For instance, in the indulgence of this precious little dialogue with you, I am only following up a duty that strengthens myself; for, Eliza, my precious creature, if more light were given you, you would be permitted to feel that an occasional lapse is for our good, by showing us our own weakness and how little we can do of ourselves.

No--there is nothing which gives us so much confidence and strength as to know our own weakness; but, my sweet girl, of what use is it for us to know it, if we do not feel it; and why feel it--unless we suffer it for better purposes to teach us a practical lesson to humble us.' "'That's queer doctrine, Mr.M'Slime, and I don't properly understand it.' "'I know you don't, my darling girl; for it has not been given to you, as yet, to understand it.

Nay, it seems, as it were, a stumbling block to you, in your present state.' "'Why, do you think me so very great a sinner, sir ?' "'Not by acts, Eliza--and what a soft name is Eliza--soft as a pillow of down--but by condition.

You are exalted now, upon pride--not personal pride, but the pride of position.

You think you are incapable of error or infirmity, but you must be brought--down to a sense of your own frailty, as it were, for it is upon a consciousness of that, that you must build.' "'That is to say, I must commit sin first, in order to know the grace of repentance afterwards.' "'You put it too strongly, Eliza; but here is the illustration:--You know it is said 'there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just men.' And I know many, Eliza, who go through a long course of virtuous iniquity, in order that their triumph in the end may be the greater.