You would shudder at the thought of making such a catalogue, even though it were meant for no eye but your own. And yet it is a fact, that you are actually giving the preference to objects and pursuits which you dare not on paper put in comparison with him. Only yield to your own convictions, and you will speedily find that wisdom's " ways are ways of pleasantness;" only take Christ's yoke upon you and learn of him, and you will experience that his yoke is easy, and his burden is light, Matt. xi. 29, 30.

Be assured, that in thus admonishing you, I am actuated by the kindest feelings. I long to see you, in the fullest sense of the words, safe and happy. But let me solemnly remind you, in the words of one who eminently laboured for the salvation of souls, that "the billows of eternal wrath

are rolling under your feet." To indulge in ease and mirth, while such is your situation, is nothing less than absolute folly, and daring impiety. Let me have the pleasure of seeing you cheerful on good grounds, and then your smiling countenance will no longer occasion grief to the heart of

Your affectionate friend, &c.

LETTER IV.

TO A YOUNG LADY WHO IS WILLING TO LISTEN
TO THE ADVICE OF PIOUS FRIENDS, BUT WHO

STILL CONTINUES TO PURSUE THE GAIETIES
OF FASHIONABLE LIFE.

MY DEAR YOUng Friend,

THOUGH it is so long since you heard from me, you must not suppose that I have forgotten you. I have been watching your progress, so far as I am able to observe it; and it gives me pleasure to know, that a letter on the most serious of all subjects will be kindly received. I said I had watched your progress—was that a correct expression? Years ago I was interested by your candour and affection, and the

readiness with which you listened to friendly admonition, even when it condemned you. I hoped you were not far from the kingdom of God,”—do I behold you any nearer to it now? I presume not to answer the question. But alas! my friend, how little does it avail to be within a single step of the narrow way, if that step is not actually taken. "He that is not with me, is against me," says the Maker of that way. But I believe it is quite unnecessary to argue this point with you, for you at once concede it. Not your conscience only, but your saddened heart admits it to be true, that 66 no man can serve two masters." You have often made the unsuccessful attempt: you know full well the ceaseless, sickening strife. There are many other texts of Scripture, with whose meaning you are equally

D

familiar.

No preacher could delineate

half so vividly as experience has taught it

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to you, that even in laughter the heart

is sorrowful, and the end of that mirth is heaviness." And amidst the conflicting currents of duty, and of long-cherished habit and inclination, you can sigh a deep response to the apostolic statement-" He that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed." Many a wistful look you have cast at those who have " an anchor to their souls, both sure and stedfast." You see them far removed from the whirl in which you are plunged; and you exclaim, "Oh that I had wings like a dove! for then would I fly away, and be at rest."

But how did they find rest? Where is it to be found, except in the good old way, expressly appointed for "the weary