FRANCES.

Certainly, any creed of human formation must have fallen to the ground, under such a long course of cruel persecution.

ANNE.

I believe that the sufferings of the first Christians as well as of Christ himself, dreadful as they were, were necessary to the firm establishment of Christianity, and to the happiness of mankind in future ages: for it was highly desirable that no one, to the end of time, should be able to say that persons became Christians because it was a means of introducing them to worldly honours. I think persecution was also the principal cause of the evidences of Christianity being so rigorously examined, at a time when every means of doing it was equally in the power of both its friends and enemies.

ON BENEVOLENCE.

"O God! with sympathetic care,
In others' joys and griefs to share,
Do thou my heart incline;

Each low, each selfish wish controul,

Warm with benevolence my soul,

And make me wholly thine."

BLACKLOCK.

t

HARRIETTE.

ANNE, you remember that little cottage on the downs, which you said was so picturesque, and which you took a sketch of last week. Well, do you know, the woman who lives there has seven children, and they are all as ragged and dirty as possible, and they cannot one of them read. I wish I was rich enough to buy them new clothes and put them to school.

ANNE.

You are more moderate in your wishes than you were; for a little while ago I heard you wishing you could relieve all the Spitalfields' weavers.

HARRIETTE.

Oh! that wish was quite out of the way, I know. And, indeed, it is of no use for me to wish any thing of the kind, for such a little insignificant thing as I am can do no good to any body.

ANNE.

In that you are quite mistaken, my dear Harriette. I think there is hardly any one so forlorn and destitute as not to have it in their power to do some good. There is much kindness which is not expensive. Think of the Apostles; they did good, but not with money. Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have, give I unto thee."

HARRIETTE.

Ob, yes; but then he had what was better than money. But what can I have that will do good?