FATHER. Yes, and this must be the case, whether we enter upon a state of happiness or misery. But who can conceive of the intolerable torments of self-reproach which must attend the discovery in the latter alternative! Surely it were of itself a hell of misery, to see in the light of those inextinguishable fires, the true value of those things for which heaven was bartered ! EDWARD. What a good thing it would be, if we could but see it so now! FATHER. Let us remember, my dear boy, that the light of God's word shines with sufficient clearness to show all objects distinctly; if we do but also seek the illumination of His Spirit. This light, though shining in a dark place, would at all times guide us safely and pleasantly along the narrow way. MOTHER. You know, dear Edward, how anxious we are, and what exertions we make, that seven years hence you may be in a respectable and prosperous condition; qualified to pass successfully through life. You feel too, I am sure, the importance of it yourself, and this anxiety and care, if subordinate, are natural and right. But let us, my dear child, with deeper anxiety and more strenuous exertion, prepare for a period, perhaps rather more distant, but which, after all, may be much nearer. Let us only extend the date a little further, make a very slight alteration in the figures, and be chiefly concerned for your interests then. Oh, that you may be in prosperous circumstances a hundred years hence! Astronomers calculate the positions of the planets, and politicians speculate about the state of affairs at that period; and shall not we make as long a calculation in relation to our own personal interests! Oh, whatever may befal us during the fleeting interval, let us give the utmost diligence, that all may be well with us in the year one thousand nine hundred and twenty-two! Thus ended their conversation; and the writer can think of no better advice wherewith to sum up the exhortations she has from time to time addressed to her kind and candid readers. Very earnestly therefore requesting their attention to it, she must, for the present, affectionately bid them farewell. Miscellaneous Pieces. I. A DAY'S PLEASURE. ONE fine May morning, a large party of young people, of which I was one, set off for the purpose of viewing a nobleman's seat at some miles' distance. This was an excursion to which we had for some time been looking forward with much pleasure. It had been long promised us, and the day fixed more than once; but the weather, or some other untoward circumstance, had hitherto disappointed us. But now every obstacle was removed-the party assembled, and when, after many presages of bad weather, with which some of the least sanguine and more experienced of our number had alarmed us the night before ;- when, after all these forebodings, the carriages drew up, and we found ourselves safely seated and driving off, there was not an eye that did not sparkle with pleasure. The morning was bright and promising. Who does not know-who, at least, does not remember, |