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are sure that the Lord is gone "to prepare a place for us" among the " many mansions in his father's house." But if we know that we are not true Christians, nor earnestly striving to become such, then, the awful probability is, that we are doomed to the place "prepared for the devil and his angels."

So.

Thus, having explained and exemplified my method, so as to render it clear to their comprehensions, I trust that every one of my readers will be able to predict all that is good for them to know concerning their future lives; and I doubt not they will find it profitable to do Should any think it an unsatisfactory and uncertain plan, or flatter themselves, that although they may answer some of the above descriptions, yet, that they shall escape the appropriate punishment, I must tell them that it is for want of knowing the world and themselves, and for want of considering the natural and inevitable consequences of things.

A new year is now commencing, let every one inquire how they have begun it. Is it with a resolution to make renewed efforts to overcome their bad habits, and to improve their manners and characters ? and have they actually begun to make such efforts? then I prophesy a happy new year to them; and that if they persevere in their resolutions it will be the happiest they have ever known: but if on the contrary they are beginning it in the old way,--not more attentive to business, nor watchful of their tempers and conduct,-not more concerned for their intellectual and religious improvement than heretofore; then, although they may very likely have had a merry Christmas, I cannot wish them a happy new year, because I know it would be in vain to do so. For the saying is as true as it is trite, that to be happy we must be good. The knowledge of this, is, in fact, the grand secret of my art, and it is by consulting this simple rule, that every man may be his own fortune-teller.

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IX.

ON IMPRESSIONS.

THEODORE, in high health and spirits, was engaged in boyish sports with his companions, when he was summoned to attend the dying bed of a favourite friend, a lad of his own age, who had been, from his infancy, his intimate associate. He was suddenly seized with an acute disease; and, in a few hours, all hope of recovery being over, he expressed a wish to take a last leave of his friend Theodore.

Theodore entered the darkened chamber with a trembling step; and with mingled feelings of awe, grief, and terror, approached the bed of death. The curtain was undrawn, and when he beheld the altered countenance, and heard the feeble accents of his dying companion, this, thought he, is a scene I shall never, never forget! His friend's failing strength allowed him to speak but a few words; but they were words of high import. “ Theodore," he said, "a very little time ago I was strong and well, as you are; now I am dying! Oh, that my short life had been better improved! Oh, that I had thought more of eternity, and been better prepared for it! I cannot say all I would: but learn from me, how uncertain life is, and remember that religion is the one thing needful!'" Theodore groaned and wept; kissed his friend's ghastly cheek, and retired in the deepest sorrow.

In a few hours he heard that he was no more: his tears flowed afresh; he thought again, and again, of his dying words, and was persuaded that they would never be forgotten. He went afterwards, to take a last look at his beloved companion. With what feelings did he enter the gloomy apartment! he shrunk back as he approached the place where the coffin stood, and felt inexpressibly shocked at the sight of its bright, mournful

ornaments. When the white napkin that covered the well-known face was removed, he started, and feared to trust his eyes to gaze upon it. Ah! how lately had he seen that pale countenance warm, ruddy, and sparkling with mirth and happiness! Theodore returned slowly home, viewing every object in a new light; the impressions he felt of the uncertainty of life,-the reality of death, the value of religion, were strong and lively. He attended his friend's funeral; arrayed in deep mourning he followed in the slow train; stood on the verge of the deep, dark grave; witnessed the last sad rite; and retired sorrowful and serious. The next day, and the next, the thoughts of this mournful event never left him for a moment; and for many days he was more than usually serious, thoughtful, and attentive. He went alone morning and evening to pray and to read the Bible. He joined in all the religious duties of the family without suffering wandering thoughts to intrude. The following Sabbath did not seem "a weariness" to him: he was glad to have his attention called to those things which he felt to be of supreme importance. But at length, returning to his ordinary occupations and amusements, his spirits revived, and with that his former feeling began to return: every day rendered his late impressions fainter; every time they returned it was with decreased force, and it was not long ere he was in much about the same state of mind as before the event happened.

One day Theodore met with the interesting memoirs of a young man who had early distinguished himself by his attainments in science and literature. He read with avidity; and as he read, his ambition was roused, his enthusiasm kindled: he remarked by what means he had risen to eminence, by what industry, perseverance, and self-denial, he had conquered all difficulties: and Theodore determined no longer to be contented with performing the common daily drudgery of an ordinary school

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boy, but thence-forward to make similar exer the hope of similar success. Accordingly, the he arose betimes, surprised his masters by his e nary diligence, and applied to his studies even d intervals usually devoted to recreation. This co with small abatement, for a few days but then gy began to relax; he yielded to this and the cuse; forgot the book that had stimulated him; soon just about as studious as before he read it.

Although Theodore was by no means an son, yet there were times, when, if his parents his wishes, he would put on a sullen look, ar short answer. At length his mother was laid bed; she became so extremely ill, that they fe would not recover and now he was in the de tress he knelt by her bed-side; lamented in b that he had ever spoken an unkind word to her solved, and promised, that if she did but revive, s never have to complain of it again. At last s to amend. Theodore was rejoiced; he atte with the greatest tenderness, and flew to execu commands. And yet, when she was quite well first time that she had occasion to reprove hi turned her a frowning look, and sullen answer.

Once, in walking out with his father, he was to a wretched cottage, where a poor sick man small children were without bread. They wer ked, and seemed perishing for want of food Theodore's heart yearned at the sight: the eld lad of his own size; but what a difference! as beside him, and compared his own comfortable his bright boots, warm great-coat, and neat ap with that poor shivering lad's ragged jacket, feet, he felt ashamed of having squandered mar shilling, that would have done so much good trifling gratifications for himself. "And there

sands," thought he, "besides these, enduring the same want and hardship." He immediately emptied his pockets for their relief; and, when he returned home to a blazing fire and good dinner, he hoped he should never again be unmindful of the miseries of the poor. But amid other scenes, the wretched cottage was soon forgotten; and his next month's allowance was spent as it had usually been.

It was the Sunday after new-year's day; and Theodore went in the evening, with his brothers and sisters, to hear a sermon to young people. The text was, "Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth." The minister spoke in a very impressive, affectionate manner; he made the most searching address to their consciences, the most lively appeal to their feelings. The place was crowded; the prayers, the hymns, were suitable and affecting; attention was excited; tears were shed; and Theodore's flowed among the rest. The service closed, and he secretly exclaimed, "The Lord shall be the guide of my youth, and my portion for ever." He returned home; wept, prayed; called to mind his conduct in the past year; how his resolutions had failed; how impressions had worn off: - he thought again of his deceased friend; and felt thankful that, although a cumberer of the ground, he had been spared yet another year. He thought of the "sins and follies of his childhood and youth :" then of the swift passage of life; how short a time it seemed since the last new-year; and how one after another would thus pass away, and bring him certainly and soon to the end of life; "Let me then redeem the precious time," said Theodore, 66 now before those evil days come! Let me begin this new year well; let it be spent better than the last!" Thus, he retired to rest in a serious spirit.

He arose briskly the next day. It was a fine, bright, cheerful Monday morning, and Theodore, in high spirits,

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