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for sympathy. What could she do. It was a problem that caused her long hours of anxious and painful thought to solve. At length the idea of becoming a domestic was suggested to her mind. She had been accustomed to habits of industry— why not enter some respectable family in the capacity of a servant? But that would be too degrading, too humiliating for her. True, it would require some sacrifice of pride but was it not an honorable employment? was there anything disreputable in it? would not God think as favorably of her if she moved in such a sphere, as if she were connected with one more exalted in the estimation of the world?

Thus was her mind agitated with conflicting thoughts, when she took the morning paper from the table of the Hotel which she had entered; and as her eye glanced at the column headed "wants," among the advertisements, hope seemed to dawn upon her. "Plain sewing in a small family." Yes, she was acquainted with plain sewing, and she would apply. She did apply, but the lady was already supplied. Again she consulted the journal-again she made application again was she disappointed. For several days she sought a situation in vain. Her pecuniary resources were exhausted, and in a state of despondency, she visited the Intelligence Office where we were first introduced to her.

"And here," added my companion, "the autobiography of poor Laura ends. If you ever visit the city of New York again, I shall insist that you indulge me a little in my childish whims for you see that I am verging somewhat toward the grey of the evening of life-and allow me to introduce you to a domestic group, in whom I take some interest, residing but a few steps from my own dwelling. You will find there, a couple of urchins, who, myself being judge-and as I am their grandfather, you will give me credit for some superior discernment in the matter, are the prettiest, wisest, best behaved, and every way most charming children that you ever beheld. If, however, you are not satisfied with this exhibition, and I fear you will not be, for I think you told me you was a bachellor, I will make you acquainted with the parents

of these prodigies, one of whom is Charles Drummond, my son, and the other POOR LAURA, my daughter."

This tale my young friends, suggests several reflections which I trust will be profitable to you.

1. It is no disgrace to be poor. Virtue and poverty are far preferable in every respect, to vice and affluence.

2. We are all liable to reverses in our worldly circumstances, and while in prosperity, it should be our aim to prepare for such changes. It should be our daily prayer that we may be able to acquiesce in all the allotments of Divine Providence, and that they may promote our spiritual and eternal interests.

3. Acts of benevolence often carry with them their own reward. "It is more blessed to give than to receive." Every youth, if he will obey the promptings of a generous philanthrophy, may often verify this sentiment, in his own experience.

Original.

TRUE BENEVOLENCE.

BY MISS CAROLINE JACOBS.

If there is one principle more ennobling than others, it is that of benevolence. Without it, the soul becomes a barren waste, utterly destitute of healthy vegetation and presenting not a single bright oasis to greet the traveller's view. The deadly Upas of selfishness diffuses its poison upon every wind that blows.

This principle cannot be too early inculcated in the minds of the young; it is constantly needed to counteract those selfish promptings of our nature which lead us to seek our own" to the exclusion of every benevolent feeling.

"

When found in the natural heart mixed with the alloy of earthly affections, it resembles the particles of gold adding lustre to the grosser materials surrounding it, but when purified by the holy influences of the gospel, it becomes indeed, gold seven times refined; and like the diamond in the sand spotless with a brilliancy which cannot be mistaken for the brightness of an inferior gem. When exhibited in assistance rendered to the needy and distressed, it sheds the light of heaven over the darkened pathway.

Who can look upon the philanthropic efforts of Howard, following him from one scene of suffering to another, witnessing the light beaming from sorrow's eye at his approach and doubt the blessed effects resulting from temporal wants relieved.

What a glorious example of benevolence have we before us in the life and sufferings of the Divine Redeemer. Though He was rich, yet for our sake, He became poor that we through his poverty might be made rich-He esteemed not the treasures of His grace too inestimable to bestow on fallen man-and was willing for a season to lay aside his own glittering crown in the realms of glory and become a stranger upon earth, an agonized suppliant in the dreary garden-a willing lamb led forth to the slaughter on Calvary, and a companion with death in the grave, that He might ransom perishing man from its power. Here was love indeed, benevolence infinite in its extent but imitable even by fallen man in its precepts and nature. The benevolence also of the Father, in bestowing no less than that of the Son in forsaking and endu ring, may well cause our hearts to burn with gratitude and our willing feet to follow in the Saviour's chosen way. Again, the peace of mind, the sweet satisfaction arising in our hearts, as a sure result of benevolent actions, should stimulate us to its exercise were there no higher motive. But when we add to this the approving smile of our Great Exampler, the blessing accruing to our kindred, for we are all brethren by the common tie of nature, surely we are most ungrateful if we do not cultivate benevolence in proportion to mercies received.

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