God's be ever necessary, it is so at all times and in all things. His providence directs the vexatious shower of rain, and the ill-timed visitor, as certainly as it rules the issues of life and death.

Alas! we know these truths, and we often feel them too; but every opposing breath diverts us from our purpose, and makes shipwreck of our good intentions. While things go smoothly, and when friends smile upon us, and the sunshine cheers us, and there is fair weather also and sunshine in our own bosoms, it is easy to avoid that one great inconsistency, ill humour, though care be needful to guard against another, levity of spirit: but when troubles have worn our hearts, and vexations have harassed them, when our associates are wayward and whimsical, when November gloom scowls in the sky, and the keen north-easter searches our bones, and when we feel within us mists and storms independent of seasons and circumstances, then to be kind, forbearing, and cheerful, proves the influence of our principles over our practice, shows that we are the children of God, and that Divine Grace allows not sin to have dominion over us.

Perhaps one reason why we bear life's little ills so impatiently is this, we do not acknowledge God's hand in them; we regard them either as springing from the will of our fellow-creatures, or as occurring by a kind of fatality.

We should be shocked at the idea of yielding assent to the Romish distinction between mortal and venial sins, yet we practically approve of it, when instead of seeking that Divine aid to which under impending misfortune we should instantly apply, we yield to petulance, or suffer our spirits to be agitated

and harassed at the petty obstacles encountered by self-will, saying to conscience, should it smite us for the fault, Is it not a little one?" Such conduct seems to say, 'Lord, govern life's great events as thou wilt, but leave us the control of its little ones?' Nothing is so elastic, so irrepressible as self-will. The waters of trouble may flow over it, but like the arches of an aqueduct it feels the pressure only as an incentive to resistance. Many a hard heart has become yet harder by affliction. And even after Divine Grace has changed the heart of stone into one of flesh, 'this infection of nature doth remain,' and is continually manifesting itself in opposition to the will of God. Self-will must be subjected; and every little encouragement afforded to it does but increase the weight of our next affliction. Every cross accident that befals us, be it only the breaking of a cup, or the cutting of one's finger, is a necessary, though minute part of that great system of moral discipline, by which Divine providence and grace are concurring to form in us those capabilities of enjoyment which are to be exercised in a future, immortal state of being. A statuary works with very delicate tools, and by almost imperceptible strokes, in perfecting his figures; and the importance of events can only be justly estimated by the effects which they produce upon the character. As, according to a great author, the man who can carry a calf, may in time be able to sustain the weight of an ox'; and he who begins with simple facts, may gradually attain to the most abstruse parts of learning: so it would appear that the powerful influence of habit is not to be undervalued in religion; and he who can by God's help endure with uncomplaining cheerfulness a peevish friend, a

careless servant, or a smoky chimney, has learned the rudiments of that long-suffering patience which may hereafter appear illustrious in calamity.

Yet how few professing Christians can give a satistory answer to Miss Talbot's question, Can you bear to be put out of your own way, to accomodate your humour to the varieties of human life; and however your day is turned and interrupted, cheerfully make the best of it? Many persons have such a tendency to assimilation as to take the tone of their spirits almost entirely from their company; and perhaps we are all, more or less, under this sort of influence. A pleasant observation naturally induces a similar reply; that person must be churlish, indeed, who would wantonly cast down the light of another's countenance: but a petulant remark as naturally, and almost as generally also, elicits its like. Is this shewing all meekness to all men? Is this doing all to the glory of God? Such irritable believers may indeed be "epistles of Christ," but the fair lines are so bespattered and blotted as to be illegible to common observers.

The present season of the year offers an apt similitude for every individual whose mind is thus feebly and partially influenced by divine truth, and the comparison will hold good if extended to the state of the whole visible church of God. The aspect of the country is still wintry, the trees and hedgerows are bare, and the hills covered with snow. There are many little patches of verdure among the meadows, and some bright flowers, and green shrubs, and a few fruit trees opening their tinted blossoms, speak cheerfully to the sense. The whole land has not yet felt the vivifying touch of spring, but before the advancing

sun the prospect will soon change into summer's luxuriant life and beauty. May the like change be wrought in every heart!'

"Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing, but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians iv. 5—7.

LOUISE

1 The author would recommend to the special attention of the readers of the Christian Lady's Magazine the eighth and eleventh chapters of Mrs. More's Practical Piety,' which treat generally on the subjects of this essay.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE CHRISTIAN
LADY'S MAGAZINE.

MADAM,

THERE is a subject which ought, I think, to occupy the thoughts of Christian ladies more than it seems to do; their inattention may perhaps arise partly from ignorance, or want of thought. I allude to the great desire manifested to purchase French goods, more particularly gloves, regardless of the destitution they thereby bring upon hundreds of their fellowcountrymen. For the completion of one single glove the labour of nine different individuals is required; a stainer (employed in colouring the leather) used, with moderate work, to earn twenty-four or twentyfive shillings per week; women-eight or nine shillings per week; and a layer out, who finishes the gloves previous to, and prepares them for packing— £1. per week.

The present state of things is very different; men who formerly kept their families in comfort and respectability, now seek to earn a scanty subsistence by driving cattle or pigs, sweeping the crossings, or breaking stones in the high road; and there are too many applicants to obtain even this kind of work. Thus are we guilty of aiding the starvation of many mothers and many little ones.

Is it too great a liberty to request you to make your excellent Magazine a vehicle for conveying