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beggars, we should so seldom inquire about, although it is more easily ascertained than any question respecting our temporal affairs?-1 mean, whether we are going to heaven or hell! Now to know this, we have only to ask whether or not we are Christians: if conscience allows us humbly to hope that we are so, in the scriptural sense of the word, then we are sure that the Lord is gone "to prepare a place for us" among the many mansions in his father's house." But if we know that we are not true Christians, nor earnestly striving to become such, then, the awful probability is, that we are doomed to the place "prepared for the devil and his angels."

Thus, having explained and exemplified my method so as to render it clear to their comprehensions, I trust that every one of my readers will be able to predict all that is good for them to know concerning their future lives; and I doubt not they will find it profitable to do so. Should any think it an unsatisfactory and uncertain plan, or flatter themselves, that although they may answer some of the above descriptions, yet, that they shall escape the appropriate punishment, I must tell them that it is for want of knowing the world and themselves, and for want of considering the natural and inevitable consequences of things.

A new year is now commencing, let every one inquire how they have begun it. Is it with a resolution to make renewed efforts to overcome their bad habits, and to improve their manners and characters? and have they actually begun to make such efforts? then I prophesy a

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happy new year to them; and that if they persevere in their resolutions it will be the happiest they have ever known: but if on the contrary they are beginning it in the old way,-not more attentive to business, nor watchful of their tempers and conduct,-not more concerned for their intellectual and religious improvement than heretofore; then, although they may very likely have had a merry christmas, I cannot wish them a happy new year, because I know it would be in vain to do so. For the saying is as true as it is trite, that to be happy we must be good. The knowledge of this, is, in fact, the grand secret of my art, and it is by consulting this simple rule, that every man may be his own fortune-teller.

IX.

ON IMPRESSIONS.

THEODORE, in high health and spirits, was engaged in boyish sports with his companions, when he was summoned to attend the dying-bed of a favourite friend, a lad of his own age, who had been, from his infancy, his intimate associate. He was suddenly seized with an acute disease; and, in a few hours, all hope of recovery being over, he expressed a wish to take a last leave of his friend Theodore.

Theodore entered the darkened chamber with a trembling step; and with mingled feelings of awe, grief, and terror, approached the bed of death. The curtain was undrawn, and when he

beheld the altered countenance, and heard the feeble accents of his dying companion, this, thought he, is a scene I shall never, never forget! His friend's failing strength allowed him to speak but a few words; but they were words of high import. "Theodore," he said, "a very little time ago I was strong and well, as you are; now I am I dying! Oh, that my short life had been better improved! Oh, that I had thought more of eternity, and been better prepared for it! I cannot say all I would but learn from me, how uncertain life is, and remember that religion is the one thing needful!'" Theodore groaned and wept; kissed his friend's ghastly cheek, and retired in the deepest sorrow.

In a few hours he heard that he was no more: his tears flowed afresh; he thought again, and again, of his dying words, and was persuaded that they would never be forgotten. He went afterwards, to take a last look at his beloved companion. With what feelings did he enter the gloomy apartment! he shrunk back as he approached the place where the coffin stood, and felt inexpressly shocked at the sight of its bright, mournful ornaments. When the white napkin that covered the well-known face was removed, he started, and feared to trust his eyes to gaze upon it. Ah! how lately had he seen that pale countenance warm, ruddy, and sparking with mirth and happiness! Theodore returned slowly home, viewing every object in a new light; the impressions he felt of the uncertainty of life,-the reality of death, the value of religion, were strong and lively. He attended his friend's funeral; arrayed in deep mourning he followed in

the slow train; stood on the verge of the deep, dark grave; witnessed the last sad rite; and retired sorrowful and serious. The next day, and the next, the thoughts of this mournful event never left him for a moment; and for many days he was more than usually serious, thoughtful, and attentive. He went alone morning and evening to pray and to read the Bible. He joined in all the religious duties of the family without suffering wandering thoughts to intrude. The following sabbath did not seem a "weariness" to him he was glad to have his attention called to those things which he felt to be of supreme importance. But at length, returning to his ordinary occupations and amusements, his spirits revived, and with that his former feeling began to return every day rendered his late impressions fainter; every time they returned it was with decreased force, and it was not long ere he was in much about the same state of mind as before the event happened.

One day Theodore met with the interesting memoirs of a young man who had early distinguished himself by his attainments in science and literature. He read with avidity; and as he read, his ambition was roused, his enthusiasm kindled he remarked by what means he had risen to eminence, by what industry, perseverance, and self-denial, he had conquered all difficulties and Theodore determined no longer to be contented with performing the common daily drudgery of an ordinary school-boy, but thence-forward to make similar exertions, in the hope of similar success. Accordingly, the next day, he arose betimes, surprised his masters

by his extraordinory diligence, and applied to his studies even during the intervals usually devoted to recreation. This continued, with small abatement, for a few days: but then his energy began to relax; he yielded to this and the other excuse; forgot the book that had stimulated him; and was soon just about as studious as be

fore he read it.

Although Theodore was by no means an undutiful son, yet there were times, when, if his parents thwarted his wishes, he would put on a sullen look, and give a short answer. At length his mother was laid on a sick bed; she became so extremely ill, that they feared she would not recover and now he was in the deepest distress: he knelt by her bed-side; lamented in bitterness, that he had ever spoken an unkind word to her; and resolved, and promised, that if she did but revive, she should never have to complain of it again. At last she began to amend. Theodore

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rejoiced; he attended her with the greatest tenderness, and flew to execute all her commands. And yet, when she was quite well, the very first time that she had occasion to reprove him, he returned her a frowning look, and sullen

answer.

Theodore's

Once, in walking out with his father, he was taken into a wretched cottage, where a poor sick man and ten small children were without bread. They were half naked, and seemed perishing for want of food and fire. heart yearned at the sight: the eldest was a lad of his own size; but what a difference! as he stood beside him, and compared his own comfortable dress, his bright boots, warm great-coat,

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