perience, the truth of the assertion. Perhaps the manner in which Christian principle operates on the conduct, may be best illustrated by naming a few instances of its result in Ridley's character; and showing in what way a London barrister may prove himself a good churchman. The incidents which I am about to name may appear trifling in themselves, yet are they more surely indicative of the presence of true religion, than far greater and more brilliant actions.

When Ridley first took possession of his chambers, he engaged, in accordance with the usual practice, a youth of about fifteen, in the double capacity of clerk and domestic servant. He soon found that the boy had been sadly neglected by his parents, especially as regarded the religious part of his education. And now that God had thrown the poor youth upon his care, he discerned at once, that it was his duty as a Christian master, to train him in the knowledge of his Maker, and his Saviour. If left to himself, it was plain that he would remain all his life in the same state of ignorance and irreligion; or rather would grow worse, for in religious matters it is impossible to stand still. Accordingly, with much pains, Ridley instructed his servant in the principles of revealed truth;

and took so much interest in his welfare, that when, about a year afterwards, he sent him to the bishop to be confirmed, there was not probably a young person more qualified in point of religious knowledge, nor one who presented himself with a deeper feeling of the solemn importance of the holy ceremony. Nor did Ridley's religious care end even here. Great was his satisfaction when, after his confirmation, the young man requested to be permitted to accompany his master to the holy sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Let careless worldlings smile, and scorners laugh outright at the picture of the young barrister conducting his clerk to the holy communion; but, a more truly Christian deed could not be described,-a deed which God and his holy angels would more rejoice to witness—a deed productive of more lively and lasting satisfaction to the heart of him who performed it.

Ridley was liberal and charitable as he was pious. Though beginning life with very moderate means,—not at all more than sufficient to maintain his position in society,—he reserved a fixed portion of each year's income for religious and charitable purposes. Every churchman, he thought, ought to set apart something for the

honour of God; however small his worldly means might be. His name appeared on the list of many public charities, to the shame of those who had ten times his wealth; and very considerable was the relief which he distributed privately-not with indiscriminate profusion, but often after much personal trouble. And if he was not always able to afford silver and gold, he often gave what was more valuable-his advice. Many were the cases of poor clients which with diligent care he investigated, entirely without profit or remuneration, except in the conscious satisfaction, which a good deed done on right principles affords.

Another mode in which the young barrister devoted himself to pious and charitable deeds, was by making an offer of his services to the parochial clergyman, who gladly enrolled him as a member of his visiting society, and assigned him a section of one of the poorer districts in his parish; where, with such delegated portion of ministerial authority as a layman might discharge, he exerted himself diligently to improve the condition of his humble brethren.

As Ridley's mind became enlarged and strengthened, and his character more pletely formed, he presented that rare

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bination of excellences, aided by external circumstances, which constitute a thorough Christian gentleman. At the age of thirty he was accounted one of the most rising members of his profession, and was looked up to as a man not only of high talent, but of the strictest honour and integrity. He had never been ambitious of mixing much in general society; indeed, he found the circle of his own personal connexions and friends, sufficient to afford him relaxation from the severer duties of his profession. Still, he by no means, shunned the company of those, who were like minded with himself. He never lost a friend, if he were a good man the vicious he at once avoided. But nothing pleased him more than the friendships and associations of his early years. There is an amiableness in clinging to school-boy and college friendships, which was peculiarly in accordance with Ridley's character; and he maintained amongst his earlier associates that influence and popularity, which they had formerly assigned to him. Ridley's conversation had that peculiar charm which one sometimes, though, alas! seldom meets with, that it was impossible to be in his company without being the better for it. Independently of extensive information, there

was a soundness of view and fixedness of principle, which won upon those who were brought within the sphere of his influence. And he had a happy tact, when amongst his equals and intimate friends, of introducing serious subjects, in such a manner that it appeared quite natural to talk in his company of things, which are too generally proscribed. Many a one, who was wavering between God and the world, was encouraged to adopt the better course, by seeing such a man as Ridley, openly professing his attachment to religion, and avowedly guiding himself by its principles; and many confessed that they owed the first dawn of serious thoughts in their hearts to the influence of his example.

Thus may we catch from each other the spirit of holiness as well as of evil. And thus it is that a good man sheds a halo of light around him, even though his sphere may be limited. And the Church of God may be adorned and edified by all, even the youngest, of her sons.