he
was so overcome with shame that, regardless of the company, she flew
into her father's arms, and softly whispered that if he would forgive
her foolish vanity, she would never again be above being taught. The
fond, but not blind father, withdrew with her. Lucilla followed, with
looks of anxious love.

During their short absence, Mrs. Stanley said, "Lucilla is so
practically aware of the truth of her father's observation, that she
often says she finds as much advantage as pleasure in teaching the
children at her school. This elementary instruction obliges her
continually to recur to first principles, and to keep constantly
uppermost in her mind those great truths contained in the articles of
our belief, the commandments, and the prayer taught by our Redeemer.
This perpetual simplifying of religion she assures me, keeps her more
humble, fixes her attention on fundamental truths, and makes her more
indifferent to controverted points."

In a few minutes Mr. Stanley and his daughters returned cheerful and
happy: Lucilla smiling like the angel of peace and love.

"If I were not afraid," said Lady Belfield, "of falling under the same
censure with my friend Ph[oe]be," smiling on the sweet girl, "I should
venture to say that I thought the sermon rather too severe."

"Do not be afraid, madam," replied Mr. Stanley; "though I disapprove
that cheap and cruel criticism which makes a man _an offender for a
word_, yet discussion does not necessarily involve censoriousness; so
far from it, it is fair to discuss whatever seems to be doubtful, and I
shall be glad to hear your ladyship's objections."

"Well then," replied she, in the most modest tone and accent, "with all
my reverence for Dr. Barlow, I thought him a little unreasonable in
seeming to expect universal goodness from creatures whom he yet insisted
were fallen creatures."

"Perhaps, madam," said Mr. Stanley, "you mistook his meaning, for he
appeared to me perfectly consistent, not only with himself, but with his
invariable rule and guide, the Scriptures. Sanctification--will you
allow me to use so serious a word?--however imperfect, must be
universal. It is not the improvement of any one faculty, or quality, or
temper, which divines mean, when they say we are renewed in part, so
much as that the change is not perfect, the holiness is not complete in
_any_ part or power, or faculty, though progressive in all. He who
earnestly desires a universal victory over sin, knows