there is
far more of conflict than of victory in the Christian warfare,--more
shadow than sunshine resting upon the path of our pilgrimage, most of
the fault lies in our own wayward choice. The child-like simplicity and
serene faith of this young disciple, shall often use to rebuke our
anxious fears, and charm away our disquietudes with the whisper--"_that
sweet word_, TRUST, _tells all_." Her early consecration of her
all to the great work of advancing the Redeemer's kingdom, shall rouse
us who have less left of life to surrender, to redouble our efforts in
spreading like "love and joy and peace," over the earth, lest when it
shall be said of her, "She hath done what she could," it shall also be
added, "She hath done more than they all."

There has been no waste here,--no sacrifice but that by which, in
oriental alchemy, the bloom and the beauty of the flower of a day is
transmitted into the imperishable odor, and its fragrance concentrated,
in order that it may be again diffused abroad to rejoice a thousand
hearts. If any ask again, "To what purpose was this waste?"--we answer,
"The Lord had need of it."

* * * * *

We are indebted to God for the gift of Washington: but we are no less
indebted to him for the gift of his inestimable mother. Had she been a
weak and indulgent and unfaithful parent, the unchecked energies of
Washington might have elevated him to the throne of a tyrant, or
youthful disobedience might have prepared the way for a life of crime
and a dishonored grave.

* * * * *

Original.

INSTRUCTION OF THE YOUNG IN THE DOCTRINES AND PRECEPTS OF THE GOSPEL.

MRS. A. G. WHITTELSEY:

DEAR MADAM--It is among the recollections of my early youth,
that your departed husband was pastor of one of the churches in the
southern section of Litchfield County, Conn. Among the distinguishing
religious characteristics of that portion of country, at that period,
was the soundness of the Congregational churches in the faith of the
gospel: the means for which, in diligent use, were, the faithful
preaching of the gospel in its great and fundamental doctrines and
precepts; and catechetical instruction, in the family and in the school.
I am not informed as to the present habits there, on the latter means.
But knowing what was the practice, extensively, in regard to the
instruction of children and youth, and what its effects on the interests
of sound piety