while my heart has been intent in the prosecution of these studies, I have comparatively neglected the blessed word of God-the majestic Scriptures. The result of my reading is a strong opinion that the advent of the Messiah is probably near; yet, while I have been consulting the writings of men, I have greatly neglected the prophecies which relate to him. Why then do I profess to my heart that I have formed an opinion, when I have neglected the great test, the predictions of the Scriptures? O Lord, forgive my thus dishonouring thee. As I now determine that in thy strength I will give myself to the earnest, simple, devout reading and study of thy holy word, I ask of thee, I beseech of thee, illuminate my soul, and guide my judgment aright.

"O Lord, my God, thou knowest my heart, and thou knowest how ardently I pant to be thine accepted servant; yet, alas! I am in bondage; yet alas! I am not happy. Oh, that I could pour out my eyes in tears for my sins! It is they, which like a mountain, cast down and oppress my spirit. I find no comfort but in aspirations after thee; and thou knowest I am sincere—at least I believe I am sincere; if not I beseech thee rectify my heart. O that I knew how I might please thee! for then should I be at rest. Forgive me for the time that is passed: guide me, and teach me, and assist me in the future. O that thou wouldst visit me according to the word which thou hast declared unto my fathers! Amen."

Leila was fully aware of the necessity of acting on a digested plan, that all her time might be used to some purposes of good. A considerable portion of it was devoted to reading, and other endeavours for the

improvement of her mind; and this was to her a source of pleasure which she highly valued-far more so, indeed, than the empty frivolous pursuits of many of her own age and sex. That she might have every help to strictly fill each moment, she drew up an arrangement in writing. In this she apportioned to every hour its occupation, and to it she endeavoured to rigidly adhere. "I strive," she says, in her diary, "to occupy every moment well; I do this, not simply because it is my interest, but also, and I hope and believe chiefly, because it is my duty."

At about the same time she also formed a series of resolutions for the regulations of her conduct; and the mind which could make and act upon them, must have had in it all the elements of greatness and efficiency; it must have possessed a character deservedly esteemed and revered. They are worthy the imitation of every one, especially the young, and we cannot forbear copying them here:

"For the regulation of my life, and balancing my conduct, I resolve:

"1. That the salvation of my soul shall be my first and great concern.

"2. That I will never be ashamed of my religion, but will always avow it when and where it shall seem proper so to do.

"3. That I will always carefully speak the truth; never indulge in the very least equivocation, but always be both verbally and substantially correct; and to this end I will carefully watch the meaning of all I utter.

"4. That I will always be ready to confess a fault, or ask forgiveness for it, no matter what the character or position of the person against whom I have offended.

"5. That I will do nothing to another which I should That I will never do any

object to their doing to me.

thing which if I saw it committed by another would cause him or her to fall in my esteem.

"6. That as far as in me lies, I will never do nor be anything upon which I cannot expectingly and confidingly ask the blessing of God.

"7. That when I have fixed a principle in my mind I will never abandon it, whatever occurs, unless I am convinced that it is a wrong one, or would involve me in bad consequences.

"8. That in fulfilling a clear duty, or in the pursuit of a good and proper object, I will never allow myself to be overcome by any trials or difficulties whatever.

"9. That I will daily study the Scriptures.

"10. That I will encourage meditations upon death and eternity.

"11. That I will live to God, with all my might while I do live. That I will strive never to engage in anything which I should shun, if assured I was living the last hour of my life.

"12. That I will decide nothing which is brought before my judgment, until I have thoroughly examined it on every side. That what I have once decided, shall be fixed and irrevocable. That I will take nothing for granted, but that I will endeavour to discover what is truth in reference to the smallest principles.

"13. That upon all occasions I will discountenance improper levity and conversation, in whatever company I may be.

"14. That I will carefully guard my temper, and never show the least symptom of impatient emotion;

not even by an altered tone of voice, or expression of countenance. That I will do this even if from physical causes I feel fretful and uneasy: no one else should suffer on this account.

"15. That I will never speak sharply or crossly to our servants; on the contrary, I will be gentle and affectionate, which will gain all my desires the sooner.

16. That my conversation shall be always in love, and as far as possible adapted to the tone of feeling in those with whom I converse. That I will never talk upon trifles, nor self, nor the failings or defects of others; nor in it will I ever seek to display superiority of attainment over the company I may be among; but I will always use it in advancing the happiness of my social and domestic circle.

"17. That I will never waste a moment.

"18. That I will be temperate in eating and drinking.

"19. That I will strictly guard against pride in dress, and every other of its manifestations; against vanity, self-conceit, and indulging supposed superiority of mind.

"20. That I will live only to serve God and for the good of others. Never seek my own pleasure or satisfaction at the expense of that of any one else; but as far as possible I will forget that there is a self to please. "21. That I will love my dear father with all my might, and do everything I can to promote his temporal and spiritual happiness."

CHAPTER II.

LEILA ACCOMPANIES HER FATHER TO THE HOLY LAND-THEIR JOURNEY-COLOGNE-THE RHINE-THE JURAS-GENEVA-CHILLONLAUSANNE-GIBBON.

LEILA was now in the eighteenth year of her age. Her mother was dead. Her father, lonely except in the company of the child of his love, resolved to visit with her the Holy Land and the city of his fathers. This was a season of joyous excitement to Leila. Happiness in ten thousand dreamy forms flitted before her mental vision, and filled her, even in anticipation, with indescribable pleasure. In a letter written just before leaving England, after much playful description, she continues: "I love the East; it has always been the sweetest spot in my imagination. All my anticipations are in joyous exercise. I shall be fired by the loneliness of the ocean, the stirring excitement of new scenes, the romantic and historical associations connected with the places through which I shall pass, their variety of manners, customs, and costumes, the shores and hoary mountains which border upon the sea, the sublime solitariness of the wildly beautiful isles of the blue Ægean, and a host of adventures and pleasurable situations. At every step I shall be furnished with abundant materials for thought and reflection." And to a large extent she was not disappointed, as is proved by some of her beautiful sketches, in poetry and prose.

But that the enjoyment which she proposed to her