ELIZABETH ALLEN.

In the estimation of a Christian, there cannot be a greater cause for joy and gratitude than the conversion of a sinner from the error of his way, and the assurance thereby held out of the salvation of his soul.

Among the number of those who have experienced this happy change, we look upon none with greater feelings of pleasure and delight than the YOUNG. We feel the sweetness of the sensation, perhaps, without considering its cause. Viewing it in a cursory light, there does not seem to be any reason why we should rejoice more over the repentance of a young, than an old sinner: neither, indeed, would there be any such reason, if it had respect merely to the individuals who are the subjects of it; because, in the sight of God, all men are equal.

But when we look at the coNSEQUENCES in each case-when we take into our account the more lengthened sphere of usefulness which, as far as we can judge, will be afforded to the former-that hope which "springs eternal in the human breast" cheers us with the contem

plation of others who may, by their instrumentality, be added to the number of the "children of God, and inheritors of the kingdom of heaven."

Even if our expectations should, in this respect, be blasted—if their premature dissolution should put an end to our imaginary fabric, we still have cause for joy. Few examples of the power of Christianity are likely to settle with more force upon the observation of its merely nominal professors, at any age, than when they are exhibited in young persons. The aged will secretly copy from youth what pride or self-sufficiency will prevent their imitating in equals: and the young themselves are more powerfully stricken with a sense of the importance of religion when they behold it in their fellows, than when they see it evidenced by those who, they are apt to think, profess it on account of its being more suited to an advanced stage of life.

The reasonings of both are weak; yet such they frequently are. But, if the power of the Christian religion were not exemplified by one human being of our acquaintance, its claims to individual regard would not be in the least abated: and if all its professors should turn out hypocrites, that would not in any wise alter its reality, nor dispense with our observance of its requirements. In order to understand what it is, we must diligently apply to its fountain-head, the Bible; compare our

thoughts, words, and actions with the "law and the testimony," and direct our fervent supplications to its divine Author, that he would lead us into all truth, and give us joy and peace in believing."

Through Christ, and him alone, we have access by one Spirit unto the Father." It is the Spirit that "helpeth our infirmities." With prayer for its assistance, therefore, we must resolve, and act; and with a firm belief and trust in the merits, sufficiency, and intercession of Christ-with a single eye to the glory of God, and to the utter exclusion of our own works, must our petitions be offered up, and our deeds be performed.

This is the way by which we must arrive at our knowledge; this is "the way the fathers trod:" and this is the way in which children have walked, having the Lord for a wall on their "right hand and on their left :" each of them proving, beyond all contradiction, that, in the instances of his mercy, and in the dispensations of his grace, God is, of a truth, no respecter of persons."

I would hope that the following short narrative will bear testimony to what I say: would to God it had been longer-that more particulars respecting the subject of it had come under my own review! But, such as it is, it is much at my readers' service; and I earnestly pray that God, who despises not a "cup of cold water given in the name of a disciple,"

may make it a blessing to all who peruse it. ELIZABETH ALLEN was the daughter of industrious parents of the laboring class; her father and mother, as well as herself, being weavers. She was a constant attendant at our Sunday school, and had received what little education she possessed entirely within its walls. She first began to attend it at the age of ten years; but I never had an opportunity of observing her until about three years after that period, when I was somewhat pleased with the feeling manner in which she repeated a task that had been given her, the subject of which I have forgotten.

Shortly after this, I noticed her regular attendance at our meetings for prayer and religious instruction, but did not discover in her any peculiar marks of piety. Perhaps my judgment, in not imputing to her the same degree of spiritual advancement I thought I perceived in others, might have been led astray for want of a due regard to the liveliness of her disposition: yet her conduct, even from a child, was steady, moral and consistent.

The first intelligence I received of her progress in religious knowledge was in the month of July, 1815, and but a short time previous to her departure hence. She had then been ill about ten weeks. On hearing the narration of several circumstances, I felt grieved that I had not been sooner informed of the event; and took the first opportunity in my power of going

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to see her, for which she had expressed a wish. Upon entering the house, I made some inquiries of her mother; in answer to which, I was informed, that it was about eleven weeks since she first began to complain of illness; that she soon afterwards bore evident symptoms of having become the victim of consumption; and that, within the last three days, she had almost lost the use of her left arm.

I had been informed that her parents, considering their condition in life, and the depressed state of their trade, were in decent circumstances; and the order and cleanliness of the house, with the manners of its inhabitants, and the terms in which they spoke of their daughter, gave me reason to hope that Elizabeth had received every attention her case demanded; and in this I was not disappointed.

On my entering the room where she was confined, I observed her sitting upright in bed, supported by pillows, and apparently in great pain. I approached the bed-side, and asked her how she did: "Very poorly, sir," was the reply: and, indeed, her sufferings were so great, that it was with difficulty she could speak during the whole time I was with her. I had not sat long before she was seized with a seyere fit of coughing, during which she exclaimed, at intervals, "My Father.... is very good ;.... his mercies are over all his works;.... he is my only help and comfort." During several others, she said, "Come sweet Jesus!....O