because I had indulged the hope that our conversation on a similar occasion, about a fortnight ago, would have had a better effect." "I cannot tell how it is, mamma, I was quite determined then, that I would never act in the same way again; but this morning I really could not help it." "I think I can see, Ellen, where the defect lies; but you must beware of attempting to justify yourself, or you will always imagine something may be said in extenuation of every fault you commit; and such an idea as this will present an insuperable barrier to a real reformation. You have fancied, my love, that it is in your own power to subdue these evil passions whenever you choose to make the effort, and, relying upon your own strength alone, you have hitherto failed, and so you always will, till you obtain the assistance of the Holy Spirit." "How can I do that, mamma?" "By praying for it, my love. God has promised to give his Holy Spirit to all who sincerely ask him for it; and where his sacred influences are felt upon the mind, they furnish the best preservatives against the indulgence of evil tempers such as you now lament." "It always makes me very unhappy, but I am afraid, mamma, I never shall be quite good; I have tried so often, and then, as soon as any thing occurs to vex me, I cannot help being cross and passionate. Oh! I wish I knew how really to prevent this." 66 Only, my love, by pursuing the course I recommend to you; and I can assure you, from my own experience, that you will find this successful." "But you never put yourself in a passion, mamma." "Perhaps not, my dear, in the same way that you do; but when I was a little girl, I used to be very obstinate, and often tried to be good, and often resolved that I never would grieve my dear mamma again; but as soon as I was told to do any thing that did not quite suit my inclination, I forgot my good resolutions, or, at least, was not able to keep them, and instead of getting better I actually became worse; and I soon found, and so will you, my love, that every indulgence of what is wrong strengthens the habit, and renders it more difficult to overcome evil. After some time I resolved, when I prayed to God in the morning, that I would ask him to forgive my past folly, for the sake of Jesus Christ, and enable me to go through the day without being obstinate or perverse; and he was pleased to hear my prayer; and thus, by degrees, I was able to resist this easily besetting sin, and when I felt inclined to give way, the recollection of the petitions I had offered in the morning, and the grief which the review would occasion in the evening, checked me; and I can assure you, my dear girl, that if you try this, you will find it a far more effectual remedy than all your own resolutions and endeavours, though you cannot do without these." "O mamma, I wish I could always think of what you say; but I do not know how to pray to God to assist me; I cannot tell what to say." "Then, my love, you must first of all ask him to teach you to pray even the disciples offered the petition, "Lord, teach us to pray." And the Lord Jesus Christ is so kind, so compassionate, that he will listen to what you say; tell him exactly what you lament, and what you wish, and you will soon perceive that this will have a very beneficial influence over your conduct; and remember, that when you feel disposed to speak angrily, you must instantly make an effort to resist it, and though at first it will be difficult, yet perseverance will soon render it less so; but I must again urge it upon you, that you must not expect to succeed by yourself; you must constantly look to the Saviour to help you, and then you will be able to accomplish much, but only then." "I will try, dear mamma, to do as you advise me, but I am afraid I shall not be able to pray myself-will you pray for me, mamma ?". That, my love, I do every day; this evening, before you go to bed, you shall come into my little room with me, and I will pray with you; we will implore the assistance of the Holy Spirit,-entreat Him to rectify all that is wrong, to supply all that is deficient, to make you holy, and happy, and useful in this world, and prepare you for an admission into that blissful state, where we shall, I hope, all meet; and where there will be no sin to interrupt our peace-no sorrow to lessen our enjoyment. But we must go; papa will wonder what is become of us." Ellen wiped away her tears, kissed her mamma, and they entered the parlour, where they found Mrs. Bartlett, an old friend of the family, who was come to take tea with them. She had brought her little girl with her, who was Ellen's chief friend and companion; this cheered her spirits, and they passed the evening very pleasantly together. Their intended excursion was talked about, and as Mrs. Bartlett had never seen the British Museum, it was agreed before they separated, that their visitors should join their party, and on the first fine day that Mr. Symonds could spare for that purpose. And from what had occurred, Ellen learnt many valuable lessons, one of which was,—that a disappointment in the morning should not make the whole day gloomy and uncomfortable. JUVENILE CHARACTERS. THE DILIGENT YOUTH. "Rich industry we view with pleasing eyes; S. M. F. Thus the whole earth, in one great landscape found, SAVAGE. THE early acquirement of a habit of diligence is of the utmost importance to youth. It is, humanly speaking, the foundation of all future advancement, and the sure key to knowledge, wealth, and respect. "The hand of the diligent shall bear rule." "Seest thou a man diligent in his business, he shall stand before kings, he shall not stand before mean men."† How often have we seen an individual rise from obscurity to affluence and notoriety, merely by diligence and habitual' regular industry! and how many for want of diligence have sunk from wealth and grandeur to poverty and disgrace! The cultivation of a farm shows the inestimable value and necessity of diligence. We have seen a once barren waste enclosed, ploughed, sown, harrowed; and where formerly + Ibid. xxii. 29. * Prov. xii. 24. VOL. II. 3d series. F stones, weeds, thistles, and pools overspread the soil, there have we seen the corn waving to and fro; there have we gazed at the flowers that decked the beautiful parterre, and the cattle graze in the rich verdant pastures; every object bespeaks prosperity, and the whole scene proclaims, Labour accomplishes all things,' It is not so much by mighty, gigantic efforts, that we arrive at eminence, as by regularity in our proceedings. The fable of the hare and the tortoise imparts an excellent moral, and shows that "Slow and steady wins the race." The most stately palace that ever graced any kingdom, the grandest work that ever ornamented a country, the finest picture that ever charmed the eye, the most fascinating poem that ever raised enthusiastic emotions, are all the effect of gradual and diligent labor. The arts and sciences have arrived at their present state by the same means, and a knowledge of the living and dead languages can be acquired only by the same plan. The mind of James Silvester was thoroughly imbued with these sentiments. Without any thing beyond a common education, he made his way into life, and rose to a state of competency and rank in society. The motto which he constantly regarded was, 'Improve time; waste not a moment.' He availed himself of the little knowledge he had acquired of the foreign languages, and by persevering diligence at length overcame the difficulties that he had to encounter. As an apprentice, he was rigidly exact in promoting the interests of his master, and strictly attentive to all his commands. He rose in time, preserved every thing in a state of neatness and order, conducted himself to the customers with the greatest courteousness and civility, and invariably studied to please and to give satisfaction. When the shop had closed, he retired to his room, and applied himself to reading and study. James Silvester was punctual to his word, and mindful of his engagements. He never resorted to excuses, but kept in view minutes, and when he made an appointment was never known to fail. This diligence he carried into his religious concerns. As means. he was not slothful in business, so he was fervent in spirit. He diligently sought the Lord in the use of all the appointed The Bible informed his judgment; he read it with fixed attention, compared scripture with scripture, and saw the connexion of knowledge, experience, and practice. He regularly prayed to God for wisdom and grace to explain divine truth and apply it to his heart. He paid attention to his temper and disposition, and by constant watchfulness and earnest prayer, he gained in a great degree the dominion over himself. His natural pride was subdued; his disposition to irritability was checked; he became humble, modest, un. assuming, patient, and forbearing. The example of the Saviour taught him how to forgive, excited him to zeal and activity, and stimulated him to piety and devotion. He was a diligent hearer of the gospel. He was early in his attendance at the house of God, and to assist his memory he took short notes of the sermon, which he reviewed when he retired home; by this means his knowledge of divine subjects was greatly enlarged, and his profiting appeared to all. The habits that are formed in youth are generally carried into manhood. James Silvester was prepared to enter into life, and engage in the pursuits of commerce, to which he gave most exemplary attention. In forming his plans for domestic life his choice of a partner was prudent and judicious. The first requisite he sought was piety, that he might have one who would assist him in bringing up his children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. In his selection he was directed by Him that answers prayer; for Mrs. Silvester proved a help-meet indeed. Pious, careful, frugal, and good-tempered, she sustained her titles of wife and mother with credit to herself, to the comfort of her husband, and to the glory of God. Silvester increased in property, and left an example to his family and to posterity that godliness is profitable for all things, having the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. His name will be long remembered, as associated with the epithet, The Diligent Youth.' I shall close this Paper with an extract from a celebrated writer."Diligence is an important duty in all, especially |