lenixthey entered the small but neat apartment, Mrs. Sinclair feebly arose, saying, Helen my love, where have you been so long? I have missed you sadly, where have you been Kissing her pale and emaciated cheek, Helen replied, with as much composure as she could command, You see I am come back, dear mamma, and shall help Sophia to nurse you, but do sit down, or you will be tiredonot mhg túi vợt in κιλφος άξιοι το

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dú Tired, echoed the invalid, with a faint smile, no I am not often tired now. I used to be, but not with walking, oh! no, it was with something terrible اره

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Here is your tea mamma,' said Sophia, placing it upon a little stand, before the easy chair which Mrs. Sinclair occupied, in order to divert her attention from that something terrible, which had thus overshadowed a naturally clear and but too sensitive mind.

At the time when the affliction came upon them, Mrs. Sinclair had no better support under it than mere worldly reasoning; which avails no more, in the hour of trial, than a rope of sand would, to secure a vessel, amidst storms and tempests.

Despite all his faults, and even vices, Mrs. Sinclair still loved her husband; and when with the loss of every worldly comfort, came the knowledge of his desertion, her health gave way; and, as we said before, derangement of intellect succeeded.

Sophia Sinclair, some years older than our friend Helen, was one of those persons most fitted to contend with adverse circumstances. Calm and thoughtful, endued also with a determination of character, and power of judgment, but rarely found in one so young; she was enabled to struggle through all; supported by the deep and heartfelt piety she possessed, through the mercy of Him, "who giveth liberally and upbraideth not'w Not that it rendered her insensible to the heavy trials which it became their lot to endure; but whilst her heart bled with anguish, there was yet a "balm in gilead, " and she knew that "whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.")

*An eminent divine has said, that " it is the privilege of God's children to suffer"; so true it is, that afflictions are sent to purify the gold, by removing the dross; but whilst we know this, let us be careful lest we ourselves take away the effect intended to be produced. Afflic tions are either a blessing or a curse.

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A blessing indeed, when they work in us cheerful submission, and watchfulness over sin, the author of all sorrow; but on the other hand, when met by a murmuring or rebellious spirit, though we suffer ever so much, they can but tend to increase our condemnation. We should therefore when deeply grieved, seriously examine our hearts, and mark well, "what manner of spirit we are of" for thus only will afflictions tend to our final happiness...

We are sent into this lower world heirs of immorta

lity: whether it be, eventually, eternal bliss or everlast ing woe. Trifle not then on the brink of so fearful a precipice of so dreadful an alternative; but hasten whilst yet it is day," to that Saviour, who alone can and will preserve you. "The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him;" but remember they only find him, who seek diligently t

When Sophia found that her mother was thus sinking under the trial, the noble minded girl dedicated herself as it were, to the sole support of the rest of the family.

Charles, her brother, now at college, (through the liberality of Mrs. Stewart,) willingly seconded her plans, and having obtained from a Mr. Harcourt, (an old friend of their mother's family,) his assistance in settling, in some degree, their affairs; they retired with the slender remnant of their property, to the house, or rather cottage, they now inhabited, in the vicinity of K Is Sophia was at once housekeeper, nurse to her mother, and preceptress to her youngest sister Their aunt, the Mrs. Stewart already mentioned, (who out of a nume rous band of relatives, was the only one who offered them the least assistance) furnished Helen, as well as her brother, with the means of completing the liberal education they had already received sised mo L.This timely generosity enabled Sophia to send Edward who was yet very young, as day boarder to a Clergyman, who resided within a short distance of their dwelling; which though humble, was yet as Sophia cheerfully ob

served, a cottage orné, since woodbine, clematis, and roses, twined around the casements, and perfumed the apartments with their balmy breath.

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Charles Sinclair happily possessed fine abilities, united with a firm religious principle; thus Sophia and Helen felt but little anxiety on his account, trusting that he would by his own exertions, pave the way to some college preferment.

Mrs. Sinclair's declining health and but too evident aberration of mind, were now the greatest sorrow they had to endure; and their father's absence added to its poignancy, in no small degree; for the sight of the sufferer brought it forcibly to remembrance, as the origin of their calamity, and the source of all their misfortunes.

The faithful old servant who had remained with them in this their day of adversity, now entered, to assist Mrs. Sinclair up stairs, for she generally retired soon after tea. Helen went forwards to bid her good night, but it was evident Mrs. Sinclair had totally forgotten her arrival; and the half surprised, half frightened expression on her countenance, so shocked Helen, that once more bursting into tears, she retreated to the window; which stood open, allowing a rich sunset to pour its glowing and softened light into the room.

The air felt sweet and refreshing, so that Helen walked into the garden, which Sophia's taste and Edward's industry had rendered as pretty, or prettier, than could have been expected, from the small space of ground allotted

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to it. She had not long been there, when Sophia joined her; and by the strain of her conversation, soothed and cheered Helen, who ever leaned upon her for advice and consolationilid You are too much fatigued Helen,' said Sophia, linking her sister's arm within her own: but when you are completely rested, Edward and Mary must shew you some of the beauties which surround us. Now I think we cannot do better, than let nurse give us our supper: for you look quite pale. Come! Mary, you must shew Helen how clever you are become as a cook, or at least, a confectioner.'

Helen sighed deeply, as the recollections of former days flashed upon her mind. Sophia heard the sigh with pain, and guessed the reason; but deemed it better not to notice it. Helen could not yet, like Sophia, say with the Apostle, “I have learned in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content." Her trust was placed on the "Rock of ages;" and at times, her spirit soared above all these feelings; but she had not yet attained to the abiding, calm resignation, which Sophia possessed, in such a measure of perfection.

Helen's mind was naturally easily excited; Sophia's was exactly the reverse. The natural temperament of persons may, and undoubtedly does occasion, some difference; and those of quick feelings, generally speaking, have most to contend with; still, the fault remains where all faults arise in the heart. Prayer, and the effects of prayer, in adequate amendment, will gradually

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