and in whose extenuation, charity herself can plead no more.

We had not risen from the breakfast-table one morning, when a female, rather young, and fashionably dressed, entered the room. After a few common-place civilities, she turned to Mrs. Clifford, saying, 'I called to tell you that Mr. Stown, he preaches to-day at

is in

and

you must positively put on your things, and go with me to hear him.' • Could I consistently do so,' replied her friend, 'I should be very happy to accompany you; but, excuse me if I say, that were this excellent man to see the dear little group by which I am surrounded, he would be the first to forbid my leaving them to listen to his sermon.'

Perhaps the conscious recollection of some duty unperformed at home, just then stung the feelings of our fair devotee; or it might be purely a misguided zeal, which reddened on her cheek, as she retorted somewhat sharply, 'When like Martha's the heart is careful and troubled about many things,' it is easy to find a pretext of duty to prevent our listening to the words of Jesus.'

Mrs. Clifford mildly answered, 'I hope I am aware of this plausible deception, but

in the present instance I am unconscious of meriting the rebuke. You may remember, my dear Mrs. Hammond, that Martha was not censured for a necessary attention to her ordinary and relative duties: but for an undue anxiety, an ostentatious and ill-timed desire of providing things, more than hospitably good.' Perhaps too, I may remind you that there subsists a visible difference between her neglecting to hear the words of the Redeemer, when he honored her house with his sacred presence, and my declining to attend the discourse of one of his servants, when such an attendance would necessarily involve a neglect of duties more strictly enjoined up"You have always a great deal to say about duties, my dear,' resumed the lady; but if I read my bible aright, no duties are so acceptable with God, as an affectionate reception of his gospel, and a desire to see his kingdom advanced in our own hearts, and in the world around us.' She then magnanimously declared her resolution to persist in her attachment to the 'word preached,' although it continued to expose her to many domestic sacrifices and involved her in several petty persecutions.'

on me.'

I believe Mrs. Clifford could have evin

ced to her fair friend, that she had not 'read her bible aright;' but as a spirit of recrimination certainly was not the temper by which she sought to maintain the honor of religion, she thought it better to drop the subject, than to expose her visitor to the imminent risk of losing her temper.

A short silence therefore ensued, till Mr. Clifford inquired of Mrs. Hammond, 'whether she yet had an opportunity of visiting the sick woman, whose case he recommended to her.' No, really,' she replied, I have not had one moment of leisure since you named her to me. On Monday, I was at a bible society's meeting; Tuesday I went to hear Mr. preach; Wednesday I dined at Mrs. Nelson's, where a select number of sericus friends were assembled to meet the Rev. Mr. H—; all Thursday I was occupied in endeavoring to procure subscribers to our Dorcas society; and to-day I shall hardly have time to swallow my dinner, on my return home, before the arrival of a lady, who has promised to go with me to hear a sermon for the benefit of our Sunday school.'

As Mrs. Hammond paused, I asked my friend, in a low voice, 'Is it possible to be religiously dissipated?' 'I fear it is a possible, though not, I should hope, a very

frequent case,' he observed; then turning to the lady who had given birth to the supposition, he said, 'As your engagements are already so numerous, I fear your intended charity will come too late for poor Susan. Our Emma saw her on Wednesday, she was then almost incapable of receiving any nourishment; and I believe, that in a few days, her sufferings and her wants will cease.'

If I mistake not, Mr. Clifford designed to convey a practical reproof to this 'wandering star,' and perhaps for a moment it was felt as such; but soon the salutary effects of her regret evaporated in extravagant expressions of sorrow. Surely,' she exclaimed, 'there never was so unfortunate a being before. I would have made any sacrifices rather than have lost the opportunity of hearing the dying language of this poor but pious creature.' Then addressing Emma, 'How I envy you, Miss Clifford; it must be a sweet satisfaction, to reflect on the many hours which, for this year past, you have spent in reading to the aged sufferer. Perhaps, my dear, you will write a short narrative of her; it would be a charming obituary; send it to me when it is drawn up, and I will get it published next month. Don't you think it

would be very interesting, Mrs. Clifford ?' she continued, turning to her, before she had given Emma time to reply.

Emma bit her lips to prevent a smile, though the mention of Susan's name at other times, might more easily have drawn a tear to her eyes.

I

Mrs. Clifford replied, 'To us, who have so long witnessed her patient sufferings, every circumstance of Susan's death would be highly interesting; but I doubt whether it would be equally so to the public eye. agree with you, however, that Emma has been highly privileged in reading to her from that sacred volume, which has furnished the comfort and support of a long life. In witnessing the triumph of a faith like Susan's, at once so humble and so strong, she has enjoyed an opportunity of instruction, which may never again occur, and which, I trust, she will not fail to improve. A sigh, which involuntarily trembled on Emma's lips, seemed to promise that she would not.

'Nor shall I forget, mamma,' said Harriet, a sprightly girl, not twelve years old, 'how cheerful and thankful poor Susan was, the last time I went with you to see her; don't you recollect, mamma, how she shook my hand, when I toasted the bread,