give an explanation without the use of a qualifying conjunction. He always showed you, or endeavoured to do so, that the blame rested anywhere but on his shoulders.

And if spoken to on the subject of religion, it was just the same as in secular matters.

66

Why are you not a Christian, John ?”

"I wish to be one, but I cannot change my own heart."

"You can repent of sin."

"Yes sir; but I really don't see that I have much to charge myself with. No one of course, is perfect; but I have always done the best that I could."

"Then you have no fears for the future ?"

"Sometimes I have; but I know that God is merciful, and gave his Son to die for us."

"And therefore you presume upon his goodness, and reject the Saviour."

"Oh no; I hope some day that I shall really be a Christian; but I want to enjoy myself a little, first." "Does not Christ call you now?"

'Why, yes; but I am very young, yet. I intend to be religious, but there is plenty of time."

Years have rolled away since then, and John is now a professed Christian. His character is, in many respects, improved; but I regret to state, that his right to his old name of "But" remains unquestionable. Here are some proofs.

"Do you not think," asked a very old friend, "that you might give more than you do to some of our societies ?"

"Well, perhaps I might, but the calls are so many now-a-days. I should like to be more liberal, but my family is very expensive."

66

'Why not live in a plainer style than you do?" 'Nothing would suit me better; I don't like so much display; but one must do as other people do." "Must one? Is that the principle of Christianity ?"

"No: perhaps not; but in these times, if we want to get on in the world, we musn't be too particular. There is nothing to be done without making a show."

"I am not sure of that; and I think religious people ought not to be so conformed as they are to the spirit of the world."

"True; but my wife was brought up in a fashionable family, and she will have things in a stylish way.” "I fear your example will be injurious to your children. They seem very thoughtless, and fond of gay society."

"I must admit that you are right, but young people will be young people. I long earnestly to see them on the Lord's side, but I cannot give my children grace."

And thus he quiets his conscience.

Listen to another scrap of conversation.

"How grieved I am, Mr. B-, to find that you and Mr. Charton have disagreed so sadly."

"I assure you it was entirely his fault. I should not have quarrelled with him, but he would persist in having his own way, and of course I could not agree to that."

"It was a pity that you did not tell him so quietly; such a trifle was not worth being angry about."

"No, but he was so very insulting; it was enough to vex anybody."

"Was not that just the opportunity to exhibit the spirit of your Master, who, when He was reviled, reviled not again ?"

"Ah, it's easy for a person of your temperament to be gentle and forbearing, but my disposition is naturally hasty and irritable." And this was said with a degree of complacency, which shewed that this frank admission fully satisfied himself, and, as he thought, ought to satisfy his friend.

But I must not take up your time with further illustrations of this kind, for I make no pretensions to

the cleverness of your portrait-painter, "Alice." Besides, I think I have told you quite enough about "Miss But's Cousin," to prove to you that he inherits the spirit of self-justification, which belonged to our first parent, and which appears to me both unlovely and unchristian-like. How much better it is when we have done wrong, to acknowledge it at once heartily and unreservedly, than to attempt to impose upon others, and upon ourselves too, by inventing some weak and far-fetched excuses for our conduct. And if it is right and desirable that we should frankly "confess our faults one to another;" how much more important is it that we should manifest an open and ingenuous spirit towards our Father in heaven; for "he that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them, shall have mercy." "Only acknowledge thine iniquity," and it will be forgiven. Then, when conscience, enlightened by the Spirit, rebukes us for either our want of decision in religion, or of conformity to its precepts, let there be no "but " brought forward to turn away the edge of the reproof. Let not self-deception help to strengthen self-righteousness. But may ours be the disposition and experience of the man after God's own heart, "I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord: and Thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin."

Dear reader, are you one of Miss But's cousins?

CECIL.

A GREAT INCONSISTENCY.

THE world will allow of a vehemence approaching to ecstacy, on almost any occasion but that which, above all others, will justify it.

MORE ABOUT MISS ALDERSEY.

PART II.

"APRIL 26.-On Saturday last, Mr. and Mrs. Russell accompanied us to Atsi's house, where Mr. R's. teacher of converted Chinamen preached. We found, however, the dear young convert out of spirits, having been told by mother and husband that they were about to place her in some place where she would be con cealed from foreigners. She accompanied us on the previous Saturday to the place of Sin Asan's residence, and on returning to her home, Mr. R. read and engaged in prayer in the boat, chiefly with an eye to the strengthening and cheering the young disciple. I had engaged her uncle to become Mr. R's. guide in going by land to Sin Asan's house (wishing to distribute tracts and preach in the way) while they went on in the boat. This uncle had suspected me of murderous practices, and watched (so he said) on occasion of my first visit, for the introduction of my implements of destruction; but he and others now know distinctly that our religion is good, and our desire praiseworthy; and he remarked that he was struck with the truthfulness and sincerity of Atsi (in her religious scruples).

"We left the embroiderer and the dear young widow, San Avong, to sleep at Sin Asan's house, that they might accompany her to Atsi's house on Sunday, that these four trophies of God's grace might praise his name together on his holy day, although far away from the courts of the Lord, the larger assemblies of his saints.

"The Sunday proved a fine day, thus favouring the long walk from San Kum Dang to Kongpoo, a distance, perhaps, of two or three miles. On arriving, they found Atsi talking and reading to a few of her

neighbours. The four then retired to an upper room, and enjoyed their Sunday service together. After this was over, they invited the neighbours to meet to hear of the new doctrine; they, however, declined; they therefore returned at once to San Kum Dang, where the people seemed very anxious to hear particulars of the religion of Jesus. Their feet, however, unaccustomed to so much walking (for they could not get a boat) were extremely fatigued; poor San Avong was so exhausted, that, to use her own expressions, her eyes became quite dim (she was, no doubt. faint). So anxious was she, however, to make known the Gospel message to those yet unblessed with the knowledge of it, that after a little rest and food, she explained parts of the Word of God to more who were disposed to hear. An old man, in particular, seemed a good deal interested, and made many inquiries. This was the same man who asked me, as I think I mentioned before, why every creature, after living a little while in the world, died, &c. Sin Asan seems to be going on very well. Her husband is a worthless fellow. He happily goes from home for many months together, as Atsi's husband. When at home, he gambles, and pawns every thing he can. The relations among whom Sin Asan lives are very kind to her, and she is very diligently endeavouring to show her gratitude by making herself useful to them by spinning, &c. She remarked to San Avong, that she was astonished and delighted in tracing the hand of God in thus providing such kind friends for her. On the other hand, she said, 'I have so few trials, as compared to Atsi and others, that sometimes I fear I am not a true child of God'—having in her mind such texts as, 'through much tribulation,' &c. An old woman, seventy years of age, sat with the embroiderer, plying her with inquiries about the religion of Jesus. I sent a boat early yesterday morning for my older and younger Christians, viz., the embroiderer and San