dom permitted herself such an indulgence except may be once a fortnight, when her weakness seemed positively to require it.

Oh! if this little book should ever meet the eye of one whom God has blessed with abundance, and who, "clothed in purple and fine linen, fares sumptuously every day," let the sacrifice which this humble woman made, be seriously considered. The thing itself may appear trifling, but "she did what she could.” Is there not more moral dignity and elevation of character exhibited in such an act of self denial, than in many a vaunted deed of warrior or patriot which the pages of history record, and succeeding generations admire? And if it be enquired whence such disinterested and enlarged charity could arise? There is but one reply. The religion of the son of God had possession of her heart; and the love of Christ constrained this poor woman to do the very little which she could for the glory of Him "who had loved her and given Himself for her." Indeed! if we do admire benevolent affections and charitable conduct, that

we may attain even these, we should go learn of Him who in His word exhorts; "Put on, therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering, forbearing one another, forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness." COL. iii, 12, 14.

The writer of these lines was once travelling with a certain eminent person, who was going to London, to take office with the present Government. The Mail, which travelled with great rapidity, stopped once for dinner; the gentleman alluded to, though evidently very hungry, after snatching one morsel of food, received from his servant a Newspaper, which he continued to read, quite abstracted from all other things, until he was summoned to continue his journey. And as the writer resumed his place opposite to this striking example of the engrossing power of earthly pursuits, he remembered the expression of Job.

"I have esteemed thy words (Oh! God,) more than my necessary food." JOB Xxiii, 12. Now though he knew "that the children of this world, are in their generation, wiser than the children of light," yet he indulged a faint hope, that some day, he might find similar devotion, in a true christian. On first hearing the little fact just related, he was rejoiced to have proved, that religion is sometimes as powerful as worldliness. Yes, it is true, that there was once a poor widow, who did so highly esteem the word of God, that in order to send the Bible, and the teachers of it, to those who have not this blessing, she cheerfully deprived herself of her necessary food. There lived one thousand eight hundred years ago, a poor widow, who gave to the service of God, "two mites, which make a farthing;" and the kind commendation of our Lord is read at this day: MARK xii, 41. There was another humble woman who gave to her Saviour all she could, a box of very precious ointment, which in faith she had kept and poured on Him for his burial; and according to the promise of Christ, "wheresoever this gospel is preached, in all the

world, there also this, which that woman did, is told for a memorial of her." MAT. xxvi, 13. And so we may hope that on the day which is fast approaching, the simple act recorded in this book, when it has perhaps been forgotten on earth, will be remembered by Him who has graciously declared, "Whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink, in my name because ye belong to Christ, verily I say to you, he shall not lose his reward." MARK, ix, 41.

CHAPTER V.

CHRISTIAN DISPOSITIONS-PEACEABLE ACTIVITY

CONTENTMENT-THANKFULNESS.

The simple description which the Apostle gives of the life of our blessed Saviour, is this: "He went about doing good;" and thus we find that all His true disciples, in every age and country, endeavour, according to their ability, to follow his gracious example. Those who are raised above the fear of want, and abundantly provided for, may generally, without much difficulty, thus imitate their Lord. But when the poor attempt to do good to their fellow creatures, it requires self-denial, frugality, patience, and strong principle to carry them through their difficult work.