&c. If, then, we have been
born of the Spirit, _i.e._, born again, or in other words, if we are
Christians, we shall bear the fruits of the Spirit.

I have known persons suggest various marks or tests by which to try
themselves; but I have never found any which could certainly be depended
upon besides the one which I have named--_the fruit which one brings
forth_. The application of this test requires time. For evidence of
Christian character, a person must examine himself month after month and
year after year. His great aim must be to glorify God. He will,
therefore, strive to keep his commandments. He will shun all known evil,
and let others see that he sets a high value upon all that is "lovely
and of good report." He will pray, not one day or one month, but
habitually. His life will be a life of prayer, and in all the duties of
the Christian profession he will endeavor to persevere. He will find
himself imperfect, and will sometimes fail; but when he fails he will
not sink down in despair and give up, but he will repent and say, "I'll
do better next time;" and thus he will go forward gathering strength.
Many trials and difficulties he will find, but the way will grow
smoother and easier. His evidence will increase. The path of the
righteous is as the light which shines brighter and brighter unto the
perfect day.

And now, my dear son, are you willing to set out in all sober
earnestness so to live, not one day, but always? If you are, God will
bless and aid you. You will be a happy boy, and as you grow older you
will be happier still; and in the end you will go to God and to your
pious friends now in heaven, or who may hereafter reach that blissful
abode, and spend an eternity in loving, praising and serving God. This
is the constant prayer of your affectionate father.

* * * * *

Original.

CHILDREN OF THE PARSONAGE.

BY GEORGIANA M. SYKES.

Little Charlie, the youngest child of our pastor, was the delight of all
the household, but especially of the infirm grand-mother, to whose aid
and solace he devoted his little efforts. He was a beautiful and active
child, of nearly three years, and was to the parsonage what the father
emphatically called him,--its "_fountain of joy_." But little Charlie
was suddenly taken from it, after an illness of a few hours. A week
afterward, FANNY, a beautiful and highly intelligent child of
five years, died of the same fearful disease, scarlet