure there was an "aching void" in every heart, no resting place for their uneasy minds. I could not but esteem them poor with all their wealth. I feared, that after a few short days, they would be "miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." And yet I was so sinful, and had so much of the fear of man about me, I never counselled one of them to "buy gold, tried in the fire," and to lay up a treasure in Heaven, except Susan, the chamber-maid; and I believe she needed it the least; for I have a good hope that she is one of the