"How often have words of similar import passed my own lips, when I spoke as a mentor, and vainly thought my own heart was not wedded to the world and the good things it offers for our enjoyment!" "If we are so wedded," said Mrs.Willet, in her earnest, gentle way, "is not that a loving Providence which helps us to a knowledge of the truth, even though the lesson prove a hard one to learn--nay, even if it be acquired under the rod of a stern master ?" "Oh, yes, yes!" said Mrs.Markland, unhesitatingly.
"It is undoubtedly true," said Mrs.Willet, "that all things of natural life are arranged, under Providence, with a special view to the formation and development within us of spiritual life, or the orderly and true lives of our spirits.

We are not born into this world merely to eat, drink, and enjoy sensual and corporeal pleasures alone.

This is clear to any mind on the slightest reflection.

The pleasures of a refined taste, as that of music and art, are of a higher and more enduring character than these; and of science and knowledge, still more enduring.

Yet not for these, as the highest development of our lives, were we born.