The two letters which occur next, were addressed to individuals possessed of many excellencies, and for whom Mr. B. entertained a high regard; but whom, he feared, were living beneath their religious privilege. The close and faithful manner in which he writes to these intimate friends, speaks well for his conscientiousness and fidelity.

“Mr.

Dundas Street, London."

"MY DEAR FRIEND,—

"Yorkville, 22nd July, 1851.

"I write you a few lines, not only because I promised to do so; but because I am deeply interested in your welfare. I have thought anxiously concerning you, when none could read my feelings but the Infinite Searcher of hearts. You know how often I faithfully opened my mind on spiritual things. And though now removed in person, I would with pen and ink enforce the same important truths. You want more decision of purpose; and it is the want of this that keeps you out of God. The spirit of conviction has been operating graciously upon your heart; nor are you obstinately disposed to reject salvation. But you want the prompt determination of the returning prodigal, when he said, 'I will arise and go to my father.' When you overcome this evil, I fear not for your acceptance with God. I intend to write you a much longer letter on these subjects. Time prevents me now. Remember me affectionately to Mrs. and family;

and to Miss D—.

"May God bless you and yours! is the fervent prayer, of yours, most sincerely,

"Mr.

London."

"A. S. BYRNE.”

"MY DEAR SIR,

"I have not forgotten you. Your character ranks among that rare class, whom I always regard with feelings of affectionate though painful interest. I think you have, not only an Irish, but, may I not say a Methodist heart? and I write you this short note, to remind you of an incumbent duty which I frequently and earnestly urged upon you—that you should give yourself up fully to God. Renounce every besetting sin; and embrace all the privileges of His church! The salvation of your own soul demands this. The comfort and prosperity of your interesting family demand it. The satisfaction of your interesting partner, and the prayers and anxieties of your friends in the family of Christ demand it. I think of you at a throne of grace.

O, my dear friend, let me entreat you to exercise decision of purpose in the things which make for your peace. I know you have an attachment to the cause and the people of God. But this will never atone for negligence concerning inward holiness. May God bless you, and lead you to himself! I would be glad to hear from you occasionally. Mr. WHITEHOUSE will tell you my address. Remember me affectionately to Mrs. and every member of your

dear family; and believe me,

The following letter, addressed to his little brother, is at once a refreshing instance of fraternal piety, and a worthy model for those who would recommend religion to the young:

"Master FRANCIS BYRNE."

“Dear FrancIS,——

“Yorkville, 27th Aug., 1850.

"Allow me, as one who loves your soul and is deeply interested in your happiness, to write you a few lines on subjects of great importance. Although I have not so much experience in the world, and therefore am not able to give you such wise counsels, as your dear Father and Mother; perhaps the more familiar advice of a Brother, might, with God's blessing, have some good effect upon your mind. You are fast approaching the age when you must exchange the studies of the school, and the playful days of your home, for the business and temptations of this wicked world. Now, I cannot say in what branch of business or profession God designs you to engage; but I would just remind you of a few things too important to be neglected in any sphere of life in which we may move. I say 'remind,' for what I am going to say, you have often heard enforced upon you by your loving and pious parents. First, I would say, pray God that he might give you a new heart. You know what I mean by this. I do not refer to the heart of your body: that organ which you feel beating on the left side of your chest, and which is the seat of life. This is a very good heart, it needs no change. It is made of flesh; and because flesh is matter, it cannot sin, and therefore does not need to be made holy. You know nothing can be sinful, or commit sin, or be punished for sin justly, which has not a soul. Neither wood, nor stone, nor beasts can sin. But man has a soul. You cannot see it; for it is spiritual: just as you cannot see the wind. I cannot tell you what a soul is. But you have one; and so has every man, woman, and child, which God has created. Moses will tell you in the book of Genesis, the

second chapter, the 7th verse, how this soul was given to man. God said to Adam, 'Of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.' Adam disbody did not die. How then

will no more.

obeyed this law. But his did he die? In two ways. He lost the life of God out of his soul, which was holiness; and he was in danger of hell. Then his soul, or his heart as we say, figuratively, became sinful. He loved God no more. He delighted to do his Now we all derive from Adam a sinful nature. Read the 12th verse of the fifth chapter of Paul's Epistle to the Romans. If we die with this nature unchanged, we shall be punished forever in hell. If our sins be pardoned and our hearts made holy, God will take us to heaven. He sent Jesus Christ into our world, who died in our stead; and made it possible for us to be saved. Read the 16th verse of the third chapter of St. John's Gospel. If Jesus Christ had not died, our sin would not have been our fault; but by his death he has procured grace for us all. And if we do not pray for this grace, we must perish. O! Francis, it is an awful thing to perish. Pray God to 'create in you a clean heart, and to renew a right spirit within you.' I will write you more at another time. I have written this in a simple style, and a plain hand, that you may understand it. Now, read it attentively; and then go to your room, and shut your door, and pray God, by his spirit, to convince you of sin. The Lord bless you! so prays,

"Your affectionate brother,

"Mr. F. BYRNE."

"A. S. BYRNE.

This letter, which we follow with but one more, it is to be believed, had a useful effect; as we have reason to hope,

that the lad to whom it was written, is now walking in the path his brother trod. May he be as faithful to the end! The letter subjoined is interesting, as having been written after the first serious attack of that disease, which soon after laid him aside from his beloved work; and as consequently evincing his state of mind under those affecting circumstances.

It is addressed to "Mr. G. WHITEHOUSE, of London," and dated, "Yorkville, 16th Sep., 1850."

"MY DEAR SIR,—

"I was glad to meet my esteemed friend, Mr. TYAS, in Adelaide St. Church yesterday morning; but doubly so, when I found that he was the bearer of an affectionate communication from you. My joy was not less on hearing of your gracious recovery, than was my sorrow on hearing of your recent illness. May God prolong your valuable life to his church, your family, and the good of those around you!

"I am highly gratified to hear of the prosperity of your church. I need scarcely tell you the deep interest I feel in it. May your Shiloh be ever the seat of tranquillity and joy! And upon you, may God 'command the blessing, even life forevermore!'

"My health has been very bad of late. I have been the victim of severe liver-affection. But by the good providence of God, under the treatment of a kind medical friend here, I hope soon to recover. Oh, how these vile bodies affect the immortal part! Thank God, though they damp feelings, they cannot shake principles; and one day they shall be fashioned like unto Christ's glorious body. Let us wait and hope this glorious ultimatum of our warfare. Scarcity of time, holds my pen within the