flow of good sense that appears in his conversation, and

the sensibility he expresses for his afflicted father, convince me that I was mistaken in attributing his faults to a depravity of mind, instead of a levity of disposition.
MR. MAITLAND, who was perfectly superior to the loss of his fortune, is unable to withstand this second calamity. Yesterday morning we were sitting together by Tom's bed-side: his languid eyes were fixed on his father, whose countenance expressed the struggle between his grief and the firmness of his mind. His son grasped his hand, and looked at him with a tenderness that seemed to intreat him not to grieve, but which, naturally produced the contrary effect.
I understand you, Tom, said he, I will compose myself—I will endeavour to bear my afflictions, and submit to the decrees of heaven with

fortitude—but I must feel that I am a father.
So saying he rose, and went out, being no longer able to conceal his emotions. The dying youth followed him with his eyes, and then turning to me, with a deep sigh,
Oh Mr. Stamford,
said he,
'tis I that have done this—I have oppressed my father's age with want and sorrow— Oh that my death would restore his peace! with what pleasure should I welcome the gloomy power! Your friendship may do much — go, dear Sir, follow him, and prevent his wasting the hours in useless grief. 'Tis a satisfaction to me when I think, your friendship will assist him to bear his afflictions.

I LEFT him, and went in search of Mr. Maitland, whom I found, sitting, with his head reclined, in a musing posture.

His mind was so intent on his misfortunes that he did not, at first, perceive my approach.
"AT length," said he, looking up,
I have conquered, and can submit to join in the general order of the system, without reluctance. Whatever the all-wise Regent of the universe permits to be is best. His attributes, which we discover by a process of reason, as nearly approaching to demonstration as our faculties will admit, immensity of power and goodness, cannot admit of the existence of real evil. It is from the errors of beings, necessarily, imperfect, that the appearance of partial evil arises; and that partial evil is, doubtless, constituted as the means of acquiring a greater, and, otherwise, not attainable, good. The retrospect on past life adds experiment

to proof; and, in some future age, I shall rejoice at