sacred writings, which Sir Charles discovered; and the man of benevolence will set that example which he conceives it to be for the general interests of society to follow. Happy the town where the most opulent inhabitants constantly attend public worship; for their influence in this respect is astonishing; they have the setting of all fashions at their command, and even here they may expect imitation. Happy the ministers, whose hearers have read the Bible, for they may escape, and they can escape the charge of fanaticism and bigotry only, when he insists upon the truths therein contained. And happy beyond expression are those, who begin the great work of reflection in early life, before evil habits acquire strength, and prejudices strike deep root.

It is possible, that from what has been related of Sir Charles's sentiments upon the Bible, and his subsequent conduct, some readers may imagine every thing was effected towards his conversion, and that he now stands forth the complete Christian character. Having had the kindness to attend us thus far, and to hear what he did, in the great and important work of Scripture examination, we hope they will proceed a little further in the history, and our next chapter shall inform them what he did not.

CHAP. XVI.

Table Chat, and Sir Charles the Subject. A Conversation between him and his Friend Roger. The strong Power of friendly Emotions, and the Effect they produced on the present Occasion. The Readers are earnestly requested to believe, that Christianity calls for the exertion of Feelings and Affections. A poetical Confirmation of this Truth is produced.

T may be supposed, that so great a change in

the sentiments and conduct of Sir Charles attracted much attention, and that he was a subject of conversation at most visiting parties. “Well," exclaimed Mr. Jolly, as he pushed round the bottle to a company of friends one day after dinner, "we must all turn godly now, for Sir Charles has given over railing at the Bi、 ble, and goes to church." Aye,', replied his lady, "I hope you will take a lesson out of his book, and read the Bible, and go to church too. I'm sure if you do, (she whisperingly added to her sister who sat close to her elbow) our wine

66

erchant's bill will not be so horridly long."

66

"I hope and trust," said an old lady, who sat on the other side of Mrs. Jolly, " that all this reading and godliness won't end in methodism. I have made many observations in my time, and hardly any body I have remarked upon who read so much of the Bible, and went so often to church, escaped being caught at last by the arts of those people. "O dear!" cried her grand-daughter, "I can't bear the thought of such a charming man turning methodist." "I should like to know what a methodist is," said a modest young lass on the opposite side of the table, blushing as she spoke." "There is no occasion for a pretty girl ever to be informed on that subject," replied a youth at her side. Hang methodism," cried Mr. Jolly; "here's to its downfall in a bumper; drown the argument." "That is one way of getting rid of it, sir," observed the gentleman who filled his glass next; "but you must excuse me if I object to your toast, for really I have seen so many good effects arise from the system you reprobate, that I am inclined to think it is the only one likely to produce good morais amongst the low and ignorant part of society. The astonishing effects it has produced in the West country, particularly amongst the King's-wood colliers, is almost incredible, and the most prejudiced have allowed the utility of methodism in this instance." "That may be

true, sir," said the old lady who had spoken before; "but we must set one thing against the other. I have known family breaches made by it which have never been healed; and people are absolutely driven mad by these people." "Nay, madam," rejoined the gentleman, "I do not wish to recommend, the system; I have many objections; but I only mean to observe, that it is a good religion for the poor: certainly, refined and sensible persons cannot wish to embrace it." "Excuse me, sir," said the young lady beforementioned; "but it appears to me, that true religion ought to be embraced by the rich as well as the poor; for we are given to suppose, that there will be no difference made at the last day." "Bless me, child!" cried Mrs. Jolly, "who talks of the last day? why you have certainly been infected yourself by methodistical vapours."

This speech of Mrs. Jolly's, together with the general laugh it occasioned, of course silenced the young lady, and the subject of conversation about Sir Charles was dismissed with a remark by a grave-looking gentleman, who had not spoken before, "I am glad to hear of this alteration in Sir Charles's opinions, and have no doubt of his continuing what he is at present-a rational Christian."

It is of the utmost importance that terms

which are connected with momentous subjects should be generally understood, and properly applied. Were this matter always attended to, what innumerable errors, both in sentiment and practice, would be prevented. The gentleman mentioned above had pronounced Sir Charles to deserve the name of a rational Christian. While the party at Mr. Jolly's were discussing his actions, and deciding upon his character, he hisself was conversing with his favourite Roger; and as every thing said by Roger on this occasion was agreeable to our ideas of rational Christianity, we think it worthy of reciting, especially as by that mean our readers will be in full possession of Sir Charles's present sentiments, and enabled to judge for themselves, how far he was entitled to that truly honourable appellation---a rational Christian.

I am almost disheartened in this new undertaking of mine," said Sir Charles, "I see so much vice and immorality prevail, that I begin to fear that neither my own example, your school, nor Mr. D---'s lectures, will answer the good purposes we each have in view.” I am no more disheartened in this business, sir," replied Roger," than I am when I sow the seeds in my garden, at not seeing them spring up immediately. I know there must be rain, sun, &c. to perfect the work I have begun, which I can no