nature, unassisted by the Divine nature, have done so, then what need
would there have been for the Son of God to have taken our form and
purified our nature in himself? By grace alone are we saved, for there
is none good--no, not one; but as God is holy, we must be holy, ere we
can dwell with Him, and the work of the Divine Spirit is to make us
pure; and while we are in the flesh, to uphold us in the right and
straight road, till being made one with God our sanctification is
accomplished. Now then is our hour of temptation. Marten--and believe
me, my boy, if you attempt to withstand that temptation in your own
strength, you are like one putting fire to tow, and expecting it will
escape conflagration."

Marten made no reply, for he was tired of the subject; but after Mrs.
Mortimer had left the room, he said to Reuben--"Well, we shall see what
we shall see, and mamma shall acknowledge I am right after all." So the
carriage came to the door next morning betimes, and Mr. and Mrs.
Mortimer got into it, and Marten and Reuben stood in the coach drive to
hold the gate open for the carriage to pass through; and the great dog
Nero stood by them very much excited, not knowing whether to go with the
carriage or to stay with the boys.

"Be sure you see Nero has a run every day, Marten," said Mr. Mortimer,
as the carriage passed through the gate--"that dog wants plenty of
exercise."

"Oh! don't fear, papa, I shall not forget him," replied Marten, running
a step or two after the carriage; "and mamma, I will attend to your
doves--you had forgotten to speak about them, had you not, mamma? I will
remember them and Nero too, papa, and Reuben also. Yes, I will attend to
all--I shall have plenty of time for all. Have you anything more you