spects the different classes of society? Would you make no distinction between the rich and the poor, -between the varying degrees of knowledge, of power, and of opportunity,-between leisure and

labour?"

"I can admit but of one qualification," replied his opponent," and that is of Scripture itself; which I dare not add unto,' nor take away from the words of the Book;' and Scripture thus declares-‹ For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.' That servant which knew his Lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes '*

"I have no hesitation in asserting that the rich, as well as all persons whose time is at their own disposal, have many more and heavier responsibilities attaching to them than those which fall upon the poor. While, therefore, a solemn obligation is laid upon the former, to worship their Maker in His sanctuary twice on the sabbath day, the latter, who are closely confined to laborious occupations during the six working days, and often in a foul atmosphere, will be graciously justified, we are taught to believe, should they attend a place of worship but once; if, during the after portions of the Lord's Day, while enjoying fresh air and exercise, and innocent recreation, they act in conformity with its holy solem

nities.

The Redeemer of the world hath said, in his *Luke xii. 47, 48.

saving grace and compassion, as I have before observed,

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I will have mercy and not sacrifice.' *

"It deeply concerns every one, therefore, to search faithfully his own heart, according to the knowledge bestowed upon him; and not to give to the world what is due unto his Lord; and this, as he values his own everlasting welfare :—that while he renders 'unto Cæsar the things which are Cæsar's,' he be careful to render unto God the things that are God's.'"+

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"Exactly so," answered the special pleader. "But what those things' are is the very point of controversy between us; and, with our dissentient opinions on the subject, would occupy our attention till this time to-morrow in the further consideration of it."

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Search the Scriptures,' " answered Mr. Gracelove. · But," observed the man of fashion, anxious to escape from further discussion, and adroitly to shelter his incompetency to reply under a pretended gallantry towards the ladies, "I think it is high time we had compassion on our fair friends around us; and unlock their mute tongues, which have been silent for the last hour and a half, while we have monopolized the whole of the conversation."

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I quite think so too," exclaimed Mrs. Stately, delighted to regain once more the use of speech; " and I beg you gentlemen will never again charge our sex with being unable to hold our tongues on a proper occasion."

"Such a charge, I am quite sure," said our host, * Matt. ix. 13, and xii. 7. + Matt. xxii. 21.

with a smile, can never be made against the female portion of the present party, who have evinced a degree of self-denial worthy of all imitation, when circumstances call for its exercise."

After a few humorous sallies between the two sexes, the lady of the mansion proposed they should adjourn to the drawing-room, to which they were at once accompanied by the gentlemen. After partaking of coffee, Mr. Gracelove, wishing to set a good example to his fashionable neighbours, and still further to improve the opportunity, requested his reverend friend to give them an exposition from the Bible. He had previously ascertained from Mr. Stately that he did not object to it; having thought it a wiser course to obtain that gentleman's acquiescence, by the courtesy of suggesting his own feelings on the subject, and those of the rest of the party, than to force this religious exercise upon him unexpectedly and unwillingly, which, in that case, would have done more harm than good.

With a thankful spirit that no obstacle was thrown in the way of this little social family worship, Mr. Davies took up the Bible, and expounded from that most striking and affecting text, in Ezekiel xxxiii. 11, so wonderfully condescending in the compassionate appeal therein made to the sinful human heart, by the Great Author of our being:-" As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?"

The exposition, which the too great length of this

chapter forbids our dilating upon, was a discourse in which the pure evangelical doctrine of Christ crucified shone forth in its full lustre. After this, the following most touching and beautiful hymn was sung at the piano by the youthful Laura, as each verse was given out by Mr. Davies, and in which most of the party joined. The whole concluded with a short prayer, when the various guests returned to their respective homes.

CHAPTER X.

THE holidays were now fast approaching to their termination; and the two boys began to pull very long faces at the idea of their speedy departure to school.

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Why, Jasper," said Mr. Gracelove one morning to his youngest son, with affectionate raillery, “you look as sad, and as solitary, as the remainder biscuit after a long voyage. What is the matter with you? I am half afraid you are tired of your company, and want to get back to your companions at Dr. Syntax's."

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"Anything but that, my dear papa," replied Jasper, with somewhat of a weeping countenance. I own I feel rather sad, but it is because I am so shortly to leave such kind parents as you and my dear mamma. But I am not the only one who feels sorry on the occasion; for Edmund was saying, only an hour ago, what a difference we should soon find, in hearing the school-bell ringing us up, every morning, to Latin and Greek, instead of hearing Thomas gently knock at the door, to say that the boat was ready for a sail on the lake, or the ponies, for a ride through the country."

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Well! but, Jasper," said his father, with a humorous smile, you know variety is said to be very delightful; and now that you have had such a surfeit of sweet things, and such a round of amuse