was in derision styled, what was indeed the description of his character, "a friend of publicans and sinners." Through her untiring efforts for their instruction in "the paths of righteousness," it is to be hoped that many of those who, from time to time, listened to the scriptures either read by them to her, or by her to them, and explained in her peculiarly clear and simple manner, will, by their after life, evidence that her labours among them have been accompanied with saving power, and that they know experimentally the meaning of the Saviour's words: "Wherefore I say unto thee, her sins which are many are forgiven, for she loved much."

Another department of labour at this time demanding much unwearied attention, as well as the exercise of enlarged christian sympathy, was the extensive destitution arising from the depression of trade in Greenock, by which many families were suffering even the want of the necessaries of life, and were laid under the necessity of making application to such as were likely to compassionate their case, and relieve their urgent wants. Her friends wondering, sometimes, at the patience with which she allowed her time to be broken in upon, and the pains she took to find out the real circumstances of their varied cases, found it difficult to suppress some expression of approbation, which she uniformly checked by saying, "Oh think how God bears with us, and so richly supplies our every want! we are only stewards of whatever he bestows upon us, and

must soon render at his judgment-seat an account of our stewardship."

In order that her children might not only have sympathy with the needy and the afflicted, but learn contentment and feel gratitude for their comfortable lot, she took them to see the poor and distressed, embracing every opportunity of pointing out the contrast, and telling them of Him to whom they were indebted for all they enjoyed.

Many striking instances, during this period of unwonted distress, of the exercise of her benevolent kindness, have been mentioned since her departure, by several of those gentlemen who were active agents, in lending both their money and exertions to support the unemployed. Some of them have spoken with surprise of the christian wisdom and discretion by which her long experience enabled her to bestow charity in such a way as was best fitted to promote the good of those who received it.

CHAPTER VI.

Domestic happiness at Willow Park-Alison Johnstone-Early indications of her piety-Her remarkable spiritual-mindedness-Personal attractions-Topics of conversation-Saturday evenings at Willow Park-Exercises with the youngMrs Johnstone's love for the Sabbath-Mode of spending the Lord's day at Willow Park-Subjects of Sabbath converseChristian intercourse reviewed-Parting request.

WORDS cannot express the rich enjoyment that, during the whole of the visit, which the writer paid to Willow Park, on the occasion already referred to, was poured into our cup of christian friendship. It was one of the finest springs ever known in that part of the country-all nature seemed to smile with unusual loveliness-the winter, with its storms, had passed the flowers appeared-the singing of the birds charmed the ear-the freshness of the trees, and the profuse blossoms by which they were covered, gratified and refreshed the eye, while the fragrant odours that came from the plants and flowers, together with the beautiful landscape by which we were surrounded, regaled all the senses, producing a buoyancy of spirit which tended to give increased relish to every pleasure. One could not

mingle with a family where the law of mutual love and of love to mankind, was in such powerful and active operation, without offering the prayer, that they might long continue to live together in unbroken unity, blessed of the Lord, blessings to one another, and to all around. Alison, the second daughter of Mrs Johnstone, was fond of taking exercise on horseback, her brother generally riding out with her. When they were setting out, they sometimes brought their horses round, that they might give us the pleasure of seeing them mounted. It was felt to be a sight of touching interest to look upon the affectionate sister and brother, as they galloped away with youthful glee, to enjoy, in gratifying companionship, their afternoon ride. On one of these occasions, their mother, looking after them with fondest smiles, said, "this is like Job when his children were about him, and when he washed his steps with butter, and the rock poured him out rivers of oil;' but we must be careful not to expect a continuance of anything that is earthly, taking as a special part of the privilege connected with the well-ordered covenant, every kind of discipline promised according to our need, seeing 'He doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men." The words seem even now to fall upon the ear, so powerful was the impression they made, as she went on to say, turning to her friend, "We are bound to accept his chastening as the highest expression of his fatherly love; Oh, yes, he loves

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his people too well to suffer them to take up with anything short of himself as their portion!"

Alison was certainly all that a mother's fondest love could desire. Under the guidance and tuition first of her mother and then of her teachers, especially the excellent lady, at whose admirably conducted boarding-school she resided for two years, she grew up no less distinguished by all the minor attractions which shed lustre on the female character -the graceful ease and elegant proportions of her form, the sweet expression of her countenance, and the feminine gentleness of her manners,―than by the higher characteristics of a good understanding, quickness of penetration, solidity of judgment, a lively imagination, and a disposition ever ready to throw a veil over the weaknesses of others. But that which lent the charm of true beauty to all her gifts and acquirements, was her genuine piety, her meek and quiet spirit, her humbleness of mind, her fear of offending, by indulging in anything that would look like sin, or would lead to it, her desire ever to sit in the teachable temper of a little child at the feet of Jesus, "learning of him who is meek and lowly in heart, that she might find rest to her soul;" his law the rule of her life, his word the touchstone by which she desired to try every motive and action, and his glory the chief aim and end of life.

By her pious mother, she had been early taught, that "wisdom's ways are ways of pleasantness, and