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 presented 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 natural impulse until their mother received my welcome; and whilst the youngest boy took my hand, the daughter attached herself to her mother, whose side she seemed loath 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 value 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 preparation 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 which might afford me an 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 though I still fear a difficulty, I will endeavor to bear it in mind, and will try to put it in practice.

As your uncle's niece, you will be expected to show attention to all the party. Be, therefore, courteous, be kind, as the Apostle exhorts; but be steady and consistent to the principles you have imbibed; remember to whose service you are dedicated. &

Louisa received the advice with attentive observation; and it was evident that she was a girl who was accustomed to hear the instructions of her father, and to forsake not the law of her mother. The lesson did not appear to impose any restraint upon her: she received

CHAPTER IV.

My party was now fast forming, and my sister agreeing to receive the young people, I was the more at liberty to attend to the seniors, all of whom assembled ; and Mrs. Evans introduced her friends, Mr. and Mrs. Graham, saying, I have taken this liberty, as my friends arrived unexpectedly ;-having named to them the novelty of the engagement this evening, they declared they would not detain me at home, but would much like to be admitted here; and besides, it will answer your purpose, as they have a fine family of children.

My welcome was sincere to all, and I offered coffee early, that we might have a more uninterrupted evening. Mrs. Evans seemed full of curiosity, and addressing a lady near her, said,

I feel a little as if I had come to school; I declare I have a kind of fear that the papas and mammas are to be lectured as well as the boys and girls.