force, without a counteracting influence to destroy its action, than this very enlightened being fell into as gross sins as ever disgraced the irreligious or immoral. And such was its deadening power on the heart of the Psalmist, that he appeared for a long time sunk in spiritual death, without the wish or the ability to turn from his evil ways. Surely all must allow that if there were any actual worth in man, any ability to refuse the evil and chuse the good, the man after God's own heart' would have been an evidence of the fact. But no! David was left to himself, and he has shown us what strength is in man, and what power he naturally has to repent and forsake his evil ways. The Lord sent Nathan unto David,' it was upon receiving the word from the Lord, and not till then, that the transgressor acknowledged he had sinned against Him, and repented. And can any one, after this, imagine that he has any qualifications for becoming a faithful servant of his heavenly Master? I think David's example a full proof that our strength is in God, and our sufficiency in him alone, and in no other. Henry, you will, I think, agree with me in this truth."

"Certainly I do, Mary, who would ever think of disputing it; I know that we have not in ourselves any good nor any power to serve

God, but as it is imparted to us; but I think that God offers His spiritual help to all who are willing to accept of it, and if we fall, it is because we neglect to seek that assistance, not because it is not offered; hence David's awful fall."

"How do you interpret these passages?"It is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy,' 'therefore hath He mercy on whom He will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth;' and 'He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them.' 'No man can come unto Me except the Father draw him; and man can receive nothing except it be given him from heaven:' also our Lord's own ejaculation, I thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight.' 'Even so,' must be our exclamation, for Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? shall the thing formed say to Him that formed it, why hast thou made me thus?'

"These are mysterious points, which our

imperfect minds cannot fathom; but, my dear Mary, our theological discussion is carrying us on beyond our time; we we can resume it at any other moment, although I think we differ less in substance than in expression."

"No, no! Henry, do not go away with this idea. I certainly do differ from you most materially, in substance, in doctrines; so do not fancy that the difference is trifling.' Her brother smiled incredulously, and they returned to the house.

CHAPTER XV.

'THE SIMPLE BELIEVETH EVERY WORD: BUT THE PRUDENT MAN LOOKETH WELL TO HIS GOING.'-Prov. xiv. 15.

In the course of that morning visitors were announced, and Mrs. Wilmot and her three daughters introduced themselves to Mary. The mother was a reputed 'serious character,' and the daughters supposed to follow in her steps; they were regular in their attendance at church on a Sunday, gave much assistance to the poor, were collectors for the Missionary and Bible Societies, treasurers and secretaries to the lying-in and Dorcas charities, superintendents of the national and Sunday schools, and promoters of fancy works for the different Bazaars.

"I hope you are come to stay some time with us," said Mrs. Wilmot, addressing Mary.

"Not very long, I fear, for we have to make other visits before the cold weather sets in."

"I am very sorry to hear that; my daughters were quite delighted to hear you were arrived

your brother told us he expected you; they hoped to have shown you all the beauties of the neighbourhood, and to have interested you in our little societies; your brother's time is so taken up with his duties, that we thought he would hardly allow himself leisure to take you to see all the sights: you heard him preach yesterday, was it the first time of hearing him?"

Mary replied in the negative.

"He preaches delightfully, and his voice is so good, and his manner so quiet and gentlemanly, at the same time so persuasive and dignified, that he cannot fail to strike every one; he is a great favourite I assure you, Miss Conroy, with all here."

Mary smiled" I don't know whether we should think that a favourable sign of his ministry, our Lord seemed to imply that the contrary would be the case, and the apostle met with very divided opinions."

"That's very true, but don't you think that the days of persecution are almost gone by; and is it not to be considered an advantage, when a preacher can, by his talents and persuasive manner, win souls to the gospel?

Mary shook her head and smiled, but said no more; for she could not explain, as her brother was the subject under discussion.