tried to be as obliging as she could to her

new father. on smoothly enough. There was, however, one part of her step-father's conduct which poor Jessy found it very hard to endure. He never spoke without using some dreadful oath, or taking the name of God in vain. Jessy ventured to intreat him gently not to do so; and, at first, he said she was very right, and that it was a bad habit he had got; but this willingness to acknowledge the sinfulness of this evil habit, lasted only while Thomas continued in good humour with his new situation. When he began to perceive how matters really were, that his new wife was an idle slattern, who spent great part of her time in gossipping with her neighbours, while, excepting the attempt at order made by poor Jessy, her house, and little family matters, were left in utter confusion, the heat and violence of his temper began to shew themselves; and, in his moments of impatience and anger, the oaths he uttered made Jessy tremble; and then, even a look of intreaty

For some months, things went

from her, only brought curses on herself for meddling, with her hypocritical whining, and sanctified looks, while she had better look nearer home, and see what a

mother she had. I shall not re

peat the shocking names by which this man called his wife, or the most sinful manner in which she on her part, replied to them. During the last six months that Jessy continued at school, these shameful scenes became more and more frequent; and as the time approached at which her mother said she must begin to earn her own livelihood,' Jessy became most anxious to procure a situation as a servant. In this however, she did not succeed. The school mistress recommended her to two different ladies, but her mother, being anxious herself to profit by Jessy's wages, was so unreasonable in the terms she mentioned, as those on which she alone would part with her child, that both ladies declined taking her, and poor Jessy, who would thankfully have gone to either, on almost any terms, had no other prospect than remaining in her most un

comfortable home. Her mother took her from school, and made some exertion to get her work, and at last succeeded in procuring her constant employment in an upholsterer's shop. Jessy was very comfortable in this situation. She went to work early in the morning, and only came home for her meals, so that she saw less of the miseries of her home than formerly. When she returned after her day's work, her stepfather was generally absent. Her mother, too was usually standing some where near her own door, gossipping with her idle neighbours, and Jessy would slip into the house unperceived by them. All within she would find in confusion but her first occupation was to make things as orderly as she could and then she would sit down with her Bible, either near the window, or on a stool on the new-swept hearth, when there was none but fire-light and read, and think, and pray, till she was interrupted by the return of her mother. These were precious seasons to poor Jessy; and sometimes, young as she was, she could, in thought, trace the ways

of God, and amidst all the disadvantages of her situation see his mercy and kindness. It is true,' she would think, I have no parents when I return from my work, who receive me kindly and encourage me, and praise me for my attention to my business as the parents of some my companions do; nor to make the most of what I can earn, in clothing as well as feeding me. My mother does not care though I am the worst clothed of all the girls in the shop, though I earn more than any girl of the same age; but I can discover that all this God can turn into good for me. When I return home and find no mother, I think though this house is empty, God is present; though my earthly parent cares little for me my heavenly Father has done great things for me. He has placed me in so poor a situation, that my mother could not afford to pay for my schooling but that led her to seek instruction for me, from those who considered my soul's concerns their chief care. I have been carefully taught the way of salvation, I have been led to give myself to

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Christ, --I have received this precious Bible, and been instructed in its meaning, so far as to know something of God.-something of Christ-something of my own sinful state. I could have learnt none of this at home-and now if I had a kind mother, and a comfortable pleasant home to come to should I remember God? Might I not be satisfied and happy and forget Him? But, as it is, I can say from my heart, God is my portion.' When I return to this little solitary place, it is to meet God. My thoughts immediately go to Christ. seems as if he was present with me and I speak to him in prayer as to my very kindest-only dearest almighty Friend. I tell him all that is in my heart; and when I wish to hear him speak to me, I open this Bible and I read his own words. O how sweet and pleasant they are to my soul!— then whatever happens still I feel near to him and can say to him, in the midst of outward confusion, "Thou shalt hide me in the secret of thy presence; thou shalt

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