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disarm even those foes, which at first appear insurmountable. Such indeed must they ever remain, did we endeavour to conquer them with our own weak and powerless weapons; for that our "strength is perfect weakness" every succeeding day will suffice to proveor

Helen mourned over the want of submission she felti; still, there must have been a reservation; or why should not her mind be as inwardly peaceful as was Sophia's? She knew and experienced more privations than Helen, yet their present lot never caused her regret for its own sake; she knew practically that it was the Lord's doing, and was thus enabled to say, "Thy will be done."-a state of mind, the most to be desired of any other, since,

"They do his will, who only stand and wait.", Waiting, whilst it expresses submission, implies also expectation, and it is thus that all who "name the name of Christ" should wait; but alas! how thinly scattered are they who act upon this living faith. M

The enemies of true religion designate it enthusiasm, but we repel the charge. Enthusiasm, in its very nature, is but as the flash of a meteor, ending in darkness; but vital religion is enduring-strengthens with increasing years and feeds upon delicious fruit.

When the family assembled for their evening repast, Helen remarked with grateful pleasure, the tacit welcome she received: for Mary and Edward had decorated each dish with a few flowers. The chimney piece was also freshly adorned, and though their supper was simple,

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it was seasoned with cheerfulness and contentment; two guests that had been frequently wanting, during the days of their seeming prosperity.

The evening was closed with prayer, in which their mother's name ascended in Sophia's earnest petitions to the " throne of grace," and after prayer, every one united in a hymn, to the praise of their Creator. Helen attempted to sing, but the effort failed, and she alone remained silent, though not unmoved.

The next morning, Helen took Mrs. Sinclair's breakfast up stairs; and was pleased to find her more collected. It was, however, evident, that she had forgotten Helen had ever been absent; and spoke of things long past, as being present. On the subject of religion alone, her ideas appeared perfectly clear; and Helen rejoiced as she listened to the expressions of peace and comfort, which fell from her lips.

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' I feel,' said Mrs. Sinclair, after a pause in the conversation, and touching her forehead, I feel that all is not right here. I cannot recollect as I used to do, and sometimes think I must be dreaming. Helen, my love, do not rest until you are sure of a good hope; to comfort you in the hour of need.'

I trust,' answered Helen, 'my only hope is in Christ, and his merits, for my acceptance with a merciful God; and it is to Him alone, I look for comfort and consolation. I thank thee, oh! God,' said Mrs. Sinclair, clasping her thin and wasted hands together, I thank thee, who "hearest and answerest prayer.""

Helen felt her hopes revive, on listening to the connected strain of her conversation, but some casual Tế mark, happening to touch the chord which so soon vibrated, she quickly wandered from the point and reason appeared once more, as though about to abdicate her throne for ever. Helen resided with her aunt, at the time of Mrs. Sinclair's removal into Cumberland, and circumstances had hitherto prevented her joining her family; the country around was therefore all new to her; and richly indeed did its beauties enhance, the pleasure which she daily experienced, in exploring it with her youthful companions.

Sometimes a landscape would, as it were, burst upon them; luxuriant in foliage and rendered riant, by the waters of the rapid river, sparkling beneath the bright and passing sunbeams. Again, after a toilsome walk, amid wild and rugged paths, a deep valley lying in peaceful repose, refreshed the eye; beautifully embosoming a rustic dwelling, possessing all the simple luxuries of a farm house. Primitive, indeed, were the manners and habits of its kind hearted inmates; whose hospitality would, at all times, welcome a stranger, and obliterate the remembrance that a polish was wanting; a polish which those who possess it, have alas! too frequently gained, at the expense of sacrificing those virtues, which in themselves, are truly estimable.

Amongst this class of persons the Sinclairs were regarded as superiors, though scanty indeed was their purse. Sophia's lady-like manners and ideas were ever the same, and called forth their kind and assiduous attention. That rare exotic, humility, shone conspicuously in her character, and naturally tended to exalt her still more in their good opinion, whilst it abased her in her own for so true is it, that

PATACOL"Itis so frail, so delicate a thing,

'Tis gone, if it but look upon itself.
And she who ventures to believe it her's

ware Proves by that very thought, she has it not."

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CHAPTER VI.

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"It is in vain that we would coldly gaze upon those who smile upon us, the heart must leap kindly back to kindness."

Very, very painful, had it been to Helen, when the time arrived for her to bid adieu to her invalid parent, and affectionate sisters. Still how different were her feelings now, as she approached Oakwood, to what they were on her first arrival. Uncertain as she then was, whether she might meet with kindness, freezing politeness, or cutting neglect.

At that time all around was dreary and desolate; now it was the beginning of August, and the day bright and sunny; one of such days as autumn alone brings; as if to make us prize them more, when they have departed.

Like the society of friends, whose conversation cheers and animates our minds with renewed vigour; but when it is gone, a dreary blank is left, serving but to heighten the contrast, and make us more deeply feel our loss. Helen had not written to Oakwood, to name the exact day the family might expect her there, so leaving

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