canary.

There are many persons who give a great deal of money for baubles, which after all, do not afford them one half the pleasure that these sweet flowers yield to you. Now, tell me, if you can, what you really want more than you have!-(Rachel pauses.)

Teacher. Come now, do tell me?

Rachel. I don't know what to mention, in particular. Sometimes I see things in the shops that I think I should like very much.

Teacher. But, if those are things which would not be suitable to your station, which I rather think is generally the case, they would not make you any happier, but quite the contrary; for they would only render you ridiculous. Don't you

think so.

Rachel. Unless I was a lady.

Teacher. Well, but you are not a lady; but an industrious little girl; who is so happy as to have learned an honest trade, and so successful as to be furnished with constant employment: be assured, then, that there are few ladies more happily circumstanced than you are; and if you have sense and wisdom enough to believe this, and to be content with such things as you have, you are better off with this one pound note in your box, than most people are who can count their ten thousand.

Rachel felt satisfied by this explanation; and she set off soon after, in good spirits, with her teacher; who was so kind as to offer to assist her, in choosing the cloth for her new cloak.

XXIX.

THE HOPEFUL ONE.

A GOOD minister having occasion to call upon a gentleman in a neighbouring town, was introduced to his family circle; which consisted of several young people of various ages, from ten or twelve to eighteen and twenty. The bloom and sprightliness of youth graced their countenances; and as the stranger's eye glanced round the lively party, a glow of benevolence warmed his heart. During his visit he had an opportunity to make some observation on the manners and engagements of these persons.

One of the elder ladies amused him, for a time, by playing, which she did with much taste and skill: she was considered, indeed, to excel; and it was evident she had devoted much time and pains to this pleasing accomplishment. Two younger sisters were occupied in working muslin, on which they appeared intently engaged of the excellence of the work their visiter was no great judge: but he observed that their dexterous fingers were rapidly producing a very rich and elegant effect: he remarked, too, the interest they appeared to take in their employment. The eldest son, a fine youth of eighteen, talked a great deal; sometimes rattling with his sisters; sometimes giving his opinion on what was passing with an energy and decision that occasionally tempted the stranger to smile. Any question on which his father hesitated, he would settle instantaneously, with a rapidity and

positiveness, which left no room for farther discussion. There appeared, however, an agreeable openness in his temper; but it was a pity that he disguised and disfigured his naturally agreeable manner by a certain dash and spirit; and by the frequent use of cant phrases, which, though easily acquired by every blockhead who hears them, are yet, sometimes employed by young men of sense who are weak enough to adopt them; with a view, it would seem, to show that they are men of the world. He seemed especially anxious to impress every one with this idea just now; and to form a contrast between his own dashing air and the plain dress and simple manners of their guest. Once he cut short a more important topic by abruptly enquiring of their visiter if he played chess; declaring that it was 66 an excellent game ;-wondering he had never given his attention to it,-for that, positively, it was an excellent game." Then again, holding out his cup of tea with an air, to the servant, he sent it back to his sister, declaring that "it was not tea, and that he could not take it." And yet (though nobody would have guessed it just then) this youth was not destitute of sense and intelligence. He had not, however, sagacity enough to discover, that beneath the plain appearance of the stranger, there was concealed a keen discernment of character; and the real knowledge of men and things, instead of the mere affectation of it. Still less did he suspect, that his own silly, artificial manner was at that time, the subject of his smiling observation.

But there was one of the party, who, while he did and said nothing to attract it, yet excited the

minister's attention more than any of the rest. This was a lad of about fifteen he was rather less blooming than the other young folks; but his look was not less cheerful, while it was more interesting than any of theirs. He spoke less than the others, and with more modesty; and what he did say was more to the purpose. He appeared to listen attentively to the minister's conversation.

"You have an interesting family, sir," said he to the father, when they were for a moment left alone; "I hope they are great comforts to you." “Sir,” replied he, “ my children are, I believe, much like other young people: I have no particular occasion to complain of them. But, sir, I have great comfort in one of my children: did you see that boy, Edward ?"-the tears came into the father's eyes as he spoke." That boy has appeared to fear God from his childhood; he has long been in the habit of private prayer; he loves serious conversation, when we are alone: and his general temper and conduct show that his piety is genuine. Yes, thank God, I have one hopeful child."

The conversation which was here interrupted, left a painful impression on the mind of the good minister. The gaiety of the young people, which at first amused him, now gave him uneasiness. The words, "one hopeful child," dwelt upon his mind. "What! only one," thought he," of this interesting group that fears God! only one that is concerned about salvation, and that is prepared to die!"

While these thoughts were passing in his mind, the youthful party continued laughing, and talk

ing, and joking: they were eager and animated in all they said and did; and frequently spoke of things that were of no importance, the most contemptible trifles, with a degree of earnestness, which they would have pronounced to be canting, hypocritical, or, at least quite overdone, if the subject had been any thing connected with their immortal destiny.

Poor young people!-But we must now leave them and the good minister, who is probably meditating some way, that would be deemed least offensive, of introducing useful conversation. Reader, we have invited you to this domestic party, only with a view to your own improvement. Do you wonder where the family lives, and what is their name? Rather look around amongst the families of your friends and neighbours; but especially look into your own, and see if the description will not suit many that you know. Alas! this is no singular instance. -Observe the trains of young people who fill the pews of our places of worship: behold the gay attire, the wandering eye, the irreverent deportment :-listen to their discourse as they issue from the place: or follow them home; enter one dwelling after another: hear the remarks that are made upon the dress, and other unimportant concerns of those they have seen: listen to their criticisms upon what they have heard and mark their prevailing levity; scarcely checked by the restraining eye of anxious and disappointed parents; who, sabbath after sabbath, watch in vain to see if the good seed has taken root in the hearts of any of them. Remark the eagerness that is evinced about the showy accomplish

: