"That prayer uttered by King David was a prayer for God's confirming grace; and the like prayer is needful to every candidate for Confirmation.

"No one will come with a right mind to this holy ordinance, and in a fit state to receive God's blessing, or to renew the vow made in baptism, who is not making the occasion one of more than usually deep and earnest prayers for divine grace and assistance. We are all weak and unstable creatures, and with many of us Confirmation is a turning point in life. With all of us it is a solemn point, and

not to be entered upon carelessly and without thought.

"The disposition of the heart, I repeat again, my dear children," said Mr Manners, "is of equal importance with right knowledge and sound faith. Each one of you feeling deep repentance and true humility, as sinners ought to feel, will beg for mercy and grace; looking to our blessed Lord's atoning blood for pardon, praying for God's Holy Spirit to be confirmed and established in grace, and, in that strength, meaning in earnest to keep the vow and promise which

CHAPTER V.

THE night was very cold and dark, so the girls did not linger on their way home. Sophy Turnbull and Jane Prynne went home together, and so did Sarah Gardiner and Bessie Sutton, who happened to be near neighbours.

These two girls were very nearly the same age, and to most people seemed very good friends; but there was some mysterious barrier between them which prevented their becoming really attached to one another. The fact was that each of these girls was in her heart of hearts jealous of the other.

Sarah Gardiner was jealous of Bessie's popularity and good looks. She } --- Lat she herself was plain, and that

one seemed to care much for l Bessie so much liked and sou village, touched her sorest poi. There are some natures, and

hose, that seem to crave fo.

each is about so solemnly to make, not only on the day of Confirmation, but all the life long, down to the very hour of death.

"To all who come thus prepared, Confirmation will prove a blessing in deed and in truth. Let this mind be in you, my dear children; let me beg of you all to examine your own hearts, and to pray for help from above; and then, if you continue instant in prayer, looking to Christ for cleansing, and to God's Holy Spirit for confirming you, you may rely on that sure and gracious promise, Your heavenly Father shall give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him,' (St Luke xi. 13.)"

When the vicar ceased speaking, he looked round the room at the girls, to see if his words had made any impression on them. Some looked stolid and indifferent, but on the whole he was pleased with the quiet thought displayed on most of their faces.

He felt that he had said enough to them for the time, so begging them to think seriously over the teaching he had given. them, he bade them good evening, and they left the house.

CHAPTER V.

THE night was very cold and dark, so the

girls did not linger on their way home. Sophy Turnbull and Jane Prynne went home together, and so did Sarah Gardiner and Bessie Sutton, who happened to be near neighbours.

These two girls were very nearly the same age, and to most people seemed very good friends; but there was some mysterious barrier between them which prevented their becoming really attached to one another. The fact was that each of these girls was in her heart of hearts jealous of the other.

Sarah Gardiner was jealous of Bessie's popularity and good looks. She knew that she herself was plain, and that somehow no one seemed to care much for her; and seeing Bessie so much liked and sought after in the village, touched her sorest point of self-love. There are some natures, and Sarah was one of these, that seem to crave for affection and