our souls of its beauty and fitness,makes us see the charm of holiness, so as earnestly to desire to be ourselves holy, -seals us with his own graces,-prepares us for the presence of God, and the enjoyment of heaven.

Con. But, my dear Howard, if you cannot enter heaven without this holiness, it is not the death of Christ which it is this holiness.

saves you,

How. No, dear Conway, it is in consequence of my being saved by Christ, that I receive his Spirit, to fit me for that inheritance which he has purchased for me. I am saved from the punishment due for my sins, wholly by the death of Christ; I am made holy and fit for heaven by his Spirit, imparted to me as he sees meet, by Christ my head; without whom I can do nothing,-severed from whom I could no more produce one good thought, than a branch severed from its parent tree could produce fruit.

Con. Well, my dear Howard, I think I understand your meaning; and I feel as if I myself were, in some degree, a different being since yesterday morning.

How. This is natural, Conway. Your mind has been occupied with new ideas, and your regard for me has given interest to all I have said. But I trust your promise, my dear friend; you will employ yourself, immediately and seriously, in thoroughly searching into this subject, you will write to me, as you have ever done, without the least reserve.

Con. I will, assuredly; and now beg you will satisfy me about your family. And tell me first, did that faith you have described, support Arthur's soul in the immediate approach of death?

How. It did,-O how triumphantly! A few months after I received that account of his conversion which you have read, his aunt wrote me, that she thought the unusually severe winter had materially injured his most delicate constitu

tion. He had been almost coustantly obliged to confine himself to the house; and as the spring advanced, she did not see that improvement in his health, which usually accompanied the return of mild weather, he still shrunk from the least cold. His medical attendant had pressed his going out, but he had felt more unwell after following his advice. My sister wished me to see him, and to bring a physician with me. I was immediately alarmed; and his mother, Emma, and I, set out directly for Cornwall, accompanied by Dr We found Arthur looking very delicate indeed, and with all the symptoms of consumption in his appearance; but with an expression of heavenly calmness in his countenance and manner. This was unusual on first meeting with his friends. Formerly, on such occasions he was much agitated; then, though he received us with his usual warmth of kindness, he was more com

posed than any of us. His poor mother was much struck with this change; and, when we got alone, gave way to her apprehensions.

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'He is gone, Howard!' said she emphatically; he no longer even looks like this world, that sweet young countenance expresses nothing earthly. How he regarded us all! Oh! I too well understand the calm sad meaning of his looks!"

I felt the same, yet asked Emilia if she could wish to keep him here? She gave me no answer. You know, Conway, this was the first time we had been called to meet the approach of death amongst our children, and nature for a time yielded to the agonizing thought. Next day when we met, I believe all of us understood each other's feelings, but poor Emma. She was deceived, and supposed the calmness with which Arthur met us was a proof of strength. She doated on her brother, and rejoiced in

being with him; and he, too, seemed to feel deeply the devoted kindness of her tender cares and attentions.

The day after we arrived, Travers came at an early hour to visit his young friend. I was alone with Arthur when he entered. On being introduced to me he became very pale, and was much moved, but struggled to recover himself. I, however, guessed the cause of his emotion, and perceived from it what his opinion of Arthur's situation was. He sat down by Arthur, and inquired most anxiously how he felt.

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Hastening home, dear Travers,' replied Arthur.

His eyes met mine as he said this, and for an instant he became deadly pale. I was obliged to leave the room, and retire to seek strength from Heaven. Before I saw him again, I had urged Dr to give me his real opinion,-it was hopeless. He considered Arthur in a rapid consumption, and too weak to bear