contend for is, that the Church, which, if not joined with the state, is the true Church, and that to which we should be joined, does not cease to be the true Church by being joined to the state. There is nothing in its altered condition, even though we may individually object to the arrangement, which makes it right or lawful for us to separate ourselves from it; and therefore, by so doing, we place ourselves in great danger.

"What has always appeared to me the strongest evidence of the necessity of keeping to the Church is this that God's ordained ministers alone can shew that they have received any commission to administer the holy sacraments. We are taught that the sacraments are generally necessary for salvation;' we are sure that priests, who are lawfully ordained by the bishops, can administer them to us; but we have no reason to believe that any other person can; nay, rather, there is great reason to doubt it. See, then, the position in which the Dissenter places himself and his children. There is no certainty whether they have ever been baptized, or have ever partaken of the body and blood of Christ. If they have joined in any such ceremony, it may have been a mere mock-sacrament; not only ineffectual for the conveyance of grace to the soul, but highly offensive to God. Therefore, though a Dissenter differs ever so slightly, or though he does not differ at all, in doctrine from the Church, yet in leaving the communion of the Church, there is reason to fear lest

he may be cutting himself off from the means of grace which God has provided in His holy sacraments. The more one thinks of it, the more serious does the matter appear."

J. Lever. "I confess that what you say has often occurred to me, especially of late. I left the Church from very wrong motives; partly, if I remember right, because I did not like the preacher; but principally, as I now perceive, because I was wilful, and liked to have my own way. This objection against the Church being joined to the state never occurred to me till it was put into my head by others, and I confess I never could see the force of the argument; though, as I had chosen to leave the Church, it was necessary to have some arguments to bring forward, you know; and for a man who has made up his mind to stick to his point, a bad argument will serve as well as a good one. However, I have lately thought over these things, and seen them in a different light. What you have said confirms me in my resolution ; and if I was wrong in leaving the Church, it is clearly right that I should go back to it."

“Oh do, do, dearest husband!" exclaimed Mrs. Lever, eagerly; "let us make up our minds at once. And why should we not go back openly, and let our neighbours see that we are not ashamed to do what is right?"

J. Lever. “Well, as I have as good as made up my mind, it may as well be done at once. So I'll go with you next Sunday to church, Franklin."

"Give me your hand, Lever," said Joseph Franklin; "and I am most happy to shake it as a fellowchurchman again. Only will you allow me," said he, still keeping hold of his hand, "will you allow me to add a few words of advice, such as one Christian should give to another?"

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Say on," said Lever. "I know I have been wrong, and am not too proud now to take advice, particularly from you."

But do you know return of one who

Franklin. "You talk of going back to the Church, and right glad am I to hear it. that, in the ancient Church, the had separated himself from her communion was not accomplished without earnest seeking of pardon, and generally some public penance and humiliation? Such customs are not kept up in these days

at least not in our own Church-the more's the pity. Still, I think, my good friend, that a return to the Church, after so long a separation from her communion, should not be looked upon as the mere walking into a pew in the parish-church instead of the meeting-house. Though no public penance is required, yet you will do well to kneel before God, and seek His forgiveness with tears and humiliation."

"I will, I will, Joseph," said Lever, with more emotion than he had yet shewn. "And I will send and ask Mr. Morton's permission to partake of the holy communion the next time it is administered."

"Which I am sure he will willingly grant you,''

said Franklin; " and I think it will be a very proper way of shewing your repentance."

The next Sunday, accordingly, John Lever and his wife having obtained a formal permission from Mr. Morton, accompanied their friend to the altar, and so were again received into communion with the Church.

CHAPTER XXIII.

The earnest Penitent.

I bear upon my brow the sign
Of sorrow and of pain:
Alas! no hopeful cross is mine,
It is the mark of Cain.

The course of passion, and the fret
Of godless hope and fear-

Toil, care, and guilt-their hues have set,
And fixed their sternness there.

Saviour! wash out the imprinted shame;

That I no more may pine,

Sin's martyr; though not meet to claim
Thy cross, a saint of Thine.

Lyra Apostolica.

CHARLES LEVER had listened attentively to the conversation recorded in the last chapter, and had rejoiced in the decision at which his parents had arrived. Never in his remembrance had his father appeared more amiable and reasonable. Never had the sound principles and Christian spirit of Franklin been more evident and undeniable. Many similar conversations took place in that peaceful family; and Charles Lever felt the full influence of the scenes and associations amongst which he was placed.

There are some circles in which it would be hard to say that true religion did not exist -circles in which God is honoured, and Christ's name revered;