return.

never, should they wander, find rest, until they Here is a proof of this, in the following letter, which a friend has sent us a copy of:"Dear Sir,

“County Prism.

"I scarce know what to do, whether to write or be silent; my mind is torn with my present degraded state, and with the fearful thoughts of eternity to come. You, I dare say, have heard of my condition, and what I have done. Ah, sir! I wish I had taken your counsel when you so kindly wished me well,—when you so earnestly endeavoured to instruct me. But that is all past, and my opportunities are past, and I am a criminal, about to leave my country for ever. Oh, sir! I know you will be sorry for my conduct; but bad as I am, give me an interest in your prayers. I once possessed it, I know; but I have been ungrateful, and did all I could to avoid you, and have not in any way regarded the scripture; but the text, "Be sure your sin will find you out," I have never forgot. I feel, indeed, what a bitter thing it is to sin; but it is now too late. Are you still, sir, instructing the young? tell them to avoid bad company; that ruined me. You remember, sir, the night I left my poor mother's house, intending to get a ship and go to sea, but failed: then my temptations began, and then my integrity was lost. I saw myself from home without money, so I sold my clothes, and spent the proceeds

in sin.

O what temptations for youth! and

alas, I fell into them all! I commenced my wretched ways by stealing a pair of shoes placed at a door for sale. What were the feelings of my heart? they were such as I shall never forget! I saw at once my state-ruined! ruined! and I determined to return to my mother, but the thought that my clothes were gone prevented me. Then I thought if I could get some clothes as I got the shoes, I would go. I got acquainted with some wicked youths, who were sunk as low in guilt as they well could be, and they led me on from step to step, till now I find myself, by the law of the land, banished as a transport, till death removes me to another state. Another state! I cannot bear the thought; my guilty actions and depraved life tell me I have no hope there. What would I give if I could be again innocent; though I was ever so poor! But it is over; comfort, joy, happiness, and liberty, all gone for ever! yes, for ever! sold for sin, infamy, and vice! Yet, sir, let me have your prayers. I indeed, sir, do try to pray myself; but when I go amongst such people as I am to be with, how can I then pray? my mind is distracted. My poor mother came over to see me last night; the sight of her was enough! I see what I have done. She just came within the cell, and fainted in my arms. Oh, what feelings of sorrow and wretchedness I am the cause of! Ah, sir, while I write this, I stop frequently to weep, and must do so now. It was a long time before we could

speak, but she promises to forgive me and pray for me. But I was to have another pang. She pulled from her pocket the little testament you gave me, and the letter you sent me.

I looked

at the testament, and I saw the words, "As a token of affection," and with a desire that I might be daily inclined to search the scriptures, and my end be peace, through Christ. Ah, sir! you know this has not been done. I shall take the book with me in my banishment, and I hope I shall value it. Please to write to me sir, before Thursday next, for then, I believe, I am to go to my final destiny on earth, and bid adieu to the shores of happy happy England, and friends, and kindred, for ever! Sir, do you think God will forgive me, and how can I be assured of it? I am sure I do want to know. Write, sir, please write, and I will value it, and shall be grateful for the trouble you have taken on my account; and accept this poor letter from once an unworthy Sundayschool boy, and now a prisoner at C." "G. B. A."

We only add, that his teacher sent him an affectionate letter in reply, directing him to look for the mercy of God in Christ. His mother soon died; but it is hoped that the penitence of her poor lad was sincere, and that, washed in that blood which cleanseth us from all sin, she will meet him again before the throne of God.

i

AFFECTING CIRCUMSTANCE.

THE captain of a vessel from one of our northern sea-ports, went out with his wife and son, to the southern coast of England. By a fatal accident, he and his boy, a very promising. lad, were both drowned within sight of the mother! and the vessel, which was their own, was lost. She was insured, but the insolvency of the office prevented the widow from obtaining any renumeration. Thus left, a widow

indeed, she has not been overlooked. A gracious Providence has watched over her, and she has consolation in the reflection, that the departed were not unprepared for their sudden removal. The two following fragments, written by the dear boy, and sent to us by an esteemed minister, exhibit favourable specimens of his ripening abilities and piety. They were written at Bonchurch in the Isle of Wight.

THE LAST DAY!

BEHOLD he comes! the Judge of quick and dead,
Rich gems of glory glitter round his head;
No more he wears the cruel wreath of thorns,—
A nobler crown his heavenly brow adorns.

See how he moves majestic through the sky!
While twice ten thousand seraphs round him fly.
On harps of gold they chant the angelic strain,
And sing the triumphs of Messiah's reign.

See how he rides serene amid the storm!

What glorious greatness marks his awful form! His piercing glance shoots through the thickest gloom,

And bursts the massy barriers of the tomb.

Nature, appalled, shrinks back in sad dismay,
Unequal to the terrors of the day;

In dread suspense awaits the gathering storm,
And wild disorder mars her lovely form.

But cease thy lofty flight, my weeping muse,
Nor the last tribute of respect refuse;