injury, merely for the sake of punishing him, you exercise a revengeful spirit, and are guilty of murder in your heart. The same malicious disposition that would lead you to seek revenge, would, if carried our, lead you to commit mur

der.

Samuel. But, what became of Fulgentius, mother?

Mother. He was afterwards chosen bishop of Ruspæ, much against his will. Thrasamond banished him and sixty other bishops into Sardinia; and afterwards sent one hundred and sixty-nine more to the same place.

Elizabeth. O what a cruel man! How could he be so hard hearted, as to treat these good men so, just because they would not believe as he did?

Mother. He meant to force them to acknowledge his opinions to be right.

Samuel. Mother, how can a person be forced to believe any thing till he is convinced it is true?

Mother. He cannot, yet bigoted and tyrannical men, who have power, cannot bear to be opposed in any thing. This wicked king wish

ed to have all who were under his authority become Arians; and because they would not, he abused and persecuted them; using every means in his power to overcome their constancy. He also took great delight in puzzling them with hard questions. He once sent for Fulgentius to come to Carthage, and was much pleased with his skill in argument and readiness in answering questions. But the Arian clergy were afraid to have him remain in Carthage, lest he should convince the king; and so he was sent back to Sardinia.

Samuel. I think it must be a bad cause that takes such foul means to maintain it.

Mother. Yes, my son. Truth never shuns examination. Like gold tried in the fire, it always comes out brighter from every trial.

Elizabeth. How long was Fulgentius kept in Sardinia?

Mother. As long as this wicked king lived. In the year 523, Thrasamond died, and Hilderic was made king. He favored Christians, and put an end to the persecution. He sent for Fulgentius, and restored him to his church; and the good bishop lived among his people from this

time till his death. He was an eminent example of piety, humility, and charity; but, very few particulars of his life are known. For about seventy days before he died, he suffered great pain; but his constant prayer was, "Lord, give me patience here, and rest hereafter."

Caroline. What is patience, mother?

Mother. It is that disposition of heart, which bears any thing painful or unpleasant, without complaining or feeling discontented.

Peter. Why, mother, how can any body be contented to be in pain all the time? I remember how I felt when I was sick last summer. My head ached, all the time; I was burning with fever, and in pain all over. I don't believe any body can feel as I did, and not complain.

Mother. Ah, my son; I see that you have a very unsubdued and rebellious heart. All our sicknesses, and every pain we feel comes from God. He directs all our affairs. He knows just what will be best for us. Every good thing we have we owe to his mercy; for we do not deserve any thing from him, but punishment for All the evil he brings upon us in this world is intended for our correction and recov

our sins.

ery from sin. And it often happens that troubles in this life are the greatest blessings we can receive. Why then should we complain. Remember, my dear son, that when you complain of any suffering, you are murmuring against God.

Elizabeth. But, mother, if another person does me an injury, and I complain of it, is this murmuring against God! Have I not a right to murmur against the person who treats me ill? Mother. No, my dear, God directs all things. You are to view his hand in ever thing that happens to you. He often makes use of the wicked passions of one man to correct, or try, the patience of another. You ought, therefore, to regard it as coming directly from him, and then you will see how wicked it is to complain. Patience is one of the brightest ornaments of the Christian character. With it, the Christian can be happy under almost any circumstances. Without it, we may find things enough that are unpleasant, in the common affairs of life, to make us always miserable.

Samuel. Well, mother, what was the state of the Western church at this time?

Mother. In the beginning of the sixth Century, Alaric, king of the Visigoths, reigned at Toulouse in France. Although an Arian, he did not persecute the church. He allowed the bishops of his kingdom to meet and regulate the affairs of the church. They assembled at the city of Agde. The president of this council was Cæsarius, bishop of Arles. He was a good man; but we have very little account of his life. When a young man, he entered the monastery of Lerins. While there, he heard that he was likely to be appointed bishop, and hid himself among the tombs.

Samuel. If he was a good man, what made him unwilling to become a minister of the Gospel?--The Lord Jesus says we must give up all and follow him. How then could he be a follower of Christ, when he was not willing to do his duty?

Mother. That was a dark age; and false and superstitious notions of Christian character and duty prevailed. It was thought to be the highest virtue for persons to shut themselves up alone, and spend their whole time in devotional exercises; reading, meditation and prayer. A