This action gave unexpected confidence to her mother, and she said,

I think, then, I must not refuse the request; and, at least for a while, I will permit them to attend; begging you not to consider me pledged to an unrestricted grant.

The manner in which my request was granted did not affect me; gaining the concession at the first, I took it as an earnest that I should be allowed to prevail for the future. Isabella thanked her mamma, and said, I am very glad William is to be one of the party.

There was still another family in the neighborhood which I was anxious to gain; but their life was so completely spent in the gaieties of this world, that I feared obtaining any influence there would be difficult, as my known habits of enforcing Bible consistency upon every one called Christian, had excited the repugnance so constantly exhibited by the lovers of pleasure towards the disciples of the cross. I was sorely tempted not to make a trial, but the word, "Whatsoever ye ask in my name I will give it you," directed me first to apply by supplication to Him who gave the promise, and then to determine upon making my request at once, in that name, to the parents of the children so greatly needing to be instructed in the will and way of the Lord.

Having returned, Mary safely to her parents, I proceeded, and found a ready admittance. I was ushered into a room where was already assembled a party of young people, who, by an

extraordinary imitation of the manners of their seniors, were engaged with all the formality of a grown-up party of the world. Refreshments of cake, and fruit, and wine were handing round, and I was pressed to partake with them.

With pleasure, I replied, as I accepted the offer; and what will you say to me, if I make a request that you may be allowed to join a little weekly party at my house?

At your house! exclaimed a boy about fourteen years old; that is something new ; you have never before made a party for us.

If the circumstance is new, I must not conceal that the object also is new. It is simply this, to invite young people, denominated Christians from their baptism, to meet together for Christian conversation and instruction.

There was a general gaze from all the young people, and the smile of pleasure gradually changed into an expression of disappointment.

Mrs. Evans, the lady of the house, said, Oh! I understand you; you have a longing desire to increase the number of Methodists; but the proposal from you on any motive is so unexpected, that for the novelty's sake, I am inclined to give my permission, if the young people think it will be any pleasure to them.

Silence from them indicated, that they would rather have been helped to an apology.

I will not press my suit: I have freely made my request, and freely say it is for Christ's sake; and those among you, my dear young friends,

who think they love that name will, I doubt not, afford me the pleasure of seeing them.

There were not many faces that were not immediately overspread with a conscious blush; though there was a little variety in their different countenances, expressive of different kinds and degrees of feeling.

Turning to Mrs. Evans, I said, I have no more to add, my dear madam, at present; I have explained the object of my call, and will not obtrude any longer ;--and taking leave, I returned homewards.

Comforted by the success so far obtained, I ruminated much on my way, and longed extremely to blend with my party some of my brethren of low degree, but, on reflection, I thought it best to commence in the way of a distinct class, until I had won a little on my friends to understand the importance of the command, in its influence on all ranks of men; for it is to man that God has adapted His holy laws; He is no respecter of persons; He has brought all into an equality in his sight, first, by showing the whole world to be guilty before Him, and then, in the adoption by Christ into the family of God; He has thus spoken to them who are in Him: "Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted, and the rich in that he is made low."--James i. 9, 10.

I expected a visit from my sister, and hoped she would be in time to make one of the party at its commencement. She was one who had

endeavored to frame her conduct towards her family upon the counsels of the Word of God, and with the view to His holy command; and though of modest and retired habits, I hoped to induce her to take some part in my plan. Her young family was an interesting specimen of the blessing of this plan of education, and manifested the power of early religious instruction on the conduct of those children who are trained up in the way they should go; though their dispositions were various. I was therefore truly happy to find that she had arrived during my absence. Her sweet children were watching my return, from the window, and were soon clinging around me, seeking my caresses and expressing their own pleasure. My sister, though not so rapid in her movements, was shortly one with us, and the children gave way by a general impulse until their mother had received my welcome; and whilst the youngest boy took my hand, the daughter attached herself to her mother, whose side she seemed loth to leave.

We did not part that evening until I had communicated my object and obtained their concurrence; and thus I felt strengthened by the happy coincidence of having the addition of a few children, who, with their mother, were seriously impressed with the importance and love of the fifth commandment: "Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.”

The next morning I had the early assistance

of my young relatives in making preparations for the reception of our expected guests. The party promising to be large, we arranged one room for the young people, and another for the seniors, proposing to be directed in the course I should adopt, by the feeling I should observe most prevalent amongst my friends, and trusting to be favored with a discernment of character that should afford me opportunity for pointed and faithful speaking.

Uncle, said Louisa, what shall I do in so large a party? I have never been accustomed to such a company, for we live so retired, that I really shall not know how to behave.

You will naturally behave as you ought to do, my dear Louisa,-her mamma remarked with mildness,-if you forget yourself, and desire to promote the happiness of others.

Yes, mamma, I am aware of that; but you know it will be very difficult to forget myself, when I am fearful of not conducting myself like those with whom I shall be mixed.

You need have no anxiety, my love, about assimilating with your party;-that would be much more difficult. If you unaffectedly desire to be no more than you are, you will be devoid of a care which would ensnare you. Seek not to please others by conformity to them :-first ascertain to whom they are conformed, and be you conformed to the one Image set before us in the Word of God.

True, mamma, I know the advice is good, and