all before you, in appearance, is bright and cheering; remember that, "man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward." Of this sad inheritance bequeathed to us by the parents of our race, you must have your portion. And when it comes, what will sustain and console you, but the religion of Christ? Easily as you may dispense with this religion now, while the sun of prosperity illumines your path, and gilds your prospect, be assured you will find the need of it, in those "days of darkness," which the wise man assures you "shall be many." How cheerless at such a season the condition of those, whose only enjoyment has been derived from the world! But, "to the upright there ariseth light in the darkness. Though divine grace does not ensure them exemption from calamity, it turns the curse into a blessing: it enters the house of mourning, and soothes the troubled mind; it prepares

eternal rest. Oh! to be dissolved; to be with Jesus! I long to be clothed with the complete righteousness of Christ."*

* Christian Magazine, vol. i. pages 302-5.

us for all, sustains in all, sanctifies by all, and delivers us from all."

This you have seen remarkably verified in the subject of the preceding sketch. Her days, though not few, were evil, in the common acceptation of the word. Like the patriarch of Uz, she was stript of her possessions, and her children; as well as visited with many other "ills which flesh is heir to." But like him, she possessed her soul in patience; and like him was enabled to say, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord."

Religion will do as much for you, if you embrace it early, as she did. It will be your light in darkness-your companion in solitude-your refuge in danger-your consolation in sorrow.

But preeminently valuable will be the fruits of early piety, under the infirmities of age; and in the evening of life. Then, (should you be among that small number who are permitted to see those "evil days, in which there is no pleasure" of an earthly or sensual kind) how wretched must you be, if unable to look back up

on a life of devotedness to God, and of usefulness to men; and to look forward to that rest, of which, nothing but such a life can give you a solid and satisfying ground of hope,* How consoling, on the contrary, such a review! and how animating, such a prospect! "Remember then your Creator in the days of your youth;" encouraged by the promise which he has graciously given you-"They that seek me early shall find me." Embrace in his whole character, that adorable Redeemer, who manifested

*The "obedience unto death" of the Lord Jesus Christ, is indeed the only ground of a sinner's justification before God, because that only is adequate to the demands of the divine law-that law, which is as obligatory now as it ever was; being a transcript of the character of Him, who is immutably "the same yesterday, to day, and forever"-that law, which as it never required more than is due to God, cannot possibly be relaxed in its demands. But who is to reap the benefit of Christ's obedience and sufferings? They only who believe. "God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him might not perish but have everlasting life." "If ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your

while on earth, a peculiar regard for the young. And yield to the influences of the Holy Ghost-the Sanctifier, whose sovereign, almighty agency alone, can render you meet for the inheritance of the saints in light.

Can the aged who may read the preceding pages, forbear to inquire, Have I the supports, the consolations, and the hopes, which this venerable mother in Israel experienced? Or, if my enjoyments be less elevated, and my assurance less full and satisfying than hers,

sins." And what is Gospel faith—the faith of God's elect? "To as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God-even to them that believe on his name.” And what is the evidence of genuine faiththe cordial acceptance of Christ ? "Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.” On this account it is, that Abraham is said by St. James in that most contested passage, to have been justified by works; as his faith was thereby proved to be real and saving. And for the same reason, obedience to the laws of Christ is represented as the basis of the final decision, in the great day of account; as the only test of that vital union to Him, which gives an interest in his merits.

1

am I drawing water from the same wells of salvation? Are the truths, and promises of the Gospel, the subjects of my sweetest contemplation, the basis of my fondest hopes? Admonished by my often infirmities, that this tabernacle of clay is fast crumbling to the ground, am I daily preparing, by reading, meditation, and prayer, to be "clothed upon with that house which is from heaven?" In the devotion of my spirit, the savor of my conversation, and the exemplariness of my life, am I honoring the religion of Christ, and recommending it to the acceptance of all around me? Is my grey head a crown of glory, being found in the way of righteousness?

The following brief but comprehensive sketch of the character of Mrs. Waters appeared in one or more of the weekly papers a few days after her death.

Died in this town, on Friday last, Mrs. Abigail Waters, aged ninety six, widow of Josiah Waters, Esq. formerly of Ann street, who died thirty three years ago. This venerable matron has been known to se many families, and for so long a period of time, that her character is now mentioned for the information of those only, who could not have seen her but in the decline of life, and when her accomplishments were in decay. By accomplishments, are not meant those ornamental parts of education which are now bestowed upon the rising generation of females, in addition to their more important attainments.

Ninety years ago, the elegancies of polite literature were not so cheap and common as they are now. But Madam Waters was blessed with a most affectionate heart, and sound intelligence, and she animated every circle which she entered by her innocent vivacity.

The writer of this brief memorial of uucommon worth. was acquainted with her excellent qualities for half a century, and well remembers how deep an interest she took in the concerns of her younger relations