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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44769 ***
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_).
+
+Small capital text has been replaced with all capitals.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+[Illustration: J. GODWIN.
+
+W. L. THOMAS
+
+THE FARM-HOUSE KITCHEN.
+
+Vol. ii. page 286.]
+
+
+
+
+THE SHEEPFOLD AND THE COMMON
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration:
+
+  the
+  Sheepfold
+  &
+  THE COMMON,
+  OR
+  WITHIN & WITHOUT.
+
+BLACKIE & SON · GLASGOW EDINBURGH, & LONDON.]
+
+
+
+
+  THE
+
+  SHEEPFOLD AND THE COMMON:
+
+  OR,
+
+  WITHIN AND WITHOUT.
+
+
+  VOL. II.
+
+  "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow
+      me."--JOHN x. 27.
+
+  "Them that are without God judgeth."--1 COR. v. 19.
+
+
+[Illustration: publisher's mark]
+
+
+  BLACKIE AND SON:
+  GLASGOW, EDINBURGH, AND LONDON.
+
+  MDCCCLXI.
+
+
+
+
+  GLASGOW:
+  W. G. BLACKIE AND CO., PRINTERS,
+  VILLAFIELD.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+VOL. II.
+
+                                                   _Page_
+
+  Old Rachel, the Blind Woman,                          1
+
+  Diversity of Opinion Very Natural,                   18
+
+  Union Without Compromise,                            37
+
+  The Stage Coach,                                     52
+
+  A Sabbath in London,                                 62
+
+  The Sceptic's Visit,                                 76
+
+  A Renewed Encounter,                                 94
+
+  The Effect of a Word Spoken in Season,              108
+
+  The Family of the Holmes,                           123
+
+  A Misfortune often a Blessing in Disguise,          134
+
+  Christian Experience,                               155
+
+  Doubts and Perplexities,                            166
+
+  Theatrical Amusements, Part I.,                     177
+
+  Theatrical Amusements, Part II.,                    198
+
+  Unitarianism Renounced,                             219
+
+  The Path of Truth Forsaken,                         240
+
+  The Fruits of Apostasy,                             261
+
+  The Farm-House Kitchen,                             284
+
+  A Party at the Elms,                                296
+
+  Family Sketches,                                    311
+
+  Amusements,                                         323
+
+  The Unhappy Attachment,                             342
+
+  A Sequel to the Foregoing,                          365
+
+  The Village Chapel,                                 386
+
+  Village Characters,                                 401
+
+  The Pious Cottager,                                 422
+
+  The Closing Scene of the Young Christian's Career,  431
+
+  The Happy Marriage,                                 449
+
+  An Old Friendship Revived,                          462
+
+  The Wanderer's Return,                              474
+
+  A Struggle for Life,                                493
+
+  The Sceptic Reclaimed,                              504
+
+  The Rector's Death-Bed,                             518
+
+  The Rector's Funeral,                               529
+
+  The New Rectors,                                    540
+
+  A Secession at Broadhurst,                          551
+
+  A Farewell to Old Friends,                          561
+
+  Conclusion,                                         575
+
+
+
+
+LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.
+
+VOL. II.
+
+
+                                                                    _Page_
+
+  The Farm-House Kitchen,                                  _Frontispiece._
+
+  A Contrast,                                            _Engraved Title._
+
+  George III. and the Dying Gipsy,                                       7
+
+  Mistaken Charity--Mr. Sykes's Theory Refuted,                         55
+
+  Sabbath Pleasure-Seekers,                                             64
+
+  The Conspiracy Defeated,                                             128
+
+  The Mother's Hopes Blasted,                                          179
+
+  Mr. Beaufoy's Emotion on receiving his Mother's Letter,              261
+
+  Bringing in the Last Load of Corn--The Reapers' Hymn of Praise,      285
+
+  Miss Holmes and Miss Martin taking leave of Mrs. Kent,               299
+
+  First Meeting of Captain Orme and Emma Holmes,                       352
+
+  Mr. Swinson assaulted by the Mob,                                    396
+
+  The Bridal Party welcomed by the Villagers,                          456
+
+  The Wanderer's Return,                                               480
+
+
+
+
+THE SHEEPFOLD AND THE COMMON.
+
+OLD RACHEL, THE BLIND WOMAN.
+
+
+"And so I hear," said Mrs. Stevens to the Rector, when we were
+spending an evening at his house, "that poor Old Rachel is dead. I
+really thought she had died long since, as I have not heard anything
+about her for a long time."
+
+"Yes, Madam," replied Mr. Ingleby, "she is dead, and was buried
+yesterday; she lies very near some of the finest of my flock."
+
+"She must have lived to a great age, for she was an old woman when I
+was but a little girl."
+
+"She was, I believe, upwards of ninety, and for several years she
+lived with some relatives in a state of almost entire seclusion.
+I had quite lost sight of her, and it was owing to a very casual
+circumstance that my acquaintance with her was renewed."
+
+"How did you happen again to meet with her?"
+
+"It was in this way. I required some one to weed my garden; and
+hearing that there was an active clever woman residing at Street,
+about two miles from the rectory, who was a good hand at such
+work, I took a walk to find her. On reaching her house I knocked
+at the door, but received no answer; and just as I was going away,
+rather disappointed at having made a fruitless journey, a neighbour
+stepped out of the adjoining cottage, and said, 'If, Sir, you
+want Mrs. Jones, she has just gone out, but I will go and look for
+her, if you will perhaps come in here, and rest yourself for a few
+minutes.' I thanked her, and followed her into the house, where she
+placed a chair for me, saying, as she left to go in search of Mrs.
+Jones--'It's no use, Sir, to say nothing to my mother there; she is
+quite blind, and so deaf, that she can't hear a word which nobody
+says to her.' The person to whom she pointed sat in an arm-chair,
+on the opposite side of the fire, wrapped up in flannel, her face
+nearly concealed by her cap and bonnet, and as motionless as a
+statue. I sat for a few moments in silence, and then, yielding to
+a feeling of curiosity, and I would also hope to a better motive,
+to endeavour to ascertain whether I could impart the soothing
+influences of religious consolation to the seemingly inanimate
+object that sat opposite to me, I arose, and placing my lips as
+near her ear as possible, without touching her, said, audibly and
+distinctly, 'You are very old.' No reply. This was followed by
+several common-place questions--such as, 'What is your name?' 'Do
+you want anything?' 'Are you in any pain?' These and other questions
+I continued to repeat; but they produced no more effect on her than
+they would have done on a log. 'Poor thing,' I exclaimed, 'it's no
+use to try, as she is living out of my reach. The door of access
+is locked, and the key lost.' I resumed my seat. My anxiety to
+gain access to her mind increased in proportion to the apparent
+impossibility of succeeding, and I made another effort. '_Do you
+ever think about dying?_' There was a slight convulsive movement
+of the hand, but this was no satisfactory proof that she heard
+my question; however, it showed that the inner spirit was awake,
+and might possibly be bringing itself to a listening attitude. I
+then put the all-important question--'_Do you know anything about
+Jesus Christ?_' Never shall I forget the effect of this question.
+Her hands were suddenly raised, her arms extended, and her face
+glowed with more than human radiance, and, in a tone of transport,
+she exclaimed, 'What! is that my beloved pastor? It was under your
+ministry I was brought to know Christ, and feel the preciousness of
+his love.' This unanticipated exclamation astonished and delighted
+me, especially when I recognized, by the sound of her voice, _Old
+Rachel_. To all my questions relating to her secular condition and
+wants, she was as insensible as though actually dead. I stood and
+looked on her with joyous wonder, never having previously known
+a similar case. I repeated question after question, but had no
+response, till I asked, '_Is Christ precious to you?_' Her reply
+was prompt and audible: _He is precious to my soul--my transport
+and my trust._' The reply had an electrical effect on my spirit.
+Marvellous! I never witnessed such a scene as this. I varied my
+questions again and again; but there was no sign of hearing, or even
+perceptible motion, though I took hold of her hand. It was as though
+some angelic spirit kept watch, to prevent any thought relating
+to earth or time from obtruding itself on her attention, now she
+was waiting on the verge of the celestial world. One question
+more, and all intercourse was over. '_Do you long to see Christ?_'
+She instantly replied, '_My soul is in haste to be gone._' Again
+she relapsed into her statue-like appearance, and in that state
+continued till the return of her daughter with Mrs. Jones, after
+transacting my business with whom, I took leave, and walked home,
+musing on the history of Old Rachel, and resolving that I would soon
+again pay her a visit."
+
+"I should like," said Mrs. John Roscoe, "to have witnessed this
+scene, and heard the retiring spirit thus appearing to bear
+testimony to the more than magic power of the Saviour's name, and of
+the preciousness of his love."
+
+"And so, Madam, should I," said the Rev. Mr. Guion; "it would have
+been to me like a voice speaking from another world, in confirmation
+of the genuineness of our faith, which sees the invisible, and holds
+conscious intercourse with Him, though we hear him not. I generally
+find, that a singular ending is closely connected with a singular
+origin, or a series of eventful occurrences. Can you favour us with
+some account of her history?"
+
+"Yes, Sir, I can, and it is both interesting and peculiar. I did not
+know her till she was advanced in age, and had lost her sight; yet,
+before I knew her, I had often heard her spoken of as an intelligent
+woman, very fond of books, and remarkable for the neatness and
+cleanliness of her person, and her regular and punctual attendance
+at her parish church. When her sight failed her, she was compelled
+to relinquish the school by which she had gained her livelihood; but
+she was so much esteemed, that a good allowance was granted by the
+parish, and this was augmented by weekly subscriptions from some
+of the members of her church. On passing by her cottage one day, I
+looked in to see her, though she was not one of my parishioners;
+but as she had imbibed the Tractarian doctrines of her Rector, and
+felt a strong repugnance to evangelical truth, I at once perceived
+that my presence was more disagreeable than pleasing. I therefore
+withdrew, not intending to repeat my visit until I had prepared her
+to desire it. I soon hit upon a plan to accomplish this. The old
+woman had a little favourite grand-daughter in my Sabbath-school,
+and it occurred to me that I could employ her as the medium of
+communication; and I commenced operations by giving her and lending
+her some little books of anecdotes and descriptive stories. After
+the lapse of several months, I gave her, as a reward for reading to
+her grandmother, the sketch of the Rev. John Newton's conversion;
+and this was followed by a tract on regeneration, with which the old
+woman was so much pleased, that she requested the loan of another
+on the same subject. No great while after reading this tract she
+came to hear me preach, and soon became a regular attendant on my
+ministry; and ere long she sent to say she should be glad if I would
+call on her. I went; she apologized for her rudeness of manner on
+my former visit, and excused herself by referring to the influence
+which superstitious prejudices had acquired over her. From these
+superstitions she hoped she was now rescued by the attractive power
+of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
+
+"When it was noised abroad that Rachel, the old blind woman, had
+left the church, where Tractarian doctrines and ceremonies were the
+theme of the Rector's ministrations, she received a visit from some
+of her lady friends, who were very anxious to get her to return,
+intimating that if she did, they would continue their subscriptions
+towards her support, otherwise she must not expect to receive any
+more favours from them. She heard all they chose to say, and thus
+announced her final decision:--'I have, ladies, attended my parish
+church for more than fifty years without getting any benefit to my
+soul, but where I have been only a few Sabbaths I have heard and
+felt the truth as it is in Jesus, and there I shall continue to go
+as long as my feeble limbs will carry me. I thank you for all your
+acts of liberality and kindness to me, but I cannot barter away
+my freedom, and run the risk of losing my soul. I must live free,
+though in poverty; and my salvation is now the one thing I value
+above all price.' She continued for several years both regular
+and punctual in her attendance on my ministry, but at length was
+compelled, by increasing infirmities, to give up her house and go to
+reside with a married daughter. Years rolled on--the grand-daughter
+had left my school--the cottage where the old woman had resided was
+occupied by another--she gradually faded from my recollection, and
+in process of time I had quite forgot her."
+
+"I used," said Mrs. Stevens, "to see her, with her grand-daughter
+leading her, coming to church and going from it; but she sat in some
+pew which concealed her from my sight when in the church."
+
+"She was, Madam, one of the most retiring women I ever knew; she had
+a great objection to be seen, as she knew her conversion and her
+leaving the ministry of her former Rector had excited a good deal of
+talk."
+
+"The circumstances attending her conversion to the faith of
+Christ," observed the Rev. Mr. Guion, "is an evident proof of its
+genuineness, and of its having been effected by the Holy Spirit;
+otherwise it would have been impossible for you to have gained her
+over to the reception of salvation by grace through faith, as she
+was so self-satisfied with her own Tractarian delusions, and so much
+under the power of the active agents of the same fatal heresy."
+
+"I must confess that no event in my long pastoral career ever gave
+me more real pleasure, or excited purer emotions of gratitude to my
+Divine Master, than being allowed to witness the termination of her
+course--so unexpected, and so novel."
+
+"I have known," said the Rev. Mr. Guion, "some delivered from their
+terrors and misgivings, just prior to their departure, who have been
+in bondage all their life, through fear of death, and then they have
+felt even a transport of joy in anticipation of the end of their
+faith, but I have never known a case like this of Old Rachel."
+
+"I recollect," said Mr. Roscoe, "reading in the _Times_, some
+years ago, the report of a case bearing a strong resemblance to
+it in some of its distinctive peculiarities. Mr. M----, of -----,
+who had through a very lengthened course distinguished himself by
+his activity in secular life, and by his practical piety, when
+drawing near his latter end, appeared quite indifferent, if not
+positively insensible, to everything bearing a relation to earth,
+though surrounded by its wealth and honours; but even then he gave
+unmistakeable signs to his pious relatives, that he was filled with
+all joy and peace in believing, abounding in hope, through the power
+of the Holy Ghost."[1]
+
+  [1] In reply to an application which the author recently made in
+  reference to this case, an intelligent son of this eminent Christian
+  requests that the name of the deceased may be suppressed, saying,
+  at the close of his letter--"The prayer of my dearest father was,
+  God be merciful to me a sinner! and his last word, the name of that
+  Redeemer on whose merits he relied, and to whose honour he had
+  lived."
+
+Mr. Lewellin remarked:--"An intimate friend related to me, some
+time since, the following circumstances, which belong to the same
+remarkable order with that of Old Rachel and Mr. M----. He knew
+a Mr. Griffith, who left Wales when a young man, and settled in
+London, where he practised as a surgeon for half a century with very
+considerable success; but feeling the infirmities of age coming on,
+he disposed of his business and withdrew into private life. From
+his youth up he had maintained a good report amongst his Christian
+brethren. He lived for years after he had relinquished his practice,
+but latterly fell into such a state of apathy that he was unable
+to recollect his own children, and had even forgotten the English
+language, which he had spoken for more than fifty years, using,
+in his Scripture quotations and audible prayers, his native Welsh.
+He would remain for many hours in succession without appearing
+to notice any visible object, asking any question, or replying
+to any observation relating to secular matters. He had withdrawn
+from the world, living surrounded with invisible realities, the
+varying aspect of his countenance indicating some active process of
+thinking and emotion; but when he heard the name of Jesus mentioned,
+or any allusion to his love in dying for sinners, his eyes would
+sparkle with peculiar radiance, his hands would clasp together,
+and he would pour forth expressions of gratitude and joy, which
+betokened the vital energy of his soul, and the intense interest he
+felt in anticipation of the grand crisis. On his favourite theme
+of meditation he evinced no dulness, nor lack of mental energy; he
+would emerge from his seclusion to hold intelligible intercourse
+with his Christian brethren, when he heard them give utterance
+to the joyful sound, and then drew back, without any distinct
+recognition of their persons, to dwell alone in the pavilion of the
+Divine presence."[2]
+
+  [2] The following anecdote of George III. (from _Legends and
+  Records_, chiefly Historical: by Charles Tayler, M.A.), supplies
+  us with another interesting case of the aptitude of the mind to
+  understand and feel the power of religious truth, after it has
+  become inaccessible to every other mental communication. His majesty
+  had been hunting in Windsor Forest, and after the hunt was over, as
+  he was returning, his attention was arrested by a little girl who
+  sat on the ground weeping. He alighted from his horse, and, having
+  ascertained the cause of her grief, he followed her to a tent, in an
+  unfrequented part of the forest, where lay an old gipsy on her dying
+  bed, with her face towards the inside of the tent. She appeared
+  too far gone to hear any of the sympathetic inquiries which he
+  instituted. However, his eye was attracted by a torn and dirty book,
+  which lay open upon the pillow of the dying woman, and he had the
+  curiosity to see what book it was.
+
+  "Ah, Sir," said an elder girl, "I believe there's a deal of fine
+  reading in that book; and my grandmother set great store by it, torn
+  and soiled as it is. While she could use her eyes she used to be
+  spelling it over and over again; but now, she says, the letters are
+  all dark and dim before her sight, she cannot see them."
+
+  His majesty said nothing, but, taking up the book from the pillow,
+  he sat down on the green turf close to the head of the dying woman.
+  The book was the Bible. He chose some of those beautiful passages
+  which are easy to be understood, and, at the same time, full of
+  hope and comfort to the sinking and fearful heart. He read of the
+  tender compassion of the Father of mercies to his guilty creatures,
+  in giving his own Son Jesus Christ to die for them, that whosoever
+  believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life!
+  Though she heard not what he said when he first spoke to her, she
+  heard and felt the words of the Scriptures, for she turned entirely
+  round and opened her dull eyes with a vacant stare; she endeavoured
+  also to speak, but could only make a faint uncertain sound, in which
+  no word could be distinguished. Then she drew her hands together,
+  and clasped them as if in prayer, taking that way, it seemed, to
+  show that she was quite sensible to hear and understand what was
+  read to her; and the young girls drew near, and kneeled down quietly
+  beside the bed, listening also to the sacred words of life, and
+  feeling a sort of happiness in their sorrow, as they looked upon
+  their beloved parent, now as calm as a sleeping infant, except that
+  tears stole down her hollow cheeks; but any one might see that they
+  were tears of joy, for all the while a smile was on her lips.
+
+"These are spiritual phenomena," said the Rev. Mr. Roscoe, "which,
+like the phenomena of nature, are too plain and palpable to be
+denied, even though it may not be in our power to give all the
+explanations about the causes of them which our curiosity would like
+to receive."
+
+[Illustration: JAMES GODWIN. W. L. THOMAS.
+
+GEORGE III. AND THE DYING GIPSY.
+
+Vol. ii. p. 7.]
+
+"Very true, Sir," said Mr. Ingleby; "but there are certain
+statements and expressions in the New Testament which throw light
+enough upon such phenomena to demonstrate that they have their
+_natural causes_, and thus they are rescued from the supposition
+that they are self-originated and self-sustained movements of
+the human spirit, in some complexed and eccentric condition of
+existence. Our Lord says to his disciples, 'I am the vine, ye are
+the branches; he that abideth in me and I in him, the same bringeth
+forth much fruit' (John xv. 5). The life of the branch depends on
+its adhesion to the tree which supplies the sap of nourishment.
+Again, he says, 'I in them' (John xvii. 23). The apostle says, 'I
+live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me' (Gal. ii. 20). Again,
+'Your life is hid with Christ in God' (Col. iii. 3), denoting
+its invulnerable security. From the passages which I have now
+quoted, and there are many others of the same import, we arrive
+at this conclusion, which is an explanation and a defence of the
+spiritual phenomenon, that there is an actual, though inexplicable
+inhabitation of Jesus Christ in the soul of a believer (Rev.
+iii. 20), sustaining the spiritual life within him, as the vine
+nourishes the branch which bears its own fruit. And as He has life
+in _himself_, he can do this with perfect ease, not only when the
+believer is in vigorous health, and in the full exercise of all his
+mental faculties, but when he is labouring under those physical
+diseases and mental infirmities which, by a slow progression, lead
+to his decay and death."
+
+The Rev. Mr. Guion observed, "That to deny the existence of such
+phenomena, and others which bear some affinity to them, simply
+because they are extraordinary, would be an act of absurdity which
+no spiritual or even philosophic mind would venture to defend,
+because the evidence in proof of their actual occurrence is so clear
+and conclusive. The real question of difficulty to decide is simply
+this:--Are they supernatural manifestations, or illusions of the
+imagination? but, in either case, they go off into their own element
+of mysteriousness, compelling us to believe what we cannot explain.
+On a supposition that they are real manifestations of Divine power
+and love, which I fully believe they are, I cannot help thinking
+that the highly-favoured spirit (Old Rachel, for example), while in
+such a state of _lucid and active unconsciousness_, if I may use
+such an expression, must exist in something like an intermediate
+position between the material and immaterial world--dying off from
+one by a very slow progression, and getting meet for the other by a
+similar process; occasionally stepping back to give unmistakeable
+signs of the continued possession of the faculties of thought and
+emotion, and then retreating, as into a citadel standing near the
+dark frontier of the invisible world, and into which its celestial
+rays sometimes penetrate."
+
+"In these cases of rare occurrence," said Mr. Roscoe, "it is the
+soul of the spiritual man retreating from visible and audible
+fellowship with his pious associates; but biography supplies us
+_with another order of moral phenomena_ equally inexplicable, yet
+equally gratifying, tending to confirm the reality of the connection
+between the visible and invisible world which the Christian
+revelation so plainly and positively announces. I received, some
+time ago, the following statement from an elder of a Scotch church,
+on whose testimony I can place implicit dependence:--'About the
+month of August, 1838, I went to see my grandfather, a pious old
+man, ninety-two years of age. I sat by his bedside, and others
+also were with him. He had been silent and motionless for about
+five hours, when he opened his eyes, his countenance beaming with
+joy, and raising his hands he said, I see heaven open, and Jesus
+Christ at the right hand of God, and the angels of God descending
+to receive me. These were his last words, and when he had given
+utterance to them he expired.'"
+
+"This reminds me," said Mr. Lewellin, "of an incident which occurred
+at Stepney College,[3] not long ago. When Ebenezer Birrel, a student
+there, was dying, he requested all who were in the room with him to
+keep silence. He also was silent and motionless. At length he looked
+and gazed in rapture on some glorious object, which to him alone was
+visible, exclaiming, as he gazed, '_Beautiful! beautiful!_' and in
+uttering the word 'GLORY!' his head fell and he expired."
+
+  [3] The Baptist College, Stepney.
+
+"The case of Dr. Gordon, of Hull," said the Rev. Mr. Guion,
+"differing, as it does in some particulars, from all the specimens
+we have had of these spiritual phenomena, is, I think, deserving of
+our special notice. 'He appeared,' says his biographer, 'just as he
+was expiring, no longer conscious of what took place around him.
+He gazed upwards, as in wrapt vision. No film overspread his eyes.
+They beamed with an unwonted lustre, and the whole countenance,
+losing the aspect of disease and pain, with which we had been so
+long familiar, glowed with an expression of indescribable rapture.
+As we watched, in silent wonder and praise, his features, which had
+become motionless, suddenly yielded for a few seconds to a smile
+of ecstasy which no pencil could ever depict, and which none who
+witnessed it can ever forget. And when it passed away, still the
+whole countenance continued to beam and brighten, as if reflecting
+the glory on which the soul was gazing. This glorious spectacle
+continued for about a quarter of an hour, increasing in interest to
+the last.'"
+
+"I have heard of other cases," remarked Mr. Ingleby, "bearing a
+strong resemblance to some which have been mentioned; but I have
+never made much use of them, except as supplementary proofs in
+confirmation of my own belief in the inseparable connection of
+the two worlds. They are not absolutely necessary to establish
+this great fact; yet we must all admit, that such proofs _can be
+supplied_, if it should please God to do so; and we know he has done
+it more than once. Not to dwell on the vision of the apostle Paul,
+I would just advert to the case of Stephen. When his enemies were
+gnashing on him with their teeth, expressive of their indignation
+against him, for accusing them of having betrayed and murdered the
+JUST ONE--'He, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly
+into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on
+the right hand of God' (Acts vii. 55). He saw clearly what the
+others saw not, and for reporting what he saw he was denounced a
+blasphemer, and was led out and stoned to death. This case settles
+two great facts:--First, that God can, when he pleases, unveil to
+mortal vision the glorious forms and appearances of the invisible
+world; and secondly, that he has done it."
+
+"I feel unwilling," said the Rev. Mr. Roscoe, "to object to any
+evidence which tends to confirm our belief in the connection
+between the visible and invisible world; but I think great caution
+is necessary in employing such cases as have now been reported in
+proof of it. What the old Scotchman and the youthful student saw, or
+thought they saw, may, after all, have been nothing more than the
+illusions of their own disturbed imagination, left at the closing
+scene uncontrolled by the immortal spirit itself, while in the act
+of passing from its material tabernacle, and away from its material
+senses, into another, a higher, and more congenial economy of
+existence."
+
+"True, Sir," said Mr. Ingleby; "but then, if we admit that they
+really are illusions, we must also admit that they are illusive
+only by a _forestalling process_; the imagination bringing to
+the senses, yet bounded by the material economy, objects of
+vision belonging to another state of existence--framing types of
+invisible realities--lifting up, in the living temple of humanity,
+prefigurations of what will be seen when the fulness of time comes
+for the disembodying of the soul and its glorification. The illusion
+then relates, not to the UNREALITY of _what is seen_ and _felt_, but
+to the _unreality_ of the _act_ of _vision_, and its _consequent
+excitement_ and _impression, both mental and physical_."
+
+"We know," said. Mr. Roscoe, "that God very rarely deviates in
+his providential administration, from the established laws of his
+government; but we also know that he does sometimes, and for the
+purpose of making us know more impressively that he is the LORD,
+who exercises loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the
+earth, for in these things he delights. Hence, there have been
+two translations from earth to heaven, without the intervening
+infliction of death, but only two, since the fall of man. In
+reference to the remarkable cases under consideration, there may be
+some difficulty in deciding whether the persons actually saw what
+they are reported to have seen, or were imposed on by the mysterious
+action of their own imagination; but yet I cannot bring my mind to
+the conclusion, that the visions were positive illusions, and that
+the happy spirits who saw them, and spake of them, and whose radiant
+countenances betokened the truthfulness of their testimony, were
+dying under the spell of self-deception. Such cases, we know, but
+very rarely occur, and when they do occur they make their appearance
+quite unexpectedly; but I think they occur often enough, and with
+such varying peculiarities, as to make us hesitate to pronounce them
+positive illusions, even if we cannot admit with confidence that
+they are positive realities."
+
+"At any rate," said Mrs. John Roscoe, "the spell of self-deception,
+if they were deceived, was soon broken, as in each case death came
+immediately after they uttered their last joyous exclamation; and
+then the sublime vision of immortality opened upon them, with all
+its glorious realities."
+
+The Rev. Mr. Guion here remarked that, "in general, the Lord's
+people die in hope and with great calmness; and sometimes they rise
+to confidence, and even to joy, and joy unspeakable. Few, indeed,
+rise higher than this; but I have known enough, and heard enough,
+to satisfy me that some do. The case of Dr. Gordon, who uttered
+no exclamation, is to me a decisive proof of this. He is calm,
+motionless, wrapped in profound thoughts, when his countenance,
+which had long been marked by the lines of disease and pain, begins
+to radiate, till at length its lustre was so clear and bright,
+attended by an ecstatic smile so ethereal, that the spectators were
+awe-struck, standing and gazing for the space of a quarter of an
+hour on this more than human vision. At least, they thought it more
+than human while they were gazing on it."
+
+"Every effect," said Mr. Ingleby, "must have some adequate cause;
+and this extraordinary radiation on the countenance of Dr. Gordon
+was produced either by the action of his own thoughts, or by
+the intervention of a supernatural power. If produced by his
+own thoughts, what a hold must his soul have taken of invisible
+realities when he was dying, to give such a glowing brilliancy
+to his pallid face! If produced by the intervening action of
+supernatural power, it was a premature shining forth of the glory to
+be revealed more fully in the disembodied state. In other words, he
+did what was done by the impulse of his _own_ conceptions, or God
+was especially with him in his dying chamber, shedding upon him some
+effulgent rays of his own glory."
+
+"But to return," said the Rev. Mr. Roscoe, "to the case of Rachel,
+the old blind woman, which, because it is capable of a more
+practical bearing, I must confess, interests me more than the
+splendid case of Dr. Gordon, interesting as it is. But, before
+I touch on this, will you permit me to ask how long she lived
+after your unexpected interview with her? and whether there was a
+recurrence of the astonishing responses to your inquiries?"
+
+"I sat gazing on her," said the Rev. Mr. Ingleby, "some time after I
+ceased speaking; and before I left her, her countenance had resumed
+its statue-like appearance of positive insensibility; and every
+feature was fixed, as though set by the cold hand of death, and
+there was not a movement of any part of her body, except the breast
+and the shoulders, from the more powerful action of the lungs. The
+following week I took a friend with me, in expectation of having
+another interview with her; but I was disappointed. On entering the
+cottage, her daughter informed me, that having awoke in the night,
+and thinking she heard her mother utter some sound, she went with a
+light to her bedside, when the old woman, after a slight convulsive
+struggle, raised her hands, and said, '_Dear Saviour, I come to
+thee_,' and died."
+
+"What a splendid transition!" said Mrs. Stevens; "the cottage
+exchanged for a mansion! What a glorious sequel to all her
+privations and sufferings! Her happy spirit, long confined in total
+darkness, is at last liberated, and is now beholding the glory
+of Christ, and living and moving amidst the celestial beings and
+sublime grandeur of immortality."
+
+"And yet we are told," said Mr. Roscoe, "that the faith of Christ,
+which unveils such grand prospects of a future state of existence,
+is a mere delusion, and that we who indulge them are self-deceived.
+If we admit this, we must also admit that it is a very remarkable
+delusion, as it usually comes in its most vivid forms, and with its
+most attractive influences, just at that period of human existence
+when all things of earth and of time are vanishing away. At that
+awful crisis, when the pomp of distinction, the fascination of
+sensible objects, and the grandeur of wealth, are all losing their
+hold on us--and nothing is left to man but the shroud, the coffin,
+and the grave --at that very time the Christian faith opens up
+a scene of grandeur which no words can adequately describe; and
+yet the dying man, who feels his departing spirit embracing these
+revelations as sublime realities, is told by the cold-hearted
+sceptic that all is a delusion, and he is self-deceived. But he
+heeds not such random assertions. He moves forward, repeating the
+soul-inspiring words, 'Yea, though I walk through the valley of the
+shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod
+and thy staff they comfort me' (Psal. xxiii. 4)."
+
+"But this case of poor Old Rachel," said the Rev. Mr. Roscoe, "does
+something more than exhibit the efficacy of the Christian faith, in
+sustaining the human soul when the _dread hour comes_--it supplies
+a proof of the immateriality, and, by a fair inference, of the
+immortality of the soul itself. We are told, by some sagacious
+sceptics, that the mind of man, like his body, is material, only
+that it has passed through a more refined process, and is endowed
+_by nature_ with certain faculties analogous to the senses; and as
+they came into existence together at the time of his birth, and live
+together through life, so they will go out of existence together
+when they pay the debt of nature, and, at last, perish together.
+And I must confess that humanity has, in some instances, seemed
+to give a confirmation to this opinion, as the body and the mind
+have appeared to wither and decay together, as age and infirmities
+have come upon them. Hence there has been a loss of memory with
+the loss of animal vivacity--a loss of intellectual vigour with
+the loss of physical strength--a loss of imaginative power with
+the loss of sensitive acuteness--the mind and the body undergoing
+this reciprocal decay before the change comes which, according
+to the sceptic's theory, is to end in their extinction. But,
+then, I have met with another class of cases bearing some analogy
+to this reciprocal decay, but, at the same time, putting forth
+indications in confirmation of a reversed issue, as in the history
+of Old Rachel. In her we see the memory losing the impression of
+earthly objects, but retaining the impression of heavenly ones. Her
+intellect lies prostrate and powerless in the presence of sensuous
+and secular inquiries, but it springs into vigorous activity
+when spiritual ones are addressed to her. The affections of her
+heart have died off from the relationships of life; but they are
+concentrated on the perfection of moral beauty, and cleave to Jesus
+Christ with an intensity and ardour surpassing that of a youthful
+passion. Here we have a living exponent, and a confirmation of the
+truthfulness of the apostolic expression, 'Though our outward man
+perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.' (See John xi. 25,
+26)."
+
+"And there is another practical lesson," Mr. Ingleby remarked,
+"which this case of Old Rachel teaches us, and it is this:--When a
+man is enlightened by the Spirit, and is brought into fellowship
+with Jesus Christ, and has felt the power of the world to come,
+he never outlives his knowledge of these wondrous realities which
+stand out in bold relief when his remembrance of all other
+things is blotted out. He may forget the wife of his bosom, and
+the children who revered and loved him--he may forget his mother
+tongue, and not recognize the hand which feeds and clothes him--and
+he may live till almost every sense has become extinct, and the
+avenues of communication between the imprisoned spirit and the
+living world are blocked up--but he will never forget by whose
+blood he has been redeemed--he will never become insensible to the
+charm of His name or the preciousness of His love--nor will he
+ever lose sight of the bright and unfading inheritance of which he
+has received the earnest. Old Rachel was living at ease, conscious
+of her possessions, even when, in the estimation of others, she
+was unconscious of her own existence; and indulging the sublimest
+anticipations of faith and hope, while in the dark cell of her
+confinement."
+
+"Without giving any opinion," said the Rev. Mr. Roscoe, "as to
+which of the cases reported this evening is the most remarkable,
+or presuming to decide, whether they are to be referred to some
+mysterious action of the imagination, or to a real, yet marvellous
+manifestation of the Divine presence--leaving each case to stand for
+your decision on the ground of its own merits--I think we may make
+a good practical use of the whole of them, as, when we see lights
+burning, though of varying degrees of brightness, we may avail
+ourselves of their radiance even if we cannot tell by whom they are
+enkindled. We believe that the evidence which the Bible supplies,
+in confirmation of the existence of another world, is sufficiently
+ample and decisive to satisfy us of its reality; but still it is
+not so ample and decisive as to preclude the desirableness of some
+additional evidence. This is often given in the death-chamber of
+the Christian believer; and not only to him, when dying, but to
+those who are eye-witnesses of the mode of his departure. When,
+for example, we see a man of intelligence, of taste, of great
+sobriety of thinking, and of courteous speech, quite calm on his
+death-bed, and alternately strongly excited--when we hear him
+speak of the hope he entertains of a glorious immortality--when we
+see him rising above hope into full assurance, eager to depart,
+though surrounded by many of the attractions of earth--when every
+look, and aspiration, and utterance, beats in harmony with his
+long-settled expectation of a grand issue to his faith--we may very
+naturally take his experience, not only as a safe guide, but as
+a valid testimony to the certainty of what we believe in common.
+But now suppose, if, in addition to this tranquil state of mind,
+we should see a bright radiance beaming on the countenance of our
+dying friend, previously pallid and careworn by disease--and suppose
+we should see him raise himself up in bed, looking intently, as
+if seeing some beautiful object concealed from us, and, after a
+profound silence and stillness of some minutes, we should hear him
+speak of actually seeing, while in the body, what we believe he
+will see the moment he is out of the body--would not this tend to
+strengthen our faith, even though we are unable to decide whether
+he actually saw, or merely thought he saw, the scenes he described?
+I think it would; and that even the most dubious on the question of
+illusion or reality would retire from such a hallowed spectacle,
+filled with emotions of deep solemnity and joyous delight, similar
+to what a primitive believer must have felt when looking on the face
+of Stephen, shining with angelic brilliancy, a visible attestation
+of the reality of his miraculous vision."
+
+"I think so too," said the Rev. Mr. Guion. "I should like to witness
+such a sight and hear such an exclamation; and though I will admit
+that such things may be nothing more than the illusive action of
+the imagination, yet how comes the imagination, when performing its
+very last operations, to act with so much power, as to imprint such
+a visible radiance on a death-struck countenance? I cannot resist
+the impression that such cases as Old Rachel's and Dr. Gordon's,
+belonging certainly to a diverse order of spiritual phenomena, are
+real manifestations of the glory and love of God, and are intended
+by him, like the translation of Enoch and Elijah, as supplementary
+evidence to confirm the faith, and animate the hope of his redeemed
+and beloved children. At any rate, such is the effect they have on
+me."
+
+"They have the same effect on my mind," said Mr. Ingleby;
+"especially this case of poor Old Rachel, which will retain its
+power of impression as long as I exist. I shall never forget the
+last interview I had with her, nor her death-like appearance when
+I left her; but when I see her again--and I trust to see her ere
+long--she will appear in a beauteous form, arrayed in the spotless
+robe of celestial glory. We know that our latter end is coming, but
+we know not _when_ it will come, or who of the living will be with
+us when it does come; nor do we know whether we shall pass away,
+like Dr. Gordon, while beams of glory are radiating our countenance,
+or steal out of life like poor Old Rachel, as from under a pile of
+material ruins; but, for our consolation, we know that our dear
+Redeemer has promised that _He_ will come to receive us to himself
+when we depart hence, and that where he is we shall be also, and for
+ever: 'Wherefore, comfort one another with these words' (1 Thess.
+iv. 18)."
+
+
+
+
+DIVERSITY OF OPINION VERY NATURAL.
+
+
+One morning, while Mrs. Stevens was conversing with Mrs. John
+Roscoe, a girl who had been attending Mrs. Stevens' Sabbath-school,
+and who was going into service, called at Fairmount for a Bible
+which had been awarded to her for her diligence and propriety of
+behaviour. After expressing her thanks on receiving it, she added,
+in a very modest tone, "I shall value it for your sake, Ma'am, and I
+hope I shall love it for its own sake."
+
+"I was very much pleased," said Mrs. John Roscoe, "with the
+appearance and manners of your young protegé. The reason she gave
+for loving the Bible is a proof of superior intelligence, and, I
+should hope, of decided piety."
+
+"Yes, she is an amiable girl, and I hope she is pious. She is
+a _rescue_ from a godless family. Her parents are very profane
+persons, and their other children are following their example. I
+have no doubt of her attachment to the Bible, for she has made
+herself very conversant with it."
+
+In the evening, when a few friends were assembled, Mrs. John Roscoe
+mentioned how much pleased she had been with the Sabbath-school
+girl, and repeated the remark she made on receiving the Bible from
+Mrs. Stevens.
+
+"FOR ITS OWN SAKE," said the Rev. Mr. Guion; "that is a
+substantially good reason for loving the Bible. It is a somewhat
+singular fact that no book, on any subject or in any language,
+has so completely divided public belief and sympathy, both on the
+question of its origin and its practical utility."
+
+"It certainly," Mr. Roscoe replied, "is a very singular, and a very
+wonderful book: wonderful, if true; more so, if false. If true, we
+can account for its origin; but how can its origin be accounted for
+if it be false? If false, it is an invention; and not the invention
+of one man, but of an organized conspiracy, and a conspiracy of good
+men, for the Bible is too good a book for bad men to write."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Guion._--"I admit that a bad man may write a good book;
+but to suppose that a number of bad men would conspire to write such
+a good book as the Bible, is to admit as great a moral impossibility
+as to imagine that a number of good men would form a confederacy
+in fraud and duplicity, and then palm off their lying inventions
+as positive realities. Now, let us look at the case fairly, and I
+think we may make some logical progress in settling the question
+of its origin. Here is a Bible, and it consists of two parts--the
+Old and the New Testament; and we must recollect that the Old
+Testament would be incomplete without the New, and the New Testament
+would be incomplete without the Old. Each of these parts consists
+of different books, or distinct writings, variously designated,
+occupying the space of nearly 2000 years in the composition of
+them. If the Bible had been written by any one man in any one age,
+or if it had been written by contemporary writers living in the
+same city or country, its integrity might be open to very strong
+suspicion. But the writers of the Bible lived in different ages and
+in different countries, spoke different languages, belonged to very
+different ranks in social life, and most of them were unknown to
+each other; and yet there is, on all the facts and doctrines, and
+institutes of these records, an exact concurrence[4] of testimony
+running through the whole of their writings. Amongst the writers
+we find legislators, kings, poets, herdsmen, fishermen; one was
+a publican, and another a tent-maker, who, at one period of his
+life, denounced as false some of the facts of its record, which, on
+investigation, he found to be true, and attested the integrity of
+his new-formed belief by yielding to a martyr's death. And it will
+be at once perceived by the intelligent reader, that these men were
+no common-place writers; they moved in no beaten pathway of general
+knowledge; they are no copyists--they are originals; what they tell
+us no other men had ever thought of, or, if they had, their thoughts
+died with them, as they never gave publicity to them. The writers of
+the Bible appear amongst us as scribes coming from another world,
+well instructed in the mysteries of a unique faith, admirably
+adapted to the peculiar exigencies of disordered and perplexed
+humanity. In addition to the origin of the world and of evil--the
+mediatorial work and government of the Son of God, the moral
+character and condition, and responsibilities, and final destiny
+of the soul of man--and a future economy of existence to last for
+ever--are the momentous truths which they make known to us, through
+the media of their multifarious and diversified compositions; of
+history, prophecy, parable, poetic songs, and plain didactic prose."
+
+  [4] The sceptic will sometimes endeavour to perplex and entangle the
+  faith of an unlearned believer, by insinuating that, as he has never
+  traced, through the medium of exact evidence, the origin of the
+  different books of the Bible to their source, he cannot be assured
+  that his belief is substantially a true belief--it may be, after
+  all, nothing but the belief of a fiction. The following quotation
+  from a distinguished writer, will, I think, prove as a shield of
+  defence to the faith of the unlearned, and convince the sceptic
+  himself, that his objection, plausible in appearance, is wanting
+  in logical force:--"It is manifest that the concurrent testimony,
+  positive or negative, of several witnesses, when there can have been
+  no concert, carries with it a weight independent of that which may
+  belong to each of them, considered separately. For though, in such
+  a case, each of the witnesses should be even considered as wholly
+  undeserving of credit, still the chances might be incalculable
+  against all agreeing in the _same_ falsehood. It is on this kind of
+  testimony that the generality of mankind believe in the motions of
+  the earth, and of the heavenly bodies, &c. Their belief is not the
+  result of their own observations and calculations, nor yet again of
+  their implicit reliance on the skill and good faith of any one or
+  more astronomers; but it rests on the agreement of many independent
+  and rival astronomers, who want neither the ability nor the will
+  to detect and expose each other's errors. It is on similar grounds
+  that the generality of men believe in the existence and in the
+  genuineness of manuscripts of ancient books. It is not that they
+  have themselves examined these, or that they rely implicitly on
+  the good faith of those who profess to have done so; but they rely
+  on the _concurrent_ and _uncontradicted_ testimony of all who have
+  made, or who _might make_, the examination--both unbelievers and
+  believers of various hostile sects, any one of whom would be sure
+  to seize any opportunity to expose the forgeries or errors of his
+  opponents."--_Whately._
+
+  This observation is the more important because many persons are
+  liable to be startled and dismayed, on its being pointed out to them
+  that they have been believing something, as they are led to suppose,
+  on very insufficient reasons, when the truth is, perhaps, that they
+  have been merely mis-stating their reasons.
+
+_Rev. Mr. Roscoe._--"And what is especially deserving of our
+attention, is the perfect ease and harmony with which they write
+on these new and sublime discoveries of moral truth, while they
+all write independently of each other. They admit that they are
+subordinates, unworthy of the honour of their appointment; yet each
+one speaks and writes, and without any appearance of dogmatism or
+ostentation, in the same dignified tone of absolute authority; the
+voice which speaks and the hand which writes, is human, but what is
+said or written, comes from some other source."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"Yes, Sir, I think the correctness of your
+remark can be demonstrated; at least, it comes as much within the
+range of demonstration, as any moral or historic truth, or fact,
+can be brought. The Old Testament is incomplete, and comparatively
+valueless, without the New; and yet it is written under the obvious
+impression and belief, that it would be completed; but on what data
+could its writers base their calculation, that they should have
+successors who would carry on and perfect what they had begun and
+advanced through several stages of its progress. Now, I readily
+believe, that a person of a very acute and comprehensive mind,
+who has carefully watched and studied the facts and philosophy of
+history, may, on some special occasions, give some general outline
+of what will be the state of things within a very _near_ futurity,
+if he cautiously avoid going into specific and minute details. But
+the writers of the Old Testament have opened up the roll of a _very
+remote_ futurity,[5] and have recorded extraordinary events, with
+their dates and localities, long before their actual occurrence,
+portraying the likeness of MESSIAH the PRINCE, ages before his
+appearance on earth, and doing it with so much exactness, that it is
+a perfect resemblance of the wonderful original. How could they have
+done this, unless they had been guided by a prescient Spirit, to
+whose eye all the future is as visible as all the past?"
+
+  [5] Deut. xviii. 15; Psal. xlv. 1, 2; lxxii.; Isa. liii.; Dan. ix.
+  22, 27; Zech. ix. 9; Mal. iii. 1.
+
+"Foretelling at the same time," said Mrs. John Roscoe, "his tragical
+death; which no one would have expected as the termination of his
+benevolent career."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Guion._--"It is, I believe, a law in the republic of
+letters, which no one has attempted to repeal, that all writers
+shall have the right of giving, if they please, their authorities
+for what they say; and of letting us know from what source they
+derive the information which they supply to us. Hence, no one
+can reasonably object to let the writers of the Bible have the
+protection of this law, which is of universal application. And
+what do they say on the question relating to the source of their
+knowledge? We will take their answer, and then form our own
+judgment of its integrity from the facts and evidences of the
+case. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God:[6] holy men
+of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost."[7] This is
+a concise statement of their testimony on this great question;
+and its integrity is fairly sustained by positive and incidental
+evidence. We see that they have given proofs of foreknowledge which
+far surpasses the capabilities of the most acute and comprehensive
+human mind; while, at the same time, they have made known to us a
+connected series of moral and spiritual truths, to which no other
+writers make any allusion, and of which they could have formed no
+conception, unless they had been under superhuman tuition. What
+they have done, is its own defence against the imputation of fraud
+and dishonesty--standing as an imperishable memorial of the love
+of God to man; and of the fidelity of his servants, in disclaiming
+the honour of inventing a theory of faith and morals which justly
+claims a Divine origin. This view of the case, which is their
+own explanation, settles the question, without requiring us to
+believe physical impossibilities, or compelling us to reject the
+unrepealable law of moral evidence."
+
+  [6] 2 Tim. iii. 16.
+
+  [7] 2 Pet. i. 21.
+
+_Mr. Roscoe._--"And we may, I think, very properly regard the great
+_moral power_ of the Bible as a very telling collateral argument
+in favour of its Divine origin. You may take any other book, on
+any other subject, and put it into circulation amongst a mass of
+people, either semi-barbarians or highly-polished citizens, but it
+will work no beneficial changes in the general aspect of their moral
+character. It will leave them, as it finds them. If it finds them,
+as in India, bowing down and doing homage to stocks and stones, it
+leaves them worshipping the workmanship of their own hands--still
+revelling in their cruel and obscene abominations. If it finds them,
+as in Rome, kissing the crucifix--offering up their adorations
+and orisons to the Virgin Mary--or visiting the tomb of a real or
+legendary saint, in expectation of some miraculous healing, it
+leaves them practising these puerile and senseless exercises. If
+it finds them, as in Russia, crouching in terror before the great
+Tyrant, doing his biddings like beasts of burden, it leaves them in
+this prostrate state of degradation and misery. But put the Bible
+into circulation amongst the same class of people, and, after a
+while, you will perceive that it is taking effect upon them. One
+reads it, and feels its moral power on his conscience and his heart;
+another reads it, and he is subdued by its authority; others read
+it and the same result follows: they are drawn together by the
+attractive power which emanates from it, and become the nucleus of a
+new order of human beings springing up in the midst of the unchanged
+natives of the place. They are of the same ancestral origin, and
+follow the same civil and social avocations and professions; but
+they are a peculiar people, resembling the primitive believers of
+the New Testament in intelligence and daring courage. They are new
+creatures in Christ Jesus; and, in process of time, as they increase
+in number and consequent activity, they give a new tone and energy
+to the moral, the political, and the religious sentiments and
+feelings of an entire community. It is to the Bible that Scotland
+is indebted for her moral greatness; and England never would have
+risen to her present eminence had it not been for the old Puritans,
+who were animated and sustained by the examples, and principles,
+and spirit of the Bible, in their passive sufferings and active
+exertions in resisting the encroachments and the cruelties of
+tyranny and oppression."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"Your argument, Sir, is a legitimate one, and
+it is as logical, as it is historically true. The book which effects
+the changes which are essential to the happiness and well-being of
+men as individuals, or men living in a community, but which cannot
+be effected by the wit or eloquence of man, may fairly put in a
+claim to a higher and a purer origin than mere humanity."
+
+_Mr. Stevens._--"Unbelievers, in general, do not trouble themselves
+to account for the origin of the Bible; they take for granted that
+it is a book of mysticism and fraud, and at once direct their
+virulence against it, and hold it up to scorn and contempt."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Guion._--"And yet, notwithstanding all these attacks on
+the Bible, it still lives and commands attention. In the estimation
+of wise and good men, it takes precedence of all other books: they
+not only admire, but revere and love it. I have in my parish a
+good old man who has a large library, and has been a great reader
+for upwards of twenty years, but now he very rarely reads any book
+except his Bible. On referring, one day, to his devoted attachment
+to the Bible, he said--'I feel, when reading it, in the presence
+of God, and what I read comes with authority and power. The more I
+read it the more is my attention fixed on another world, and the
+more intensely do I desire to depart hence. This is a mean and
+comfortless place of residence when compared with the mansion our
+Lord is preparing for us in his Father's house.'"
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"Pious people are very fond of the Bible, and
+their attachment to it increases as they advance in years; their
+passion for it is often very strong in death."
+
+_Mr. Stevens._--"Your remark, Sir, recalls to my remembrance
+what passed, the other day, in a casual conversation between an
+intelligent, yet very candid sceptic, and myself. 'There is,' he
+said, 'one phenomenon connected with the Bible which has long
+puzzled me to account for; if you can solve it, I shall feel
+obliged. I have noticed wherever I have been--and I have travelled
+through Europe and America--I have visited India and some of the
+islands of the South Seas, and resided for awhile amongst the black
+population of the West Indies--and whenever I have met with any
+persons who believe in the truth of the Bible, whether they were
+refined and intelligent or the reverse, they uniformly evinced
+for it the same profound reverence and supreme attachment.' 'The
+solution,' I replied, 'is easily given. They revere it as their
+statute-book, containing the code of laws which their Divine
+Legislator has issued to test their obedience to his authority; and
+they love it, as bringing life and immortality to light; making
+known to them a Saviour who is able and willing to save them from
+the wrath to come, and to give them peace of soul as an earnest and
+a pledge of future and eternal happiness; and they value it for
+its exceeding great and precious promises, which have a soothing
+and sustaining influence over their hearts in the times of their
+sorrows and afflictions.' 'But how is it,' he added, 'that while
+they cherish such a profound reverence for the Bible, they differ
+so widely in the interpretation they put on its meaning? How will
+you account for this rather puzzling fact?' The sudden entrance of
+several strangers into the room prevented me from making a reply."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"This difference of interpretation, which
+sceptics often bring forward as a plausible argument against the
+Divine origin of the Bible, very frequently perplexes conscientious
+believers. I recently received a letter from a gentleman who
+says--'When I think of the sentiments which are held by different
+bodies of Christians--sentiments which are directly opposed to each
+other, and which appear to me to admit of no adjustment; and when I
+recollect that they all profess to derive them from the same source,
+and are in the habit of appealing to the same authority in support
+of them--I feel myself approaching a difficulty which I know not
+how to solve. Is the Bible really such a mysterious book that it is
+incapable of being understood? Is it an oracle which utters truth
+and falsehood? If so, it cannot be a safe guide; and if it be not
+so, how do you account for the very different interpretations which
+it receives?'"
+
+_Mr. Stevens._--"How did you meet the difficulties of the case?"
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"I did not go fully into the question, because
+I knew, from the cast of his mind, that he would work himself right.
+I merely stated that conflicting opinions do not, of themselves,
+possess sufficient weight to set aside any law, or destroy the truth
+of any proposition which comes attested by its own proper evidence.
+And to give force to this very obvious truism, I reminded him of our
+judges, who sometimes give different interpretations of a statute
+law, without impairing its authority; and of our philosophers,
+whose different opinions on the primary cause of motion, do not
+disturb popular belief in the diurnal revolution of our earth. But,
+after all, we do not differ in our interpretations of the Bible so
+much as many imagine. It is true there are separate and distinct
+denominations of Christians, who are regarded by the ignorant and
+bigoted as the disciples and abettors of very opposite religious
+creeds; yet if we inquire into the actual state of the case, we
+shall find that most of them agree in all that is essential and
+vitally important in the Christian scheme, and that they differ only
+on what is subordinate, and comparatively unimportant."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Roscoe._--"It is supposed by many that this diversity
+of interpretation which is given to some parts of the Bible would
+have been prevented if a logical or systematic order had been
+scrupulously observed. If, for example, the sacred writers had
+arranged the facts, the doctrines, the precepts, the institutions,
+the sanctions, the evidences, and the final recompense of the
+Christian faith, systematically--presenting the whole in a
+compendious form--there would be, in that case, so much compactness,
+such symmetrical order--one part of the theory would hang so
+naturally on another--that it would be extremely difficult, if not
+impossible, for any division of opinion to spring up amongst us
+on the question of its import or design. We should then think and
+believe alike. This is what I have heard some speculatists say; but
+I have no confidence in the integrity of their opinion."[8]
+
+  [8] "No such a thing," says Archbishop Whately, "is to be found in
+  our Scriptures as a catechism, or regular _elementary introduction_
+  to the _Christian religion_; nor do they furnish us with anything
+  of the nature of a systematic creed, set of articles, confession
+  of faith, or by whatever other name one may designate a regular,
+  complete compendium of Christian doctrines; nor, again, do they
+  supply us with a liturgy for ordinary public worship, or with forms
+  for administering the sacraments, or for conferring holy orders;
+  nor do they even give any precise _directions_ as to these and
+  other ecclesiastical matters--anything that at all corresponds to
+  a rubric, or set of canons." Why these omissions? A great defect
+  in our Scriptures, say some; but, in my opinion, it amounts to a
+  self-evident confirmation, that the writers of the New Testament
+  were under the special dictation of the Divine Spirit, as to what
+  they _should_, and what they _should not_ record. If they were
+  carrying out a fraudulent design, conceived by their predecessors,
+  who wrote the Old Testament, they would, from their educational
+  training and desire to act in character with their confederates,
+  have imitated their example, and been very specific and minute in
+  all their ecclesiastic arrangements. They would have inserted the
+  law of dictation and prescription, which was so absolute under the
+  Jewish theocracy, in the Christian code, and thus have rendered
+  division of opinion and freedom of action impossible. The question
+  then turns upon us: Why did they not do what it was very natural
+  they should do, and what the necessity of the case would seem to
+  require to be done, according to the judgment of every intelligent
+  and reflective mind, who looked at it through the medium of the
+  existing ecclesiastical regulations of the age and country? Their
+  _not doing_ what was thus natural _they should do_, and what the
+  necessity of the case, according to human judgment, _required them
+  to do_, is of itself a proof that they were not left to the guidance
+  of their own understanding, but were held in subjection, according
+  to their own confession, by the controlling power and wisdom of the
+  Holy Ghost, under whose inspiration all Scripture is given. "The
+  Jewish ritual, designed for one nation and country, and intended to
+  be of temporary duration, was fixed and accurately prescribed. The
+  same Divine wisdom, from which both dispensations proceeded, having
+  designed Christianity for all nations and ages, left Christians
+  at large in respect of those points in which variation might be
+  desirable. But I think no _human_ wisdom would have foreseen and
+  provided for this. That a number of _Jews_, accustomed from their
+  infancy to so strict a ritual, should, in introducing Christianity
+  as the second part of the same dispensation, have abstained not only
+  from accurately prescribing for the use of all Christian churches
+  for ever the mode of Divine worship, but even from recording
+  what was actually in use under their own directions, does seem
+  to me utterly incredible, unless we suppose them to have been
+  restrained from doing this by a special admonition of the Divine
+  Spirit."--_Whately._
+
+  At any rate, whether these omissions are to be attributed to the
+  controlling power of the Holy Ghost, or the extraordinary policy of
+  the writers of the New Testament, we arrive at the same conclusion,
+  that, while we are required to believe, and to contend earnestly for
+  the essential facts and doctrines of the Christian faith, which are
+  set out with great precision and explicitness, a freedom of action
+  is allowed on what may be deemed the subordinate and non-essential
+  parts of the same faith. Hence we may differ on some things, without
+  any valid impeachment of our Christian wisdom and integrity,
+  unless we allow our difference of opinion to produce alienation
+  of brotherly affection. When it does this, we make a sacrifice of
+  our honour, and give a sanction to the accusation of the common
+  adversary, that our hostile divisions are a proof that our religion
+  does not come from a wise and benevolent Being--that it is of the
+  earth, earthy.
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"The objections against an inspired compendium
+of Christian doctrine and practice, are, in my judgment, more
+powerful than the arguments in favour of it. If we had it, we
+should revere it, and learn it; it would perpetually recur to our
+recollection in our reflective moments, and by rendering a studious
+examination of the other parts of the Scripture unnecessary, we
+should be liable to sink into 'a _contented apathy_' of spirit,
+under this conviction, that as we can repeat all, we know all that
+is necessary for us to know."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Guion._--"Archbishop Whately, when alluding to this
+subject, says, 'that if we had this compendium, both it and the
+other parts of the Scriptures would be regarded as of Divine
+authority; but the compendium itself would be looked upon by most as
+the fused and purified metal; the other, as the mine containing the
+crude ore. And the compendium itself, being, not like the existing
+Scriptures, that _from which_ the faith is to be learned, but _the
+very thing to be learned_, would come to be regarded by most with an
+indolent, unthinking veneration, which would exercise little or no
+influence over them.'"
+
+_Mr. Roscoe._--"Universal experience proves, that facility in
+obtaining a supply to our physical necessities, is not so beneficial
+to the energy and vigour of the human constitution, as difficulty,
+which stimulates to labour and invention. Compare, for example,
+the natives of the South Sea Islands, whose bread-fruit ripens of
+itself, with the hardy Highlanders of Scotland, who have to toil
+for their living through frost and snow, as well as sunshine--what
+a difference in their muscular and masculine conformation and
+appearance. And the same remark is equally applicable to the mind of
+man, whose knowledge on any subject, in any department of science,
+and especially the science of Biblical theology, is accurate and
+profound, in proportion to the efforts he is obliged to make in its
+acquisition. A compendium would be the bread-fruit, within reach,
+and easily plucked. We should, if we had it, become dwarfs in
+Biblical theology. It is only when our energies are roused by a love
+of the truth, and stimulated by the difficulties connected with its
+attainment, that our knowledge in the mystery of Christianity gets
+perfected, and becomes practically powerful in its influence over
+the heart and the character."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"And in addition to the relaxing influence
+which a compendium would exert over the mind--indisposing it to any
+labour in searching the Scriptures, except the labour of the memory,
+and that to a very superficial extent--I have another objection to
+such a projected scheme, which is this:--I do not think it possible
+for the Christian faith to be reduced to such a compact, or what
+you term compendious form, as shall secure amongst its advocates
+and defenders a perfect unity of belief on all points, without the
+perpetual exercise of a supernatural agency in the illumination and
+guidance of the mind, which would amount to something like a plenary
+inspiration to every believer. Now what can be more logically
+explicit than the articles of our church; and yet what a very
+different construction do different men put upon them!"
+
+_Mrs. John Roscoe._--"That is true. If I were in a church on a
+Sabbath morning listening to a Tractarian; if I returned in the
+afternoon, and heard a Moderate; and if, in the evening, I occupied
+the same pew, while an Evangelical was doing duty in the pulpit, I
+should find myself in a modern Babel, witnessing, on a small scale,
+a new specimen of the confusion of tongues."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Guion._--"But this difference of opinion and diversity
+of interpretation on the same theory of belief, prevails amongst
+others as well as amongst us. Even amongst unbelievers, who almost
+deify reason--asserting and maintaining, that it is fully equal to
+all the exigencies of humanity, without being under any obligation
+to a Divine inspiration--there is almost an endless diversity of
+belief and opinion on all questions relating to God, to human
+responsibility, and the final destiny of man. They are obliged to
+pass a toleration act to live in peace."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"I like a toleration act; it is essential to
+our peace. The period is coming when we shall _'see eye to eye_;'
+but that will be under a dispensation very different to the present;
+we must now agree to differ, and while contending earnestly for
+the faith once delivered to the saints, we must live together as
+brethren."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Guion._--"Jesus Christ said to his disciples--'These
+things I command you, that ye love one another' (John xv. 17); and
+he says the same things to us. And if we love one another, we shall
+never vote for a repeal of our toleration act, which admits of some
+shades of difference in our religious belief and opinions."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"It was doubted, a few years since, whether
+even the spiritual members of our various denominations cherished
+any fraternal esteem and affection for each other--they often acted
+more like gladiators than brethren; but now they are cultivating a
+spirit of union and peace."
+
+_Mr. Roscoe._--"This change in their spirit and conduct is a very
+gratifying and auspicious event; but some good men maintain that the
+entire abolition of the distinctive denominations and their union
+in one undivided body, would be more conducive to the honour of
+Christianity, and more favourable to its progressive triumphs."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"This I conceive to be impracticable during the
+partial obscurity of the present dispensation; and I must confess
+that I do not think it advisable. I have no objection to those
+divisions of opinion which separate us into different denominations,
+though I deplore the spirit which they sometimes engender. I think
+that a variation in belief, on some of the minor questions of
+religion, by keeping our attention awake and active, tends to
+preserve the more important truths in a purer state; and the action
+and re-action of one Christian denomination on another, prevents
+that stagnation of feeling, and that inertness of principle, which
+an unbroken and undisturbed uniformity admits of."
+
+_Mr. Roscoe._--"But, would not the church assume a more imposing
+aspect, and put forth a more powerful energy, if she could unite all
+her members in one undivided body, under the immediate authority
+of one Head, than she does now, broken as she is, into so many
+subdivisions?"
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"Yes, Sir, if she could preserve her purity
+uncontaminated; but we ought never to forget, that while the
+religion we profess is Divine in its origin, and indestructible in
+its nature, it is human in its forms and administrations. Hence it
+alternately displays resistless power and exhausted weakness--the
+sanctity and grandeur of its Author, along with the infirmities
+and imperfections of the agents to whom it is intrusted--sometimes
+exciting the profound veneration of the multitude, and at other
+times their contempt or indifference. And it is this admixture of
+what is human with what is Divine, that renders it expedient that
+there should be some exposure to the influence of that re-action of
+distinctive opinions, and of social attachments, which, by keeping
+us alive to _the purity and extension of our separate communions_,
+tends to promote the purity and extension of the faith which we hold
+in common."
+
+_Mr. Stevens._--"Your opinion exactly accords with my own. Hence,
+instead of regarding the Established Church, and the various
+denominations of orthodox Dissenters, as hostile foes, aiming at
+each other's humiliation and destruction, we should look on them as
+subjects of the same monarch, each bearing the distinctive insignia
+of his own order; yet mutually supporting each other without the
+formality of a visible contact, and, as his sovereign will directs,
+advancing, each in his own way, the work of reclaiming to a state of
+allegiance the people who have revolted from his authority."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"Or, to vary the figure, we may view them as
+so many servants belonging to the same master, who are employed in
+cultivating the great moral vineyard, whose reward at last will be
+in proportion to their fidelity to him, and their affection for each
+other. If this comparison be just, then, if we cherish a complacent
+feeling exclusively for those who belong to our own class, and
+attempt to lord it over our fellow-servants who may belong to
+another, or treat them discourteously, we dishonour ourselves, and
+offend against the law of our Lord, who has commanded us to love
+each other as brethren."
+
+_Mr. Roscoe._--"When I consider the fallibility of the human
+mind--the prejudices of education--the influence of accidental
+reading and associations--and the extensive prevalence of erroneous
+opinions, instead of being astonished by the shades of difference
+which prevail amongst us, I am surprised that we think so nearly
+alike. We agree on the substantial facts, and doctrines, and
+institutes, and precepts of revelation, while we differ on some of
+its forms and ceremonial enactments. But these trifling differences,
+which do not endanger the safety, nor add to the stability of
+our faith, ought not to excite jealousy and suspicion, and cause
+alienation of affection, as though we were avowed enemies. No. When
+this is the case we give a decisive proof that we do not possess the
+spirit of the gospel; or, if we possess it, we do not display it,
+which aggravates rather than extenuates our sin."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"In the last prayer our Saviour uttered, just
+before he presented himself the expiatory sacrifice for human guilt,
+he earnestly entreated that all his disciples, in every future age,
+might be one, even as he and his Father are one; and he assigns the
+reason--_That the world may know that thou hast sent me._ For some
+ages, the object of that prayer was realized in the harmony which
+prevailed amongst Christians whose religion was a bond of union
+more strict and tender than the ties of consanguinity; and with
+the appellation of brethren they associated all the sentiments of
+endearment that relation implied. To see men of the most contrary
+characters and habits--the learned and the rude--the most polished,
+and the most uncultivated--the inhabitants of countries alienated
+from each other by institutions the most repugnant, and by contests
+the most violent--forgetting their ancient animosity, and blending
+into one mass, at the command of a person whom they had never
+seen, and who had ceased to be an inhabitant of this world, must
+have been an astonishing spectacle. Such a sudden assimilation of
+the most discordant materials; such love issuing from hearts the
+most selfish, and giving birth to a new race and progeny, could
+be ascribed to nothing but a Divine interposition; it was an
+experimental proof of the commencement of that kingdom of God--that
+celestial economy, by which the powers of the future world are
+imparted to the present."
+
+_Mr. Stevens._--"It must have been a spectacle no less delightful to
+the eye of the Christian than astonishing to the unbeliever; and had
+the visible church always exhibited such a spectacle of union and
+affection, her history would have been the records of her spiritual
+triumphs, rather than of her persecutions and her miseries. But
+her bonds of union have been broken asunder, and her love of the
+brethren has been quenched in the bitter waters of strife. We
+are the descendants of the holy men who first caught, and first
+displayed the spirit of the Prince of Peace, but how little do we
+resemble them! We imbibe the same faith, plead the same promises,
+claim the same privileges, participate in the same spiritual
+enjoyments, bear the same distinctive and relative character, and
+anticipate the same high destiny; but we too often act as though
+we were released from the obligations which they admitted and
+discharged; and instead of attempting to convince sceptics and
+unbelievers of the divinity of our Lord's mission, and the moral
+efficacy of his death, by our union and our reciprocal affection, we
+strengthen them in their infidelity by our anti-Christian spirit.
+Can no remedy be devised to correct this noxious evil, which, like a
+withering blight, tarnishes the moral lustre of all our distinctive
+denominations, and does more to embitter the spirit, and extend the
+triumphs of infidelity, than the most virulent works which issue
+from her corrupt and hostile press?"
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"Why, Sir, I hope the evil is in some small
+degree abated by the influence of our public institutions. Those
+who, a few years since, were envious and jealous of each other, now
+associate together on the most friendly terms. If the Bible Society
+has not terminated the contest, it has been the means of concluding
+a truce between them; and I flatter myself that there will be
+no renewal of hostilities, even though some of the more bigoted
+belonging to the different denominations should feel disposed to
+revive them."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Guion._--"I fear, Sir, you are rather too sanguine in
+your expectations. In the little circle in which we move, in this
+isolated spot of the religious world, the spirit of fraternal love
+and union is cherished; but what commotion and strife prevail just
+now between both the clerical and lay members of our own church!"
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"Yes, Sir, I know it and deplore it. It is the
+spirit of dry formalism setting itself in array against the spirit
+of vital Christianity; and the contest will be severe, but the issue
+is certain--the Word of the Lord will prove more powerful than the
+traditions of man."
+
+_Mr. Stevens._--"I must confess that I am rather sanguine in my
+calculations of the moral influence of the Bible Society on the best
+and most active men of our age. Dr. Mason, of New York, says, in
+the preface to a work which he has published--'Within a few years
+there has been a manifest relaxation of sectarian rigour among
+the different denominations in America, so that the spirit of the
+gospel, in the culture of fraternal charity, has gained a visible
+and growing ascendency. This happy alteration,' he adds, 'may be
+attributed, in a great degree, to the influence of missionary and
+Bible societies.'"
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"And it is so amongst us to some extent. Till
+the Bible Society arose, and gained a settlement in our land, we
+had not an inch of neutral ground on which we could assemble, and
+unite with each other in any religious enterprise; but now we have
+the province of Goshen assigned us; and the air of that place is
+so salubrious, the light so clear and brilliant, the atmosphere
+so temperate and serene, and the harmony of its inhabitants so
+profound, that we venerate it as the mystic inclosure in which we
+have an emblematical representation of the celestial inheritance--in
+which the spirits of the just live in closest union and sweetest
+concord. May the catholicism of grace and truth wax stronger and
+stronger, till Ephraim shall not envy Judah, nor Judah vex Ephraim;
+the strife of sect being overcome and banished by the all-subduing
+love of God our Saviour!"
+
+_Mr. Roscoe._--"And what is it but prejudice, arising from ignorance
+and misconception, which prevents this cordial union and fraternal
+attachment? No one, I am conscious, who understands the genius of
+Christianity, or who has ever felt his bosom glow with supreme
+love to the Redeemer, can for a single moment presume to recommend
+disunion amongst the members of the household of faith, though they
+may occupy different compartments, and commune at separate tables.
+It is prejudice that kept me aloof from Dissenters, and made me
+unwilling to associate with them; because I understood that the
+generality of them rejected the essential doctrines of Christianity;
+but now my error is corrected, I esteem them as my brethren in
+Christ; and as I hope to meet them in heaven, and unite with them
+in the sublime exercises of that holy place, I feel a pleasure in
+mingling with them on earth."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"I have lived on terms of intimacy with many
+who do not belong to the church of which I am a minister, and some
+of the happiest moments of my life have been spent in social and
+spiritual intercourse with them. Our conversation, when we have
+been together, has not turned on the questions on which we differ,
+but on those on which we agree; and I have often retired from these
+interviews with my mind relieved from its cares, and both animated
+and enriched by the interchange of devout sentiment and feeling.
+And in looking forward to the final consummation, I indulge a hope
+of partaking of much holy delight in associating with Luther and
+Calvin, with Fenelon and Claude, with Whitfield and Wesley, with
+Hall, Foster and Chalmers, and other illustrious men, of the same
+and other denominations, who have entered into rest. I have lived in
+stormy times, but I have never increased the fury of the tempest. I
+have seen the spirit of party raging with desolating violence, and
+have known some of those, who have borne the image of the heavenly,
+stand in opposing columns to each other in the field of fierce and
+angry debate; but I have been enabled, through the grace of our
+Lord Jesus Christ, to hold on my way unconnected with their unhappy
+hostilities; and now it is with no common feelings of gratitude
+and delight that I indulge the hope of leaving the church and the
+world at a period when, if the temple of war is not actually closed,
+yet our denominations are forming a more correct estimate of each
+other's relative strength and importance, in the conflict which
+we have to sustain against the combined powers of superstition
+and infidelity; and this will necessarily tend to increase our
+reciprocal esteem and confidence."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Guion._--"If, in our intercourse with each other, we
+always acted on your prudential maxim, of conversing on questions
+of general agreement, rather than on controversial ones, the spirit
+of discord would be exorcised from amongst us, and then we might, I
+think, justly calculate on a more copious measure of the influences
+of the Spirit poured down from on high, when we should intuitively
+feel, by a force of evidence too powerful to be withstood, that
+_God is love_, and that we never please him more than when we
+embrace, with cordiality and esteem, all who bear his image, without
+distinction of sect or party."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Roscoe._--"In these sentiments of Christian liberality and
+charity I now concur most heartily."
+
+
+
+
+UNION WITHOUT COMPROMISE
+
+
+The Rev. Mr. Ingleby, on resuming the discussion of the question
+of union amongst the various denominations of believers in the
+Divine origin of the faith of Christianity, made the following
+very pertinent remarks:--"If it were the will of God that the
+various denominations of Christians should all think and act alike,
+as the tribes of Israel were required to do under the Levitical
+dispensation, we should have laws laid down for our guidance with
+the same minuteness and explicitness as was done for them. But such
+is not the case. We have certain general principles laid down,
+and the motives by which all our actions should be governed set
+before us with clearness and precision, but we have no particular
+directions as to the external form of church government. We are
+therefore left free to adopt that ecclesiastical system which, after
+careful examination, we find most in conformity with the spirit of
+the New Testament."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Guion._--"You mean, Sir, I presume, that we are left free
+to choose either the Episcopal, or Presbyterian, or Congregational
+form of church government?"
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"Yes, Sir; and though I do not profess to
+be deeply read in casuistry, yet I believe that very much may be
+collected from the facts and incidents recorded in Scripture, and
+from the casual expressions of the sacred writers in favour of each
+of these forms of church government."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Guion._--"And so I think. We are not living under a law
+laid down with minute exactness, like the ancient tribes of Israel,
+but have the right of exercising our choice on these matters of
+church polity, and our choice is determined by preference or
+expediency, or both. That is, I may deem it expedient to be an
+Episcopalian in one country, or a Presbyterian in another, or a
+Congregationalist in a third; and I may, at the same time, most
+decidedly prefer one of these modes of church government to either
+of the other, as being, in my opinion, the nearest approach to
+the teachings of the New Testament. To adopt such a principle as
+this is, appears to me more in harmony with the spirit of the New
+Testament dispensation, than putting in a claim for the Divine
+right of Episcopacy, or Presbyterianism, or Congregationalism;
+it is an equitable concession to others of the liberty we claim
+for ourselves; and hence, without being guilty of any degree of
+inconsistency, we can cultivate Christian fellowship with our
+brethren of other denominations, without compromising our own
+principles."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Roscoe._--"You will still leave, I presume, as a question
+open for discussion, the relative conformity of each mode of church
+government to the New Testament model?"
+
+_Rev. Mr. Guion._--"Most certainly; and when discussions go on,
+untainted by the dogmatism and acrimony of party predilections and
+antipathies, and are conducted in a liberal and loving spirit, they
+tend to give solidity to the foundation on which our relative union
+is based; and show, at the same time, that it can be cemented and
+perpetuated without any dishonourable compromise."
+
+_Mr. Lewellin._--"I was present in a company some time since, when
+an ingenious Scotchman made out, as he thought, a very strong claim
+for the superiority of Presbyterianism to the other forms of church
+government. Episcopacy, he remarked, has the monarchical element
+too dominant in her constitution--_the clergy are everything;_ in
+Congregationalism, the democratic element is too dominant--_the
+people are everything_; but Presbyterianism unites the two elements,
+and in about equal proportions _the clergy and the people act
+together_--they are a combined power."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"Ingenious, if not just. However, without
+pausing to discuss this question, I think it is very plain that the
+writers of the New Testament evince a much stronger predilection
+for the facts and doctrines of the gospel than they do for its
+rites and ceremonies--deeming the one essential to the integrity
+of the faith, while the other is subordinate and non-essential;
+and I think we cannot do better than imitate them; for after
+all, the forms and ceremonies of church government are but as the
+chaff to the wheat--the mere attire of a living personage, not
+the person himself. I prefer Episcopacy to either of the other
+forms, though I will not take upon myself the task of defending
+every appendage which has been affixed to it; yet, with all my
+predilections in its favour, if the pure faith of Christianity
+were ejected from an Episcopal pulpit, _as it often is_, I would
+go and worship in a Congregational chapel; and I have no doubt but
+a spiritually-enlightened Presbyterian would rather listen to the
+glad tidings of salvation in one of our churches, than to a merely
+moral sermon in one of his own. In my opinion, the three distinct
+orders of churches may be planted on the same soil, may grow in
+harmony side by side; and without any compromise of principle, may
+co-operate with each other, in combined movements, against either
+their Papal or sceptical opponents, and feel also a high degree
+of joyous satisfaction in witnessing each other's prosperity and
+honour."
+
+_Mr. Roscoe._--"Yet I still prefer fellowship with our own church,
+while cherishing fraternal esteem and fellowship with our Christian
+brethren of other churches."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"Certainly. When we say that the members of
+our church, and the various orders of Dissenters who have seceded
+from it, ought, in obedience to the authority of the Lord Jesus
+Christ, to cherish reciprocal esteem, and live in peaceful harmony,
+we do not mean that they are to separate themselves from their own
+communions, or cease to give them a decided preference."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Guion._--"In that view of the case I heartily concur;
+for if the spirit of a comprehensive brotherly love and fellowship
+were to lead to alienation from our distinctive denominations, it
+would want one of the evidences of being a peace-maker--healing
+the breaches which party spirit has unhappily made amongst us. As
+a member of a family ought to feel a stronger regard, and take a
+deeper interest in its prosperity and happiness, than he is expected
+to cultivate towards the community at large, so I think the member
+of any individual Christian church, may and ought to cherish a
+greater affection for his brethren with whom he lives on more
+intimate terms of fellowship than he does for his fellow-disciples
+in general."
+
+_Mr. Roscoe._--"You have, Sir, very clearly expressed the view
+I now entertain of our relative obligations. We are to do good
+to all when we have an opportunity, but more especially to those
+of the household of faith with whom we are united in church
+fellowship--uniformly endeavouring, by our prayers, our influence,
+our wealth, and our sympathy, to promote their individual and
+collective prosperity and happiness."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Roscoe._--"You are now leading us from the sentimental and
+ceremonial to the practical department of Christian obligation, in
+which I think, from motives of gratitude to our Divine Master, we
+ought all to be increasingly active, provoking one another unto love
+and good works. This will be acting more in harmony with our faith,
+and prove more beneficial to ourselves and others than a rigid
+adherence to any sectarian form. When returning home the other day
+from one of my pastoral visitations, I met a very poor man, who had
+a severe affliction in his family, and he said rather abruptly, 'I
+wish, Sir, you would give us a sermon from the words of the apostle
+John, 'But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother
+have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how
+dwelleth the love of God in him?' (1 John iii. 17).' I was not
+surprised at this application, when I found that he had just been to
+the Hall, the residence of a very wealthy professor of religion, to
+ask some assistance for his distressed family, but had received only
+a few words of vague sympathy and regret for his misfortunes."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"Well may the apostle say--how dwelleth the
+love of God in such a heart! But, alas, wealth too often proves a
+curse to its possessor. How kindly and tenderly does the apostle
+address us: 'My little children, let us not love in word, neither in
+tongue, but in deed and in truth.'"
+
+_Rev. Mr. Guion._--"Our Divine Master exhibits himself as the model
+for our imitation; making, at the same time, our love for each other
+the test of the genuineness of our Christian character: 'A new
+commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have
+loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know
+that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another' (John
+xiii. 34, 35)."
+
+_Mrs. John Roscoe._--"_As I have loved you!_--emphatic words,
+expressive of the spirit we ought to cultivate towards all our
+Christian brethren, especially the afflicted, and prescribing the
+rule for our conduct towards them. If we imbibe this spirit and act
+upon it, we shall then endeavour to cheer them with our sympathy in
+the hours of their grief and mourning, and cheerfully draw from our
+worldly resources to afford them relief when in want. I remember now
+an anecdote told by the Rev. Mr. Jay:--A pious, but poor member of
+his church being visited by one of the deacons, and presented with
+five shillings as a church gift, with the remark, 'Here is a trifle
+for your necessities,' replied, 'What you call a trifle, I call an
+estate.'"
+
+_Miss Roscoe._--"I believe, dear uncle, that you now have in your
+congregation an organized society, labouring to promote the physical
+as well as the spiritual good of the needy and destitute."
+
+_Mrs. John Roscoe._--"O yes, we are working the principle of
+practical benevolence, and on the basis of a comprehensive union;
+and I am happy to say it works well in spite of the grumblers who
+would rather sleep on and take their rest than be roused to action.
+The gentlemen take the management of the domiciliary society, going
+from house to house with tracts, &c., &c., and the ladies manage
+the Dorcas society, which is in a very flourishing condition. In
+addition to a pretty large number of subscribers, we have twenty
+working members who meet once a fortnight for the purpose of making
+clothes for the poor. Some of these are persons of wealth, others
+are in moderate circumstances; and, as in the gentlemen's society,
+some are church people, and some are Dissenters, you may there see
+sitting in peaceful harmony, members of the various denominations,
+all busily engaged in the same sort of labour, and heartily
+prosecuting the same work."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Guion._--"Then you have grumblers amongst you!"
+
+_Mrs. Roscoe._--"Indeed, we have. They are a very prolific
+family--they may be found everywhere, and the whole fraternity is
+distinguished by a strong family likeness."
+
+_Miss Roscoe._--"Do you give the clothes to the poor, or do you sell
+them?"
+
+_Mrs. John Roscoe._--"In general we sell what we make, yet very much
+below the cost price; but in extreme cases we give clothing, and, in
+addition to this, when any of those who require relief are ill, we
+visit them, and we often find that a kind visit is esteemed as much,
+if not more than our gratuities."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Guion._--"I can easily believe that, because there is
+great power in sympathy to alleviate the sorrows of the heart. We
+cannot explain the action of moral power, nor conceive the mode
+of its operation, however sensible we may be of its effects. What
+power, for example, in a frown to depress! and in a smile to elevate
+and tranquillize! What power in words both to cheer and sadden the
+heart! _As I have loved you_--these expressive words should guide
+our fraternal intercourse with our Christian brethren, who, when
+they feel our sympathy to be real, will often attach a much greater
+value to it than to any amount of pecuniary assistance."
+
+_Mr. Roscoe._--"We are too apt to forget that our Christian
+brethren, in common with ourselves, are children of one Father,
+and that we are all now passing through a preparatory discipline
+to fit us for a higher and purer condition of existence in another
+world. If these great facts were more powerfully impressed on our
+hearts, there would be more sympathy and more charity; the rich
+would cheerfully administer to the wants of their poor brethren, and
+those who have but little worldly substance to bestow, would more
+often soothe and enliven them by their sympathy and good wishes.
+Christian fellowship would then be more than a mere term--it would
+be a reality."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"Your remarks, Sir, are quite correct. And
+here we see the wisdom as well as the love of our Redeemer in
+grafting our obligations to the most intimate Christian fellowship
+on the very constitution of our nature, which inclines us to live
+in social intercourse; guarding us at the same time from the danger
+of contracting a sectarian spirit by enjoining on us the duty of
+doing good _unto all men_, as well as to those who belong to the
+_household of faith_."
+
+_Mr. Lewellin._--"It is to be lamented, Sir, that there are many
+who do not keep pace in liberality of sentiment and feeling, and
+generosity of disposition, with the denomination or church to
+which they belong--they will not labour in the field of practical
+benevolence, and they do not like to see others exerting themselves;
+in fact, they will do nothing but find fault with the active
+labourers, either impeaching the purity of their motives, or
+predicting the failure, if not the pernicious results of their
+efforts. And when these morbid grumblers happen to be imbued, as
+is often the case, with a sectarian spirit, and take rank with
+high churchmen or with bigoted Dissenters, the moment they see a
+conjunction of the different orders, they tremble for the safety of
+the ark of _their_ covenant, and raise a hue and cry against the
+union of the sects--become bitter in their spirit and censorious
+in their speech--and appear in a light very unbecoming the genuine
+disciples of our Lord."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"Such professors do essential injury, not only
+to the honour of the church and denomination to which they belong,
+but to the cause of religion in general. The evil which results
+from the anti-Christian temper and spirit of these arrogant and
+censorious professors, who usually contrive to attract more notice
+than the rest of their fellow-members, is incalculable. It supplies
+infidels with their most plausible topics of invective; it hardens
+the conscience of the irreligious, weakens the hands of the good,
+and is probably the principal obstruction to that ample effusion of
+the Holy Spirit which is essential to the renovation of the world.
+If, then, we wish to make any deep and permanent impression on the
+sceptical and irreligious--to silence their objections and convince
+them of the Divine origin of the faith which we profess--we must
+correct our tempers--we must live in peace amongst ourselves,
+discover no disposition to injure or annoy each other, and give
+unequivocal proof that the questions on which we differ are the
+subordinate tenets of revelation, which may be received or rejected
+without affecting its truth, or impairing its strength; and, by a
+union of affection and concentration of our talents, we must advance
+in the beautiful development of our Christian life, remembering
+that the wisdom which is from above is 'first pure, then peaceable,
+gentle, and easy to be intreated; full of mercy and good fruits,
+without partiality, and without hypocrisy.' When the pious members
+of the Establishment and the various denominations of evangelical
+Dissenters are brought to merge their speculative and ceremonial
+differences in the cultivation and display of this Christian temper,
+the eulogium pronounced on the primitive disciples may then with
+truth be applied to us--'See how these Christians love one another!'"
+
+_Rev. Mr. Guion._--"The novelty of the sight would certainly command
+attention; and though I am fully persuaded that nothing but a
+supernatural power can renovate the human heart, yet such a display
+of united affection might have a wondrous effect, almost approaching
+that of a miracle, in the conversion of the world."
+
+_Mr. Roscoe._--"If it be true that our personal happiness bears
+a proportion to our conformity to the spirit and temper of Jesus
+Christ, it is evident that a liberal-minded Christian must partake
+of a much larger share of enjoyment than one who lives under the
+influence of that sectarian bigotry which keeps him in a state of
+alienation from his brethren of other communions."
+
+_Mr. Stevens._--"Most certainly, Sir; and by your permission I will
+now read you a paragraph with which I was very forcibly struck when
+I first lighted upon it. The author is speaking of bigotry, and he
+says, 'This sectarian and intolerant spirit can view no excellence
+out of its own pale, and deems every opinion heresy that does not
+bow to its authority. Its plans of doing good always betray the
+selfishness of their origin; and unable from its very nature to
+form designs commensurate with the grandeur of religion and the
+necessities of the world, it not only refuses to co-operate with
+Christians of another party in promoting the well-being of society
+and the advancement of religion, but contemplates with jealousy and
+often with abhorrence, the noblest efforts of benevolence, when not
+performed under its exclusive auspices. Persons governed by such a
+spirit cannot view with complacency the separate divisions of the
+universal church, though there is nothing in their constitution
+that necessarily militates against _the unity of the spirit_ and
+_the bond of peace_. This unlovely bigotry narrows the range of
+the intellect--perverts and contracts the best affections--and,
+under its influence, even good men forget the charities of their
+renewed nature, and sometimes prostitute their talents to bear
+false witness against each other. To this bigotry, that religion,
+whose very essence is love, is directly opposed. Christians who
+imbibe the spirit of the New Testament, and who suffer that holy
+book to operate with full force upon their minds, are distinguished
+by a noble freedom from sectarian antipathies. They can say from
+the heart, 'Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in
+sincerity.' Without verging to the extreme of latitudinarian
+indifference, they can rejoice in the success of parties different
+from their own, and they do not complain because 'devils are cast
+out by those who follow not with them.' Every man is a friend and a
+brother who consecrates his being to the glory of the Saviour, and
+every society a church in whose temple Jesus evidently records his
+name.'"
+
+_Rev. Mr. Roscoe._--"Yes, Sir, I am conscious that a pious man,
+who possesses the pure spirit of his religion, is at once the most
+useful and the most happy man. As his happiness arises from sources
+more refined than those to which the men of the world have access,
+his usefulness is of a more important and more durable nature.
+I remember an observation which was once made on a friend of my
+own, when he withdrew from a select company to which he had been
+communicating some benevolent scheme--'When he visits us he always
+leaves something behind that is worth thinking of and worth talking
+about.'"
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"Yes, Sir; as the spirit of the gospel is a
+liberal so it is an active spirit. It does not wish to monopolize
+the immunities of religion, but to diffuse them; and such is the
+intensity and ardour of its benevolence that the meanest, the most
+abject child of sorrow, the poor outcast from the common sympathies
+of humanity, the forlorn object of woe whom few men would pity, whom
+no man could save, are the partakers of its bounties."
+
+_Mr. Roscoe._--"As the general well-being of society is essentially
+benefited by the active benevolence of Christianity, may we not,
+Sir, indulge a hope that the prosperity of vital religion in our
+different communions, would be promoted by the cultivation of a
+reciprocal affection?"
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"There may be, I grant, external prosperity in
+our churches, even while the vital spirit of religion is languishing
+in the hearts of the people; as the oak may send forth its spreading
+branches and luxuriant foliage, when at the heart the tree is hollow
+and rotten. And perhaps the vital spirit of religion is exposed to
+more danger in the season of external prosperity than in the season
+of external adversity. When the congregation is large, and the
+spirit of unanimity and liberality is generally displayed--when a
+cordial attachment subsists between the pastors and their people;
+and the lookers-on are heard to exclaim, _they are of one heart
+and of one soul_, some may be tempted to forget from whom these
+invaluable blessings proceed, and cherish a self-complacent, if not
+an independent spirit. But I never knew vital religion flourish
+amongst any people _who were not united_. The Spirit of the Holy
+One never comes to breathe on the dry bones of the slain when the
+valley echoes with the neighing of the horses, and the rattling of
+the chariots of war. Wars must be made to cease, the bow must be
+broken, and the spear cut in sunder--the chariots must be burned in
+the fire, and the tranquillity of unruffled peace must reign over
+the whole scene, ere he descends to unite the disjointed parts,
+and animate the lifeless body. It is to the influence of the Holy
+Spirit over the mind that we are to ascribe that portion of vital
+religion which we enjoy. He still dwells amongst us, yet not in
+the plenitude of his power. _Occasionally_ he descends in the
+ministry of reconciliation, and effects a moral transformation on
+the character of a large proportion of the people, as in the islands
+of the Pacific Ocean; but in general, the exercise of his power
+is restricted to a small number in our congregations, who are, at
+distinct and distant intervals, made alive from the dead. But as
+this is emphatically termed the dispensation of the Spirit, and as
+the honour of glorifying Christ, in giving efficacy to the truth
+which he has revealed and attested, is reserved for _Him_, to what
+secondary cause shall we attribute his very partial communications,
+except to the offence which our discords and alienation of
+attachment have given him? If He require peace and affection in an
+individual church, as the precursors of his gracious visitations,
+does He not require the same amongst the separate divisions of his
+universal church?"
+
+_Mr. Lewellin._--"Most unquestionably, Sir, though the fact has
+not produced that deep impression on the popular mind which its
+importance demands. But the day of peace, I hope, is dawning upon
+us, and the union of Christians of various denominations will, I
+trust, be drawn closer as time moves on in its course. The voice
+of prayer is more frequently and more generally heard for the
+outpouring of Divine influence on the external means of grace, and
+already we see here and there some verdant spots of spiritual beauty
+and of life, amidst the surrounding desolations of evil and of
+death; thus exhibiting to us, as in miniature, the future state of
+the whole moral world, 'when judgment shall dwell in the wilderness,
+and righteousness remain in the fruitful field; and when the work
+of righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness,
+quietness and assurance for ever.'"
+
+_Rev. Mr. Guion._--"The miraculous gifts with which the apostles
+were endowed, while they had to contend 'against principalities,
+against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world,
+against spiritual wickedness in the high places' of pagan idolatry,
+and social profligacy, have long since ceased, with the exigency
+which called them forth; but the renewing and sanctifying agency
+of the Spirit remains, and will continue to the end of time--the
+express declaration of our Saviour not admitting of a doubt of its
+perpetuity:--'And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you
+another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.' And if,
+as we have reason to believe, his extraordinary outpouring on our
+churches will not take place till we are united in the bonds of
+peace, it behoves each individual Christian to cultivate the spirit
+of concord, with the utmost degree of vigilance and caution. To our
+prayers for his concurring testimony with the word of life, we must
+add a watchfulness over our own tempers, lest we should be involved
+in the charge of preventing the bestowal of the blessing which we
+solicit, by grieving the Agent on whose will it depends."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"Your remarks, Sir, are just, and I wish they
+were deeply engraven on the heart of every Christian, by the Spirit
+of the living God; and then the ministration of righteousness,
+intrusted to us, would display a glory surpassing the brightest
+emanation of the Divine presence which the annals of the church
+record. Then we should see the prejudices of the people, which now
+obstruct the progress of pure evangelical religion, giving way; and
+the result would bear a spiritual resemblance to the blessed effects
+produced by the descent of the angel of Bethesda."
+
+_Mr. Lewellin._--"May we not suppose, Sir, that the general
+impression which is produced amongst the pious of all denominations
+of the absolute necessity of the outpouring of the Spirit on the
+labours of ministers at home, and of missionaries in foreign parts,
+viewed in connection with the growing liberality and esteem we
+cherish towards each other, is one of the spiritual signs which
+indicate the bestowal of the blessing so earnestly implored?"
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"I think we may. It is the beginning of
+that great work which the Divine Spirit will complete when the
+fulness of the time comes, and the effects of which being of a
+moral and spiritual nature, will continue to bless the world after
+the subordinate agents of its production have entered into rest.
+'Nevertheless, we, according to his promise, look for new heavens
+and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.'"
+
+_Mr. Lewellin._--"And as this union and affection will form one of
+the most powerful evidences of the divinity of our Lord's mission,
+it will, at the same time, be a practical refutation of some of the
+charges which have been brought against Christianity, as though it
+had an anti-social and repulsive tendency; and it will also exhibit
+the finest representation of the internal economy of the heavenly
+world which can be given. _There_ is diversity of rank but unity of
+thought; and though the various orders of beings may occupy superior
+and subordinate stations under the government of the Eternal
+King, yet no one is envious of another's elevation, or jealous of
+another's influence."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"There is one circumstance connected with our
+entrance into heaven, which I think ought not to be overlooked.
+It is this. When we enter, or when we are anticipating that
+great event, we shall place no dependence on our distinctive
+peculiarities; nor advert to them, except to express our regret
+on account of the evil effects which they too often produce. At
+that period in the history of our being, the mind will be too
+deeply absorbed in the contemplation of its specific character
+and condition--will be too solemnly affected by the anticipation
+of its final destiny, and will feel too deeply abased, under a
+consciousness of its utter unworthiness of the Divine favour, to
+dwell even for a moment on any other subject than its redemption
+from all evil and from all misery by the death of the Lord Jesus
+Christ. In comparison with this, every other subject that has
+engrossed our attention, or interested our feelings, will vanish
+away, as a thing of nought; and after having thus disengaged
+ourselves from all association with the minor questions, which now
+agitate, and divide, and dishonour us, we shall be free to enter the
+joy of our Lord, as sinners redeemed by his blood, rather than as
+saints belonging to any one denomination of Christians."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Guion._--"I have just had, Sir, a practical illustration
+of the truthfulness of your observations. I was sent for early,
+a few mornings ago, to visit a pious member of my own church,
+and in the evening of the same day, at the request of a friend,
+I went to see a member of a Dissenting church, a very godly man;
+and, to the rejoicing of my heart, I found them breathing the same
+spirit--avowing the same belief--deriving consolation from the same
+source--and giving utterance to the joyful anticipations of mingling
+their grateful feelings together in the same heavenly temple, where
+they hope to serve the Lord day and night in harmony and peace."
+
+_Mr. Lewellin._--"And, as we shall mingle together in heaven,
+I presume, Sir, we shall _know_ each other _there_. Some pious
+Christians entertain doubts on this subject, but as it is one which
+has such a tendency to reconcile our minds to the departure of our
+friends, I cannot avoid cherishing it with fond attachment."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"Yes, Sir, some good people have their doubts
+on the subject; but I wonder how they can entertain them. Even
+though on such a subject we receive no light from the testimony of
+Scripture, still it is so congenial with the dictates of enlightened
+reason, and the warm attachments of pure friendship, that I am at a
+loss to conceive how any one can disbelieve it.
+
+    'Deep, deep the love we bear unto the dead!
+    Th' adoring reverence that we humbly pay
+    To one who is a spirit, still partakes
+    Of that affectionate tenderness we own'd
+    Towards a being, once, perhaps, as frail
+    And human as ourselves.'"
+
+_Mr. Roscoe._--"Nothing, in my opinion, is more calculated to dispel
+the fear of death, than a firm belief that we are going home to
+dwell in our Father's house along with our departed brethren in
+Christ, whom we shall meet and recognize. This thought, which is so
+gratifying to our feelings, is supported, I think, by the language
+of the New Testament."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Ingleby._--"I think so too. The apostle, when writing
+to the Colossians, says, 'That we may present every man perfect
+in Christ Jesus;' by which, says Dr. Paley, I understand St. Paul
+to express his hope and prayer, that at the general judgment of
+the world, he might present the fruits of his ministry perfect
+in every good work; and if this be rightly interpreted, then it
+affords a manifest and necessary inference that the saints in a
+future life will meet and be known again to one another; for how,
+without knowing again his converts in their new and glorified state,
+could St. Paul desire or expect to present them at the last day?
+The celebrated Baxter says, and I think there is much force in the
+statement, 'I must confess as the experience of my own soul, that
+the expectation of loving my friends in heaven, principally kindles
+my love to them on earth. If I thought I should never know them,
+and consequently never love them after this life is ended, I should
+in reason number them with temporal things, and love them as such;
+but I now delightfully converse with my pious friends, in a firm
+persuasion that I shall converse with them for ever; and I take
+comfort in those of them that are dead, or absent, as believing I
+shall shortly meet them in heaven, and love them with a heavenly
+love that shall there be perfected.'"
+
+"Then," said Miss Roscoe, "death will merely suspend our intercourse
+with our friends for a little while--it will not break it off for
+ever. This is a thrilling subject of thought and meditation. We
+part, but shall meet again in a purer and happier world, and in a
+more glorious form, and then we part no more. We may then hail Death
+as a herald of mercy, instead of shrinking from his approach as the
+King of Terrors."
+
+_Rev. Mr. Guion._--"Then, when mingling together, if we ever advert
+to the scenes of our earthly existence, as we probably shall often
+do, we shall rejoice that our union is now complete, unbroken by any
+discordant opinion; and, while exulting amidst the unfading glories
+of the celestial world, we shall gratefully ascribe our salvation to
+the free and discriminating grace of God, our Father and Redeemer."
+
+
+
+
+THE STAGE COACH.
+
+
+The time had now come for my departure from Fairmount, which I
+quitted with much regret, Mr. Lewellin accompanying me as far as
+London, where it was arranged that I should stay a few days with
+him previous to returning home. Our kind friends were very urgent
+in pressing us to remain a little longer; but business required Mr.
+Lewellin's immediate attention, and I was getting anxious to resume
+my pastoral duties. We left Fairmount in the carriage early in the
+morning, and reached the turnpike gate about a quarter of an hour
+before the mail came up. There was one outside passenger, and two
+inside. Having bidden adieu to Mr. Stevens, who had accompanied
+us thus far, we stepped in, heard the well-known signal from
+the guard, _All's right!_ and felt ourselves moving towards the
+imperial city at a rapid pace. Though I have not, like Lavater,
+studied physiognomy, and have often experienced the fallacy of its
+conclusions, yet on this occasion, as on most others, I began to
+examine and note carefully the features of the two strangers who
+sat opposite me. The one was a Friend, who had long since passed
+the meridian of life. He was dressed in the neat garb of his order,
+had a fine Roman nose, keen blue eyes rather deeply set, and a
+countenance whose expression of intelligence and benignity strongly
+prepossessed me in his favour. But had his general appearance
+been less attractive, I should have felt a profound respect, as
+I once had a mother who spoke the plain language, and taught me
+to speak it in my younger days; and though in riper years, I left
+the denomination of my youth, yet I still revere that interesting
+Society of professing Christians. The other was a lusty gentleman,
+about the age of fifty, but there was no feature in his face that
+gave me any pleasure.
+
+We rode on in silence, till we came to D----s, where we changed
+horses; and while we were waiting for the guard, who was detained
+at the post office, we amused ourselves in looking at a group of
+boys who were playing at trap-ball, in the market-place. The stout
+gentleman (whom I shall call Mr. Sykes) said, pointing to the
+boys, "There is perfect happiness." As no one offered to make any
+reply to this remark, Mr. Lewellin observed, "Perhaps, Sir, their
+happiness is not perfect. In the midst of their gambols, and while
+feeling elated with the high honour of winning the game, the sudden
+recollection of a lesson yet unlearned, that must be said to-morrow,
+may perchance give them a pang." This natural remark, expressed
+in the most good-natured manner, gave offence to Mr. Sykes, who,
+assuming that demeanour of defiance which appeared most natural to
+him, said, "And pray, Sir, do you not suppose that the happiness of
+childhood is the most perfect happiness which mortals ever enjoy!"
+"It ought not to be, Sir," replied my friend in a very modest tone.
+"Ought not to be, Sir!" Mr. Sykes returned, with some degree of
+sarcastic warmth; "then, Sir, how must you have spent those days
+of innocent mirth, not to be able to look back on them with envy!"
+This sarcasm roused the spirit of my friend Lewellin, who, though
+mild, was not disposed to be run down by unprovoked insolence; and
+he said, in a tone somewhat elevated, "Then I presume, Sir, you look
+back to the days of your childhood, and sigh over joys departed,
+never to return; but permit me to ask, how have you spent the years
+of manhood, not to have yet attained the possession of a much more
+rational and exalted happiness than you enjoyed when you were flying
+a kite or spinning a top? If you think, Sir, that I misimproved
+my boyish days, by not acquiring that perfection of happiness
+which they generally bring, you force me to conclude that you have
+misimproved the years of manhood, if in the decline of life you are
+compelled to look back to your childish days, as the happiest you
+have ever known."
+
+Mr. Sykes, perceiving, from the smartness of this reply, that he
+stood no chance of carrying his point, without assistance, turned
+round, and appealed to the Friend, who did not appear to have taken
+any interest in the question. "Why, truly," said the Friend, "I
+think with my neighbour opposite, that if thou wert more happy when
+a boy, than thou art now, thou canst not have improved thy time as
+thou oughtest to have done." "Well," said Mr. Sykes, "as this is
+the first company in which I have ever heard the sentiment called
+in question, I suppose I am along with a class of human beings of
+a new order." "Perhaps thou art," rejoined the Friend, "and at any
+rate thou must confess, that this new order of human beings, as thou
+art pleased to term us, excel all thy former associates in one very
+important point." "In what point, Sir?" inquired Mr. Sykes, in his
+native tone. "Why in this: while thou and thy friends have outlived
+your happiest days, we are now enjoying ours. Hence, while it is to
+our advantage to live in a state of manhood, it would have been to
+yours, to have continued in a state of childhood."
+
+This remark re-established the reign of silence, which continued
+undisturbed, till some children ran out from a few miserable-looking
+huts, which stood near the roadside, and followed the coach for a
+considerable distance, attempting to excite our generosity, by their
+piteous moans, and antic gestures. "There, Sir," said Mr. Sykes,
+"If you look out, you will see the picture of perfect happiness."
+Our sagacious Friend, who appeared to have high purposes revolving
+in his breast when not engaged in conversation, was rather startled
+by this observation, as he had not seen the group of juvenile
+beggars, by which we were annoyed; but on looking out, as requested,
+he shrewdly replied, "I was not aware that perfect happiness was
+reduced so low in life, as to become a common beggar." "Poverty,
+Sir," said Mr. Sykes, "is no disgrace, and poor people are happy
+as well as rich." "Very true," replied the Friend; "but it is a
+disgrace to any parents, to train up their children to the practice
+of begging. These children certainly look healthy and sprightly, but
+if thou wert to be present when they return from an unsuccessful
+race, thou wouldest see a picture of perfect sorrow." "Well,"
+said Mr. Sykes, "they shall have one happy day," and immediately
+tossed out a few halfpence. "Now," said the Friend, "if thou wilt
+look back, probably thou wilt see a violent contention between
+them; some crying because unable to get the prize, and some
+fighting over the division of the spoil." "I suppose, Sir," Mr.
+Sykes remarked sarcastically, "no one ever fought over any of your
+scattered gifts." "I never saw any," the Friend replied, "as I am
+not in the habit of scattering my gifts with an indiscriminate
+hand; nor do I approve of those acts, misnamed charitable, which
+have an evil tendency." "But, Sir," said Mr. Sykes, "what evil can
+result from giving a few pence to some poor miserable-looking boys
+and girls?" "Why," replied the Friend, "thou hast seen one evil
+in the contention which immediately followed, but this is not the
+greatest; these children who are initiated into the begging system
+at such an early period of life, are taught the art of deception;
+they are thrown off from the resources of industry and frugality,
+on the precarious supplies of charity; and if from the influence of
+vagrancy, they are not led to thieving, they will never feel any
+reluctance to receive support from the parish rate. Charity is a
+virtue which we all admire, and which we ought to cultivate; but
+I have long thought, that where its bounties are not administered
+with discretion, society sustains more injury, than it derives
+advantage." "Discretion! O yes, discretion!" said Mr. Sykes, "is
+a great virtue; with Sir John Falstaff it is the better part of
+valour, with you of charity; but in my opinion it is more frequently
+an apology for cowardice, or for covetousness."
+
+[Illustration: JAMES GODWIN. W. L. THOMAS.
+
+MISTAKEN CHARITY.--MR. SYKES' THEORY REFUTED.
+
+Vol. ii. p. 55.]
+
+We soon after parted with Mr. Sykes, when our sage Friend addressing
+himself to Mr. Lewellin, said, "I have no doubt but the passenger
+who has just left us has some excellencies, but he does not excel
+in the art of rendering himself agreeable, an art which few learn,
+and fewer practise; but it is one of great importance to personal
+dignity and relative comfort."
+
+His place in the coach was soon occupied by a young man in a
+red coat, who was going to a fox-hunt near M----. He was very
+loquacious, but his conversation turned principally on horses, and
+dogs, and game, and the various qualifications of a good shot.
+Mr. Lewellin made several efforts to introduce other topics, but
+he could not succeed, as no pointer ever stood truer to his bird,
+than he did to his favourite theme. He told us of his hair-breadth
+escapes, of the fatigues which he had endured, and the feats which
+he had achieved, with as much glee as the huntsman throws off at
+a chase; and dwelt with peculiar delight on his good fortune the
+preceding day, when out of twenty-five who started, he was the
+only one _in at the death_, and exhibited the _brush_ as the proud
+memorial of his honour. After he had told and re-told his tales,
+which gave no one pleasure but himself, he fell into a dead silence,
+hummed "Old Towler," and commenced beating a sort of tattoo with
+his fingers on the coach window. At length, turning himself to
+the Friend who sat by his side, and whose patriarchal simplicity
+appeared to amuse him, he said, with an air of low satire, "I
+believe, Sir, your sect are not much given to such sports?" "Why,
+no," replied the Friend, "we have too much humanity, to attempt
+to extract pleasure from the sports which inflict torture on dumb
+animals." "I have read," said the sportsman, "all your objections;
+but, Sir, they have no point--they don't hit the mark--nature
+points to game, and we are to follow. I love the sound of the horn,
+more than the silence of meditation." "I have no doubt," said the
+Friend, "that thou dost, but thou shouldst remember, that some
+prefer silence, to noise." "I take you, Sir; you intend to say,
+that you would rather have silence, than my conversation." "I have
+no objection," the Friend replied, "to conversation, when it is
+interesting or profitable, but thou must be aware, that the present
+company take no interest in the detail of thy field achievements."
+"Well, Sir," said the sportsman, "I have no objection to turn the
+conversation to a graver subject; and as I am a young man, just
+beginning to turn my attention to religion, you will permit me to
+ask you one question, which puzzles me. It is this, Sir: As we have
+so many religions in this kingdom, which is the best?" "Why," said
+the Friend, "that which makes the simple wise, and teaches young men
+to cultivate the grace of modesty." "Very smart, Sir: then you think
+such a religion would do me good?" "I think it would."
+
+When the sportsman left us, his place was immediately occupied by
+a gentleman who, as I afterwards learned, had lately returned to
+England, after an absence of many years. He was an interesting and
+intelligent looking man; and I flattered myself from his general
+appearance, that we should have agreeable society during the rest
+of our journey. Nor was I disappointed. He was rather reserved
+at first, but after Mr. Lewellin and I had engaged for some time
+in a desultory conversation, he fell in with us, and willingly
+contributed his share. There is a strong propensity in some minds
+to sacrifice truth, in narration and description, especially when
+relating their own adventures. They will not utter direct and
+palpable falsehood, but they are so accustomed to exaggeration
+and high colouring, that a man who respects his own reputation
+will never venture to repeat their statements. Their design is to
+produce _effect_, and hence they often leave the beaten path of
+sober truth to amuse or astonish their hearers with the fanciful
+or the extravagant. But nothing of this kind was visible in our
+companion; as he gave us no description of persons, of places, or of
+things, which staggered our belief. He had sailed on the boisterous
+sea, without having just escaped the horrors of shipwreck; he had
+passed through woods and mountains, without encountering brigands
+or assassins; he had resided in crowded cities, and had traversed
+lonely wastes, where he met with no flattering attentions from the
+great, or rude insults from the vulgar. He had travelled through the
+greater part of Europe, had visited the East and West Indies, and
+had spent the last two years in America: but intended now to fix his
+abode in his native country, where he said he hoped to rest in the
+same grave with his fathers.
+
+"You have seen, Sir," I remarked, "a great part of the world; but as
+you intend to fix your final residence in Old England, I take for
+granted that you have not discovered any country which rivals her in
+your estimation."
+
+"No, Sir," he replied, "I have not. I love England--I love her
+changing seasons, and her fruitful soil--her fine national
+character--her political constitution, and that spirit of liberty,
+both civil and religious, which she cherishes and which she
+diffuses--I love everything that is English; and I disown the
+Briton who is not enthusiastic in the praise of his country."
+
+"The love of liberty," I remarked, "is a passion which gives a
+peculiar and powerful energy to our national character; but you must
+confess, Sir, that this passion is not exclusively ours. America
+cherishes it with an equal degree of ardour."
+
+"Yes, Sir," he replied, "she does, but her love of liberty is a
+selfish passion. She has fought for her own freedom, and she has
+won the laurels, but she continues to enslave others. When the
+foot of a poor captive touches the soil of Britain, his chains
+burst from around him; his life is taken under the protection of
+the law; no one can insult him with impunity; he is as safe in his
+hut, as the lordly baron is within the walls of his castle. But in
+the United States of America, there are upwards of three millions
+of human beings, now living in a state of slavery, bought and sold
+like cattle--subjected to the cruelty of men, in whose bosoms
+every atom of humanity has long since been annihilated. What, Sir,
+is freedom, where all are not free--where the greatest of God's
+blessings is limited with impious caprice to the colour of the skin?
+Having bled at every pore, rather than submit to wear the yoke of
+a foreign authority, why does she not, amid all her prosperity
+and improvement, act a just and generous part towards her black
+population? She is worse than the chief butler of Pharaoh, who, when
+he had gained his freedom, merely forgot his fellow-prisoner: but
+she remembers those who were once in bondage with her, and rivets
+the chains of slavery still closer upon them. She may vaunt herself
+on the love of liberty, and on her rising greatness in the scale of
+nations; but as long as the groans of three millions of human beings
+resound through her land without obtaining redress, she will have
+a badge of infamy affixed to her national character, from which no
+virtues will ever redeem her. We did a noble deed when we abolished
+the slave-trade, but we did a still nobler deed when we abolished
+slavery. We have thus set America a good example, which, in spite of
+all opposition, she will some day follow."
+
+We were very much pleased with the polite manners and the
+interesting conversation of this gentleman, who formed a striking
+contrast to our other coach companions. On taking leave of him at
+the Swan with two Necks, we exchanged cards, when we found that the
+stranger's name was Wilcox, and he exacted a promise from me that I
+would call and see him before I left London.
+
+A few days after this, as I sat in Mr. Lewellin's front parlour
+listening to the strange cries of London, and observing the
+countenances of the numerous pedestrians, who, with hurried steps,
+passed to and fro, as though each was intent on some great purpose,
+I saw the postman at the door, who brought me a letter, which
+on opening I found to be from our interesting fellow-traveller,
+requesting that we would dine with him on the following day. We
+accepted the invitation, and spent a very pleasant evening together.
+
+On this occasion Mr. Wilcox informed us that he had been pressed
+to sign a petition for the repeal of the Maynooth grant; but had
+declined doing so, because he knew nothing about its origin, or the
+reasons which induced the government to make it; adding that, as a
+general rule, he thought America acted more wisely than we do on all
+such questions; she repudiates a _state religion_, and therefore
+leaves every religious sect to act and provide for itself. I then
+gave him a brief history of the matter as follows:--On the 14th of
+January, 1794, the Roman Catholics of Ireland presented a memorial
+to the government, praying for permission to erect a college for
+the education of their priests, who, up to this time, had been
+compelled to get their education in foreign countries; stating in
+their memorial, that they were both able and willing to build the
+college, and defray its current expenditure at their own expense.
+Their prayer was granted: and to their astonishment the Irish
+Parliament voted a grant of £8000 per annum towards its support,
+which in the year 1807 was increased to £13,000. No pledge was given
+that it should be a permanent grant, and as a proof of this, in the
+year 1799 it was withheld altogether, and during that year they
+were compelled to do what they said, when they declared that they
+were able and willing to defray its expenses by their own voluntary
+contributions.[9]
+
+  [9] In 1845 Sir Robert Peel introduced a measure, and carried it, to
+  increase this grant to nearly £30,000 a-year.
+
+"It seems somewhat strange," said Mr. Wilcox, "that the government
+should vote a large sum of money, when they are told that it
+is neither expected nor needed. To account for such an act of
+profligate expenditure, we must suppose there was a strong
+undercurrent of political influence forcing them to do so."
+
+"Why, Sir, the fact is, that Ireland was at this time, and for
+a long time after, in a strongly excited state; one outburst
+of popular tumult succeeded another, with so much rapidity and
+violence, that our leading statesmen, both Whigs and Tories,
+became alarmed, and they hit upon the expedient of attempting to
+conciliate the priests, by proposing to take their church into union
+with the state, and thus render them independent of the voluntary
+contributions of their people; and this munificent generosity in
+behalf of the Maynooth College, was the gilded bait of allurement.
+However, that projected union is now abandoned as a Utopian vagary;
+for the Roman Catholics disdain to come into ecclesiastical
+fellowship with Protestants, and therefore common sense requires,
+that as they are resolved to stand by themselves, they should be
+left to do what they said they were able and willing to do--educate
+and support their clergy by their own contributions."
+
+"I think the principle is bad," said Mr. Wilcox, "both politically
+and morally, which compels one sect to educate and support the
+clergy of another sect. There is an outrage committed on the
+conscience of an enlightened Protestant, if he be compelled to
+contribute to the education and support of the Roman Catholic
+clergy, not simply because they are the ministers of another church,
+but because they are ministers who, in his estimation, reject the
+essential doctrines of Christianity, and substitute in their place,
+dangerous and fatal heresies; and not only so, but he believes, and
+their past history confirms him in the belief, that they constitute
+the vital, the most active, and the most unscrupulous part of an
+organized conspiracy, whose object is to extinguish both civil and
+religious liberty throughout the world."
+
+"Toleration," said Mr. Lewellin, "is all that such a dangerous set
+of men ought to receive under a Protestant government, and to that I
+should not object; but it is an act of legalized injustice to compel
+me to pay for the training and comfortable support of Roman Catholic
+priests."
+
+Mr. Wilcox remarked, "We don't punish the footpad till he has
+committed his crime; but we should deem the wealthy traveller
+a maniac at large, who would voluntarily contribute towards
+the training of such desperadoes. I will certainly, now that I
+understand the matter, sign for the repeal of the grant, and do
+all in my power to hasten it. Indeed, I would not give my vote to
+any parliamentary candidate, unless he pledged himself against the
+continuance of this very obnoxious grant."
+
+"My attachment to Christianity," said Mr. Lewellin, "makes me revolt
+against this offensive grant, as my loyalty to our queen would make
+me abhor a proposition to contribute to the training of traitors, to
+subvert her throne and bring her to the block."[10]
+
+  [10] When Lord John Russell was speaking in favour of the measure
+  brought before the house by Sir Robert Peel in 1845, to increase
+  the grant to nearly £30,000 per annum, he said--"But if you found
+  you were doing that which was mischievous to the community, and
+  that the religious scruples of the community would not allow of the
+  continuance of the grant, or, with reference to civil and political
+  reasons, you found that those you meant to be teachers of religion
+  had become the teachers and conductors of rebellion; if I say," his
+  lordship added, "you found from any of these causes that there was
+  ground sufficient to refuse this grant, then I can see no valid
+  reasons why any compact should restrain you, or why, upon strong
+  grounds of this kind, the house would not be justified in declaring
+  that it would give no further allowance." (See Hansard's _Debates_,
+  v. 3, p. 92, session 1845.) The Right Hon. William Gladstone, M.P.,
+  recorded his opinion of this grant, before Sir Robert Peel brought
+  forward his measure in 1845. "In principle the grant is wholly
+  vicious, and it will be a thorn in the side of these countries as
+  long as it is continued." There are several reasons, which, in the
+  judgment of Lord John Russell, would justify the discontinuance
+  of this grant, without subjecting our government to the charge of
+  violating any existing compact; but I merely mention the following,
+  which I give from the speech of his lordship: if "_the religious
+  scruples of the community would not allow of the continuance of
+  it_." Now let us see how the case actually stands, and then we shall
+  be able to form a correct judgment of what the British government
+  and we ourselves ought to do. It is an undisputed fact, that the
+  measure of 1845 was forced through parliament in direct opposition
+  to the most unequivocal expression of hostility on the part of the
+  religious community, of all denominations; and their hostility to
+  its continuance is increasing in inveteracy and strength as time
+  moves on in its course. I am at a loss to conceive how any one
+  except a Roman Catholic who has a beneficial interest in this money
+  grant, or a lukewarm Protestant, who cares no more for the spiritual
+  religion of the New Testament than he does for the legendary
+  tales of Popery, can come forward as its advocate and supporter.
+  The Catholics say they are able and willing to support their own
+  religion and its institutions. Let them do so; but do not compel us
+  to work with them, when we believe that their religion, with its
+  institutions, is the greatest curse that ever has been inflicted on
+  man since the Fall; and when we believe that its clergy, if they had
+  the power, would immediately establish the Inquisition amongst us,
+  and at once consign us to torture and to death, if we refused to bow
+  down and to do homage to their pontiff and his myrmidons.
+
+
+
+
+A SABBATH IN LONDON.
+
+
+In the institution of the Christian ministry, we have one of the
+most salutary provisions ever made to promote the improvement and
+happiness of man. If we suppose, with the enemies of Christianity,
+that it is of human origin, and that its functions are discharged by
+human agents, who are actuated and governed by selfish or ambitious
+motives, still it will occupy, in the estimation of every wise man,
+a high station, as a powerful ally to the cause of patriotism and
+of virtue. It enjoins on the various ranks and orders of society
+submission to the powers that be, and reverence for God; and it
+explains and enforces, with the utmost precision, our relative
+duties towards each other; while the veneration in which it is
+generally held in this kingdom is favourable to its influence. To
+say that every one is strictly virtuous who listens to its maxims
+of wisdom, would be to advance an assertion which facts would
+contradict; but if we judge from the present state of society, we
+shall be compelled to admit that there is a larger portion of virtue
+amongst those who attend upon a stated ministry, than among those
+who treat it with neglect and scorn. Hence its abolition would be a
+national evil, as disastrous to our moral improvement and happiness,
+as the triumphs of political anarchy would be to the well-balanced
+constitution of the British Empire.
+
+But even this institution, with all its advantages, would prove
+comparatively useless were it not for the appointment of the
+Christian Sabbath; for such is the ascendency which the cares,
+the pleasures, the fascinations, and the commerce of the world
+have acquired over the public mind, that very few would have an
+opportunity to benefit by it, unless some specific portion of time
+was set apart for this express purpose. If the husbandman were
+compelled to toil in the field, and the mechanic to labour in the
+shop--if the tradesman, the merchant, and the other members of the
+community had to devote themselves to their respective avocations
+without any intermission, except what caprice or indolence might
+dictate, the minister of the gospel might faithfully proclaim all
+the words which relate to the life to come, but he would not be
+surrounded by a large and an attentive audience. The temple would
+be forsaken, and the powers of _this_ world would so engross the
+attention of men, that those of the next would be generally, if not
+universally disregarded. To prevent this fatal evil, one day in
+seven is set apart, by the immediate authority of God, which we are
+commanded to devote to the exercises of private and public worship;
+but alas! how many treat this sacred injunction with contempt. Some
+in the higher ranks of life, who disdain to be thought religious,
+employ it as a day for travelling or for feasting; and multitudes
+of the lower orders, regard it as a day either for pleasure or for
+dissipation.
+
+On the Sabbath after my arrival in London, as I was walking down
+Bridge Street on my way to Surrey Chapel, I saw a party of young
+people whose gaiety of manner ill accorded with the sanctity of
+the day, and just as I was passing them I heard one say, "Indeed I
+think we shall do wrong; my conscience condemns me; I must return."
+"There can be no harm," replied another, "in taking an excursion on
+the water, especially as we intend to go to chapel in the evening."
+"I must return," rejoined a female voice; "my conscience condemns
+me. What will father say if he hears of it?" By this time they had
+reached the bridge, and the foremost of the party was busily engaged
+with a waterman, while the rest stood in close debate for some
+minutes, when they all moved forward towards the water.
+
+I watched the party as they went down the stairs to the river.
+Two of the gentlemen stepped into the boat, two more stood at the
+water's edge, and the females were handed in one after another; but
+I could perceive great reluctance on the part of the one who had
+previously objected, till at length she yielded to the importunities
+of her companions, and the boat was pushed off. It was a fine
+morning, though rather cold. Many, like myself, were gazing on
+them, when a naval officer called to them through the balustrades
+and said, "A pleasant voyage to you." One of the gentlemen arose
+to return the compliment, but, from some cause which I could not
+perceive, he missed his footing and fell into the water. This
+disaster threw the whole party into the utmost consternation; and
+each one, instead of retaining his seat, rushed to the side of the
+boat over which their companion had fallen, by which the boat was
+upset, and all were instantaneously plunged into the river. The
+scene which followed, when the spectators beheld this calamity,
+exceeded any I had ever witnessed. Some females screamed, the
+passers-by crowded together to the parapet of the bridge, and
+everything was bustle and excitement; boats immediately put off;
+and in a few minutes I had the satisfaction of seeing the watermen
+rescue one, and another, and another from a premature grave. Having
+picked up every one they could find, the different boats were rowed
+to shore, where some medical gentlemen were in waiting. But when the
+party met together, no language can describe the horror depicted on
+every countenance when they found that two were still missing.
+
+"Where's my sister?" said the voice which had said, only a few
+minutes before, "There can be no harm in taking an excursion on the
+water, especially as we intend to go to chapel in the evening."
+
+"Where's Charles?" said a female, who had appeared the most gay and
+sprightly when I first saw them.
+
+At length two boats, which had gone a considerable distance up
+the river, were seen returning; and on being asked if they had
+picked up any one, they replied, "Yes; two." This reply electrified
+the whole party, and some wept for joy.
+
+[Illustration: SABBATH PLEASURE SEEKERS.
+
+Vol. ii. page 64.]
+
+"Here's a gentleman," said a waterman as he was coming up to the
+foot of the stairs, "but I suspect he's dead."
+
+"Where's the lady?" said her brother, "Is she safe?"
+
+"She is in the other boat, Sir."
+
+"Is she alive?--Has she spoken?"
+
+"No, Sir, she has not spoken, I believe."
+
+"Is she dead; O tell me!"
+
+"I fear she is, Sir."
+
+The bodies were immediately removed from the boats to a house in
+the vicinity, and every effort was employed to restore animation.
+In little more than ten minutes it was announced that the gentleman
+began to breathe, but there was no allusion made to the lady. Her
+brother sat motionless, absorbed in the deepest melancholy, till the
+actual decease of his sister was announced, when he started up and
+became almost frantic with grief; and though his companions tried to
+comfort him, yet he refused to hear the words of consolation.
+
+"O my sister! my sister! Would to God I had died for her!"
+
+They were all overwhelmed in trouble, and knew not what to do. "Who
+will bear the heavy tidings to our father?" said the brother, who
+paced the room backwards and forwards. "O! who will bear the heavy
+tidings to our father?" He paused; a death-like silence pervaded the
+whole apartment. He again burst forth in the agonies of despair--"I
+forced her to go against the dictates of her conscience; I am her
+murderer; I ought to have perished, and not my sister. Who will bear
+the heavy tidings to our father?"
+
+"I will," said a gentleman, who had been unremitting in his
+attentions to the sufferers.
+
+"Do you know him, Sir?"
+
+"Yes, I know him."
+
+"O! how can I ever appear in his presence! I enticed my only sister
+to an act of disobedience, which has destroyed her!"
+
+How the father received the intelligence, or what moral effect
+resulted from the disaster, I never heard, but it suggests a few
+reflections which I wish to press upon the attention of my readers.
+As the Sabbath is instituted for the purpose of promoting your moral
+improvement and happiness, never devote its sacred hours to pleasure
+and recreations. He who has commanded you to keep it holy, will not
+suffer you to profane it with impunity. He may not bring down upon
+you the awful expressions of his displeasure while you are in the
+act of setting his authority at open defiance, but there is a day
+approaching when you must stand before him as your judge. And can
+you anticipate the solemnities of that day, while continuing in a
+course of sin, with any other than the most fearful apprehensions?
+You may, like many, suppose that that day is very far off; but you
+may be undeceived by a sudden visitation of Providence; and in a
+moment may be removed from amongst your gay companions, to appear in
+his presence. And should this be the case, with what terror-struck
+amazement will you look on the awful scene around you; with what
+fearful and agonizing emotions will you listen to the final
+sentence--_Depart!_
+
+Resist the _first_ temptation to evil, or your ruin may be the
+inevitable consequence. "Indeed I think we shall do wrong; my
+conscience condemns me; I must return," said the unfortunate girl,
+when she got near the river; but having yielded to the first
+temptation, she was induced to overcome her scruples, and within
+less than half an hour from that time she was hurried into the
+eternal world. Had she refused when her brother solicited her to
+leave home, she might have lived to comfort her father in his old
+age; but by complying, she first lost her strength to withstand
+temptation, and then her life. What a warning! And is this the only
+one which the history of crime has given you? Alas, no! Have not
+many, who have ended their days on the scaffold, traced their ruin
+to the profanation of the Sabbath? This is the day in which the
+spirits of evil are abroad, enticing the young and the thoughtless
+to vice and impiety; and if you wish to avoid the misery and
+degradation in which others have been involved, devote its sacred
+hours to the purpose for which they were appointed. Attend some
+place of worship, where the truths of the Bible are preached with
+earnestness and power, and attend regularly; and though some of your
+associates may ridicule you for your habits of devotion, yet will
+you suffer yourself to be conquered by such weapons? The youth who
+regularly attends a place of worship on the Sabbath, and receives
+the truth under a deep conviction of its excellence and importance,
+often enjoys a high mental feast, and becomes imperceptibly
+fortified to resist the fascinations of the world; but he who spends
+the sacred hours in the society of the thoughtless, amidst scenes
+of gaiety and dissipation, becomes an easy prey to the worst of
+temptations, often retires to rest reproaching himself for his folly
+and impiety, and is gradually led from one crime to another till
+iniquity proves his ruin.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+As I wished to hear a celebrated preacher in the evening, I
+asked Mr. Lewellin to accompany me, but he declined, for reasons
+which raised him in my estimation as a young man of prudence and
+consistency. "I am, Sir," he observed, "decidedly of opinion that
+London offers many temptations to professors of religion which
+require, on their part, constant vigilance to withstand; and one of
+the most specious is, the celebrity of popular preachers."
+
+"But," I replied, "do you think it wrong to go and hear these
+ministers?"
+
+"I would be cautious how I censured any one; but I certainly think
+that the love of novelty in religion often proves pernicious, not
+only to those who are enslaved by it, but to their families. Let me
+suppose a case. Here is a religious family who professedly attend
+the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Watkins, but the father is in the
+habit of hearing every celebrated preacher. Will not this roving
+disposition prevent his forming that attachment towards a pastor and
+his flock in which the essence of Christian fellowship consists? And
+will not the influence of his example have an injurious effect on
+his children? If he take them with him, he imperceptibly teaches
+them to believe that he is not so much delighted with the truth
+as with the agent who conveys it. And what is this but sinking
+the importance and value of the truth in the estimation of those
+whose hearts are naturally averse to it. If he refuse to take them
+with him, and compel them to go, while they are young, to their
+regular place of worship, yet, as he does not go with them, they
+are left without the controlling influence of his presence, and
+are exposed to the temptation of absenting themselves for some
+scene of amusement. If he leave his more stated minister to go
+after these popular preachers, unless he has a greater measure of
+prudence than such roving professors generally possess, he will
+institute comparisons in the presence of his children between them
+and the settled pastor. And will not this excite prejudice in their
+minds against the clergyman whose ministry they are _forced_ to
+attend? Will not this prove injurious to them? Will not this tend
+to alienate their minds from the love of the truth, and to make
+them regard its accidental associations as the main thing; and by
+teaching them disrespect for their stated minister, they may, in
+time, turn away contemptuously from the message he delivers. And
+these are not the only evils which result from the indulgence of
+this roving disposition; it is invariably found no less injurious to
+the private reputation of a Christian, than to his domestic piety."
+
+"But how so?" I replied. "What injury can it do the private
+reputation of a Christian?"
+
+"Why, he will be regarded as an unstable man; and though he may have
+many virtues, yet if this imperfection be associated with them it
+will materially injure him. For what influence can an unstable man
+ever acquire, unless it be the power of doing evil? Who can respect
+him? Who can place any dependence on him?"
+
+"But," I asked, "may not a Christian leave the ministry of one
+preacher, to attend that of another, without sustaining or producing
+any moral injury?"
+
+"Most certainly," said Mr. Lewellin; "we are at perfect liberty to
+go where we please, and to hear whom we please; but we should avoid
+that fickleness of disposition, which is ever moving from one place
+to another. Some admire the last preacher they have heard more than
+any preceding one, and have the censer always ready to throw the
+incense of flattery around the _next_ who may make his appearance.
+Instead of examining themselves, to see what progress they make in
+knowledge and in grace, and attending to the religious instruction
+of their children and their servants on the Sabbath, they are ever
+asking, Who is in town? or, Who is expected? But though I condemn
+most decidedly such a volatile spirit amongst professors, yet I
+think we _ought_ to attend that ministry which we find the most
+profitable. _The truth which we hear is Divine, but the agent
+who preaches it is human_; and though the tone and the manner of
+proclaiming it will not add to its importance, yet it may tend to
+give it a more commanding power of impression; and hence, it is both
+our duty and our privilege to attend the ministry of that man, whose
+style of preaching is the most calculated to profit us. The poet in
+speaking of government, has said,
+
+  'Whate'er is best administered is best.'
+
+The same may be nearly said with regard to sermons. There is not
+such a great difference between the thoughts and arrangements of
+one preacher and another as some imagine. But who has not been
+struck with the difference of the impression and effect? One man
+shall speak, and how dry, and sapless, and uninteresting is he! Let
+another deliver the very same things, and there is a savour that
+gives them freshness--the things seem perfectly new. One preacher,
+by his monotonous tones and manner, soon lulls us to sleep; while
+another, by his earnestness, his pathos, and his impassioned
+appeals--by the aptness of his illustrations, the chasteness of his
+style, and the unction of his spirit--not only fixes our attention,
+but penetrates the inner man of the heart; we feel ourselves
+subdued, enlightened, and powerfully excited by the Word of God.
+When a man of this attractive order appears in the pulpit, by the
+mysterious action of the sympathetic faculty, his presence is felt
+by the people, even before his voice is heard; and in the lines of
+Cowper we see a great moral fact, clothed in the vestments of poetic
+beauty:--
+
+    'When one that holds communion with the skies
+    Has filled his urn where these pure waters rise,
+    And once more mingles with us meaner things,
+    'Tis e'en as if an angel shook his wings--
+    Immortal fragrance fills the circuit wide,
+    That tells us whence _his_ treasures are supplied.
+    So when a ship well freighted with the stores
+    The sun matures on India's spicy shores,
+    Has dropp'd her anchor and her canvas furl'd
+    In some safe haven of our western world,
+    'Twere vain inquiring to what port she _went_--
+    The _gale_ informs us, laden with the scent.'"
+
+"But, Sir," I remarked, "if we do not derive improvement and
+consolation from the ministry on which we generally attend, we ought
+to attribute it to some fault in ourselves. I remember being very
+much struck with a remark which I heard a venerable clergyman make
+when addressing his congregation--'If, my brethren,' he said, 'you
+come to hear _me preach_, instead of hearing _the truth_ which I
+deliver, be not surprised if you are permitted to go away without
+having felt its purifying and consoling influence. I can do no more
+than give utterance to the sublime doctrines and promises of the
+gospel; it is the province of my Master to make them effectual to
+your salvation; and if you neglect by strong and ardent prayer to
+implore his blessing, he will withhold it.'"
+
+"A very just and important remark," replied Mr. Lewellin, "and one
+which I hope we shall never forget. We ought at all times to go into
+the temple in a devotional spirit, and to remember that as every
+good gift, and every perfect gift, is from above, and cometh down
+from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither
+shadow of turning, we should, in the most humble manner, invoke his
+presence; and then we shall feel less disposed to rove and less
+occasion to complain of the want of spiritual enjoyment."
+
+We were now interrupted in our conversation, by the servant, who
+informed Mr. Lewellin that there were two gentlemen below who
+wished to see him. "Desire them to walk up. I am not aware," said
+Mr. Lewellin, "who they are; and I regret their call, as I am not
+in the habit of receiving company on the Sabbath." They entered the
+room, and after offering an apology for this act of intrusion, one
+said, "I know, Sir, you will excuse it, as I have made up my mind
+to go with you to chapel this evening, along with our friend Mr.
+Newton."
+
+I did not immediately recollect this gentleman, though his manners
+and voice seemed familiar to me; but on hearing his name, I
+instantaneously recognized Mr. Gordon, whom I once met in the
+country[11] when enjoying an evening's ramble. "I am happy to see
+you, Sir" (addressing him), "as it gives me an opportunity of
+reminding you of a promise which you have not yet redeemed."
+
+  [11] See vol. i. page 94.
+
+"Indeed, Sir! You have the advantage of me. Did I ever make you a
+promise, which I have not redeemed?"
+
+"Yes, Sir, indeed you have done so."
+
+"Where, and when, Sir, may I ask?"
+
+"Were you never in a thunder-storm?"
+
+"I beg your pardon. I hope you are well. I am happy to see you in
+London. I hope you will do me the honour of a call.--Why, no. I have
+not been able to inform you of the result of my inquiry; for, to be
+very candid, I have been too much engaged to turn my attention to
+it; but I have not forgotten it.--What a storm! How did you escape
+it? I took shelter in a cow-shed."
+
+"I ran to a cottage, where I was kindly received, and in which I
+witnessed a deeply interesting sight. I regretted you were not
+with me, as I there saw an evidence in favour of the truth and the
+excellence of the gospel, which I think you would have admired."
+
+"Indeed! what visible evidence do you refer to? A miracle?"
+
+"If we define a miracle to be something above the production of
+human power, I should not hesitate to call what I saw a moral
+miracle." I then gave an account of the decease of the woodman's
+child, which he called a very interesting tale; but said he was
+not sufficiently enlightened to perceive how such a fact tended
+in any way to establish the truth or display the excellence of
+Christianity. "We may," he remarked, "have an opportunity to debate
+over it before you leave our great city; but, as we propose going
+to chapel this evening, perhaps we had better not begin, lest
+we should be obliged to break off the thread of our argument at
+an unfavourable point. But, though I have not investigated the
+important question which we discussed when we accidentally met,
+yet I will do it. You see the company which I keep (pointing to
+Mr. Lewellin and Mr. Newton) is a proof that I am _religiously
+inclined_; and, if a few doubts should still darken my powers of
+mental vision, yet the light which emanates from their chaste
+reasoning may ultimately disperse them, and we all _may_ become
+believers together."
+
+"A consummation I should hail with delight."
+
+"I believe you, Sir; and I honour the motive which prompts such a
+devout exclamation."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+On passing along Cheapside on our way to the chapel which Mr.
+Lewellin usually attended, we were astonished at seeing a placard,
+announcing that the Rev. Mr. Guion was to preach that evening at
+Bow Church, in behalf of the Church Missionary Society; and at my
+earnest entreaty, we decided on hearing him. By a statement he made
+at the commencement of his discourse, we found his appearance in
+the pulpit was in consequence of the sudden illness of a brother
+clergyman who stood engaged to preach on the occasion; and this
+accounted for our not hearing of this London visit when we were with
+him at Fairmount. Having my note-book in my pocket, and my pencils
+in good working order, I took down his sermon, and will transcribe
+from my manuscript a few passages, which, when delivered, made a
+deep impression on the whole congregation. His text was taken from
+1 Tim. iii. 16, "And without controversy great is the mystery of
+godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit,
+seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the
+world, received up into glory." His arguments in confirmation of
+the divinity of Jesus Christ were few, but popular and conclusive,
+yet not common-place.
+
+"HE WAS SEEN OF ANGELS."--"Our knowledge," said the eloquent
+preacher, "of angels is very superficial; yet we know, they are
+beings of a superior order--holy, intelligent, powerful, and
+benevolent. Jesus Christ was seen of them, at his birth, during
+his temptation in the wilderness, when enduring the agonizing
+conflict in the garden of Gethsemane, and on the morning of his
+resurrection; and they came to witness, and to take a ministering
+part in his ascension, when he went to resume the glory which he
+had with the Father before the world was. This SEEING him, denotes
+the intense interest they felt in his personal honour, and in the
+design of his mission to earth. 'Which things,' says the apostle
+Peter--that is the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should
+follow--'the angels desire to look into.' They pry into and labour
+to comprehend the grand theory of human redemption; and watch
+with intense solicitude its practical working in the soul of man.
+Hence, our Lord says, 'There is joy in the presence of the angels
+of God over one sinner that repenteth.' Yes, brethren, these pure
+and exalted spirits become comparatively insensible to the glories
+of the celestial world, when in the act of seeing a sinner who is
+ready to perish, rescued from the fearful peril of his condition,
+as we should become comparatively, if not absolutely insensible
+to the grandest and most picturesque scenery of nature, if we
+stood on some eminence, gazing on the heroine coming out of her
+father's cottage, hastening to the frothy beach, springing into the
+fishing-boat, braving the fury of the tempest and the wild uproar
+of the storm, to rescue the shipwrecked mariners from a vessel
+sinking in the deep waters. For it is a law of their nature, no
+less than of ours, that gratification shall yield to sympathy, and
+that the sight of deliverance from fatal danger, shall have a more
+gratifying effect on a sensitive and benevolent heart, than the
+most brilliant and exciting scenes which can be presented to the
+imagination, or to the senses;--thus demonstrating by a process
+as certain as any undeviating law of the material economy, that
+every order of being, except infernal spirits, have an instinctive
+abhorrence of the disastrous crisis in the progress of suffering;
+and that they feel an ecstasy of emotion which no sights of grandeur
+or of beauty, and which no sounds of melody can excite, when they
+behold an unanticipated deliverance from some horrifying and fatal
+termination. There stands the poor criminal on the fatal platform,
+and the minister of death is near him, making the necessary
+arrangements for his execution; deep sympathy is expressed in every
+countenance, many sighs are heaved, and many weep; the silent prayer
+is offered up, and all are breathless, expecting the drop to fall
+which is to hurl him with convulsive agonies into the other world.
+But there is a momentary pause, as an act of homage to a stranger,
+who very unexpectedly makes his appearance. This stranger, to whom
+all the officials and the doomed man pay marked attention, is
+also an official armed with power, not the power of death, but of
+life; he is the herald of mercy; and with a loud voice proclaims
+his pardon. The multitude, long absorbed in sympathetic grief, now
+raise the shout of gladsome triumph, as they gaze on the once doomed
+man, as he passes from the death of agony and infamy, to newness
+of life; they revel in the excess of ecstatic bliss; and feel more
+joyful in spirit over this one criminal saved from the horrors of an
+ignominious death, than over a whole community of righteous persons
+who were never involved in a sentence of condemnation.
+
+"HE WAS BELIEVED ON IN THE WORLD."--"The testimony of the Bible,
+and the records of ecclesiastical history, attest this fact,
+Rev. vii. 9, 10; _and he is still believed on in the world_. I
+know, brethren, that many persons of refined taste, and exquisite
+delicacy of feeling, greatly admire the character of Jesus of
+Nazareth, the Son of Joseph and of Mary; and they feel a deep
+interest in the perusal of his history. Their imagination expands
+in reflecting on that magnificent scene beheld by the shepherds
+of Bethlehem, when his birth was announced by the angel of the
+Lord. His healing the sick in the temple--his opening the eyes
+of blind Bartimeus--and his raising the only son of the widow
+as the procession was moving to the grave, has a fine effect on
+their sensibilities. The Transfiguration of Tabor sheds a halo of
+glory around his Divine form, which attracts and gratifies their
+love of the marvellous. They catch the inspiration of a powerful
+sympathy on seeing him bathed in tears, as he stands beholding in
+the distant vision the desolations coming on the city of Jerusalem.
+And when they gather around his cross, they feel intense regret,
+intermingled with no slight degree of astonishment, that one so
+kind, so humane, and withal such a friend to suffering humanity,
+should be so rudely and so cruelly treated, and the falling tear
+bespeaks the sorrow of their heart. Now go amongst these refined,
+these poetic, these sentimental believers in the Divine origin
+of the Christian faith, with the blood of atonement, and what
+consternation will you produce! They will soon evince a strange
+revulsion of feeling; the term itself is harsh and unintelligible;
+it is the jargon of the uncouth and the vulgar; the crucifix
+charms their sentimentalism--they abhor the cross. Go and talk to
+them about the necessity of believing in the Son of God to save
+them from perishing; go and talk to them about joy and peace in
+believing, and about the good hope through grace, and you will
+soon lose caste, and be sent adrift amongst the wild fanatics of
+the age. They will bow down and do homage to the Divine origin of
+Christianity--that ideal Christianity, which takes its nature,
+shape, and hue from the creations of their fancy; but let the
+Christianity of the New Testament come before them in her simple
+form--pure and spiritual, breathing her own spirit, speaking her
+own language, delivering her own precepts and her own promises,
+advancing her own claims, and offering her own celestial gifts, on
+her own humiliating and changeless conditions, and they will treat
+her, as the Jews did her illustrious Author, with contemptuous
+scorn; and would rather have her driven from the face of the earth,
+than be enrolled as her devotees, or retained as her advocates. Be
+it so. But this you regret, on _their account_, as you know that
+they who believe not, will die in their sins and perish for ever,
+even though superior intelligence be blended with the fascination
+of the most distinguished accomplishments. And you also regret this
+terrible calamity on your _own account_, as the pardoned criminal
+necessarily feels an abatement of his joy when set free, by knowing
+that others are left for execution. But you, Christian brethren,
+believe on Him, and have the witness within. You believe on Him, and
+love Him; and to you he is precious. You believe on Him, and know
+that all is safe for time, safe in death, and safe for eternity."
+
+"Really," said Mr. Gordon, as we were walking away, "I am almost
+tempted to believe in the truth of the Christian theory, on two
+accounts--it brings us into such close contact with beings of a
+superior order, so that in passing into the invisible world, we
+shall find that we are known there; and then it gives such security
+to the mind against the horrors of death." A sudden storm of heavy
+rain prevented any reply to these half-serious, half-ironical
+remarks; but on taking leave, as we were getting into our separate
+hackney coaches, he added, "I will call to-morrow evening, after
+business hours, and chat over those grave questions; and perhaps I
+can prevail on Newton to accompany me. Have patience; I may become a
+believer in the course of time."
+
+
+
+
+THE SCEPTIC'S VISIT.
+
+
+Just after Mr. Lewellin had left home, to meet a friend on a matter
+of business, Mr. Gordon called, agreeably to his promise on the
+previous day, and we spent the evening together.
+
+"I had a lucky escape yesterday," said Mr. Gordon, "but I did not
+know of it till I took up the _Times_ this morning."
+
+"From what did you escape, Sir?"
+
+"I had an engagement, for yesterday morning, to go with a pleasure
+party on an excursion up the river, but I over-slept myself; and it
+was well for me that I did so, for the boat upset, and I regret
+to say that a very excellent and accomplished lady, whom I much
+admired, was drowned."
+
+"As I was passing Blackfriars' Bridge, in going to Surrey Chapel, I
+witnessed an accident such as that to which you refer."
+
+"Indeed! It no doubt was the same, for it was just as they were
+setting out from Blackfriars' stairs that the disaster happened; it
+must have been an appalling sight!"
+
+"It was, indeed, a harrowing sight; and I trust I shall never
+witness the like again. I heard that the lady who was drowned was a
+very interesting creature, and the only daughter of a pious father.
+The tidings of her loss must have been a sad blow to him."
+
+"Yes, Sir, her father is one of your way of thinking, and I believe
+him to be a very worthy man."
+
+"Have you seen him since the fatal accident?"
+
+"No, no! I have no heart to visit such a house of mourning. The
+fact is, I shall never be able to see him again, for I planned the
+excursion, and induced his son and daughter to join it. This I now
+regret; but regrets are useless things."
+
+"Regrets do sometimes produce happy results, and I should think that
+yours, just now, must be very keen."
+
+"Indeed, they are intensely keen. It will be a long time before I
+get over the impression this fatal accident has made on me."
+
+"You should take it as a warning."
+
+"Well, I don't know how it is, but I never feel quite myself when
+taking a Sunday excursion; I feel a little qualm of conscience,
+even though I do not hold the Sunday in such reverence as you do. I
+thought some time[12] ago that I had got over these qualms, but they
+will come back at times in spite of me."
+
+  [12] Vol. i. page 17.
+
+"I am glad to hear you say that your conscience does reprove you
+when you profane the Sabbath, and I hope its reproofs will be more
+severe than they ever have been. They may be your protection against
+some fatal danger."
+
+"Then, Sir, if I do not mistake your meaning, you wish me to be
+frightened into the adoption of religious habits. Is this a fair
+specimen of your Christian charity?"
+
+"The storm sometimes saves the vessel which might become a wreck in
+the calm, as we heard in the sermon last evening; and I assure you I
+should be highly gratified to see you agitated by a salutary feeling
+of dread and perplexity regarding the state of your soul, as I then
+should indulge a hope that you would 'flee from the wrath to come,'
+and take refuge in the promises of the gospel."
+
+"Well, I must confess that Mr. Guion is one of the most eloquent
+preachers I ever heard. The conclusion of his sermon was truly
+sublime; the congregation appeared to quail under its terror--a
+feeling which by no means surprised me. There is, indeed, a fearful
+terror in the words the _wrath to come_; and there was almost an
+irresistible impressiveness in the look and tones of the preacher
+when urging his audience to flee from it. I felt, just before he
+finished, that I must take refuge in the promises of the gospel; but
+the internal commotion soon subsided when I found myself beyond the
+reach of his voice, though still I cannot forget it."
+
+"Now, Sir, to be candid; is not the terror you felt, when listening
+to the sermon we heard, and the abiding recollection of it,
+something like an unconscious homage instinctively paid to the
+positive reality of the Christian faith? for we can hardly suppose
+that you would invest a mere fiction with such power of impression."
+
+"Why, no; I can scarcely admit that. My idea is, that my present
+feelings are merely the lingering influences of early religious
+training, with its accompanying associations; and we all know that
+such influences may subsist long after we have been led to form
+different opinions in our maturer years."
+
+"They live to admonish and to warn, as well as to chastise. There
+_may_ be a _wrath to come_. This you must admit, simply because you
+do not know there is not; nor can you know, unless God is pleased
+to tell you so. _Hence your scepticism needs a Divine revelation
+to sustain it_--mere disbelief goes for nothing in settling such a
+question."
+
+"Well, I know there is great difficulty, and sometimes an
+impossibility, in proving a negative; but one thing is absolutely
+certain--I cannot compel myself to believe what you believe, any
+more than you can compel yourself to disbelieve what I disbelieve."
+
+"My belief has evidence to sustain it; but your disbelief has none.
+And while your disbelief is accompanied by a feeling of uneasiness
+and perplexity, my faith exerts a soothing influence, which keeps my
+mind in perfect peace."
+
+"Well, I admit that your faith does more for you than my disbelief
+does for me; but I cannot believe what you do without impeaching
+both the wisdom and the beneficence of the Deity. In other words,
+the Deity must sink in my admiration before I can admit the Divine
+origin of Christianity."
+
+"But how so?"
+
+"The eloquent preacher whom we heard last evening, when discoursing
+on the expression in his text, _he was believed on in the world_,
+advanced two distinct propositions, which he endeavoured to sustain
+by arguments taken from your Scriptures. The first was, that _there
+is salvation for the chief of sinners if they believe in Christ and
+trust in him_. You believe and are safe, and are happy because you
+expect to be saved. Now, I have no objection to advance against
+this; because I know that faith, or trust in Him, does produce these
+moral effects on true believers. But my nature revolts against his
+second proposition, which was, _that none can be saved who do not
+believe in Christ, and trust in him for salvation_."
+
+"In sustaining those propositions the preacher said--and there is
+great force in the remark--that we can have no assurance that any
+will be saved but by a Divine testimony in proof of it; and that
+if it please God to limit the exercise of his saving power to one
+prescribed method, our objections against it will be altogether
+unavailing."
+
+"Yes, Sir, you quote correctly. Now, in my opinion, it would be a
+reflection on the wisdom and beneficence of the Deity to suppose
+that he has bound himself under such a forced law of restriction
+as compels him to exclude all from a state of future happiness but
+the few who do believe and do trust in Christ. Why, have we not
+amongst us many men of unsullied honour, of princely generosity,
+and of the most amiable dispositions--men who take the lead in
+benevolent enterprises and social improvements--poets, philosophers,
+historians, and statesmen, who are applauded in public, and admired
+and esteemed in private life, but who cannot bow down and do homage
+to Jesus Christ, by reposing an absolute dependence on him for a
+hope of future blessedness, even though they unwillingly pay an
+external homage to the regulations and institutions of Christianity?
+Are men of such a high order of mind--of such brilliant virtues--men
+who are the very life and soul of society--to be cast off and left
+to perish along with the dissipated and the worthless? It cannot be."
+
+"Your objection, then, does not lie so much against the salvation
+of the great sinners, who repent and believe in Christ, as it does
+against the law of restriction, which excludes all who do not repent
+and believe from the hope of salvation."
+
+"I can admit your first proposition, without much difficulty,
+even though I do not say that I actually believe it; but I cannot
+entertain a belief that the Deity has enacted a law which restricts
+the exercise of his beneficence to a select few, some of whom, on
+your own admission, are more distinguished for their vices than for
+their virtues."
+
+"But is not the law of restriction, even now, a fundamental law
+of God's administrative government? For example, are superior
+intelligence, genius, or wealth, made common property--to be
+possessed by men share and share alike? Do we not see that the few
+surpass the many--that some are brilliant stars while others are
+mere glowworms; and while some occupy stations of affluence and
+grandeur, others are left without a settled home, or any of the
+comforts of life?"
+
+"Why, if we really do believe that we are living under the
+administrative government of the Deity, then there is no denying
+the existence of this restrictive law. Facts are stubborn things;
+those you mention are strongly corroborative of your views. But it
+does not necessarily follow that this law of restriction applies to
+our final destiny, even though it may be applicable to our present
+condition of existence."
+
+"But this admission deprives you of the basis on which you rest your
+argument, that a law of restriction would be a direct impeachment of
+the wisdom and the beneficence of the Deity."
+
+"Well, perhaps it does."
+
+"If, then, facts compel us to admit that this law of restriction is
+in full operation _now_, while we are on earth, surely we must admit
+the possibility of its continuance in a future state of existence,
+without impugning the wisdom or justice of the Deity?"
+
+"I never enter on a discussion on the questions at issue between us,
+without feeling compelled to do one of two things; and yet I cannot
+bring my mind to do either. I must admit the truth of revelation and
+its explanations, and this I cannot do; or I must abandon myself
+to _universal_ scepticism, and this I feel unwilling to do. But I
+do confess that I feel it more easy to disbelieve than to believe.
+However, waiving further reference to this difficulty, allow me to
+call your attention to another point, which, if not more difficult
+than the one we have just been discussing, assumes, at least in my
+estimation, an aspect of great perplexity. Assuming then, for the
+sake of the argument, that the Deity does restrict the bestowal
+of future happiness to those who do believe and trust in Christ,
+could he not have devised some other scheme for this purpose, and
+one equally perfect and effective--one, in fact, less open to
+objections?"
+
+"I will reply to your question by asking another. Could not God
+have made a world different to the one in which we live--one more
+congenial to our taste, and less exposed to those privations and
+hardships to which we are often subjected, and which we sometimes
+so much dread?--A world, for example, in which every convenience
+and necessary should be placed within reach; the earth producing
+spontaneously the supplies of corn and fruits necessary for our
+subsistence--a sufficient supply of dew as a substitute for rain
+with its discomforts--the purification of the air effected by gentle
+breezes instead of by tempests and hurricanes--no diseases to rack
+the body nor cares to harass the mind; a world, in fine, in which
+universal happiness should prevail, and sorrow and toil be unknown?"
+
+"Yes, there is no denying that the Deity could have done this."
+
+"But God has not done it; and therefore to object to what he has
+done, because we can imagine he could have done something better,
+is as useless, as it would be childish. Now, suppose for a moment
+some other plan of salvation had been devised, it would have been
+to accomplish what is effected by the present scheme--namely, the
+final happiness of man. The present scheme, then, answers the
+beneficent purpose of its Author--another plan could do no more
+than this; but it would be romantic to suppose that it could be
+so arranged, in its various parts and modes of application, as to
+preclude the possibility of any objections to it, when we well
+know it is next to impossible to find any twenty men who all think
+alike even on the most obvious facts. Christianity places before us
+two great practical facts, in which our present safety and final
+happiness are involved: first, there is a way to heaven or to a
+state of future blessedness--this should excite our gratitude;
+there is only one way--this should make us cautious, lest, through
+ignorance, prejudice, or carelessness, we come short of so glorious
+a consummation."
+
+"Your explanations, Sir, may be satisfactory to yourself, but they
+are not so to me. Indeed, the more I think of it, the more I feel
+disinclined to bow down and do homage to the Christian faith. Now,
+for example, it is an indisputable historic fact that many ages
+elapsed before Christianity was promulgated; and, during this long
+period, what countless millions of human beings must, on your
+hypothesis, have perished, without ever having had a chance of being
+saved! Would the Deity have remained silent so long if he had bound
+himself to your law of restriction--to save none but the few who
+believe and trust in Christ for salvation?"
+
+"If Christianity, which is the completion of the original scheme
+of salvation, was not promulgated till a comparatively late period
+in the history of our world, yet the essential substance of it was
+known from the earliest period of time. The apostle says, that
+Abel, the first man who tasted the bitterness of death, offered his
+prefigurative sacrifice in faith, which is a proof that he knew
+the way of salvation, to be perfected by the death of the promised
+Saviour; and we may fairly presume that what he knew, would be
+made known to his descendants, from one generation to another. And
+the same apostle says, when speaking of his Jewish ancestors--'For
+unto us was the gospel preached as well as unto them; but the word
+preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them
+that heard it' (Heb. iv. 2). And Jesus Christ himself says--'Your
+father Abraham rejoiced to see my day; and he saw it, and was glad'
+(John viii. 56). From the time of Abraham to the actual coming of
+Christ, the clearest and fullest revelations of this scheme of
+salvation were limited to Abraham's descendants; but we can collect
+from the records of ancient history, scanty as its materials are,
+sufficient evidence to prove, that amongst the people of other
+nations it descended by traditional report and testimony, from one
+generation to another, so as to leave them without excuse, if they
+perished in their disbelief, or from their own neglect of giving it
+due attention. At length they became so corrupt and debased that
+they were left, as a judicial visitation from God, to suffer the
+consequences of their depravity and impenitence (Rom. i. 21-25)."
+
+"But what immense numbers of human beings must, on your hypothesis,
+have perished during this long reign of ignorance and moral
+corruption; and I do not see that the state of things is much
+improved at the present time. Now, let us look at the case just as
+it is. Christianity has been in existence and in active operation,
+so you say, for nearly two thousand years; and yet how small is the
+space on the surface of our globe which is illumined by what you
+call her celestial light, in comparison with the vast regions which
+are enveloped in moral darkness!"
+
+"I admit it," I replied.
+
+"But how will you reconcile such a tremendous state of things, with
+the acknowledged wisdom and beneficence of the Deity?"
+
+"You are aware, Sir, that we are often compelled to admit as
+indisputable facts, what we cannot reconcile with the wisdom and
+benevolence of God--as the slave-trade, for example, slavery as it
+now exists in America, and the perpetration of murders, and other
+social crimes."
+
+"Very true, Sir; these are confounding facts. They often stagger me."
+
+"Permit me to say, that the arguments you adduce to disprove, if
+possible, the truth of the Christian faith, and its practical
+utility, are precisely those I would employ in proof of its Divine
+origin and beneficial tendency. Going back to an early period of
+time, let us consider some of the indisputable facts of history. The
+tribes of Israel, we know, had been held for centuries as slaves
+in the land of Egypt; and after their emancipation they went to
+reside in Palestine. In most of those qualities which command the
+respect and admiration of mankind, the Jewish nation was remarkably
+deficient. With the exception of their sacred writings, their
+literature appears to have been meagre in the extreme; no eminent
+philosophers, historians, or orators adorn their annals, and the
+fine arts seem scarcely to have had any existence among them.
+Compared with the Greeks and Romans, and other nations of antiquity,
+they were barbarians; and were spoken of in the language of scorn
+and contempt by their more accomplished and renowned contemporaries.
+In ONE department of knowledge, however, the despised Jewish people
+far surpassed the haughty statesmen and polished sages of Greece
+and Rome. They knew the only true God, and spoke of him in a style
+corresponding with his greatness, his condescension, and his
+paternal love. While the inhabitants of all other countries were
+abandoned to the grossest and most abject superstition and idolatry,
+the Hebrews alone adored one God, and alone appear to have possessed
+any suitable ideas of the dignity and holiness of the Supreme
+Being; and while the worship of the pagan divinities was licentious
+and cruel, that of the God of the Jews was distinguished by its
+mildness and purity. Here is a contrast which must be traced to some
+adequate cause."
+
+"The Jews most certainly, in this department of knowledge, claim a
+just superiority over other ancient nations; but this may have been
+owing to their isolation and their training."
+
+"That I grant; but their isolation was a Divine arrangement, and
+their training a Divine dispensation. They were separated from all
+other people by the express command of the Lord their God; and their
+teachers who trained them in this department of knowledge--the
+knowledge of the only true God, and of the way of salvation,
+proclaimed that God had made himself known to them by special
+revelation."
+
+"Yes, they said so, and I will admit that they believed it was so;
+but as they were not infallible, they may have been mistaken."
+
+"Why, Sir, any person of common sense can easily distinguish
+between a discovery, and a communication as to matters of fact.
+However, to account for their superior knowledge on these sublime
+and recondite subjects, without admitting the correctness of their
+own testimony,'that God spake to _their fathers_,' is absolutely
+impossible, unless we believe--what would be an outrage on common
+sense to imagine--that there is more acuteness in mental dulness
+than in superior intelligence; and that an untutored people,
+while devoting themselves chiefly to agriculture and the rearing
+of cattle, could eclipse, by the grandeur and sublimity of their
+discoveries, a people who has long enjoyed the highest degree of
+intellectual culture."
+
+"But, Sir, your Scriptures prove that the Jews had amongst them
+men of genius and of great mental power. Isaiah, for example, in
+sublimity and lofty grandeur of conception and description, has
+no superior in any age or country; and the pastoral odes of David
+equal, if they do not surpass, anything we meet with in Pope or
+Addison. As a legislator, Moses stands at the head of his order,
+and, if my memory serves me, the great critic Longinus says he
+was no ordinary man; and, therefore, it is not a matter of such
+wonderment that they made discoveries of the Deity which no other
+philosophers ever made."
+
+"But you forget that what you call their discoveries were
+inspirations, which came upon them from the Source of all knowledge;
+and to these inspirations they uniformly attribute their knowledge
+of the only true God, and that scheme of salvation which he had
+devised on behalf of man. And this belief was entertained by all
+the tribes of Israel, not simply because their teachers said so,
+but because, they confirmed the truthfulness of their testimony by
+signs, and wonders, and divers miracles."
+
+"And yet after all their novel and sublime discoveries in regard
+to these all-important subjects, and after all the miraculous
+attestations which you say were supplied in confirmation of their
+truthfulness, we find that they apostatized from the worship of
+their Deity, and relapsed again and again into idolatrous worship
+and practices, and became corrupt and debased like the people of
+other nations."
+
+"That is very true, Sir; and the consequences resulting from their
+apostasy supplies a very cogent argument in favour of my hypothesis.
+While they adhered to the worship of the true God, and observed the
+statutes and ordinances which he gave them, they were a united,
+virtuous, and prosperous people; and, though few in number, they
+were great in power. No invading force could subdue them, nor
+could any adjoining country into which they carried their arms
+withstand the shock of their assaults. But when they renounced their
+allegiance to Him, and relapsed into idolatry, practising at the
+same time the cruel and obscene rites of heathenism, they became
+debased and corrupt like other pagan nations; and then, when the
+protecting arm of the Lord their God was withdrawn, they fell an
+easy prey to their enemies, who reduced them to a state of slavery
+more galling to their national pride than that of Egypt. And,
+in further confirmation of my argument, just let us look at the
+present moral state of those countries which have not yet received
+and submitted to the authority of Christianity. There we find
+most triumphant evidence in favour of the moral superiority of the
+Christian system over every other at present existing in the world,
+in regard to promoting the dignity and happiness of mankind. Without
+descending to the gross idolatries of Fetichism, and other abject
+forms of superstition, what is the social condition of nations where
+Mahometanism or Buddhism is professed? and what, on the other hand,
+is that of those countries, where Christianity has been established?"
+
+"To you, Sir, who believe that the Deity restricts the bestowal of
+a state of future blessedness to that comparatively small number
+who believe in Jesus Christ, the condition of those nations where
+Christianity is not established must appear truly appalling; but to
+myself it presents no such painful aspect, because, as the Deity
+has permitted this state of things to descend from one generation
+to another, for such a series of ages, I believe he looks with an
+_equal eye_ of compassion and beneficence on all his offspring;
+and that, _if there be a future state of blessedness in reserve_,
+he will discard your law of restriction, and confer everlasting
+happiness on all, without respect to their faith, or their religious
+rites and customs. Hence I see no absolute necessity why you should
+embark in that crusade of missionary enterprise and labour, which we
+heard recommended and enforced with so much eloquence last evening;
+for we are not sure that if such a transfer of homage, and change
+in the mode of worship, could be effected, it would augment the
+happiness of the people who are the subjects of it, or improve their
+social habits and dispositions."
+
+"I am rather surprised to hear you make these remarks; however,
+without noticing all of them, I think I can convince you that on
+some points you are labouring under a species of delusion, and
+that I shall endeavour to point out. I proceed, then, at once, to
+real or very probable matters of fact. A vessel, richly laden and
+scantily manned, may sail up the Thames or the Clyde in perfect
+safety, even if there are no weapons of defence on board; but if she
+were to venture near the coast of some parts of the Indian seas,
+her passengers and crew would run the risk of a contest for their
+lives and liberty with the savages on shore. If a vessel should be
+wrecked on the shores of the once savage, but now Christian islands
+of Tahiti or Raratonga, its crew and passengers would be sure of
+a kind reception from the natives; while, if a similar disaster
+should happen on the shores of the Feejees or of Sumatra, they
+would run the risk of being seized and devoured; or, if spared this
+fate, would be compelled to live in degradation and misery. Here
+are striking contrasts, amongst human beings who are endowed with
+the same powers of intelligence and sympathy as ourselves; but to
+what singular cause are these to be referred, unless it be to the
+influence of the Christian faith, which, you doubt, will work no
+beneficial change in the character and condition of man?"
+
+"You strike home now, and I feel I must surrender. But still, while
+the diffusion of Christianity may tend to tame the wild savage, and
+make him more like a human being, I do not see any necessity for
+your missionary labours amongst the Chinese or the Hindoos, who are
+highly civilized, and, upon the whole, intelligent. Why should any
+efforts be made to dispossess them of their religion, with its rites
+and ceremonies, which they inherit from their forefathers?"
+
+"I think that no compulsory efforts should be made to achieve this
+end; but I presume you would not think it wrong that our government
+should introduce the humane laws of Britain into all her foreign
+dependencies?"
+
+"Why, no; such a measure, I think, would be very advisable."
+
+"I thank you for this admission in favour of the necessity of
+Christian missions, especially to India, where cruelties are still
+practised in broad day, such as we should be apt to regard as
+monstrous inventions, fitted only to gratify a morbid appetite for
+the horrible, were they not attested by faithful eye-witnesses.
+What think you of this specimen? At the annual festival in honour
+of Muha Div (the great god), many persons are suspended in the air
+by large hooks, thrust through the integuments of their backs,[13]
+and swung round for a quarter of an hour, in honour of this deity;
+and often over a slow fire. Others have their sides pierced, and
+cords are introduced between the skin and ribs, and drawn backwards
+and forwards, while these victims of superstition dance through
+the streets. Others cast themselves from a stage upon open knives,
+inserted in packs of cotton. Sometimes one of these knives enters
+the body, and the poor wretch is carried off to expire. If an infant
+refuses his mother's milk, it is often hung up in a basket on a
+tree, to be devoured by the vultures. This is no criminal offence,
+as it would be amongst us, but a ceremonial regulation of their
+faith. And in India, the mother often sacrifices her first-born,
+to conciliate her guardian deity in behalf of her unborn progeny.
+When the child is two or three years old, she takes it to the river,
+encourages it to enter, as though about to bathe it, but suffers it
+to pass into the current of water, when she abandons it, and stands
+an inactive spectator, beholding the struggles and listening to the
+screams of her perishing infant."
+
+  [13] We find, from a document which has recently come from India
+  (December, 1856), that some of these cruel rites are abolished in
+  a few of the provinces; and there is now no doubt but the work of
+  legislative humanity and enlightened policy having been begun, will
+  steadily advance, till the triumphs of missionary enterprise in our
+  Indian empire are complete.
+
+  "An order has just been promulgated by the magistrate of Poonah,
+  under instructions from government, prohibiting hook-swinging and
+  other barbarous practices throughout the Poonah Zillah. Such a
+  measure has long been desired by all who wish for the improvement
+  of the natives. Of old it was believed--or careless and idle minds
+  found it convenient to believe--that it was dangerous to meddle
+  with any native practice, however immoral or revolting, that was
+  connected with or claimed the sanction of religion. But times are
+  changed, and innovations which might not safely have been attempted
+  a century or half a century ago, the age is now ripe for.
+
+  "Another barbarous custom, also prevalent at Jejooree, is
+  interdicted by the proclamation of Mr. Davidson. A man runs a sword
+  through the fleshy part of his leg for about a foot, and, drawing
+  it out, sprinkles the blood on the entrance of the temple. For this
+  feat he receives large free-will offerings; and the right to perform
+  it is vested, as a valuable privilege, in a body of about fifteen
+  families, to each individual of which it comes round once in about
+  six or seven years. These men, however, long ago declared that they
+  would be glad to discontinue the practice (which some think is a
+  remnant of the rite of human sacrifice) if their incomes could be
+  assured to them."
+
+"I would have all these cruel rites and ceremonies put down by the
+force of law; which, of course, would supersede the necessity of
+your missionary enterprise."
+
+"As experience is a safe guide in the settlement of doubtful
+questions, a reference to it, on the present occasion, will
+supply palpable evidence that the labours of our missionaries
+in India have been of great importance and value, both to the
+natives themselves, and also to the government, by facilitating
+the introduction and peaceable establishment of a humane policy.
+The history of their labours proves that they were not visionary
+speculatists, but sober-thinking men, who knew and realized the
+fact, that wherever Christianity prevails it uniformly conduces to
+the progress of mankind;--that it communicates that just manner
+of thinking upon the most important subjects, which, extending
+its influence thence to every department of speculative and
+moral truth, inspires a freedom of inquiry, and an elevation
+of sentiment, that raises its disciples immeasurably above the
+level of unassisted nature. This great historic truth gave them
+confidence in the prosecution of their herculean labours. Let me
+now notice what they have already accomplished, and that without
+creating any popular disturbances amongst the natives, thus
+falsifying the predictions of their opponents, who, from the press
+and in both houses of parliament, were accustomed to say, that the
+safety of our Indian possessions was endangered by the presence
+of our missionaries there; and that our Indian empire would be
+irrecoverably lost if any legislative measure were introduced
+to suppress or control the superstitious customs and rites of
+the natives. In the first place, the missionaries have given us
+correct information on all matters relating to the Hindoos--their
+worship, and its various ceremonies--their character, and social
+habits; and thus, by an accumulation of authentic facts, they have
+disproved the statements of our popular writers, that the Hindoos
+are not only an intelligent, but a very virtuous people; and that
+their religious rites and services, though novel and repulsive
+to Europeans, are both chaste and humane. Since the missionaries
+exposed this deception, which had been so long practised upon us, no
+one has ventured to eulogize the virtues, or defend the religious
+practices of the Hindoos. In the second place, they established
+schools for the education of the youth of India, both male and
+female; and thus they have succeeded, to a very considerable extent,
+in diffusing both scientific and biblical knowledge, which is
+noiselessly but effectively rescuing them from the dominion of the
+debasing ignorance and superstition under which their forefathers
+had been living from time immemorial. And no one doubts, who is at
+all conversant with the present state of things in India, but the
+rising generation will far surpass any preceding one, in mental
+acuteness, in knowledge, and in moral character. In the third place,
+by their writings, their preaching, and their intercourse with the
+natives, they have proved useful pioneers in clearing the way for
+the peaceable introduction of the laws promulgated by the British
+government for the suppression of many of those cruel practices to
+which I have already alluded. In the fourth place, without employing
+any undue modes of attack and exposure, they have succeeded, to a
+very considerable extent, in shaking the confidence of the Hindoos
+in the truth of their national faith; and a powerful conviction is
+impressed on the Indian mind--an impression which is becoming deeper
+and deeper every day--that the days of their mythology are numbered,
+and that ere long its humiliation and subversion will be achieved.
+And, in addition to these proofs and indications of their success, I
+have to report another of their triumphs, and that refers _to your
+own fraternity_--the conversion of many of our own countrymen, who,
+on their settlement in India, became first speculative, and then
+practical unbelievers--rejecting, as visionary or fabulous, the
+faith of their early training, and often distinguishing themselves
+by their virulent hostility to the Christian missionary and his
+labours; but who now zealously co-operate with him in his exertions
+to spread the knowledge of the way of salvation."
+
+"To you, these doings of your missionaries are splendid triumphs in
+confirmation of the Divine origin of that faith, which restricts
+the bestowal of a state of future blessedness to the comparatively
+few who believe in Jesus Christ; but to me they appear nothing
+more than the natural consequences of a well-concerted attack on
+a long-established and nearly worn-out order of things, which we
+know invariably results in dividing popular opinion. On all such
+occasions _Divide and conquer_ is the motto, and when this is done,
+then the pruning off from the old stock of belief and opinion,
+and the engrafting on the new one, is an operation as natural as
+it is easy. Human nature is given to change; the love of it is an
+essential element in our mental constitution, and nothing is more
+common than going from one extreme to another, or more likely than
+the change from Brahminism or Buddhism to the faith of Christianity."
+
+"And from Deism to Christianity also, as I have shown you. Hence,
+to quote your own words, I indulge the hope that you will become a
+believer, if we have patience."
+
+"A possible event, on the assumed correctness of your hypothesis, as
+then I may be operated on by some Divine influence, which I shall
+have no power to withstand; but on my own supposition, as remote
+from possibility as the junction of the antipodes."
+
+"We shall see. You have already advanced some way in the right
+direction. But to return to India. Here is a fact, which was
+not publicly known amongst us, till it was reported by our
+missionaries--that one whole tribe in India has uniformly destroyed
+every female child born amongst them, so that they have been obliged
+to take their wives from the tribe next in rank to them. On one
+occasion a father's heart recoiled when the emissaries of murder
+demanded his daughter; and he repelled them from his presence. Her
+life was spared, and she grew up tenderly beloved by her parents;
+but the sight of a girl rising to maturity in the house of a
+Rajpoot, was so novel, and so contrary to the customs of the tribe,
+that no parent sought her in marriage for his son. The grief-worn
+father, suffering under the frowns of his own tribe, and trembling
+for the chastity of his daughter, and the honour of his family, bore
+her off to a pathless desert, where, with his own hand, he slew her,
+leaving her body to be devoured by wild beasts."
+
+"Horrid! horrid! Such transactions as these, if true and believed,
+are enough to rouse popular indignation against our government
+for not adopting some prompt and severe measures to prevent their
+repetition. I would annihilate the whole tribe, rather than suffer
+such inhuman monsters to live on earth."
+
+"You then would recommend a wholesale massacre to save a few lives;
+while I would advocate the introduction amongst them of a pure and
+humane faith, which teaches and enforces the relative obligations of
+parents and children as they prevail amongst ourselves. This sense
+of relative obligation, and the social improvement which necessarily
+follows it, Christianity, by its mild and persuasive influence,
+has already succeeded in establishing in the cannibal islands of
+the South Sea, and also, to some extent, amongst the natives of
+civilized India. Christianity can do, and I have no doubt will do,
+for India what she has done for Britain--subvert her idolatry,
+with its cruel and obscene rites, and raise up an enlightened and
+renovated native population, who, with gladsome voices, will sing
+the song of Bethlehem, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth
+peace, good-will toward men' (Luke ii. 14)."
+
+Mr. Gordon, on rising to take his leave, said, "Well, there is no
+denying the fact, that the world is in a sad disordered state;
+and if you think you can improve it by your missionary labours, I
+will not impeach the benevolence of your motives, though, without
+hesitation, I may predict the failure of your sacrifices and
+exertions."
+
+"But, Sir, you must acknowledge that it is more honourable to fail
+in the cause of philanthropy than to make no effort."
+
+"This honour, I believe, is in reserve for you, though I must say
+you merit one more brilliant. Go on, my dear Sir; but don't be
+too sanguine. Utopia I know is very rich in splendid scenery, but
+unfortunately it partakes much of the nature of the mirage. Good
+night; with many thanks for all your good wishes."
+
+
+
+
+A RENEWED ENCOUNTER.
+
+
+The night before I left London, Mr. Gordon again called, and, after
+some desultory conversation, our attention happened to be directed
+to the book entitled _No Fiction_, which was lying on the table.
+This led to a somewhat sharp and lengthened encounter.
+
+"I dipped into that book," said Mr. Gordon, "the other day, and it
+gave me some amusement, as the tale is made to appear a very natural
+one. Its author narrates and sketches extremely well, for a divine,
+and it is highly creditable to his talents, which must certainly be
+of a superior order."
+
+"Yes, Sir, he is quite a superior man. There is one paragraph of his
+tale to which I should like to direct your attention, and which, by
+your permission, I will read to you."
+
+"Read on, Sir, and I'll give all due attention."
+
+I then read as follows:--
+
+     "I have often been delighted," said Douglas, "in reading the
+     accounts of the power of religion on the minds of children; but
+     this is the _first_ instance which has fallen beneath my own
+     eye. What a religion is ours! How great--and yet how plain! It
+     is so sublime, that it rises beyond the conception of the most
+     enlarged mind! and so simple, that it brings home its lessons to
+     the bosom of a little child! The elements of the gospel, like
+     the elements of our nourishment, are adapted to the endless
+     varieties of age, and character, and circumstance, throughout
+     all the human race."
+
+     "And this appears," said Lefevre, "to be a feature in our
+     religion which distinguishes it from all false religions. As
+     far as I am acquainted with the subject, no one of the pagan
+     systems _could_ have been rendered universal. They all received
+     their character from national prejudice, national policy, and
+     predominant national vices."
+
+     "Yes," rejoined Douglas, "and as, in their own nature, they
+     were not adapted for the benefit of mankind as such, so their
+     great teachers discovered an indifference to the bulk of the
+     human race, incompatible with everything which deserves the
+     name either of religion or morality. With haughty pride they
+     exulted in their own wisdom, and looked down with scorn or
+     ridicule on the folly of those who were not initiated into
+     their false philosophy. Man scarcely deserved their notice,
+     but as he claimed the proud titles of rich, or wise, or noble;
+     and women and children were utterly abandoned to ignorance and
+     wretchedness. Jesus, our blessed Saviour, was the first Master
+     in religion who opened the door of knowledge _to all_--who
+     carried his instructions and his tears to the cottage of _the
+     poor_! This appears to me to involve a powerful evidence of the
+     truth of Christianity, that may well perplex and confound the
+     hosts of infidelity. I have more than once thought that the
+     psalmist must have referred to this use of the subject, when
+     he said, 'Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast
+     ordained strength, because of thine enemies: that thou mightest
+     still the enemy and the avenger.'"
+
+"This passage, if I remember rightly," Mr. Gordon remarked,
+"refers to a tale very similar to your story of _The Woodman's
+Daughter_; but I must confess, with all due deference, that I see
+nothing very remarkable in it; and how you can think of adducing
+it as an argument in favour of the Divine origin of Christianity,
+rather surprises me. Children, we know, are imitative. They take
+the manners, the habits, and the tones of their parents and
+teachers; and if they should adopt their sentiments, feelings, and
+expressions, it certainly ought not to be considered remarkable. But
+yet I should like to hear how you contrive to connect such a fact
+and the divinity of the gospel together."
+
+"Such a fact, Sir, proves that the Christian religion is adapted
+(as we may fairly presume it would be, if of Divine origin), to the
+moral condition of man, irrespective of his age--of the strength
+or weakness of his intellect--or the peculiar shades of his moral
+character. To suppose that this adaptation is by accident, would be
+no less objectionable than to conclude, with the sceptics of the
+French school, that it is by chance we see, hear, and speak. If you
+are prepared to admit that the marks of contrivance, which we can
+easily discover in the construction and organization of our senses,
+supply us with a legitimate argument in favour of the existence
+of a God, by whose power and wisdom this organization has been
+arranged, I cannot conceive how you can avoid admitting the marks of
+contrivance which we can as easily trace in the Christian scheme of
+salvation, as conclusive evidence in favour of its Divine origin."
+
+"O Sir! it has been invented by a few crafty men, who wished to
+display their skill at the expense of our credulity, and they have
+done it most dexterously. They were certainly adepts in invention."
+
+"I know that this is a favourite opinion with you Deists; but I do
+not think that you can support it. How came these men to devise a
+scheme of religion which is so admirably adapted to the moral state
+of man? From whence did they gain their information? They tell us
+that they wrote under the dictation of an infinitely wise Spirit,
+and, in common fairness, their testimony ought to be admitted;
+and, I think, a candid examination of what they have done, and the
+style in which they have done it, will satisfy us that they are
+truth-speaking men. I form my judgment on this point as I should on
+another somewhat analogous to it. If, for example, I saw an epic
+poem equal to that of Virgil or Milton, or a treatise on logic
+superior to that of Dr. Watt's, written by a boy of ten years of
+age; and, if on expressing my astonishment and admiration, he
+should say--'The writing, Sir, is mine, but nothing more--I wrote
+from the dictation of Wordsworth and Whately,' I should at once
+believe him, from a consciousness of his incompetency to produce
+such compositions by his own unaided powers. So with the sacred
+writers. We know that, with very few exceptions, they were unlearned
+and ignorant men, and their contemporaries who knew them spoke of
+them as such; and yet they have surpassed all other men in the
+science of moral and spiritual truth. In confirmation, too, of this
+internal evidence of the truthfulness of their testimony, that
+they wrote under the dictation of an infallible Spirit, we find,
+on examination, that the various parts of their comprehensive, yet
+minute theory, are in perfect harmony with each other, while, at
+the same time, the theory itself is admirably adapted to the moral
+condition of humanity. The marks of contrivance are too obvious to
+allow us to refer the arrangements to chance, or the mere skill of
+man. For our guilt, it provides a propitiatory sacrifice, whose
+blood cleanses from all sin--for our depravity, it provides a
+renovating influence, by which, we are made partakers of the purity
+of the Divine nature; regarding us as oppressed with cares and
+sorrows, it animates us with exceeding great and precious promises,
+by which we are enabled to put our trust in God, and thus rise above
+the trials of this life; and, viewing us as panting for immortality,
+it unveils futurity, and delights us with the sublime vision of
+endless happiness."
+
+"To you, who are initiated into a firm belief of the Divine
+origin of Christianity, this apparent adaptation of it to our
+moral condition and necessities, and its revelations of a future
+state of happiness, must appear as the consummation of wisdom
+and benevolence. But I cannot resist the impression, that it is
+to the activity of your imagination you ought to attribute this
+correspondence, rather than to any actual fact; and that you are,
+at least so I think, unconsciously beguiling yourself with pleasing
+anticipations which will all prove visionary."
+
+"The gospel, Sir, is a living reality, and it works moral wonders."
+
+"I don't quite comprehend your meaning."
+
+"I mean, that it answers the purpose for which it was intended, or,
+in other words, it does the moral work which is ascribed to it,
+and does it effectually; this I can prove by an appeal to living
+testimony. Hence, when it is received by faith, it _does_ give peace
+to a wounded conscience; it _does_ infuse a renovating power, by
+which man becomes a new creature, in his moral principles and social
+habits; it does administer the most soothing and strengthening
+consolation to the child of sorrow, and it animates the dying
+believer with the hopes of a blissful immortality. These are moral
+facts which the experience of myriads can attest."
+
+"Yes, I see how it is; the imagination traces a correspondence
+between its own impulses, and aerial flights, and the component
+parts of your scriptural theory; and you very naturally think that
+you would be robbed of an inestimable treasure, and the world at
+large sustain an irreparable loss, if your theory of faith should be
+exploded as a worn-out relic of an antiquated superstition."
+
+"But, after all you say against the Christian faith, I do not think
+you would vote for its expulsion from the earth, even if you thought
+you could succeed in effecting it; and I will tell you why. Its
+expulsion would be as great a calamity to the moral world, as the
+total disappearance of the solar light would be to the physical--we
+should at once relapse into a state of profound ignorance on
+all the important questions which relate to God, to our origin,
+our immortality, and our destiny. We should then find ourselves
+groping about, like the ancient heathen, amidst vain and foolish
+speculations, striving to unravel the mysteries of our nature, and
+finding no resting-place for our troubled spirits. I have often
+thought, when musing on such a fearful occurrence, what an awful
+gloom would spread over the world if we knew that the fatal hour
+was coming, when, by some supernatural process, all our knowledge
+of Jesus Christ, and the design of his mission and death, would
+suddenly pass away from human recollection; and when every leaf in
+our Bible, and of all other books referring to him, should become
+as blank as they were before they were printed--leaving us, like
+the doomed spirits of the infernal world, without a Saviour, or any
+promise of mercy."
+
+"_You_ would anticipate such a strange event with sad and awful
+forebodings. The disappearance of Jesus Christ from your theory
+of belief would be to you, and to all of your way of thinking, an
+irreparable calamity; though I must confess, that I cannot account
+for the hold he keeps on your imaginations. To me, this is a mystery
+which deepens in profundity the more I try to fathom it. His very
+name appears to be a charm, and of more than magic power."
+
+"Yes, Mr. Gordon, there is a charm in the name of Jesus, which
+at all times, but more especially under circumstances of great
+privation and danger, both soothes and elevates his disciples. They
+fear not to die in the tranquillity of their own homes or the raging
+of the tempest, on the scaffold or the battle-field."
+
+"I will not attempt to deny a fact which general testimony confirms;
+but permit me to ask, if you can assign any rational cause for what
+appears to me so mysterious?"
+
+"I can; the fact admits of a fair explanation. Those who have faith
+in Christ believe that, though invisible, He is ever near them to
+succour and to comfort them. Hence, the sailor, when pacing the deck
+during the dark and stormy night, prays to HIM, who, when sailing
+with his disciples, rebuked the winds and the waves; and he feels
+that he is addressing one who hears him, and can save him. Yes! and
+in the dreary cell of tyranny--at the stake of martyrdom--in penury,
+suffering, and in death--the name of Jesus is uttered with thrilling
+accents, and awakens associations which have tenfold greater power
+over the soul than the kindest expressions of human sympathy
+and love. I was an eye-witness, not long since, to a display of
+Christian heroism in death:--A young man, of superior intelligence
+and station in life, who had been rather sceptically inclined, was
+taken ill, and during his continued illness his sceptical notions
+vanished, and he became a simple believer in Christ Jesus. After the
+lapse of some months, his physician told him he must die, as his
+disease was beyond the reach of human skill. I was present when this
+announcement was made, and he received it without expressing either
+surprise or regret. When his medical attendant withdrew, he said to
+his mother and his sisters, who stood weeping by his bedside--'I am
+not surprised by your tears, for I know you love me; but weep not
+for me, for I am nearing the end of my course. My confidence of a
+glorious issue is placed on HIM, who is mighty to save; he is with
+me, though I see him not. Death's dark vale is illumined with the
+light of life, and I shall soon pass through it, and then I shall be
+safe and happy for ever.'"
+
+"Most marvellous! and yet I believe it. Such incidents as these are
+most impressive. We are mysterious beings, alternately terrified by
+our own imaginary fears, and excited to ecstasy by the illusions of
+our own fancy."
+
+"But the extinction of Christianity and its sacred records might
+prove a great disaster to you sceptics; especially at some of the
+turning points of your history."
+
+"To us! you now really take me by surprise; but, to be serious, how
+do you make this out?"
+
+"Why, it is well known that sceptics, when in expectation of death,
+often call on Jesus Christ to save them."
+
+"A drowning man will catch at a straw."
+
+"He would prefer a life-boat."
+
+"True."
+
+"I ask you one plain question--If you lived on a dangerous coast,
+would you ever scuttle a life-boat which has rescued many from
+destruction, and which possibly you may live to need?"
+
+"I see your drift, and admire your ingenuity. Of course, I would
+not."
+
+"Well, I will venture on another supposition, and leave you to
+decide whether I am not right in my conjectures, that even you,
+with all your antipathies to Jesus Christ, may be surprised in
+circumstances which would render the sound of his name the most
+effectual solace that could be given. Suppose, for instance, we were
+walking together in some vast forest in the far northern part of
+America, and saw advancing toward us a band of apparently ferocious
+savages, should we not tremble with fear and apprehension? But
+suppose, while in this state of terror, we should hear them singing
+in chorus a verse of some familiar hymn, would you then recoil in
+terror? Would you experience additional consternation on perceiving
+that these barbarians had been instructed in the Christian faith?"
+
+"I like your illustrations--they amuse me. Can't you favour me with
+another?"
+
+"I will try. Suppose you were sailing among the islands of the South
+Seas, and, when nearing one of them, would you not rather see the
+natives on the beach clothed in European dresses, as at Tahiti and
+Raratonga, than in a state of savage nudity? and would you hesitate
+to drop anchor if you heard them singing in harmony--
+
+    'Jesus shall reign where'er the sun
+    Does his successive journeys run:
+    His kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
+    Till moons shall wax and wane no more.'"
+
+"In arguing," said Mr. Gordon, "there is nothing more desirable than
+a good illustration, which gives pleasure, even when it does not
+produce conviction. Well, then, I will admit that there is a strange
+fascinating power in a name, and in mental associations, for which
+our most sagacious philosophers are unable to account; but that's
+no reason why I should give it my sanction, if I believe, as I do
+in these cases, that it springs out of a superstitious belief; and,
+therefore, leaving the sailor in the storm, and the prisoner in the
+cell, with the rest of your illustrative examples, and not caring
+to conjecture how I should act or feel if I were placed in such
+circumstances as you describe, I certainly, according to my present
+views and impressions, would vote for the expulsion of Christianity,
+if my suffrage could bring about such an event; but I fear that it
+is too deeply fixed in the prejudices of the public mind ever to be
+rooted up--at least in our time."
+
+"But would you not tremble in anticipation of the success of such
+an effort? Expel Christianity from the earth! Why, what evil has
+she done? You may trace her progress by the improved condition
+of the people whom she has visited and blessed. Where she finds
+a wilderness, she leaves a fruitful field for the sickle of the
+husbandman; she meets with briars and thorns, and converts them into
+the myrtle tree and the rose; she encounters all the base lusts and
+ferocious dispositions of our nature, and supplants them with the
+tranquillizing affections of purity and peace. She improves the
+intellect, refines the taste, and humanizes the character; and,
+by raising men to a state of spiritual communion with the Supreme
+Being, imprints on them the image of his benevolence, and animates
+them with his love of righteousness. She mitigates the violence of
+sorrow--binds up the wounds which adversity inflicts in the heart
+of man--reconciles the mourner to his bitter loss--disarms death of
+his terrors--and exhibits beyond the grave a scene of tranquillity
+and of joy which no hand can portray or tongue describe. Expel
+Christianity from the earth! Then, Sir, you would give perpetuity to
+those horrid systems of idolatry which maintain their dominion over
+the great majority of the human race, as no power will ever destroy
+them but that which the gospel of Christ displays. Nay, Sir; if you
+were to succeed, you would prove the greatest enemy to man that ever
+visited the earth since the author of all evil triumphed over our
+first parents: for how many thousands would you, by such a wanton
+act of cruelty, deprive of their sweetest sources of consolation,
+and their brightest prospects of happiness!"
+
+"You are eloquently severe; but, my dear Sir, you may spare your
+severity, as it is not likely that I shall ever make the attempt,
+and less likely that I should succeed, were I vain, or, to quote
+your own language, wanton and cruel enough to do it. I willingly
+admit that Christianity has done some good, but you must allow
+that she has done some evil; and it is but fair to balance the one
+against the other, to see which preponderates. If she has promoted
+peace in one country, she has planned massacres in others; if she
+has blessed one family, she has introduced discord and division into
+others; and if there are a few solitary individuals animated by her
+promises of mercy, there is a larger number who tremble under the
+awful denunciations of her vengeance."
+
+"Her promises of mercy are addressed to all, and all are invited
+to receive the blessings which she is willing to bestow; but if
+they disdainfully reject them, and treat her message of grace with
+contempt, she turns away, and announces their approaching doom;
+and she does this in a tone, and with a lofty majesty of speech,
+which often makes the most daring quail before her. But why do they
+tremble, if they believe she has no power to punish? Your other
+charges against her I will meet by a quotation from a book[14] which
+I wish you would peruse, and which I shall be happy to present to
+you:--
+
+     "That men calling themselves Christians have persecuted others
+     with unrelenting cruelty, and have shed rivers of innocent
+     blood, is but too true. Did Christianity countenance this
+     conduct, it would merit unqualified reprobation. But far from
+     such a disposition, it forbids all violence and injury to be
+     employed in its defence. Christianity never shed a drop of its
+     enemies' blood since the day that Christ died on the cross; but
+     it has been lavish of its own. It never forged a chain to bind
+     a heretic or an adversary, nor erected a prison to immure him.
+     Christianity never dipped her pen in tears of blood, to write a
+     penal law denouncing vengeance on infidels. She never made her
+     bitterest foe heave a groan, from any bodily suffering inflicted
+     by her hands. Her only weapons of offence and defence are truth
+     and prayer. She returns good for evil, and blessing for cursing.
+
+     "If men, wearing the garb of the disciples of Jesus, instigated
+     by pride, and the lust of dominion, and a desire to gratify
+     the worst passions of the human heart, injure any of the human
+     race under a pretence of zeal for religion, they act in direct
+     opposition to the gospel, and you cannot condemn them with too
+     much severity. But surely Christianity should not be condemned
+     for what it forbids men to perpetrate under pain of the Divine
+     displeasure. Or if such as were truly Christians ever sought
+     to put a stop to infidelity or error, and to propagate the
+     gospel in the world by force (and it is to be deplored with
+     tears of blood that such there have unhappily been), they will
+     receive no more thanks from Christ than the three disciples when
+     they wished him to bring down fire from heaven to destroy the
+     Samaritans:--'Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of: the
+     Son of man came not to destroy men's lives, but to save them.'
+     Nor would he account the words, which he directed to Peter on a
+     different occasion, too severe to be used to them here:--'Get
+     thee behind me, Satan, thou art an offence unto me; for thou
+     savourest not the things which be of God, but the things which
+     be of men.' Both the principles and precepts of the gospel,
+     and the conduct of Christ and his apostles, are as remote from
+     persecution as the east is from the west."
+
+  [14] Dr. Bogue's Essay on _The Divine Authority of the New Testament_.]
+
+"I admire the candid and amiable spirit of the writer, and will
+certainly read his book, if only from respect to the friendship
+which dictates the present; but I will not flatter you with any hope
+of bringing me over to your belief. However, waiving all personal
+remarks, allow me to ask you if you really believe that Christianity
+will ever become a universal religion? and, if so, how do you think
+it will be propagated through the earth?"
+
+"That it is _adapted_ to become a universal religion, no one
+can doubt who has ever inquired into its nature and design, or
+who has ever read the history of its progress. It is suited to
+man as a rebellious subject of the Divine government; and it has
+been embraced by men of every rank, of every clime, and of every
+description of character. Hence, if you could bring together, in
+one place, some natives of Europe, Africa, Asia, and America,
+or from any of the islands or cities which belong to either of
+these great divisions of the earth; and could, by some miraculous
+influence, impart to them the power of speaking the same language,
+you would find them all, if they had embraced the pure faith of
+Christ, giving utterance to the same sentiments--expressing the
+same feelings--exulting in the same prospects--and disclosing all
+the peculiarities of the same singular and extraordinary spiritual
+character."
+
+"But, Sir, if this hypothetical statement be correct, how will you
+account for the endless divisions which prevail amongst those who
+are known to embrace the same Christian faith?"
+
+"You ought, Sir, to distinguish between a real and a nominal
+Christian; and though I will not deny but there are diversities of
+opinion even amongst real Christians, yet they relate to minor and
+subordinate questions. Consider Christianity as coming from God--it
+is pure and unspeakably good; view it as received by men--it will
+be, as the schoolmen say, _secundum modum recipientis_. If the
+difference of capacity, and the prejudices and passions of mankind
+be duly weighed, we shall not account it strange if they do not
+all think alike, nor receive the truth in all its purity. But this
+is not peculiar to the Christian religion. There are divisions and
+dissensions in matters of religion among pagan idolaters, among
+Mahometans, and among Deists. You cannot deny it. But the Deist does
+not consider this as a reason for rejecting Deism. If so, neither
+is it a reason for rejecting Christianity. More particularly,
+some men are destitute of every noble principle--they are full
+of deceit, avarice, pride, and sensuality. We see them abuse the
+gifts of nature, and of Providence; is it wonderful, then, if they
+pervert Christianity too, and entertain different ideas of many of
+its doctrines from wise and godly men? It is no more an objection
+against Christianity being from God, because such persons come
+short of its purity, than against the gifts of nature and other
+temporal blessings being from God, because they are often abused.
+Weakness of intellect will produce peculiarities of sentiment on
+every subject, and, consequently, on religion. The prejudices of
+education and early habits will generate attachments to certain
+opinions and rites; hence, also, differences in religion will arise;
+but the fault is not in Christianity, it is in man. From similar
+causes we see a diversity of opinion among the learned regarding
+sciences of great utility--medicine, law, politics, philosophy;
+but, notwithstanding this, all allow them to be highly beneficial
+to mankind--none deny their usefulness, although people differ
+about some particular points. To reject the gospel, because bad men
+pervert it, and weak men deform it, and angry men quarrel about it,
+displays the same folly as if a person should cut down a useful tree
+because caterpillars disfigured its leaves, and spiders made their
+webs among its branches."
+
+"I have no objection at present to offer to this fair explanation of
+the difficulty which has often perplexed me; but you will permit me
+to refer you to my former question--Do you think that Christianity
+will ever be universally established?"
+
+"I do, Sir; and my belief is founded on the following basis.
+Christianity is adapted for a universal religion; it foretells the
+fact of its universal establishment; its disciples are commanded by
+the Lord Jesus Christ to seek its universal propagation; and it is
+now spreading itself with unexampled rapidity through the nations
+of the earth. You cannot, Sir, but be conscious that the aspect of
+the times indicates some approaching change in the destinies of man;
+and though you, on your principles, cannot hail any redeeming power
+by which the curse that inflicts such mighty evils on suffering
+humanity can be rolled away, yet we can on ours; and hence, while
+you are left to speculate on the charms of a philosophy which has
+never ameliorated the moral condition of man, we can speak with
+confidence of the intervention of _Him_, who will turn the curse
+into a blessing, and make this earth the abode of purity, of
+harmony, and of bliss."
+
+"But how do you expect this great and mysterious change to be
+brought about?"
+
+"Not by force. That has been tried by short-sighted rulers in former
+times, and has utterly failed. Conversion to Christianity which
+is effected by such means produces no change in the human heart.
+The _man_ remains the same, though his professed belief may vary.
+The circulation of the Scriptures, the distribution of religious
+treatises, and the preaching of the gospel, are the only means which
+we employ to accomplish this great design. But, even when these
+means are used in the most judicious manner, we do not calculate
+on accomplishing the purpose which we have in view without the
+influence of a supernatural co-operation; for it is not by the power
+of man that the demon of superstition, or the Moloch of idolatry is
+to be dethroned, and Christianity established, but by the Spirit of
+the Lord."
+
+"I rather admire your dexterity in avoiding, _on principle_, the
+mortification attendant on any failure in your pious efforts in
+behalf of the perishing heathen."
+
+"I don't quite understand you."
+
+"Why, you say, your success is dependent on the concurrence of a
+supernatural power; and, consequently, if you fail in your pious
+undertaking, you lay the blame on the inactivity of this supposed
+preternatural influence, never for a moment doubting your own
+sagacity, or questioning the efficacy of the means which you employ."
+
+"If you examine the theory of the Christian faith, you will find
+that, in every moral operation, this concurrence of supernatural
+power with human agency forms an essential part of it. 'Man sows the
+seed of truth, it is God who gives the increase.'"
+
+"As such a theory must tend to limit exertion, and depress an ardent
+mind, it strikes me that it is an ingenious invention to provide a
+pleasant solace in the season of disappointment, which, I believe,
+has its periodical visitations in your ecclesiastic annals."
+
+"It has analogy in its favour. We eat and drink to sustain life, but
+the efficacy of the nourishment to sustain life depends on God. The
+farmer casts the seed into the soil, but it is God who causes it to
+grow and yield its increase. His confidence in God gives a stimulus
+to his own exertions."
+
+"Well, I won't dispute this point with you; but, after all, does it
+not tend to discourage your pious exertions, when you believe that
+a successful issue is dependent on an influence which you cannot
+control, and over which you have no power?"
+
+"No. It has a contrary effect, as in the case of the husbandman.
+We look upon ourselves as mere active instruments employed in
+accomplishing the Divine purpose of grace and mercy in behalf of
+the perishing heathen; and the established law of the economy of
+our faith and practice is embodied in the following record of
+inspiration:--'For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from
+heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and
+maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower,
+and bread to the eater; so shall my word be that goeth forth out of
+my mouth: it shall not return unto me void; but it shall accomplish
+that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I
+sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace:
+the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into
+singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands'
+(Isa. lv. 10-12)."
+
+"I bow before such an ingenious theory of faith; but still entertain
+my doubts. Patience must still hold on, or you will abandon me in
+despair."
+
+"I will continue to hope, even against hope; because I know there is
+an unseen power which is capable of effecting such a transformation,
+as I devoutly trust may yet be accomplished in you."
+
+
+
+
+THE EFFECT OF A WORD SPOKEN IN SEASON.
+
+
+Not long after I had returned home, and was again busily engaged
+in my pastoral duties, I received a letter, informing me of the
+last illness and death of an esteemed friend and occasional
+correspondent, Mrs. Hastings. Her history is an interesting one, and
+aptly illustrates the effect of a word spoken in season.
+
+"You must often," says Dr. Chalmers, "have been sensible, in
+the course of your history, how big, and how important the
+consequences were, that emanated from one event, which in itself
+was insignificant--how on the slightest accidents the greatest
+interests were suspended--how, moving apparently at random, you met
+with people, or with occasions, that gave rise, perhaps, to far the
+most memorable passages in your life--how the very street in which
+you chanced to move, brought you into contact with invitations and
+appointments, or proposals of some sort, which brought results of
+magnitude along with them; insomuch that the colour and direction
+of your whole futurity have turned on what, apart from this mighty
+bearing, would have been the veriest trifle in the world. A word--a
+thought--an unforeseen emotion--an event of paltriest dimensions in
+itself--may be the germ of an influence wide as a continent, and
+lasting as a thousand years--may, in fact, change the current and
+complexion of a person's social history and character, and lead to
+consequences which shall be durable as eternity."
+
+Many years ago, I was unexpectedly called to London, on a matter
+of great emergency. My travelling companion, for part of the way,
+was a lady, attired in deep mourning. I endeavoured to draw her
+into conversation, by referring to the beautiful scenery, and other
+common-place topics, but I could not succeed. At length, on seeing
+her drop a tear, which she endeavoured to conceal, I said, "This
+world is rightly denominated a valley of weeping."
+
+"Yes, Sir, it is," replied the stranger. "I hope you will excuse my
+weakness. I have sustained the greatest loss that can ever befall a
+woman. I am a widow. I had one of the best of husbands; but cruel
+fate tore him from me, even without permitting me to see him, till
+his corpse was rudely exposed before me."
+
+She then told me that her husband left her early one morning to go
+out shooting, but, on passing through a hedge, it is supposed, the
+trigger of his gun got entangled in the briars, as he was found, an
+hour after the report had been heard, lying on his face, with his
+gun by his side, and his dogs crouching before and behind him, as
+though their master was asleep.
+
+"Since that fatal hour, Sir, I have not had one pleasant feeling
+in my desolate heart; and now I have left a spot on which nature
+has lavished her beauties, to seek a tranquil death in some distant
+shade."
+
+"But, Madam, do you never expect to see another happy day?"
+
+"No, Sir, never! No, never! I have tried every expedient in my
+power, but they have all failed. I have been to Bath, to Cheltenham,
+to Brighton, and have travelled on the Continent. I have read the
+most popular novels of the English and the French schools; but all
+is useless--mine is a hopeless case."
+
+"No, Madam, it may not be hopeless. I can direct you to a source of
+consolation which you have not yet thought of."
+
+"Indeed, Sir; then I'll try it. I would freely part with wealth for
+mental ease; for wealth, without happiness, is but an aggravation of
+misery."
+
+"I would recommend you, Madam, to read the Bible. That book was
+composed for the express purpose of promoting our happiness; and
+if you read it with attention, and pray for wisdom to understand
+it, and for a disposition to receive the truths which it reveals,
+you will find that it will do you more essential good than all the
+expedients which you have been trying."
+
+"If, Sir, I had not received a favourable impression of your
+benevolent disposition, I really should imagine that you were
+disposed to turn my intense grief into ridicule. Read the Bible!
+Why, Sir, what is there in that obsolete book to interest me?"
+
+"No, Madam; the book is not obsolete, and never will be, as long
+as human misery abounds in the world. That book has healed wounds
+as deep as yours, and mitigated sorrows no less poignant; and, if
+you examine it, you may find it as a well-spring of life to your
+withered happiness."
+
+"Your advice, Sir, is prompted, I have no doubt, by the kindest
+sympathy; but my heart instinctively recoils from adopting it."
+
+"Why, Madam?"
+
+"Because I cannot conceive how the reading of a book, which I have
+always regarded as a collection of legendary tales, can remove or
+assuage such sorrows as wring my spirit. I have neither faith nor
+taste for such reading."
+
+"Have you ever read the Bible, Madam?"
+
+"O no, Sir, never! I may have read some passages as a school lesson,
+but I don't remember any. My mother died when I was but a little
+girl. From what I have heard an old servant say, I believe that she
+was fond of the Bible; but my father abhorred it, and he trained me
+to abhor it. He used to call it the Grand Mogul of superstition.
+Its style of composition, I have heard him say, is as offensive to
+correct taste, as its sentiments are revolting to a cultivated mind."
+
+"If you will permit me, Madam (taking out my little pocket Bible
+while speaking), I will read you a few passages, and then you can
+judge how far your belief is supported by evidence."
+
+She bowed assent, and I then read the twenty-third psalm. I saw, by
+the expression of her countenance, that the chaste imagery of the
+psalmist pleased her; but before we could interchange any remarks
+the horn blew, and the mail suddenly stopped. However, when she
+alighted to step into the carriage which was in waiting to receive
+her, she said, in a tone of subdued seriousness, "I will follow
+your advice, Sir, and read the Bible to form my own judgment of
+its character and tendencies; and if you will favour me with your
+card (which I gave her) I may, possibly, some day let you know the
+result, especially if it should be what, I do not doubt, you wish it
+may be."
+
+A long period had elapsed after this occurrence took place, and
+it had nearly passed from my recollection, when it was very
+unexpectedly revived by a letter from the lady. The letter was
+subscribed Susannah Hastings, and, after calling to remembrance
+the circumstances in which we had met, she proceeded to give me
+a general outline of her subsequent history, accompanied by an
+interesting account of her severe mental conflicts in her spiritual
+inquiries, and a pressing invitation to call and see her, should I
+ever pay a visit to London, where she then resided. I acknowledged
+the receipt of the letter, congratulated her on the great moral
+and spiritual change through which she had passed, and stated that
+she might expect to see me very soon. Not long after that I had
+occasion to be in London. Within a few days after my arrival, I
+called on her, and had from her own lips a more detailed account of
+the process of her conversion from darkness to light, than she had
+given me in her letter. My visits were repeated during my sojourn
+there, and since then we kept up an occasional correspondence.
+From these two sources of information--her letters and her verbal
+communications--I am able to give a finished sketch of her somewhat
+marvellous, if not romantic history.
+
+Having entertained, from early childhood, a belief that the Bible
+was a very objectionable book, both in point of sentiment and style
+of composition, she says, in her first letter, "I was not only
+surprised but delighted, by your reading the twenty-third psalm. I
+saw the rural scene vividly depicted; the sheep feeding in the green
+meadows, while the shepherd was reclining on the bank of the gently
+flowing stream, watching the glad movements of the sportive lambs,
+as the evening sun glided in noiseless splendour through the sky.
+I at once resolved to purchase a Bible, thinking, _then_, that it
+was merely a work of the imagination--an antique relic of some early
+poetic age." But on her arrival in London, she was prevented from
+doing this so soon as she intended, in consequence of the assiduous
+attentions of her friends, who were ceaseless in their efforts to
+raise her drooping spirits; naturally thinking that, if they could
+succeed in doing so, she would get reconciled to her fate, and again
+enjoy life. Hence she was lured from one gay scene to another still
+more exciting, and every expedient was adopted which ingenuity could
+devise, to amuse and gratify her. But she soon found, that neither
+the opera, nor the theatre, nor the fascinations of private parties,
+could assuage the tumultuous agitations of her heart. "I moved
+amongst them," she said, "more like an automaton than a living being
+who felt any pleasure in existence."
+
+An incident now occurred, that led her into a new train of thought,
+which proved the beginning of an eventful issue in the history of
+her life. On passing her bookseller's, she looked in, to inquire
+about a new novel, which she had seen announced as just issued
+from the press. There she saw on the counter a small Bible, which
+brought our conversation in the stage coach to her remembrance,
+and she purchased it. In her first letter, she says, "I soon found
+the twenty-third psalm, and as I re-perused it, its poetic imagery
+appeared to my mind more beautiful than ever. I then turned to Psalm
+ciii., which I read with more solemnity of feeling. It made me think
+of myself, and it brought me imperceptibly into contact with God.
+I was delighted by his assumption of the paternal character. This
+was the first time in my life I felt any force, or perceived any
+intelligible meaning, in the petition in the Lord's Prayer--_Our
+Father, who art in heaven_; but yet my perceptions of its meaning
+were very vague and indefinite. They did not excite any emotions
+of love, or of gratitude, or filial trust; but they left a strong
+impression on my mind. It was a strange and startling impression,
+that, though an inhabitant of earth, I was moving towards another
+world. I am sure I had not thought so much about God or another
+world all my life, as I thought that night, and particularly when
+my head was on my pillow. My day-thoughts came up in my dreams, and
+in a more lucid form, and produced a more powerful effect. When I
+awoke in the morning, I felt a strange sensation of mental ease,
+which greatly astonished me, as I knew not by what cause it had been
+produced. The agitating forces of bitter grief and sullen discontent
+were in a state of quietude; and though not really happy, yet my
+spirits were buoyant, rising at times to cheerfulness."
+
+At this juncture she had to fulfil a long-standing engagement--to
+accompany a party of friends on a tour to the north; and though she
+endeavoured to excuse herself, yet she felt compelled to yield,
+as the excursion had been planned principally on her account.
+When alluding to this excursion, at my first interview with her,
+she said:--"At an earlier period of my life, I should have been
+delighted, when wandering through the Trosachs or sailing on
+Lochlomond, when gazing on the wonders of Staffa or surveying
+the magnificent scene from the top of Goatfell; but my mental
+susceptibilities were unstrung, and I felt no response to the scenes
+of beauty and grandeur which I beheld. But never shall I forget
+the little unobtrusive inn at Brodick, nor my neat little bed-room
+there, as I there saw a Bible, the first I had seen since I left
+home. I sat me down, and, in addition to the two psalms that had
+become favourites with me, I read Psalm cvii., which greatly excited
+me, as it revived the fearful emotions of the preceding day, when,
+on nearing Arran, we had to encounter a terrific storm."
+
+On her return home, she resumed her reading of the Scriptures,
+and passed from the Psalms to the Prophecies of Isaiah. The bold
+imagery of the prophet delighted her, but she could not trace its
+application, or its meaning; and, in reference to his sixth chapter,
+she was greatly perplexed to decide whether it was a poetical
+fiction, or a real description of heaven. "My first course of
+reading," she says in her letter, "left an impression on my mind
+that we have not, in any of the walks of literature, such a class
+of men as the writers of the Bible. These men possess some rare
+endowments; they appear to know more about God and another world
+than any other writers whose works I have ever read. There is a
+majestic simplicity, and sublime grandeur, in all their statements
+and descriptions of the unknown world, and its great spirits."
+
+Having no one to guide her in her study of the Scriptures, her
+reading was very desultory; she passed from one book to another
+in great mental perplexity, and could not discover any obvious
+connection between them, resembling the continuity preserved in
+other works with which she was familiar. At length she turned
+to Paul's Epistles, but they were dark and mystical, and rather
+repulsive to her taste, being so unlike the poetic and the prophetic
+books; to her mind they presented no sublimity or beauty; and
+yet she admitted, it was a strange repulsiveness--it gave her no
+offence, or even distaste to the Bible. "I now," she adds, "began
+reading the Gospels. They were more intelligible. The narratives
+pleased me. I was delighted with some of the scenes, particularly
+the Prodigal Son, and the Pharisee and Publican in the Temple. The
+tales interested me; they seemed to wear the air of truthfulness,
+and yet at times I thought them inventions. The history of Jesus
+Christ very soon took a strong hold of my imagination, and I soon
+began to admire the fine blending of majesty and meekness, of
+dignity and tenderness, of lofty bearing, which no insults could
+disturb, and sweet compassion, which his character so broadly
+exhibits. Yes, I often said, he is a real person, for no human
+genius could invent such a person, or draw such a character. I
+followed him through the dark period of his agonizing sufferings,
+from his prostration in the garden to Calvary, where he was
+crucified. I wept when I saw him on the cross."
+
+In one of the interviews I had with her, she said, that two
+things both surprised and perplexed her. She was at a loss to
+conceive the reason why his countrymen treated Jesus Christ with
+so much unkindness and cruelty, when he was such an extraordinary
+benefactor, and so benevolent--going about doing them good, healing
+their sick, restoring their injured senses of sight and hearing,
+and even raising their dead. The other thing that surprised and
+perplexed her was, that he should continue to live amongst them,
+when they were so rude in their manners, and insolent in their
+speech, and when he knew they were often plotting to take away
+his life. Why did he not leave them, and go and live amongst some
+more humane and generous people, who would return such a style
+of treatment by courtesy and gratitude? The more she thought of
+these things, the more she was perplexed. She felt so bewildered,
+that she put her Bible in her book-case, under an impression she
+should never be able to understand it. And yet she could not let
+it remain there long. Her curiosity was too much excited, and her
+self-imposed prohibition tended to increase her eager solicitude
+to make out the meaning of what she read. Hence she resumed her
+reading exercise; and on going through the Gospel of John very
+carefully, a ray of light fell on _one fact_ in the history of
+Jesus Christ, which, while it increased her perplexity, opened the
+way towards a discovery to be made in some future stages of her
+inquiry. The fact was this: she perceived that, when in conversation
+with his disciples, he occasionally made emphatic allusions to the
+_necessity_ of his death. This she thought very strange, as it
+was a case without a parallel within the compass of her reading.
+However, it fixed her attention; and, on a more minute examination,
+she perceived that he professed to come from heaven, and avowed
+his intention of returning thither; and that he spoke of dying, as
+though he had a stronger interest in death than in life, foretelling
+to his disciples the agonizing death he was to die (Matt. xx.
+17-19). His not recoiling from such a death, and doing everything in
+his power to escape it, led her to think that he was some incarnate
+being of a peculiar order, who had some special mission to fulfil,
+and yet she could not imagine what that mission could be--a mission,
+depending for its accomplishment on death, rather than on life,
+appeared to her a mystery too profound for human ingenuity to
+unravel. "At length," and I cannot do better than quote from her
+letter, she says, "a thought struck me and I acted on it, and the
+labour of doing so produced a momentary suspension of my oppressive
+anxiety. I arranged, as well as I could, some of the passages which
+appeared to assign the reasons for Christ's death, to which he often
+alluded, particularly the following:--'Even as the Son of man came
+not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a
+ransom for many' (Matt. xx. 28). 'I am the good shepherd: the good
+shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.' 'As the Father knoweth me,
+even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.'
+'Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that
+I might take it again.' 'No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down
+of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it
+again. This commandment have I received of my Father' (John x. 11,
+15, 17, 18). I endeavoured to work out an intelligible meaning from
+these passages, but I could not. A mysticism enveloped them which I
+could not penetrate. I wanted a living expositor. I longed for an
+interview with you, and more than once half-resolved to come and see
+you, as, though you were a stranger, I felt you were a friend, and
+I knew no other whom I could consult. I had no book in my library
+which gave me any help, and I knew not what book to inquire for,
+if I applied to my bookseller. No language can depict the excited
+state of my heart. I felt intuitively assured there was some latent
+meaning in these mysterious sayings of Jesus Christ, or he would not
+have uttered them. He was too wise and too good to utter what was
+false or foolish. But I could not trace out the clue of discovery.
+This at times repulsed me, but, on cool reflection, it appeared like
+a silent proof that the Bible was not a book of human invention, as,
+in that case, I thought, by dint of application, I should be able to
+decipher its meaning. One thing now surprises me, and that is, that,
+while cherishing the idea that the Bible was a Divine book, rather
+than a human one, I never thought of lifting up my heart in prayer
+to God for wisdom and grace to understand it."
+
+In this state of painful bewilderment, depressed by repeated
+failures in her efforts to acquire the knowledge which she deemed
+essential to her happiness, yet resolutely determined to prosecute
+her inquiries, she wrote to her uncle, a clergyman of the Church
+of England, stating her case, with its painful perplexities, and
+desiring his sympathy and advice. He replied, expressing some
+surprise at the receipt of such a letter, and intimating his
+apprehension that she had been hearing some methodistical or
+evangelical preaching, which he denounced as a fatal heresy, more
+calculated to drive people into a state of derangement, than to
+advance them in virtue or in happiness. He assured her that, as she
+had been, in baptism, made a member of Christ, a child of God, and
+an inheritor of the kingdom of heaven, she need not cherish any
+anxieties about her spiritual safety or final salvation. He advised
+her to banish the absurd chimæras, which were disquieting her,
+and go and take the sacrament, which, he said, was the spiritual
+nourishment which Almighty God had provided to sustain the inner
+life of the soul; and, in addition, he recommended her to mingle
+rather more in the circles of gaiety, so as to drive away her
+melancholy ideas. This letter was both mystical and unsatisfactory.
+It contradicted her experience, and she felt astonished that a
+clergyman should advise her to go more frequently into the gay
+world. "I knew," she said, "that my own ideas were not fanciful,
+but the vague conceptions of some great truths of the Bible; and
+I felt as unable to banish them from my heart, as a person, when
+asleep, feels unable to banish the dreams which disquiet him."
+However, she decided on joining in the communion; and being then at
+Bath, away from all her gay friends, she went to church, and took
+the sacrament--a thing she had never done before. But it had no
+tranquillizing effect; indeed, it increased her perplexity, and for
+awhile made her think that her case was a hopeless one, and that
+it would be better for her to abandon all further solicitude and
+inquiries, than to cherish and prosecute them. But she could not
+bring herself to such a decision; and the more she laboured to do
+so, the more anxious she became to get the clue of discovery, which
+she thought was to be found _somewhere_. In this state of intense
+anxiety and great depression, she returned to her town residence.
+Her friends were more assiduous to please than ever; but some were
+mortified, and others were offended, because she would not again
+enter into the gay scenes and habits of former times; occasionally
+they hinted their apprehensions that she would soon turn an
+Evangelical, and become as scrupulous and devout as any of the sect.
+These sarcasms, in conjunction with her uncle's letter, suggested
+to her the idea of going to some church, where an evangelical
+minister did duty, thinking it possible that he might give her the
+explanation she so much desired; but she long hesitated about doing
+this, as she had not gone to any place of public worship for many
+years, with the exception of the time when she took the sacrament
+at Bath. Her desire at length became so strong, that one Sunday
+morning she left home, not knowing where to go; but, on passing
+along the street, she saw some respectable and sedate-looking people
+going into a church, whither she followed them. This church was a
+Dissenting chapel, which, she said, she should not have entered if
+she had known it, as she had been accustomed to hear Dissenters
+spoken of as an uneducated and uncouth people. She felt a strange
+sensation on seeing the clergyman ascend the pulpit in a plain black
+coat, instead of going into the reading-desk in a white surplice;
+but the soft melody of the singing, and the emphatic solemnity of
+his style of reading the Scriptures, calmed her momentary agitation,
+and she listened to his prayer with devout seriousness. This was
+the first extempore prayer she had ever heard; and when speaking of
+it, in one of our interviews, she remarked that, in one particular,
+it bore a resemblance to her Bible reading--parts were plain and
+intelligible, and parts were under a veil of mysteriousness. The
+minister seemed to know the desires and emotions that were stirring
+within her, and he expressed them with so much accuracy and force,
+that it greatly astonished her. "Had I confessed to him," she
+remarked, "he could not have had a more perfect knowledge of what
+was passing in my mind."
+
+When God has any special design to accomplish, we may often trace
+the harmonious conjunction of the various agents and agencies which
+he employs in effecting it. The Ethiopian eunuch was sitting in his
+chariot, reading the prophet Esaias, when Philip, under a Divine
+impulse, went and seated himself by his side. The passage he was
+reading was veiled in darkness, and he asked for an explanation,
+which was immediately given, understood, and felt; the moral
+transformation took place by the concurring action of Divine power;
+he avowed his newly originated faith; was baptized, and went on
+his way rejoicing--the visible agent of the great transaction
+disappearing, that the tribute of adoring gratitude might be offered
+up exclusively to the God of all grace. We pass from this wondrous
+scene to another, stamped with the same moral insignia, though
+not quite so obviously conspicuous. Here is a person of superior
+intelligence, who has long been labouring, by her own unaided
+reason, to decipher the hidden mysteries of the truth as it is in
+Jesus, and labouring in vain. She leaves her own home on a Sabbath
+morning in quest of a living expositor, yet not knowing where to
+find one. An unseen hand guides her to a chapel, which she would
+have disdained to enter had she known its denominational character.
+Her latent prejudices spring up into powerful action when she
+observes a slight deviation in the order of the service from that
+with which her eye was once familiar; and yet they are overcome by
+a devotional exercise, which surprised her by its novelty, while
+it strongly interested her by its appropriateness. The question
+she left home to have solved is a simple, yet a very important
+one; and on its solution her happiness is dependent. The second
+hymn is sung. The minister rises in his pulpit; his Bible is open
+before him, and, after a short pause, he announces his text, "And
+I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
+This he said, signifying what death he should die" (John xii. 32,
+33). The sketch he gives of the crucifixion is thrilling; and many
+weep while he presents to their view the chief actors who performed
+their parts on this tragical occasion. Mrs. Hastings also weeps.
+The preacher now passes from description to explanation; from a
+detailed statement of facts, to an elucidation of the design for
+which the Son of God groaned, and bled, and died. She listens with
+breathless attention, as he unravels the thread of mystery which
+ran through all the passages of the Bible which she had arranged
+and studied, without perceiving their import. "I felt," she said,
+"intuitively assured, when he entered on this part of his subject,
+that the light of explanation was coming; and I was intensely eager
+to catch every utterance. I now perceived that the death of Jesus
+Christ was a voluntary ransom, to redeem and to save the lost and
+the guilty. The first part of his sermon awakened my sympathy;
+the latter part touched another chord of my heart. I wept again;
+but from a different cause. My sins made me weep; and the love
+of Christ in dying to expiate them, made me weep--and I now wept
+as I had never wept before. It was with some difficulty I could
+refrain weeping, even when the clergyman had finished his sermon,
+which lasted rather more than an hour. I could have listened to him
+much longer. I never knew time go so rapidly. I left the hallowed
+place with reluctance, thinking, as I paced back to my home, that I
+was now entering as into a new world of existence, abounding with
+mystic, yet intelligible wonders. I was in a tumult of emotion, yet
+it was a calm ecstasy of feeling. I clasped my Bible, and pressed it
+to my bosom. I thought of your words, which I never forgot, though,
+when I first heard them, they sounded in my ear as the mockery of
+grief:--'That book has healed wounds as deep as yours; and if you
+examine it, you will find it a well-spring of life to your withered
+happiness.' I now can attest the truth of your declaration. I have
+tasted its sweet waters; they are indeed the waters of life. None
+other so sweet or powerful. I can now respond to the truthfulness of
+the following paraphrase of Dr. Watts, whom I now prefer to Byron or
+Wordsworth--he is the poet of the heart weighed down by sorrow and
+anxiety:--
+
+    'Lord, I have made thy word my choice,
+      My lasting heritage:
+    There shall my noblest powers rejoice,
+      My warmest thoughts engage.
+
+    'The best relief that mourners have,
+      It makes our sorrows bless'd:
+    Our fairest hopes beyond the grave,
+      And our eternal rest.'"
+
+I was happy to find that she had withdrawn from the gay circles of
+fashion, and, while she kept up a partial intimacy with some of her
+former associates, her spirit and example bore a testimony against
+their vain and ensnaring pursuits. She had put on a religious
+profession, and felt it to be an honour to obtain membership with
+the church of which her spiritual counsellor and guide was the
+pastor. This gave great offence to her clerical uncle, and also to
+some of her other relatives who resided in London, but she was too
+independent in spirit to submit to the arbitrary control of those
+who were the secret enemies of the cross of Christ; and though she
+did not court reproach as a desirable test of principle, yet she
+gave proof, by her steadfastness in the faith, and the amiable
+placidity of her temper, that it possessed no power to warp her
+judgment or disturb her peace. She was too retiring in her habits
+to take an active part in any of the public institutions connected
+with the church and congregation of which she was a member, but she
+became a generous contributor to their funds, doing good and working
+righteousness, not desiring to be seen of men--a devout woman, who
+feared God above many. She might again and again have changed her
+widowed state, and with flattering prospect of distinction and
+happiness, but she had fully made up her mind, that she would never
+put off the weeds of widowhood till the set time came when she was
+to pass away from earth, to be arrayed in the vestments of the
+heavenly world. She cherished through every stage of life the memory
+of her dear departed husband with an intensity of feeling which
+appeared to increase as she advanced in years. To the poor of the
+household of faith she was a warm-hearted and liberal benefactor;
+in no exercise did she take more delight than in visiting the sick
+and afflicted; and though a Dissenter, she was free from bigotry and
+prejudice, and could say, with the apostle, "Grace be with all them
+that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen" (Eph. vi. 24).
+
+Our correspondence was kept up for a number of years, and in one
+of her last letters she says:--"I am truly thankful to God that
+he gave me grace to withdraw from the gay world. It is altogether
+a gorgeous sham--a fascinating delusion; felt as such even by
+those who are spell-bound by its charms. I often look back, dear
+Sir, with astonishment and gratitude, to our casual meeting in
+the stage coach, which has proved to me the most eventful and the
+most important occurrence of my life. It has been the introduction
+of a new era in my history. The mystery of my irreparable loss is
+now explained. The husband of my devoted attachment was smitten,
+and died. He was taken from me without my being permitted to say
+farewell, and, even to this hour, I feel a bitter pang when I think
+of his melancholy end. Had he been spared to feel what I have felt
+of spiritual sorrow, and of spiritual consolation and hope, we
+should have lived in the sweet anticipations of eternal life. I
+pine, but I dare not murmur. The past is the fearful thunder-storm
+of desolation, from which, praise be to God, I have now emerged, and
+enjoy the brightness and calm of a serene and unclouded sky.
+
+"When, my dear Sir, I contrast, as I often do, my present, with my
+former self--my present, with my former tastes--my present, with my
+former habits, and my present bright prospects of immortality with
+my former prospects, overshadowed by the deep gloom of ceaseless
+sorrow--I appear a wonder to myself. I am the same person I was
+when I repelled your advice to read the Bible, thinking it a
+piece of wild fanaticism; but how changed am I now in heart and
+feeling--become, I trust, a new creature in Christ Jesus." Psalm
+ciii. 1-5.
+
+My friend who announced to me the decease of Mrs. Hastings, informed
+me that her preceding illness was not of long duration, nor was it
+attended by any severe physical sufferings. During its continuance,
+her mind was kept in perfect peace; and at times, she felt a joy
+unspeakable in anticipation of beholding the Son of God, who
+was crucified on Calvary, seated on his celestial throne; and of
+mingling with the countless myriads, in offering their adorations
+and praises. Her last intelligible utterance was, "Lord Jesus,
+receive my spirit;" and, after a slight convulsive struggle, she
+cast one look on the friend standing by her side, and then expired.
+
+
+
+
+THE FAMILY OF THE HOLMES.
+
+
+On my return one afternoon from a round of pastoral visits, I was
+informed that a gentleman was waiting to see me; and I received a
+most agreeable surprise in finding that it was no other than Mr.
+Holmes, an old and much valued friend, and whose eldest daughter
+Louisa has already been casually mentioned as a friend and
+correspondent of Miss Roscoe.[15] He informed me that he had just
+left his family at Dawlish, their favourite summer resort, where
+they had been rusticating for nearly two months, and had come to
+transact some business in my neighbourhood. I pressed him to remain
+a few days with me, but he would consent to stay only one night,
+as he had already been occupied a longer time than he expected.
+Before leaving, he extorted a promise from me that, as soon as my
+avocations permitted it, I would pay him a visit at the Elms, his
+seat near London, whither he and his family expected to return in
+the end of the summer.
+
+  [15] Vol. i. page 232.
+
+The history of Mr. Holmes' career in life is an interesting one,
+and furnishes a striking example of those gradual elevations from
+poverty and obscurity to affluence and an honoured position in the
+world, which are, perhaps, more frequently to be met with in the
+ranks of English society than in those of any other country. I will
+here give some account of it, as exhibiting an instructive example
+of persevering industry and upright conduct, crowned by honour and
+success.
+
+Mr. Holmes was the second son of a respectable farmer, who rented
+a small estate in the county of Warwick. When a little boy he was
+very inquisitive, fond of mixing with his seniors and superiors,
+from whom he gained much information; and though there was no good
+school in the neighbourhood, yet, by the assistance of the kind and
+amiable Vicar of the parish, he acquired the rudiments of a useful
+education. That leisure time which other children usually devote
+to play, he gave to reading and study, and before he was fourteen,
+he was a very good accountant. He happened, when about nine years
+old, to read the popular story of _Whittington and his Cat_, and
+such was the deep impression it made on his mind, that it became
+the perpetual subject of his conversation; and he would often amuse
+the other members of the family with visionary tales of his future
+eminence. He would say to his brothers, "I will leave _you_ to feed
+cows, and pigs, and horses, and turn up the clods of the field; but
+when I grow up, I will go to London, and see if I cannot become as
+great a man as Whittington." So completely had this passion gained
+an ascendency over him, that he would often walk miles to see the
+mail coach pass along the road towards the far-famed city; and after
+listening to the sound of the horn, with an ecstasy of delight which
+no other notes could inspire, he would return home to talk and to
+dream of his future adventures.
+
+When about the age of fifteen, his father died, leaving a large
+family unprovided for; and as Henry could not think of remaining any
+longer at home, his mother gave him a guinea and a few shillings,
+and he set off to seek his fortune. His youthful ardour kindled into
+rapture when he first saw the distant dome of St. Paul's towering
+above the buildings and smoke of the wondrous metropolis. Though
+he occasionally shed a tear of affection at the remembrance of his
+beloved relatives in his native village, yet he was so absorbed in
+the visions of his own fancy, that he was rarely depressed. Several
+days were spent in fruitless efforts to obtain a situation--his
+few shillings were expended, and the shadows of another night were
+deepening into darkness, when he sat down on the stone steps in
+front of a gentleman's house to rest himself. While he sat there
+ruminating over the scenes of his boyhood, and pleasing himself with
+the hopes of brighter and better days, a gentleman in a gig drove
+up to the door; and as he was getting out, Henry rose and offered
+his assistance by holding the horse. The quickness of his movements,
+and the pleasing smile on his fine ruddy countenance, attracted the
+notice of Mr. Lucas, who asked him his name and place of residence.
+"My name, Sir, is Henry Holmes," he replied; "I was born in the
+county of Warwick; my father was a farmer, and he is just dead. I
+did not like to stay at home to be a burden to my mother, who has
+a large family to bring up, so I left home last Monday, to see if
+I could get a place of work in London; and if you will hire me,
+Sir, I will try to please you." This simple, artless tale made its
+way to the heart of Mr. Lucas, who said, "How long have you been
+in London?" "Three days, Sir, but I have not been able to get any
+work." "Have you any money?" "Yes, Sir, I have a guinea which mother
+gave me when I left home, but I am afraid to change it, for if I do,
+all my money may soon be gone." This circumstance gave Mr. Lucas
+such a high opinion of Henry's carefulness of disposition, that
+he at once resolved to take him into his service. Having obtained
+his mother's address, he wrote to her and also to the Vicar of the
+parish. In a few days he received an answer which confirmed the
+truth of the statement of the adventurous youth, and at the same
+time bore honourable testimony to his fidelity and industry.
+
+Mr. Lucas was a grocer, who lived in Fore Street, and had acquired
+a handsome fortune by his trade. Like most wealthy citizens, he
+had his country-house, where he resided during the summer months,
+coming to business in the morning and returning in the evening.
+As his groom had just left him, the thought struck him that this
+country lad might very well supply his place; and Henry rejoiced to
+enter on his new employment. He had to clean the horse and gig,
+the knives and shoes, and look after some choice poultry; and such
+was the attention he paid to his work, and the amiability of his
+disposition, that he soon became a favourite with the whole family.
+On their return to town for the winter he accompanied them; and as
+he possessed talents which fitted him for a higher situation, his
+master took him into the shop, where he distinguished himself by his
+close attention to business. No one was cleaner in his person, or
+neater in his dress; no one was more obliging in his disposition;
+the rusticity of his appearance soon wore off; his punctuality and
+habit of despatch became proverbial; and though his temper was
+hasty and irritable, yet he kept it in a state of subjection, and
+uniformly displayed a union of excellencies, which is but rarely
+found in so young a person.
+
+Such is the precarious tenure on which men hold their reputation
+under the mysterious dispensations of Providence, that it is often
+endangered no less by their virtues than their vices; and those who
+at one period are esteemed and admired by the wise and the good,
+are at another plunged into the depth of misery by the malignant
+cruelty of the wicked. Thus it was with Henry. There were two
+persons belonging to the establishment, his seniors in age, and
+superiors in rank, who were jealous of him; and as they could not
+shake the stability of his character by any just accusations, they
+resolved to destroy it by artifice. One of them who had the care of
+the till-drawer complained for several succeeding evenings of having
+missed some money, and it was arranged that some marked money should
+be put into the drawer. This was done; at nine o'clock the money was
+counted, and the sum of five shillings and sixpence was missing.
+This fact was immediately communicated to Mr. Lucas, who called
+all the servants into the counting-house, and proposed that each
+one should have his person and his boxes searched, without being
+permitted to leave the room. To this proposal they all assented; and
+lots were drawn to determine the exact order in which the search
+should be made. The first name drawn was the head-shopman, who
+immediately gave up all his keys to Mr. Lucas, and underwent the
+strictest examination, but he was pronounced innocent; the second
+was the man who had the care of the till, and he also was pronounced
+innocent; the third was Henry Holmes, who, after being searched,
+said, "My box, Sir, is not locked." Mr. Lucas then quitted the room
+to search it, and on his return, looking steadfastly in Henry's
+face, said, "I certainly did not suspect you, Henry, but I have
+found the money in your box" (producing it), "and as you have given
+me such a proof of your ingratitude and perfidy, you shall leave my
+house to-morrow morning."
+
+"Sir," replied Henry in a firm tone, "I am innocent. Some one has
+placed the money in my box which might be very easily done, as I
+scarcely ever lock it."
+
+"I have suspected you for a long time," said one of the shopmen;
+"for no one is so likely to be guilty of fraud, as he who overacts
+the part of virtue."
+
+Mr. Lucas now withdrew into the parlour, when he related the whole
+circumstances, and as soon as Mrs. Lucas heard the accusation of
+the shopman, she said, "Henry is innocent. He is the victim of
+another's treachery, and some plan must be adopted to detect the
+culprit. In my opinion the accuser is the guilty party, or at least
+an accomplice. It is fair to presume that he who stole the last sum,
+stole the preceding sums that have been lost. How then will you
+account for finding only the five shillings and sixpence?"
+
+"It is impossible," said Miss Lucas, "that Henry can be the thief.
+We never lost anything when he was with us in the country, and we
+know that he does not go out to places of amusement like the others,
+and therefore he is under less temptation to extravagance than they
+are. There is a plot to effect his ruin, which I hope and trust will
+be discovered."
+
+While they were talking, the housemaid entered the parlour, and
+said, that she had just overheard the two young men talking together
+on the subject, and she distinctly heard one say, "It was well
+planned, and well executed, and now we shall get rid of him." She
+was requested to take no notice of what she had heard, but to act
+as though she really believed that Henry was guilty. As these two
+young men slept together, Mr. Lucas removed some tea chests which
+stood against a thin partition that separated their bedroom from an
+upper warehouse, and having placed himself near an aperture in one
+of the boards, he waited till they retired to rest. Having, from
+their conversation, received a full conviction of their guilt, he
+withdrew, and informed his wife and daughter that he was perfectly
+satisfied of Henry's innocence.
+
+The next morning he rose rather earlier than usual, and before
+the porter had opened the shop, he summoned all the shopmen into
+his presence, and charged these two men, first, with the crime
+of stealing the money, and then with the still baser crime of
+attempting to involve an innocent person in their guilt. This
+unexpected charge--the indignant firmness with which it was
+brought--the involuntary movement of Henry, who came forward to look
+his accusers in the face, confounded and abashed them; and though
+each made some faint efforts to deny it, yet when Mr. Lucas repeated
+the conversation which he had overheard the preceding night, and
+threatened that if they did not immediately acknowledge their guilt,
+and solicit Henry's forgiveness, he would send for the police, they
+made a full confession, and implored mercy in the most suppliant
+manner. Henry at once forgave them, and interceded for them; but Mr.
+Lucas would not consent that such men should remain in his service,
+and having paid them their arrears of wages, he discharged them.
+
+This plot, which was laid to effect Henry's ruin, led to his
+advancement, and he now rose rapidly, step after step, till he
+became the manager of Mr. Lucas' establishment.
+
+We often see tradesmen, when they have amassed a large fortune,
+affecting contempt for the rank of life in which they have moved,
+discovering at the same time a strong anxiety that their children,
+especially their daughters, should form alliances with those who
+move in the higher and more exalted circles of society. Hence they
+will often sacrifice a daughter at the shrine of their vanity,
+and give a large portion of the wealth which their industry
+has accumulated, to some titled pauper, whose extravagance first
+reduces her to beggary, and whose unkindness at length breaks her
+heart. But Mr. Lucas was a wise man. He never rose in feeling or in
+expectation above the level of his station. He had but one child,
+and he wished to see her happy; and when he perceived that a mutual
+regard subsisted between her and Henry, he expressed his entire
+approbation, and they were married. On this event taking place, Mr.
+Lucas retired from business, and at his decease, which happened
+about twelve months after that of his wife, he left the greater part
+of his property to Mr. Holmes.
+
+[Illustration: THE CONSPIRACY DEFEATED.
+
+Vol. ii. page 128.]
+
+Mr. Holmes, who had thus risen, by the Divine blessing on his
+industry, from a humble situation to a position of wealth and
+eminence, would often allude in conversation to his original
+condition, and exhibit his guinea as a proud memorial of his
+former poverty;--thus rebuking, by his example, the pride of many
+a modern Croesus, who is no less anxious to conceal from others
+his origin, than to make an ostentatious display of his wealth.
+He had a large family, and as he took considerable pains with the
+education of his children, and set before them an example worthy
+of their imitation, he had the pleasure of seeing them growing
+up, esteemed and respected, bidding fair to be the ornaments of a
+future generation. His two eldest sons were in partnership with him,
+his youngest was studying medicine, one daughter was married to a
+country gentleman in Warwickshire, and three were still living with
+him. He had long resisted the importunity of his children to take
+some country residence, that they might enjoy an occasional retreat
+from the noise, and smoke, and bustle of the city; but when his
+wife urged the measure, it was at once adopted, as he was no less
+anxious to gratify her wishes than she was to avoid the indulgence
+of unsuitable gratifications.
+
+After many unsuccessful efforts to obtain an eligible residence,
+he purchased a small estate about seven miles from London, where
+he erected a neat and commodious mansion; and as his two sons were
+now able to manage his business, he retired from the more active
+and laborious duties of it, to spend the evening of his days amidst
+rural scenes, with which his earliest and deepest impressions were
+associated. Having been accustomed, when a child, to attend his
+parish church on the Sabbath, he regularly observed the practice
+through life; and though for many years he had no clear perceptions
+of the nature or the design of the gospel, yet soon after the
+settlement of the Rev. Mr. Newton at St. Mary Woolnoth, he began to
+feel its enlightening and purifying influence. At first he disliked
+his style of preaching, and the pride of his heart rose up against
+that plan of salvation which requires the man of virtue to implore
+mercy in terms as humiliating as those which the chief of sinners
+employ; but as his knowledge increased, his prejudices gradually
+subsided, and though he could not remember any specific time when
+the great moral change was effected, by which he passed from death
+unto life, yet he uniformly spoke of it as the most important and
+blissful event of his history.
+
+The renovation which the grace of God produces in the human
+character, often leaves the ruling passion to retain its ascendency,
+while it gives it a new direction; and he who undergoes it, usually
+displays the same bold decision or hesitating precaution--the
+same spirit of active enterprise or prudent consideration, in his
+religious profession, that he has been accustomed to display in the
+avocations of everyday life. But on some occasions it is just the
+reverse; and we see the avowed infidel, when convinced of the truth
+of the gospel, halting between two opinions--the active tradesman,
+who keeps the machinery of a large and complicated concern in a
+brisk and constant motion, a lukewarm Christian--and the man who
+could face, without flinching, the most appalling dangers, discover
+a shrinking timidity when the obligations to a life of practical
+devotedness to God are pressed upon his attention. To account for
+such a moral phenomenon would be absolutely impossible, unless
+we advert to the powerful influence which sensible objects are
+known to possess over the mind, especially during that period
+in the religious experience of a Christian when his faith in
+the Divine testimony is weak and defective; but as that great
+moral principle increases in strength and animation, the natural
+dispositions recover their native tone and vigour--the mind no more
+vacillates--but rising to a full conviction of the superior value of
+the things which are unseen and eternal, gives to them its supreme
+attention and affection.
+
+Mr. Holmes felt the transforming power of the truth soon after
+his marriage, which led him to the adoption of religious habits
+and customs; but he was too deeply involved in the cares
+and perplexities of business to become a very zealous and
+public-spirited Christian. His moral character was unimpeachable,
+and he brought the great principles of religion to regulate his
+conduct in the ordinary affairs of life; but his heart was too much
+in the world--the fervour of his devotional spirit bore no just
+proportion to his diligence in business, and he was less anxious for
+the higher attainments of faith than for the acquisition of wealth.
+He regularly attended the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Newton on the
+Sabbath; but that ministry was more frequently the word of reproof
+than consolation; and though the hope of a blissful immortality
+would sometimes dawn upon him, yet it shone with too feeble a ray to
+afford him entire satisfaction; as it is wisely ordained that a full
+assurance of eternal life shall be imparted only to those who give
+_diligence_ to make their calling and election sure.
+
+Mrs. Holmes was certainly more devout than her husband, and devoted
+a larger proportion of her time to reading and meditation; but
+her associations were unfavourable to the growth of her piety,
+which, though sincere, was too much tinctured with superstition.
+She thought more of her duties than her privileges--of her defects
+than of Him who came to repair them--placed more dependence for
+consolation and hope on prayer and watchfulness than on the blood of
+sprinkling; and, while she did not doubt the truth of the promises,
+she uniformly gave a more implicit assent to the threatenings of the
+sacred volume. She was rather a disciple of the mortified Baptist
+than of the merciful Redeemer. Her devotions were sincere and
+fervent, but not elevating. They consisted much in contrition, but
+little in praise--much in sorrow for sin, but little in hope of its
+pardon. She did not sufficiently cast her confidence on the great
+Propitiation. She firmly believed all that the Saviour had done and
+suffered for sinners, but she could not claim for her own enjoyment
+the benefits resulting from his mission and death. While she was
+painfully working out her salvation with fear and trembling, she
+indulged the most unfounded apprehensions of the Divine displeasure,
+and lived more in dread of perishing than in expectation of being
+saved.
+
+No circumstance gave them so much uneasiness, on their removal
+to their country seat, as the loss of that ministry under which
+they had been brought to feel the power of the truth; especially
+as the Vicar of the parish was decidedly opposed to evangelical
+sentiments. The junior branches of the family were intelligent and
+accomplished, but they made no profession of religion; and now
+they were liberated from the restraints which a faithful and an
+enlightened ministry had thrown over the evil tendencies of their
+nature, they evinced a strong inclination to adopt the habits, and
+conform to the customs of fashionable life, which greatly perplexed
+and depressed their pious parents, especially their mother. An
+intimate friend (Mrs. Loader), who spent some weeks at the Elms, saw
+this manifest change in their predilections, and availing herself of
+a favourable opportunity, she alluded to it, when in conversation
+with Miss Holmes, and delicately, yet most earnestly, urged her to
+be on her guard, or the change in their place of residence would
+become a snare, if it did not break up all their religious habits,
+and prove fatal to their spiritual happiness and safety. This
+admonitory warning Louisa received with gratitude, as a fresh proof
+of the kind concern her friend felt for the best interests, both of
+herself and of the entire family. "Indeed," she remarked, "the world
+abounds with evil, but no temptation is so pernicious, or so much
+to be dreaded, as irreligious society; and this is the only society
+which we now have. I fear it will prove destructive of all the good
+impressions we have received under the ministry of the venerable Mr.
+Newton. His appeals operated as a check and as a restraint on the
+evil tendencies of our nature; but now we are allured into worldly
+habits, by being told from the pulpit that we ought to see life,
+and have free access to all its scenes and sources of pleasure and
+amusement. Mamma has been endeavouring to persuade papa to take
+an excursion to Dawlish, which will remove us from this scene of
+danger, and I hope on our return we shall be enabled to withstand
+every enticement injurious to our religious habits." On taking
+leave, Mrs. Loader presented her with a copy of Doddridge's _Rise
+and Progress of Religion in the Soul_, which Miss Holmes said she
+had read, but promised to peruse again, as a compliment to the
+kindness which had dictated the present.
+
+Miss Holmes' two sisters, Emma and Jane, were several years younger
+than herself. They bore some resemblance to each other in the
+general outlines of their character, but materially differed in
+some of its more prominent features. As they had just finished
+their education in a school, where all the accomplishments could be
+acquired, except the one most essential to human happiness, they
+felt themselves in their native element when moving in the circles
+of gaiety and folly. Emma had the finest figure, but Jane possessed
+the most cultivated mind. The former excelled in gracefulness of
+manners, the latter in sweetness of disposition; and while Emma
+was rather fond of display, there was an unobtrusive modesty about
+Jane which inclined her to conceal her most attractive charms. Emma
+appeared to most advantage in a large party, where she moved, and
+spoke as though she were the presiding spirit of the scene; Jane,
+in a select circle, where the interchange of thought and sentiment
+could take place without being subjected to the interruptions and
+breaks which a promiscuous throng invariably occasions. Emma was
+rather of a satirical temper, with a keen sense of the ludicrous;
+but Jane surpassed most of her own age in that practical good sense
+which is more valuable than artificial polish. Though, however, they
+thus differed so materially in some of the more prominent features
+of their character, they were nevertheless passionately fond of
+each other, and much attached to their parents, their brothers, and
+sisters.
+
+As Mr. Holmes had applied himself to the toils of business with
+unremitting constancy for so many years, and had acquired a large
+fortune, he yielded without hesitation to the solicitations of Mrs.
+Holmes and his daughters, and took a tour with them through the
+west of England, visiting in their route all the localities either
+famed for their natural beauty, or interesting by their historical
+associations. Travelling by easy stages, they at last reached
+Dawlish in Devonshire, with which they were so much delighted that
+they remained there for several months. Here it was that Miss Holmes
+was introduced to Miss Roscoe, with whom she formed an acquaintance,
+which soon ripened to an ardent friendship, and proved in future
+years a source of much spiritual enjoyment.
+
+
+
+
+A MISFORTUNE OFTEN A BLESSING IN DISGUISE.
+
+
+Shortly after the return of the family to the Elms, from their
+Devonshire excursion, Miss Holmes sustained an accident, which,
+though apparently an untoward occurrence, she used afterwards to
+speak of as having exercised a most salutary influence on her
+character. As she was stepping out of the carriage one day, the
+horses suddenly moved forwards, by which her foot got entangled
+between the step and the wheel, and she was very much injured.
+A messenger was immediately despatched for a surgeon, who, on
+examining the bruised parts, reported that no bones were broken, but
+said that the ancle joint had been violently sprained. After the
+application of leeches, and giving orders to prepare a fomentation
+to reduce the swelling, he requested that she would immediately
+retire to rest; and if she felt any pain in the morning, not to
+attempt to walk, but keep her foot in a horizontal position. These
+instructions were attended to; but she passed a very restless night,
+and in the morning was much worse than had been expected. This
+accident confined her a close prisoner for some months, so that she
+had no opportunity of renewing her former intimacies, which had been
+interrupted by the excursion to the west of England. Many called
+and left their cards, and some of her more intimate friends would
+come occasionally and sit with her; but a sick chamber possesses few
+attractions for the votaries of pleasure, who generally turn from it
+with careless indifference.
+
+As she usually enjoyed a great flow of spirits, and was rather
+volatile in her disposition--more fond of the pleasures of society
+than the grave exercises of meditation--she was very depressed and
+irritable during the first few weeks of her confinement, often
+censuring in strong terms the inattention of the servant in leaving
+the horses; but she gradually became more reconciled to her state,
+and at length turned her attention to reading, to divert her mind
+and beguile the tedious hours. She would have preferred some of the
+popular tales and novels of the day to any of the volumes in her
+father's library; but she had too much regard for his authority and
+his feelings to send for works which she knew would be displeasing
+to him.
+
+One afternoon, when her parents and sisters went to dine with her
+brothers in London, leaving her alone, she requested the servant to
+bring her a book; and one book after another was brought, and closed
+almost as soon as she had read the title-page. At length she thought
+of the book which her esteemed friend, Mrs. Loader, had given her,
+and of her promise to peruse it. She took it up from the table
+near which she was sitting, but after turning over a few leaves
+put it from her, saying, "I have read it." But as she had pledged
+herself to read it again, she took the book once more--reluctantly
+and carelessly read the running titles which are prefixed to its
+different chapters, till she came to the tenth, when her attention
+was imperceptibly arrested, and she perused it with a degree of
+interest which no other religious composition had ever excited.[16]
+
+  [16] The author has transcribed, from Doddridge's _Rise and
+  Progress_, nearly the whole of this chapter and the subjoined
+  prayer, as he conceives they will prove very acceptable to those of
+  his readers who have not the original work.
+
+"Thus far have I often known convictions and impressions to arise,
+which, after all, have worn off again. Some unhappy circumstance
+of external temptation, ever joined by the inward reluctance of an
+unsanctified heart to the scheme of redemption, has been the ruin of
+multitudes. And, 'through the deceitfulness of sin, they have been
+hardened,' till they seem to have been 'utterly destroyed, and that
+without remedy.' And therefore, O thou immortal creature, who art
+now reading these lines, I beseech thee, that, while affairs are in
+this critical situation, while there are these balancings of mind
+between accepting and rejecting that glorious gospel which I now lay
+before you, you will give me an attentive audience, while 'I pray
+you in Christ's stead that you would be reconciled to God.'
+
+"One would indeed imagine there should be no need of importunity
+here. One would conclude, that as soon as perishing sinners are told
+that an offended God is ready to be reconciled--that he offers them
+a full pardon for all their aggravated sins--yea, that he is willing
+to adopt them into his family now, that he may at length admit them
+to his heavenly presence--all should, with the utmost readiness
+and pleasure, embrace so kind a message, and fall at his feet in
+speechless transports of astonishment, gratitude, and joy. But alas!
+we find it much otherwise. We see multitudes quite unmoved, and the
+impressions which are made on many more are feeble and transient.
+Lest it should be thus with you, O reader, let me urge the message
+with which I have the honour to be charged; let me entreat you to be
+reconciled to God, and to accept of pardon and salvation in the way
+in which it is so freely offered to you.
+
+"I entreat you, 'by the majesty of that God in whose name I come,'
+whose voice fills all heaven with reverence and obedience. He
+speaks not in vain to legions of angels; but if there could be any
+contention among those blessed spirits, it would be, who should be
+first to execute his commands. Oh, let him not speak in vain to you!
+I entreat you, 'by the terrors of his wrath,' who could speak to you
+in thunder--who could, by one single act of his will, cut off this
+precarious life of yours, and send you down to hell. I beseech you
+by his tender mercies, which still yearn over you, as those of a
+parent over 'a dear son,' over a tender child, whom, notwithstanding
+his former ungrateful rebellion, 'he earnestly remembers still.'
+I entreat you, 'by all this paternal goodness,' that you do not
+compel him to lose the character of the gentle Parent in that of the
+righteous Judge.
+
+"I beseech you further, 'by the name and love of our dying Saviour.'
+I beseech you, by all the condescension of his incarnation, by
+that poverty to which he voluntarily submitted, 'that you might be
+enriched' with eternal treasures; by all the gracious invitations
+which he gave, which still sound in his Word, and still coming,
+as it were, warm from his heart, are 'sweeter than honey or the
+honey-comb.' I beseech you, by all his glorious works of power and
+of wonder, which were also works of love. I beseech you, by the
+memory of the most benevolent Person, and the most generous Friend.
+I beseech you, by the memory of what he suffered, as well as of
+what he said and did; by the agony which he endured in the garden,
+when his body was covered 'with a dew of blood.' I beseech you, by
+all that tender distress which he felt, when his dearest friends
+'forsook him and fled,' and his blood-thirsty enemies dragged him
+away, like the meanest of slaves, and like the vilest of criminals.
+I beseech you, by the blows and bruises, by the stripes and lashes,
+which this injured Sovereign endured while in their rebellious
+hands; 'by the shame of spitting, from which he hid not that kind
+and venerable countenance.' I beseech you, 'by the purple robe, the
+sceptre of reed, and the crown of thorns which this King of glory
+wore, that he might set us among the princes of heaven.' I beseech
+you, by the heavy burden of 'the cross,' under which he panted,
+and toiled, and fainted in the painful way 'to Golgotha,' that he
+might free us from the burden of our sins. I beseech you, by the
+remembrance of those rude nails that tore the veins and arteries,
+the nerves and tendons, of his sacred hands and feet; and by that
+invincible, that triumphant goodness, which, while the iron pierced
+his flesh, engaged him to cry out, 'Father, forgive them, for they
+know not what they do.' I beseech you, by that unutterable anguish
+which he bore, when lifted up upon the cross, and extended there as
+on a rack for six painful hours, that you open your heart to those
+attractive influences which have 'drawn to him thousands, and ten
+thousands.' I beseech you by all that insult and derision which
+the 'Lord of glory bore there;' by that parching thirst, which
+could hardly obtain the relief of 'vinegar;' by that doleful cry,
+so astonishing in the mouth of the only-begotten of the Father,
+'My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?' I beseech you, by
+that grace that subdued and pardoned 'a dying malefactor;' by that
+compassion for sinners, by that compassion for you, which wrought
+in his heart long as its vital motion continued, and which ended
+not when 'he bowed his head, saying, It is finished, and gave up
+the ghost.' I beseech you, by the triumphs of that resurrection by
+which he was 'declared to be the Son of God with power;' by the
+spirit of holiness which wrought to accomplish it; by that gracious
+tenderness which attempered all those triumphs, when he said to her
+out of whom he had cast seven devils, concerning his disciples, who
+had treated him so basely, 'Go, tell my brethren, I ascend unto my
+Father and your Father, unto my God and your God.' I beseech you, by
+that condescension with which he said to Thomas, when his unbelief
+had made such an unreasonable demand, 'Reach hither thy finger, and
+behold mine hands, and reach hither thine hand, and thrust it into
+my side; and be not faithless, but believing.' I beseech you, by
+that generous and faithful care of his people, which he carried up
+with him to the regions of glory, and which engaged him to send down
+'his Spirit,' in the rich profusion of miraculous gifts, to spread
+the progress of his saving Word. I beseech you, by that voice of
+sympathy and power, with which he said to Saul, while injuring his
+church, 'Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?' by that generous
+goodness, which spared the prostrate enemy when he lay trembling at
+his feet, and raised him to so high a dignity as to be 'not inferior
+to the very chiefest apostles.' I beseech you, by the memory of all
+that Christ hath already done, by the expectation of all he will
+further do for his people. I beseech you, at once, by the sceptre
+of his grace, and by the sword of his justice, with which all his
+incorrigible 'enemies' shall be 'slain before him,' that you do
+not trifle away these precious moments, while his Spirit is thus
+breathing upon you--that you do not lose an opportunity which may
+never return, and on the improvement of which eternity depends.
+
+"I beseech you, 'by all the bowels of compassion which you owe to
+the faithful ministers of Christ,' who are studying and labouring,
+preaching and praying, wearing out their time, exhausting their
+strength, and very probably shortening their lives, for the
+salvation of your soul, and of souls like yours. I beseech you, by
+the affection with which all that love our Lord Jesus Christ in
+sincerity long to see you brought back to him. I beseech you, by
+the friendship of the living, and by the memory of the dead; by the
+ruin of those who have trifled away their days and are perished in
+their sins, and the happiness of those who have embraced the gospel
+and are saved by it. I beseech you, by the great expectation of that
+important 'day, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven;'
+by 'the terrors of a dissolving world;' by the 'sound of the
+archangel's trumpet,' and of that infinitely more awful sentence,
+'Come, ye blessed, and depart, ye cursed,' with which that awful
+solemnity shall close.
+
+"I beseech you, finally, by your own precious and immortal soul;
+by the sure prospect of a dying bed, or of sudden surprise into
+the invisible state, and as you would feel one spark of comfort in
+your departing spirit when your flesh and your heart are failing. I
+beseech you, by your own personal appearance before the tribunal of
+Christ (for a personal appearance it must be, even to those who now
+sit on thrones of their own); by all the transports of the blessed,
+and by all the agonies of the damned, the one or the other of which
+must be your everlasting portion. I affectionately entreat and
+beseech you, in the strength of all these united considerations, as
+you will answer it to me, who may on that day be summoned to testify
+against you; and, which is unspeakably more, as you will answer
+it to your own conscience--as you will answer it to the eternal
+Judge--that you dismiss not these thoughts, these meditations, and
+these cares, till you have brought matters to a happy issue--till
+you have made a resolute choice of Christ, and his appointed way of
+salvation; and till you have solemnly devoted yourself to God in the
+bonds of an everlasting covenant.
+
+"And thus I leave the matter before you and before the Lord. I
+have told you my errand; I have discharged my embassy. Stronger
+arguments I cannot use--more endearing and more awful considerations
+I cannot suggest. Choose, therefore, whether you will go out, as
+it were, clothed in sackcloth, to cast yourself at the feet of him
+who now sends you these equitable and gracious terms of peace and
+pardon; or whether you will hold it out till he appears, sword in
+hand, to reckon with you for your treasons and your crimes, and
+for this neglected embassy among the rest. Fain would I hope the
+best; nor can I believe that this labour of love shall be entirely
+unsuccessful--that not one soul shall be brought to the foot of
+Christ in cordial submission and humble faith. 'Take with you,'
+therefore, 'words, and turn unto the Lord,' and say unto him, 'Take
+away all iniquity, and receive me graciously; so will I render the
+praise of my lips.'"
+
+The impression which this reading produced was such as she had never
+previously felt; the arrow of conviction had pierced her heart,
+but the feelings excited were more those of joy than of grief. She
+re-perused the chapter; it disclosed new beauties--it sent forth
+a still stronger power of excitement. Her soul was alternately
+elevated and depressed, agonized and composed, as though she had
+no control over its movements. She recalled to her remembrance
+those powerful, yet momentary impressions of truth, which she had
+experienced in former years, when sitting under the ministry of
+the venerable Newton; and trembled lest those under which she was
+now labouring should prove equally transient. It was this fearful
+apprehension which gave her more pain, than a discovery of her moral
+danger; because she knew that there was salvation for the chief of
+sinners; but she knew that if these impressions left her they might
+never return. She arose from the couch of weariness and suffering,
+and stood resting on the back of her chair, while she gave vent to
+her feelings in the following form of prayer:--
+
+"Blessed Lord, it is enough! it is too much! Surely there needs not
+this variety of argument, this importunity of persuasion, to court
+me to be happy, to prevail on me to accept of pardon, of life, of
+eternal glory. Compassionate Saviour, my soul is subdued; so that I
+trust the language of my grief is become that of my submission, and
+I may say, 'My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing
+and give praise' (Psalm lvii. 7).
+
+"O gracious Redeemer! I have already neglected thee too long. I have
+too often injured thee; have crucified thee afresh by my guilt and
+impenitence, as if I had taken pleasure in 'putting thee to an open
+shame.' But my heart now bows itself before thee in humble unfeigned
+submission. I desire to make no terms with thee but these--that
+I may be entirely thine. I cheerfully present thee with a blank,
+entreating thee that thou wilt do me the honour to signify upon it
+what is thy pleasure. Teach me, O Lord, what thou wouldst have me
+to do; for I desire to learn the lesson, and to learn it that I may
+practise it. If it be more than my feeble powers can answer, thou
+wilt, I hope, give me more strength; and in that strength will I
+serve thee. O receive a soul which thou hast made willing to be
+thine!
+
+"No more, O blessed Jesus, no more is it necessary to beseech and
+entreat me. Permit me, rather, to address myself to thee with all
+the importunity of a perishing sinner, that at length sees and
+knows 'there is salvation in no other.' Permit me now, Lord, to
+come and throw myself at thy feet, like a helpless outcast that has
+no shelter but in thy generous compassion; like one 'pursued by the
+avenger of blood,' and seeking earnestly an admittance into the
+'city of refuge.'
+
+"'I wait for the Lord; my soul doth wait; and in thy word do I
+hope,' that thou wilt 'receive me graciously.' My soul confides in
+thy goodness, and adores it. I adore the patience which has borne
+with me so long; and the grace that now makes me heartily willing
+to be thine; to be thine on thine own terms, thine on any terms.
+O secure this treacherous heart to thyself! O unite me to thee in
+such inseparable bonds, that none of the allurements of rank, or
+of fortune--none of the vanities of an ensnaring world--none of
+the solicitations of sinful companions, may draw me back from thee
+and plunge me into new guilt and ruin! 'Be surety, O Lord, for thy
+servant for good,' that I may still keep my hold on thee; till at
+length I know more fully, by joyful and everlasting experience, how
+complete a Saviour thou art. Amen."
+
+As she sat musing on the wondrous scene which had passed before her,
+adoring the long-suffering which had borne with her follies, and
+the grace which had so unexpectedly invested the truth with such
+attractive and subduing power, she was roused by the entrance of her
+mother. "I hope, my dear Louisa," said Mrs. Holmes, "you have spent
+a more pleasant day than you anticipated." "I have been more free
+from pain than usual," she replied; "and upon the whole, the hours
+have passed away agreeably, though I certainly felt my solitude to
+be irksome."
+
+Many who have felt the renewing influence of the truth, when
+looking back to the earlier periods of their history, can recal
+to their remembrance some text of Scripture, an observation in a
+sermon, or a remark in conversation, which had an extraordinary
+effect at the time it was heard; fixing their attention as though
+it spoke with commanding authority; and which may be regarded as
+the first strivings of the Spirit of God within them. These sacred
+occurrences have served as the rallying point of hope, when the mind
+has been driven to the remotest distance from the faith of Christ;
+and notwithstanding the preference which may have been given for a
+season to the pleasures of sin, there has been a secret inclination
+for those of righteousness--God having implanted a witness in the
+bosom who has never ceased to warn and to reprove.
+
+Miss Holmes, when about the age of twelve years, heard Mr. Newton
+make the following remark, in addressing himself to children: "You
+should treasure up in your memory, while you are young, all the
+religious knowledge which you can obtain, as it may be of great
+service to you at some future day, when your attention may be
+directed to the momentous question of your salvation. You will then,
+when convinced of sin, and awed by the terrors of the world to come,
+know how to obtain relief, and be kept from that state of deep
+perplexity in which many are plunged, who are brought to see their
+danger, while ignorant of the way of escape."
+
+This judicious remark struck her with peculiar force, and ever
+afterwards she listened to the preaching of the gospel, in
+anticipation of the future benefit which she might derive from it.
+From that moment she lived in the full expectation of the great
+spiritual change, which was ultimately produced in her mind. Often,
+at different periods, would she retire from the fascinations of
+the world to pray for a new heart; and though she had urged her
+request till hope began to wane, yet she was never permitted to
+despair of obtaining the blessing. It is true, the paralyzing
+influence of her new connections and habits had greatly diminished
+her anxieties and solicitudes for the one thing needful; but the
+early impressions of its importance which she had received, when
+listening to the faithful appeals of Mr. Newton, were too deeply
+imprinted in her heart ever to become obliterated; and though
+she usually assumed great ease of manners, and wore the smile of
+complacent cheerfulness, yet beneath these outward appearances there
+lay concealed a wounded, and at times an agonized spirit. She would
+sometimes join in the satirical play of wit on the eccentricities
+of professors, but always discountenanced any attack on the truth
+or sanctity of religion; and though she was becoming more and more
+conformed to the world, yet she could not disengage herself from the
+influence which the powers of the world to come had early acquired
+over her judgment and her conscience. She had too much religion to
+be happy with the gay, and too little to be happy with the pious;
+mingling with each, yet not being able to partake of the enjoyments
+of either, she was doomed to a life of perpetual mortification.
+
+As her character usually received its peculiar tone and complexion
+from the society with which she last associated, it was perpetually
+varying from gay to grave and from grave to gay; her spirits would
+occasionally rise to the highest mirth, and then sink to the
+lowest depression; sometimes she appeared open and bland, at other
+times reserved and gloomy; alternately devoting herself to the
+pleasures of the world, and the external exercises of religion, it
+was not till after she became a new creature in Christ Jesus, that
+her most intimate friends could ascertain the real cause of such
+extraordinary changeableness in her character.
+
+The impressions of Divine truth on the heart, when produced by a
+supernatural power, are deep and permanent; but when they claim
+no higher origin than the agency of man, they soon pass away like
+the morning cloud and early dew, and leave no trace of their
+existence. They may, during their continuance, induce an order
+of thought and reflection, in strict accordance with the general
+tenor of the Scriptures, but they effect no real change in the
+heart or character. As they bear a resemblance when they are first
+received, and at successive periods, to the operations of the Holy
+Spirit, they are frequently mistaken for them, and a profession of
+religion made under their influence is often abandoned as soon as
+they subside. Hence the annals of the Christian church record the
+names of many who have outlived their avowed attachment to the faith
+of Christ; and the most awful passages of the sacred volume are
+directed against those who, after pleading its promises, with the
+hope of obtaining eternal life, relapse into a course of worldliness
+or infidelity.
+
+It was under a trembling apprehension of the transitory nature of
+her religious convictions and feelings, that Miss Holmes formed a
+resolution to make no reference to them, till by a process of trial
+she had acquired some satisfactory evidence of their permanency.
+She remembered an observation which she once heard the venerable
+Newton make, when preaching on the parable of the sower:--"Genuine
+religion is distinguished from that which is spurious, not so much
+by the dissimilarity of its first impressions, as by its power to
+resist temptation, and to bring the dispositions of the heart into
+subjection to the authority of Jesus Christ."
+
+Her indisposition, though severe and protracted, was at no
+period considered dangerous; it kept her away from the scenes
+of gaiety to which she would otherwise have been exposed, and
+gave her an opportunity of devoting her attention more calmly
+and dispassionately to that subject which now began to appear
+pre-eminently interesting and important. She knew that her sins
+were more in number than she could calculate, and that the sentence
+of condemnation which stood recorded against her might be executed
+without any impeachment of the justice or benevolence of God; but
+such was the strength of her faith in the efficacy of the Saviour's
+death, and in the power of his intercession, that she "was filled
+with all peace in believing, abounding in hope, through the power of
+the Holy Ghost." Her transition from a state of nature to a state of
+grace--from vain and passing pleasures to those of religion--from
+the delusive charms of the visible to the more attractive glories of
+the unseen world, was sudden, but tranquil--unattended by those deep
+convictions of guilt and that overpowering apprehension of future
+condemnation which sometimes torture and distract the mind of the
+young disciple. This was primarily owing to the accurate knowledge
+of the scheme of salvation which she had acquired by sitting under
+the enlightened ministry of Mr. Newton; for while it must not be
+concealed, that the beginning and consummation of personal religion
+in the heart is to be attributed to the immediate action of a
+supernatural power, yet it is equally evident that its progress in
+allaying the fear that produceth torment, in instilling the peace
+which passeth all understanding, and in elevating and fixing the
+affections on things above, is usually in proportion to the accuracy
+and extent of the theological information which is possessed.
+
+"Many," says an interesting writer, "are too prone to look for a
+conversion always uniform, not only in its effects, but in its
+operation, and too much bordering on the miraculous. The soul
+must be first overwhelmed with fear--then pierced by grief and
+anguish--then plunged into despair--then suddenly filled with hope,
+and peace, and joy; and the person must be able to determine the day
+on which, and the sermon, or the paragraph, or the providence by
+which the change was wrought. But this is by no means necessarily,
+or generally the case. There is a variety in the temperaments
+and habits of men, and in the methods employed to bring them to
+repentance. We should remember that there are differences of
+administration, but the same Lord; that often he prefers to the
+earthquake, the wind, and the fire, the small still voice; that he
+can draw by the cords of love and the bands of a man; that he can
+work as effectually by slow as by instantaneous exertions; and that
+he may change the soul in a manner so gradual and mild, as to be
+scarcely discernible to any but the glorious Author. And here we
+are furnished with evidence from analogy. In nature some of God's
+works insensibly issue in others, and it is impossible for us to
+draw the line of distinction. The path of the just is as the shining
+light, which shineth more and more unto the perfect day. But who
+can ascertain which ray begins, or which ends the dawn? If you
+are unable to trace the progress of the Divine life, judge by the
+result. When you perceive the effects of conversion, never question
+the cause. And if perplexed by a number of circumstantial inquiries,
+be satisfied if you are able to say, One thing I know, that whereas
+I was once blind, now I see."
+
+The chastened seriousness of spirit which Miss Holmes exhibited, and
+the new course of reading which she adopted, induced the family to
+suppose that she was taking a religious turn, though she cautiously
+abstained from making any reference to it. She felt convinced that
+some essential change had taken place, yet at times she doubted if
+it was anything more than the effect of her own spontaneous thoughts
+and reflections; and as she had, more than once, experienced a
+mental excitement of a similar nature, she rejoiced with trembling.
+She knew that the righteous hold on their way, because they are kept
+by the power of God through faith unto salvation; but as she was
+often perplexed, when endeavouring to ascertain whether she belonged
+to that specific denomination of character, she could not anticipate
+the issue of her impressions with unmingled satisfaction. She felt a
+distaste for those objects of pursuit and sources of gratification
+which had acquired such a powerful ascendency over her; and now she
+longed to partake of the more refined enjoyment which results from
+communion with the members of the household of faith and the public
+exercises of devotion; but she dreaded the prospect of coming into
+contact with the world, lest another relapse of feeling should take
+place, which would leave her still more insensible than ever to the
+unseen realities of eternity.
+
+The Saviour, in his various offices, was now precious to her, as he
+is to all them that believe. She dwelt with holy awe and delight
+on that union of majesty and condescension, purity and compassion,
+justice and grace, which he displays in his mediatorial character;
+but she was apprehensive, that when exposed to the rival influence
+of temporal pursuits, her mind would again be enslaved by their
+charms, and she would lose the relish she now felt for her new
+themes of contemplation and enjoyment.
+
+Thus it is wisely ordained, that at every period in the experience
+of the Christian, there shall be some circumstances to perplex
+his judgment--some uncertainty to darken his prospect--some
+apprehensions to disturb his peace, to convince him that here
+'perfect bliss cannot be found;' and that no attainments, however
+high--that no anticipations, however bright and animating--are
+capable, while we are encompassed with infirmities, of yielding
+unmingled satisfaction and delight. At times Miss Holmes felt very
+anxious to disclose to some one the change through which her mind
+was now passing, that she might have the advantage of Christian
+sympathy and guidance; but the perplexing question was, to whom
+should she make the communication. She often thought of speaking
+to her mother, but when she made the attempt, her courage failed
+her. At length she addressed the following letter to her friend
+Mrs. Loader, who had evinced so much solicitude for her spiritual
+welfare:--
+
+     "THE ELMS, _16th Oct., 18--_.
+
+     "MY DEAR FRIEND,--I am much obliged by your affectionate
+     epistle, which I received on the 10th; and I regret that you
+     should deem any apology necessary for the introduction of that
+     specific advice which it contains. My obvious indifference to
+     the momentous question of personal religion, and my growing
+     conformity to the customs and habits of the gay world, must,
+     I have no doubt, have given you very considerable uneasiness;
+     and I assure you that it often plunged me into the deepest
+     depression of spirit. I was often cheerful, but never happy;
+     often trying fresh expedients to divert my attention from what
+     I deemed _the gloomy subject_, but never could succeed; and
+     though I became more insensible to the attractions of religion
+     as I grew in years, yet I exposed myself more frequently to
+     the keenness of its reproofs and the awful terrors of its
+     threatenings. My associates, who had not had the privilege of a
+     pious education, could enjoy the world, and treat with levity
+     the prohibitory injunctions of the Scriptures, but I could not.
+     I never could divest myself of the full conviction that God has
+     the first claim on the affections of the heart; and that he has
+     appointed a day when every human being 'must appear before the
+     judgment-seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things
+     done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be
+     good or bad.' These thoughts would rush into my mind, not only
+     when alone, but also when in the midst of the gayest company,
+     and by no expedient could I succeed in driving them away.
+
+     "It was under the most agonizing mental conflict I ever
+     sustained, that I hailed our tour to the west as likely to
+     dissolve the fatal charm by which I was subdued and enslaved;
+     but I found, on my return, that my _heart_ had undergone no
+     change, as I often secretly anticipated a re-entrance into
+     those scenes which my conscience so severely condemned. I once
+     heard Mr. Newton remark, that as our dangers often spring out
+     of our comforts, so the greatest blessings sometimes grow out
+     of our heaviest afflictions. The correctness of this remark I
+     can _now_ attest from experience. It was on our return from
+     Devonshire that I met with the accident which has confined me a
+     close prisoner for more than two months; but to that accident
+     which I called disastrous, I owe all my present happiness and my
+     prospect of eternal glory.
+
+     "You express a hope that I have given the book which you so
+     kindly presented to me, a candid perusal, presuming that no
+     season can be more favourable for such subjects of inquiry than
+     those which we denominate afflictive. Yes, my dear friend, I
+     have read it, though I felt such a reluctance to do so that I
+     put it from me several times; and had not my word stood pledged
+     to read it, I had still been a stranger to its soul-stirring
+     contents. I read on carelessly till I came to the tenth chapter,
+     when the subject fixed my attention, and I hope penetrated
+     my heart. Then I _felt_ that I was a sinner--then I _felt_
+     that I stood solitary and alone, in the immediate presence of
+     my Legislator and my Judge, confounded, because righteously
+     condemned--then I _felt_ that I needed a Saviour. I have had
+     many strong convictions of the truth and the necessity of
+     religion in the earlier seasons of my life; but those produced
+     on this occasion were more clear, and full, and impressive, than
+     any that ever preceded them. They came with an authority which
+     I could not resist; they prevented all vacillation of mind,
+     and constrained me, with a force which I had no disposition to
+     withstand, to yield to their power; and though my evil heart
+     of unbelief would sometimes suggest that all is a delusion,
+     artfully practised on my imagination by Satan, who sometimes
+     transforms himself into an angel of light, yet I can say, in
+     reference to Him who is the chief among ten thousand--'Whom
+     having not seen, I love; in whom, though now I see him not, yet
+     believing, I rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.'
+
+     "When, my dear friend, I received that present from your hand,
+     I did not calculate on the effects which it was ordained to
+     produce; for though I feel unworthy of the notice of the Friend
+     of sinners, yet, on reviewing the recent change which has taken
+     place in my sentiments, my taste, and my feelings, I cannot
+     avoid ascribing it to his sovereign and predetermined will.
+     But though I am fully convinced that a great change has been
+     produced, yet I must not conceal from you the dread I sometimes
+     feel lest it should prove only a momentary excitement. I now can
+     see the vanity of the world; but shall I do so when I am again
+     able to go about? I now can consecrate myself to the service of
+     the Redeemer; but shall I have courage to take up the cross and
+     follow him, when again enticed to mingle with the gay votaries
+     of fashion? It is not my province to dictate to infinite Wisdom,
+     nor prescribe the method by which my religious principles shall
+     be tried; but it is my earnest, and my daily prayer, to be kept
+     within the walls of my solitary retreat, till He whose I am, and
+     whom I wish to serve, has prepared me to resist every temptation
+     by which I may be assailed, and to perform every duty which may
+     devolve upon me.
+
+     "Now that I have given you this explanation, you will doubtless
+     be able to account for that singular variation in my disposition
+     and manners, which you must have so often noticed; but if
+     you had known the strange revulsion of feeling to which my
+     poor unhappy mind was perpetually subjected, you would have
+     considered it as perfectly natural. I am by nature a child
+     of imitation--apt to catch the spirit and temper of those
+     with whom I come into contact--easily captivated by imposing
+     manners--averse to all appearance of singularity--volatile and
+     impetuous in my disposition; yet at the early age of twelve,
+     I was so powerfully impressed with the truth and necessity of
+     personal piety, that I do not think I ever spent a day without
+     giving it my most serious attention. Hence, when carried away
+     by the example of others to scenes of gaiety, my spirits would
+     naturally rise to a high pitch of feeling, yet on returning to
+     my graver and more important subjects of reflection, I felt so
+     abased and confounded--so terrified and alarmed in prospect of
+     futurity, that I could scarcely endure the anguish I was doomed
+     to suffer. I do not know that I can better describe the state of
+     my mind, than by quoting the language of Dr. Watts, with a few
+     slight alterations:--
+
+      'I was a helpless captive, sold
+        Under the power of sin:
+      I could not do the good I would,
+        Nor keep my conscience clean.
+
+      'My God, I cry'd with fervent breath,
+        For some kind power to save,
+      To break the yoke of sin and death,
+        And thus redeem the slave.'
+
+     "The charge which is often brought against religion, as
+     tending to abridge our comforts, and induce a melancholy and
+     dejection of spirit, I can repel from experience. Infallible
+     Truth declares, that her ways are ways of pleasantness, and her
+     paths are paths of peace; and now I know, and feel it. My mind,
+     which has been tossed about on the surging billows of doubt and
+     perplexity, has at last gained that haven of rest, where, I
+     trust, it is destined to remain.
+
+     "No one of my family has any knowledge of the present state
+     of my feelings, as I have cautiously abstained from making
+     any allusion to religious subjects; not because I am ashamed
+     of religion, but because I am unwilling to make a premature
+     profession; and though perhaps you may censure me for
+     withholding from my dear parents a communication which is so
+     calculated to give them pleasure, yet if I should be permitted,
+     after having made it, to relapse into my former course of
+     gaiety and folly, the disappointment will be so great that it
+     may entail on them perpetual sorrow. Pray that I may be kept
+     in the evil hour--that I may be enabled to walk circumspectly
+     towards them that are without--that I may have courage to make
+     a profession of my attachment to the Lord Jesus, and grace to
+     adorn it, and at length be presented faultless before the
+     presence of his glory, with exceeding joy.
+
+     "I need not say how acceptable another letter from you would be;
+     but I certainly should prefer a personal interview, if you could
+     make it convenient to pay us a visit. I am happy to inform you
+     that I am much better, and that all the rest of the family are
+     well.--Yours affectionately,
+
+     LOUISA.
+
+     "To Mrs. Loader."
+
+True piety does not act to be seen of men, nor speak to gain their
+applause; but though for a season it may remain unobserved, yet
+the meekness of its spirit and the lustre of its character are
+marks by which it will always indubitably be known. For the reasons
+which have been previously assigned, Miss Holmes had abstained
+from communicating to her family the change which had taken place
+in her sentiments and feelings; but she was not able to conceal
+from them the external proofs of it which her conduct and her
+occasional conversation necessarily supplied. As she was reserved on
+the subject, so were her parents; and though they felt anxious to
+ascertain if her great seriousness of manners was anything more than
+a recurrence of her former deep depression of spirit, yet they knew
+not how to do it.
+
+It often happens that young persons can make a more free statement
+of their religious experience to strangers or distant friends
+than they can to their own parents; but this in general argues
+some essential defect in the bringing up and arrangements of the
+family. There may be, I grant, on the part of the child, in the
+earlier stages of his experience, a reluctance to disclose to any
+one "the secret movements and operations of his heart towards the
+best of Beings;" but if Christian parents were to incorporate, in
+their course of religious instruction, the habit of a free and
+unreserved conversation on the practical effects of truth, and if
+they would occasionally retire with their children, to pray _with
+them_ and _for them_, specifically and alone, it would imperceptibly
+beget such a union and intimacy of spirit, that _they_ would be
+no less anxious to unburden to them the anxieties and sorrows of
+their heart, than the parent would feel delighted to become their
+spiritual counsellor and friend.
+
+When Miss Holmes was sitting with her mother, one Sabbath evening,
+an allusion happened to be made to the sermon which had been
+preached at church, and with which Mrs. Holmes expressed her
+dissatisfaction. "Perhaps," remarked Louisa, "it would be difficult
+to procure a more pleasant residence than our own, or one which
+is more conducive to our general health; but I assure you that I
+often deplore the consequences which must inevitably result, from
+our being deprived of the privilege of attending an evangelical
+ministry."
+
+"It gives me pleasure, my dear, to hear you deplore the loss of such
+a privilege, as it is a proof that you value it."
+
+"Yes, Mamma, I do value it, but now, alas! I have no prospect of
+enjoying it. Yet I feel more for others, than I feel for myself,
+especially for the junior members of our family; as I fear, now that
+they are removed from the restraints which pure evangelical truth
+imposes on the heart and conscience, they will devote themselves
+to the pleasures of the world, which will give them a distaste for
+those of religion."
+
+"And does my dear Louisa then prefer the pleasures of religion to
+those of the world?"
+
+"I trust, Mamma, I do; though I am almost afraid to speak with
+confidence on such a delicate and important question. I know from
+past experience, that there may be deep religious impressions, and
+powerful religious excitement, even while the heart retains all
+its evil propensities and antipathies; but I hope it hath pleased
+God to employ my late affliction as the means of bringing me into
+fellowship with himself, and his Son Jesus Christ. I murmured when
+he smote me, but now I can say, 'I know, O Lord, that thy judgments
+are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. Before I
+was afflicted I went astray; but now have I kept thy word.'"
+
+"Both your father and I have thought," said Mrs. Holmes, "that God
+was dealing graciously with your soul, and we have often prayed
+that you might come out of this affliction a new creature in Christ
+Jesus; yet we could not overcome the strange reluctance we felt to
+speak to you on the subject; but as it hath pleased God to answer
+our prayers, I must convey the glad tidings to your father, who will
+embrace you as one alive from the dead."
+
+"As you have drawn me into a premature disclosure on this subject,
+I certainly cannot object to your communicating to my dear father
+the substance of our conversation, but I must request that you will
+take no notice of it to any other person. For if I should now make
+a profession of religion, and on the return of health and energy,
+should relapse into my former course of gaiety and folly, I shall do
+essential injury to others."
+
+"But, my dear, you may be 'confident of this very thing, that he
+which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of
+Jesus Christ.'"
+
+"Yes, I know, that when the work of grace is begun, it will be
+carried on, notwithstanding the various impediments which may
+obstruct its progress, or the artifices which may be employed by
+the great adversary to effect its destruction; but I am not quite
+satisfied that what I feel _is_ the work of grace. It may be nothing
+more than the effect of my own fears; and if so, it will disappear
+as soon as they subside; or it may be the necessary consequence of
+that train of serious thought and reflection, which a lengthened
+indisposition generally originates; and if so, every trace of its
+existence will be obliterated, when I again intermingle in the
+pursuits of active life."
+
+"But have you not, my dear Louisa, _tasted_ that the Lord is
+gracious, as well as _felt_ his terrors which have made you afraid?
+and can you, on cool reflection, suppose that He will ever abandon
+you, now that you have surrendered your heart to him?"
+
+"I have felt none of the terrors of religion, which may be an
+essential defect in my experience; and the excitements which I have
+ascribed to the love of God shed abroad in my heart by the power of
+the Holy Ghost, may prove the momentary joy of the stony-ground
+hearer, in whom the seed of truth could not thrive, because it took
+no root. If, after a period of trial, I am induced to believe that I
+have felt the renovating power of Divine grace, I trust that I shall
+then have courage given me to make a decided profession of the faith
+of Christ, without regarding the remarks to which it may subject me;
+but till then, it is my earnest wish, that you intrust to no one but
+my dear father the communication which I have almost unintentionally
+made to you. I have seen so many throw off their religious
+profession, and return to the course which they had abandoned; and I
+have such a dread of apostasy, that it is my fixed determination to
+have some practical proof of the efficacy of my principles to resist
+temptation, and bring the dispositions of my heart into subjection
+to the authority of Jesus Christ, before I make any profession."
+
+"I approve, my dear, of your decision; but while jealous of
+yourself, you must guard against mistrusting the faithfulness and
+loving-kindness of God your Saviour, who has pledged his honour to
+keep you by his power through faith unto salvation."
+
+
+
+
+CHRISTIAN EXPERIENCE.
+
+
+The scene which opens on the imagination of the young Christian
+is often so beautiful and enchanting--it so deeply fixes his
+attention, and enchains his affections--that he turns with an eye
+of comparative indifference from the objects and pursuits to which
+he has been previously devoted, under a full conviction that they
+cannot _now_ yield him the gratification they once did; and that
+he cannot _now_ derive permanent happiness, except from that new
+source of felicity which he has discovered. It is, when he is under
+these novel and powerful impressions, that the long neglected
+Bible discloses new beauties; no theme of meditation or discussion
+presents any subduing charm in comparison with Christ Jesus, and him
+crucified; and having felt the transition from a state of spiritual
+death to a newness of life, to be attended by such hallowed
+emotions, he is in danger of anticipating too large a portion of
+spiritual enjoyment, which not unfrequently becomes the occasion of
+great mental perplexity, and sometimes of deep depression.
+
+During the continuance of her indisposition Miss Holmes felt so
+intensely interested in reading her Bible, that she might clearly
+understand the sublime theory of the Christian faith, and so
+absorbed in her spiritual exercises, that her health sustained
+some injury by the severity of her application. As a very natural
+consequence, a shade of melancholy was cast over her spirit. She
+was forewarned of the possibility of such an effect being produced;
+but the usual apology which she made to her pious mother was, "Can
+I take too much interest in that important subject, into which
+angels desire to look? or can I ever hope for a more favourable time
+for its investigation than the present, when I am precluded from
+mingling in the employments or the amusements of the world?"
+
+The following form of self-dedication to God she now drew up and
+signed, having vowed in the most solemn manner to observe it to the
+full extent of her pledge:--
+
+"Eternal and unchangeable Jehovah! thou glorious Creator of heaven
+and earth, and adorable Lord of angels and men, I desire with the
+deepest humiliation and abasement of soul, to bow down at this
+time in thine awful presence, and earnestly pray, that thou wilt
+impress my heart with a clear perception of thine unutterable and
+inconceivable glories.
+
+"To thee do I now come, invited by the exceeding great and precious
+promises of thy Word; trusting for acceptance in the efficacy of
+the Saviour's death, beseeching thee to 'be merciful unto me a
+sinner.' The irregular propensities of my depraved nature have in
+ten thousand aggravated instances wrought to bring forth fruit unto
+death. And if thou shouldst be strict to mark my offences, I must be
+silent under a load of guilt, and immediately sink into destruction.
+But thou hast graciously called me to return to thee, though I have
+been a backsliding child. I come unto thee, O Lord, convinced not
+only of my sin, but of my folly; and while I implore mercy through
+the mediation of Jesus Christ, I would be no less importunate for
+the purifying influences of the Holy Spirit, that I may be entirely
+conformed to thee. Permit me to bring unto thee those powers and
+faculties which I have ungratefully alienated from thy service; and
+receive, I beseech thee, thy poor revolted creature, who is now
+convinced of thy right to her, and who desires nothing in the world
+so much as to be thine.
+
+"I bring to thee a dark benighted mind, to be illuminated with
+Divine knowledge. Thou hast the words of eternal life; I therefore
+resign my understanding to thy teaching. I bring to thee a corrupt
+and deceitful heart; do thou cleanse and make it upright before
+thee. Do thou expel all the evils which lurk within it, and make it
+a temple for thyself. May the same mind which was in Christ Jesus be
+in me. May I possess the same humility which he displayed, the same
+indifference to the riches and the pleasures of the world, the same
+spirit of zeal for thine honour, and of benevolence towards man. May
+I ever wear the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit; be enabled to
+adorn the profession which I hope to make; and finally be admitted
+into the kingdom of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
+
+"And I do now most solemnly give myself unto thee, as one whom
+thou hast made alive from the dead, with a firm and unalterable
+determination to live devoted to thee; loving thee supremely,
+walking in thy fear, and glorifying thee in my body and my spirit,
+which are thine."
+
+The practice of self-dedication, which is often recommended to the
+young Christian, may tend to increase his reverence for God, and to
+make him more watchful over his own spirit; but unless he has very
+clear perceptions of the way of salvation, it may be productive
+of essential spiritual injury. For though we are told in the most
+express language, that "we are saved by grace through faith, and
+that not of ourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, lest
+any man should boast;" yet when the distinction between obedience,
+as the fruit of faith, and obedience as the hope of reward, is
+not accurately and perpetually observed, there is a danger of
+contracting a self-righteous spirit, which by aiming at personal
+perfection for ostentatious display, or as a source of mental
+confidence, may bring the soul into a state of spiritual bondage.
+
+Miss Holmes having most solemnly dedicated herself to God, and
+formed a sanguine opinion of the high capabilities of the renewed
+mind, began to prescribe a set of rules for her self-government,
+which she resolved to observe. If these rules had related merely to
+her conduct in social life, she might have kept them; but as they
+included the regulation of the disposition, and the frame of her
+mind towards God, they were founded on a mistaken conception of her
+own ability. They imperceptibly diverted her attention from the
+perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ, by faith in which sinners
+are accepted and justified, to a laborious effort to attain a high
+degree of sinless excellence; and as she progressively discovered
+so many, and such lamentable defects in her obedience, the peace of
+mind which she enjoyed when "first she knew the Lord" was destroyed,
+and she gradually sunk into a state of despondency. By making this
+fatal, yet common mistake, she was led to the conclusion, that the
+attainments of the genuine Christian were placed beyond her reach,
+and that it would be an act of presumption if she attempted to
+acquire them.
+
+An evangelical ministry is instituted to promote the edification
+of them that believe, no less than to convert sinners from the
+error of their ways; to guard them against those misconceptions of
+truth, which may prove injurious to their happiness and spiritual
+prosperity; and to explain that mysteriousness which rests over
+their earlier experience, when there is a constant, and often
+a rapid interchange of hope and of fear, of sorrow and of joy,
+of a bright prospect of future blessedness, and a foreboding
+apprehension of future woe. Those who attend such a ministry,
+partake of the advantages of it, without being conscious of the
+benefit which they receive; but if indisposition, or any other
+circumstance, prevent a Christian from availing himself of this
+ordinance of grace, he may linger for a long time, especially in the
+earlier stages of the spiritual life, in a state of great mental
+perplexity, and may gradually sink into a morbid depression, without
+being able either to remove or account for it.
+
+Domestic engagements prevented Mrs. Loader from paying a visit to
+the Elms; but the following letter is a proof of the deep interest
+which she took in the welfare of her friend, and also of her ability
+to give her judicious counsel:--
+
+     "MY DEAR LOUISA,--I am fearful lest you should construe my
+     silence into indifference; but I flatter myself, that the
+     following explanation will protect me from such an imputation.
+     I was from home when yours of last month arrived; and since my
+     return, family matters so engaged my attention, that I have
+     been prevented replying to it. It is impossible for words to
+     express the pleasure I felt on the perusal of your first very
+     interesting letter; and though the degree of that pleasure was
+     somewhat diminished on the reception of your second, yet I
+     cannot refrain from offering you my sincere congratulations,
+     on account of what the Lord has done for you, and is still
+     doing. Clouds and darkness are often round about him, while
+     he is silently and unobserved carrying on his own work; and
+     when it is not in our power to trace the operation of his
+     hand, we are required to stand still, and he will show us his
+     salvation. In the early experience of the Christian there are
+     many circumstances which perplex and confound him, and which
+     appear to place his good hope in the most imminent danger; but
+     it is the province of faith calmly to wait the issue, which is
+     certain, and will be glorious.
+
+     "I am not surprised, my dear Louisa, that you should regret
+     having made what you call a premature disclosure of your
+     Christian experience, especially as you begin to entertain some
+     strong doubts of its being genuine. This is very natural, and
+     very common. If the experimental influence of the truth fell
+     under the immediate observation of our senses, we should be
+     able to mark its progress with the most perfect accuracy; but
+     as the seat of its first and most powerful operations is the
+     heart--that province which the eye can never penetrate; and as
+     it merely diffuses itself over the exercise of our intellectual
+     and moral faculties, without acting alone, and independently of
+     them, we almost necessarily, at times, suspect whether we have
+     ever felt it. It is true, we may see a change in our conduct,
+     and a change in the disposition and temper of our mind; but as
+     this uniformly takes place in consequence of our full conviction
+     of its propriety, we may, especially in a gloomy hour, be
+     incapable of tracing it up to a supernatural cause.
+
+     "The first impressions of Divine truth on the heart are
+     generally strong and deep--they produce a powerful excitement
+     of the affections; and such is the intense degree of interest
+     which is sometimes felt at such a period, that no variation
+     is anticipated, except it be some higher and more blissful
+     elevation of soul--some ascent to a spiritual Pisgah, from
+     whence the lot of our future inheritance with the saints in
+     light may be clearly seen. But when the mind becomes more
+     familiar with the sublime truths of religion, they lose somewhat
+     of their novelty; and though they still retain their ascendency
+     over the judgment, yet the impressions which they produce become
+     less powerful. This change in the feelings often induces the
+     young Christian to suspect, that the cause of its original
+     production must be found, not in the grace of God, but the
+     uninfluenced operations of his own faculties and passions. It is
+     when the mind is thus variously exercised, that the invisible
+     enemy of our peace often comes to augment our perplexity, by
+     insinuating, that if we were renewed, the fact of our renovation
+     would be so conspicuous, that we could never doubt it--that
+     if we did really love the Lord, our love would glow with
+     undiminished ardour--that if our faith were genuine, we should
+     never be permitted to stagger at any of the promises of God
+     through unbelief--that if we were made partakers of the Divine
+     nature, we should for ever escape the corruption that is in the
+     world--and if our spiritual emotions were actually produced
+     by the operation of a supernatural power, they would neither
+     subside nor fluctuate.
+
+     "If then, my dear Louisa, you should doubt, where others have
+     doubted before you, and if you should feel those causes of
+     perplexity and depression operating on your mind, under which
+     the faithful in Christ Jesus in every age have laboured, you
+     ought to comfort yourself by the reflection that you are now
+     passing through the usual trials of Christian experience. If you
+     had no doubts, you would have cause to fear; and if you knew no
+     change of feeling, you would have cause to suspect your change
+     of heart.
+
+      'Come then--a still, small whisper in your ear,--
+      _She_ has no hope, who never had a fear:
+      And _she_ that never doubted of _her_ state,
+      _She_ may perhaps--perhaps _she_ may, too late.'
+
+     "I am happy to find, by your last letter, that you have
+     disclosed the state of your mind to your dear parents; for
+     while I certainly approve of the motive which induced you to
+     conceal it from them, yet I think you have acted wisely in
+     breaking through your resolution. As they so often wept over
+     you, when you were living without God, and without Christ in
+     the world; and have, with so much fervour, intermingled their
+     supplications at the footstool of the Divine throne for your
+     conversion, it would have been an act of unkindness to have kept
+     them in a state of ignorance on a subject in which they are so
+     deeply interested. You should communicate to them not only the
+     general fact, that you are _now become 'a fellow-heir of the
+     grace of life,'_ but also the perplexities which disquiet and
+     depress you, as they are so well qualified to give you that
+     instruction and consolation which you may require. It is by
+     giving vent to the feelings of the soul, that we gain relief
+     from our most poignant griefs; and though you perhaps can more
+     readily communicate your experience to an absent friend than
+     to your own parents, yet, if you make the effort, the barrier
+     which obstructs an unreserved disclosure of all you feel, and
+     all you fear, will soon be broken down, and then your spiritual
+     intercourse will be free and unfettered. It will require, on
+     your part, I have no doubt, a great sacrifice of feeling, to
+     take the step which I now venture to recommend; but you know who
+     has said, My grace shall be sufficient for thee--as thy day,
+     thy strength shall be; and if you by prayer and supplication
+     with thanksgiving, make your request unto Him, He will give you
+     wisdom and strength to follow the advice I now offer.
+
+     "I have often regretted your removal from London, especially
+     when I found that you are not favoured with an evangelical
+     ministry in the church. This circumstance must operate as a
+     serious drawback upon your social happiness; and now you are
+     brought to feel the importance of religion, I am not surprised
+     that you should deeply deplore it. You ask me what you are
+     to do, now you are able to attend public worship. This is an
+     important question, but I feel no hesitation in giving you the
+     advice which I have given to others, who have been placed in
+     similar circumstances. If there be no Dissenting chapel within
+     a convenient distance, in which the gospel is preached, go to
+     your parish church as usual, to avoid the appearance of Sabbath
+     profanation; but if there be one, I think it your duty to attend
+     there. I do not recommend you to secede, for the mere sake of
+     secession; but for your spiritual improvement, which will depend
+     more on a pure evangelical ministry, than any other secondary
+     cause. Some, I am aware, would urge you to prefer your parish
+     church to a Dissenting chapel, even if the minister be an
+     irreligious man, and to stay there till it shall please God to
+     introduce the gospel into it; but as it is not in my power to
+     reconcile such advice with the injunction of our Lord, _Take
+     heed what ye hear_, you cannot expect that I can approve of such
+     a course. The eminently devout Christian loves the habitation
+     of the Lord's house, and the place where his honour dwelleth;
+     but we have no reason to believe that God visits any place with
+     the manifestations of his love, where the minister does not
+     preach salvation by grace through faith. But suffer the word of
+     exhortation. You are now coming out amongst the difficulties
+     of a public profession of religion; one friend may recommend
+     you to adopt one plan, and another, another; and the more you
+     consult, the more you may be perplexed, till at length you may
+     be incapable of coming to any decision. To obviate this evil,
+     go and meditate seriously on the following passage--'Trust in
+     the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own
+     understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall
+     direct thy paths.' Reduce to practice the admonition of the wise
+     man, and you will find that the Lord will give wisdom, as well
+     as strength.
+
+     "I am much obliged by your kind invitation to the Elms, and
+     intend, as soon as I can leave home, to pay you a visit, when
+     I hope to find you in perfect health. Remember me very kindly
+     to every member of your family, and believe me to be, yours
+     affectionately,
+
+     E. LOADER."
+
+One of the most common-place charges which is brought against
+evangelical religion, is, that it has a tendency to make its
+possessor melancholy; and if we were to form our judgment of it
+from the appearance and manner of some who profess it, we should
+be disposed to admit its correctness. They not only abstain
+from all the pleasures and amusements of the social circle; but
+habitually wear a gloom on their countenance, which indicates a
+singular dejection and moroseness of spirit. But this dejection
+of spirit, which we may sometimes discover in a professor of
+evangelical religion, is not produced by his religious principles,
+but by his sense of personal guilt, and his want of that assurance
+of forgiveness, which the gospel of Jesus Christ is intended to
+convey. He may be permitted to remain for a season, by the Holy One
+of Israel, whose laws he has violated, and whom he has neglected
+to glorify, under the sentence of self-condemnation; but when he
+is enabled to rely on the atonement made by Jesus Christ, and to
+appropriate the promise of mercy, he enjoys the peace which passeth
+all understanding. If then, we wish to form a correct estimate
+of the real tendency of evangelical truth, we must not go to the
+penitent sinner while he is suffering under the deep convictions
+of guilt, as then he is more prone to put from him the words of
+consolation, than to embrace them; but we must go to the established
+believer, who, having received the truth in the love of it, is
+enjoying its sacred and blissful influence. He will repel the charge
+as a libel on his faith, and unblushingly avow, that he never knew
+solid and substantial happiness till he derived it from communion
+with God, through the mediation of Jesus Christ, and a hope of being
+presented faultless in his immediate presence. And though the spirit
+of scepticism, which is so prevalent in all ranks of society, may
+ridicule such an avowal, as a delusion attempted to be practised on
+human credulity, yet surely no one, on reflection, can presume to
+say that a Christian is not competent to bear testimony to a fact of
+his own experience. The religious principles which he has embraced,
+are represented by those who have never felt their influence, as
+having a tendency to make their possessor melancholy; and yet he
+declares that he has had more mental satisfaction since he embraced
+them than he ever had before. Whose testimony shall we admit to be
+most conclusive?--the testimony of those who are entirely ignorant
+of the subject, or of those whose knowledge qualifies them to
+speak? Suppose, for example, a question to arise respecting the
+excellencies or defects of a piece of music, we should not venture
+to place any dependence on the opinion of a man who has no taste
+for the science. If we did, we should expose ourselves to ridicule
+or contempt. On such a question we should require the opinion of
+a competent judge; and I appeal to the sound sense of my readers,
+if they can allow those persons to pronounce a judgment on the
+tendency of religion who have never felt its holy influence on the
+heart. They may express their opinion, and they often do express it,
+but of what value or importance is it in relation to the subject?
+They may say that its tendency is to make us unhappy; but how can
+they prove it? Not certainly by appealing to the obvious design of
+Christianity, for that has been so unequivocally announced by the
+celestial messengers, that we cannot misconceive it. "And the angel
+said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of
+great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this
+day, in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
+And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly
+host, praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on
+earth peace, good-will toward men." And if they venture to appeal
+to the experience of the religious man, he candidly says, "I am
+happy; but my happiness differs from yours, it takes its rise from
+a different source, and possesses qualities which are peculiarly
+its own; it is more pure, more exquisite, more substantial, because
+more intellectual and spiritual than yours. My happiness is the
+peace that passeth all understanding." But when we mention peace,
+we mean not the stupid security of a mind that refuses to reflect;
+we mean a tranquillity which rests on a tried and durable basis--a
+peace which, founded on the oath and promise of Him who cannot
+lie, and springing from the consciousness of an ineffable alliance
+with the Father of spirits, makes us to share in his fulness, and
+become a partner with him in his purity; a repose serene as the
+unruffled wave, which reflects the heaven from its bosom, while it
+is accompanied with a feeling of exultation and triumph, natural to
+such as are conscious that ere long, having overcome, they shall
+possess all things.
+
+There are many periods in the history of human life, when the
+power of religious principles over the mind commands the respect,
+and excites the admiration of the most inveterate infidel. Go
+and see the poor Christian, contented amidst his privations--the
+suffering Christian, patient under his protracted affliction--the
+dying Christian, resigned and happy in prospect of his approaching
+dissolution; and if you do not pay a spontaneous homage to the
+influence of the principles which have such an effect in elevating
+and supporting the soul of man, when visited by these direful
+calamities, it must be referred either to a want of taste, or to a
+want of judgment.
+
+    "He is the happy man, whose life ev'n now
+    Shows somewhat of that happier life to come;
+    Who, doom'd to an obscure, but tranquil state,
+    Is pleased with it; and, were he free to choose,
+    Would make his fate his choice.
+
+           *       *       *       *       *
+
+    Content, indeed, to sojourn while he must
+    Below the skies, but having there his home.
+    The world o'erlooks him in her busy search
+    Of objects more illustrious in her view;
+    And, occupied as earnestly as she,
+    Though more sublimely, he o'erlooks the world.
+    She scorns his pleasures, for she knows them not;
+    He seeks not hers, for he has proved them vain.
+    He cannot skim the ground like summer birds
+    Pursuing gilded flies; and such he deems
+    Her honours, her emoluments, her joys.
+    Therefore in contemplation is his bliss,
+    Whose power is such, that whom she lifts from earth
+    She makes familiar with a heaven unseen,
+    And shows him glories yet to be revealed."
+
+
+
+
+DOUBTS AND PERPLEXITIES.
+
+
+The change which had taken place in Miss Holmes, became the topic
+of general conversation in the circle of her gay associates; and
+though some of them predicted that she would again appear amongst
+them, when "the fit of melancholy" was over, their anticipations
+were disappointed. She returned the calls of inquiry as soon as
+her health permitted; but she left a deep impression on the mind
+of all her friends, that worldly pleasures had lost their charms
+for her, and that other and nobler objects of pursuit now engrossed
+her attention. One of the first proofs of her decision, was
+consenting to become secretary to a female branch of an Auxiliary
+Bible Society, which was established in the vicinity of the Elms,
+and which brought her into immediate connection with several
+pious families. Having derived so much spiritual benefit from the
+Scriptures during her long confinement, she felt anxious that they
+should be universally circulated; and voluntarily devoted a large
+portion of her time and her influence to secure the co-operation of
+others in accomplishing this important object.
+
+One of the most conspicuous professors in her neighbourhood was a
+Mr. Corrie, whose father had attended the ministry of Romaine, and
+transmitted to his son a profound veneration for the memory of that
+distinguished clergyman. He was a widower, rather advanced in life,
+a man of wealth; and had residing with him two unmarried sisters.
+These ladies were amiable and intelligent--zealous and active in
+the cause of humanity and religion--and their chief delight was in
+going about doing good. Mr. Corrie usually spent the forenoon in
+his study, while his sisters went forth on their visits of mercy to
+the cottages of the poor; and they generally passed their evenings
+in agreeable and profitable conversation, or in reading to each
+other. They often read a portion of Mr. Romaine's Works, which they
+considered the standard of orthodoxy; and though they were willing
+to submit every religious opinion to the test of Scripture, yet they
+never thought of subjecting his opinions to such an ordeal. His
+treatises on the Life and Triumph of Faith, and some Letters which
+have been published since his decease, they regarded with almost as
+much reverence as the Epistles of the inspired writers; believing
+that no author equalled him in correctness of sentiment and depth of
+experience.
+
+Miss Holmes, in her perambulations on behalf of the Bible
+Society, happened to call on the Misses Corrie, to solicit their
+subscriptions, just as they were sitting down to tea; and being
+pressed to remain, she consented to spend the evening with them.
+Their cheerfulness--the spirituality of mind which they discovered
+in their conversation--the fervent spirit of devotion which was
+apparent in Mr. Corrie when engaged in family prayer--and the
+confidence with which they spoke of their interest in Christ,
+operated so powerfully on her feelings, that she remained with them
+much longer than she intended; and when the lateness of the hour
+compelled her to leave, she could not do so without requesting
+permission to repeat her visit. "We shall be happy to see you at
+any time," said Miss Corrie; "and if it be in our power to teach
+you the way of the Lord more perfectly, we shall consider ourselves
+highly honoured."
+
+Religious conversation is one of the most useful methods of
+instruction and consolation we can employ; but sometimes, when
+a false standard of experience is adopted, it becomes the means
+of perplexing and distracting inquiring minds. Our Lord taught
+his disciples, as they were able to receive instruction; keeping
+alive their attention, while he allayed the restlessness of an
+unprofitable curiosity, by saying--"I have yet many things to say
+unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit, when he, the Spirit
+of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall
+not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he
+speak: and he will shew you things to come." And on this wise maxim
+the Holy Spirit condescends to conduct His process of instruction,
+that we may not be confounded by communications which we are unable
+to understand; but be led on step after step in the province of
+Divine knowledge, till we are "able to comprehend with all saints,
+what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know
+the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that we may be filled
+with all the fulness of God." And it is of great importance, in
+relation to the government of our conduct towards others, and for
+our own tranquillity and spiritual improvement, that we rigorously
+adhere to the same maxim; or we may inflict a wound, while
+attempting to impart the consolations of our faith, and absolutely
+retard that growth in knowledge which we are anxious to cultivate
+and advance.
+
+Mr. Corrie was eminently pious, but a man of rather weak
+understanding, and who had associated with but few intelligent
+Christians in the earlier part of his life. His first undigested
+thoughts had grown up into firm and immoveable opinions; and though
+he devoted a large portion of his time to reading the Scriptures,
+yet, owing to the bias of which he was not conscious, he more
+frequently searched for passages in support of his own peculiar
+notions, than studied them to enlarge his views of the entire scheme
+of Divine truth. He was positive, but not perverse; inflexibly
+attached to his own belief, but not disposed to inveigh against
+that of another; and though he imbibed some religious opinions
+which have done great injury to the dignity and the amiability of
+the Christian character, yet in him their tendency was neutralized
+by the sweetness of his natural disposition and the fervour of his
+devotional spirit. He dwelt much on the high points of election
+and predestination; maintained with great pertinacity that human
+nature undergoes no moral improvement, but remains as impure and
+deceitful after the great change has taken place, as it was before;
+and he considered an assurance of our final salvation so essential
+to the nature of faith, that he would not regard as a true believer
+a person who did not enjoy an unclouded prospect of eternal glory.
+These topics bounded the range of his inquiry; and though at times
+he would unawares make concessions which compromised their accuracy,
+yet when apprized of his danger, he would step back with singular
+adroitness, and resist the force of an argument to expose their
+fallacy, by saying to an antagonist, "_You_ see through a glass
+darkly, while I see face to face." If these opinions had been
+confined within the circle of his own family, and the few pious
+friends who were of the same theological school, he would have done
+no injury, as their devotional spirit and habits would have proved
+a safeguard against their pernicious tendency. But by bringing them
+forward in promiscuous company, and by holding them up as essential
+articles of the Christian faith, he often involved the judgment of
+the young disciple in great perplexity, and unintentionally threw
+down some of those barriers which the Scriptures have raised to
+restrain the evil propensities of our nature. The effects of these
+opinions on the mind of Miss Holmes may be seen in the following
+letter, which she addressed to her friend Mrs. Loader, a few weeks
+after her introduction to this family:--
+
+     "MY DEAR FRIEND,--I should have replied earlier to your last
+     letter; but since my convalescence I have been so engaged with
+     my new duties, as the secretary to our Auxiliary Bible Society,
+     that I have not been able to find time. I cannot express to you
+     in words, how much pleasure I derived from your communication.
+     It came at a season when my mind was sinking into despondency,
+     and when I was tempted to give up my hope; but the Lord was
+     pleased to employ it as the means of dispersing the darkness
+     which was hovering around me, and I was enabled to rejoice once
+     more in the light of his countenance. I had gained that elevated
+     spot--that spiritual Pisgah, to which you so beautifully allude;
+     from whence I could read
+
+                'My title clear
+       To mansions in the skies;'
+
+     and from whence I thought I should never be displaced; but
+     alas! I am again compelled to give utterance to a feeling of
+     despondency.
+
+     "I had my fears at the very commencement of my religious course,
+     that my convictions and impressions, like the morning cloud and
+     early dew, would soon pass away, and that I should be permitted
+     to relapse into my original state of darkness and indifference;
+     yet these fears came upon me only at times, like a sudden gust
+     of wind in a serene evening. Now, alas! I have to mourn over
+     their perpetual presence and desolating power; and I sometimes
+     think, the doom of a backslider, or an apostate, awaits me. I
+     shudder in anticipation of such a dreadful issue; and though
+     I often pause and listen, yet I hear not the voice of the
+     Comforter. Yet I cannot go back; perhaps I may say, when taking
+     a survey of the more general state of my heart, I move slowly
+     onwards between hope and fear.
+
+     "I have lately formed an intimate friendship with two excellent
+     ladies, who reside with their brother, not more than a quarter
+     of a mile from the Elms; and in whose society I spend a
+     considerable portion of my leisure hours. From the influence
+     of their example, and from their conversation, I anticipated
+     much spiritual improvement; but the oftener I visit them, the
+     deeper I am plunged in mental despondency; and though I have
+     ventured to allude, in indirect terms, to the perplexed state of
+     my mind, yet I cannot obtain from them the words of consolation
+     which I need. They and their brother have adopted the views of
+     Romaine as their religious standard; and hold his memory in such
+     veneration, that they rank him next to the inspired writers, and
+     tacitly condemn all who, on any religious points, differ from
+     him. They have lent me his treatises on the Life and Triumph of
+     Faith, which I have read with close attention; but instead of
+     deriving from them that satisfaction which I was led to expect,
+     they have revived all my former fears, and invested them with
+     a tenfold poignancy. He says, when addressing the believer,
+     'Thou must be first persuaded of thine interest in Christ,
+     before thou canst make use of it, and improve it; and therefore
+     the knowledge of thy union with him must be clear and plain,
+     before thou canst have a free and open communion with him.' I
+     might have passed over this passage, without having taken any
+     particular notice of it, had it not coincided with the belief
+     which has been so often expressed by my excellent friends, the
+     Misses Corrie and their brother. They say, in the most express
+     terms, that an assurance of our interest in Christ, and of our
+     final salvation, is essential to faith; but this assurance
+     I do not possess. Sometimes I have thought that the Saviour
+     has looked with an eye of compassion on me, and has raised my
+     desponding soul to the ineffable manifestations of his love;
+     but I cannot say that 'he gave himself for me.' I rely on the
+     efficacy of his death for acceptance and eternal life; but I
+     dare not say that my dependence is genuine. In some favoured
+     moments, I have anticipated the blissful interview, when I have
+     hoped to see him as he is, but I cannot speak with confidence--O
+     no! I dare not. While my necessities compel me to go to the
+     Saviour, and plead his promises, my want of assurance keeps me
+     back; and thus, being suspended between these propelling and
+     repulsive powers, I suffer extreme mental torture.
+
+     "But this is not the only subject on which my mind is perplexed.
+     In a conversation the other evening, when we were tracing up the
+     bestowment of every good and every perfect gift to the free and
+     unmerited grace of God, Mr. Corrie asserted, with the utmost
+     degree of confidence, that no true believer in Jesus Christ can
+     doubt his personal election to eternal life. This assertion,
+     made by so good and amiable a man, and which met the decided
+     approbation of his sisters, fell upon my ear with all the terror
+     of the condemning sentence; and from that moment to the present,
+     I have been driven, as an outcast, from the promises of mercy,
+     I have read the Scriptures to satisfy my mind on this point,
+     and there I read of sinners being chosen in Christ before the
+     foundation of the world--of their being elected according to the
+     foreknowledge of God the Father--of their being predestinated;
+     but this high point appears invested with such terror, that my
+     spirit recoils when attempting to approach it; and though I have
+     prayed for faith to receive the hidden mysteries of revelation,
+     and for wisdom to understand them, yet I cannot believe that I
+     am one of the selected number, whose name has been enrolled in
+     the Lamb's book of life. But should I feel all this terror on
+     my spirit, when adverting to a doctrine which appears stated,
+     with the utmost degree of explicitness, by the inspired writers,
+     if I had that faith which is of the operation of the Spirit
+     of God? Should I, if I possessed like precious faith, recoil,
+     with almost instinctive dread, from a subject on which my pious
+     friends speak with so much animation and delight? Surely there
+     must be some defect in my experience, which renders me incapable
+     of disengaging myself from the bondage of fear in which I am
+     held; and which holds me back from a participation of that
+     glorious liberty which I see enjoyed by the children of God
+     around me.
+
+     "There is one point of resemblance between my experience and
+     that of my friends, too striking to pass unnoticed; yet, when
+     reading the Scriptures, it has merely served to involve me in a
+     still more perplexing labyrinth of difficulty. It is this--they
+     maintain 'that our hearts undergo no moral improvement when
+     the great renovation takes place, but remain as impure and
+     deceitful as before.' I certainly did anticipate, when I first
+     felt the influence of the truth, that I should grow in grace
+     as well as in knowledge; and that I should attain to a more
+     near conformity to the image of Jesus Christ; but on a close
+     and impartial examination, I am compelled to believe that I
+     have made no progress: indeed, I fear I have made a retrograde
+     movement. I do not feel that calm satisfaction, or any of the
+     blissful emotions I felt, when my attention was first arrested
+     by the unseen realities of eternity. I do not feel that
+     indifference to worldly objects, which I felt when confined to
+     a couch of pain and languor. I am not so deeply affected by the
+     unparalleled love of Christ, as I was when I first viewed him
+     bearing away the iniquities of the people by the agonies of his
+     death; nor does sin appear so exceedingly sinful, as when I
+     first experienced its bitterness. I am neither so grateful for
+     my mercies, nor so abased on account of my transgressions, as I
+     was when the light of a supernatural manifestation first threw
+     open to my view my neglected obligations and concealed defects.
+     I feel, if possible, more fully convinced of the absolute need
+     of a Saviour, than I was when I first felt the burden of guilt
+     upon my conscience, but yet I am less able to exercise faith in
+     him; and instead of that peace which was diffused through my
+     heart when I first believed, I am sometimes driven to the verge
+     of despondency.
+
+     "I have not yet communicated to my dear parents the present
+     perturbed state of my feelings, as I am unwilling to give one
+     pang of sorrow to their tender bosom; and though I sometimes
+     pray that the Lord would be pleased to turn away from me the
+     face of his anger, and comfort me, yet I cannot pray in faith.
+     Surely no one else ever felt what I feel, or suffered what I
+     suffer. There are two verses in a favourite hymn, which, I
+     believe, was composed by the venerable Newton, which I can
+     repeat with intense earnestness:--
+
+      'Lord, decide the doubtful case;
+        Thou who art thy people's Sun,
+      Shine upon thy work of grace,
+        If it be indeed begun.
+
+      'May I love thee more and more,
+        If I love at all, I pray;
+      If I have not lov'd before,
+        Help me to begin to-day.'
+
+     "I am happy to inform you, that there is a Dissenting chapel
+     about three quarters of a mile from the Elms, in which the
+     gospel is preached with great simplicity and power, and where
+     my esteemed friends, the Corries, usually attend; so that a kind
+     Providence has made that provision for our spiritual necessities
+     outside the pale of the Establishment, which we should have
+     preferred within, but which is denied us unless we go to a
+     considerable distance. We have attended this chapel regularly
+     for some time, and are much delighted with the minister. He is
+     an amiable, unobtrusive man--imbued, I trust, with the spirit of
+     his Master--cheerful in his disposition, but rather reserved.
+     Those who are admitted into more familiar intimacy, speak of him
+     in the highest terms of affectionate respect; and he is much
+     esteemed by his people. You know we are attached to the Church;
+     but, after mature deliberation, we are satisfied that it is
+     our duty to hear the gospel; and as it is not preached by our
+     Vicar, we feel it no less a duty than a privilege to go where
+     the Lord has sent it. Our decision has offended some of the
+     _anti-evangelical_ high church families, who regard the Church
+     of England with as much veneration as a Roman Catholic would a
+     relic of St. Peter; but we must obey the dictates of conscience,
+     which will no longer permit us to attend a ministry where the
+     truths of the gospel are not preached.
+
+     "From some of our new clergyman's discourses I have derived
+     consolation, but he has not touched on any of the points of
+     perplexity in which my mind is involved; and though at times
+     I have thought of soliciting a personal interview, to make
+     known to him all I feel, and all I fear, yet I cannot assume a
+     sufficient degree of confidence to do it. Indeed, I cannot speak
+     freely on such delicate subjects to any one but to you; and I
+     hope, if you cannot spare time to pay us your long promised
+     visit, that you will favour me with your advice, and I know you
+     will not neglect to pray for me.
+
+     "My sister Emma, I regret to say, continues to manifest a
+     decided aversion to the things of the Spirit of God--they are
+     foolishness to her; but Jane is becoming much more serious. I
+     do not think that she is yet decided, but I hope the good work
+     is begun. I often find her with her Bible, and sometimes she
+     retires to her own room in the evening, where I hope she spends
+     some portion of her time in praying to her Father in secret;
+     and if so, He who seeth in secret will ultimately reward her
+     openly.--Yours affectionately,
+
+     "LOUISA.
+
+     "To Mrs. Loader."
+
+When a young Christian searches the Scriptures for correct
+information on the great questions of religion, and is favoured
+with the assistance of judicious and pious friends, he usually
+passes on from one degree of knowledge to another without meeting
+with the formidable obstructions and perplexing embarrassments to
+which he is exposed, by the conflicting opinions which are prevalent
+amongst us. The light which shines on the sacred page, when it comes
+_directly_ from above, is clear and pure, and makes distinctly
+manifest, to the judgment and the conscience, the truth as it is in
+Jesus, in its simplicity and power. But when it passes through a
+human medium, it often shines in an oblique course, throwing into
+the shade some essential parts of the economy of Divine truth; and
+hence a defective theory is sometimes embraced, which always proves
+unsatisfactory, and sometimes fatal to our peace. It is therefore
+impossible to exercise too much caution, in the early periods of
+our experience, in the choice of our religious associates, and of
+the books which we read; as it is in the power of error, whether
+it comes from the lips of friendship or from the press, to do more
+essential injury than the truth may be able to repair, till after a
+lengthened period of extreme anxiety and disquietude. And as we are
+so liable to receive pernicious impressions from the numerous errors
+which are in perpetual circulation around us, we cannot depend with
+too much simplicity, or docility of disposition, on the Holy Ghost,
+whom the Saviour has promised to his disciples. "And I will pray the
+Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide
+with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot
+receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know
+him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. He shall teach
+you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever
+I have said unto you. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive
+of mine, and shall shew it unto you." Hence it is indispensably
+necessary for the Christian, in every period of his life, but
+especially when entering on his religious course, to implore the
+gracious influence of the Divine Spirit, to guard him against every
+species of error--to lead him into all truth--and to invest the
+truth with that holy unction, which will render it no less a source
+of the highest intellectual improvement, than of the most exquisite
+mental enjoyment. Such a habit of dependence on Divine aid will be
+an effectual safeguard against the spirit of self-sufficiency, which
+proves so fatal to those who are enslaved by it; and while it will
+stimulate to mental diligence in searching the Scriptures, that we
+may ascertain what is the mind of the Spirit, it will keep us in a
+state of independence of human opinion.
+
+But while I wish to point out to the attention of the young
+Christian, the dangers to which he is exposed from the society of
+his pious yet injudicious friends, and to bring him into immediate
+connection with the Spirit of truth, I would, at the same time,
+guard him against indulging any visionary expectations respecting
+the mode of His instruction, or the infallible certainty of the
+opinions He may permit us to form. He teaches through the medium of
+the Scriptures, even while the judgment is altogether unconscious of
+any supernatural assistance; but His communications are restricted
+to those points in the system of truth which are essential to
+salvation; leaving us to form our own judgment on questions of minor
+importance. Hence the agreement amongst the disciples of Christ, on
+what is essential, and their diversity on what is non-essential.
+
+But even when we are taught by the Holy Spirit, and thus imbibe
+the truth in its most perfect state, it will not always retain its
+original power of impression, but will admit of a partial declension
+in moving the affections, even while its authority over the judgment
+and the conscience remain undiminished. Hence the lines of Cowper
+are often employed as expressive of the disconsolate state of the
+heart:--
+
+    "Where is the blessedness I knew,
+       When first I saw the Lord?
+     Where is the soul-refreshing view,
+       Of Jesus and his Word?
+     What peaceful hours I once enjoy'd!
+       How sweet their mem'ry still!
+     But they have left an aching void,
+       The world can never fill."
+
+And this cessation of a powerful excitement, which usually
+succeeds the first impressions of truth, is often regarded, by the
+Christian, as an indisputable evidence of the decay of his religious
+principles, when it may be nothing more than a necessary consequence
+of the more advanced progress of his personal experience, as the
+change of the leaf, from living green to the auburn hue, is a plain
+indication that the fruit is advancing in its ripening process.
+
+The above account presents an instance, which has many parallels,
+of the struggles, anxieties, and perplexities, which so often beset
+the mind of the believer on his first entering on his career of
+Christian experience. I shall return soon to the continuation of the
+history of Mr. Holmes' family; but, in the meantime, must beg the
+courteous reader to accompany me back, for a short space, to my own
+town, from which I have been led by this digression in my narrative.
+
+
+
+
+THEATRICAL AMUSEMENTS.
+
+PART I.
+
+
+One morning, while musing on the changing scenes of my eventful
+life, recalling the past, and speculating on the future, I received
+a letter from an old friend, requesting that I would call on
+her as soon as I could make it convenient. From the tone of the
+letter, and some expressions contained in it, I judged she was in
+trouble, and accordingly proceeded immediately towards her house.
+As I was passing along, I remembered that, several years before,
+I had received a similar note, written by the same hand, and in a
+similar strain of grief. The writer was a widow, whose husband had
+been cut off in the flower of his days, leaving her to provide for
+their children, who were at that time all dependent on her. On the
+occasion I speak of, I found her bewailing the alarming illness of
+her only son, a youth of about fifteen years. She complained with
+bitterness that the Almighty, who had taken away her husband, was
+now about to take away her first-born also. I attempted to bring her
+mind into a state of acquiescence to the Divine will, by reminding
+her that no affliction came by chance--that he who works all things
+after his own counsel, often sends an early affliction, to prevent
+a more painful one--and that when he is pleased to take from us our
+choicest comforts, it is "for our profit, that we might be partakers
+of his holiness." She replied that the Almighty might tear her son
+from her, but she could not surrender him. When I expostulated with
+her, she did not attempt to justify her opposition to the will of
+God, but excused herself from the affection she bore her son; and
+earnestly requested me to pray for him, and pray that his life might
+be spared. We prayed together for the lad, and in due time he was
+restored to health. Having removed soon after this to a different
+quarter of the town, I had seen but little of him or his family for
+a considerable time.
+
+Perhaps, thought I, as I drew near the house of sorrow, the life
+of this son is again in danger. He has been spared a few years,
+as the staff of his mother's strength, and now she is inured
+to her troubles, he is about to be taken from her. Indulgent,
+yet mysterious Providence! The lines of the poet recurred to my
+recollection with peculiar force--
+
+    "The ways of heaven are dark and intricate.
+     Puzzled with mazes and perplex'd with errors,
+     Our understanding traces them in vain--
+     Lost and bewilder'd in the fruitless search. Nor sees
+     With how much art the windings turn,
+     Nor where the regular confusion ends."--_Addison._
+
+[Illustration: JAMES GODWIN.
+
+W. L. THOMAS.
+
+THE MOTHER'S HOPES BLASTED.
+
+Vol. ii. page 179.]
+
+When I entered the room, I found her reclining on a sofa, and in
+tears, her three daughters weeping apart. Though I knew not the
+cause of their distress, I felt at once that some great calamity had
+befallen them. My presence seemed to revive their grief, for when
+they beheld me, there was a spontaneous burst of anguish. At length,
+when nature had given vent to her feelings, and recovered a portion
+of that strength which had been consumed by the violence of grief,
+the sufferer informed me that her son had brought upon them a deluge
+of sorrow. Without going into particulars, she requested me to read
+the following letter, which was lying on the table:--
+
+     "MY DEAR MOTHER,--Apprehensive that you may be alarmed by the
+     abruptness of my departure from home, I write to inform you
+     that I am well; and when I reach the place of my destination,
+     I will send you my address. I now regret the course I have
+     taken, but this will not bring back my departed reputation,
+     nor heal the wound which I have inflicted on your peace. Had
+     I taken your advice, and kept myself from evil companions and
+     vain amusements, I had still been a virtuous and happy man--your
+     comforter, and the support of the family; but I disregarded your
+     lessons, and became a regular attender of the theatre, to the
+     fatal attractions of which, I am convinced, I now owe my ruin.
+     From the theatre, it was but one step to the tavern and the
+     gaming table. To gratify my passion for the latter, I embezzled
+     my masters' property, and am now a wretched fugitive from the
+     pursuit of justice. Remember me very kindly to my sisters, and
+     tell them never to enter a theatre, for it is to my attendance
+     at that place of dissipation, that I attribute my first
+     deviation from the right path.--Your undutiful, yet affectionate
+     son,
+
+     W. HARVEY."
+
+"Oh! my poor William," exclaimed his mother, "oh! that I should ever
+have lived to see this day! Our disgrace is all over the town this
+morning. Look at this, too," she continued, producing a hand-bill
+offering a reward of £50 for the apprehension of William Harvey,
+absconded.
+
+After perusing these, I expressed my heartfelt sympathy with the
+family, and tried to soothe their feelings and offer words of
+comfort; but what comfort could I impart in such circumstances! In
+answer to my inquiries, I drew from her, amidst sobs and tears, an
+account of her son, and the causes which had produced the fatal
+transformation in his character. It was to the following effect:--At
+the decease of his father, he was removed from school, and placed
+in the counting-house of Messrs. ----, extensive merchants in the
+town. Being a lad of strong natural powers and quick perceptions,
+active and industrious in his disposition, he soon made himself very
+useful, and within the space of three years, had so established
+himself in the esteem and respect of his employers, as to be
+promoted to a post of responsibility and trust. He was distinguished
+from most young men of his age, by the soundness of his judgment,
+and the sobriety of his habits, and so devotedly attached to
+his mother and his sisters, that he made the promotion of their
+happiness his constant study. In the morning he went to the duties
+of his station with cheerfulness; and in the evening, when the toils
+of the day were ended, he either retired to his own room, to read
+the amusing or instructive page, or passed it away in their society.
+He would often admit, when conversing with his pious mother,
+the necessity of personal religion, yet he thought some distant
+futurity a more convenient season for attending to it than the
+present time; and hence the strong impressions which he occasionally
+received, when engaged in the public exercises of devotion, were
+soon obliterated by the tumultuous anxieties of commercial life.
+But when about the age of eighteen, he began to feel the necessity
+of personal religion; and though he did not suffer its interesting
+and important inquiries to divert his attention from his secular
+pursuits, yet he was convinced that it was no less his duty to be
+"fervent in spirit, serving the Lord," than diligent in his business.
+
+His mother witnessed this moral renovation of his character with
+peculiar delight; and soon had the pleasure of hearing him lead the
+devotions of the family both morning and evening. For the space
+of two years, he was equally distinguished for his diligence in
+business and his fervour of devotion, till at length he fell into
+the company of a young man who ultimately effected his ruin. This
+young man was the son of a wealthy citizen, as accomplished in
+manners as he was corrupt in principles; and though he made no
+profession of religion, yet he affected to treat it with great
+respect, and thus more effectually gained an ascendency over young
+Harvey. Their first acquaintance soon ripened into the maturity
+of an ardent friendship; and notwithstanding the dissimilarity
+of their opinions, they became almost inseparable companions.
+Each felt anxious to gain the other over to his own course, and
+adopted what he conceived to be the most likely method; but it soon
+became apparent, that evil communications more speedily corrupt
+the virtuous, than good communications reclaim the vicious. One
+of the earliest symptoms of this corruption of principle, was his
+becoming an occasional frequenter of the theatre, a place which,
+hitherto, the pious admonitions of his mother had prevented him from
+entering. Then came abandonment of his home, and of the society of
+its inmates, after the business of the day had terminated, which
+broke in upon the devotional order of the family, and often led
+to inquiries and remonstrances which were natural, but painful.
+These gentle and affectionate remonstrances at first had a powerful
+effect, and he was induced to return to his former habits; but
+in process of time, they were either heard with indifference, or
+resented, and he who had officiated at the family altar, in a
+humble and apparently contrite spirit, informed his mother that he
+should in future decline engaging in such a responsible office. She
+besought him in the most urgent and imploring manner, to rescind
+his avowed determination, and once more break away from that fatal
+charm, which was seducing him from the path of righteousness and
+peace; but she could not succeed. He was resolute and decided; and
+after this time rarely returned home till very late at night.
+
+"I have sat alone," said his mother, "watching for his return,
+till one, two, three, and even four in the morning; and when I
+have opened the door, he more often abused me for my kindness,
+than apologized for his misconduct. Having spent his midnight
+hours in dissipation, he consumed those of the morning in sleep;
+and sometimes did not get to business much before noon. Though he
+foresaw what might be the consequences of his folly and impiety, yet
+no arguments were sufficient to induce him to change his course.
+He grew worse and worse, till at length he disappeared two days
+ago, and I heard nothing of him till yesterday, when I received
+the letter which has thrown us all into such misery. This trial,
+which would have been a severe one under any circumstances, is to
+me peculiarly poignant; as it brings to my remembrance my sins. It
+is now just seven years since the Almighty appeared to be taking
+him from me, and such was the heavenly frame of his mind, that he
+was not unwilling to go. Had he died then, I should have wept over
+his grave, but I should have had the prospect of meeting him in
+a better world. Or if I had felt resigned to the will of God, he
+might have been restored to me in mercy, as was Isaac, when the
+angel of the Lord forbade his venerable father to slay the sacrifice
+which he had so willingly bound, and placed on the altar; but I was
+rebellious. I prayed for his life, because I thought it essential to
+my happiness; and his life has been spared; but alas, he is become
+the destroyer of our peace. It is now, Sir, only two years since he
+began to turn his attention to religious subjects, and to lead the
+devotions of our family; and though, like most parents, I rejoiced
+with trembling, yet hope preponderated, and I thought he would have
+been my support and comfort in my old age; but alas, the vision of
+bliss has disappeared, and I am left to desolation and despair."
+Here she paused to weep, and then resumed her tale of sorrow. "I
+watched his gradual departure from the ways of righteousness with
+much anxiety, and made many efforts to reclaim him; and though he
+yielded at first to my solicitations, and made many solemn promises,
+yet he broke them all, and gave himself up to the company of the
+wicked. _The stage has been his ruin._ Till he entered the ill-fated
+theatre, which throws out its unhallowed attractions to beguile and
+captivate the thoughtless and the gay, he was one of the best of
+sons, and one of the kindest of brothers, fond of home, and devoted
+to his mercantile duties; but after he had acquired a taste for
+its scenes and its performances, he became undutiful to me, unkind
+to his sisters, indolent and extravagant, unwilling to submit to
+the control of authority or of reason, and determined to follow
+the devices and desires of his own heart, even though he should
+plunge us all in ruin. It was in the theatre that he fell into bad
+company--it was there he lost his strength to resist temptation;
+and being once overcome, he surrendered himself, a willing captive
+to the service of iniquity. Ill-fated place! There many a virtuous
+youth has become the victim of sin! and there my William fell, and
+in his fall he has destroyed my happiness for life. Where he is
+gone, I know not, nor do I know what destiny awaits him; but this
+I know, from bitter experience, that the theatre will corrupt the
+most virtuous; and while it professes to afford only amusement and
+instruction, it often becomes the destroyer of personal honour and
+of social happiness."
+
+I retired from this scene, my mind loaded with anxiety on behalf
+of the unfortunate family, deeply regretting that it was not in
+my power to afford them any effectual relief. I could not reclaim
+the infatuated youth, nor yet repair the moral injury which the
+attractions of the theatre had brought upon the honour and peace of
+their household. I was grieved by their tale of sorrow; but it did
+not surprise me, as I had met with too many proofs of the debasing
+tendency of theatrical amusements, to be astonished by such a
+narrative.
+
+I had an engagement to spend the evening of the day on which the
+above conversation took place, at the house of a friend, who had
+invited me to meet a gentleman from London, an acquaintance of his,
+who was then paying him a visit. On arriving there I found a small
+party assembled. In the course of the evening, after a desultory
+conversation on various matters, we found ourselves involved in a
+close, though not angry debate. The circumstance which led to this
+spirited discussion, was a reference to a recent verdict which had
+been given against a celebrated comedian, for a crime which never
+can be visited with too much severity, as it tends not only to the
+corruption of public morals, but the destruction of private and
+domestic happiness.
+
+"It is of importance," said Mr. Proctor, the gentleman at whose
+house we were spending the evening, "that they who lash the vices
+of the age, and who hold them up to scorn and contempt, should be
+virtuous themselves, or they will do more injury by their example,
+than they will do good by their professional labours."
+
+"Very true, Sir," replied a Mr. Talbot, one of the party, who was
+a great admirer of the drama, "but we must not expect to find the
+perfection of human nature in a profession which is exposed to so
+many and such powerful temptations!"
+
+"The perfection of human nature!" exclaimed Mr. Proctor's London
+friend, Mr. Falkland, "perhaps it would be impossible to find a
+class of men, in any single profession, in which we shall find so
+little virtue and so much vice as in the theatrical profession."
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"But, Sir, do you really mean to say, that the
+stage never exhibits, in the private character of its performers,
+the beauty and consistency of virtue? Surely you are not so
+uncharitable!"
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"I will not say that every one who appears on the
+stage is immoral, in the broad acceptation of that term; but I mean
+to say that the great majority are more depraved in their tastes,
+habits, and conduct, than the general average of society. This is
+a fact which I presume no one will attempt to deny, who possesses
+an accurate knowledge of the character of the performers at our
+theatres."
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"There is, I admit, too much truth in what you now
+say; and how will you account for it?"
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"To account for it is not difficult--the moral
+tendency of their profession is a sufficient reason; and that we may
+have the most palpable and unequivocal evidence of its nature, it
+is allowed by Providence to operate in the first place and to the
+fullest extent on the morals and character of the persons who are
+engaged in it."
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"There, Sir, I am at issue with you; for I maintain
+that the moral tendency of theatrical amusements is favourable to
+the cultivation and growth of private and public virtue; and though
+some who are touched with the puritanical spirit of the age, may
+assert the contrary, yet I think they will not be able to prove it."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"Then, Sir, if the moral tendency of theatrical
+amusements be favourable to the cultivation and growth of private
+and public virtue, will you be kind enough to say, how it comes to
+pass that the very persons who are employed to conduct them, are, in
+general, the most profligate members of society?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"Why, Sir, they are profligate before they enter the
+profession."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"But can't men of high-toned virtue be induced
+to enter a profession, which is intended to promote the moral
+improvement of the age--to make us wiser and better?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"Very few. The majority are persons of talent, who go
+'_through all the vagabondry of life_,' and then offer themselves to
+the stage as a _dernier_ resort."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"They first become profligate, and then betake
+themselves to the stage, as a forlorn hope!"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"They are profligate before they enter on the stage,
+which is an evil every virtuous man must deplore."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"And _remain_ profligate after they are on."
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"Too many."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"The majority, Sir."
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"Perhaps so."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"Then, Sir, if the tendency of their profession be
+favourable to the cultivation and growth of virtue, how is it that
+it does not reclaim these profligate players? How is it that it does
+not scatter the seeds of virtue among them, and raise it to a high
+state of culture?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"Why, Sir, are there not many who wear the gown
+immoral?"
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"I fear there are, Sir."
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"And yet, I presume, you will admit, that the moral
+tendency of the clerical profession and duties is favourable to the
+cultivation and growth of private and public virtue."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"Most certainly, Sir."
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"Then, how comes it to pass, if it be so, that these
+men still remain immoral?"
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"Permit me to say, that the introduction of this
+question is no satisfactory reply to my argument. Answer that in the
+first place, and then you are at liberty to propose what queries
+you think proper. If the tendency of the theatrical profession be
+favourable to the cultivation and growth of virtue, how is it that
+it does not reclaim these profligate players? This is the question
+under debate, and let us keep to it. We may ramble after we have
+settled it."
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"Why, Sir, there are two reasons which may be
+assigned--their extreme profligacy before they enter their
+profession; and the numerous and powerful temptations to which they
+are exposed after they have engaged in it."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"Then, Sir, theatrical amusements will not reclaim
+extreme profligacy, nor produce virtue where it is most needed?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"Perhaps not."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"Then, Sir, you require a stock of virtue to insert
+your graft on, or you do not calculate on raising any good fruit?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"Exactly so, Sir."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"Then, as men of high-toned virtue, with few
+exceptions, cannot be induced to engage in the theatrical
+profession; and as it is found incapable of reclaiming the
+profligate, we can never expect to find a preponderance of virtue
+amongst the members of that profession; and, consequently, we are
+reduced to the necessity of admitting this astounding fact--the men
+who are employed to chastise the vices of the age, and to cultivate
+its virtues, are, with few exceptions, the most profligate in their
+manners!"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"But, Sir, will you make no allowance for men and
+women who are necessarily exposed to so many temptations in the
+discharge of the duties of their profession?"
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"Why, Sir, what peculiar temptations to vice ought
+to stand connected with the duties of a profession which is intended
+to promote private and public virtue?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"Why, you know they often appear, when on the
+stage, in a rank far above the level of their condition, which may
+imperceptibly induce them to cherish those habits of extravagance
+in private life, for which they are so notorious. But the most
+fatal temptation to which they are exposed, is the too familiar
+intercourse which necessarily takes place between the actors and
+actresses on the stage, which cannot be avoided, unless the most
+popular plays are suppressed; and would it not betray an ignorance
+of human nature, to expect that this circumstance should produce no
+injurious effect on their moral character?"
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"Certainly. You reason very properly. You have
+given a faithful, just, and true account of an evil which is
+generally admitted. But, in accounting for this evil, have you not
+made a concession which invalidates the correctness of your general
+position, that the tendency of theatrical amusements is to promote
+the cultivation and growth of private and public morals?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"No, Sir, I have merely assigned the causes of that
+general profligacy of manners which prevails amongst players, as a
+reason why you should be more indulgent towards them; and why you
+should not expect the perfection of virtue to grow in such near
+contact with the most fascinating temptations."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"I know full well what you intended to do, and also
+what you have done. May I be permitted now, to place your leading
+assertion, and your last concession, in one sentence?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"Yes, provided you do it fairly."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"I will attempt it. The tendency of theatrical
+amusements is to promote the cultivation and growth of private and
+public virtue; but the actors and actresses, who are employed in
+this good work, are necessarily placed in a position which destroys
+their own virtue, and brings on amongst them a general profligacy
+of manners. That is, their representation of vice and vicious
+characters on the stage often leads to immoral practices in their
+private conduct. Does not this prove that the tendency of their
+professional duties is injurious to their own morals?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"Have I not admitted it, Sir?"
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"Yes, and proved it, at the extreme hazard of
+endangering your own proposition, that the stage is favourable to
+the interests of _private_ virtue."
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"But, Sir, are there not many who wear the gown, and
+who make much higher pretensions to virtue than players do, who,
+after they have given their public lectures on morality, will retire
+and sin in secret. Now, permit me to ask, if the sanctimonious
+hypocrite is not a more odious character than the profligate player?"
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"I regret, Sir, that you should overstep the bounds
+of the question under discussion, to attack the clerical profession;
+but lest you should imagine that you are occupying a position from
+which no fair argument can displace you, I will for once attempt to
+follow you. I admit, then, for the sake of the argument, that there
+are some who make higher pretensions to private virtue than the
+actors and actresses of our theatres, who, after delivering their
+public lectures on morality, retire and sin in secret; but will the
+vices of one class of men justify the vices of another? If some of
+the clergy are corrupt, will the fact of their corruption diminish
+the magnitude of the players' vices? Why you have introduced this
+charge against the clergy into the discussion I cannot say, as
+it has nothing to do with the question at issue, which is the
+necessary connection between a player's profligacy of manners and
+the duties of his profession. That is, that the very performance
+of his duties, when he is engaged in promoting the morality of the
+public, has a tendency to produce a corruption of his own morals.
+But you can bring no such charge against the moral tendency of the
+clerical duties. A clergyman is not compelled, in the discharge
+of his functions, to give utterance to any expressions, or to
+perform any actions, which have even a remote tendency to vitiate
+his taste or corrupt his morals; so that if he should turn out a
+bad man, you must look for the cause of it, not, as in the case
+of the stage-player, in any impure and contaminating influence of
+his profession, but in the depravity of his nature. If he become
+immoral, he acts an inconsistent part, offers an insult to the
+sentiments of the virtuous part of mankind, and loses his place
+in society--as a man who is a disgrace to his profession, whose
+example is in direct opposition to the acknowledged tendency of
+his ministerial functions. But as a pure moral character is not
+necessary to qualify a man to appear on the stage, no one feels at
+liberty to charge a theatrical performer with inconsistency, even
+if he should become notorious for swearing, gaming, drunkenness, or
+debauchery. He may revel in these vices, and yet appear before an
+audience with as much confidence of affording them gratification by
+his performances as he would feel if he were a man of the purest
+moral excellence. It is true, that if publicly convicted of some
+flagrant offence, and held up, through the medium of the press,
+as the base wretch who violates the sanctity of friendship, the
+admirers of the drama will express a virtuous indignation, and
+wish him to perform a sort of quarantine before he again makes his
+appearance before them; yet they will never regard it as a lasting
+disqualification for his professional duties."
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"Well, Sir, after all the attacks which you have
+made on the character of theatrical performers, and the defence
+which you have set up in favour of the clergy, I maintain that
+the sanctimonious hypocrite who retires from the pulpit, where
+he has delivered his grave moral lectures, to sin in secret, is
+a more pernicious character than the most profligate player that
+ever disgraced his profession. For do not the vices of the clergy
+shake our confidence in the truth of religion, which you know is
+never done by the vices of the stage; and is not their example, in
+consequence of their more powerful influence over the public mind,
+more destructive to the morals of society?"
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"If, Sir, your belief in the Divine origin of
+Christianity is ever shaken by the vices of its professors, you give
+a decisive proof that it does not rest on the legitimate evidence
+which is offered in confirmation of it. Christianity claims a Divine
+origin, and she adduces irrefragable arguments in confirmation of
+it; but the consistent conduct of _all_ her professors is not one
+of them. Judas was a traitor, but his treachery did not weaken the
+force of evidence which the miracles of Jesus Christ supplied in
+favour of his Divine mission; and though it is very common for us
+to look for an exact correspondence between the life of a Christian
+and the purity of his professed faith, yet if all who profess to
+believe in the Christian religion should become as licentious in
+their manners as the most notorious libertines, their profligacy
+would not weaken the evidences on which Christianity founds her
+claims to our belief. They would be convicted of the crimes of which
+they are guilty; but by what process of fair argumentation could you
+bring the verdict recorded against them to disprove the divinity of
+a system of religion which is supported by the evidence of prophecy,
+of miracle, of testimony, its own internal purity, and its more than
+magic power in the renovation and transformation of the most impure
+and debased of men?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"Well, perhaps I made a slight mistake by saying that
+the vices of the clergy tend to shake our confidence in the divinity
+of our faith. It would have been more correct to say, they have a
+tendency to make us mistrustful of the integrity of the clerical
+character. But will you not admit that they have a most pernicious
+influence over the popular mind--more especially on young men who
+are just entering into active life?"
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"Yes, Sir, I readily concede that the vices of
+the clergy have a more pernicious effect on the morals of society
+than the vices of players, because the clerical character is held
+in higher estimation, and because the clergy have free access
+to families who would feel themselves degraded if a player was
+to be introduced into their company. The clergy who support the
+dignity of their profession, as the great majority of them do,
+are esteemed and respected--their friendship is highly valued and
+assiduously cultivated; but players are doomed to neglect when off
+the boards--they are shunned in the ordinary intercourse of social
+life, and kept in a state of exclusion, which is something like an
+instinctive evidence, pervading all classes, with a few exceptions,
+that they must be kept aloof from the sacred precincts of the family
+circle. And it is to this sensitive abhorrence, which the virtuous
+part of society feels, against any familiar intercourse with
+players, that we are to attribute the comparatively trifling injury
+which the profligacy of their private character does to the morals
+of the public; but if ever this safeguard should be broken down--if
+ever the line of demarcation which estranges us from them should be
+removed, and they should have free access to our homes--allowed to
+associate with our sons and daughters, they would introduce amongst
+us a degree of moral corruption which no authority could check or
+influence subdue."
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"But, Sir, I have known some players introduced into
+the highest intellectual circles of London and Edinburgh. Why, it is
+a well-known fact, that the Kembles and Siddons, Bannister, Young,
+and many others, were often guests at the mansions of some of the
+most virtuous and accomplished of our nobility."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"I admit, Sir, that the intellectual eminence of a
+few of the profession has procured for them an admission into the
+society of literary men; but a virtuous public, and even that part
+of the public which admires the drama, with few exceptions, will not
+receive them into its private or social friendship. And in the case
+of the few exceptions into whose circles they have been received,
+shall we find no husband or father who has not had occasion to rue
+the day when he consented to call an actor his friend? It would be
+invidious to give names, or I could, from my personal knowledge,
+mention some instances of the lamentable results of intimacies
+with players. Enough was brought before the public to justify the
+remarks of the _Times_:--'The conduct of persons who appear on the
+stage has never been the most irreproachable; and it may be doubted
+whether such a mass of living vice, as the actors and actresses but
+too generally present in their private lives, is not more injurious
+to public morals than the splendid examples of virtue which they
+exhibit in their theatrical characters are useful.'"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"And, Sir, has no unsuspecting family had occasion to
+rue the day when they received into their friendship the ministers
+of religion? Have _they_ never broken down the fence that guards
+the sanctity of domestic virtue? Have _they_ never been publicly
+convicted of crime?"
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"Yes, Sir; but when you compare the relative
+numbers of the two professions, you will be compelled to admit that
+there are but very few of the clerical order who trample on the
+decencies and virtues of social life, and yet continue to discharge
+their ministerial functions. Only let a clergyman be suspected, and
+he is shunned; but let him be convicted, and he is disrobed, and
+held in abhorrence, not only by the public, but by his brethren.
+And though the light and trifling spirits of the age are fond of
+traducing the reputation of the ministers of religion, and often
+impute to them crimes of which they are not guilty, yet I fearlessly
+assert that, with rare exceptions, they are an ornament to society,
+and are not surpassed, if equalled, by any order of men, for
+sobriety, chastity, benevolence, and all the virtues which bless and
+adorn social life."
+
+_Mr. Proctor._--"I very much dislike the introduction of reflections
+on the clerical order into these discussions, because they are
+irrelevant to the question before us, and tend to perplex and
+embarrass it rather than to bring it to a fair issue. The question
+is simply this, '_Is the moral tendency of theatrical amusements
+favourable to the cultivation and growth of private and public
+virtue?_' It is admitted that the members of the theatrical
+profession are, with few exceptions, loose in principles and
+profligate in manners; and our friend has attempted to prove that
+their profession has a tendency to make them so. Now, I think if
+these amusements are favourable to the cultivation and growth of
+virtue, we have a right to expect that the persons who are employed
+to conduct them should exhibit in their own character the virtues
+which they profess to inculcate. But they do not. This is a fact.
+We never think of recommending our sons or our daughters to go
+to the actors and actresses of the stage, for models from which
+to mould their own character. If we knew that they were forming
+an intimacy with any of them, we should forbid it, under a full
+conviction that such intimacies would sink them in the esteem of
+the more respectable part of society, and expose them to the most
+powerful and seducing temptations. Thus far, I think, our friend
+has gained his point; but the question is not yet decided. The
+players may be profligate, and a close connection may be traceable
+between their professional labours and the corruption of their
+moral principles and habits; but notwithstanding this, _we_ may
+derive great advantage from their theatrical representations. 'Their
+business is to recommend virtue and discountenance vice--to show the
+uncertainty of human greatness, the sudden turns of fate, and the
+unhappy conclusion of violence and injustice'--to expose the folly
+of pride, the baseness of ingratitude, the vileness of hypocrisy,
+and to prove, by an appeal to the senses, rather than by logical
+reasoning, that virtue is its own reward and vice its own tormentor;
+and surely, Sir," addressing himself to Mr. Falkland, "you will
+not presume to say that the immorality of 'their private lives'
+disqualifies _us_ from receiving the moral benefit of their public
+labours? This, I think, would be a position which you could not
+maintain."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"But, Sir, I maintain that the frequenters of our
+theatres sustain, with rare exceptions, more moral injury from
+the representations they witness on the stage, than they receive
+moral benefit. Your friend Mr. Talbot admitted, in an early part of
+this discussion, that familiarities of expression and action take
+place on the stage which offend modesty, and if so, I appeal to you
+whether such expressions and actions can produce any other effect
+than an impure and demoralizing one."
+
+_Mr. Proctor._--"But these offensive familiarities are not of
+perpetual occurrence."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"But they are of frequent occurrence; and when
+they do occur they taint a pure mind and inflame a corrupt one. The
+following is a just critique on our popular comedies:--'The English
+comedy is like that of no other country. It is the school in which
+the youth of both sexes familiarize themselves with vice, which is
+never represented there as vice, but as mere gaiety.'"
+
+_Mr. Proctor._--"I admit the correctness of this statement to a
+certain extent; and will confess that I have at times wished my
+children out of the theatre, from an apprehension of the possibility
+of their sustaining some injury from what they saw and heard; yet I
+still cleave to the stage, for a reason which, I think, you will not
+controvert."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"And what may that be?"
+
+_Mr. Proctor._--"The stage is a source of amusement--I may say, of
+great amusement. It drives away the vapours, raises our spirits,
+and gives an agreeable variety to life. I willingly overlook what
+is objectionable in expression and action, for the sake of the high
+gratification which a good comedy yields; and so do others. To be
+candid, we think less about our virtue than our enjoyment. We must
+have some sort of excitement to help us to endure the cross purposes
+and the ups and downs of life."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"I have no doubt but the great majority who
+frequent the theatres, enjoy, even to ecstasy, the scenes which are
+exhibited, and retire from the enchanting place deeply regretting
+that the dull uniformity of life presents no attractions half so
+exciting. They smile and laugh, and even chuckle with delight,
+when the intrigue of double-dealing has ensnared its victim--when
+the lewd debauchee ogles his mistress, and by some sudden spring
+seizes her by surprise--when virtue is made to look ridiculous by
+the tenderness of her scruples--when the doctrines and precepts of
+our holy religion are caricatured by the profane witling of the
+stage--and when vice, disgusting and appalling vice, speaks out
+its profanity, or acts its part with the adroitness of consummate
+villainy. Then it is that 'the feast of soul' is enjoyed, and the
+spirits which have been exhausted by _ennui_, or by the monotonous
+duties of a long day's labour, are recruited, and the agreeable
+alterative of the mind takes place. O yes, the stage amuses! It
+is indeed an elysium of bliss; and if it should be closed, many
+would weep and sigh who never wept or sighed over a remembrance of
+their sins; and deem that life a burden which was given, not for
+the participation of such polluting enjoyments, but for the nobler
+purpose of deriving pure felicity from the invisible Fountain of all
+goodness and excellence."
+
+_Mr. Proctor._--"But, my good friend, must we be always weeping over
+our sins, and never allowed to partake of any pleasure but what
+arises from religious pursuits?"
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"I presume, Mr. Proctor, you will admit that we
+ought sometimes to mourn over our sins; and ought _sometimes_ to
+devote our attention to religious pursuits, unless we reject the
+entire system of revelation as a cunningly devised fable?"
+
+_Mr. Proctor._--"I think, Sir, I am as firm a believer in the Divine
+origin of Christianity as yourself, though probably we may differ on
+some high points of speculative opinion; yet I cannot perceive that
+Christianity condemns the theatre, nor am I disposed to object to
+its performances _in toto_, because an audience sometimes derives
+a momentary gratification from scenes and expressions which a
+severe moralist might condemn. I admit that the stage would derive
+some benefit by being submitted to a purifying process, but I
+would rather retain it as it is, with all its faults, than have it
+abolished."
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"If, as Mr. Falkland appears to contend, the
+Christian religion condemns theatrical amusements, and if,
+notwithstanding, they are innocent and rational, it then follows
+that man was not made for the Christian religion, although that
+religion was made for man; the scandal of such an inference, and
+its infallible support of scepticism, cannot but make it highly
+desirable to prove that the Christian religion does _not_ condemn
+them."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"If they are innocent! and if they are rational!
+But I maintain they are not innocent; and, if viewed as they ought
+to be, in connection with our eternal destiny, I maintain they are
+not rational. But to avoid anticipating arguments which may be
+afterwards adduced, I at once challenge you to bring forward proof
+from the Scriptures in favour of these corrupting amusements."
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"I have no positive proof to adduce in favour of
+them, as the Scriptures are entirely silent on the subject; but is
+not that silence a strong presumptive evidence in their favour?
+Did any of the apostles ever condemn the theatrical exhibitions of
+the times in which they lived? but would they not have done it if
+they thought their tendency had been at variance with the spirit
+and design of that religion which they came to propagate amongst
+mankind?"
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"Then, Sir, because they did not in their epistles,
+which were addressed to the converted pagans who had renounced their
+former evil customs, condemn the gladiatorial exhibitions of Rome
+and of Greece, you think that a fair argument arises in favour of
+them?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"Why, if they had considered them unfavourable to the
+morals of the people, they most certainly would have condemned them."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"What if the persons to whom they wrote had
+previously renounced them?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"But we have no proof that the early Christians did
+abstain from these sources of amusement."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"There, I think, you are mistaken. We have
+incontestable evidence to prove that the early Christians not only
+abstained from them, but condemned them in the most unqualified
+terms of reprobation; and I will now, with your leave, read a
+collection of testimonies on the subject, with which I was lately
+favoured by a friend:--
+
+     "'The Romans,' says Cæcilius, the heathen, in Minutius,
+     'govern and enjoy the world, while you Christians are careful
+     and mopish, abstaining even from lawful pleasures. You visit
+     not shows, nor are present at the pomps; you abhor the holy
+     games--a melancholy ghastly people ye are.'
+
+     "'True,' says Octavius, 'we Christians refrain from the
+     play-house, because of its intolerable corruptions. We cannot be
+     present at the plays without great sin and shame.'
+
+     "Theophilus, Bishop of Antioch, who flourished about the year
+     170, in his book to Autolicus has these words:--'It is not
+     lawful for us to be present at the prizes of your gladiators,
+     lest by this means we should be accessories to the murders
+     there committed. Neither dare we presume upon the liberty of
+     your shows, lest our senses should be tinctured and disobliged
+     with indecency and profaneness. The tragical distractions of
+     Tereus and Thyestes are nonsense to us. We are for seeing no
+     representations of lewdness. God forbid that Christians, who
+     are remarkable for modesty and reservedness--who are obliged to
+     discipline and trained up in virtue--God forbid, I say, that we
+     should dishonour our thoughts, much less our practice, with such
+     wickedness as this!'
+
+     "Tertullian, who flourished in the same century, is copious
+     upon this subject:--'We Christians have nothing to do with the
+     frenzies of the race-ground, the lewdness of the play-house, or
+     the barbarities of the bear-garden.'
+
+     "Clement Alexandrinus, who lived about the year 200, affirms
+     that a circus and theatre may not improperly be called the
+     'chair of pestilence.'--_De Pædag._ lib. iii.
+
+     "St. Cyprian, who lived in the third century, has spoken at
+     large upon the stage, and after having described the diversions
+     of the play-house, he expostulates in this manner:--
+
+     "'What business has a Christian at such places as these? A
+     Christian who has not the liberty so much as to think of an ill
+     thing?--Why does he entertain himself with lewd representations?
+     Has he a mind to discharge his modesty, that he may sin
+     afterwards with the more boldness? Yes: this is the consequence.
+     By using to see these things, he will learn to do them. Why need
+     I mention the levities and impertinences in comedies, or the
+     ranting distractions of tragedy? The folly of them is egregious,
+     and unbecoming the gravity of believers.
+
+     "'As I have often said, these foppish, these pernicious
+     diversions must be avoided. We must set a guard upon our senses,
+     and keep the sentinel always upon duty. To make vice familiar
+     to the ear is the way to recommend it. And since the mind of
+     man has a natural bent to extravagance, how is it likely to hold
+     out under example and invitation? If you push that which totters
+     already, whither will it tumble? In earnest; we must draw off
+     our inclinations from these vanities. A Christian has much
+     better sights than these to look at.'
+
+     "St. Cyril, who lived in the fourth century, in his Catechism
+     for the newly baptized, has these words:--
+
+     "'You have said at your baptism, I renounce thee, O Satan; I
+     renounce all thy works and all thy pomps. The pomps of the
+     devil are the diversions of the theatre, and all other the like
+     vanities; from which David begs of God to be delivered: 'Turn
+     away mine eyes,' says he, 'that they behold not vanity.' Do
+     not then suffer yourself to be led away by a fondness for the
+     entertainments of the stage, to behold there the extravagancies
+     of plays full of wantonness and impurity.'"[17]
+
+  [17] The author is indebted to the late Rev. Mr. Simpson for these
+  testimonies.
+
+The discussion between Mr. Talbot and Mr. Falkland was here broken
+off, but shortly afterwards resumed, as follows in the next chapter.
+
+
+
+
+THEATRICAL AMUSEMENTS.
+
+PART II.
+
+
+"These quotations which you have read from the ancient fathers,"
+said Mr. Talbot, "merely express their private opinion on the
+expediency of not attending such scenes of amusement; but as they
+were not endowed with the spirit of infallibility, their opinions
+may be submitted to the ordeal of examination no less than your own."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"Nay, Sir; these quotations do more than express
+the private opinion of the historians from whose works they are
+taken; they record the fact that the primitive Christians did not
+attend public places of amusement, because they knew that their
+moral tendency was unfavourable to the cultivation and growth
+of virtue. They also prove that the stage undergoes no moral
+change--indecent and profane in the olden times, when amusing Greeks
+and Romans; indecent and profane still--_semper eadem_."
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"But, Sir, do not the expostulations of these
+writers, and the arguments which they employ against an attendance
+at the theatres, lead us to the conclusion that some of the early
+Christians did attend them?"
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"No doubt, Sir, that some of the early Christians
+did attend them; but their attendance was considered as the first
+step to the abandonment of their religious principles--as an act
+of inconsistency, which subjected them to the censures of their
+brethren--an approximation to the customs of the votaries of
+paganism, which, if persisted in, was visited by an exclusion from
+church-fellowship. This, I think, you must admit to be decisive of
+the opinion which the pure part of the primitive Christians held
+respecting the lawfulness and tendency of theatrical amusements."
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"But, Sir, waiving the opinion of the ancient
+fathers, allow me to ask you one question: If the moral tendency of
+such amusements be unfavourable to private virtue, how is it that
+there are no express prohibitions against them in the writings of
+the apostles?"
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"But, Sir, do you believe that the apostles
+approved of every practice which they did not _expressly_ condemn?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"Why, yes, Sir, and I think there is strong
+presumptive evidence in favour of such an opinion. Were they not
+employed to furnish us with a code of laws for the government of our
+conduct? and is not that code perfect? If, then, there be no law
+to condemn our attendance at such places of amusement, are we not
+at liberty to believe that their silence is a tacit, though not a
+positive sanction?"
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"If, Sir, we adopt the principle for which you are
+now contending, we shall be reduced to the necessity of admitting
+that every modification of evil, which is not expressly condemned by
+the sacred writers, is actually sanctioned by them. The absurdity of
+such an opinion is not more flagrant than its tendency would prove
+pernicious to the welfare of society. Is the crime of gaming, or
+bull-baiting, or of forgery expressly condemned by the Scriptures?
+and yet, Sir, would you venture to appeal to the silence of the
+Scriptures as a tacit sanction of these vices? Some of the vices to
+which human nature is addicted, in every age and in every country,
+are expressly condemned, while others, which spring out of local
+customs, and casual temptations, are condemned only by implication.
+As a proof of the correctness of this assertion, nothing is said in
+Scripture against the savage custom of exposing children; nothing
+against slavery; and nothing expressly against duelling. But is not
+the exposing of children condemned in that charge against the Romans
+that they were 'without natural affection?' Is there not a strong
+censure against slavery conveyed in the command to 'do unto others
+as you would have them do unto you?' and against duelling, in the
+general prohibition of murder contained in the sixth commandment?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"I admit the validity of your argument, in its
+application to the crimes which you have mentioned, because they
+are the more refined modifications of crimes which are expressly
+condemned; but permit me to say that I do not recollect any passages
+in the sacred volume, which by a fair implication, really condemn
+theatrical amusements."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"Then, Sir, by your permission, I will quote a few.
+'Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly,
+nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the
+scornful' (Psal. i. 1). Does not this passage condemn our going
+into the assemblies of the ungodly? 'But I say unto you, that every
+idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in
+the day of judgment' (Matt. xii. 36). Are there no idle--no profane
+words spoken on the stage? and if it be a crime to utter them, can
+it be less than a crime to go and listen to them? 'Let no corrupt
+communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to
+the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers'
+(Eph. iv. 29). Do no corrupt communications proceed from the mouth
+of players? and if it be a crime to advance them, can it be less
+than a crime to receive them? 'But fornication, and all uncleanness,
+or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh
+saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which
+are not convenient; but rather giving of thanks' (Eph. v. 3, 4). Are
+there no filthy expressions--no unhallowed jesting on the stage?
+and if these vices are not to be named amongst Christians, ought
+they to be sanctioned by them? 'For the time past of our life may
+suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked
+in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings,
+and abominable idolatries: wherein they think it strange that ye
+run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you'
+(1 Pet. iv. 3, 4.) Does not the apostle, in this passage, commend
+those to whom it was addressed, for having renounced their former
+revellings and banquetings? and does he not arm them against the
+reproaches which their exemplary conduct would bring upon them? and
+can we suppose that, if the apostle was now on earth, he would give
+his sanction to the practice of some modern Christians, who are to
+be seen, now at church, and anon at the theatre?--now receiving
+the sacrament on bended knees, and anon kindling into rapture by
+the exhibitions of the stage?--now giving utterance to the solemn
+words, _O God, the Father of heaven, have mercy upon us miserable
+sinners_, and anon applauding expressions and sentiments which no
+lips can articulate but the lips of impurity? And, Sir, lest we
+should, through inadvertency, expose ourselves to the hazard of
+being overcome by the force of temptation, are we not commanded to
+'abstain from all appearance of evil?' (1 Thess. v. 22);--to have
+'no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather
+reprove them?' (Eph. v. 11). Are not these injunctions violated by
+those who frequent the theatre? Are we not taught to pray, _Lead us
+not into temptation, but deliver us from evil?_ and do we not
+offer a violence to our own belief, and an insult to our Father in
+heaven, when we pass from the attitude of prayer, into the place
+over which the evil spirit reigns in undisturbed sovereignty, and
+where temptations of the most seducing tendency abound?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"But, Sir, in the application of these passages
+of Scripture against an attendance on theatrical amusements, you
+have taken for granted that their moral tendency is injurious to
+the cultivation and growth of private and public virtue, which,
+permit me to say, without intending to reflect on your good sense,
+is a species of logical artifice, which I did not suppose you
+would condescend to employ. It is an attempt to carry a position
+by surprise, which you should have approached openly--a jesuitical
+manoeuvre to take the question of debate by the adroitness of a
+sheer cunning, rather than by fair argumentation. If, Sir, you had
+first proved that their tendency on the morals of society is, what
+you assert it to be, injurious and pernicious, I grant there would
+be a propriety in the application of the passages of the Bible which
+you have made, and the contest would soon be terminated; but, as
+that point has not been proved, and as I now challenge you to the
+proof of it, allow me to say that your reasoning has produced no
+effect."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"You are at perfect liberty to examine any
+arguments which I may adduce against theatrical amusements with the
+utmost degree of severity, and to employ what terms you please when
+expressing your opinion of their character, or of their effect; but,
+Sir, you cannot expect that I shall submit to your descriptions if I
+think them unjust. You accuse me of taking for granted what remains
+to be proved, which, you say, is not only unfair but useless. But
+I appeal to your candour if I took more for granted than what was
+tacitly admitted in proof, if not actually recorded. Has it not
+been admitted, that expressions are sometimes uttered on the stage
+which the lips of virgin modesty could not utter? If so, will you
+presume to say, that the quotation which I made does not condemn
+them--'But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall
+speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment?' Has
+it not been admitted, that expressions are uttered, and some actions
+are performed in the theatre, which have a tendency to corrupt the
+minds of the actors and actresses? and if so, will you say that the
+injunction which commands us _to abstain from even the appearance of
+evil_, does not prohibit our witnessing such actions or listening
+to such expressions? If this be not proof against theatrical
+amusements, what will you call proof? If this argument does not
+fairly apply, it is not because it has not strength to strike, but
+because you are endeavouring to raise the dust, that you may bear
+off your colours to prevent them being taken. But that you may not
+shout victory on your retreat, nor taunt me with unfair dealing when
+you are going down, I will consent to clear the space, and meet you
+on the question of the obvious and direct influence of the stage on
+the morals of society."
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"I grant, Sir, that the Bible censures all indecent
+and profane expressions, and that it points the severity of its
+rebuke against every action which has a demoralizing tendency
+either on the mind of the performer or the spectator; but I presume
+you will not take upon yourself to say, that our best and most
+popular comedies come under this sentence of condemnation? There
+are two questions, I apprehend, which have an immediate claim on
+our attention--first, What is the design of comedy? and, secondly,
+Will the desired result be attained through its instrumentality?
+In reply to the first question, I will quote the language of the
+celebrated Dr. Blair:--'Comedy proposes for its object, neither the
+great sufferings nor the great crimes of men: but their follies
+and slighter vices--those parts of their character which raise in
+beholders a sense of impropriety, which expose them to be censured
+and laughed at by others, or which render them troublesome in civil
+society.' And I doubt not, but with all your rancour against the
+amusements of the theatre, you will agree with him in the following
+opinion which he pronounces on the tendency of such a mode of
+attack:--'This general idea of comedy, as a satirical exhibition of
+the improprieties and follies of mankind, is an idea very moral
+and useful. There is nothing in the nature, or general plan of this
+kind of composition that renders it liable to censure. To polish
+the manners of men, to promote attention to the proper decorum of
+social behaviour, and above all, to render vice ridiculous, is
+doing a real service to mankind.' This is the design which comedy
+proposes to accomplish; and now, Sir, we will, if you please, pass
+on to the consideration of the second question, Will the desired
+result be attained through its instrumentality? By the exhibition of
+folly and vice, in the persons of the actors and actresses, who are
+held up to ridicule and censure, a moral effect is produced on the
+audience, who retire from such a scene, where the absurdities of the
+human character have been exhibited to their view, infinitely more
+disgusted by them, than they ever felt when listening to the grave
+lecture of censure or condemnation from the pulpit. And I think,
+Sir, you will admit that the worthy doctor has given us a proof of
+the correctness of his judgment, when he said, that, 'Many vices
+might be more successfully exploded by employing ridicule against
+them, than by serious attacks and arguments.' And though, Sir, I
+have too much reverence for the pulpit to treat it with contempt,
+and form too high an estimate of its moral utility in correcting the
+disorders of society, to run it down, yet I doubt whether it _can_
+wield such a keen and powerful weapon against the folly and vices of
+the times, as the well-regulated and well-conducted stage."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"Your last remark, Sir, savours so much of
+infidelity, that it is both offensive to my taste, and repugnant
+to my understanding; and though it does not affect the question at
+issue, yet I cannot let it pass without replying to it. The pulpit,
+Sir, when it is the oracle of truth, is denominated the _power of
+God_--that moral instrument which he uses to renew and sanctify
+our corrupt nature; and on which he has conferred the singular
+honour of employing it as the means of subverting the idolatry
+of ancient and modern times, and of reclaiming many thousands of
+the children of disobedience to the wisdom of the just; but has
+he ever identified himself with the stage? has he ever employed
+the stage to turn men from darkness to light--from the power of
+Satan to himself? O no! Did the stage ever recover Greece or Rome
+from their licentious and barbarous rites and ceremonies? It found
+them corrupt, and corrupt it left them. And what has it done for
+modern Paris, where it exists in the plenitude of its glory?
+There you have a proof of the weakness of its strength to reform
+a people, and of the charm of its power to corrupt them. Indeed,
+Sir, it requires a high degree of moral corruption as the basis
+of its exhibitions, for it will be found that its performers, and
+its admirers, are alike strangers to that elevated moral purity,
+which brings the human spirit to some degree of resemblance to the
+immaculate sanctity of the Divine nature. Hence, while many who
+profess and call themselves Christians, rank amongst its advocates
+and its friends, it is a fact too notorious to be concealed, that
+they who are a _peculiar people_, and whose moral peculiarities are
+those which the Scriptures hold out as the distinctive evidences of
+the Christian character, shun it, as the habitation of evil, from
+whence they are excluded no less by the force of principle than by
+the voice of authority. A real Christian in a theatre, animated
+and delighted with the scenes which he must behold, and with the
+sentiments and expressions which he must hear, would be as great a
+phenomenon as a stage player weeping at church when confessing his
+sins, or overpowered with gratitude when receiving, on his knees,
+the sacramental memorials of the Saviour's death."
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"I was not aware, Sir, that the accidental expression
+of an opinion, which has no bearing on the question at issue, would
+have called forth such a spontaneous burst of disapprobation; and
+though it would not be very difficult to turn back some of your
+pointed interrogations to your own annoyance, yet as that would
+probably consume too much of our time, we will, if you please,
+confine our remarks in future to the subject under discussion. To my
+questions, Sir, if you please."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"Well, Sir, then to the first question. You have
+given such a very flattering description of the _design_ of comedy,
+that you remind me of a certain painter who engaged to draw a
+likeness that should represent a whole fraternity, but when he
+produced it, it was found to resemble no one, having been sketched
+from fancy rather than real life. I admit that a comic writer, of
+rare and extraordinary powers, could get up a piece that would keep
+in view, through the whole of its plot, the censure and reprobation
+of the follies and vices of mankind; but have the writers of English
+comedy done this? Did not the author from whom you have made your
+quotations speak the truth when he said, '_that the English comedy
+has been too often the school of vice_?' And is it not so? Do
+not the most popular plays that are acted on the English stage
+exhibit such scenes as must compel virtue, if present, to hide her
+blushing face, and wish herself away? Do they not give utterance
+to sentiments and expressions, which, to say the least, border on
+profanity and blasphemy, and which, if admired or approved of, must
+contaminate and defile?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"But, Sir, I hope in the ardour of your zeal against
+the stage, you will not overlook the distinction which the wisest
+and best of men have made between the use and the _abuse of a
+thing_. I grant that certain abuses, at various periods of its
+history, have disgraced this department of the drama; but what
+then? is it an argument against the thing itself, any more than
+the impositions of priestcraft are arguments against the value of
+true religion? I grant you that the most obscene and licentious
+compositions have disgraced the stage, but is the abuse of a thing
+any objection against its use? Licentious writers of the comic
+class, as Dr. Blair very justly remarks, have too often had it in
+their power to cast a ridicule upon characters and subjects which
+did not deserve it; but this is a fault not owing to the nature of
+comedy, but to the genius and turn of the writers of it."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"It happens unfortunately, however, for your side
+of the question, that its _abuse_ has hitherto been almost the
+universal characteristic of comedy, while its _use_ has scarcely
+ever been exemplified. Indeed, I defy any one who has a regard for
+propriety to go to a theatre without hearing something to shock his
+moral feelings."
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"Why, Sir, you are aware that no play can be acted
+on the English stage unless it is licensed by the lord-chamberlain,
+fourteen days before it makes its appearance in public; and do
+you not know that he is invested with full power to prohibit the
+representation of any play, if he thinks it militates against the
+interests of virtue?"
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"Then, Sir, if I understand you, it is lawful to
+introduce any play on the stage which the lord-chamberlain licenses?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"Exactly so, Sir."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"Indeed! is not this rather singular! But if a
+licentious play should pass through the chamberlain's office without
+being detected, and come to be represented on the stage, what would
+be its reception? Are you quite sure that it would be hissed off by
+a British audience?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"Nothing, Sir, can be a stronger proof of the respect
+which a British theatrical audience feels for pure virtue, than the
+well-known opposition made to the re-appearance of K----, after his
+disgraceful conduct."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"That determined opposition on the part of the
+more respectable public was very gratifying; but yet I am decidedly
+of opinion, that if he had absented himself for a few months, or
+weeks, till the public feeling had somewhat subsided, he would have
+met with a cordial reception on his re-appearance on the stage. But
+he was precipitate, he did not dream that there could be much more
+virtue before the scenes than behind; in this, so far happily, he
+was mistaken. He forgot that many who will connive at the vices of
+the stage while they remain in comparative obscurity, or are only
+whispered abroad in private circles, dare not, out of respect to
+the decent little observances to which they are attached, connive
+at them when they are sent out of a court of justice with a badge
+of indelible infamy hanging about their necks. His precipitancy
+was the cause of his rejection, rather than his crime; for even his
+greatest opponents promised him their support, if he would refrain,
+only for a fortnight, from appearing on the boards, in deference to
+the taste and voice of the public."
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"Well, Sir, after the public had expressed their
+disapprobation of his disgraceful conduct, and compelled him to
+perform a theatrical penance, did you expect them to force him off
+the stage for ever?"
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"No, Sir, I did not expect it. I know them too
+well. The vices of the players will never be the means of excluding
+them from the stage, if they possess the talent of pleasing the
+admirers of the drama. These are a humane people whose mantle of
+charity is so broad, that it will easily cover a multitude of sins;
+and though some of them, when goaded by the severe invectives
+of the press, will raise their indignant voice against the bold
+transgressor who passes at once from a court of justice, where his
+delinquencies have been exhibited in all their enormity, to the
+stage, the so-styled school of morals, yet the lapse of a short
+interval will soon induce an oblivion of his offences, and the
+charms of his acting will soon re-establish him in the favour of the
+public. But I must now return to the question under consideration.
+It is not, What will a theatrical audience do, when an actor is
+convicted in a court of justice of one of the worst of crimes
+that can be committed against the sanctity of domestic honour and
+happiness? but, What is such an audience _accustomed to do_, when a
+lewd or profane comedy--a comedy which is the abuse of the thing--a
+comedy which is the school of vice--is brought on the stage, and
+acted in their presence?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"Why, Sir, I presume you know that the public often
+reject plays?"
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"Yes, when they are not to their liking."
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"Well, Sir, then the point is decided."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"Nay, good Sir, not till you have proved that their
+lewdness, their profanity, and their demoralizing tendency, was
+the cause of their being rejected. Prove that, and you have gained
+your point, and redeemed the audience from the heavy charge which
+I bring against it, of having uniformly given the least degree of
+support to the purest plays, and the greatest degree of support
+to the most objectionable. When the writers of comedy mix up with
+their plots incidents which we could not tolerate in virtuous life,
+and introduce characters in their scenes which we should shun as
+the corrupters of our manners, and do this to excite ridicule and
+contempt against the religion of our country by holding pious people
+up to obloquy, the audience have uniformly exclaimed, 'Ah, ah, so
+we would have it! This is to our taste!' The play is again and
+again called for. What you call the abuse of the thing, has been,
+and still is, more popular than the thing existing in what you call
+its purity. How will you account for this, unless you admit that
+the taste of the audience is formed from the character of their
+amusements, which tend to deprave and vitiate it?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"Why, Sir, I admit that many who attend our theatres
+are persons of dubious virtue; yet, formerly a great play-goer, I
+can flatly contradict this imputed propensity on the part of the
+public to applaud a licentious play. I have always heard noble
+sentiments echoed in public applause, and, on several occasions,
+the lurking remains of the old broad comedy received with marked
+disapprobation. And whatever be the opinion of those who do _not_ go
+to the theatre, these facts will be corroborated by all who _do_."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"You say that all who go to plays corroborate
+the facts that noble sentiments are always applauded, and obscene
+expressions are marked with disapprobation. Now, Sir, I can flatly
+contradict this assertion, though not from personal observation,
+yet from undoubted testimony. I grant that fine passages, delivered
+in an eloquent style, and which breathe the noble sentiments of
+patriotism, and valour, and benevolence, and indignation against
+some _unpopular vice_, are heard with pleasure; but the self-same
+audience, which makes the house ring with its acclamations on these
+occasions, not only silently sanctions but likewise loudly applauds
+profanity and indecency at other times. If this be not the case, how
+is it that the plays, which are the school of vice, still appear on
+the stage, and still retain their hold on popular favour?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"What plays do you refer to?"
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"Why, Sir, _The Hypocrite_ is one."
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"_The Hypocrite!_ What! do you object to _The
+Hypocrite_?--A comedy which was applauded by royalty, and in which
+a striking example is afforded of the attempt of fanaticism to
+undermine the principles and well-being of society for its own
+individual advantage, under the specious garb of religion! Surely,
+you must be a very fastidious person indeed, to find anything
+objectionable in that most excellent comedy! I can hardly think you
+are serious."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"The design of that comedy is to hold up personal
+piety to ridicule and contempt, by associating it with the weakness
+of the intellect, the vulgarity of unpolished manners, and the
+vices of the human character; and though the writer makes an effort
+at the conclusion to redeem it from such an imputation, yet such
+is its obvious tendency, and such is the effect which it is known
+to produce on an audience. But as I wish to shape my objections
+into a tangible form, allow me to say that the introduction and
+exposure on the stage of any person making pretensions to elevated
+piety is, of itself, an objectionable feature, and more calculated
+to excite prejudice against all professions of religion, than to
+induce the hypocrite to throw off the mask. Is this favourable to
+the cultivation and growth of virtue? It may be of the virtue of a
+theatrical audience, which reaches not the maturity of its growth
+till it has acquired the art of caricaturing righteousness, after it
+has been accustomed to make a mock of sin; but it is destructive of
+that pure religion which teaches us to avoid all 'foolish talking
+and filthy jesting;' and to correct our personal imperfections,
+instead of making sport with the vices of others. I have read this
+disgusting comedy, and I do not hesitate to say, that its indecent
+allusions and profane language, are enough to corrupt any mind; and
+that the woman who can retire from the theatre after the curtain
+drops with a desire to see it performed again, must have lost all
+that refined delicacy of feeling which forms the greatest ornament
+of her sex."
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"Stop, Sir! I cannot allow this libel to be
+pronounced, without entering my protest against it."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"No, Sir, it is not a libel. The allusions, the
+language, and some of the actions of that play, are more becoming
+a house of ill-fame than the school of virtue, as you wish me
+to believe the play-house is; and I am conscious that no decent
+persons, in any rank of life, would tolerate such allusions or
+actions in their families. Allow me to ask one question, What
+opinion would you form of a female who would consent to read that
+comedy in the presence of an indiscriminate assemblage of young
+people?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"Of course, Sir, I should not solicit her to do it."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"But suppose she was solicited to do it, and
+suppose she did it without faltering and without blushing, what
+opinion would you form of her modesty, or of the tone of her mind?
+Would you like that female to be either your mother, your wife, your
+sister, or your daughter?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"Perhaps not."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"So I presume; for, as the poet says--
+
+    'Immodest words admit of no defence,
+    For want of decency is want of sense.'
+
+If, then, you would not like to hear a female read that play in a
+private party, especially if that female was your own daughter, how
+can you attempt to justify your conduct in wishing her to go and see
+it performed?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"Why, there is a little difference between the two
+cases."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"Yes, I grant there is a little difference between
+the circumstances of the two cases; but, Sir, I appeal to your
+candour and to your judgment, whether that comedy, when acted on
+the stage, can promote the growth of virtue, which would have a
+demoralizing effect if read in a private circle?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"In a theatre, each one is lost in the mass of the
+audience, and hence no immediate effect is produced."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"Then, Sir, how can the stage, when it exists
+in its purity, promote the growth of virtue, and how, when it is
+abused, does it become the school of vice, if no immediate effect is
+produced by the sentiments and actions which are there delivered and
+performed?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"I mean, Sir, that a female does not sustain that
+injury in the opinion of others, who goes to see this comedy
+performed, which she would, if she read it to a promiscuous
+assembly."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"I grant it, Sir; but will her imagination sustain
+no injury by the polluting impressions which it will receive? Will
+her moral taste sustain no injury by the obscene sentiments and
+allusions which she will hear? Will she retire as pure from all
+corrupt associations, as she was when she first entered the theatre?
+Will her memory carry away no expression which you would rather she
+would forget?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"But, Sir, when people become familiar with the
+stage, none of these evil effects are ever felt, which you imagine
+must be the consequence of their attendance."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"They may not be felt so forcibly as at first,
+because by habit the taste becomes reconciled to them, which proves
+that the stage lowers the high tone of virtue, and brings it down
+so softly and so imperceptibly on a level with impurity, that
+eventually its more disgusting forms and expressions merely excite
+the passing smile or the burst of laughter.
+
+    'Vice is a monster of such frightful mien,
+    As to be hated, needs but to be seen;
+    Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face,
+    We first endure, then pity, then embrace.'"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"It is no use, Sir, to argue against facts. I have
+gone to the theatre without being injured by it; and I have known
+many of my friends who have never been injured by it."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"It may be so; but would you like a son or a
+daughter to acquire a passion for theatrical amusements? And would
+you suffer them, if they had acquired it, to go alone?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"No, Sir, I should not like my children to become
+_passionately_ fond of the theatre, though I should not object to
+their occasional attendance, yet I would not suffer them to go
+alone."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"Not like them to become passionately fond of an
+amusement, which is intended and calculated to promote the growth
+of their virtues! Surely, good Sir, you don't wish their virtues
+to be stunted for want of nutriment; and though I can easily
+conceive that the expense attending this source of gratification
+and moral improvement, may form one formidable objection against
+its repeated indulgence, yet, can money be better laid out, than on
+the cultivation of our children's virtuous principles and habits?
+Suppose, for example, you have a son who is somewhat inclined to an
+evil course--one, over whose mind the grave lectures of morality
+which the clergy deliver have lost their influence--who is rather
+prone to treat parental authority with contempt; would you not
+wish to see him cherish a passion for theatrical exhibitions,
+which, according to the opinion of Mr. Proctor, and in which
+opinion you concur, are designed and adapted to recommend virtue
+and discountenance vice; and thus prove, by an appeal to the
+senses, rather than by a process of reasoning, that virtue is
+its own reward, and vice its own tormentor? If he should feel no
+deep interest in these exhibitions, it is not likely that they
+will produce any more powerful effect on his mind, than the grave
+lectures of morality which he instinctively abhors; but if his
+passions are strongly excited, and he returns to this school of
+wisdom and of virtue, _con amore_--if he cannot refrain from going,
+without doing violence to his feelings--if he long for the hour of
+evening dress, and for the agreeable alterative of mind, which is to
+divert him from the dull, monotonous duties of his station--if he
+enter into the spirit of the comedy, which usually makes a libertine
+the most attractive character in the piece--or if the spirit of that
+character enters into him--do you not suppose that he will soon be
+reclaimed from vice, and be so smitten with the charms of virtue,
+as to follow her through evil and through good report? And suppose
+several such young men should meet in the lobby of a theatre, which
+you know, Sir, is not impossible; and suppose they should sit
+together during the play, and should retire together, after the
+curtain falls, and the last charms of the comic muse have passed
+from the eye and the ear, do you not think that they will very
+naturally begin to resolve on amending their evil course, and as
+naturally resolve to become chaste, and temperate, and domesticated
+in their habits? Of course you cannot for a moment imagine that they
+will retire from this school of virtue to the tavern or the brothel!
+No, Sir! The comic muse would stand in their way, and dispute
+their passage, even if they should have a secret predilection for
+such haunts; as a dumb ass once reproved the madness of a certain
+prophet, on whose mind no other agent of persuasion could operate!"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"Satire is no argument, Sir."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"But it often puts forth a biting one, from under
+the folds of its concealment; yet, as you seem to dislike it, I will
+dismiss it, and return to the more grave form of debate. Permit me,
+then, to ask you, if the company into which the young are introduced
+at a theatre, does not form a very powerful objection against it?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"This is an objection against theatrical amusements,
+which I have been expecting to make its appearance for some time;
+and now it is out, I am not unwilling to meet it. I will then
+confess, 'that the English box lobbies are too much disgraced by
+the open display of female prostitution,' and that too many of the
+baser sort of our own sex frequent the theatre; yet, as the wisest
+and the best are always to be found in attendance on the comic muse,
+we may very easily keep with them, and thus avoid that contagion
+of evil, to which you imagine we are necessarily exposed. We know
+that vice, like every other marketable commodity, will be offered
+for sale in all great public assemblages. But, Sir, can you see the
+vast majority of an audience rivetted on the scenic representation,
+without confessing that many a youthful passion is preserved
+from the _out-of-doors_ temptation to vice, by this intellectual
+occupation of his time within? London, and all large towns, are,
+by reason of their congregated numbers, hotbeds of vice; you know
+licentiousness would find other haunts, and not be one whit limited
+by the suppression of the theatre; it would be hard, indeed, that
+virtue should imprison itself, because vice frequented the same
+resort; on that principle we might not walk the great streets of the
+metropolis, in broad day light, because of the 'polluted' neighbours
+on all sides."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"Then you admit that the theatre is one of the
+haunts of vice; and yet you say that the wisest and the best are
+always to be found in attendance there, _and from choice_! How odd,
+that the wisest and the best of our wise and good men and women,
+young and old, should choose to go where the most profligate and
+licentious resort! Surely, you will not adduce their conduct on
+this point, as a conclusive argument in favour of their superior
+wisdom, or their superior love of virtue! You say, if we go, we may
+keep with them! But, how shall we know the wisest and the best from
+the most depraved, in such a promiscuous throng as usually crowd a
+theatre?--From instinct? or from some secret sign which, like that
+of the Masonic order, is concealed from every one but the initiated?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"When I go to the theatre, if I go alone, I keep
+apart from others; and if I go in company, I keep with them; so that
+I have no intercourse with the general audience."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"Very possibly; but do all who attend the theatre
+adopt the same judicious maxim?"
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"They may if they choose, and if they do not, they
+alone are to blame."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"Yes, they may! but do they? No, Sir, they do not!
+Is it not there that the evil spirits of impurity spread their
+nets for thoughtless and unsuspecting youth? Is it not there that
+he often picks up an acquaintance, who leads him, after the play
+is concluded, to the tavern--to the gaming-table--and to the house
+of ill-fame? Is it not there, that the profligate female practises
+her arts of seduction,[18] that he learns a profane language, and
+familiarizes himself with vice in its most disgusting forms? Is it
+not to this school of virtue--to this resort of the wisest and the
+best--to this elysium of bliss--to this paradise of excellence--that
+many of the young of both sexes have ascribed their ruin? Wonder,
+O ye heavens, and give ear, O earth! The school of virtue teaching
+vice!--the resort of the wisest and the best the haunt of the
+most licentious!--the elysium of bliss the common receptacle of
+outcast misery!--where iniquity reigns, as in the high place of
+its dominion, and on which thousands look in all the bitterness of
+anguish, as the spot where they fell from their original purity and
+honour to degradation and crime!"
+
+  [18] An intelligent gentleman, who had served the office of
+  constable in a large midland town, once remarked to the author,
+  "I observed the number of prostitutes was considerably increased
+  very soon after the opening of the theatre; many also coming from
+  neighbouring towns during the theatrical season." Strange, indeed,
+  if the stage be the school of virtue, that these pests of society
+  should always be found existing near it! When we see the vultures
+  flying towards any particular spot, there we may expect to find
+  death and corruption.
+
+_Mr. Talbot._--"You can paint, Sir."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"But not the theatre as it is. That's impossible.
+I cannot describe the evils, the contaminating evils, to which
+a young person is exposed who visits this haunt of vice--this
+dwelling-place of sin--this temple of lewdness, of whose priests
+and priestesses 'it is a shame even to speak of those things which
+are done of them in secret'--this Augean stable of infamy, which
+no waters have ever been able to cleanse. You say, that while the
+youth is within the theatre he is preserved from the temptations
+which are out of doors--a truism no one will doubt; and so he is,
+when in a gaming-room, and so he is when in a tavern; but, Sir, is
+he not, when coming away from the theatre, exposed to the out-door
+temptations, and very often prepared, by what he sees and hears,
+to yield more easily to them. The following fact, which is too
+well attested to be denied, lets us into the awful secret of the
+tendency of theatrical exhibitions; and if it were necessary, I
+could adduce many instances of the most promising young men, and of
+the most amiable females, who, by frequenting a theatre, have lost
+their character; blasted their prospects of happiness for life, and
+brought down the gray hairs of their parents with sorrow to the
+grave:--
+
+"'The robberies committed daily in the streets, during the
+representation of the _Beggar's Opera_, were beyond the example of
+former times; and several thieves and robbers confessed in Newgate,
+that they raised their courage in the playhouse by the songs of
+their hero, Macheath, before they sallied forth on their desperate
+nocturnal exploits. So notorious were the evil consequences of its
+frequent representation become, that the Middlesex justices united
+with Sir John Fielding in requesting Mr. Garrick to desist from
+performing it, as they were of opinion that it was never represented
+on the stage, without creating an additional number of real
+thieves.' Thus we see the debt of gratitude which the morality of
+the public soon contracted with this agent of its reformation, who,
+for sixty-three nights in succession, during the first season of his
+labours, delivered his maxims of wisdom, and his lessons of virtue,
+which, by some peculiar fatality, became the means of corrupting
+the audience to a most alarming extent; but to hold the stage
+responsible for this, would be, of course, a breach of the law of
+charity! 'The second season of this opera was as productive as the
+first; nor were the provincial stages without their gleanings from
+the poet's harvest; it was acted fifty nights at Bath and Bristol.
+Not only Ireland, Wales, and Scotland, but Minorca, and other
+distant regions, saw it in their theatres; while its songs were
+everywhere to be read on fans, handkerchiefs, and fire-screens.'
+Wherever this thief-maker went, he was received with raptures by the
+admirers of the drama; they sung his praises and gave him the homage
+of their affection as the idol god of their theatrical adorations,
+and he had, like ancient Moloch, the high gratification of seeing
+many of his devoted worshippers doomed to an untimely destruction.
+And yet, Sir, with such facts staring you in the face--with such
+confessions of convicted guilt--you have the temerity to maintain
+that the theatre is favourable to the cultivation and the growth of
+public and private virtue! Can you hope to gain proselytes to your
+opinion? Do you imagine that we are to be duped into the admission
+of an assertion which no argument can support, which recorded facts
+so unequivocally disprove, and which the worst men, in common with
+the best, reject as an insult offered to the obvious dictates
+of their understanding? Do you suppose that we have reached the
+dotage of our existence, when the intellect, paralyzed by some
+extraordinary visitation of Heaven, or worn out by the intensity of
+its own labours, is to sit down at the feet of absurdity, to receive
+the monstrous extravagancies of convicted falsehood as the lucid and
+resistless enunciations of oracular truth? No, Sir. A general belief
+is gone abroad, and it exists no less firmly amongst many of the
+admirers of the drama, than amongst its most determined opponents,
+that while the stage may be vindicated as a source of amusement,
+an attempt to vindicate it as the handmaid of virtue is no less
+disreputable to the understanding, than it is to the moral taste of
+the advocate, who, however dexterous he may be in his pleadings,
+labours under the disadvantage of appearing in court, after the
+judges have taken the verdict of an honest jury."
+
+_Mr. Proctor._--"I am now, Sir, decidedly of your opinion on this
+point; though I must confess I have often enjoyed a good play. The
+stage, in its present state, amuses many, and gratifies their taste,
+but it certainly does defile the imagination, and too often pollutes
+the heart; and where one young person receives any moral good, very
+many, I do believe, are corrupted and ruined. It may be defended as
+a source of amusement, but it is no handmaid of virtue; it is a very
+demon in the art of seduction. I had many qualms of conscience, when
+I did go to the theatre; but it is now more than two years since I
+entered one, and I must confess, that the present discussions have
+satisfied me, that I have acted a wise and a safe part by abstaining
+from going; nor will I ever go again, or allow any child of mine to
+go. In fact, I think it would be a public good, to shut up all the
+theatres in the country."
+
+_Mr. Falkland._--"My respected friend, I assure you, I am highly
+gratified to hear from your lips, such a candid confession and
+such a noble resolve; and I think my formal antagonist in these
+discussions, on cool reflection, will admit, that a passion for
+theatrical amusements had better be repressed than encouraged; as it
+is always hazardous, and sometimes fatal, especially to the young
+and incautious."
+
+
+
+
+UNITARIANISM RENOUNCED.
+
+
+The power of early impressions and education is universally
+admitted; and when erroneous views have been imbibed from infancy,
+and become associated with everything that is hallowed in our
+domestic recollections, the influence exercised by them on the mind
+is so strong as very generally to maintain undisputed authority
+throughout life. Truth will sometimes, however, assert her
+supremacy, and succeed in producing conviction, even where she has
+to contend with the most deep-rooted feelings and long-cherished
+prejudices. These remarks are suggested by the history of Mr.
+Macfarlane, an intelligent and pious young man, whom I met at the
+house of Mr. Proctor, on the occasion of the discussion narrated
+in the foregoing chapters. I had frequently heard of him from a
+friend, of whose church he was a member, and been led to take a
+great interest in him from the account which had been given me of
+his religious history and that of his sister. This I shall now
+proceed to narrate, as exhibiting the progress, from the frigid zone
+of Unitarianism, to the warmth and sunshine of pure evangelical
+religion.
+
+Mr. Macfarlane's father was a wealthy merchant in the town where
+I resided, universally esteemed for his amiable character and
+unsullied integrity. Descended from ancestors who had borne a
+distinguished part in the struggles for civil and religious liberty
+during the seventeenth century, he was himself the son of pious
+parents, but their death, within a short period of each other, while
+he was but a child, deprived him of the advantages which he might
+have derived from their example and instructions. Left to the care
+of a maternal uncle, whose sentiments were of no decided order,
+he grew up to manhood with no one to guide him in his religious
+belief; and having, on his first entering into business, formed an
+intimacy with some zealous Unitarians, he imbibed their opinions,
+and regularly attended the ministry of one of their most celebrated
+preachers. He was too eager in the pursuit of wealth to devote much
+time to speculative inquiries, and of too retiring a disposition
+to take any part in discussion when theological topics became the
+subject of conversation; but he cheerfully and conscientiously
+supported the benevolent institutions connected with his
+denomination, which he thought the most enlightened and intelligent
+in the kingdom. While he admitted the truth of the Christian
+religion, he thought its records so ambiguous, or so corrupted in
+the early ages, that they ought not to be implicitly received. "I
+will believe nothing," he often used to say, "which I cannot fully
+comprehend; and I feel myself as much at liberty to dispute the
+opinion of an apostle, when he speaks on any speculative doctrine,
+as I do to examine the opinion of any other man." He rejected the
+divinity of Jesus Christ as indignantly as a Christian would the
+divinity of the pagan deities--often expressed his surprise that any
+enlightened man could be brought to believe in the doctrine of the
+atonement--and regarded the belief in the reality of a supernatural
+influence over the human mind, as one of the corruptions of
+Christianity, which exposed it to the ridicule and contempt of
+infidels.
+
+But though a decided Unitarian, he did not condemn those who
+differed from him, believing that the Supreme Being is altogether
+regardless of our speculative opinions, if we do justice, love
+mercy, and walk humbly with him. "If we are virtuous in this life
+we shall be happy in the life to come,"--was with him a favourite
+saying. He was the living personification of the social virtues; and
+justly esteemed for his kindness, his generosity, his integrity,
+and universal benevolence. Mr. Macfarlane, Senior, was a widower,
+with two children, a son and daughter, who, at the time I speak
+of, were between twenty and thirty years of age. The son was in
+business with his father, and the daughter managed the household
+affairs. Miss Macfarlane was a young lady of amiable temper, retired
+in her habits, fond of reading, and devoted to the promotion of the
+happiness and comfort of her father and brother. As she had a good
+deal of leisure at her disposal, she was employed as the almoner of
+her father's bounty; and took much pleasure in this work of mercy.
+
+She was somewhat religiously inclined; but as the system of
+religion under which she was educated possessed no power to
+interest the heart, her religion was confined to a cold assent to
+a few speculative opinions, and the observance of some external
+ceremonies. She occasionally read the Bible, but from her religious
+training she yielded no submission to its authority; and, as a
+natural consequence, she was strongly prejudiced against the
+evangelical sentiments of orthodox Christians. Though she had
+several friends belonging to their number, and among others Miss
+Reynolds, a young lady of decided piety, yet even with her,
+notwithstanding their great intimacy, she invariably declined to
+enter into conversation on the subject. She usually accompanied
+her father and her brother on the Sabbath to the Unitarian chapel,
+where the celebrated Dr. R---- preached, to whose ministry they
+were all much attached. On one occasion he delivered a discourse
+from the beautiful words of the psalmist:--"Thou wilt shew me the
+path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right
+hand there are pleasures for evermore" (Psalm xvi. 11). After an
+eloquent dissertation on the nature of the Deity, and the assistance
+afforded by Him to those following the arduous path of virtue,
+he concluded thus:--"Supposing the ideas which I have set before
+you to be no more than the speculations of a contemplative mind,
+such as were wont of old to be indulged by the philosophers of the
+Platonic school, still they would deserve attention, on account
+of their tendency to purify and elevate the mind. But when they
+are considered in connection with a revelation which we believe to
+be Divine, they are entitled to command, not attention only, but
+reverence and faith. They present to us such high expectations as
+are sufficient to determine every reasonable man to the choice of
+virtue, to support him under all his present discouragements, and
+to comfort him in the hour of death. Justly may they excite in our
+hearts that ardent aspiration of the psalmist:--'My soul thirsteth
+for God, for the living God; O! when shall I come, and appear before
+him?' But with this wish in our hearts, never, I beseech you, let us
+forget what was set forth in the first part of this discourse;--that
+in order to arrive at the presence of God, _the path of life_ must
+previously be shown to us by him, and that in this path we must
+persevere to the end. These two things cannot be disjoined--a
+virtuous life and a happy eternity."
+
+As they were conversing together in the evening of the Sabbath,
+a reference was made to this discourse, when young Macfarlane
+expressed the high degree of pleasure which it had given him. "I
+never," he remarked, "heard a more interesting sermon. What a
+sublime prospect does Christianity open before us! I wonder how any
+intelligent person can reject it."
+
+"Yes," said his father, "it was a very judicious sermon. I was much
+delighted with it. We have something to look forward to when it
+shall please God to remove us by death; for as I have often told
+you, _If we are virtuous in this life, we shall be happy in the life
+to come_."
+
+"But, father," said the son, after a short pause, "if only the
+virtuous can attain to a state of felicity in heaven, as we were
+informed this morning, what will become of the wicked?"
+
+"I cannot tell; and I think that Dr. R---- displayed his accustomed
+good sense in making no reference to them."
+
+"But, father, we know that the majority in every age, and in every
+country, are wicked; and it strikes me, though I confess I have
+never thought on the subject before, that if the Deity condescended
+to reveal a system of religion, to promote the present and future
+happiness of his creatures, he would reveal one that is adapted to
+the moral condition of the majority, rather than to that of the
+select few."
+
+"We have nothing to do with others; it is enough for us to know,
+that if we are virtuous in this life, we shall be happy in the life
+to come."
+
+The subject was now dropped till after their father had retired
+to rest, when it was resumed. "Your remark on the sermon we heard
+to-day," said Miss Macfarlane to her brother, "I think is a very
+just one. It certainly demands attention. If the virtuous only can
+be saved, the great majority of the human race must perish."
+
+"Very true; and we know that many who become virtuous in old age,
+have been dissipated in their youthful days. Can such persons expect
+a state of future felicity as confidently as though they had always
+been virtuous? And, after all, what is virtue? It is simply a line
+of conduct that runs parallel with the requirements of the society
+amongst which we live, and which we know varies so much in different
+nations and amongst different people, that what some call a virtuous
+action, we should condemn as an outrage on the feelings of humanity.
+A Hindoo applauds the virtue of the eldest son, who sets fire to the
+pile which is to consume his deceased father and living mother; but
+were he to do such a deed here, he would be execrated as a monster,
+and amenable to the law. Can we suppose that the Supreme Being will
+award a state of future happiness to a Hindoo, for an action for
+which he would punish an European, by excluding him from heaven?
+Impossible!"
+
+"And beside," said Miss Macfarlane, "how shall we know when we have
+acquired that _exact degree_ of virtue which will entitle us to
+expect a state of felicity in the life to come? The more I think on
+the subject, the more I am perplexed. What shall we do, for I feel
+the subject too important to be dismissed?"
+
+After some further conversation, they resolved to examine the
+Scriptures, to see if they could gain any information; and
+providentially they turned to the fifth chapter of Paul's Epistle
+to the Romans. There they read the following verses with deep
+interest:--"For when we were yet without strength, in due time
+Christ died for the ungodly.... God commendeth his love towards us,
+in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.... For if,
+when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his
+Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life."
+"Here we find," said Mr. Macfarlane, "the apostle speaking of the
+salvation of _the ungodly_, of _sinners_, and of _enemies_." They
+proceeded in their examination, and perceived, from many passages
+which they met with in other epistles, that the current language of
+the Scripture plainly and unequivocally proves, that the revelation
+of mercy was intended to benefit the guilty and depraved as well as
+the virtuous.
+
+One passage particularly arrested their attention in the second
+chapter of St. Paul's Epistle to the Ephesians--"And you hath he
+quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time
+past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to
+the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh
+in the children of disobedience." On reading these verses, Mr.
+Macfarlane remarked:--"We are to remember, that at the period when
+Christianity was first promulgated by the apostles, the whole of
+the Gentile world was sunk into a state of the grossest ignorance,
+superstition, and vice; and though some of its most celebrated
+philosophers and statesmen were distinguished for their love of
+virtue, yet the immense majority of the people were addicted to
+almost every species of gross immorality. If, then, a state of
+future felicity is reserved only for the virtuous, and no provision
+is made for the salvation of the wicked, the labours of the apostles
+must have been restricted to the few who had kept themselves from
+the moral corruptions of the age in which they lived. But such an
+opinion receives no sanction from this passage, which speaks of the
+salvation of those who had their conversation in times past in the
+lusts of their flesh, 'fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of
+the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.'"
+
+On turning their attention to the brief delineation which the
+apostle has given of his own character before his conversion to the
+faith in Christ, they were struck with his declaration respecting
+the design of our Lord's mission. "This is a faithful saying, and
+worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world
+to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I
+obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all
+long-suffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe
+on him to life everlasting." "You perceive," said Mr. Macfarlane to
+his sister, "the apostle says, that Christ Jesus came into the world
+to save sinners; and saved the chief of them, as a pattern for the
+encouragement of others who may deem themselves equally guilty, to
+hope in the mercy of God."
+
+"We thus see," said Mr. Macfarlane, "that the epistles prove that
+Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners from a state of
+future misery, and to fit them for heaven; but then comes the
+question, What degree of dependence ought we to place on their
+testimony? May they not have become corrupted in the course of time?
+or may not the writers of them have committed some mistake?"
+
+"So, brother, we have been taught to believe, but it is possible
+that we may be mistaken. However, as we cannot now, by any process
+of inquiry, decide on the genuineness of the passages which we have
+been examining, let us turn our attention to the gospels, and see if
+they exhibit the same views on this subject as the epistles. Because
+we may fairly infer, that if the whole of the Bible is written
+by the inspiration of the Almighty, we shall find a continuity
+and harmony of thought running through the various parts of it,
+and especially on that paramount question which now engages our
+attention."
+
+"As it is now getting very late," Mr. Macfarlane observed, "we will
+not go into that question to-night; but I will contrive to get
+home to-morrow rather earlier than usual, when we will pursue our
+inquiries."
+
+"My mind, dear brother, is painfully excited by the discoveries we
+have already made, as they have convinced me that our theory of
+belief is in direct opposition to that of the apostles, who were
+initiated into the Christian faith by the oral instructions of Jesus
+Christ."
+
+"Yes, this I feel. But still the discovery should not distress us;
+it should rather excite our gratitude; for if we find, on more
+careful inquiry, that we have been holding false opinions, we can
+renounce them, and adopt the true system of belief."
+
+They continued their investigations of Scripture from evening
+to evening, sometimes together, sometimes apart, and made rapid
+progress in the knowledge of Divine truth.
+
+"I have hitherto thought," said Mr. Macfarlane, as he sat with
+his sister one evening, "that Jesus Christ came as a teacher, to
+instruct us how to attain to a state of future happiness, and to
+inculcate on us, by the purity of his example, the cultivation of
+the social virtues. However, on a careful examination of the New
+Testament, I feel very much struck with the express reason which He
+gave to his apostles, for his coming into the world--'Even as the
+Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to
+give his life a ransom for many' (Matt. xx. 28). He certainly knew
+what he came to do--and he says he came to die--to die voluntarily,
+by giving his life, not giving it as an act of martyrdom, but as
+a ransom to redeem many. Now this must refer to the _many_, in
+some condition of danger; not to any select few of the amiable and
+virtuous, in no danger."
+
+"I also," remarked his sister, "feel very forcibly impressed with
+the reason which Jesus Christ assigns for his going to visit
+Zaccheus, who appears to have been before his conversion a great
+sinner. 'For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that
+which was lost' (Luke xix. 10). There is nothing about teaching,
+as the direct import of his mission, but seeking after sinners to
+rescue them from the danger of perishing. This harmonizes with
+the statement of the apostle Paul, which has already engaged our
+attention."
+
+"Very true. And if we take for our guidance the undisputed axiom,
+that facts determine and explain theory, we may, by a careful
+examination of the narratives which are reported by the evangelists,
+make some safe progress in the inquiry we are now pursuing as to
+the design of the mission of Jesus Christ. You have been turning
+your attention to the conversion of Zaccheus, and I have been
+turning mine to that of the thief on the cross, both ranked among
+the chief of sinners; but both were converted and saved by faith
+in Christ. The malefactor, when dying, made his appeal to Jesus,
+saying, 'Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom' (Luke
+xxiii. 42). How prompt and benign is the answer, 'Verily I say unto
+thee, To-day shalt thou be with me in paradise!' What a solace this
+promise must have been to the poor sufferer--a bright and soothing
+prospect in the midst of his agonies! And with what authority Jesus
+speaks--assuming the right of fixing the final destiny of this dying
+criminal, and of advancing him to the honour of associating with him
+in the celestial paradise! He must have been something more than
+man to speak thus, and to assume such a prerogative, on such an
+occasion."
+
+"Such a conviction," observed Miss Macfarlane, "forced itself very
+strongly on my mind, when reading the Gospel of John, particularly
+the following passages, which never attracted my attention before:
+'For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and
+giveth life unto the world.... And Jesus said unto them, I am the
+bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that
+believeth on me shall never thirst.... And this is the will of him
+that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on
+him, may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last
+day.... I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If any
+man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I
+will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world'
+(John vi. 33, 35, 40, 51). 'As the Father knoweth me, even so know I
+the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.... I and my Father
+are one' (John x. 15, 30). We here see that he claims an equality
+with his Father, which would have been an act of blasphemy to have
+done if he were only a man; he lays down his life of his own accord,
+for the benefit of man; asserts that the possession of everlasting
+life is made dependent on our believing on Him; and says, that if we
+do so, He will raise us from the grave at the last day."
+
+"You have compressed within a very narrow compass, a series of
+truths which now appear novel to us both, though we must often have
+seen them when reading the New Testament; and which most certainly
+are of immense importance, demanding our most serious attention.
+Hitherto we have regarded Jesus Christ as a mere man, though one
+of a superior order--surpassing all other men in intelligence and
+personal excellencies; but I begin to regard him as God in the form
+of man, as on such an hypothesis, all his sayings and doings, I
+believe, will be found to harmonize. On coming home this evening, I
+stepped into a bookseller's shop, and asked for the best work on the
+divinity of Jesus Christ. I bought the one recommended, and here it
+is--_The Scripture Testimony to the Messiah_, by the Rev. Dr. J. P.
+Smith. Let us then postpone all further discussion on the subjects
+of our present inquiry, till we have carefully read Dr. Pye Smith's
+book. When we have done this, we shall be better qualified to pursue
+our inquiries, and arrive at some satisfactory conclusion. There
+are three leading questions we have to attend to--_First_, What is
+the testimony of the sacred writers as it relates to the person of
+Jesus Christ?--is he a mere man, or does he unite in his person the
+Divine with the human nature? _Second_, What is the express purpose
+for which he came into the world?--was it to teach the lessons of
+wisdom and of virtue, enforcing his instructions by the purity of
+his example? or was it for the purpose of redeeming sinners from
+some fatal danger? And, _third_, Are his sufferings expiatory--the
+meritorious cause of human salvation? or must we look upon them as a
+contingent evil, inseparably connected with his mysterious history?"
+
+"Yes," said Miss Macfarlane, "these three questions will include
+everything we want definitively settled; and I hope the Spirit of
+wisdom from above will guide us in our researches, to understand
+what is revealed to us in the Bible. I will take, if you please,
+the Doctor's second volume, which I see is an examination of the
+narratives given to us by the evangelists."
+
+"And I will go through his third volume, which gives us the
+testimony of the apostles; and when we have done this, we will
+examine together his first volume, which is a record of what the
+prophets predicted concerning him."
+
+The absence of Mr. Macfarlane, Senr., for a few weeks, on his
+annual visit to a brother who resided in Yorkshire, gave them an
+opportunity of devoting their attention more uninterruptedly to the
+important inquiry in which they were now engaged. As they advanced,
+they felt the evidence in confirmation of the divinity of Jesus
+Christ, and his vicarious death, gradually increasing in clearness
+and force, till they arrived at the full conviction that he was the
+Son of God, on an equality with his Father, though appearing on
+earth as the Son of man, and giving his life as a ransom to redeem
+the guilty and worthless.
+
+They now began to feel anxious in behalf of their father, who was
+living in the rejection of the essential truths of the Scriptures,
+under the delusive spell of Unitarian error. They, however, deemed
+it advisable to proceed with caution, lest he should peremptorily
+refuse to have any discussion whatever on the subject. On the
+Sabbath after his return, they excused themselves from going with
+him to chapel, which astounded him; but he had too much respect for
+the right of private judgment to attempt to impose any restraint. In
+the evening, as they were conversing together, he said, "Why did you
+leave the intelligent preaching of our learned minister, to hear the
+mysterious doctrines of Calvinism enforced? Have you been as much
+pleased as you were with the excellent discourse we heard the Sunday
+before I left home?"
+
+"The discourse which we then heard," replied his son, "we thought
+very excellent; but we were so much struck with the remark of Dr.
+R----, that the felicities of heaven are reserved only for the
+virtuous, that, on reflection, we could not agree with him; because
+on such an hypothesis the vast majority in every age, and in every
+country, would be consigned over to a state of hopeless misery."
+
+"And do you now think that any other but virtuous people will ever
+be received into heaven?"
+
+"On searching the Scripture, which we have done with
+diligence during your absence, we find that the ungodly--that
+transgressors--that those who are enemies to God by wicked
+works--that the children of disobedience--and that the chief of
+sinners, may be saved. This new view of the revelation of mercy,
+which is sanctioned by the current language of the Bible, appears to
+us more consistent with the benevolence of the Supreme Being, and
+much better adapted to the real character and condition of the great
+mass of mankind, than the statement of Dr. R----."
+
+"By your permission, Papa," said Miss Macfarlane, "I will read Dr.
+Doddridge's 'Paraphrase and Improvement of one of our Saviour's
+Parables,' which I think is so excellent, and so much in point, that
+it will afford you as much pleasure as it has given me."
+
+"I have no objection to your reading a quotation from Dr. Doddridge,
+because I have always considered him a moderate, as well as a very
+learned man. I think he is mistaken in his views of some of the
+speculative truths of revelation; but I like him as a practical
+writer."
+
+The parable is contained in the fifteenth chapter of the Gospel
+by Luke, and the paraphrase runs thus:--"But [Jesus] for the
+encouragement of these few penitents, as well as to rebuke the
+censorious and uncharitable Pharisees, spake to them this parable,
+and said, What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose
+one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine, that were feeding
+together in the pastures of the wilderness, and go from place
+to place in search after it, and having at length found it, he
+layeth it on his shoulders, greatly rejoicing, as a man in such
+circumstances naturally would? And when he cometh home, he calleth
+together his friends and neighbours, and says unto them with great
+pleasure, My friends, you may now rejoice with me; for my labour
+and search have not been in vain, but I have found my sheep which
+was lost. And as he thus is more delighted with the recovery of the
+sheep which he had lost, than with the safety of the rest, which
+had not wandered, so I say unto you that greater and more sensible
+joy will be in heaven among the blessed and benevolent spirits that
+dwell there, over one sinner that repenteth, than over ninety and
+nine just persons which need no repentance, or such a universal
+change of mind and character.
+
+"How graceful and lovely does our Lord appear, while thus opening
+his compassionate arms and heart to those wretched outcasts, for
+whose souls no man cared! Who can choose but rejoice at this jubilee
+which he proclaimed among them, and at the cheerful attention which
+they gave to these glad tidings of great joy? May we who are his
+followers never despise the meanest, or the worst of men, when
+they seem disposed to receive religious instruction, but rather
+exert ourselves with a distinguished zeal, as knowing that the joy
+of the heavenly world, in their recovery, will be in some measure
+proportionable to the extremity of their former danger.
+
+"Let us often recollect the charity and goodness of these perfected
+spirits, who look down from their own glory with compassion on
+mortals wandering in the paths of the destroyer, and who sing
+anthems of thankfulness and joy, when by Divine grace they are
+reclaimed from them. Let every sinner be touched by a generous
+desire that he who has been in so many instances the offender and
+burden of the earth, may become the joy of heaven by his sincere
+conversion."
+
+"You know, my children," said old Mr. Macfarlane, "that I have
+endeavoured to train you up in the paths of virtue, and to give you
+what I conceive correct views of religion; but if you on examination
+feel dissatisfied with any opinions which I have inculcated, you
+ought most certainly to renounce them. You have the same right to
+think, and judge, and decide for yourselves, as I have; and I feel
+too much affection for you to throw on the path of your inquiry
+the slightest shadow of opposition. I know you are virtuous; and
+if I see you happy, I shall be satisfied. You will proceed in your
+inquiries after truth with caution--weigh with the greatest nicety
+the evidence which may be submitted to you; as many opinions, when
+they first strike our attention, appear very specious and plausible,
+which will not endure the ordeal of a critical investigation. I
+cannot give you better advice than that which the apostle gave to
+the believers of Thessalonica, 'Prove all things; hold fast that
+which is good.'"
+
+"To be candid, my dear father," said his son, "the result of the
+investigation which we have been pursuing with close, and I may say
+prayerful, attention, is a firm belief in the supreme divinity of
+Jesus Christ; and also in the reality and efficacy of the atonement
+he made in behalf of sinners by his vicarious death."
+
+"I certainly regret that you should adopt such a belief, which, I
+have always told you, is a corruption of Christianity."
+
+"No, father, it is a belief which owes its origin to the concurrent
+testimony of the sacred writers. If the sacred writers, and if Jesus
+Christ himself had made no statements on this subject, the question
+of his divinity would never have been agitated, neither would the
+question of his atonement for the sins of the world. If, then, it
+be an error, it is one for which they are responsible; they assert
+the fact of his divinity so clearly, that I feel compelled to do
+one of two things--either impeach their integrity, or admit his
+divinity. To give you a specimen. The prophet Isaiah says, 'His name
+shall be called Wonderful, the MIGHTY GOD;' the apostle Paul says,
+'He was GOD MANIFEST IN THE FLESH;' and Jesus Christ himself, who
+knew who and what he was, asserts his EQUALITY with his Father,
+in _power_, in _knowledge_, and in his claims on the homage and
+love of his disciples. Would the prophets and apostles have used
+these expressions if they had been Unitarians believing in Christ's
+exclusive humanity?"
+
+"You must not form your judgment from a few isolated passages of the
+Bible, which are susceptible of a different interpretation."
+
+"I admit this; but, in the first place, Dr. Pye Smith, and other
+men of learning, have proved, that the most correct interpretation
+of the passages I have now quoted, is the orthodox interpretation;
+however, waiving that debateable point, would any Unitarian, if left
+to express his own opinion of the person of Jesus Christ, employ
+terms which should allow any one fairly to infer that he is a Divine
+Incarnation?"
+
+"Why, no, I should think not."
+
+"Then, why have the sacred writers done it? But to proceed: in the
+next place--these isolated passages, dear father, are in exact
+harmony with the general statement of all the sacred writers. Surely
+we cannot suppose that the very men who were employed as the agents
+of a Divine revelation, would be allowed to entrap us into the
+double crime of idolatry and blasphemy, by compelling any one who
+admits their integrity, to bow down and do homage to Jesus Christ
+as to God. There is one fact in the history of our Saviour, which,
+in my opinion, may set at defiance the most ingenious and subtle
+casuist that ever made an effort to subvert or mystify human belief.
+In addressing his opponents, he adopted a style of speech which
+stirred up their wrath, and made them accuse him of blasphemy for
+making himself God, that is, by trying to make them believe he was
+God. Now, father, I put this plain, common-sense question, Would
+any good man, especially one so good as Jesus Christ, when speaking
+of himself, employ expressions which should convey to others the
+idea that he was God in the form of man, to whom all men are to
+pay homage, and on whom all who hope to be saved are to depend for
+salvation and eternal life?"
+
+"There is a great deal of ambiguity in the language of the
+Scripture, which, as the apostle Paul says, is hard to be
+understood."
+
+"That I admit; but such an admission does not affect the question
+before us; which is this--Would any man of intelligence and virtue,
+when speaking of himself, use any expressions which should induce
+people to believe that he was God? In fact, would not such an
+attempt, if made, as has happened occasionally in modern times, be
+considered a proof of insanity? The rejection of the divinity of
+Jesus Christ would indeed reduce me to a very serious dilemma. In
+the first place, I must impeach the integrity of the sacred writers,
+which would compel me to reject the entire system of revelation,
+as a gross imposition on human credulity; and, in the next place,
+I must look on Jesus Christ as an insane person, or a blasphemer.
+I see no alternative between universal scepticism and the devout
+reception of the doctrine of the divinity of Christ and his
+atonement."
+
+"I certainly should prefer what is called orthodoxy to universal
+scepticism; but I shall never be able to bring my mind to receive
+what I cannot comprehend; and this a believer in Christ's divinity
+and atonement is compelled to do."
+
+"This, my dear father, is one of the delusive objections to the
+orthodox faith, under which we have too long taken refuge. Why, is
+not a Unitarian compelled to believe what he cannot comprehend?
+For example, do you not believe in the eternal existence of God--a
+glorious self-existing Being, who lives by the power of his own
+volition, with whom there is no variableness neither shadow of
+turning?"
+
+"True; though I must confess it never struck me before. This
+staggers me. Well, my dear children, our difference on points of
+speculative belief will make no alteration in our mutual attachment;
+you will remain, I have no doubt, pure and virtuous, as you always
+have been; and I trust we shall together participate in the
+felicities of heaven, when our earthly course is finished, even if
+we should never, as we once did, believe exactly alike."
+
+In the course of the following week, Miss Macfarlane received a
+visit from Miss Reynolds, her pious friend already referred to, who
+was not more astonished than delighted by seeing her at the chapel
+in ---- Street, on the preceding Sabbath. After a little desultory
+conversation, Miss Reynolds said, "We were rather surprised to see
+you and your brother at our chapel on Sabbath; but I hope we shall
+have the pleasure of seeing you there again."
+
+"Your surprise," replied Miss Macfarlane, "is very natural. Yes, you
+will see us again, as we have both decided to attend Mr. ---- in
+future. The system of Unitarianism, in which we have been educated,
+we have discovered is delusive--a fatal perversion of the theory of
+revealed truth; and though it may suit the virtuous part of society,
+who have no perceptions of the evil of sin, yet, as it makes no
+provision for the salvation of sinners, it cannot afford peace to a
+wounded conscience."
+
+"And has my dear Eliza at length discovered that she is a sinner!"
+
+"I have not only discovered it, but I have felt it; and I still feel
+it. You know how I have repelled such a charge in time past; but I
+can repel it no longer. My conscience bears testimony to its truth.
+I cannot accuse myself of having violated any of the laws of social
+life, but I perceive that I have broken the law of God, and stand
+guilty in his sight."
+
+"As this is a new discovery, will you tell me how you made it?"
+
+"The first circumstance which excited our attention was a very
+excellent sermon, preached a short time since by Dr. R----, on
+the felicity of heaven, which he said was reserved only for the
+virtuous. When conversing together on the subject, in the evening
+of the Sabbath, my brother said to Papa, If the virtuous only can
+attain a state of felicity, what will become of the wicked, who
+we know constitute the great bulk of society in every age and in
+every country? As his reply gave us no satisfaction, we began
+to search the Scriptures, which soon convinced us that even the
+chief of sinners could be saved. The subject of inquiry appeared
+to us no less important than it was novel; it deeply engaged our
+attention, and we pursued it with intense application. Dr. Pye
+Smith's _Scripture Testimony to the Messiah_ settled our belief;
+and now we feel compelled to withdraw from all religious fellowship
+with those who refuse to acknowledge the divinity of Jesus Christ.
+Knowing, from your testimony and that of others, that your excellent
+pastor stands very high in public estimation, we decided on hearing
+him, and I trust that the impression which his discourse made on our
+minds will never be effaced. He has given to us, if I may use such
+an expression, the clue of a clearer discovery on some important
+branches of revealed truth; and now we can perceive beauties in
+the sacred volume which lay concealed from our eye, and we can now
+understand many passages which had ever before appeared obscure and
+inexplicable. But at times I feel a depression of spirits which
+I cannot remove; yet it does not proceed from any regret at the
+step we have taken, or any mistrust in the truthfulness of our new
+belief, but from a keen sense of my personal unworthiness of the
+Divine favour."
+
+"I am rejoiced, dear Eliza," replied Miss Reynolds, "to hear you
+utter such sentiments. God is dealing graciously with your soul.
+He wounds to heal. He has convinced you of the evil of sin, and
+unveiled before you that abyss of danger, to which you were exposed,
+so as to prepare you for the manifestations of his favour, beaming
+on you through the mediation of the Lord Jesus Christ."
+
+"But I fear that the Saviour will not look on me with an eye of
+pity, as I have so often insulted him by denying his divinity, and
+the efficacy of his death as an expiation for human guilt. I am
+now astonished how I could reject doctrines which are so plainly
+revealed in the Bible; and sometimes the guilt of my conduct appears
+so great, that I am more disposed to despair of mercy than to
+cherish the hope of obtaining it."
+
+"If you still persisted in denying his divinity, and rejecting the
+atonement which he has made for sin, you might despair of mercy; but
+if you admit these essential doctrines of the Christian scheme of
+salvation, you may plead the promises of grace with confidence. The
+Redeemer will execute judgment in the last day upon ungodly sinners
+for all the hard speeches which they have spoken against him, if
+they die in a state of confirmed impenitence; but if they repent
+of their evil deeds and hard speeches, he will, as a faithful and
+merciful High Priest, have compassion on them, will intercede for
+them, and will save them."
+
+"I now receive these doctrines as essential parts of the system of
+revealed truth; but yet I sometimes feel a recurrence of my former
+prejudices against them, which causes me unutterable distress. When
+pleading the atonement as the foundation of my acceptance with God,
+I am tempted to mistrust its efficacy; and when my heart begins to
+glow with warm affection for the Redeemer, it is suddenly chilled
+and suppressed by the influence of early opinions and associations.
+They have taken such a firm hold of my imagination, that I cannot
+disengage myself from them; and I fear they will always continue to
+perplex and depress me."
+
+"That does not surprise me. It is no easy thing for the human mind
+to disengage itself from the influence of early opinions, even
+after they have been renounced; but the Lord has laid help upon One
+who is mighty, and whose grace will be found sufficient for you.
+I would advise you to read the Scriptures with close and devout
+attention; but your greatest dependence for deliverance from your
+early associations should be placed on prayer. For the judgment may
+be convinced of the truth by a logical process of investigation and
+reasoning, even while the heart is unimpressed by it; God having
+reserved to himself the power of making the truth effectual to the
+salvation of them that believe, which power he exercises in answer
+to prayer. The language of the psalmist is very applicable to the
+present state of your mind--'Unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my
+soul. Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy
+truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee
+do I wait all the day. Remember, O Lord, thy tender mercies, and thy
+loving-kindnesses: for they have been ever of old. Remember not the
+sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy
+remember thou me, for thy goodness' sake, O Lord.'
+
+"There is one part of the system of revealed truth," continued Miss
+Reynolds, "which has not yet engaged your attention, and as it is
+one of vital importance, I cannot avoid alluding to it. The part to
+which I now refer, is the agency of the Divine Spirit, by which we
+become strengthened in our inner man, to receive the truth in the
+love of it, and to discharge the high and sacred obligations which
+devolve on us. By your permission, I will read to you an extract
+from a book which I happen to have brought with me:[19]--
+
+"'As we are indebted to the Spirit for the first formation of the
+divine life, so it is He who alone can maintain it, and render it
+strong and vigorous. It is his office to actuate the habits of grace
+where they are already planted; to hold our souls in life, and to
+'strengthen us, that we may walk up and down in the name of the
+Lord.' It is his office to present the mysteries of salvation; the
+truths which relate to the mediation of Christ and the riches of his
+grace, in so penetrating and transforming a manner, as to render
+them vital operating principles, the food and the solace of our
+spirits. Without his agency, however intrinsically excellent, they
+will be to us mere dead speculation--an inert mass: it is only when
+they are animated by his breath, that they become spirit and life.
+
+"'It is his office to afford that anointing by which we may know
+all things; by a light which is not merely directive to the
+understanding, but which so shines upon the heart, as to give a
+relish of the sweetness of Divine truth, and effectually produce
+a compliance with its dictates. It belongs to him 'to seal us to
+the day of redemption,' to put that mark and character upon us,
+which distinguishes the children of God, as well as to afford a
+foretaste, as an earnest of the future inheritance. 'And hereby,'
+saith an apostle, 'we know that we are of God, by the Spirit which
+he hath given us.' It is his office to subdue the corruption of our
+nature, not by leaving us inactive spectators of the combat, but by
+engaging us to a determined resistance to every sinful propensity,
+by teaching our hands to war, and our fingers to fight, so that the
+victory shall be ours, and the praise his. It is his office also to
+help the infirmities of saints, who know not what to pray for as
+they ought, by making intercession for them 'with groanings which
+cannot be uttered.' He kindles their desires, gives them a glimpse
+of the fulness of God, that all-comprehending good; and by exciting
+a relish of the beauties of holiness, and the ineffable pleasure
+which springs from nearness to God, disposes them to the fervent and
+effectual prayer which availeth much. In short, as Christ is the
+way to the Father; so it is equally certain, that the Spirit is the
+fountain of all the light and strength which enable us to walk in
+that way.'"
+
+"I assure you, my dear Matilda, both my brother and myself feel
+devoutly thankful to the God of all grace, for rescuing us from the
+fatal delusion of Unitarianism, which we conscientiously renounce
+as an anti-scriptural system, no less derogatory to the honour of
+God, than inapplicable to the moral condition of man--a system
+which flatters the pride of the heart, but which makes no provision
+for the relief of a wounded conscience; and which, by placing the
+hope of final blessedness on the attainment of personal virtue,
+supersedes the necessity of the Saviour's death and mediation, which
+constitute the most prominent and essential parts of the grand
+scheme of redemption."
+
+  [19] See a _Treatise on the Work of the Holy Spirit_, by the
+  celebrated Robert Hall, of Leicester.
+
+After the lapse of a few months, Mr. and Miss Macfarlane were
+admitted as members into the chapel in ---- Street, of which the
+Rev. Mr. ---- was pastor. They were received into communion amongst
+their Christian brethren, with the utmost degree of cordiality
+and affection, and are still living, the faithful witnesses of
+the truth as it is in Jesus. They had many virtues adorning their
+character when they were called Unitarians, but now they carry
+their virtue to a greater height, by deriving their motives for
+its practice from the authority of God, rather than the praise of
+man. While, therefore, they feel it to be their duty still to add
+to their "virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to
+temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness,
+brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity;" they are
+fully conscious of their innumerable defects, and wait in humble
+expectation of eternal life, not as a reward for their good deeds,
+but as a sovereign and unmerited favour.
+
+
+
+
+THE PATH OF TRUTH FORSAKEN.
+
+
+If all who make a public profession of religion remained faithful
+unto death, we should be led to form such a high opinion of the
+steadfastness of the Christian character, that we should never
+dread any change of feeling or of principle. But, alas! who has
+not seen the most ardent zeal grow cold--the most fervent devotion
+degenerate into a lifeless formality--and the most spotless
+integrity become corrupted by the maxims of the world? Who has
+not seen the most eager stopping short in their course; and some,
+who once bade fair to occupy stations of honour and usefulness in
+the church, break away, either suddenly or gradually, from all
+their religious connections, to mingle again with the workers of
+iniquity, and place themselves in the seat of the scorner? What more
+melancholy sight than this can be presented to the real Christian?
+and how can he sufficiently deplore such a calamity? In plaintive
+accents he often says, "O that my head were waters, and mine eyes
+a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain
+of the daughter of my people!" But there are circumstances which
+sometimes render this melancholy occurrence peculiarly affecting.
+If the renegade from the faith be a near relative, or an intimate
+friend--one with whom we have taken sweet counsel, and walked to the
+house of God in company--one who rejoiced over us "when first we
+knew the Lord"--who poured the soothing words of consolation into
+our minds when we first felt the deep convictions of guilt--who
+was our guide and counsellor--and whom we loved with an ardent and
+tender affection--how much more intense is the pain of such an
+infliction; and how applicable that noble passage of Robert Hall to
+such an event:--"Where shall we find tears fit to be wept at such
+a spectacle? or, could we realize the calamity in all its extent,
+what tokens of our compassion and concern would be deemed equal to
+the occasion? Would it suffice for the sun to veil his light, and
+the moon her brightness, to cover the ocean with mourning, and the
+heavens with sackcloth? Or were the whole fabric of nature to become
+animated and vocal, would it be possible for her to utter a groan
+too deep, or a cry too piercing, to express the magnitude and extent
+of such a catastrophe?"
+
+In the previous chapter I have described the influence of truth
+prevailing over long-cherished feelings and deeply-rooted
+prejudices, and the substitution of correct evangelical views for
+the erroneous tenets of Unitarianism. The history I am now about
+to record is of a different description, and presents a melancholy
+contrast to the former, exhibiting the abandonment of the faith
+after a fair and apparently sincere profession, and teaching us the
+necessity of constant labour and watchfulness, if we wish "to make
+our calling and election sure."
+
+Henry Beaufoy was the only son of poor but respectable parents, who
+resided in the beautiful village of Brookcombe in Devonshire. This
+village remained for a long series of years in a state of spiritual
+darkness, till it was visited by some of the local preachers of the
+Methodist Connexion. At first, when they declared the glad tidings
+of salvation amongst the people, they were insulted and reproached;
+and the few who received them became a by-word and a proverb
+amongst their ignorant and bigoted neighbours. But regardless of
+all opposition--bearing patiently every species of reviling--and
+demonstrating by their gentleness of spirit, that they knew how to
+return good for evil, they ultimately succeeded in subduing the
+prejudices of ignorance and the violence of bigotry, and established
+a flourishing society.
+
+It happened here, as in many other places where the introduction
+of the gospel has been opposed, that some of the chief of the
+opponents were the first to feel its renovating power. Among this
+number the parents of Henry Beaufoy held a distinguished station.
+At first they, in common with many others, entertained strong
+prejudices against the preachers, and endeavoured to persuade others
+from attending their ministry; but at length their curiosity was
+awakened, and they went to the chapel. They listened--the word
+came with power--they felt the deepest contrition for their past
+sins, especially their sin of opposing and ridiculing the gospel
+of Christ; and eventually became no less distinguished for their
+attachment, than they had been for their enmity to the faith. Their
+son Henry was about twelve years of age, when this moral change
+took place in his parents, and though he felt somewhat surprised at
+the suddenness of the transition from the most determined hostility
+against the Methodists (as they were reproachfully termed), to the
+most cordial attachment, yet he was too young and too thoughtless to
+examine into the causes of it. He generally accompanied them to the
+little chapel, which was erected under the brow of a hill; and as
+he was fond of music, and had a fine voice, he assisted in leading
+the psalmody of the congregation. No material change, however,
+took place in him, till after he had attained his eighteenth year;
+when, being on a visit to Plymouth, he went to hear the Rev. Samuel
+Bradburn, who was one of the most celebrated and one of the most
+useful ministers of his day. The text from which he preached on that
+occasion was selected from Heb. iv. 12--"For the word of God is
+quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing
+even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints
+and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the
+heart." Young Beaufoy was struck with the colloquial simplicity
+of his style of address, no less than by the force of his
+argumentative reasoning; but when he directed his bold and masterly
+appeals to the consciences of his hearers, his heart was deeply
+wounded, and, like the Philippian jailor, he could not refrain from
+saying, "What shall I do to be saved?" On his return home, the
+unusual gravity of his manners, his more frequent attendance at the
+village chapel, his habit of reading the Bible, and of retirement
+for the purposes of devotion, led his parents to indulge the hope
+that their Henry was become a new creature in Christ Jesus, and
+after the lapse of a few weeks, they had the satisfaction of hearing
+an account of his conversion from his own lips.
+
+If it be possible to excite in the soul of a pious parent a feeling
+of joy approximating to the pure unmingled bliss of the heavenly
+world, it is when his child comes to him to state the fact, and
+detail the manner, of the great spiritual change which has taken
+place in his heart. It is then that the prayers of the godly father
+are turned into praises--that the deep and tender anxieties of the
+virtuous mother begin to cease, as they then can recognize in their
+son or daughter, a fellow-heir of the grace of life, with whom they
+expect to live for ever and ever.
+
+It was about this period that I first became acquainted with the
+Beaufoy family. I had gone to Devonshire for change of air for a few
+weeks, and took up my abode in the village of Brookcombe, where I
+lodged in the house of the father and mother of young Beaufoy. I was
+much pleased both with them and their son, the latter of whom used
+frequently to accompany me on my excursions into the surrounding
+country. On these occasions we used to have long conversations
+together, in which he displayed an intelligence far above what
+might have been expected from his position in life, and this,
+joined to his amiable temper and pleasing manners, led me to take
+a great interest in him. On leaving Brookcombe, I suggested that
+he should occasionally write to me--a proposal which he received
+with much satisfaction, and we maintained for a number of years a
+close correspondence. Shortly after parting with him, however, an
+event occurred which materially changed his prospects in life. The
+same intelligence and amiable qualities which had won my heart,
+recommended him to the notice of a wealthy citizen of London, who
+came to visit his patrimonial estate in the neighbourhood, and he
+gave him the offer of a lucrative situation in his employment. The
+offer was accepted, and he prepared to leave the scenes of his
+youth. His pious mother, who dreaded the temptations of London
+as much as she would have dreaded the plague, said to him on his
+departure, "My Henry, I am sorry you are going to leave us. I
+wish you could have remained amongst us, and continued the solace
+and comfort of your father and myself. But when you are far away,
+exposed to the snares and dangers of the great city, I shall have no
+sleep at night, for I shall lie awake to pray for you; and I shall
+have no peace by day, for I shall be always trembling for you, my
+child."
+
+"Oh! mother," said Henry, whose heart was full of the thought of
+parting, and whose fortitude began to fail at the sight of his
+mother's tears, "do not weep. God can keep me from the temptations
+of the city as well as the temptations of the village; and I have no
+doubt but I shall escape them. I'll come and see you once a-year,
+and then we will rejoice together."
+
+"But how can I endure the thought of looking on you, my child, only
+once in the year, on whom I have gazed these one and twenty years
+with so much delight! My eyes will be dim with sorrow before the
+first year is up."
+
+"But I will write, mother, once a-month."
+
+"But letters can't speak as I have heard you talk for nearly twenty
+years. I wish the gentleman had never come amongst us. He has broken
+down the fence of our union, and taken away the first-fruits of our
+wedded happiness, and what have we left to make up for our loss? But
+I know I must be resigned--yet I have not Abraham's faith. The Lord
+bless you, and keep you, and bring you back to your father's house
+in peace, that we may bless you before we die."
+
+Henry set off in company with the gentleman who had taken him
+under his patronage, and though he felt the pang of separation to
+be violent, yet he bore it with firmness, and, turning away his
+thoughts from the scene of grief which he had just left, he began to
+amuse himself with the varied objects which presented themselves to
+him in the course of this his first journey to the metropolis.
+
+On arriving in London, he took lodgings in the City Road, in
+the house of Mr. Jordan, whom the reader will remember as the
+worthy landlord of Mr. Lewellin.[20] This was shortly after the
+return of the latter from the country, on recovering from the
+dangerous illness which had produced so important a change in
+his moral character. From residing together in the same house, a
+close intimacy sprang up between Mr. Lewellin and young Beaufoy,
+which was much strengthened by the similarity of their religious
+sentiments. Though belonging to different evangelical bodies, they,
+nevertheless, zealously co-operated together in the advancement of
+all the various schemes instituted by Christian benevolence, for the
+promotion of the spiritual and temporal happiness of our fellow-men.
+Mr. Beaufoy, who had received his first religious impressions
+amongst the Wesleyan Methodists, and imbibed all their peculiar
+opinions, very naturally chose to attend their chapel. They received
+him with their usual kindness, and for several years he grew in
+their esteem and confidence, as a young man of superior intelligence
+and decided piety. For a considerable time I both corresponded with
+young Beaufoy, and also, on one or two occasions, when in London,
+I called on him, and invariably met with the warmest reception. I
+frequently held conversations with him on the subject of religion,
+and from the deep interest which he seemed to take in the subject,
+I believed that he had indeed become a decided Christian. But how
+deceitful sometimes are appearances, and how cautious ought we to
+be in forming conclusions from mere external circumstances, however
+fair the prospect may be which they present!
+
+  [20] Vol. i. page 12.
+
+Henry Beaufoy possessed a mind admirably qualified for business,
+and his abilities, in this respect, enabled him to make rapid
+progress in the counting-house of his employer, where he soon
+filled a lucrative and responsible situation. About five years
+after his first arrival in the metropolis, he married a young lady
+occupying a good position in society, but who made no decided
+profession of religion. She attended the chapel because she had been
+accustomed to do so from her earliest childhood, and felt attached
+to the people amongst whom her parents lived and died; but she had
+no clear perceptions of the nature or design of the gospel, nor
+had she ever felt its enlightening or renovating power. She was
+handsome, amiable, and intelligent, but she did not possess _the
+one thing needful_; and though her habits and associations were of
+a religious nature, yet being destitute of its pure and heavenly
+spirit, she became a snare to her husband, by drawing off his mind,
+by imperceptible degrees, from things that are unseen and eternal,
+to those that were visible and temporal.
+
+Mr. Beaufoy's income was, as already mentioned, considerable, which,
+together with the fortune he had with his wife, enabled him to live
+in a style far above his early expectations; but he had too much
+good sense to involve himself in debt, and too much regard for his
+parents to allow them to be in difficulties, while he had abundance.
+He often used to say, when in his native village, "I covet wealth
+that I may enjoy the luxury of doing good;" and when Providence
+granted him his desire, he partook of this source of gratification
+to a very large extent. His regular remittances to his parents
+exceeded their wishes; while his liberality to the poor, and every
+religious institution with which he stood connected, raised him high
+in the esteem of his Christian brethren. But, alas! his spirituality
+did not keep pace with his prosperity; nor did the fervour of his
+devotional spirit equal the degree of his diligence in business.
+
+In compliance with custom, he spent the first few weeks after his
+marriage amidst scenes of gaiety and pleasure--in receiving and
+returning the visits of his friends and associates; and though he
+found an apology for this course of life in the example of others,
+yet he felt it to be injurious to the religious tone of his mind,
+and longed to return to his more settled religious habits. Had Mrs.
+Beaufoy possessed a similar spirit, this incursion into the land of
+the enemy would not have been productive of any essential injury;
+but as she was now treading on her native soil, and moving in an
+element congenial to her taste, she succeeded in estranging her
+husband from the simplicity of a religious life, and induced him
+to adopt the habits of the men of the world. The prayer-meeting,
+in which his voice had often been heard, leading the devotion
+of others, was now deserted for dinner and evening parties. The
+sacredness of religious conversation with those who loved and feared
+the Lord, was exchanged for the vain and trifling conversation of
+the votaries of fashion; and though on the Sabbath-day he was seen
+in his pew, yet the marked seriousness and peaceful serenity of his
+countenance was supplanted by the knitted brow, or the listless
+and inattentive air. The society of his former religious friends,
+including Mr. Lewellin, now became less agreeable to him than that
+of some gay worldlings, into whose company he was frequently thrown.
+His letters to myself also were shorter and more reserved; but I
+was still far from suspecting the dangerous nature of the career on
+which he was now entering. Thus while retaining a name and a place
+amongst the members of the church, he was rapidly receding from the
+purity and fervour of the Christian spirit.
+
+One of the earliest symptoms of apostasy from the pure faith of
+Christ, is a fastidiousness of hearing, which few preachers can
+please. The truth as it is in Jesus is tolerated on account of the
+form or the manner in which it is presented; and the messenger is
+admired more than the message which he delivers. Though we would not
+condemn a predilection for the more graceful and the more eloquent
+appeals of the pulpit, nor insinuate that a correct taste is a
+_prima facie_ evidence of a heart in a state of departure from God,
+yet it requires no lengthened argument to prove that when the truths
+of the gospel are not loved and received for their own sake, and on
+account of their beneficial tendency, it is a decisive proof that
+the tone of the mind is injured; and that, notwithstanding the
+outward appearance of devotion which may be kept up by a professor,
+he is not walking in the fear of the Lord, nor in the comfort of
+the Holy Ghost. He may have his favourite preachers; but if the
+truth which they preach is not esteemed when it is delivered by men
+equally zealous, and equally devoted to God, though not equally
+gifted, we are supplied with a melancholy symptom of his being in a
+backsliding state. It was this spirit of preference for the learning
+of Paul--for the eloquence of Apollos--and for the peculiar charms
+of Cephas, amongst the members of the church of Corinth, that the
+apostle regards as an evidence of their indifference to Christ; and
+which he adduces as a proof that a corrupt leaven was then working
+amongst them. "For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I
+am of Apollos," is it not a convincing proof, that the speaker is
+more delighted with the correctness of the language which a preacher
+employs, than the purity of the doctrines which he preaches?
+
+Mr. Beaufoy, on his settlement in London, gave a decided preference
+to the most evangelical and the most experimental preachers in his
+Connexion; but now he began to admire the most fanciful and the
+most florid, to whom he listened as an amateur does to a piece of
+music--more for the gratification of his taste than the spiritual
+improvement of his mind; and as he could not always hear them, he
+began to absent himself from the chapel when they were not expected.
+His habit of attendance at length became so irregular, that some
+of his Christian brethren, who had watched with great anxiety
+the progress of his defection, felt it their duty to have him
+admonished; and they deputed an aged elder, in whom dwelt the spirit
+of wisdom and of grace, to visit him.
+
+The manner in which reproof is received often developes the
+real temper and disposition of the mind, and supplies us with
+a good criterion to form a correct judgment of character. "Let
+the righteous smite me," said the Psalmist, when reviewing the
+imperfections of his conduct, "it shall be a kindness; and let him
+reprove me, it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my
+head." And it is by the kind admonitions and the gentle reproofs
+that we timely receive from those of our friends who watch over
+us, that we are often indebted, under the Divine blessing, for our
+spiritual prosperity, and to which we may trace our recovery from
+that state of religious declension, to which we are so fatally prone.
+
+"Indeed," said Mr. Beaufoy to his venerable friend, in whose company
+he had formerly passed many a pleasant hour, "I think I am at
+liberty to attend where and when I please, without being subject to
+the inquisitorial interference of others. And though you are pleased
+to say, that my late conduct has given my best friends reason to
+fear that I am not so spiritual as when they first knew me, yet you
+will permit me to say that I am the best judge on that subject."
+
+"You certainly," replied the venerable elder, "are at liberty to
+go where you please; but I hope you will not go away from Him who
+'hath the words of eternal life;' and are at liberty to go when you
+please; but do not forget the Divine injunction which commands us
+to 'consider one another, to provoke unto love and to good works;
+not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of
+some is.'"
+
+"I hope I shall not, Sir; but I must be permitted to consult my own
+taste in the choice of the preachers on whose ministry I attend,
+without being censured for any decrease in the spirituality of my
+mind. If I do not talk quite so much on religious subjects as I
+once did, that is no proof that I feel less; as we become reserved
+on these high and awful considerations in proportion as we are
+impressed by them."
+
+"The Psalmist says," replied the elder, "'While I was musing the
+fire burned; then spake I with my tongue.' I know you are displeased
+with me, my brother, for the language which I have addressed to you;
+and I assure you, that your displeasure gives me greater sorrow than
+the cause of my visit, inasmuch as it convinces me that your heart
+is not right with God. I have but a few years to live, and perhaps
+only a few hours; and as I may not live to repeat a visit which
+is as unacceptable to you as it is painful to myself, I cannot
+leave you without giving you and Mrs. Beaufoy a message from the
+Lord--'Take heed, lest there be in you an evil heart of unbelief, in
+departing from the living God.'"
+
+"I have no doubt, Sir, but your motives are good, and that you deem
+the solemn admonition of the apostle necessary; but you will permit
+us to form our own judgment on the propriety of its application."
+
+The venerable elder then arose, took his young brother by the hand,
+and wept; and after struggling for some moments to subdue the
+feelings which were agitating his breast, he said, "My brother, I
+fear that you have departed from the Lord, and that his Spirit has
+departed from you; but let us kneel together at the throne of grace,
+as we used to kneel when the light of his countenance shone upon
+you, and pray for its return." He then knelt down, and offered up
+a solemn and affecting prayer, which bespoke the fidelity of his
+affection for his erring brother. When he arose, he received the
+cold thanks of courtesy for his labour of love, and retired under a
+strong presentiment that he should see his fellow-member's face no
+more. And so it proved; for his feeble frame had received a shock
+that evening from which he had not strength to recover. He hastened
+home as fast as his tottering limbs would carry him--partook of
+his frugal meal--read the twenty-third Psalm, and, in company with
+his pious housekeeper (for he had buried his wife about six weeks
+before this affliction came upon him), he knelt down, and closed the
+toils of the day in the hallowed exercise of communion with God.
+One petition he presented which he had never been heard to utter
+before--"And if, Lord, it should please thee to call thy servant
+this night, I thank thee that I am at last enabled to adopt the
+language of Simeon--'Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in
+peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.'" This petition was
+expressed with an energy of voice which indicated the animation of
+a mind feeling its near approach to the prize of its high calling
+of God in Christ Jesus. He retired to bed at his usual hour, but he
+was restless and feverish; and about midnight he rang the bell. His
+housekeeper entered his room, and on drawing aside the curtain of
+his bed, heard him say,
+
+  "O! the pain, the bliss of dying."
+
+He requested her to fetch his pious medical friend, who speedily
+arrived, but it was only to confirm his old servant's worst fears.
+The dying elder now related to the doctor, as a member of the same
+church with himself, the particulars of his visit to Mr. Beaufoy. "I
+know," he said, "I am dying, and that in a very few hours I shall
+see the King in his beauty; but death hath lost its sting, and I
+have lost my fears. I have long waited for my salvation, and now it
+is come. I die in full and certain hope of a joyful resurrection
+to eternal life. Give my dying love to my dear wandering brother,
+and tell him that the language of the prophet is so impressed on my
+mind, that I cannot leave the body without expressing a desire that
+he will meditate on it. 'Thine own wickedness shall correct thee,
+and thy backsliding shall reprove thee; know, therefore, and see,
+that it is an evil thing and bitter that thou hast forsaken the Lord
+thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord God of
+hosts.'" He now gently waved his hand as he repeated the triumphant
+language of the apostle:--"O death, where is thy sting? O grave,
+where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength
+of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory
+through our Lord Jesus Christ;" and reclining on the bosom of his
+friend, he had one strong convulsive struggle, and then expired with
+a smile settled on his venerable countenance.
+
+The sudden death of this devout elder, who had been for more than
+fifty years an ornament to his Christian profession, produced a
+powerful sensation through the whole Society; and many attended his
+funeral as an expression of the esteem and veneration in which they
+held his character. Deep and heartfelt was the sorrow expressed on
+the countenance of the assembled throng on that occasion, and every
+one seemed to mourn as though he had lost a father or a brother.
+On the following Sabbath, his funeral sermon was preached in the
+chapel by the Rev. Mr. R----, from the words, "The hoary head is
+a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness"
+(Prov. xvi. 31). After a correct delineation of the character of
+the deceased, he described the closing scene of his life. "He
+was," said the preacher, "not only a good, but a devout man, and
+pre-eminently endowed by the God of all grace, with a double portion
+of the spirit of wisdom and understanding. Tremblingly alive for
+the honour of his Master's cause, he would often weep when it was
+endangered by the inconsistent conduct of its professed friends;
+and it was to an extraordinary excitement occasioned by a visit of
+mercy to a fellow-member, that we may ascribe his sudden decease.
+His tender and sympathetic spirit yearning over the object of its
+solicitude, was thrown into an agitation from which his feeble frame
+never recovered. Having finished the work assigned him, he sunk
+beneath the weight of his own grief, but not till he had assured
+his mourning friends that he died in full and certain hope of a
+joyful resurrection to eternal life. Be ye followers of him, who
+through faith and patience is now inheriting the promises; and be
+on your guard, lest, in departing from the living God, you should
+bring down the gray hairs of some venerable elder with sorrow to
+his grave, whose love may impel him to manifest a care for your
+soul." Mr. Beaufoy heard this discourse, but it was evident by his
+restlessness, and the indignant look which he cast towards the
+preacher, that his pride was mortified, by the allusions which were
+made to him.
+
+Fidelity on the part of a minister is essential, not only to his
+happiness, but his usefulness; yet when he permits his feelings to
+overpower the dictates of prudence, he is in danger of frustrating
+the design he wishes to accomplish. He should declare the word of
+life without fear; but in administering reproof, he should never be
+so personal in his remarks or allusions, as to turn the eyes of an
+audience on the individual who may deserve it. By the adoption of
+such a course no one would feel secure from attack, when he comes to
+hear the message of grace; nor is it likely that the offender will
+be reclaimed from the error of his way, when he finds himself made
+a spectacle of reproach in the presence of his brethren. Instead of
+relenting, he will be hardened; and may be induced to abandon the
+place which the angel of mercy visits with his healing power, rather
+than remain to receive instruction and reproof. A minister should
+always combine the wisdom of the serpent with the harmlessness of
+the dove; and while he desires to be faithful in the pulpit, he
+should be solicitous to guard against all appearance of personality.
+
+When the power of vital religion is declining in its influence over
+the mind of a professor, and he begins to cherish feelings and adopt
+habits which are opposed to the purity of his avowed principles,
+he will not be able to endure the close appeals of the pulpit.
+Prudence will often keep him from making any complaints against the
+general fidelity of the ministry, even while his heart is writhing
+under it; and his habits of intimacy with his Christian brethren
+will sometimes prevent him from leaving a society with which he
+has formed a close and a sacred union; but when the principle of
+apostasy has gained ascendency over his conscience, and he begins to
+treat the friendly remonstrances and admonitions with contempt, he
+will soon discover some justifiable cause of offence, and retire in
+disgust, if not in wrath.
+
+Thus it was with Mr. Beaufoy. Stung to the quick by the allusions
+which the preacher made to the visit of the venerable elder, and
+the supposed cause of his sudden death, he left the chapel in the
+greatest indignation; and the following morning, he sent his arrears
+of subscription to the managers, requesting, at the same time, that
+they would consider him as no longer a member of their church.
+
+On being informed of her husband's abandoning his connection with
+the Wesleyans, Mrs. Beaufoy was rather pleased than disappointed,
+as she hoped she would now have greater scope for sharing in the
+amusements of the gay world. Both thought it right, however, still
+to attend some place of worship, and thus keep up the appearance
+of respect for the public services of religion. Where to go, was
+a question which they could not easily determine; but as some of
+their friends, whose acquaintance they had lately made, attended a
+Socinian meeting in E---- Street, they resolved to go there on the
+following Sabbath. This sudden transition, from the fervid devotion
+of Methodism, to the frigid apathy of Socinianism, produced no
+unpleasant impressions on the mind of his wife, but Mr. Beaufoy was
+not quite prepared for it. His heart was become hardened through
+the deceitfulness of sin, yet he still believed in the essential
+doctrines of Christianity, which retained their dominion over him,
+though they had lost their original power of impression. They
+were both struck with the gracefulness of the preacher's manner,
+and admired his elocution; but Mr. Beaufoy could not renounce
+the divinity, or the atonement of Christ, nor could he regard
+the doctrine of regeneration as a corruption of the gospel. Mrs.
+Beaufoy thought that every modification of Christianity was equally
+acceptable to God, but Mr. Beaufoy was capable of distinguishing
+truth from error; and while she adopted for her creed the poet's
+stanza,
+
+    "For modes of faith let graceless zealots fight;
+     His can't be wrong, whose life is in the right,"
+
+he was convinced that no man ought to be considered a Christian, who
+rejected the leading doctrines of revelation.
+
+At length, when expressing his abhorrence of some of the daring
+charges which he heard advanced against the orthodox faith, and
+which he considered as tending to universal scepticism, she replied,
+"Well, my dear, you can very easily retain your own opinions, and
+yet attend on Mr. B----'s ministry, because he cannot force you
+to believe against the dictates of your own judgment, and if you
+sometimes hear them controverted, that circumstance ought not to
+disquiet you. As your belief is founded on evidence, and matured by
+deep reflection, you are in no danger of being carried about with
+every wind of doctrine, but may fairly calculate on your ability
+to hold it fast, amidst all the efforts which may be employed
+to destroy or disturb it." "Very true," he replied, "I like the
+morals of Socinianism better than the doctrines. Well it shall be
+so;"--and so it was. They took their pew, and occupied it; and as
+the only restraint which had kept them for a long time from a more
+extended course of gaiety was now removed, they began to walk more
+openly in the ways of their own heart, and in the sight of their
+own eyes. Hitherto they had kept up some semblance of religion,
+but now they began to conform to the customs of the world, and to
+avail themselves of the various sources of gratification which its
+pleasures and amusements afford. Family-prayer, the last vestige of
+their former habits of devotion, was now entirely neglected. The
+Bible, which they once revered as their guide to everlasting life,
+was thrown aside; and though Mr. Beaufoy could not forget that he
+had been a religious man, yet he wished others to believe that now
+he was a more happy one.
+
+It has been very justly observed, that when we begin to think
+lightly of error we are in great danger of being corrupted by it;
+and the experience of all ages proves, that if a professor hold
+the truth in unrighteousness, he is ultimately given up to believe
+a lie. That there have been many departures from evangelical
+principles in modern times no one will presume to deny; but if they
+were closely examined, it would be found that they were preceded
+by a neglect of private prayer, watchfulness, self-diffidence, and
+walking humbly with God; and every one may perceive that they are
+followed with similar effects. It has been acknowledged by some
+who have embraced the Socinian system, that since they entertained
+those views they have lost even the gift of prayer. Perhaps they
+might draw up and read an _address to the Deity_; but they could
+not pray. Where the principles of the gospel are abandoned, the
+spirit of prayer and all communion with God will likewise depart.
+The confession of Peter, that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God,
+is thought to be that which our Lord denominates the rock on which
+he would build his church. We are sure that the belief of this
+article of faith was required as a test of Christianity; and who
+can look into the Christian world with attention, and not perceive
+that it still continues the key-stone of the building? If this
+give way, the fabric falls. Relapses of this nature are infinitely
+dangerous. He that declines in holy practice has to labour against
+the remonstrances of conscience; but he that brings himself to think
+lightly of sin, and meanly of the Saviour (which is what every
+false system of religion teaches), has gone far towards silencing
+the accusations of this unpleasant monitor. He is upon good terms
+with himself. The disorder of his soul is deep, but it is of a
+flattering nature. The declension of serious religion in him is no
+less apparent to others than the physical decay of the body in a
+consumption, where in each case the party himself frequently has no
+suspicion of his danger.
+
+As Mr. Beaufoy had no family, the love of accumulation had less
+dominion over his mind than the passion for display, which had taken
+an earlier possession of his mind than he himself was aware of, and
+to its fatal tendency may be attributed, in a great measure, all the
+evils and misery of his subsequent life.
+
+On this subject we may here quote the words of a judicious
+writer:--"We need not affect singularity in things indifferent,
+but to maintain a constant endeavour to follow in the train of
+fashion, is not only an indication of a vain and little mind, but is
+certainly inconsistent with pressing towards the mark for the prize
+of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. The desire of making an
+appearance has ruined many people in their circumstances--more in
+their characters--and most of all in their souls. We may flatter
+ourselves that we can pursue these things, and be religious at
+the same time; but it is a mistake. The vanity of mind which they
+cherish destroys everything of a humble, serious, and holy nature,
+rendering us an easy prey to the temptations which are thrown in
+our way. A Christian's rule is the revealed will of God; and where
+the customs of the world run counter to this, it is his business to
+withstand them, even though in so doing he may have to withstand
+a multitude--yea, and a multitude of people of fashion; but if we
+feel ambitious of their applause, we shall not be able to endure
+the scorn which a singularity of conduct will draw upon us. Thus
+we shall be carried down the stream of this world; and shall either
+fall into the gulf of perdition, or if any good thing should be
+found in us towards the Lord God of Israel, it will be indiscernible
+and useless."
+
+Mr. Beaufoy's amiable disposition, and admirable conversational
+powers, made his society courted by an extensive circle of
+acquaintances. Balls, parties, and theatres now consumed the hours
+of the evenings which were once devoted to reading, meditation,
+and prayer; and not unfrequently the sanctity of the Sabbath was
+violated by excursions to the country. It was just after they had
+made an engagement to take an excursion on the Thames on the ensuing
+Sabbath, that Mr. Beaufoy received a letter from his aged mother,
+whom he held in the highest veneration, and from whom he wished to
+conceal the fact of his apostasy. It breathed a spirit of gentle
+reproach and remonstrance, and opened to his view her agony of mind,
+occasioned by the intelligence of the defection of her beloved son
+from the paths of righteousness:--
+
+     "BROOKCOMBE, _12th July, 18--_.
+
+     "MY DEAR HENRY,--You know I always dreaded your going to London,
+     and now, if what I hear be true, I have cause for my fears. A
+     friend called on us the other day, and told us that you had
+     left our Society and become a Socinian. I don't know much about
+     Socinians, but I understand they say that Jesus Christ is
+     nothing more than a man, and that we must not expect 'redemption
+     through his blood, or the forgiveness of sins through the riches
+     of his grace,' but from our own good works. And have you, my
+     Henry, forsaken that Saviour whom, unseen, you loved when you
+     lived at home with us? and have you made a shipwreck of that
+     precious faith which once filled you with so much joy and peace
+     in believing? and have you departed from the ways of the Lord
+     for the pleasures of sin, which are only for a season? We have
+     had no rest since we received these awful tidings, and the
+     spirit of your poor dear father is so broken with sorrow, that
+     he has not had a smile upon his countenance since. And can
+     you, my dear Henry, leave the Saviour who once had compassion
+     on you, and did such great things for you, as you so often told
+     us of? If you leave him now, how will you be able to stand
+     before him, when he comes with 'ten thousand of his saints, to
+     execute judgment upon all; and to convince all that are ungodly
+     among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly
+     committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners
+     have spoken against him?' O let me entreat you to return to the
+     Lord with weeping and supplication, and he will yet have mercy
+     upon you, and heal all your backslidings; he will accept you
+     graciously, and love you freely. I cannot give you up, no, I
+     cannot! You are my child, and I cannot endure the thought of
+     living separated from you in another world. Let me hear from
+     you directly, and tell me if you are as happy, and as holy, and
+     as spiritually-minded now, as when you first believed in the
+     Lord Jesus Christ. Your father joins me in love to you and dear
+     Sophia, and in beseeching both of you to consider the error of
+     your ways ere it be too late. --Your affectionate mother,
+
+     AMELIA BEAUFOY."
+
+This letter shook the unhallowed purpose of his soul, and neither
+he nor his wife could venture on their excursion up the river. It
+brought over their imagination the scenes of departed bliss--revived
+recollections which were sacred and subduing--and plunged Mr.
+Beaufoy into deep mental agony. Mrs. Beaufoy, however, was of a more
+heedless turn of mind, and endeavoured to assuage her husband's
+grief by saying, "You know you still believe the gospel;" but she
+had no power over the anguish which was consuming his happiness.
+"Yes," said he, "I do believe it, or this letter would not disquiet
+me. I have departed from the Lord, and I am gone past recovery.
+Mine is no common apostasy. My doom is fixed. My end will be awful.
+Where, ah! where can I go when he cometh 'to execute judgment upon
+all?' Yes, I do believe the gospel. I feel I do. I believe it, and
+tremble. Its terrors are upon me. The piercing language of the
+prophet has been following me ever since the death of that holy
+man, whose warning voice I despised, and now they enter as fire
+into my bones: 'Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy
+backslidings shall reprove thee: know, therefore, and see, that it
+is an evil thing and bitter that thou hast forsaken the Lord thy
+God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord God of hosts.'"
+
+The Lord employs various means to recover his people from a
+backsliding state; and though for a season he compels them to feel
+the evil and the bitterness of their sin, yet he finally restores
+unto them the joy of his salvation. When, however, an apostate has
+been given up to the hardness of his heart, neither the language of
+mercy, nor the terrors of judgment will produce any other effect
+than that of accelerating the dreadful catastrophe. He goes on from
+bad to worse, till at length he comes to the fearful end of his
+career. Thus it was with Mr. Beaufoy. The extreme agony into which
+he was thrown by the simple appeals of his mother's letter gradually
+abated; but he felt it necessary to adopt some new and extraordinary
+expedients, to gain some small degree of tranquillity. His
+attachment to his wife was strong, and it had gained such ascendency
+over him that he refused to leave his home except she accompanied
+him; but now a melancholy gloom was cast over all his pleasant
+things, and those from which he had extracted the sweetest comforts
+of life became as bitter as wormwood to his taste. Though he
+forbore, at this early stage of his mental anguish, to reproach her
+as the cause of his apostasy, yet he secretly laid the sin to her
+charge, and began occasionally to feel that her society aggravated
+the evil, which her kindness prompted her to attempt to alleviate.
+He became reserved, refused to attend any place of worship, and
+often stayed from home to a very late hour. At first Mrs. Beaufoy
+hoped that another sudden change would take place, and bring back
+the domestic happiness of former times; but at length she was
+awakened to a full discovery of the extent of the misery by which
+she was surrounded. Her husband was no more the interesting and
+affectionate companion of her retired hours--no more the attentive
+and fond lover. He became now a thoroughly dissipated character,
+rarely returned home till long after his wife's eyes had become
+heavy by watching for him; and when he did, it was only to exhibit
+his own disgrace, and torture her feelings. She would sometimes
+venture to remonstrate with him, and hang over him with all the
+affection of former days, when he would relent, and pledge himself
+to change his course; but he had lost the power of self-control,
+and felt compelled to seek for ease from the anguish of his spirit
+amidst scenes of convivial mirth and folly.
+
+The whirl of dissipation and the riot of intemperance are expedients
+to which many resort when trouble comes upon them; but they increase
+the evils sought to be removed; for though a temporary exhilaration
+of the spirits may be produced, and the fearful forebodings of
+future woe driven away for a short season, it is only to make them
+return with redoubled force to inflict keener anguish. A voice is
+sometimes heard speaking from the celestial glory, saying, "Call
+upon me in the day of trouble, I will deliver thee;" but that voice
+cannot be heard amidst the revelling and excitement of a theatre or
+tavern. It speaks to the penitent sinner when he is alone--bowed
+down beneath his burden and despairing of help. Retire then, thou
+poor backslider, from the haunts of evil--and yet hope for mercy.
+Thy guilt is great, thy wound is deep, but there is virtue in the
+balm of Gilead when applied by the great Physician. Go, then, into
+thy closet, shut the door, confess thy sins, shed the penitential
+tear, and implore forgiveness. Here others have acknowledged their
+iniquities, and here they have obtained consolation. Your case
+may be desperate, but it is not hopeless; and though you may be
+tempted to despair, yet resist those whisperings of Satan, which, if
+listened to, would seal your final doom.
+
+[Illustration: JAMES GODWIN
+
+W. L. THOMAS.
+
+MR. BEAUFOY'S EMOTION ON RECEIVING HIS MOTHER'S LETTER.
+
+Vol. ii. p. 261.]
+
+
+
+
+THE FRUITS OF APOSTASY.
+
+
+As many months had now elapsed since either Mr. or Mrs. Beaufoy
+had been to any place of worship, the latter availed herself of
+an opportunity which occurred to allude to it, when her husband
+replied, "I wish you to go, Sophia, for it is enough that one of us
+perish." Dreading the return of his paroxysm of agony, she diverted
+his attention from the subject, and endeavoured to soothe and cheer
+his spirits. She so far succeeded as to bring over his countenance
+the pleasant smile of former times, but little did she imagine
+that this pleasing sign was so soon to be obliterated. The servant
+entered the parlour with a letter, which she gave to her master. He
+placed it on the table and sat musing for some minutes. He wept,
+though unconscious of the tear that involuntarily trickled down his
+cheek, and sighed, as if unconscious that any ear was listening. He
+again took the letter--pressed it to his lips, and wept, and sighed
+again, as though he thought himself alone. "Yes, my mother, I know
+thy hand, and if thou knewest the agony of my heart, thou wouldst
+pity me." He opened it; but he had not read many words before he
+started from his seat, as if wounded by an invisible hand, then,
+with firmly pressed lips, perused the letter, threw it on the floor,
+and was retiring abruptly from the room, when he recognized his
+wife. "What's the matter, Henry?" she exclaimed, as she attempted to
+follow him. "Read that," he sternly replied, pointing to the letter,
+and, suddenly, walking to the door, left the house. Mrs. Beaufoy,
+with trembling hand, picked up the letter and read as follows:--
+
+     "MY DEAR HENRY,--Your father is no more: he died last night,
+     just as the clock was striking eleven. He ne'er smiled on us
+     after he heard that you had forsaken the Lord, and he went to
+     the grave mourning. He said just before he died, 'Tell my dear
+     boy, for he is still my son, that my last tear was shed on
+     his account.' When I wiped off the big tear that was rolling
+     down his cheek, he became composed for a few minutes, and then
+     prayed, 'O Lord God, heal the backslidings of thine Ephraim,'
+     and died before he could finish the supplication.
+
+     "And now, my son, you have broken your father's heart, I grieve
+     to say it, and, I believe, will bring down my gray hairs with
+     sorrow to the grave. O! consider your dreadful state, and how
+     fearful to think of, should you be suddenly cut off in it!
+     Remember your dear father's last words.
+
+     "I feel quite unable to write you a longer letter to-day. If you
+     can come down to the funeral, I need not say how glad I should
+     be to see you; if not, may the Lord reclaim and bless you.
+
+     "I know you love Sophia, and I wish you to love her; for she has
+     been a kind wife to you, and a most attentive daughter to your
+     father and myself, but I fear she has been a snare to you. If
+     she had feared the Lord she would have kept you from evil. May
+     the Lord bless and reclaim you both.--Your bereaved mother,
+
+     "AMELIA BEAUFOY."
+
+On reading this communication, Mrs. Beaufoy's conscience smote
+her, and she wept long and bitterly. Then perusing it anew, she
+exclaimed, "Cruel charge! A snare to my husband! the cause of his
+being led astray! cruel charge! Is it not enough for me to bear his
+unkindness, without having to endure such reproaches?" She threw
+the letter from her, and rose, endeavouring to cast off the load
+of sorrow which oppressed her spirit. "I cannot endure it. I am of
+all women the most miserable. I have no one to share my grief. Oh
+death!--no!--I am not prepared to die." She resumed her seat, and
+though the letter possessed a sting sharper than that of a scorpion,
+she took it, read it again, and again it wounded her. "If she had
+feared the Lord she would have kept you from evil." "Cruel charge! I
+have tried to keep him, but could not." She paused, then could only
+ejaculate, "Woe is me!"
+
+The ringing of the bell announced the return of Mr. Beaufoy; but
+his dark, lowering look bespoke the inward conflict. On taking his
+seat his eye caught sight of the letter near the place where he had
+thrown it down a few hours before. Moving back, as if from an adder,
+he said, "Have you been reading it?"
+
+"Yes, Henry, I have."
+
+"And what do you think of the charges?"
+
+"They are cruel."
+
+"Rather say, they are just, though severe."
+
+"You know that I have often attempted to reclaim you."
+
+"But did you not first lead me astray? Till I knew you I was a
+happy, because a religious man; but from that ill-fated hour when,
+enticed by your influence and example to abandon the house of prayer
+for the theatre and ball-room, I have had no mental peace. I have
+forsaken God, and he, in anger, has forsaken me."
+
+"But why recriminate on me the guilt of your own sin? You have
+withdrawn from me your love and your society, and will you now in
+exchange give me your reproaches? If we have sinned together, and
+provoked the Lord to anger, let us now kneel together before his
+mercy-seat, and together confess our sins, and implore forgiveness."
+
+"You may pray and obtain mercy, but I cannot; no, I cannot."
+
+"The Lord waits to be gracious."
+
+"Yes, to the penitent, but my heart is too hard to feel penitential
+sorrow."
+
+"But is not the Redeemer exalted to give repentance?"
+
+"To _you_ he will give it, but not to _me_. I have fallen away,
+and incensed justice renders it impossible to renew me again to
+repentance, for I have crucified the Son of God afresh, and put him
+to an open shame."
+
+"But justice relents when a sinner prays, and mercy"--
+
+"Oh! speak not of mercy."
+
+"But mercy rejoiceth over judgment."
+
+"Yes, but when mercy is rejected, as in my case, justice avenges
+the insult in a terrible form. Let us change the theme, Sophia. I am
+too full of agony to dwell on it. It awakens recollections that I
+wish to banish for ever. It is like handling the deadly weapon which
+is to extinguish life."
+
+"The blood of Christ, dear Henry, cleanseth from all sin."
+
+"But I have counted the blood of the covenant wherewith he was
+sanctified an unholy thing."
+
+"But, Henry, is He not still able to save to the uttermost all that
+come unto God by him; and have you sinned beyond his recovering
+grace?"
+
+"I know my doom," he curtly replied.
+
+It is not always in our power to ascertain the precise moment when
+the Divine Spirit begins the good work of grace in the heart,
+nor yet to say what specific means he employs to effect it, but
+sometimes an unpremeditated effort to convey instruction, or
+warning, or consolation to another, is made to re-act on the speaker
+to produce the great change. Thus it was in the experience of Mrs.
+Beaufoy. She felt the force of her own remarks, and when reflecting
+on them, at a subsequent period, she could not but yield to their
+influence. The charge brought against her, of having led her husband
+astray, she _now_ admitted to be just. But what an admission! to
+be not merely accessory to his apostasy, but the primary cause
+of it--not merely a partaker of his guilt, but the means of its
+contraction and its accumulation. Her sin, which had been concealed
+from her, _now_ started up in all its aggravated form and appalling
+aspect. "Yes, 'tis true; if I had feared the Lord, I might have
+kept him from going astray, and we might have been walking in his
+commandments and ordinances blameless. I enticed him from the paths
+of righteousness, and into what an abyss of misery are we both
+plunged! I remember the night when I first induced him to leave the
+house of prayer to accompany me to the theatre, and I remember the
+anguish of his spirit after our return. I then told him that he
+would not injure his principles by yielding sometimes to the customs
+of the world, but alas, I was deceived! I alone am to blame, and
+if I could suffer alone, I would patiently endure the terrible
+inflictions of justice I have merited. But alas! I have raised the
+storm which has long since laid waste all our domestic felicity, and
+which is now threatening a deluge of wrath! Where, O where, can we
+take refuge from the impending evil!"
+
+As she was thus bemoaning her unhappy state, she thought of her
+long-neglected Bible, and taking it from the book-case, she pressed
+it to her lips and prayed for grace to understand and feel its
+instructive and consolatory truths. On turning over its pages, her
+eye caught the following passage, which in a few moments mitigated
+in a slight degree the agitation of her mind--"And a man shall be
+as an hiding-place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as
+rivers of water in a dry place; as the shadow of a great rock in a
+weary land." But as there are
+
+  "No wounds like those a wounded spirit feels,"
+
+so there is
+
+  "No cure for such, till God, who makes them, heals;"
+
+and though her distressed spirit was lifted up above the
+overwhelming flood, yet it was still enveloped by the gloom of
+desponding fears. She attempted to pray, but her heart was too
+tightly bound by mental anguish to give vent to her grief. Hitherto
+she had borne her sorrows with an unbending spirit, and usually wore
+a placid aspect when in the company of her husband or her other
+friends; but now her countenance was changed, and it was evident her
+soul was in trouble.
+
+"You appear unhappy," said her husband, one day, on finding her in
+tears; "is it on my account or your own?"
+
+"I am unhappy on your account, Henry, and I am unhappy on my own;
+and I know not where to go for relief. I feel the justice of our
+dear mother's charge, though I deemed it cruel at the time. I have
+indeed led you astray, and am the guilty cause of all the misery
+into which we are both plunged. If I could suffer alone, it would be
+an alleviation of my anguish, but I cannot. O, Henry, return with
+me to the Lord, from whom we have departed, and as we have sinned
+together, and now suffer together, let us enter his presence, and
+confess our guilt; and then his anger will be turned away, and he
+will comfort us."
+
+"_You_ may obtain mercy, Sophia, but _I_ cannot; yours have been
+the sins of ignorance, but mine have been committed against the
+clearest light and the deepest conviction of their aggravated guilt.
+You may plead the promises of the Bible, as a sinner under the
+first convictions of sin; but I bear upon me the reproach of having
+forsaken the God of my mercies; and while there are no obstructions
+in the way of your access to the throne of grace, that throne is
+guarded by a flaming sword which turneth every way to keep me off
+from touching the sceptre of mercy. I know my doom, and I deserve
+it."
+
+He continued in this frame of mind for many months; and though he
+abandoned the society of his former companions, and the haunts of
+evil which he had been accustomed to frequent, yet no arguments,
+however weighty, or entreaties, however urgent, could induce him
+to revisit a place of worship, or resume his practice of family
+devotion. At length an insidious disease, which had long been
+undermining his constitution, began to manifest itself, and it was
+evident that his course in this world was fast coming to an end.
+He was urged to try change of air; and with this view he proceeded
+with his wife to the pleasant village of Parkdale, from which I
+was somewhat surprised, shortly after my return from Fairmount, to
+receive a letter written by Mrs. Beaufoy, earnestly beseeching me to
+come and see her husband, as she feared he had not long to live, and
+had expressed a wish to see me. My intercourse with Mr. Beaufoy had
+been completely suspended for some years past. As already mentioned,
+his letters first became shorter and more reserved, and at length
+ceased altogether. On one occasion that I called on him in London,
+his manner was so dry, and expressed so little cordiality, that I
+felt convinced my visit was disagreeable, and, consequently, never
+repeated it. On hearing, however, of his lamentable defection from
+the path of truth, I deemed it my duty to address two or three
+letters to him on the subject; but to none of these did I receive
+any answer. When at Fairmount, Mr. Lewellin informed me that he
+had seen nothing of Mr. Beaufoy for a long time, as latterly he
+had become quite estranged from his early friends, and established
+himself in the midst of gay and irreligious society. On receiving
+the above communication, I at once resolved to proceed to Parkdale,
+about forty miles distant, in the earnest hope that I might be of
+some benefit to Mr. Beaufoy, whom, notwithstanding all the past
+coolness between us, I still continued to regard with considerable
+interest. On my arrival, I found that I had been anxiously expected
+by his wife, who appeared to be much relieved at seeing me, and
+after a short conversation, led me to her husband's room. He
+received me with strong expressions of affection, and regret for
+his past rudeness and neglect. "O! Mr. ----," he exclaimed, "this
+is indeed kindness to come and see a poor dying wretch, whose
+conduct has been so deserving of censure. I have been a wicked man,
+an undutiful son, and a renegade from the faith; and now I feel a
+dagger thrust through my heart, which can never be removed."
+
+"Dear Sir," I replied, "there is one Physician who can remove it,
+and one specific that can heal the wound."
+
+"I know it. I do not doubt his power, as that would be an insult
+to his omnipotence; but I cannot believe in his willingness. No, I
+cannot!"
+
+"But which is the greatest insult, to doubt his ability to save to
+the uttermost, or his willingness? Has he not said, 'Him that cometh
+unto me I will in no wise cast out?'"
+
+"But, Sir, the passage which you have now quoted, is addressed to
+sinners under the first convictions of sin, and not to apostates who
+have fallen from their former steadfastness. My doom is fixed, and
+you have only to read the words of the prophet to know its nature.
+'Because I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged, thou shalt
+not be purged from thy filthiness any more, till I have caused my
+fury to rest upon thee.'"
+
+"But why, my friend, should you appropriate that awful passage to
+your condemnation, when you live under a dispensation of grace,
+which has made provision for the salvation of the chief of sinners?"
+
+"I do it, Sir, because I know and feel that it is a debt of justice
+which I owe to the insulted grace of Heaven. That passage is the
+only one in the Bible on which I can dwell with any degree of ease."
+
+"But can you derive any mental ease from reflecting on a passage
+which denounces indignation and wrath?"
+
+"Yes, Sir, because then I sink to the level of my condition, and
+silently approve the equity of the sentence; but when a promise
+of mercy recurs to my mind, its involuntary stirrings to embrace
+it throw me into a more agonized state of feeling. But I do not
+complain. I deserve all I suffer, and all I have to suffer, and I
+will submissively bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have
+sinned against him."
+
+"May you not hope, that this spirit of submission to the righteous
+manifestations of the Divine displeasure, is a proof that you are
+not totally abandoned by him; for if that were the case, you would
+feel disposed, either to impeach the goodness, or murmur against the
+justice of God?"
+
+"No, Sir, I am not abandoned by him! If I were, I should enjoy the
+fatal ease of _unfelt_ guilt. I am held in bondage, I am alive
+to the peril of my state, and am compelled by the irresistible
+convictions of my conscience to admit the equity of my condemnation,
+but I dare not hope for any symptoms of returning mercy. Returning
+mercy! No, mercy is clean gone for ever."
+
+"Nay, my friend, the mercy of the Lord endureth for ever; he
+delights in it, and I have no doubt but the Sun of Righteousness
+will break in upon the midnight darkness of your soul, and cheer you
+with the returning light and bliss of hope."
+
+"O! speak not to me of mercy or of hope! You do but agonize me with
+fresh tortures."
+
+"But will you not admit that God _can_ turn away his anger from you,
+and comfort you?"
+
+"I admit, Sir, that all things are possible with God, which are in
+accordance with his purity and his justice; but I do not think that
+he can renew me again unto repentance, because I have crucified to
+myself the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. I wish,
+therefore, you would allow me to remain undisturbed by any allusions
+to mercy, as such allusions bring to my recollection joys that are
+past, never to be recalled, and plunge me deeper and deeper in the
+abyss of mental agony. O that I had passed from the nuptial altar
+to a premature grave! then I should have been resting in peace; but
+I will not reproach. May my sad doom operate as a warning to others
+against a departure from God."
+
+I was much distressed at this scene, but still did not abandon
+hope; and, therefore, at the urgent solicitation of Mrs. Beaufoy,
+consented to remain with them for a few days. His disorder continued
+to increase, and on the morning after my arrival, he consented that
+his mother should be sent for--a proposal which he had hitherto
+always rejected, as his attachment to her, which was sincere,
+made him averse to occasioning her any alarm. On receiving the
+intelligence of his illness, which had hitherto been concealed from
+her, she hastened to Parkdale. Her son, on hearing of her arrival,
+said to his wife, "Conceal from my dear mother the state of my mind;
+she cannot help me, and if she knows that I die in despair, she will
+never taste another drop of comfort in this vale of tears." As she
+entered the room, he raised himself on his bed and embraced her, and
+they wept in silence together for some minutes.
+
+"And why, my son," she remonstrated, "did you not let me know of
+your illness before now? I would have come and nursed you as I used
+to do long ago."
+
+"I hoped that I should recover, mother, and I was unwilling to alarm
+you."
+
+"Well, my son, I hope the Lord is dealing graciously with your soul
+now you are in the dark valley?"
+
+"He is dealing righteously."
+
+"Yes, my child, he always deals righteously; but is he dealing
+graciously?" A long pause ensued.
+
+"But why are you silent, my son? Tell your mother how the Lord is
+dealing with you."
+
+"He is dealing righteously with me, and it is our duty to bow in
+submission to His will."
+
+"I am happy to hear that you are resigned to His will; that is
+a proof that He is dealing graciously. May the Lord continue to
+bless you, my dear child, and may He lift upon you the light of his
+countenance and give you peace."
+
+On resuming her inquiries next day, she asked him, "Have you a good
+hope through grace, of being presented faultless before the presence
+of the Lord with exceeding joy?"
+
+"To throw off the veil of concealment which I wished to rest over
+the state of my mind, I confess, my dear mother, that I have no
+hope."
+
+"No hope, my child! Not one cheerful beam of hope! Is the Lord's arm
+shortened, that he cannot save? or is his ear heavy, that he cannot
+hear?"
+
+"No; he is the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever; and it is his
+immutability that plunges me into despair."
+
+"How so, my dear son?"
+
+"He is immutable in his threatenings against those who depart from
+him."
+
+"And is He not immutable in his promises of mercy to those who
+_wish_ to return?"
+
+"But there are no promises of mercy that suit my case."
+
+"No promises! Why, don't you recollect what our blessed Lord said,
+'Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out?' And don't you
+recollect what Paul says, 'Wherefore he is able also to save to the
+uttermost all that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to
+make intercession for them?'"
+
+"Oh, mother, I have gone away from Him who hath the words of eternal
+life."
+
+"Then come back; He will not cast you out. Does the shepherd refuse
+to take back the lamb into his fold, which has happened to stray
+from him?"
+
+"But I have no strength to return."
+
+"But you can pray; and as the shepherd goes to look after the
+strayed lamb, when he hears his bleating, so our blessed Lord will
+have compassion on you who may be out of the way, and will not
+suffer you to perish, if you wish to return to him. Don't despair
+of mercy, my son, while our blessed Lord lives to intercede for the
+chief of sinners."
+
+These tender appeals coming from the lips of his mother, reduced his
+spirit to a more composed state, and for the first time he wept.
+When she saw his tears, she wept with him, and said, "I am glad to
+see you weep; it is the first sign of returning mercy."
+
+"Mercy! no!" he replied; "mercy, I fear, will return no more! I have
+despised and insulted mercy, and am consigned over to the offended
+justice of Heaven. It must be a miracle of mercy to recover me from
+the ruin I have brought upon myself."
+
+"Very true, my child; and mercy often performs a miracle of grace;
+and if you look by faith to Christ, he will recover you, and he will
+put a new song into your mouth, 'even praise unto our God: many
+shall see it and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.'"
+
+On the evening of the day following his mother's arrival, as we were
+all standing round his bedside, she asked him if he yet felt more
+composed, or if he could indulge a good hope of future happiness.
+
+"Composed, mother! No, I am in perfect anguish, and expect to be
+lost."
+
+"But he who raiseth the whirlwind, and directeth the storm, is the
+God of salvation; and though he allow all his waves and his billows
+to go over you, yet he will command his loving-kindness in the
+daytime; and when the thickest darkness of the night comes upon you,
+then his song shall be with you, and your prayer shall be unto the
+God of your life."
+
+"O mother, I am about to leave you, and you, my wife; and I leave
+you with a full conviction that we shall never meet again. A few
+hours will decide the long-agitated question--
+
+  'Am I his, or am I not?'
+
+I wish you would retire and leave me, nor suffer any one to disturb
+me, as I wish to be alone for a little. I shall ring the bell when I
+am prepared to see you again."
+
+We withdrew to an adjoining room, when his mother said to his
+afflicted wife, "This is a solemn moment. You are about to lose a
+husband, and I a son; but if it should please the Lord to visit him
+with the light of his reconciled countenance, I trust we should then
+be enabled to bow down in submission to his sovereign will." I then,
+at their request, knelt down and prayed, as Elijah prayed when he
+besought the Lord to send forth the rain of heaven to refresh the
+parched lands of Israel. When I had finished, old Mrs. Beaufoy said,
+"Let us go and see if there be yet any signs of returning mercy."
+"But," said her daughter-in-law, "perhaps he is now wrestling with
+the Lord, and if we go we may disturb him and ruffle his spirits."
+Such, however, was the yearning of his mother's heart, that she
+could not refrain from going to listen, if, peradventure, she might
+hear something to comfort her. She heard him repeat again and again,
+"Lord Jesus, have mercy upon me! Lord, save, or I perish!"
+
+Just as she was returning to inform us that the silence of
+despondency was broken by the voice of prayer, the bell rang, and
+we entered the room together. "Well, my child," said his mother, "I
+hope the Lord is now dealing graciously with you." "He is dealing
+righteously; and against the equity of his conduct I can raise no
+objection. He is just when he takes vengeance."
+
+After a long pause, during which time the terror of unabated agony
+was depicted in every countenance, he raised his down-cast eyes
+towards heaven, and, with a feeble voice modulated to the subduing
+tenderness of the expression, he said--
+
+    "Yet save a trembling sinner, Lord,
+     Whose hope, still hovering round thy word,
+     Would light on some sweet promise there,
+     Some sure support against despair."
+
+He now became exhausted, and reclining his head on the pillow, fell
+asleep, and slept several hours. When he awoke, he was composed and
+calm, and said, "My sleep has been refreshing to me."
+
+"I hope," said his mother, "that your soul is refreshed, as well as
+your body."
+
+"I am more composed than I ever expected to be, but I am not happy.
+My composure is no less a source of terror than my former agitation,
+as I know that the cessation of pain is sometimes an indication
+that the disorder is approaching a fatal termination, even when the
+patient may be anticipating his recovery."
+
+"But, my friend," said I, "the terror you feel under your composure,
+is a proof that you are unwilling to seize a premature hope; and
+may be regarded as an evidence, that the Lord who refused to appear
+in the whirlwind, in the earthquake, or in the fire, is graciously
+appearing in the still small voice of love."
+
+"Oh, my old and tried friend, my sins appear too great and too
+aggravated to be forgiven."
+
+"But, Henry, the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin; and
+He is sent, not only to proclaim liberty to the captive soul, but to
+heal the broken-hearted."
+
+"Oh!" he exclaimed, "I would believe. Lord, help my unbelief."
+
+Death was now rapidly approaching; and having pressed the hands of
+each of us, he reclined his head on his wife's bosom, and fainted
+away. On recovering from this fit, which lasted several minutes,
+he once more opened his eyes, and casting a mournful look on us,
+said, "I die an unworthy and guilty sinner at the foot of the cross;
+but will He permit me to perish when crying to Him to save me?
+Impossible!" he exclaimed; and then, as if having exhausted all his
+strength by this last effort, his head fell back on the pillow, and
+he expired.
+
+Thus died Henry Beaufoy, who, in his youthful days, bade fair to
+exhibit, in after life, an example of the beauty and consistency
+of the Christian character; but having been seduced from the paths
+of wisdom and of piety, he entered upon a career of evil, which
+at length brought him to a premature grave. His submission at the
+last to the visitations of Providence, as an infliction which he
+deserved; and the avowal he made, when yielding up the ghost, gave
+to his surviving friends _a hope_ that he died in the Lord, and is
+at rest from his sorrows; but still gloomy shadows would sometimes
+fall upon their spirits, and they often sighed and wept over his
+memory, as of one who had come short of the kingdom of heaven.
+
+As female influence is so powerful, and has often been employed to
+seduce the man who fears the Lord, from the paths of righteousness
+and the ways of peace, let him be on his guard when about to form a
+connection for life, and not suffer beauty and accomplishments to
+become a substitute for decided piety. He may think that he shall
+be able to withstand every ensnaring art, and every fond entreaty,
+and that he shall ultimately gain over his wife to the obedience of
+faith; but in this he may be deceived, and have cause to mourn over
+the consequences of his imprudence, when it is too late. But if a
+man should violate the sanctity of the Divine law, and marry a woman
+who is not decidedly pious, let her be on her guard, lest she become
+the cause of his moral ruin. Let her beware of enticing him to a
+theatre, or an evening party, when his inclinations would take him
+to the house of prayer--let her beware of manifesting a spirit of
+indifference or hostility to the practice of family devotion, which
+his conscience constrains him to observe. She may not regard such
+proceedings as wrong, or likely to prove injurious to the reputation
+or the happiness of her husband, but she may be mistaken; and if her
+persuasions or her indifference should prove successful, as is too
+often the case, she may be called to feel the bitter consequences
+of her folly and her guilt, amidst the wreck of domestic happiness.
+She may suppose, that the religion of her husband, like her own,
+has nought to do with the inner man of the heart, and that it may
+be thrown aside, and resumed, as caprice may dictate, but she is
+mistaken; and if she should induce him to abandon it for a season,
+she may live to be stung by his reproaches, and tortured by her own,
+when he is brought to suffer the due reward of his deeds.
+
+From the preceding sketch, which has been taken, not from the
+conceptions of my own fancy, but the facts of real life, we may
+see that it is an evil thing to forsake the Lord God; and though
+his tender mercy may stoop to recover the backslider just as he
+is sinking into despair, yet he seldom throws the light of his
+countenance over the death-bed of such an individual. I am aware
+that some employ the partial and the final apostasy of professors,
+as an argument to prove that our perseverance in religion is quite
+precarious and uncertain, depending solely on ourselves, without any
+regard to the counsel of Jehovah. That it does depend on ourselves,
+I admit--but not solely. We are to walk in the ways of the Lord;
+but he has promised to uphold our goings, that our footsteps slip
+not. We are to cleave to him with full purpose of heart; but he
+has promised never to leave us, nor forsake us. We are commanded
+to keep ourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our
+Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life; but he has promised to keep
+us by his power through faith unto salvation. We know that the
+beginning of the work of grace in the heart, is to be ascribed to
+the immediate operations of his power; and it is to be viewed as
+the commencement of a continued series of operations, which will
+ultimately issue in the salvation of the soul. And though the faith
+of some may be overthrown, "nevertheless, the foundation of God
+standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are
+his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from
+iniquity." His designs will be accomplished, but accomplished in a
+natural way. They do not supersede the necessity of our exertions.
+They do not suppose that we are passive machines, acted on by
+some supernatural power; but living agents, endowed with a Divine
+principle, which works within us "both to will and to do." They
+do not relax our obligations to watchfulness--to prayer--to an
+avoidance of evil--and to the cultivation of the spirit and habits
+of devotion, but increase them; and the reciprocal influence of our
+exertions, and of the concurrence of Divine strength, is so nicely
+balanced in the purpose of grace, that while we are compelled to
+ascribe to God the honour of our preservation and final salvation,
+yet we are made responsible for every act of transgression and
+disobedience. "Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth, take
+heed lest he fall" (1 Cor. x. 12).
+
+One of the chief causes of decay in religion, is our forgetting
+that the means necessary for first bringing us to God, are no less
+essential for retaining us steadily in a close walk with him. To
+watch and pray was no less the duty of the disciples, when they had
+left all for Christ, than when they first approached his presence,
+and sought his pardon and love. He has prayed that we may be kept
+from the evil of the world; but we must look for an answer to this
+prayer--in our choice of good, and rejection of evil--in the control
+of our passions--and in the integrity and uprightness of our conduct.
+
+It has been observed, that apostasy begins in the closet; secret
+prayer is at first carelessly performed--then occasionally
+omitted--and then entirely neglected. When this is the case,
+the religious taste becomes fastidious--a roving habit is often
+indulged--the customs of the world are yielded to, and the principle
+of sin, which once lay dormant in the heart, rises up with renewed
+strength, and breaks forth in open manifestations of evil. This
+process in moral degeneracy may be slow or rapid, according to the
+degree of influence which circumstances may be permitted to supply,
+but when it has once begun, it is always going on; and though it
+may not be in our power to assign the _primary_ cause, yet too much
+secular prosperity is generally one of the most operative. The
+more a Christian is indulged with temporal blessings--the higher
+he or his family rises in the world--the more he ought to have his
+heart glowing with love and gratitude to God. But so inveterate
+is the depravity of human nature, that uninterrupted prosperity
+imperceptibly deadens the best affections of the soul, which
+becomes so completely engrossed in worldly objects and pursuits,
+that religion is rarely thought of but on Sabbath, and even then it
+is entangled and mixed up with the things of time and sense. When
+prosperity comes thus to act on a person who possesses only the form
+of godliness, while destitute of its power, its fatal effects may be
+looked for with almost perfect certainty.
+
+Another cause of the evil which we are so often called to deplore
+is the indulgence of a speculative turn of mind in matters of
+religion. We are commanded to search the Scriptures--to prove all
+things, and hold fast that which is good. When this investigation
+is pursued from a pure motive, and a spirit of prayer attends
+it--keeping the mind in a teachable and devotional frame--the
+greatest benefit will be the result. But when once the Word of God
+is treated with levity--when liberties are taken with it--when
+one part of it is impugned as mysterious, another rejected as
+apparently contradictory--when its doctrines are denounced, as
+incomprehensible, and its precepts objected to, because they are
+too unaccommodating to the habits of the age--an evil spirit enters
+into the heart, which first corrupts it and then entangles it in a
+labyrinth of error. This spirit of unbelief commences its operation
+by reducing the magnitude of the evil of sin; the necessity and
+then the reality of the atonement is rejected; prayer is considered
+useless; the influence of the Holy Spirit in the renovation and
+sanctification of the heart is denied; and then the apostasy becomes
+complete.
+
+But one of the most prevalent causes of this evil is an adoption of
+the principles and a compliance with the customs of the world. There
+are some customs which exist amongst us to which we must conform;
+but there are others from which we are commanded to abstain. We may
+mingle with the men of the world in business, and also in social
+life; but we are to have "no fellowship with the unfruitful works of
+darkness, but rather reprove them." We may, in common with others,
+have our social enjoyments, and partake of the innocent recreations
+of life, without sustaining injury to our morals or our Christian
+reputation; but if we venture to cross the line which separates the
+lawful from forbidden ground--if we form habits which the spirit
+of the gospel condemns, and venture into those places of amusement
+to which the children of folly are so much attached--though we
+may not immediately feel their corrupting influence, yet we shall
+become bitterly sensible of it at last, when the evil is beyond
+our control. We may silence the remonstrances of conscience, by
+resolving not to depart from the ways of righteousness, and may
+affect to treat with contempt the kind admonitions of our more
+pious friends; but by no species of artifice shall we be able to
+form a junction between the spirit of Christ and the spirit of
+the world; or retain the fervour of devotion within the walls
+of an assembly-room or a theatre. The experiment has been often
+made, and the result always proves morally disastrous. In some
+instances the professor has passed from all connection with pure
+spiritual religion, into a state of confirmed indifference or avowed
+hostility; in others, he has retained the form, while he has lost
+the spirit of devotion, and the closing scene of his life has been
+occupied by the most heart-rending reproaches and the bitterest
+lamentations of misery and woe.
+
+As apostasy from the faith and purity of the gospel, from whatever
+causes it may proceed, invariably inflicts on the apostate, when
+awakened to a clear perception of his sin and danger, the most awful
+and agonizing mental sufferings, I wish to do all that is in my
+power to arrest his progress ere it be too late, and lead him back
+to the source of pure felicity, which he has forsaken. I would ask
+him if the gaieties, the follies, and the amusements of the world,
+afford him such substantial happiness as he once enjoyed, when he
+walked in the light of God's countenance? I would ask him if he does
+not often regret the exchange he has made? and as often condemn
+himself for his folly and ingratitude in having made it? I would ask
+him if he does not wish to return once more to taste that the Lord
+is gracious--once more to feel that Christ is precious--once more to
+partake of the peace which passeth all understanding--and to live,
+as in the early days of his profession, in the sublime anticipations
+of eternal glory? I would ask, Have you never made the attempt? As
+time advances, are you not gradually sinking into a state of mental
+dejection, from which you see no chance of being delivered? I do not
+propose these questions to inflict fresh torment, or increase the
+anguish which presses upon your guilty conscience, but to induce
+you to return to the Lord from whom you have departed, that you may
+again experience his loving-kindness, and that your prayers, mingled
+with songs of praise, may again ascend to the God of your salvation.
+
+In illustration of this subject, I shall here conclude by quoting
+the following from a deceased divine:--"If you ask, But how am I
+to return? how am I to regain my long-lost peace? I answer, In the
+same way in which you first found rest to your soul, namely, by
+repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ.
+
+"In general, I may observe, the Scriptures assure us of the
+exceeding great and tender mercy of God, and of his willingness to
+forgive all those who return to him in the name of his Son. It is
+necessary that we be well persuaded of this truth, lest instead of
+applying as supplicants, we sink into despair. If a sinner, newly
+awakened, be in danger of this species of despondency, a backslider
+is still more so. His transgressions are much more heinous in their
+circumstances than those of the other, having been committed under
+greater light and against greater obligations; and when to this is
+added the treatment which his conduct must necessarily draw upon him
+from his religious connections, he may be tempted to relinquish all
+hopes of recovery, and consider himself as an outcast, both from
+God and man. Unhappy man! Thy sin may be great, and the language
+of an awakened conscience may suggest, Who can heal me? Yet do not
+despair. 'Hear what God the Lord will speak. He will speak peace
+unto his people and to his saints: but let them not turn again to
+folly.'
+
+"There are circumstances which may render it almost impossible for
+forgiveness to be exercised amongst men; and therefore men are ready
+to think it must be so with respect to God. 'But with the Lord there
+is mercy, and with him there is plenteous redemption.' He will not
+only pardon, but pardon abundantly: 'for his thoughts are not as our
+thoughts, nor his ways as our ways. For as the heavens are higher
+than the earth, so are his ways than our ways, and his thoughts
+than our thoughts.--The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth
+from all sin.--If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to
+forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.'
+The threatenings against the unpardonable sin itself do not affect
+the truth of these merciful declarations: for that sin is all along
+described as excluding repentance, as well as forgiveness. The party
+is supposed to be given up to hardness of heart. If, therefore,
+we confess our sin with contrition, we may be certain it is not
+unpardonable, and that we shall obtain mercy through the blood of
+the cross.
+
+"But the great question is, How we shall repent of our sins, and
+return to God by Jesus Christ. Undoubtedly it is much easier to
+get out of the way, than to get in again; to lose the peace of our
+minds, than to recover it. Sin is of a hardening nature; and the
+farther we have proceeded in it, the more inextricable are its
+entanglements. But, however this be, we either do desire to return,
+or we do not.
+
+"If my reader be in such a state of mind, it is with a mixture of
+hope and tenderness that I attempt to point out to him the means of
+recovery.
+
+"I would recommend you to embrace every possible season of
+retirement for reading the Holy Scriptures, especially those parts
+which are suited to your case, and accompany your reading with
+prayer. God's Word hid in the heart is not only a preservative
+against sin, but a restorative from its evil effects. It both wounds
+and heals; if it rebukes, it is with the faithfulness of a friend,
+or if it consoles, its consolations will melt us into contrition.
+
+"Read especially those parts of Scripture which are addressed to
+persons in your situation, as the second chapter of Jeremiah; or
+those which express the desires of a returning sinner, as the
+twenty-fifth, thirty-second, thirty-eighth, fifty-first, and
+hundred and thirtieth Psalms. You may not be able to adopt all this
+language as your own; but, nevertheless, it may be useful. To read
+the genuine expressions of a contrite heart, may produce at least a
+conviction of the disparity between the frame of mind possessed by
+the writer and yourself; and such a conviction may be accompanied
+with a sensation of shame and grief.
+
+"It is also of importance that you read the Scriptures _by
+yourself_. To read a portion of them in your families is right, and
+ought not to be neglected; but there is a great difference, as to
+personal advantage, between this and reading them alone. Your mind
+may then be more at liberty for reflection; you can read, and pause,
+and think, and apply the subject to your case.
+
+"It is of still greater importance to unite prayer with it. Reading
+the Word of God and prayer are duties which mutually assist each
+other: the one furnishes us with confessions, pleas, and arguments,
+while the other promotes solemnity and spirituality of mind, which
+goes farther towards our understanding of the Scriptures than a
+library of expositions.
+
+"It was in one of these seasons of retirement that David put up this
+petition, 'I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant,
+for I do not forget thy commandments.' He seems to have had in his
+thoughts the condition of a poor wandering sheep, that had left the
+flock and the rich pastures where it was wont to be led, ranging
+rather like a native of the woods, than one who had been used to
+be led, and fed, and protected by an owner. Bewildered by its own
+wanderings, entangled in the thorns and briars of the wilderness,
+and exposed to beasts of prey, it feels its forlorn condition, and
+bleats after the shepherd and the flock! Is there nothing in this
+that may suit your case? Yes, thou art the man! Thou hast gone
+astray like a lost sheep, got entangled in thine own corruptions,
+and knowest not how to find the way back; yet it may be thou hast
+not utterly lost the remembrance of those happy days before thou
+wert led to deviate from the right path. Let thy prayer then be
+directed, like that of the psalmist, to the good Shepherd of the
+sheep: 'Seek thy servant.'
+
+"Prayer is a religious exercise which is necessary to accompany
+all others. 'In every thing by prayer and supplication, with
+thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.' Solemn
+approaches to God are adapted to impress the mind with a sense of
+sin, and to inspire us with self-abhorrence on account of it. It was
+by a view of the holiness of God that Isaiah felt himself to be a
+'man of unclean lips;' and it was by conversing with the Lord that
+Job was brought to abhor himself, and repent in dust and ashes. The
+very exercise of prayer carries in it an implication that 'our help
+must come from above;' a truth which in all cases it is absolutely
+necessary for us to know, and with which, in this case especially,
+we cannot be too deeply impressed. We easily get out of the way; but
+if ever we return to it, it must be by His influence, who restoreth
+our souls and leadeth us in the paths of righteousness for his
+name's sake.
+
+"To tell a person who is out of the way, that he has no help
+in himself, and that if ever he get in again it must be by the
+restoring grace of God, may seem to some people paradoxical and
+disheartening; but it is a truth, and a truth which, if properly
+understood and felt, would go farther towards our recovery than we
+at first may apprehend. Paul found that 'when he was weak then was
+he strong,' and many others have found the same. The more we are
+emptied of self-sufficiency, the more sensibly shall we feel our
+weakness, and the more importunately implore that the Lord would
+save us, and restore us.
+
+"This was the way in which we at first found rest for our souls,
+and this must be the way in which we recover it. An awakened sinner
+frequently labours hard after peace, without being able to obtain
+it. Wherefore? 'Because he seeks it not by faith, but by the
+works of the law.' In all his labours there is a large portion of
+self-righteous hope, or an idea that God will pity him on account
+of his endeavours to please him. But if ever he obtain peace, it
+must be by utterly despairing of all help from himself; and falling,
+as a sinner entirely lost, into the arms of sovereign mercy. This is
+walking in the good old way, which brings rest to the soul; and the
+same sense of our insufficiency which is necessary to find rest in
+the first instance, is equally necessary to find it on all future
+occasions.
+
+"We may pray from year to year, and all without effect. It is
+only the 'prayer of faith' that succeeds; the distinguishing
+characteristic of which is a sense of there being no help in us,
+and a laying hold of the mercy and faithfulness of God, as revealed
+in the gospel. David for a time _groaned_, and even _roared_,
+'by reason of the disquietness of his heart;' but he obtained no
+relief from this. On the contrary, he sunk deeper and deeper into
+despondency. At length he betook him to another manner of praying:
+'Out of the depths cried I unto thee--and thou heardest my voice!'
+We find him here pleading the exceeding greatness of God's mercy,
+and the plenteousness of his redemption. Here he found rest for
+his soul! Jonah also for a time was in much the same state. With a
+conscience so far awakened as to deprive him of all enjoyment, he
+retired to the bottom of the ship; and, wearied with the load of
+his guilt, slept away his time. Even the horrors of a tempest did
+not awaken him. At length being roused and reproved by heathens,
+and marked out by lot as the guilty person, he confesses who he is,
+and what he had done, and advises them to cast him into the sea.
+Humanity struggles for a time with the elements, but in vain; he
+must be cast away. Think what must have been his state of mind at
+this time! He is thrown into the deep, is swallowed by a fish, and
+retains his reason even in that situation; but no light shines upon
+his soul. Conceiving himself to be on the point of death, his heart
+sighed within him, 'I am cast out of thy sight!' But ere the thought
+had well passed through his mind, another struck him, 'Yet will I
+look again towards thy holy temple!' He looked, and was lightened:
+'Out of the belly of hell cried I unto thee, and thou heardest my
+voice! When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord; and my
+prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.'"[21]
+
+  [21] The author is indebted to a work of the late Rev. A. Fuller for
+  the quotation with which this chapter closes.
+
+
+
+
+THE FARM-HOUSE KITCHEN.
+
+
+In the parish of Woodford, about twenty miles from the town where
+I resided, there were a few cottages, pleasantly situated on an
+eminence which commanded a beautiful and extensive view of the
+surrounding country. They were principally occupied by the peasantry
+who were employed on the neighbouring farms. No less than five
+church spires could be seen rising in the distance, from amongst the
+trees, of different parishes; but they were too remote for the aged
+and the infirm to visit, and the more robust and healthy were also
+very ready to plead the length of the way as an excuse for their
+non-attendance at public worship.
+
+Mr. Annesley, a Dissenting minister in the village of Woodford,
+on passing this hamlet one summer evening, had his attention
+arrested by an interesting looking young man, about the age of four
+and twenty, who appeared to be in the last stage of a decline.
+He presented to him a few religious tracts, which the young man
+received with an air of indifference; but when informed that they
+were intended to prepare him for that world into which he was likely
+soon to enter, he seemed pleased, and said, "That is what I want,
+Sir." This young man, who was the son of a respectable farmer, lived
+about two months after the first interview Mr. Annesley had with
+him; and died avowing his entire dependence on the death of Jesus
+Christ for eternal life: blessing God in the most simple and ardent
+terms, for his goodness in sending to him at the eleventh hour a
+knowledge of the way of salvation.
+
+[Illustration: JAMES GODWIN
+
+W. L. THOMAS.
+
+BRINGING IN THE LAST LOAD OF CORN.
+
+THE REAPERS' HYMN OF PRAISE.
+
+Vol. ii. page 285.]
+
+After his death, the old farmer, his father, when lamenting that
+they enjoyed no religious advantages in that remote part of the
+parish, very readily consented to have his large kitchen licensed
+for preaching; and Mr. Annesley engaged to give them a sermon
+on Tuesdays every week. When he commenced his labours he had to
+pass through the ordeal of mockery and contempt. Sometimes he was
+insulted by the poor rustics, when attempting to explain to them the
+mysteries of the kingdom of heaven; but by visiting them in their
+own cottages, and displaying a kind and affectionate disposition,
+he gained their confidence and esteem, and they pressed to hear him
+with devout and earnest attention.
+
+Having resolved to make an excursion to Woodford, and pay a visit to
+this rural place of worship, of which I had often heard, I took my
+seat in the coach, one afternoon in the month of September, as far
+as the village of Woodford, from which it was a walk of three miles
+to the farm-house. The weather was unusually hot for the season of
+the year; but towards the evening, the cool breezes which sprung up
+made me enjoy my journey exceedingly.
+
+After getting down from the coach, I quitted the village by a cross
+road, and then turned aside into a fine shady lane. On passing by
+a farm-yard, I observed an extraordinary rush of men, women, and
+children, and being anxious to know the cause of it, I advanced into
+the yard, where I saw a group marching before the last load of com,
+which they were bringing from the field, and singing the following,
+as a harvest hymn of praise:--
+
+    "But now his hand hath crown'd our toil,
+     We joy like those that share the spoil,
+         The harvest home to bear:
+     With shouts the laughing pastures ring;
+     With grateful hearts we reapers sing
+     The praise of heaven's eternal King,
+     Through whose paternal care we bring
+         The produce of the year."
+
+I tarried some time, intermingling my feelings with those of the
+enraptured swains, and participating with them in this feast of
+innocent delight; but on looking at my watch I found that I must
+hasten onwards, or I should be deprived of the higher gratification
+of witnessing a more interesting and a more important sight. On
+proceeding up the lane that led to the rural temple of devotion,
+I occasionally heard the harmony of Zion's strains, which became
+more distinct and impressive as I drew nearer, till at length I was
+enabled to catch the following words which the congregation were
+singing:--
+
+    "Shall I beneath thy gospel stay,
+       And hear the call of grace;
+     And at the awful judgment-day,
+       Be banish'd from thy face?"
+
+I got into the passage just as Mr. Annesley arose to pray, but I
+did not choose to advance, lest I should disturb the devotions of
+the little assembly. While standing there, two ladies approached
+towards the door, and, like myself, waited in silence till the
+prayer was ended, when we all entered together. Our appearance
+excited considerable attention, but whenever we had taken our seats,
+every eye was attentively directed towards the minister. To one
+who has been accustomed to offer up his prayers and his praises,
+in the fixed and appropriate language of our national liturgy--and
+to listen to the enunciation of life and immortality within the
+walls of a church--the scene of rustic simplicity exhibited in this
+farm-house kitchen must have appeared very singular. Mr. Annesley
+stood in a corner of the room, his Bible lying open before him on
+a small round deal table, the family clock ticking behind him; his
+rustic audience was variously disposed of--some sitting on the
+dresser to his right, others in the chimney-corner to the left, the
+majority on forms in front of him, and a few bending forwards from
+the passage, being incapable of gaining admission. As they were
+singing the hymn which intervenes between the prayer and sermon, an
+expression which I had recently met with came to my mind, and with
+such force, that no external decoration was wanted to render
+either the place or the truth more acceptable to my taste--"A
+religion without a Saviour, is the temple without its glory, and
+its worshippers will all desert it." Just as the minister read his
+text, the countenances of several changed; all were attentive, and
+appeared to have forgotten the toils and the fatigues of labour,
+while listening to the discourse, which was founded on the following
+words of Jesus Christ:--"But there are some of you that believe
+not" (John vi. 64). He had not been speaking long, before my spirit
+involuntarily said, "Here is religion with a Saviour, and wherever
+his truth is preached, there he condescends to dwell."
+
+[Illustration: J. GODWIN.
+
+W. L. THOMAS
+
+THE FARM-HOUSE KITCHEN.
+
+Vol. ii. page 286.]
+
+The sermon delivered was simple, perspicuous, and well calculated to
+fix the attention of the audience. The figures of illustration and
+description were selected from the rural scenes and occupations with
+which the congregation were familiar; and from the looks, the tones,
+and the actions of the speaker, it was evident that he was really
+in earnest, and desired to impress his hearers with his own views
+and feelings. When expostulating with those who did not believe, he
+suddenly paused, his eyes, more than half suffused with tears, told
+more forcibly than language could express, how deeply he felt; while
+his lips, quivering with tremulous anxiety, gave utterance to the
+interrogation--"_Why won't you come to Jesus Christ, and be saved?_
+Do you think you need no Saviour? Impossible! Do you imagine that
+he is unable to save you? Do you suppose he is unwilling to save
+you? Impossible! Do you think you are in no danger of being lost?
+Do you imagine that the misery of a lost soul is less terrible than
+the Scriptures represent it? or that the happiness of a redeemed
+spirit is less joyous? Impossible! _Why then won't you come to
+Jesus Christ, and be saved?_" No profound arguments were employed
+in pressing on the attention of his rustic audience these pointed
+questions, and yet they came with an almost irresistible force.
+As the people were retiring, I heard some of them saying to one
+another, "Ah! why don't we come to Jesus Christ, and be saved?"
+
+Being seated nearly opposite the two ladies who entered along with
+me, I could not avoid noticing the behaviour of one of them, which
+contrasted strongly with the simple and devout attention of the
+cottagers. Sometimes she listened with apparent seriousness, but
+more than once the smile of contempt and the look of scorn seemed to
+gather on her countenance; and at one part of the sermon, when the
+preacher was speaking of the entire depravity of the human heart,
+she made an effort to leave, but was apparently prevented from doing
+so by her friend. When, however, this simple question fell from Mr.
+Annesley's lips, she became still and thoughtful, and I observed
+tears fall from her eyes, an unconscious response to the earnest
+appeals of the preacher.
+
+After service I introduced myself to Mr. Annesley, who insisted
+on my spending the night at his house. On our talking over the
+occurrences of the evening, I mentioned what I had noticed in the
+conduct of one of the ladies, and expressed my belief that her heart
+was penetrated by what she had heard. "If, Sir," he remarked, "that
+lady should be converted, she will be a living witness of the truth
+of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and afford a strong corroborative
+testimony of its Divine origin. I have," he added, "no personal
+acquaintance with her; nor was I aware that she was present this
+evening, till I saw her leaving at the conclusion of the service,
+but I have long known her character; she resides at Hollyton, a
+village about a mile and a half distant, and, I believe, is one
+of the most agreeable women you could meet with in society, but
+she is a professed infidel; and though most of her relatives and
+friends are religious, she will rarely consent to attend any place
+of worship with them. She says that the scheme of salvation is a
+cunningly devised fable, got up by the priesthood, and palmed upon
+our hopes and fears by the policy of our rulers; and unhesitatingly
+avows that it is the duty of every person, who feels a proper
+respect for the dignity of the human species, to employ all his
+influence to dissipate the delusion. She will not, I understand,
+enter into any discussion on the Christian religion, because, she
+says, no evidence could induce her to believe it--no, not if she
+had seen the miracles performed which are ascribed to Christ and
+his apostles--and often quotes the inconsistent conduct of its
+professors, to show that its moral tendency is unfavourable to
+the growth of virtue. The lady who accompanied her is of a very
+different stamp, and a pious member of the church. I presume her
+influence has induced Mrs. Farrington to attend our meeting this
+evening. I trust that she may yet be led to see and repent of her
+errors."
+
+"I am mistaken," I remarked, "if her scepticism has not received its
+death-blow to-night. She will be thinking soon about coming to Jesus
+Christ to be saved."
+
+"Amen. The Lord grant that it may be so."
+
+I then referred to the interesting scene I had witnessed on my
+way to the farm-house, and was informed by Mr. Annesley that the
+labourers whose festivities I had witnessed, belonged for the
+most part to his regular congregation at Woodford, and were in
+the employment of Farmer Hopkins, one of the most esteemed and
+influential members of his church.
+
+The next morning, as we were sitting at breakfast, a note was handed
+to Mr. Annesley from Mrs. Farrington, requesting that he would be so
+kind as call on her in the course of the forenoon. She added, that
+she understood he had a clerical friend with him at present, whom
+she had observed at the meeting on the previous evening, and that
+she would feel much gratified if he would accompany him.
+
+"Your discourse," I observed, "has already borne fruit."
+
+"I trust so," he replied. "You will of course go with me on this
+visit to Mrs. Farrington's. I have never been in her house, and I
+should like to have a friend with me, more especially as she seems
+anxious for it herself."
+
+I would have excused myself, on the ground that I had already been
+longer absent from home than I had intended; but my objections
+were overruled, and I consented to remain another night with Mr.
+Annesley, and return to town next morning. In the course of the
+forenoon, we proceeded to Mrs. Farrington's, and were received by
+her with the utmost courtesy. She mentioned that she had recognized
+me the previous evening as a clergyman in ----, whom she had once
+heard preach, and on her way home she had learned that I was to be
+the guest of Mr. Annesley for the night. She endeavoured to assume
+her accustomed ease and sprightliness of manner; but still I felt
+persuaded that she was labouring under strong mental depression,
+which she was anxious to conceal. The conversation turned on the
+scenery around us, which had now assumed the beautiful autumnal
+tinge; and when Mrs. Farrington pointed to a double row of fine elm
+trees, whose thick and extended branches overshadowed a lovely walk
+in the front of her cottage, I could not refrain from repeating the
+following lines of Cowper:--
+
+                              "Meditations here,
+    May think down hours to moments. Here the heart
+    May give a useful lesson to the head;
+    And learning wiser grow, without his books."
+
+"But," said Mrs. Farrington, "to quote from the same author--
+
+    'Knowledge and wisdom, far from being one,
+    Have ofttimes no connection. _Knowledge_ dwells
+    In heads replete with thoughts of other men;
+    Wisdom in minds attentive to their own.'"
+
+"Very true," said Mr. Annesley, "and hence we sometimes see those
+who are endowed with the greatest intellectual talents, and enriched
+with the largest stores of knowledge, acting the most foolish parts
+in the drama of life, and terminating their career without any hope
+of a blissful immortality." This allusion to a future world, threw
+a shade over the countenance of Mrs. Farrington, and more than once
+she endeavoured with difficulty to suppress a sigh.
+
+"We have high authority for saying," I remarked, "that it is not
+good for the soul to be without knowledge; but considering the
+relation in which we stand to God, and our condition as sinners
+against his righteous government, there is no knowledge so essential
+to our happiness, as a knowledge of his character, and the way in
+which his favour is to be conciliated. Without this, we are left
+in absolute uncertainty respecting our final destiny, which must be
+perplexing and alarming, in proportion as we seriously meditate on
+the capabilities of the human soul to suffer or enjoy in a future
+state of existence. Hence arises the desirableness of a revelation
+of the will of God; and the advantage of having such a revelation,
+when made, committed to writing, that it may be preserved from the
+corruption and uncertainty to which oral tradition is necessarily
+exposed. This revelation we have in the sacred Scriptures; its
+purity and adaptation to our moral condition are strong internal
+evidences of its genuineness; and I am at a loss to conceive how
+any one can reject it, without destroying his own peace of mind. It
+delineates our character, as guilty, depraved, and unhappy, with the
+most perfect accuracy; and points our attention to a Saviour, who
+came to save and to bless us, and to fit us for a nobler life than
+we can ever live on earth."
+
+Mrs. Farrington became deeply affected, burst into tears, and
+left the room, but soon after returned, offering as an apology
+for her weakness and her rudeness, as she termed it, an excessive
+nervous irritability under which she was then labouring. After a
+moment's pause, Mr. Annesley said:--"Pray, Madam, is not your mind
+now powerfully affected by those religious truths which you once
+rejected as the fallacious opinions of man?"
+
+"Yes, Sir," she replied, "it is, and has been since I heard you
+preach last night in Farmer Rogers' kitchen. I have hitherto
+rejected the gospel as a cunningly devised fable, and generally
+looked with pity or contempt on those who embraced it, but then I
+was convinced of its divinity, and by the force of an evidence which
+I had not previously examined."
+
+"What fresh evidence of the divinity of the gospel," said Mr.
+Annesley, "did you receive last night, for I do not recollect
+advancing any?"
+
+"The evidence of experience," she replied, "for the gospel came
+not in word only, but in power, and I could no longer resist it.
+Curiosity led me to that sequestered house of prayer; and at first
+I was disposed to treat the whole affair with contempt. The pride
+of my heart rose up against the statement which you gave us of the
+entire depravity of our nature, and I should have left in disgust,
+had not my friend prevented me; but when you proposed that simple
+yet important question, '_Why won't you come to Jesus Christ, and
+be saved?_' I felt as though an arrow had pierced my soul, and from
+that hour till now, I have been suffering the agonies of a wounded
+spirit. I could get no sleep last night, reflecting on my condition;
+and early this morning I despatched a messenger to your house,
+with the note which you received. I feel deeply obliged for the
+promptness with which you and Mr. ---- have responded to my request,
+in coming to see me."
+
+"But," inquired Mr. Annesley, "as the interrogation you refer to was
+no direct proof of the Divine origin of the gospel, how came it to
+produce such a conviction in your mind?"
+
+"I have been revolving that question, and it has created some strong
+doubts of the correctness of my present belief; but yet now I can no
+more reject the gospel as false, than I could before receive it as
+true. That interrogation came with a power which was superhuman, and
+its impressions on my heart bore the stamp of the same agency; and
+now, Sir, the only question which I wish resolved is this: May I be
+permitted to hope that that Saviour whom I have so long rejected,
+and so often and so grossly insulted, will ever condescend to cast
+one tender look of compassion on me?"
+
+"In the conversion of a sinner," said Mr. Annesley, "it pleases God
+to display his sovereignty, no less than his power and his grace;
+and hence he generally accomplishes it in a way which compels us
+to acknowledge his direct and immediate agency. Had he chosen to
+convince you of the Divine origin of that system of truth, which you
+have so long rejected, by the slow and rational process of a logical
+argument, your judgment might have been convinced, while your
+heart remained unaffected by its awful and sublime communications;
+but by convincing you of your guilt, and of your danger, and of
+the necessity of a Mediator and a Saviour, he has rendered that
+argumentative process unnecessary, in compelling you at once to seek
+the consolations of mercy as essential to your happiness."
+
+"Oh! yes, Sir, they are essential to my happiness, indeed they are,
+but I fear they will be withheld. What plea can I urge for mercy? On
+what basis can I rest a hope of acceptance?"
+
+"It is usual," Mr. Annesley replied, "for a person who is just
+awakened to a belief of the gospel of Christ, to suppose that its
+consolations are far beyond his reach, whilst he stands in dread of
+its awful denunciations; but this is a delusion which fear practises
+on the imagination. In the operations of Divine truth on the heart,
+there is a natural process observed on the part of the great
+invisible Agent who conducts it; the convictions of personal guilt,
+connected with an apprehension of merited punishment, prepare the
+way for the reception of pardon and salvation, as the free gifts of
+God."
+
+"Am I then to consider what I suffer and what I dread as preparatory
+visitations of Divine grace, to compel me to take refuge in Christ
+from the wrath to come?"
+
+"Yes, Madam. The feelings which you now experience, and which excite
+so much alarm, are intended to prepare you for the manifestations
+of the Divine favour and love. You have now to fix your attention
+on Jesus Christ, who is able and willing to save all who come unto
+God by him. And hear the encouraging and consolatory language he
+employs--'All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him
+that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out' (John vi. 37)."
+
+"But what reason have I to believe that such gracious words relate
+to myself?"
+
+"Their insertion in the Bible is your authority for so applying
+them to yourself. But lest you should suppose that this gracious
+declaration was designed, in any sense, for the exclusive relief of
+those to whom it was originally given, the revelation of mercy and
+grace concludes with language equally encouraging:--'And the Spirit
+and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And
+let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the
+water of life freely' (Rev. xxii. 17). Why then should you doubt?
+Why should you pause? Why should you continue to linger around the
+promises of salvation, and not embrace them as the source of your
+comfort?"
+
+"I do not hesitate to plead the promise of salvation from any doubt
+of its necessity, or of its truthfulness. I feel, however, such a
+burden of guilt on my conscience, for having uttered so many hard
+things against the Redeemer and his great salvation, and feel so
+oppressed by a sense of unparalleled unworthiness, that I seem more
+inclined to endure the chastening of the Lord, than venture to
+implore the exercise of his pardoning love and mercy."
+
+"You are, it is true, unworthy, but not unwelcome; unworthy, but not
+unfit: for
+
+    'All the fitness he requireth,
+    Is to _feel_ your need of him.
+
+How simple! Believe, and be saved; come to me, and I will give you
+rest."
+
+"Yes, Sir, the plan of salvation is both simple and suited; but
+these attributes of its character stagger and perplex me."
+
+"How so, Madam?"
+
+"It appears more consonant to the awful majesty of Divine justice
+to demand from me some costly sacrifice--to call upon me to endure
+some severe privations and sufferings, as the condition of pardon
+and acceptance, rather than to offer them freely and gratuitously.
+I ought, I think, to suffer some extreme and prolonged infliction,
+before I ought to cherish a hope of salvation."
+
+"That is true; but, as the apostle says, 'By grace are ye saved
+through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God;
+not of works, lest any man should boast' (Eph. ii. 8, 9)."
+
+"I feel thankful that I am not now what I was yesterday--a proud and
+haughty sceptic; looking with scornful contempt on the Bible--on the
+Sabbath, and its public services--and on all who make a profession
+of love to Jesus Christ; but I dare not lay claim to the spiritual
+blessings which God graciously bestows on his redeemed and renovated
+people. I hope in his mercy, and pray for its manifestations to my
+guilty conscience, but I cannot do more; indeed, at times, I tremble
+while cherishing a hope in his mercy, lest I should add the sin of
+presumption, to the many other sins I have committed against him."
+
+We now closed the interview by reading the Scriptures and prayer;
+and then returned, devoutly thankful to the God of salvation for
+what we had seen and heard.
+
+In this state of agitating uncertainty, as to the final issue of
+her hopes and her fears, Mrs. Farrington continued, as Mr. Annesley
+afterwards informed me, for several months, suffering at times
+intense remorse, and often strongly tempted to abandon herself to
+despair. But by a patient continuance in the study of the Bible and
+listening to the ministry of the Word, in meditation and in prayer,
+she felt in process of time the sacred power of the promise of mercy
+and grace; tasted that the Lord is gracious, and eventually had hope
+and peace in believing; living through life in the fear of God, and
+giving a practical exemplification of the truth of the apostolic
+declaration, that "the grace of God that bringeth salvation,
+teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should
+live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking
+for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God
+and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might
+redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar
+people, zealous of good works" (Titus ii. 11-14).
+
+The conversion of this lady to the Christian faith, after having
+signalized herself for many years by her unceasing hostility to it,
+is a very strong evidence in confirmation of its Divine origin. What
+human power could have effected such a moral renovation as that
+which was produced while she was listening to this sermon by Mr.
+Annesley? She anticipated no such a change, nor did she desire it.
+In the sermon, which curiosity prompted her to hear, there was no
+concentration of argument to carry conviction to her judgment--no
+outbursts of eloquence--nor any decorations of style, to impress her
+feelings or attract her taste, but merely an interrogation, and that
+one of the most simple. From whence, then, came the all-powerful
+energy by which her haughty spirit was made to quail before the
+truth, which she had so long stigmatized as a cunningly devised
+fable? Whence, unless from Him who can easily subdue all things
+to himself; and whose spiritual triumphs are often graced by the
+spontaneous submission of his most malignant enemies; thus turning a
+prophetic announcement into an historic fact--"Thy people shall be
+willing in the day of thy power."
+
+
+
+
+A PARTY AT THE ELMS.
+
+
+I must now request the courteous reader to return with me to
+Mr. Holmes and his family, at the Elms, where, as it will be
+recollected, we left Louisa, the eldest daughter, in a state of
+great mental perplexity, though somewhat soothed by the judicious
+letter of her worthy friend Mrs. Loader. It will also be remembered
+that Louisa had addressed a second letter to the latter, detailing
+further her career of Christian experience, and asking additional
+advice and assistance as to her future course.[22]
+
+  [22] Vol. ii. p. 177.
+
+According to annual custom, a large party dined at the Elms,
+consisting principally of Mr. Holmes' old city friends, who came
+to enjoy a day in the country, and have a talk over the events
+of former times. They had all sprung from an obscure origin--had
+commenced to push their fortunes in London about the same time--and
+were now in the possession of considerable wealth. The party
+dined early. When the cloth was removed, the worthy host said he
+would give a toast, which he hoped the ladies would respond to as
+well as the gentlemen, though he admitted he ought to apologize
+for attempting to revive a practice which was now becoming
+obsolete--"Prosperity to the citizens of London; and may they ever
+express their gratitude to God, by supporting the institutions of
+benevolence." This toast having been duly honoured, the ladies
+withdrew, leaving the gentlemen to their debates and discussions.
+
+Miss Holmes proposed a walk--a proposal which the ladies and young
+people gladly fell in with. It was a fine tranquil evening, at the
+close of one of those beautiful days which frequently occur in
+this country in the month of October. The sun was sinking in a sea
+of crimson and gold, behind a finely wooded hill to the west, and
+throwing his rich amber light through the foliage of the pleasure
+ground in which the party was now sauntering. Everything tended to
+soothe and tranquillize the mind, while not a sound could be heard,
+but the rustling of the autumn leaves beneath the feet, or their
+fall as the branches vibrated in the almost imperceptible evening
+breeze.
+
+Among the young people composing the party that day at the Elms,
+was Miss Martin, an intimate friend of Miss Holmes, and decidedly
+religious, but between whom and Louisa there had hitherto been
+but little sympathy on this subject. Without possessing the years
+and experience of Mrs. Loader, she nevertheless possessed an
+affectionate disposition, with a fund of sterling good sense, and
+was thus well qualified to impart consolation to the agitated and
+distressed mind of her friend. Louisa felt her heart gradually
+lightened as she conversed with Miss Martin; and the two ladies,
+walking on together a little in advance, got engaged in so
+interesting a discussion, that they soon lost sight of the younger
+members of the party, who had set off to amuse themselves in another
+direction. Louisa now recollected that she had promised a Bible
+the day before to an old woman in the neighbourhood, and invited
+Miss Martin to accompany her with it there--a proposal to which her
+friend gladly acceded. They accordingly proceeded down a narrow
+path which led from the shrubbery to a retired country road. They
+then walked along a short distance till they came to a neat cottage,
+at the door of which they gently tapped. It was opened by the old
+woman, Mrs. Kent, who invited them to walk in and sit down. They
+readily consented, and spent there a most interesting hour.
+
+"I feel deeply obliged, ladies," said Mrs. Kent, "by your kindness
+in fetching me this Bible. It is indeed a treasure. A large printed
+Bible like this is just what I have long been wishing to procure,
+as my eyes are become so dim I cannot see to read this small print"
+(exhibiting a Bible which bore the marks of age).
+
+"I am very glad, indeed, that you are pleased with it," replied
+Louisa, "and I trust you may long be spared in health to enjoy its
+stores."
+
+"I have great reason to be thankful to God for the health he has
+given me. I am in his hand--he doeth all things well."
+
+"You have really a pretty cottage here," said Miss Martin, "and it
+is very tastefully adorned. Have you lived here many years?"
+
+"About twenty years. I was turned out of the cottage I lived in
+before, by Lord Harwood's steward, because I would not give up my
+religion; but the Lord opened the heart of a good man who lives in
+the village, and he built this little cottage for me, and I have
+lived here rent free ever since."
+
+"How long may it be since you first knew the Lord?"
+
+"More than forty years. I was, when young, a very thoughtless girl,
+and took great delight in vain pleasures; but the Lord was pleased,
+blessed be his name, to call me to a knowledge of the truth, and to
+love and serve him, when I was about your age."
+
+"And you are not weary of his service?"
+
+"Weary of his service!" said the venerable matron, her eyes
+sparkling as with youthful ardour--"no, Miss, though I often wonder
+that the Lord is not weary of me, as I am such an unprofitable
+servant."
+
+"Then after forty years' experience, you can bear testimony to
+the truth of what Solomon says of religion: 'Her ways are ways of
+pleasantness, and all her paths are peace?'"
+
+[Illustration: JAMES GODWIN.
+
+W. L. THOMAS.
+
+MISS HOLMES AND MISS MARTIN TAKING LEAVE OF MRS. KENT.
+
+Vol. ii. p. 299.]
+
+"That I can. I have been a widow five and twenty years. I have
+outlived all my children but one, and I have not seen him for more
+than sixteen years. I have had many troubles, but the Lord has
+brought me through them all. He has given me a spirit of resignation
+and contentment, and I can say, Let him do with me as seemeth good
+in his sight. He is too wise to err."
+
+"Then you don't envy the rich and the noble?"
+
+"No, Miss, I envy no one. If the rich have comforts that I have not,
+they have cares and temptations, from which I am protected. May the
+Lord incline you, my young friends, to seek him in your youth, and
+then you will find a treasure which is of more value than thousands
+of gold and silver."
+
+"I hope he has inclined us to seek him," said Miss Holmes; "and as
+you have known him so many years, I shall be happy to come and visit
+you, that you may teach me the way of the Lord more perfectly."
+
+"I shall be glad to see you at any time, if you will condescend to
+come and see me; but it is not in my power to teach you. The prophet
+says, 'All thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall
+be the peace of thy children.'"
+
+"I will soon come back again and have a long chat. Good night."
+
+"Good night, ladies. May the Lord bless you."
+
+"She is a dear old woman," said Miss Martin. "I have quite fallen in
+love with her."
+
+"Yes, my dear Mary, she is one of the Lord's hidden jewels, set
+apart for himself. I am very glad to have made her acquaintance, but
+I confess that I neglected to do this till the other day, though I
+had often seen her knitting on the seat in front of her cottage as I
+passed by."
+
+The two friends now re-entered the avenue, and, taking a by-path,
+ascended a little rising ground, which commanded a fine view of
+the surrounding country. "How delightful it is, Louisa," said Miss
+Martin, "to get a day's excursion away from the bustle and smoke of
+London. What a beautiful landscape you have here--that venerable
+church tower rising in the distance among the trees, and that fine
+old mansion at the foot of the hill, with the deer feeding in the
+park in front; and see what a pretty object Mrs. Kent's cottage
+makes, when seen through this vista in the trees."
+
+"It is certainly a beautiful prospect, Mary. I often come here
+to contemplate it. I made a sketch the other day of Mrs. Kent's
+cottage, which I shall show you when we get into the house. It is
+both a picturesque object when viewed from a distance, and loses
+none of its attractions on a near approach. She has displayed great
+taste in the way she has disposed the evergreens and flowers around
+it. But its chief glory is within."
+
+"Very true, my dear Louisa. It is a sacred spot--often visited by
+unseen messengers, when they come to earth on errands of mercy.
+Strangers would pass by, and admire only the neatness of its
+external appearance, but we have seen its concealed beauties."
+
+"I was quite delighted," said Miss Holmes, "with the first visit
+I paid her. She certainly possesses a very cultivated mind for a
+person in her station. She has been a great reader in her time, but
+now her favourite study is divinity, and the Bible is her text-book.
+She gave me some particulars of her history. Her life has been a
+chequered one. I was quite taken with the artless simplicity of her
+conversation, and with the ease, I may almost say elegance, of her
+manners. I shall certainly often stroll to her cottage for a chat;
+and you must come here again soon, and pay her another visit along
+with me."
+
+"I am glad, my dear, that you are partial to her," replied Miss
+Martin. I shall be delighted to accompany you again to Mrs. Kent's.
+I hope you will often visit her. You will derive, I have no doubt,
+much spiritual benefit from her conversation. There is nothing
+which so polishes and refines the character as the influence of
+religion. It improves the taste, without making it fastidious;
+enlarges the intellect, without engendering vanity; softens and
+sweetens the temper; and inspires a consciousness of individual
+worth and importance, while at the same time it pays a respectful
+regard to the laws and customs which prevail in society. Hence a
+Christian appears as dignified in a cottage as in a mansion; and
+living comparatively disengaged from the temptations of the world,
+he is more at liberty to commune with the Redeemer, by which he
+imperceptibly receives a more perfect impression of his image."
+
+"But do you think, Mary, that every Christian exemplifies the
+correctness of your remarks?"
+
+"No, my dear. Some do not feel the influence of religion till late
+in life, when their taste has been vitiated, their habits formed,
+and their tempers set; and though it will correct some of the evils
+which they may have contracted, yet it rarely happens that their
+character receives such an amount of refinement as it would have
+done, had they felt its transforming power at an earlier period."
+
+Just at this moment they were startled by a deep groan, that came
+from the wood near which they were standing, and on running to
+afford some assistance to the supposed sufferer, Miss Holmes beheld
+her facetious sister Emma, with a group of young friends, attempting
+to conceal themselves, but who burst out into loud laughter when
+they were discovered.
+
+"What's the matter, girls?"
+
+"Nothing, ladies; O nothing!" said Lucy Cooper, with a suppressed
+smile.
+
+"We were afraid, from the groan we heard, that some one had been
+hurt, or was suddenly taken ill."
+
+"It was only Emma, feigning illness, to disturb you in your grave
+musings."
+
+"O! Emma, I wonder how you could be so foolish! I am glad, however,
+that there is nothing the matter; and I do not regret having been
+disturbed, as it appears to have contributed to your mirth."
+
+"We have just been seeing Mrs. Kent," said Emma, "and she told us
+that you, and I suppose Miss Martin, had been there."
+
+"O what a lovely place!" exclaimed several voices.
+
+"How I should like to live in that beautiful cottage!" said a little
+girl; "I wish grandpapa would buy such a one for me."
+
+"The old lady," said another, "was looking over the Bible you gave
+her when we tapped at the door, and she rose and received us with as
+much grace and ease as though she had been a duchess. She appears to
+be a very contented, nice old woman, and seems to be very religious
+in her way. Is she not, Emma?"
+
+"Yes, she is."
+
+"Aye, she is at a good age to become religious, and she has nothing
+else to engage her attention. I should like to have another talk
+with her."
+
+"We shall be happy to see you, Lucy, at any time," said Miss Holmes;
+"and I think both you and Emma would be all the better for a few
+lessons of staidness and sobriety from Mrs. Kent."
+
+"O yes, I know I should; but as my propensity is to be religious, I
+must check it, or I shall get quite unhappy. It won't do for me to
+associate much with such devout people. I shall be sure to catch the
+infection, from my natural habit of imitation."
+
+Miss Holmes would have made some reply, but the appearance of her
+brothers, and some of the gentlemen from the house, put a stop to
+further conversation.
+
+"Come, ladies," one of them exclaimed, "where have you been rambling
+to all this time? We thought we had lost you. You have forgotten how
+late it is, and we must be off for town in an hour or two."
+
+The youthful party, thus summoned, hastened to the house, where,
+after partaking of tea, the guests prepared to depart, just as the
+moon began to rise. The family then being left alone, drew their
+seats round the fire for a few minutes before they retired to rest,
+and began to talk over the incidents of the day.
+
+"This has been a very happy day," said Mr. Holmes; "for though our
+friends are not all religious people, yet they are very worthy,
+excellent persons."
+
+"It must be a high gratification to you, father," said his eldest
+son, "to see the companions of your youth sitting around your table,
+with your children, and, by mutual intercourse, recalling the early
+scenes and incidents of your career."
+
+"Indeed it is, William; and I hope God has reserved the same
+enjoyment for you all; and that, when I am resting in the grave with
+my fathers, you will think and talk of these gone-by times."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A few days after this, Miss Holmes received the following letter
+from her esteemed friend, Mrs. Loader, which she had been anxiously
+expecting for some time:--
+
+     "_29th Oct., 18--._
+
+     "MY DEAR LOUISA,--I received your letter of ----, and was
+     glad to find that you were so far restored as to be able to
+     occupy yourself in the service of Christian benevolence. The
+     duties which now devolve upon you are no less novel than they
+     are important; and while you may provoke others to scorn by
+     the activity of your zeal, you may sometimes likewise involve
+     yourself in perplexity and mortification. You already begin
+     to feel the loss of the spiritual enjoyments which you so
+     largely participated in when "first you knew the Lord," and you
+     suppose that this is a conclusive evidence of the declining
+     influence of religious principle over your mind; but you ought
+     not to draw such a conclusion. If, dear Louisa, you expect
+     that the realities of the unseen world will always retain that
+     ascendency over your affections which they acquired when you
+     first felt their power, you proceed in your calculations on
+     mistaken data. When you were first impressed by the truth, you
+     were a prisoner--confined in the solitary chamber; you held but
+     little intercourse with the world around you, and your feelings
+     were rendered more susceptible of strong excitement, from the
+     influence which a protracted affliction had imperceptibly
+     acquired over them; but now you are out and abroad--your spirits
+     are braced up by the pressure of calls and engagements, which
+     demand your attention; and you are compelled to engage in the
+     duties and pursuits of social life. Can such a change in your
+     habits take place without having some powerful effect on the
+     state of your affections? Impossible! An active life is less
+     favourable to devotional feeling than a contemplative one; and
+     though I would not throw out a remark which should operate as
+     a discouragement to exertion in the cause of Him who became
+     obedient unto death for us, yet I assure you, that in proportion
+     as the number of your employments increase, you will be deprived
+     of the pleasures of retired devotion, even though the truths of
+     religion retain their ascendency over your judgment, and its
+     holy principles reign in your heart.
+
+     "I have thought it right to make these observations, to guard
+     you against the common error into which young Christians often
+     fall, in supposing that their faith is not genuine, because it
+     does not uniformly act with the same degree of activity and
+     power.
+
+     "That you should, at times, admit the possibility of the entire
+     passing away of your religious convictions and impressions, and
+     should look forward with shuddering dread to the consequences
+     and final issue of such a calamitous event, does not surprise
+     me, neither does it give me any alarm. This is usually one of
+     the earliest mental trials a young disciple has to endure. You
+     say that, notwithstanding the ceaseless terror which agitates
+     your heart, you are moving forward, though slowly, between
+     hope and fear: and if so, you are safe in the right way to the
+     city of habitation, as fear will keep you from presumption,
+     and hope from despair. Yes, my dear Louisa, the harmonious
+     blending of these affections of the soul, will ever prove,
+     in their restraining and sustaining influence, a shield of
+     defence against the subtle temptations of the great adversary,
+     and a well-spring of consolation in the season of gloom and
+     depression. We read, 'The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear
+     him, in those that hope in his mercy' (Psal. cxlvii. 11). But
+     you are unconsciously guilty of a capital error--you think, and
+     feel, and write, as if there were no being in existence who is
+     able to keep you from falling, and who, at the same time, has
+     no personal interest in doing it. Has a father no personal
+     interest in the preservation of the life and happiness of his
+     child? Hear what your heavenly Father says, when speaking to you
+     from the celestial glory--'Can a woman forget her sucking child,
+     that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea,
+     they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have
+     graven thee upon the palms of my hands' (Isa. xlix. 15, 16). Can
+     you suppose that Jesus Christ, after dying to redeem you, will
+     abandon you and leave you to perish, when you are praying--'Lord
+     save me!' He loves his own; and all who come to him to be saved
+     are his own, and none else will come; and when they come, he
+     will in no wise neglect them or cast them out. Meditate often
+     on the following words, which he spoke when on earth to his
+     disciples, and which he has had recorded in the sacred volume,
+     for the consolation of his disciples of all future times--'I
+     pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but
+     that thou shouldest keep them from the evil' (John xvii. 15).
+     You may have great and sore trials in your Christian course--you
+     may be exposed to severe temptations and great moral dangers,
+     but you are safe; HE will not overlook you, or leave you, who
+     gave his life as a ransom for your redemption. Your final
+     salvation depends on no doubtful contingency. It is fixed and
+     certain. And HE who gave his life for you, is now preparing a
+     place for you in heaven--is doing something in your behalf which
+     implies the exercise of power--getting in readiness, as I heard
+     an eloquent preacher remark the other Sabbath, a quiet chamber
+     for the accommodation of his beloved disciple in the house of
+     his Father. And after preparing this mansion, he will not suffer
+     its intended occupant to perish by the way. No; 'My sheep hear
+     my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto
+     them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall
+     any man pluck them out of my hand.' (John x. 27, 28).
+
+     "I am happy that you are intimate with the Corries, who used to
+     be our next-door neighbours when we lived in London. They are
+     a very excellent family, decidedly pious, and very benevolent.
+     They are Christians of the old school--still retain their
+     attachment to the singular phraseology which at one time was
+     much in vogue amongst our evangelical preachers--and have
+     imbibed a few opinions which, I think, need revision.
+
+     "You appear to have had your peace disturbed, and your cheering
+     prospects darkened, by your intercourse with them; but be not
+     alarmed, as the more your faith is tried, the stronger it will
+     grow; and instead of sustaining any injury from the conflicting
+     elements of doubt and suspicion, which threaten to tear it up by
+     the roots, it will strike them still deeper and deeper in that
+     holy soil, in which it is ordained to flourish.
+
+     "Your friends are not singular in their views of the nature of
+     faith, but I do not think that they are correct; and as you have
+     requested me to give you my opinion, I will cheerfully do so.
+     They confound a plenary conviction of the truth of the Christian
+     scheme of salvation, with an assurance of a personal interest
+     in its invaluable blessings. This is the error into which they
+     have fallen, and on the eve of which you are now standing; but
+     it does not require much force of reasoning to show its fallacy.
+     Faith is an assent of the mind to some truth, or some system
+     of truth, which is established by satisfactory evidence. As
+     this assent becomes weaker or stronger, in proportion to the
+     clearness and force of the evidence by which it is produced, a
+     full assurance of faith is that high degree of it which admits
+     of no suspicion. Hence, you are convinced that Jesus Christ came
+     into this world--that he sojourned in the land of Judea--that
+     he performed the miracles which are ascribed to him--that he
+     died on the cross to expiate the guilt of sin--rose from the
+     dead--and is now seated on the right hand of the majesty on
+     high, receiving there the ascriptions of praise from the lips of
+     the redeemed.
+
+     "You want no miracle wrought in your presence to induce you to
+     believe this, because you believe it on the testimony of the
+     inspired writers; nor is it necessary that a voice should speak
+     to you from the celestial glory to confirm it. But though you
+     are fully convinced of these facts, yet you are not so fully
+     convinced that he died _for you_--or that he is gone to heaven
+     to prepare a mansion for you, in the house of his Father.
+     You believe that there is 'redemption through his blood, the
+     forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;' but
+     you sometimes doubt whether _you_ are redeemed and forgiven. You
+     believe that 'he is able to save them to the uttermost that come
+     unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for
+     them;' but you are not fully persuaded that he is interceding
+     for you. You feel your need of such a Saviour; and you know that
+     'all that the Father giveth him shall come to him;' yet you
+     doubt whether the Father ever gave you to Christ, or whether
+     you have ever come unto him in a scriptural manner. You cannot
+     believe the truth of the gospel more firmly than you do believe
+     it--you cannot place a more entire dependence on Christ for
+     salvation than you do place--you cannot feel more disposed to
+     give him all the honour of your salvation than you do feel; and
+     yet, at times, you doubt your acceptance--your safety--and your
+     final blessedness. Does not this clearly prove that faith in
+     Christ, and an assurance of an interest in him, are essentially
+     distinct?
+
+     "Nor can we doubt the correctness of this assertion, if we
+     attend to the order of the Spirit's operations on our mind.
+     He inclines us to believe the truth which he exhibits; and he
+     enables us to do it. 'For he shall not speak of himself; but
+     whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew
+     you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive
+     of mine, and shall shew it unto you; all things that the Father
+     hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine,
+     and shall shew it unto you.' This is his _first_ act; but it is
+     a _later_ act, to bear testimony with our spirit that we are
+     born of God; and as some space of time must necessarily elapse
+     after he has performed the first act, before he performs the
+     second, it is evident that faith may exist in its purity, and
+     in its power, even when there is no assurance of it. Hence it
+     follows, that a person who relies on the atonement of Christ for
+     salvation is as safe, though he live and die without any firm
+     persuasion of his future blessedness, as one who is enabled to
+     rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Indeed, my dear Louisa, I
+     should tremble to make the final happiness of my soul depend,
+     in the slightest degree, on my personal assurance of its safety.
+     This would be nothing less than intermingling a personal
+     attainment with the efficacy of the Saviour's death; and placing
+     my hope of a blissful immortality on the precarious basis of a
+     fluctuating feeling, rather than on that immoveable foundation
+     which God has laid in Zion. If you peruse the biographies of
+     some of the most eminent Christians, you will perceive that
+     during their pilgrimage on earth, they frequently complained
+     of that alternation of feeling which you now experience; and
+     some have been left for days, and for months, to walk in mental
+     darkness without the light of the Divine countenance. Your
+     favourite poet, Cowper, was a man eminently embued with the
+     spirit of Christ; and yet in what a dark and gloomy frame of
+     mind did he leave this world. His biographer says, that within
+     a few days of his decease, after a near relative had been
+     attempting to cheer him with the prospect of exchanging a world
+     of infirmity and sorrow, for a far more exceeding and eternal
+     weight of glory, he threw from him the words of peace, and
+     exclaimed, 'Oh, spare me! spare me! You know, you _know_ it to
+     be false.' Having given utterance to this despairing language,
+     he sunk into a state of apparent insensibility, in which state
+     he continued for twelve hours, and then expired without moving a
+     limb, or even uttering a moan. Thus terminated the mortal career
+     of one of the greatest poets that ever consecrated the powers
+     of his mind to the cause of Christ: entering death's dark vale
+     without a ray of light to cheer him in his lonely passage.
+
+     "But shall we say that he died without faith, because he
+     died without an assurance that he possessed it? Would not
+     such an opinion necessarily tend to destroy our confidence
+     in the sufficiency of the atonement of Christ, by making our
+     final happiness depend on the peculiar frame of our mind in
+     that solemn hour, when some latent physical cause may bring
+     over the spirit a gloom which no human effort can dispel? If
+     we _trust_ in Christ, we shall be saved; and though we may
+     sometimes doubt the genuine nature of our act of faith, yet
+     that circumstance will not endanger either our present safety
+     or our future blessedness. Indeed, I have known some most
+     exemplary Christians, who have trembled to speak with confidence
+     of attaining the recompense of reward. Removed at an equal
+     distance from the dread of perishing and an _assurance_ of being
+     saved, they have been enabled to cherish and display those
+     dispositions and principles which have satisfied their judgment
+     of their safety, without affording an entire relief to all their
+     anxieties.
+
+     "But though, my dear Louisa, an assurance of your interest in
+     Christ is not essential to your salvation, yet it is essential
+     to your happiness. You cannot doubt it, without feeling a deep
+     pang; and if you should habitually doubt it, you will live in a
+     state of perpetual dejection. I urge you, then, to attain it in
+     the spring-time of your experience; or you may accustom yourself
+     to feel more inclined to cherish, than to expel despondency.
+     'Wherefore,' says the apostle, 'give all diligence to make
+     your calling and election sure.' And that you may attain this
+     assurance of hope, which will be as an anchor of the soul
+     during the perils and conflicts of time, look up, by faith and
+     prayer, to the invisible Source of all consolation and joy; ever
+     remembering that 'the Spirit itself beareth witness with our
+     spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then
+     heirs; heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ' (Rom. viii. 16,
+     17). This witnessing testimony is as necessary to superinduce
+     this assurance, as the precious blood of Christ is necessary to
+     remove the guilt of sin. Never forget this.
+
+     "And if you should not immediately attain a full assurance
+     of your interest in Christ, do not suffer your mind to be
+     overwhelmed with anxiety; as this is an attainment which belongs
+     to the more advanced Christian, rather than to the young
+     disciple. It will not come at once by an overpowering force,
+     driving away every gloomy fear, and throwing open before you
+     a clear prospect of a blissful immortality, but gradually, at
+     intermitting seasons, weakening the strength of your doubts, and
+     strengthening the weakness of your faith; till at length the God
+     of hope will fill you with all joy and peace in believing. I was
+     much struck with a paragraph in a devotional treatise which I
+     recently perused, and which I here quote--'Great consolation
+     is often received at different seasons, even during the period
+     when our general feelings are intermingled with dark and painful
+     forebodings. Hence, the weakest believer sometimes returns from
+     the closet, and from the sanctuary, strong in faith, though he
+     may again relapse into his more stated frame of despondency.
+     The clouds occasionally separate, to enable him to view the Sun
+     of Righteousness, and feel the healing virtue of his presence,
+     though they may again unite to obscure his vision, and leave him
+     to grope on his 'darkling way.' These intermitting seasons of
+     darkness and light, of high enjoyment and deep dejection, have
+     a salutary effect, and serve to prepare him for that state of
+     settled assurance, which, in fact, they tend in some measure to
+     produce.'
+
+     "As I have so far exceeded the ordinary bounds of a letter, I
+     shall not enter on the other very important questions to which
+     you refer in your last; but will do it at some future period.
+     It gives us great pleasure to hear that you have such an
+     excellent minister near you, and though he preaches in a chapel
+     which does not belong to our Establishment, yet, if he preach
+     Christ and him crucified, I have no doubt you will enjoy his
+     labours. The feet of the messenger that publisheth peace, are
+     no less beautiful on the mountains, than in the city; and his
+     proclamation is as interesting to the self-condemned sinner,
+     when delivered in the unconsecrated chapel, as in the majestic
+     cathedral; and though we may retain our partialities to forms
+     and places, yet, if we ever suffer our prejudices to deprive us
+     of our spiritual privileges, we shall be guilty of a suicidal
+     act against both our peace and steadfastness in the faith.
+
+     "The account which you have given me of your sisters has
+     awakened an opposite class of feelings in my breast. Emma, I
+     fear, is under some fatal influence which you have not yet
+     detected, and will, unless subdued by the loving-kindness of God
+     our Saviour, devote herself to the pleasures of the world. Her
+     beauty has made her vain, and the versatility of her talents
+     is a snare to her. You must watch over her with great care,
+     and pray that He who called _you_ out of darkness into his
+     marvellous light, would be pleased to renew her in the spirit of
+     her mind. Jane is a lovely girl. She has an elegant mind, and if
+     the good work is begun in her heart, she will be an interesting
+     companion to you. Let me hear from you as soon as you can spare
+     a few moments from your numerous engagements, and believe me,
+     yours affectionately,
+
+     E. LOADER."
+
+
+
+
+FAMILY SKETCHES.
+
+
+In a large family we often find that some of the children discover
+a peculiar aversion to the religious habits which prevail amongst
+them. Though the primary cause of this hostility may be traced
+up to the depravity of our nature, yet we ought not to overlook
+the secondary causes which may have contributed to its growth and
+manifestation. For though there is an innate propensity to evil
+in the heart, and though that propensity is much stronger in some
+than in others, yet it rarely breaks through the barriers which a
+judicious course of instruction throws up, unless it is brought into
+contact with strong temptations, which _might_ have been guarded
+against. Hence most pious parents, when mourning over the impiety
+of their children, have to reproach themselves for some omissions
+or compliances which have directly or indirectly tended to produce
+the evil, and which very naturally lead to a fatal indifference
+or open hostility to the claims of religion, which no subsequent
+remonstrances are able to correct or control.
+
+This was the case in the family of the Holmes. Miss Emma was a
+beautiful girl. Her manners were exceedingly graceful. She was
+witty and satirical in her disposition, and from her childhood gave
+unequivocal proofs that she required more than ordinary attention
+in the cultivation of her mind and the formation of her character.
+From the superior vivacity of her spirits, the playfulness of
+her fancy, and her intellectual acuteness, she gained a powerful
+ascendency over the affections of her parents, who, trusting too
+much to the maturity of her judgment for the correction of budding
+ills, paid less regard to the formation of her habits than they had
+done with their other children. The partiality for dress, which she
+discovered when a child, increased as she grew up, till at length
+she lavished nearly the whole of her attention on her external
+appearance. After having spent a few years in the establishment
+where her elder sisters had finished their education, she was
+sent, at the age of sixteen, to a fashionable boarding-school,
+in which too much attention was paid to mere personal graces and
+accomplishments. It was here that she formed an intimacy with the
+daughter of Colonel Orme, who resided near the Elms, and which
+proved a source of poignant sorrow to all the members of her family.
+After leaving school, she was permitted by her unsuspecting parents
+to exchange visits with her young friend, who was, by the influence
+of her sentiments and example, gradually destroying that reverence
+for the authority of religion, and that attachment to its practices,
+which they were so anxious to cherish and to strengthen. Miss Holmes
+saw with deep regret the fatal bias which her sister's mind was
+receiving; and though she availed herself of every opportunity which
+circumstances offered to check and subdue it, yet she constantly met
+with determined resistance.
+
+"Indeed," said Emma, after her sister had been urging her to return
+some novels which her friend had sent for her perusal, "I shall not
+do it till I have read them. They are amusing and interesting; and
+if they contain any objectionable sentiments, I can easily reject
+them."
+
+"Yes, they may amuse and may interest, but they will not improve
+your mind. They will give you false views of nature and the
+world--imperceptibly reconcile you to sentiments and opinions at
+which you would now shudder--induce such a love for the marvellous
+and romantic that you will be dissatisfied with the dull uniformity
+of life, and destroy all the religious impressions which our dear
+parents have been so anxious to produce."
+
+"When I feel the injury to which you allude I will give them up, but
+till then you must permit me to follow my own inclination without
+control. I am old enough to judge for myself."
+
+Whether the varieties which are apparent in the human character are
+to be traced up to the different methods employed in its formation,
+or to some inherent peculiarity in the constitution of the mind, is
+a much vexed question amongst philosophers. Education and example no
+doubt exercise a most material influence, but they do not operate in
+a uniform manner, as we have known the most opposite characters rise
+out of the same family. To account for this, unless on the principle
+that there is some inherent propensity in our nature, which gives
+to each person an individuality of character, would be extremely
+difficult, if not impossible, as we should naturally expect a
+uniformity of result where the same means are taken to secure it,
+unless there be some latent cause by which this is prevented. Hence
+some of the most improved systems of education make provision
+for a difference in the style of instruction, and in the mode of
+treatment, to accord with the natural temper and inclination of the
+pupil; supposing, that by such a judicious arrangement, his moral
+and intellectual improvement may be more effectually advanced.
+
+But how often does even this method fail of accomplishing its
+intended effect; as we see the children of a large family
+discovering a diversity in their taste--their disposition--and their
+habits--no less striking than they would have done, if no wisdom
+or discretion had been employed in their cultivation. Meekness
+and irritability--an affable demeanour, and a proud hauteur--a
+placidness and tenderness of disposition, and a violence and
+resentment of spirit--a love of display, and a native modesty which
+withdraws from public notice--a passion for some individual pursuit,
+and a restlessness which no object can fix--are the moral lights and
+shadows which often fall on the members of the same family, giving
+that variety of hue and tinge which we discover in the aspect of the
+natural world.
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Holmes, in their plan of domestic government,
+endeavoured to do three things--to attach their children to their
+own home; to encourage them to repose unlimited confidence in
+their parents; and to train them to cultivate pure and ardent love
+for each other. By the adoption of these maxims, they displayed
+their good sense and parental regard; as it is uniformly found,
+that when a child outgrows his love for his father's house, he has
+lost the sheet-anchor of his safety; that if he have not free and
+unrestricted access to his parents, he will become suspicious of,
+and estranged from them; and that if he feel no peculiar pleasure in
+the society and interest in the welfare of the other branches of the
+family, he will cherish a jealous and envious disposition, not more
+destructive of their happiness than of his own.
+
+When speaking of the excellencies which so finely budded on the
+opening character of some of their children, they often expressed
+their regret at the unpromising appearances of others; yet indulged
+the hope that they would outgrow their "flaws unseemly," and
+ultimately display, not only the strength of reason, but the beauty
+of virtue. As they advanced from childhood to youth, and from
+youth to riper years, they gradually developed the peculiarities
+of their tempers and dispositions, which were so dissimilar, that
+no uniform mode of discipline could be adopted with any chance
+of proving beneficial. Mr. Holmes was too much occupied in his
+commercial affairs, to pay any great attention to his children
+while they were young, and, therefore, the chief responsibility
+of their education devolved on their mother, who, feeling anxious
+to discharge the trust reposed in her, availed herself of all the
+information which she could acquire. The following paragraph,
+which she met with in a favourite author, gave her an insight into
+the art of a judicious management. It inspired her with a good
+hope respecting those who appeared the most unpromising, because
+the most untractable:--"A discriminating teacher will appreciate
+the individual character of each pupil, in order to appropriate
+her management. We must strengthen the feeble, while we repel the
+bold. We cannot educate by a _receipt_: for after studying the best
+rules, and after digesting them into the best system, much must
+depend on contingent circumstances; for that which is good may
+be inapplicable. The cultivator of the human mind must, like the
+gardener, study diversities of soil, or he may plant diligently,
+and water faithfully, with little fruit. The skilful labourer knows
+that, even when the surface is not particularly promising, there is
+often a rough, strong ground, which will amply repay the trouble of
+breaking it up; yet we are often most taken with a soft surface,
+though it conceal a shallow depth, because it promises present
+reward and little trouble. But strong and pertinacious tempers,
+of which, perhaps, obstinacy is the leading vice, under skilful
+management, often turn out steady and sterling characters; while,
+from softer clay, a firm and vigorous virtue is but seldom produced.
+Pertinacity is often principle, which wants nothing but to be led
+to its true object; while the uniformly yielding, and universally
+accommodating spirit, is not seldom the result of a feeble tone of
+morals, of a temper eager for praise, and acting for reward."
+
+It is often remarked, that children are men and women in
+miniature; and as they grow up to their full stature, we often
+see them exhibiting, in broader and more palpable development,
+the excellencies and defects of their juvenile character; but
+when they are subjected to the operation of extraordinary causes,
+they sometimes undergo an entire transformation, and become new
+creatures. The most hopeless turn out the most valuable--those who
+have inflicted the most pungent sorrow ultimately become the source
+of the purest delight--the prematurely promising have faded in the
+spring-time vigour of their virtue--and those who have been endowed
+with the greatest talents have brought down the gray hairs of their
+parents with sorrow to the grave.
+
+The eldest sons of this family, William and Edward, who succeeded
+to the business when the father retired, had turned out everything
+their parents could wish, but presented no prominent traits of
+character, beyond that of well-conducted, pious young men. The
+youngest son, John, who was devoted to the medical profession,
+possessed more adroitness and vivacity than his brothers; but either
+from the laxity of parental control, or the peculiar connections
+which his pursuits in life led him to form, he disappointed the high
+expectations which he had raised, and eventually became the source
+of domestic grief. He was greatly attached to his sister Emma, whom
+he most nearly resembled, not only in person, but in disposition;
+and having imbibed sceptical notions on religious subjects, soon
+after he commenced his professional studies, he infused them into
+her mind, and thus did her great injury. There was an unobtrusive
+modesty about Jane, which naturally induced her to retire from
+public notice, and rendered her fully appreciated only by her more
+intimate friends; while Emma's good qualities were unfortunately,
+to a great extent, obscured by her inordinate vanity and desire of
+admiration. The love of dress, as already mentioned, early took
+possession of her mind, and her parents injudiciously nourished this
+passion, by allowing her to do as she pleased in this respect, not
+conceiving that by such a compliance she would sustain any moral
+injury. But they lived to see and deplore their error.
+
+"It is a just remark," says an excellent writer, "that objects
+in their own nature innocent, and entitled to notice, may become
+the sources of disadvantage and of guilt; when, being raised from
+the rank of trifles to ideal importance, they occupy a share of
+attention which they do not deserve; and then they are pursued
+with an immoderate ardour, which at once indisposes the mind
+to occupations of higher concern, and clouds it with malignant
+emotions." Perhaps there is no subject which will more strikingly
+illustrate the correctness of this remark, than that passion for
+fashionable attire by which some are enslaved. "If, in addition
+to that reasonable degree of regard to propriety of dress, which
+insures the strictest neatness, and a modest conformity, in
+unobjectionable points, to the authority of custom, a young woman
+permits her thoughts to be frequently engaged by the subject of
+exterior ornaments, occupations of moment will be proportionably
+neglected. From the complacency natural to all human beings, when
+employed in contemplating objects by means of which the flattering
+hope of shining is presented to them, she will be in the most
+imminent danger of contracting a distaste to serious reflection,
+and of being at length absorbed in the delusions of vanity and
+self-love. It is, undoubtedly, a matter of indifference, whether a
+lady's ribands be green or blue; whether her head be decorated with
+flowers or with feathers; whether her gown be composed of muslin
+or of silk. But it is no matter of indifference, whether the time
+which she devotes to the determination of any of these points is
+to be reckoned by hours or by minutes; or whether, on discovering
+the elevation of her bonnet to be an inch higher or lower, and
+its tint a shade lighter or darker, than the model which prevails
+among her acquaintance, she is overwhelmed with consternation and
+disappointment, or bears the calamity with the apathy of a stoic."
+
+The love of dress, like every other improper affection, has a
+material influence over the formation of the character; and though
+it operates by a silent process, yet it is invariably found to have
+a pernicious tendency. It induces habits of expenditure, which are
+often beyond the resources of the individual; saps the foundation
+of morals, and involves in inextricable difficulties. Bills are
+left unpaid, and every excuse and apology which ingenuity and
+artifice can devise, is employed to silence the remonstrances of the
+creditor--whom the debtor avoids with an instinctive dread, no less
+sensitive than the child does the place supposed to be haunted by an
+evil spirit.
+
+But, if the resources are sufficient to satisfy the demands of
+justice, has benevolence no claim on the female sex? "The fact
+is, that an unguarded fondness for ornament has been known, in
+a multitude of examples, to overpower the natural tenderness of
+the female mind, and to prevent the growth and establishment of
+dispositions pronounced in the gospel to be indispensably requisite
+to the Christian character. If the purse be generally kept low by
+the demands of milliners, of mantua-makers, dealers in trinkets, and
+of others who bear their part in adorning the person, little can be
+allotted to the applications of charity. But charity requires, in
+common with other virtues, the fostering influence of habit. If the
+custom of devoting an adequate portion of the income to the relief
+of distress be long intermitted, the desire of giving relief will
+gradually be impaired. The heart forgets, by disuse, the emotions in
+which it once delighted. The ear turns from solicitations now become
+unwelcome. In proportion as the wants and the griefs of others are
+disregarded, the spirit of selfishness strikes deeper and stronger
+roots in the breast. Let the generous exertions of kindness be
+tempered with discretion: but let a disposition to those exertions
+be encouraged on principles of duty; and confirmed, in proportion
+to the ability of the individual, by frequency of practice. Before
+the world has repressed, by its interested lessons, the warmth of
+youthful benevolence, let experience establish a conviction that
+the greatest of all pleasures is to do good. She who has accustomed
+herself to this delight, will not easily be induced to forego it.
+She will feel, that whatever she is able, without penuriousness
+or improper singularity, to withdraw from the expense of personal
+ornament, is not only reserved for much higher purposes, but for
+purposes productive of exquisite and permanent gratification.
+
+"Another, and a very important benefit which results from fixed
+habits of moderation as to dress, and all points of a similar
+nature, will be clearly discerned by adverting to the irreparable
+evils into which young women are sometimes plunged by the contrary
+practice. The lavish indulgence in which they have learned to seek
+for happiness, becoming, in their estimation, essential to their
+comfort, is able to bias their conduct in every important step.
+Hence, in forming matrimonial connections, it exercises perhaps a
+secret, but a very powerful influence. The prospect of wealth and
+magnificence, of the continuance and of the increase of pleasures
+supposed to flow from the pomp of dress and equipage, from sumptuous
+mansions, showy furniture, and numerous attendants, dazzles the
+judgment, imposes on the affections, conceals many defects in moral
+character, and compensates for others. It frequently proves the
+decisive circumstance which leads the deluded victim to the altar,
+there to consign herself to splendid misery for life.
+
+"There are yet other consequences which attend an immoderate passion
+for the embellishments of dress. When the mind is fixed upon objects
+which derive their chief value from administering to vanity and the
+love of admiration, the aversion, which almost every individual of
+either sex is prone to feel towards a rival, is particularly called
+forth. And when objects attainable so easily as exterior ornaments
+occupy the heart, there will be rivals without number. Hence, it is
+not uncommon to see neighbouring young women engaged in a constant
+state of petty warfare with each other. To vie in ostentatiousness,
+in costliness, or in elegance of apparel--to be distinguished by
+novel inventions in personal decoration--to gain the earliest
+intelligence respecting changes of fashion in the metropolis--to
+detect, in the attire of a luckless competitor, traces of a mode
+which for six weeks has been obsolete in high life--these frequently
+are the points of excellence to which the force of female genius is
+directed. In the meantime, while the mask of friendship is worn,
+and the language of regard is on the tongue, indifference, disgust,
+and envy are gradually taking possession of the breast; until, at
+length, the unworthy contest, prolonged for years under habits
+of dissimilation, by which neither of the parties are deceived,
+terminates in the violence of an open rupture.
+
+"The Scriptures have spoken so plainly and so strongly respecting
+solicitude about dress, that I cannot quit the subject without a
+special reference to their authority. Our Saviour, in one of his
+most solemn discourses, warns his followers against anxiety as to
+'wherewithal they should be clothed,' in a manner particularly
+emphatic, classing that anxiety with the despicable pursuits
+of those who are studious 'what they shall eat, and what they
+shall drink;' and by pronouncing all such cares to be among the
+characteristics by which the heathens were distinguished. It
+ought to be observed, that these admonitions of Christ respect men
+no less than women. The apostle Paul speaks pointedly concerning
+female dress, saying--'I will, in like manner also, that women adorn
+themselves in modest apparel, with shame-facedness and sobriety:
+not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but,
+which becometh women professing godliness, with good works.' In
+another passage, St. Peter also speaks expressly of the female
+sex: and primarily of married women, but in terms applicable with
+equal propriety to the single--'Whose adorning, let it not be that
+outward adorning of plaiting the hair and of wearing of gold, and of
+putting on of apparel. But let it be the hidden man of the heart'
+(the inward frame and disposition of the mind), 'in that which is
+not corruptible; even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit,
+which is in the sight of God of great price.' It would be too much
+to assert, on the one hand, that it was the intention of either
+of the apostles, in giving these directions, to proscribe the use
+of the particular kinds of personal ornament which he specifies;
+but, on the other hand, it was unquestionably the design of both,
+to proscribe whatever may justly be styled solicitude respecting
+any kind of personal decoration; and to censure those who, instead
+of resting their claim to approbation solely on the tempers of the
+soul, in any degree, should ambitiously seek to be noticed and
+praised for exterior embellishments, as deviating precisely in
+that degree from the simplicity and the purity of the Christian
+character."
+
+The young ladies of the Holmes family, were allowed a stated income
+to meet their current expenditure, besides receiving occasional
+presents. One custom prevailed in this family, which the writer
+hopes will never become extinct amongst us, as it belongs so
+appropriately to the English character. The birthdays, especially
+those of the parents, were duly celebrated, and an interchange of
+presents made between the members of the family. On the occasion
+of the recurrence of Mr. Holmes' birthday, which took place a few
+weeks after the party referred to in the foregoing chapter, the
+usual compliment of presents was made in the morning; and in the
+afternoon, after the old gentleman's health, and many happy returns
+of the day, had been drunk with due honours, he presented to each of
+his daughters an envelope, containing a bank note for £20.
+
+In the evening, as the young ladies were taking their walk, their
+conversation turned on the unexpected liberality of their father,
+when Emma asked her sisters what they intended to purchase.
+
+"I intend," said Jane, "to purchase my freedom."
+
+"Your freedom, my dear!" said the facetious Emma; "I did not know
+that you were in bondage to any man; but if you are, surely you do
+not think of offering to pay him for your liberty?"
+
+"I am not," replied Jane, "in bondage to _any man_."
+
+"No! To whom then?"
+
+"To woman kind!"
+
+"Woman! What! Woman enslave her own sex!"
+
+"Even so."
+
+"What woman are you in bondage to?"
+
+"The mantua-maker! Here are the fetters of my captivity (exhibiting
+the undischarged bills), which I will now go and break asunder, and
+hope never more to wear them."
+
+"You are to be commended, my dear," said Miss Holmes, "and I hope
+Emma will follow your example; for, with our liberal allowance, and
+the presents we receive, we ought to have something to spare to the
+claims of religion and benevolence, rather than have the disgrace of
+unpaid bills lying in our drawers."
+
+"Indeed," Emma replied, "I think Papa gives away quite enough
+to purchase our redemption from the taxes of charity. When I am
+settled in life, it is my intention to appropriate a regular sum to
+charitable purposes, but now I cannot afford it. We must be just
+before we are generous."
+
+"On that maxim I shall act," said Jane; "I will discharge my debts
+as an act of justice, and then I shall have it in my power to be
+generous to the poor and needy."
+
+"I have no doubt, Emma," remarked Miss Holmes, "that you are
+sincere in your proposed intentions respecting your future
+charities; but I suspect, if you go upon the principle of waiting
+till you are rich, you will never have anything to give. You must
+know, dear Emma, if you reflect on the subject, that you are
+now forming your habits for life--giving to your principles and
+propensities a fixed and changeless tendency; and is it not of great
+importance that you should begin now to cultivate the virtues of
+charity and self-denial?"
+
+"It may be so, but there is no rule without an exception; and as
+your habits and mine, dear sister, are so dissimilar, you cannot
+expect that I can follow your example in all things."
+
+"Then, my dear, follow the example of Jane, and you will feel more
+at ease; and you will have the satisfaction of knowing that those
+you are indebted to are not distressed by the want of the money you
+owe them."
+
+"Indeed, I am at ease. They charge enough, for the few articles I
+purchase, to allow me to take a long credit."
+
+"That is very true. They charge in proportion to the length of
+credit they give; and hence, you pay such an exorbitant price for
+your dress. You impoverish yourself by the very method you employ in
+expending your money; and never have the satisfaction of being free
+from the pressing claims of dress-makers and milliners. Thus you
+deny yourself the noble gratification of relieving the necessities
+of others; for when an appeal is made to your benevolence, you are
+obliged to resist it, because you have previously exhausted your
+resources."
+
+"You reason admirably, dear sister, and I shall not forget your
+observations; but I must get a new dress, as I have worn my old one
+so long. I will spare something out of the next present Papa gives
+me. I hope this will satisfy you, as you know I always keep my word."
+
+It is, generally, in the more private occurrences of domestic life,
+that the peculiarities of the human mind are developed; and events,
+trivial in themselves, often acquire a degree of importance from
+the indications of character which they exhibit. The bestowment
+of a birthday present, was an expression of paternal regard, but
+what different dispositions and tendencies did it call forth, and
+what a different moral effect did it produce!--Miss Holmes devoted
+a portion of her present to the claims of charity and religion, and
+with part of the remainder, she purchased a silver snuff-box, which
+she presented to her father, with a few appropriate verses. Jane,
+who had been enticed into extravagance by following the example of
+her sister Emma, went and discharged her debts; while Emma, after
+ordering her dress, and paying a sum towards her previous account,
+took a fancy to a beautiful shawl, and ordered it to be sent to the
+Elms, and in this way got deeper in debt than she had been before.
+
+
+
+
+AMUSEMENTS.
+
+
+Miss Orme, the friend of Emma Holmes, accepted an invitation to
+spend a few weeks at the Elms, and being aware of the religious
+habits of the family, she resolved to conform to them with the
+most scrupulous exactness. When she played, she generally selected
+sacred music, as a compliment to the taste of her pious friends; and
+even condescended to accompany them to chapel, though she avowed
+her decided preference for the forms and ceremonies of the Church.
+She was naturally of a very pliable disposition, and had she been
+under a different course of moral training, she might have devoted
+her attention to the claims of religion; but being surrounded by
+the fascinations of gay life, and taught to regard the pursuit of
+pleasure as the chief end of her existence, she became one of the
+most zealous devotees that ever bowed down at the shrine of fashion.
+She possessed an intelligent mind; but the books she read, and
+the subjects on which she generally conversed, had a tendency to
+impair its strength, and to keep it from ranging in the field of
+useful knowledge. She was rather shrewd, and would sometimes make a
+reply, or give a turn to an observation with considerable effect;
+but her resources were soon exhausted, and she would fall back into
+a state of ennui, unless the conversation related to the fashions
+or the amusements of the day, and then she would speak with great
+fluency and animation. In her disposition, she was so good-natured
+and amiable, that she would bear reproof with the utmost degree of
+mildness, but never thought of amending her ways; would acknowledge
+herself in the wrong, when it was pointed out to her, yet persisted
+in its practice; and often confessed that she had no doubt but
+a religious life was most acceptable to our Maker, yet as often
+expressed her astonishment that any young person could think of
+becoming religious.
+
+As Mr. Holmes could not conscientiously suffer his daughters to
+attend any of the public amusements to which society devotes such a
+considerable portion of its time, he endeavoured to compensate for
+the loss of such sources of gratification, by making them happy in
+their home; and by treating them with occasional excursions, where
+they might enjoy a change of air and of scenery, without running the
+risk of sustaining any moral injury. To gratify her friend, Emma had
+persuaded her father to take them to Windsor, where they were to
+spend one night, and return the following day; but there had been
+so much rain in the early part of the morning, and it continued to
+descend in such torrents, that they were obliged to postpone their
+visit. This disappointment was borne with great cheerfulness by all
+but Miss Orme, who felt it to be a most irksome burden, and said
+more than once during the day, "What a misfortune that Providence
+should allow it to rain to-day, when, I suppose, he knew we were
+going to Windsor!"
+
+"Why, perhaps," said Mr. Holmes, "he has sent the rain to prevent
+some calamitous accident."
+
+"Dear Sir, do you think he ever pays any attention to us, and such
+little things as a pleasure excursion?"
+
+"Yes, most certainly. Our Saviour says--'Are not two sparrows sold
+for a farthing? and not one of them shall fall to the ground without
+your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.'"
+
+"Then of course it is so, but it never struck me before. I always
+thought that God looked after other worlds and their inhabitants,
+and that he left us to our fate."
+
+"You forget the first petition in the Lord's Prayer--'_Our Father_,
+who art in heaven.' A kind father--and God is love--pays great
+attention to his children."
+
+"Exactly so, Sir, but it never struck me before."
+
+As she was sauntering up and down the house, leaning on the arm of
+Emma, bitterly deploring the continued descent of the rain, which
+precluded the hope of their getting out of doors, she broke in upon
+Miss Holmes, busily engaged in finishing a dress for a poor woman,
+who was daily expecting the birth of her firstborn.
+
+"I beg your pardon, Miss Holmes, for this act of intrusion. We are
+sauntering away dull time."
+
+"Walk in, and I will give you some employment."
+
+"Indeed, I am not fit for work. This is one of the dullest days
+of my life. I wish the rain was over and gone. Is it not a great
+misfortune that it should come to-day?"
+
+"Perhaps, my dear Miss Orme, it is sent by our heavenly Father to
+prevent some greater misfortune."
+
+"That's what your Papa has just been telling us. What a striking
+coincidence between his sentiments and yours! They are new ideas to
+me. Very devout and proper."
+
+"Sister is Papa's living echo," remarked Emma.
+
+"As you two idlers," said Miss Holmes, "have nothing to do but
+saunter away time, perhaps (addressing Miss Orme) you would have no
+objection to read, it may prove a little relief to your dulness."
+
+There were several books lying on the table, which she carelessly
+examined and closed, when Emma said, "Here is one which you have
+not seen." She took it, read the title--_An Inquiry into the Duties
+of the Female Sex_. "A learned dissertation, I have no doubt, on
+woman. I wonder what he says. He has, I see, a chapter on the
+employment of time; shall I read that, Miss Holmes?"
+
+"If you please."
+
+"Time is a sacred trust consigned to us by the Creator of the
+universe. To use it well is a lesson which duty and reason concur
+to suggest. The duration of the period to be confided to our
+management, though predetermined in the counsels of Omniscience,
+is undisclosed to the individual concerned, and is placed beyond
+the reach of calculation; that uncertainty respecting the future
+may operate as a continual and powerful admonition wisely to employ
+the present hour. Would you perceive the ingratitude and folly of
+squandering so precious a deposit? Reflect on the gracious purposes
+for the accomplishment of which it is committed to you. Reflect how
+plainly incompatible a habit of squandering it is, with the frame
+of mind which is the fruit of Christianity. Reflect on the infinite
+importance which you will hereafter attach to time past, when the
+consequences flowing from the right or wrong use of it, will be
+discerned and felt by you in their full extent."
+
+"This is too grave a subject for me," said Miss Orme. "It will just
+add to the load of melancholy on my mind, which is already oppressed
+beyond endurance by the horrid gloom of the weather. I am fond of
+reading, but I prefer the lighter productions of the press." She
+closed the book and was taking up another, when Miss Holmes said,
+"You will oblige me by reading another paragraph in that chapter,
+which may prove advantageous to you, even though it may not exactly
+accord with your present taste."
+
+"Certainly, if you wish it."
+
+"To every woman, whether single or married, the habit of regularly
+allotting to improving books a portion of each day, and, as far
+as may be practicable, at stated hours, cannot be too strongly
+recommended. I use the term _improving_ in a large sense; as
+comprehending all writings which may contribute to her virtue,
+her usefulness, and her innocent gratification--to her happiness
+in this world and in the next. She who believes that she is to
+survive in another state of being through eternity, and is duly
+impressed by the awful conviction, will fix, day by day, her most
+serious thoughts on the inheritance to which she aspires. Where the
+treasure is, there will her heart be also. She will not be seduced
+from an habitual study of the Holy Scriptures, and of other works
+calculated to imprint on her mind the comparatively small importance
+of the pains and pleasures of this period of existence; and to
+fill her with that knowledge, and inspire her with those views and
+dispositions, which may lead her to delight in the present service
+of her Maker, and enable her to rejoice in the contemplation of
+futurity. At other seasons, let history, let biography, let poetry,
+or some of the various branches of elegant and profitable knowledge,
+pay their tribute of instruction and amusement. But let whatever
+she peruses in her most private hours be such as she needs not to
+be ashamed of reading aloud to those whose good opinion she is most
+anxious to deserve. Let her remember that there is an all-seeing
+eye, which is ever fixed upon her, even in her closest retirement.
+Let her not indulge herself in the frequent perusal of writings,
+however interesting in their nature, however eminent in a literary
+point of view, which are likely to inflame pride, and to inspire
+false notions of generosity, of feeling, of spirit, or of any other
+quality. Such, unhappily, are the effects to be apprehended from
+the works even of several of our distinguished writers, in prose
+and in verse. And let her accustom herself regularly to bring the
+sentiments which she reads, and the conduct which is described in
+terms, more or less strong, of applause and recommendation, to the
+test of Christian principles. In proportion as this practice is
+pursued or neglected, reading will be profitable or pernicious."
+
+"Now, really, my dear Miss Holmes," said Miss Orme, stopping short,
+"I cannot go on with such reading. Have you nothing in the shape
+of a novel? I can take an interest in _that_. You object to such
+compositions, I believe?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"But why, when they display so much ingenuity, are so delightful,
+and have such a good moral tendency?"
+
+"I cannot reply to your present remark in more forcible language
+than the writer has done, whose book you hold in your hand, and if
+you will permit me I will read an extract."
+
+"Very well," replied Miss Orme, with a yawn.
+
+"Works of this nature not unfrequently deserve the praise of
+ingenuity of plan and contrivance, of accurate and well-supported
+discrimination of character, and of force and elegance of language.
+Some of them have professedly been composed with a design to favour
+the interests of morality. And among those which are deemed to
+have, on the whole, a moral tendency, a very few, perhaps, might
+be selected, which are not liable to the disgraceful charge of
+being occasionally contaminated by incidents and passions unfit
+to be represented to the reader. This charge, however, may so
+very generally be alleged with justice, that even of the novels
+which possess high and established reputation, by far the greater
+number is totally improper, in consequence of such admixture, to
+be perused by the eye of delicacy. Poor indeed are the services
+rendered to virtue by a writer, however he may boast that the
+object of his performance is to exhibit the vicious as infamous
+and unhappy, who, in tracing the progress of vice to infamy and
+unhappiness, introduces the readers to scenes and language adapted
+to wear away the quick feelings of modesty, which form at once
+the ornament and safeguard of innocence; and, like the bloom upon
+a plum, if once effaced, commonly disappear for ever. To indulge
+in a practice of reading novels is, in several other particulars,
+liable to produce mischievous effects. Such compositions are, to
+most people, extremely engaging. That story must be singularly
+barren, or wretchedly told, of which, having heard the beginning, we
+desire not to know the end. To the pleasure of learning the ultimate
+fortunes of the heroes and heroines of the tale, the novel commonly
+adds, in a greater or less degree, that which arises from animated
+description, from lively dialogue, or from interesting sentiment.
+Hence, the perusal of one publication of this class leads, with much
+more frequency than is the case with respect to works of other kinds
+(except, perhaps, of dramatic writings, to which most of the present
+remarks may be transferred), to the speedy perusal of another.
+Thus a habit is formed--a habit at first, perhaps, of limited
+indulgence--but a habit that is continually found more formidable
+and more encroaching. The appetite becomes too keen to be denied;
+and in proportion as it is more urgent, grows less nice and select
+in its fare. What would formerly have given offence now gives none.
+The palate is vitiated or made dull. The produce of the book-club,
+and the contents of the circulating library, are devoured with
+indiscriminate and insatiable avidity. Hence, the mind is secretly
+corrupted. Let it be observed too, that in exact correspondence
+with the increase of a passion for reading novels, an aversion to
+reading of a more improving nature will gather strength. Even in
+the class of novels least objectionable in point of delicacy, false
+sentiment unfitting the mind for sober life, applause and censure
+distributed amiss, morality estimated by an erroneous standard, and
+the capricious laws and empty sanctions of honour set up in the
+place of religion, are the lessons usually presented. There is yet
+another consequence too important to be overlooked. The catastrophe
+and the incidents of these fictitious narratives commonly turn on
+the vicissitudes and effects of a passion, the most powerful which
+agitates the human heart. Hence, the study of them frequently
+creates a susceptibility of impression, and a premature warmth of
+tender emotions, which, not to speak of other possible effects, have
+been known to betray young women into a sudden attachment to persons
+unworthy of their affection, and thus to hurry them into marriages
+terminating in unhappiness."
+
+"He reasons excellently well against such books; but to be candid,
+dear Miss Holmes, and I know you idolize candour, I must confess I
+am rather partial to them. They serve to beguile away the tedious
+hours of unoccupied time, and remove us to an enchanted land where
+we forget the mortifications of life. Then they often enable us to
+get through a day with tolerable composure, when we are prevented
+taking our walks or drives abroad. And what a relief do they afford
+us when indisposed! Indeed, I don't know what I should do, if I were
+interdicted from such a source of exquisite gratification."
+
+"I have no doubt but such reading affords you gratification, and
+enables you to get through the tedious hours of time with some
+degree of patience; but is it profitable? Does it enlarge and
+strengthen the intellectual faculty, or extend the boundary of our
+practical knowledge? Does it refine the _moral_ taste, or call into
+action the best feelings of our nature? Does it tend to prepare us
+for our final destiny, as candidates for immortality?"
+
+"Well, I don't know. Then, as you object to the novel, I presume you
+are equally averse to the card-table?"
+
+"I am."
+
+"But why, when it affords so much gratification?"
+
+"Because it often gives rise to a passion for gaming, which has
+brought many to ruin."
+
+"Well, I will admit, that it does sometimes lead to such a fatal
+issue; but I will suppose a case which frequently occurs in social
+life. A virtuous family receives a visit from a few select friends;
+and in the evening the card-tables are brought out, and they divide
+themselves into small parties, and play a few games for their own
+amusement, without risking more than a few shillings. Now, what evil
+can result from such a method of passing away the evening?"
+
+"In the first place, there is a great sacrifice of time, without any
+adequate compensation. If the time thus devoted to an unprofitable
+amusement were employed in instructive conversation, some moral
+benefit would result from it. Then important and interesting
+questions might be discussed and answered--the events of the day
+would pass under review--enlivening anecdotes might be told--and
+every one would have an opportunity of displaying and increasing the
+resources of his mind."
+
+"But, begging pardon for interrupting you, does not the
+introduction of cards, by occupying the attention of a party,
+prevent the conversation from degenerating into gossip and scandal?
+This advantage you have overlooked, but I have no doubt, on
+reflection, you will admit it to be a very important one."
+
+"Why not, dear Miss Orme, allow a sense of honour and strict
+integrity to impose restraint on the tongue of scandal, without
+requiring the charm of the card-table to do it? This principle, when
+inwrought in the mind, will be always present, and vigilant in the
+exercise of its restraining power; but you cannot always have the
+card-table with you. But now to advert to the hypothetical case of
+the virtuous family receiving a visit from a few select friends.
+I admit, that they may sustain no positive injury, either moral
+or social, by spending the evening together in such a way; but if
+we advert to some facts which have come within our own knowledge,
+we must admit, that some of the party may sustain great, if not
+irreparable injury. I know a lady who never touched a pack of
+cards till after her marriage, but as soon as she did touch them,
+she became passionately fond of them. She first played with her
+husband--then a few select friends were invited to the game--then
+larger parties thronged her drawing-room--till at length, the
+passion became so inveterate in its influence over her, that she
+neglected all her domestic duties, involved her husband in pecuniary
+embarrassments by the sums she lost; and eventually abandoned her
+home and children, with a worthless wretch, who, after degrading
+her, threw her off on the merciless contempt of the world! In a
+conversation which I lately had with her, when endeavouring to
+point her to Him who came to save sinners (for she is now in the
+last stage of a decline), she owned that her ruin was owing to her
+passion for cards, which became so strong that she was unable to
+control it."
+
+"This is a most painful case," observed Miss Orme: "happily an
+extreme one!"
+
+"I admit this; but there is no disputing this fact, that
+card-playing very frequently kindles in the female breast, no less
+than in the breast of the other sex, a passion for gaming. Yes, many
+a husband would have been saved from ruin, if his wife had employed
+that influence to subdue his passion for the card-table, which she
+has employed to keep it alive and vigorous. She has lived to deplore
+the evil, when it has become irreparable."
+
+"Both the novel and the card-table," remarked Emma, "are the
+forbidden fruit of our Eden."
+
+"I have no doubt, my dear," replied Miss Orme, "that your parents
+act conscientiously in prohibiting novels and cards; but you know
+that religious people, in general, do so: though I have known some
+rather conspicuous professors who have not objected to play a game
+at whist after family prayer in the evening."
+
+"Yes, and so have I. I was on a visit at Mr. Ridout's, some few
+months since, when the card-table was brought out for our amusement;
+and I don't know when I have spent a more pleasant evening."
+
+"And who is Mr. Ridout, my dear? Is he a pious man, or does he
+belong to the world?"
+
+"He professes to be a pious man; and I should suppose he is one, for
+he has prayer in his family morning and evening."
+
+"Had he family prayer, the evening you refer to, _before_ or _after_
+the games were introduced?"
+
+"O! it was omitted that evening."
+
+"And why, Emma," here interposed Miss Holmes, "was it omitted? Was
+it not because he was ashamed to place the Bible on the same table
+with the cards; and because, after enticing others to a conformity
+to the customs of the world, he could not, in their presence, go and
+pray, that they might be renewed in the spirit of their mind? Do you
+recollect the remark which you made on your return home?"
+
+"It has escaped my recollection."
+
+"That he wanted only one thing to finish his character."
+
+"And did I say what that one thing was?"
+
+"Yes; you said, and said very justly, it was consistency."
+
+"O! I recollect, that was the opinion I then entertained."
+
+"And have you changed your opinion? Do you not think that religious
+people ought to abstain from the appearance of evil? Does your
+moral sense, dear Emma, receive no offence, when you see a person,
+who makes a profession of personal piety, acting like a worldling?"
+
+"Yes, it does. I remember that droll creature, Bessie Lane, came and
+whispered in my ear, just as we began a fresh game,--'Make haste,
+as Mr. Ridout has just rung the bell for prayers!' This remark was
+heard by all our party; and I must confess that I was hurt by some
+of the observations which were made."
+
+"I don't know," said Miss Orme, "why the most religious people may
+not indulge themselves in these amusements as well as others; but
+certainly we think it strange when they do so."
+
+"I love consistency," replied Miss Holmes. "If a family have prayer,
+they ought not, in my opinion, to spend the evenings in games which
+certainly have not a religious tendency; and if they have these
+games, they had better leave off prayer, as they cannot be prepared
+for it. I knew a young friend, the daughter of pious parents, who
+once had her mind very deeply impressed by a sense of the vanity
+of the world and the importance of religion; but in consequence of
+paying a visit to the house of a professor, who in the temple was
+grave, and in the parlour gay--who alternately played and prayed,
+sang songs or psalms, as fancy dictated--she lost all her pious
+impressions, and from that time she became inveterately averse to
+religion; and in a conversation which passed between us only a few
+days since, a reference being made to it, she frankly said she could
+not conquer her aversion, and she thought she never should. Example
+has a powerful influence, especially in doing moral injury; but the
+most pernicious and dangerous, is the example of a religious man who
+acts in opposition to the obligations of his profession--who, while
+he professes to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, displays a spirit
+that is at variance with the sacredness of that character--and
+retains his religious habits, even while he conforms to the customs
+of the world."
+
+"Well, my dear Miss Holmes, no one will impeach your consistency;
+for you are, without exception, one of the most decidedly religious
+I ever knew."
+
+"Yes," said Emma, "my sister goes rather too far; and I sometimes
+tell her that she is in danger of becoming a Pharisee. She sees,
+or think she sees, a dangerous moral tendency in almost every
+amusement; and such is the influence she possesses over the fears of
+our parents, that they are kept in a state of constant terror lest I
+should read a novel or dance a polka."
+
+"And is it possible, my dear Miss Holmes, that either you or
+your parents can object to dancing!--an exercise so conducive to
+health--so calculated to give elegance to the form, to the walk,
+and to the action--an accomplishment of so much importance, that no
+female can be fit to move in polished society who has not attained
+it? I believe you learned at school, dear Emma; did you not?"
+
+"Yes; but now I am not permitted to go out to parties, which I
+consider very mortifying. My parents allowed me to learn; and now
+I have learned, and am fond of the amusement, they will not suffer
+me to practise, except at home, where we never have any dancing
+parties."
+
+"This is sadly mortifying."
+
+"They permitted you to learn dancing," replied her sister, "that you
+might derive from it those personal accomplishments which Miss Orme
+has so well described; but as they are aware of its dangerous moral
+tendency, they very properly object to your going into large mixed
+parties."
+
+"Then ought they not to have refused letting me learn to dance, if
+they intended to deny me the pleasure of it?[23] This is like a
+father teaching his son the art of engraving, and then taking away
+his tools lest he should be transported for coining."
+
+  [23] The author knows a lady who, when young, requested her pious
+  father to permit her to learn to dance. "No, my child," he replied,
+  "I cannot consent to comply with a request which may subject me to
+  your censures at some future period." "No, father, I will never
+  censure you for complying with my request." "Nor can I consent to
+  give you an opportunity. If you learn, I have no doubt but you will
+  excel; and when you leave school, you may then want to go into
+  company to exhibit your skill. If I then object to let you, as I
+  most likely should, you would very naturally reply, Why, father,
+  did you permit me to learn, if I am not permitted to practise?"
+  This reply convinced her that her father acted wisely, though he
+  opposed her inclination: and though she did learn, yet, not having
+  his consent, she never ventured to expose herself to the dangers of
+  the assembly-room; as she well knew that she could not do it without
+  grieving her affectionate father. She is now become a parent; has
+  often mentioned this occurrence as having had a powerful moral
+  influence over her mind in her young and thoughtless days; and has
+  incorporated this maxim in her system of domestic management--Never
+  to comply with a request which may subject her to any future
+  reflections from her children.
+
+"You may dance for the purposes for which you were permitted to
+learn; but I appeal to your good sense, if it be not an act of
+kindness, on the part of our parents, in withholding their consent
+from your visiting the ball-room, when they apprehend you will
+sustain some moral injury?"
+
+"But you know, dear Miss Holmes," remarked Miss Orme, "that
+the chief gratification which we derive from any attainment or
+accomplishment, is the opportunity of displaying it. What pleasure
+would there be in learning to paint, unless we had the liberty
+of exhibiting our drawings--or who would submit to the labour of
+learning the notes of the gamut, if, after she has succeeded, she is
+to be prohibited from playing?"
+
+"We certainly ought to acquire the accomplishments which are
+necessary to fit us to act our parts in refined society; but to
+acquire them for the purpose of mere display, will be productive of
+two evils: in the first place, it will injure the moral tone of our
+mind; and, in the next place, it will expose us to the severe satire
+of the opposite sex, who have little charity for female vanity."
+
+"I am sure the gentlemen admire a lady who can sing well, and play
+well, and dance well, and move with grace as she enters or leaves a
+room."
+
+"Yes, my dear Miss Orme; but if she have no higher accomplishments,
+though she may be admired, she will not be respected; she may have
+her name mentioned with _eclât_ in the circles of fashion, but she
+will not be held in esteem among the wise and the good; and she may
+do very well as a partner for a quadrille, but no man of sense would
+think of her as his companion for life. The bee is an insect of more
+value than the butterfly."
+
+"But do you wish the assembly-rooms deserted? If so, I fear you
+will never have your wishes realized. But, to come to the point,
+what are the evils which you think result from such scenes of
+amusement?"
+
+"I do not expect to see such places deserted, as they hold out so
+many attractions; but they are productive of so many evils, that I
+consider them essentially injurious to the morals of society. There
+is the expense which they incur, and the long train of evils which
+often follow. What costly dresses! What a profusion of useless
+ornaments must be purchased, beside the incidental items of expense
+in going and returning, and paying for the admission ticket! If
+the whole expense of one evening's gratification were accurately
+calculated, it would astonish us. And what is the consequence of
+this? The bills of tradesmen are often left undischarged--the claims
+of benevolence are rejected--and a habit of useless extravagance is
+formed, which extends its destructive influence to other branches
+of domestic expenditure. But I have a still more serious objection
+to urge against such scenes of amusement: the perilous risk which a
+female often runs. She goes clad in a light attire--moves about in a
+warm room--and then suddenly exposes herself, without any adequate
+increase of clothing, to a cold and damp atmosphere, by which she
+often sacrifices her health, and sometimes her life."
+
+"But you know, Miss Holmes, that this objection will apply with
+equal force against our attending a crowded place of worship."
+
+"Not with equal force; because in a place of worship we remain still
+during the time of service, and usually go in warmer, not to say in
+more decent attire. The moral influence which such public amusements
+have over the mind, is another very powerful objection against them.
+By your permission I will read a paragraph from a good writer, who
+expresses himself in very correct and forcible language:--'The
+objects which, during the season of youth, most easily excite vanity
+and envy in the female breast, are those which are presented in the
+ball-room. This is deemed the stage for displaying the attractions,
+by the possession of which a young woman is apt to be most elated;
+and they are here displayed under circumstances most calculated to
+call forth the triumph and the animosities of personal competition.
+This triumph and these animosities betray themselves occasionally to
+the least discerning eye. But were the recesses of the heart laid
+open, how often would the sight of a stranger, of an acquaintance,
+even of a friend, superior for the evening in the attractions of
+dress, or enjoying the supposed advantage of having secured a
+wealthier, a more lively, a more graceful, or a more fashionable
+partner, be found to excite feelings of disgust and of aversion,
+not always stopping short of malevolence! How often would the
+passions be seen inflamed, and every nerve agitated, by a thirst for
+precedence; and invention be observed labouring to mortify a rival
+by the affectation of indifference or of contempt!'"
+
+"But do you not think it possible for a female to attend a ball
+without having her breast inflated with vanity, or surcharged with
+envy?"
+
+"I certainly admit that it is possible, but not probable. If she
+excel others in the richness or the elegance of her dress, or if
+she receive any peculiar marks of attention, will she not feel
+the flush of vain-glory? And if others excel her, or receive more
+marked attentions, will she not retire from the company stung with
+envy? And can either of these passions be excited without producing
+some demoralizing effect? If she become devoted to her personal
+decoration, she will be under a strong temptation to neglect the
+improvement of her mind; and while this passion enslaves and governs
+her, the more amiable and lovely graces will be neglected. And if
+she become envious of the superior attainments or honours of others,
+she will be restless--mortified, consume her time and expend her
+money in making useless efforts to equal or surpass them, and may be
+induced to invent or to circulate tales of calumny to their injury."
+
+"But you do not mean to say that these effects are invariably
+produced?"
+
+"Not invariably; because there are some females who merely visit
+these places as a passing compliment to the fashion of the
+age. They attend as spectators of the scene, rather than as
+actors[24]--to oblige a friend, rather than gratify themselves;
+and having accomplished the design of their visit, they retire
+uninjured, because they felt no desire to be seen or heard, alike
+indifferent whether they have been the objects of attention or have
+remained unnoticed."
+
+  [24] The author has known some professors of evangelical religion
+  who have occasionally frequented these scenes of amusement; and
+  though he would not condemn them as insincere in their religious
+  profession, yet he cannot conceive how they can approve of their own
+  conduct. If they go occasionally, others will feel at liberty to go
+  habitually; and though they may go, and retire without sustaining
+  any material injury to their principles, yet they know not how much
+  injury their example may do to others, and especially their own
+  children.
+
+"You have stated the evils which you think often result from such
+public amusements, but you have made no allusion to the advantages
+which attend them; amongst which I reckon, the introduction which
+they give to the best society. You know that we are confined within
+the precincts of home--our duties and pursuits are of the more
+retired order--and though we may take our walks, and occasionally go
+to Bath or Cheltenham, or some other fashionable resort, yet, if it
+were not for these public amusements, we should have no opportunity
+of being introduced to the company of the other sex. Here we are
+brought together; and you know, dear Miss Holmes, that the most
+important consequences often follow."
+
+"Very true; but these important consequences are not always the most
+beneficial. The writer to whom I have previously referred, has made
+some good remarks on this subject, which, by your permission, I will
+read to you:--
+
+"'An evil of great moment, which is too frequently known to occur
+at the places of amusement now under notice, is the introduction of
+women to undesirable and improper acquaintance among the other sex;
+undesirable and improper, as I would now be understood to mean, in
+a moral point of view. Men of this description commonly abound at
+all scenes of public resort and entertainment, who are distinguished
+by fortune and birth--gay and conciliating manners--and every
+qualification which is needful to procure a favourable reception
+in polite company. Hence, when they propose themselves as partners
+in an assembly-room, a lady does not always find it easy, according
+to the rules of decorum, to decline the offer; and she is sometimes
+enticed, by their external appearance, and by having seen other
+ladies ambitious of dancing with them, into a reprehensible
+inclination not to decline it.
+
+"'Women, in various occurrences of life, are betrayed by a dread
+of appearing ungenteelly bashful, and by a desire of rendering
+themselves agreeable, into an indiscreet freedom of manners and
+conversation with men of whom they know perhaps but little; and
+still more frequently, into a greater degree of freedom with those
+of whom they have more knowledge than can fitly be indulged, except
+towards persons with whom they are connected by particular ties.
+The temptation is in no place more powerful than in a ball-room.
+Let not indiscriminate familiarity be shown towards all partners,
+nor injudicious familiarity towards any. To reject every boisterous
+and unbecoming mode of dancing, and to observe, in every point, the
+strictest modesty in attire, are cautions on which, in addressing
+women of delicacy, it is surely needless to insist.'"
+
+"Well, I assure you, my dear Miss Holmes, I think both you and the
+writer you have just quoted, overrate the dangers to which we are
+exposed by attending such scenes of amusement; for I have never
+known a friend injured by them, nor have I ever heard of such a
+thing."
+
+"You forget what befell Miss Moss."[25]
+
+  [25] Miss Moss was a young lady of rare accomplishments--the only
+  child of a pious and affectionate mother. Shortly after leaving
+  school, she succeeded, with much difficulty, in obtaining her
+  mother's reluctant consent to go _once_ to the assembly-room, just
+  to see the parties. She was dressed most elegantly; and having a
+  graceful form, and a fine open countenance, glowing with health,
+  she excited considerable attention. One gentleman, who had been
+  very polite during the evening, and who was her superior in rank,
+  solicited the honour of conducting her home, which was granted.
+  Having ascertained the usual time and place of her evening walk, he
+  met her--made her an offer, which she accepted; when, having secured
+  her affections, he accomplished her ruin, and left her. This broke
+  her mother's heart, and eventually broke her own; and the parent and
+  the daughter were buried in the same grave, at the distance of about
+  six months from each other's funeral, each deploring, when too late,
+  the danger resulting from the assembly-room. Nor is this an uncommon
+  instance. At these places the spirits of evil resort, availing
+  themselves of the freedom of intercourse which is tolerated; and
+  having marked their victim, they proceed, with all the cunning and
+  duplicity of the author of all evil, to accomplish their unhallowed
+  purpose. If, then, parents wish to preserve the honour of their
+  children uncontaminated, or if females, who are grown to years of
+  discretion, wish to avoid the snares in which others have been
+  overtaken, they ought to shun the resorts of the licentious and
+  impure, as no one can be safe in their society.
+
+"I beg pardon. I do. Ah! that was a tragical event."
+
+"And how many tragical events have risen out of these scenes of
+amusement! You have read, I have no doubt, the following account
+of one which befell a very holy man:--'When Herod's birth-day was
+kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod.
+Whereupon he promised, with an oath, to give her whatsoever she
+would ask. And she, being before instructed of her mother, said,
+Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger. And the king was
+sorry: nevertheless, for the oath's sake, and them which sat with
+him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. And he sent, and
+beheaded John in the prison. And his head was brought in a charger,
+and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.' How this
+damsel could so far subdue the common feelings of human nature, and
+still more the natural tenderness of her own sex, as not only to
+endure so disgusting a spectacle, but even to carry the bleeding
+trophy in triumph to her mother, is not easy to imagine; but it
+shows, that a life of fashionable gaiety and dissipation not only
+prevents the growth of the more amiable and useful virtues, but
+sometimes calls into action those feelings and passions which lead
+to rapine and murder."
+
+The late excellent Bishop Horne closes his life of St. John in such
+a forcible and beautiful manner, that the author does not conceive
+it necessary to offer any apology to his readers for its insertion
+on the present occasion:--
+
+"The Baptist's fate being determined, 'immediately the king sent an
+executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went, and
+beheaded him in the prison.' This deed of darkness must have been
+done in the season proper for it--the middle of the night; and
+St. John was probably awakened, to receive his sentence, out of
+that sleep which truth and innocence can secure to their possessor
+in any situation. The generality of mankind have reason enough to
+deprecate a sudden death, lest it should surprise them in one of
+their many unguarded hours. But to St. John no hour could be such.
+He had finished the work which God had given him to do. He had
+kept the faith, and preserved a conscience void of offence. He had
+done his duty, and waited daily and hourly, we may be sure, for
+his departure. He was now, therefore, called off from his station
+with honour--to quit the well-fought field for the palace of the
+Great King--to refresh himself, after the dust, and toil, and heat
+of the day, by bathing in the fountain of life and immortality--to
+exchange his blood-stained armour for a robe of glory--and to have
+his temporary labours rewarded with eternal rest--to sit down with
+Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of God--and as the
+friend of the Bridegroom, to enter into the joy of his Lord. From
+the darkness and confinement of a prison, he passed to the liberty
+and light of heaven; and while malice was gratified with a sight
+of his head, and his body was carried by a few friends in silence
+to the grave, his immortal spirit repaired to a court, where no
+Herod desires to have his brother's wife--where no Herodias thirsts
+after the blood of a prophet--where he who hath laboured with
+sincerity and diligence in the work of reformation is sure to be
+well received--where holiness, zeal, and constancy are crowned, and
+receive palms from the Son of God, whom they confessed in the world.
+
+    'So sinks the day-star in the ocean bed,
+    And yet anon uprears his drooping head,
+    And tricks his beams, and with new spangled ore,
+    Flames in the forehead of the morning sky--
+    He hears the unexpressive nuptial song
+    In the blest kingdoms meek of joy and love.
+    There entertain him all the saints above,
+    In solemn troops and sweet societies;
+    That sing, and singing in their glory move,
+    And wipe the tears for ever from his eyes.'"--MILTON.
+
+
+
+
+THE UNHAPPY ATTACHMENT.
+
+
+The institution of marriage is a provision made by Divine Providence
+to promote human happiness; but owing to the imprudence and haste
+with which it is sometimes contracted, it not unfrequently becomes a
+source of extreme wretchedness. This union should never be formed,
+except by those who have a strong affection for each other; and even
+then, the utmost degree of prudence should regulate their conduct,
+both in the appointment of the time when it should take place, and
+the adjustment of the various interests which it involves. When
+persons marry mainly for the purpose of adding to their worldly
+estate, or obtaining a higher position in society, it rarely
+happens that an alliance entered into from such motives can be
+productive of domestic happiness. And even when the purest feelings
+of affection and love influence the youthful pair, inspiring them
+with the determination to sacrifice the esteem of friends, and the
+attractions of this world's wealth, rather than break the solemn vow
+and separate for life, they should beware of rashness and headlong
+impetuosity, pondering well the desirableness of the connection they
+are about to form, and feeling well assured that it is really a step
+which must conduce to their welfare.
+
+When persons, who have no parents or judicious friends whom they can
+consult, are making arrangements for marriage, they should exercise
+more than ordinary discretion, lest they plunge themselves into
+difficulties from which no one can rescue them. But when parents
+are living, not to consult them, and pay some degree of deference
+to their opinion, is an offence against the law of propriety, and
+generally productive of the most fatal evils. Parents are more
+deeply interested in the marriage of their children than any other
+persons, and no pledges ought to be given between the contracting
+parties till they have been spoken to on the subject. This is a
+mark of respect to which they are justly entitled. And are they
+not, from their age, and experience, and affection, qualified to
+give advice? How far it is binding on a young person to obey his
+or her parents, who may disapprove of a proposed marriage, is a
+question which I shall not presume to decide; but that no young
+person ought to give or receive any inviolable pledge, till they
+have been solicited to give their opinion and sanction, is a point
+too obvious to the dictates of good sense and filial attachment,
+to need any lengthened discussion. But how very rarely is this the
+case! An affection is formed and cherished--it grows up into ardent
+and romantic attachment--interviews take place--letters and presents
+are exchanged--and after the imagination has been captivated with
+bright visions of future happiness, the parents are requested to
+give their permission, not their advice. If, now, they object,
+either from caprice, or from a full conviction that the proposed
+union is improper or unsuitable, what direful consequences often
+result! Their objections, in some cases, are treated with scorn,
+and the marriage takes place in defiance of their authority;
+and, in some instances, when their objections are admitted to be
+valid, they are still doomed to see the fairest flower of their
+family fade and die under the slow, yet fatal influence of a
+passion, which is too strong to be quenched, and too baneful to
+be cherished. These evils, which are so often springing up within
+the domestic circle--destroying the peace and the happiness of
+parents and of children, and setting at variance the members of the
+same household--might be avoided, if, before adopting any decisive
+measures, the parents--who have a right to expect such a mark of
+respect, who have so much of their own respectability and happiness
+at issue, and who are, in general, so well qualified to give
+judicious counsel--were consulted.
+
+But do not parents sometimes bring upon themselves, and upon their
+children, the very evils which they are anxious to avoid? Do they
+not, by their reserve--by their sternness--by their positive
+unwillingness to admit their children into familiar intercourse, and
+by their uniform habit of neglecting to encourage them to ask their
+advice in their different pursuits in life, indirectly compel them
+to concealment, from the dread of a furious outbreak of passion?
+How many a dutiful son has been known to say, "I would consult my
+father, but he will not listen to my solicitation!" How many an
+amiable daughter has said, on an offer being made her, "I should
+like to take counsel from my parents, but they will not give it.
+They will condemn my attachment without inquiry--without respecting
+my feelings, and without assigning any reasons for their decision!"
+Thus, the inexperienced child is often thrown on her own resources,
+in reference to the most momentous step in life, in consequence
+of being unable to apply for the advice of her parents; and dire
+necessity compels her to profound secresy, till the fact of her
+attachment, having been discovered by some accident, is heard with
+indignation. An order to discontinue all further correspondence
+with the object of her affection is now peremptorily issued, which
+merely serves to increase the ardour of her attachment, and make
+her resolute in her choice, without regard to consequences. Let
+parents, then, if they wish to guide and control their children on
+these important occasions, induce them to repose in them an implicit
+confidence--to consult them, as friends, on every occasion of
+difficulty; and by the avoidance of dictation, imperative command,
+or stern, unexplained prohibition, endeavour to rule over them by a
+mild authority, tempered with the purest affection; and, by a course
+of practical wisdom, in assigning plain, palpable, and important
+reasons for the advice they give, make it evident that they are
+influenced by a regard for their children's welfare, rather than by
+mere caprice or an arbitrary will. And though instances may occur in
+the history of human life, in which such a wise method of procedure
+may fail in the accomplishment of its object; and a perverse or
+reserved disposition may lead the son or daughter to set at naught
+the kindest and best advice, when given in the most unexceptionable
+manner; yet there is reason to believe, that where parents have
+acted towards their children as they ought to act, such a disastrous
+result will be of rare occurrence.
+
+As we are commanded by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving,
+to make known all our requests unto God, I cannot conceive of any
+matter in which we ought to seek his direction more earnestly, than
+in the choice of the person who is to be our companion for life.
+He knows our tempers, our dispositions, and our propensities; the
+future temptations and trials to which we shall be subjected, and
+all the various ills that will intersect our path in life; and he
+has promised, that if we acknowledge him in _all_ our ways, he
+will direct our steps. Ought we not to implore his guidance in
+the selection of a suitable partner, to share our sorrows, and
+enhance our joys?--one who will soothe us, under the agitations
+of distress, tranquillize the irritation of passion, assist us by
+judicious counsel, and who will give a higher tone to our character,
+by inducing us to add to "virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge,
+temperance; and to temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness;
+and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness,
+charity." But how rarely is this duty attended to, even by those
+who make a profession of religion, till they see one who captivates
+their heart; and then the sanction of God is requested, rather than
+his counsel; and he is importuned to remove the obstructions which
+impede the gratification of our wishes, instead of being solicited
+to keep us from forming an alliance which will be injurious to our
+happiness, our usefulness, and our honour!
+
+And are not Christian parents, in general, too inattentive to this
+branch of their duty? Are they not, in the case of the marriage
+of their children, apt to depend too much on their own judgment
+to decide on its fitness? And are they not more frequently
+influenced in their decision by the love of wealth, and of worldly
+respectability, than by those moral and religious considerations,
+which ought ever to maintain an absolute authority over them? As
+their own peace, and the present and eternal happiness of their
+children, and their children's children, depend so much on this
+important measure, they ought often to pray, as their children are
+rising to maturity, that he who fixes the bounds of our habitation,
+and determines for us the number of our years on earth, would be
+pleased to form their connections, and sanctify their marriage
+by his blessing? Is it not by the adoption of such a course of
+practical devotion, that parents are encouraged to expect that their
+sons and their daughters will be preserved "from the hand of strange
+children, whose mouth speaketh vanity, and whose right hand is a
+right hand of falsehood:" and be induced to form those alliances
+which will be no less a source of happiness than of honour--handing
+down not only their names, but their principles, their example, and
+their influence to bless and adorn the succeeding generation.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The intimacy which subsisted between Emma Holmes and her young
+friend Miss Orme proved essentially injurious to the moral tone
+and feelings of her mind; and eventually brought on the family a
+series of trials which overwhelmed them in the deepest sorrow. This
+intimacy commenced at school, just as her character began to receive
+its complexion and its tendencies; and when she stood most in need
+of those checks and restraints, and that salutary advice, which
+she would have received, if her companion had been imbued with the
+grace of pure religion. From the cast of her mind, which bore no
+resemblance to that of either of her sisters, she imbibed, at an
+early age, strong prejudices against evangelical piety; and though
+at one period she felt the reproaches of an evil conscience, and the
+terrors of the law falling upon her, yet she soon cast them off,
+and became still more volatile and gay. The inconsistent conduct of
+some professors was the immediate cause of effacing her deep and
+solemn impressions of the vanity of the world and the importance of
+religion; and though she would readily admit that this circumstance
+was no valid argument against the reality of personal piety, yet she
+could never conquer that painful aversion which it had excited in
+her mind against the love of the truth.
+
+This strong aversion was strengthened and increased by many
+accidental circumstances, from which at the time no bad effects
+were apprehended. Her sister Louisa had established a periodical
+interchange of visits between her own family and the Corries, and
+their uncouth phraseology of speech was no less offensive to
+Emma's taste, than their dogmatic opinions were revolting to her
+moral feelings. Their intellectual weakness imperceptibly destroyed
+that reverence for the Christian faith which she had felt, when
+contemplating it as associated with minds of a higher order, and
+greater degree of refinement. Their perpetual recurrence to a few
+favourite opinions--the tenacity with which they held them, even
+when fairly refuted by sound argument--the self-complacency which
+they discovered in their assumed superior illumination, after an
+unsuccessful effort to support the dogmas of their belief--and
+the sang-froid with which they condemned as unenlightened and
+unconverted every one who professed sentiments differing from their
+own--excited in her mind a great dislike to evangelical religion.
+While these good people required from the chosen few a more entire
+renunciation of the world than is compatible with its claims on our
+attention; and while they visited with severe censures the slightest
+degree of conformity to its style of dress or of living--condemning
+even a taste for music, poetry, or art, as a proof of a carnal mind;
+they gave to the unconverted the utmost latitude, and maintained
+that pious parents should not attempt to impose any restrictions on
+their children, assigning as a reason that if they were not elected
+to eternal life, this was the only state in which they could enjoy
+happiness, and that to deprive them of it by prohibiting them from
+"walking in the ways of their own heart, and in the sight of their
+own eyes," would be an act of cruelty and folly. In vain did Mr.
+Holmes argue, that secret things belong to God, and the revealed
+promises and prohibitions to us and to our children; they invariably
+met his arguments by saying, that the mysteries of the kingdom were
+concealed from the wise and the prudent, being revealed only to
+babes.
+
+These speculative notions, if confined within their own pious
+circle, would have done but little injury, but being introduced as
+the theme of frequent discussion and debate in Emma's presence, they
+supplied her with a powerful argument in justification of her own
+predilections.
+
+It was at this period, when her mind was vacillating between
+a lingering reverence and a positive aversion to evangelical
+religion, that she happened to pay a visit to Redhill, the seat
+of Colonel Orme, her friend's father. Here she passed at once
+from the chastened seriousness and fervent devotion of domestic
+order and piety, to the levity and gaiety of fashionable life;
+and being removed from the control of her parents, she devoted
+herself to worldly pleasures and amusements with an ardour of
+feeling which bespoke the energy of her ruling passion. The Colonel
+was a good-natured, pleasant man; he had been gay in his younger
+days, but was now become very domestic in his habits. He was a
+professed infidel; and though he had too much politeness to make
+a direct attack upon religion in Emma's presence, he nevertheless
+availed himself of every favourable opportunity to lower it in
+her estimation. He related facetious stories which had been got
+up for the purpose of burlesquing the doctrines of the new birth,
+and salvation by grace--introduced some grave tales to calumniate
+the conduct of the evangelical clergy, and gave it as his decided
+opinion, that the fanaticism of the country would destroy the energy
+and glory of the English character.
+
+Mrs. Orme was quite the lady of fashion, fond of dress and cards,
+operas and balls; and as for Sunday, she was sometimes seen at
+church, but then it was principally to show a mark of respect to the
+clergyman, who was a particular friend of the Colonel's.
+
+The Colonel had three daughters by his present wife, and one son
+by a former marriage. As it required all his income to support the
+style in which he lived, he could make no provision for his son
+beyond the commission he had obtained for him in the army, yet he
+flattered himself on being able to form for him some good alliance;
+and understanding that Mr. Holmes was possessed of great wealth,
+he resolved, if possible, to secure Emma as a partner for his son.
+He broached the subject to his wife and eldest daughter, and both
+agreed that the idea was most excellent.
+
+"Indeed, Papa," said Miss Orme, "I think she is the very woman for
+Charles. I am sure he will be captivated with her. Such beauty, such
+elegance of manners, so much wit; and I should suppose, from the
+style in which the Holmeses live, such a handsome fortune."
+
+"I don't look at beauty," said Mrs. Orme, "for that will fade; nor
+at elegance of manners, for that obtains no distinction in the
+present day; nor yet at wit, for that often brings people into
+trouble; but I look at the fortune. Can you form any idea how much
+she is likely to have? Have you ever spoken to her on the subject?"
+
+"O dear, yes, Mamma; I said to her one day, as we were walking down
+the Green Lanes, just when we came opposite that beautiful house,
+with the lawn and carriage sweep before it: 'I suppose, Emma,
+nothing less than a carriage and four will please you,' at which she
+smiled. I do think she expects a very handsome fortune."
+
+"Ay, ay," said the Colonel, "these London citizens never retire from
+business till they have feathered their nest very comfortably; but
+they are, like old birds, rather wary, and we must be cautious how
+we set the nets, or we shall not be able to catch the game. This
+business requires management, and as I understand how to manoeuvre
+you must leave it to me. You women are too hasty in your movements."
+
+"Well, well," said Mrs. Orme, "I don't care who takes the management
+of the business, so that it is managed properly. But I must suggest
+one idea before I have done, and that is, Emma herself had better be
+asked the question, whether she is engaged, or has any objection to
+the army."
+
+"Yes, exactly so, Mamma. That idea struck me just now; and I think
+it a most excellent one; and as we are to walk out in the evening,
+I will propose it. I have no doubt but she will tell me; and if,
+Papa, she feels any reluctance, I could argue the case with her, and
+I have no doubt I should succeed. I am so delighted the idea ever
+entered your mind."
+
+"You will each keep at your posts," said the Colonel, "and not move
+or speak in this business till I give the word of command. The first
+thing to be done is to ascertain if Charles will put off his present
+engagement with Miss Collingwood, and the next is to see whether he
+will take a fancy to Miss Holmes."
+
+"Why, Colonel," said his wife, "I am surprised to hear you talk
+so irrationally! Do you think he would hesitate breaking off
+that engagement a single moment? Why, he said to me just before
+he left home, 'I am apprehensive, from what I heard at the mess,
+that Collingwood is not the man of wealth I thought he was when my
+intimacy with his family commenced, and I must make more particular
+inquiries.'"
+
+"Perhaps he won't object," said the Colonel, "though you know it is
+a point of honour which every man can't pass; but as he has passed
+it once, he may again."
+
+In the evening, just before they sat down to cards, the Colonel
+opened the campaign, by saying, "It is natural for every man to give
+a decided preference to his own profession; but for my part, if I
+were to begin life again, and had my choice, I would enter the army.
+There it is a man acquires glory."
+
+"And there it is," said Emma, "he is exposed to danger."
+
+"Why, very true, Miss Holmes, but you know that the field of danger
+is where the crown of honour is won!"
+
+"Yes, but what sacrifice of feeling does it require?"
+
+"Why, very true, but you know feeling is rather sentimental!"
+
+"Sentimental, Sir!" said the lively young lady, "and did you think
+so when you received your wound in the head? It was then, I suspect,
+felt to be real."
+
+"Why, yes," said the Colonel, somewhat embarrassed, "very true; but
+we don't pay much regard to feeling when engaged in the conflict."
+
+"So I suppose; nor much regard to feeling in prospect of the
+conflict, and still less when it is over."
+
+"There you are mistaken; for before the battle begins, a death-like
+horror comes over the most courageous spirit; but when it is over,
+the shout of victory gives an ecstasy of delight."
+
+"But how is it changed when you look round on the mangled bodies of
+the slain--on your friends and comrades weltering in their blood--or
+think of the wives and children whom the sword makes widows and
+orphans!"
+
+"Ah, true, that's the worst of it: but you know that wars and
+fightings have been from the beginning, and will be to the end; and
+some must engage in them."
+
+"I presume," said Emma, addressing herself to Mrs. Orme, "you must
+have felt intense agony of mind, every time the Colonel left you for
+actual service!"
+
+"At first I did, but after I got used to it, I did not regard it,
+for use, you know, my dear, is second nature; and then there was so
+much pleasure on his return."
+
+"There is, certainly," said the Colonel, "some danger attending the
+profession of arms; but it is the most honourable profession in
+which a gentleman can be engaged; and though humanity may shudder at
+sight of the evils attending it, yet a true soldier is one of the
+most tender-hearted men living."
+
+"Your eloquence, Sir," said Miss Emma, "brings to my recollection
+what I once read:--'One murder makes a villain--a thousand a hero;'
+and though you descant most feelingly on the tenderness of a
+soldier's heart, you no doubt refer to it, when touched by the point
+of the sword."
+
+"Or," said the Colonel gallantly, "when pierced by a woman's eye!"
+
+Here the conversation ended, and they passed the evening at their
+favourite game. "I fear," said Mrs. Orme, as soon as she found
+herself alone with her husband, "she has no predilection for the
+profession; and if so, our hopes are blasted."
+
+"Yes, yes, she has, only she has thrown up a masked battery in her
+own defence; but when Charles comes, you will see with what ease he
+will destroy it."
+
+A few days after this conversation, Colonel and Mrs. Orme
+entertained a large party at dinner, at which a brilliant company
+of fashionable friends and acquaintances was present. As this
+was the first party that had been invited during her visit, Emma
+bestowed a more than ordinary attention on her personal appearance.
+Her dress, if not expensive, was elegant, and though there were
+other ladies who surpassed her in the richness of their attire,
+there was no one who equalled her in the beauty of her figure, or
+the grace and elegance of her movements. She now felt herself,
+for the first time in her life, in a position which gave her an
+opportunity of displaying her attractions, which she did with so
+much grace, that she excited the envy and admiration of the company,
+who were astonished when they heard that this was the daughter of
+Mr. Holmes. In the course of the evening the rumble of wheels was
+heard at the door, and soon after a handsome young man entered the
+drawing-room, whom Emma at once perceived to be Charles Orme, on
+his parents and sister hastening forward to meet him. He had just
+got leave of absence, he said, for a few weeks, and sooner than
+he expected, which had brought him to Redhill, without previously
+sending any notice. Emma was quite charmed with his appearance, and
+still more so when the Colonel, walking up to her, said, "Allow me,
+Miss Holmes, to introduce to you my son Charles--Charles, Miss Emma
+Holmes.
+
+"This is an unlooked-for pleasure, Miss Holmes," said Captain Orme,
+performing his part in the ceremony of the introduction with the
+most polished gallantry; "I have often heard of you from my sister
+in her letters. What charming weather this is! Pray, may I have you
+as a partner, as I see they are getting up a quadrille?"
+
+Emma gracefully consented; and from that moment her destiny in life
+was fixed. On the other hand, Captain Orme was quite struck with her
+beauty; and though the apparent heartiness of his manner, at his
+first introduction, was merely the result of that vanity which seeks
+to engross for itself the company of the most elegant woman present,
+he could not help experiencing, even in his cold and selfish heart,
+a somewhat deeper and more serious feeling, as he conversed with
+this young and beautiful girl. Colonel and Mrs. Orme viewed, with
+great satisfaction, the evident impression made on their son by
+Emma's beauty; and, accordingly, after their guests had departed,
+they communicated to him the matrimonial speculation they had in
+view for him.
+
+[Illustration: FIRST MEETING OF CAPTAIN ORME AND EMMA HOLMES.
+
+Vol. ii. p. 352.]
+
+"I am sure, Charles," said his father, "there could not be a
+more desirable match: youth, beauty, and last, not least (with a
+significant leer), a very handsome fortune."
+
+"Has she her fortune at her own command?" asked his son.
+
+"Why, no, the wealth of the Holmes family has all been accumulated
+by the old man; and I should suppose the amount of this girl's
+fortune must be dependent on his will. But he will, doubtless, give
+her a handsome portion, if he is satisfied with the match."
+
+"Now, that is just the difficulty," said Mrs. Orme. "The family,
+always strong Evangelicals, have lately turned Dissenters, because,
+forsooth, Mr. Vaughan's sermons are not sufficiently methodistical
+to please them. Mr. Holmes has a great prejudice against the
+military profession, as one both of a questionable nature in itself,
+and beset with numerous temptations. We must, then, play our cards
+well, and act with caution."
+
+"The first thing," said the Colonel, "is for you, Charles, to pay
+your addresses to Miss Holmes. I do not think there will be much
+difficulty with _her_."
+
+"Well, I should rather suppose there would not," replied the modest
+youth, contemplating, with considerable satisfaction, his elegant
+figure in the mirror over the drawing-room chimney-piece; "it shall
+not be my fault if she does not become Mrs. Orme. But good night. I
+was up all last night at Lady Fortescue's ball, and must be off to
+bed."
+
+"One word, Charles," said his mother, "what are you going to do with
+Miss Collingwood?"
+
+"O, that has all been over for some time. I learned that her father
+has nothing to depend on but his pay, and that his daughter's
+fortune, left her by an aunt, amounts only to three thousand
+pounds, and is so tied up, that I should never be able to touch a
+shilling of it. So I am well out of that affair."
+
+The Captain was a young man about the age of twenty-five. He had
+inherited from his mother a handsome fortune, which he received on
+coming of age; but such had been his profuse extravagance, before
+and after he entered the army, that when he had paid his so-called
+debts of honour, and the Jew brokers who had advanced him money,
+he found himself unable to defray the bills of his tradesmen, who
+were clamorous for the settlement of their accounts. Various were
+the expedients which he employed to keep them from carrying their
+threats into execution; and at length he resolved on marriage, as
+the only alternative he could devise, to extricate himself from his
+embarrassments. He first paid his addresses to the eldest daughter
+of a country gentleman, but soon quitted her on ascertaining the
+small amount of fortune which she possessed. A similar reason,
+as above-mentioned, induced him to desert Miss Collingwood, the
+daughter of a retired major in the Indian army; and now he prepared
+to pay his addresses to the more accomplished and the more wealthy
+daughter of Mr. Holmes. He, of course, concealed from the latter
+the history of his former life, spoke of the fortune which fell
+to him by the death of his mother, as though it were still in his
+possession, and assured her that he had no other motive in view
+than the honour and felicity of being permitted to call her his
+wife. Unaccustomed to the duplicity of the world, and fudging of
+others, from the integrity of her own heart, she listened to his
+overtures with pleasure, and though she proposed speaking to her
+parents before she ventured to give any decisive reply, yet this was
+overruled by Mrs. Orme, who suggested the expediency of deferring
+it for the present. "You know, my dear," said the intriguing woman,
+"your Papa and Mamma, from their peculiar sentiments on religion,
+may feel some objection to Charles's profession, and it will be
+necessary to adopt some plan to reconcile them to it; and, as an
+opening has now been made, the Colonel and I both think that we had
+better establish a close intimacy with the Elms, before anything is
+said on the subject."
+
+On her return home, she intermingled with the family as usual,
+preserved the same degree of decorum in her attention to religious
+duties, and at times appeared thoughtful and sedate, which induced
+her unsuspecting sister to imagine that she was beginning to feel
+the deep impressions of religion on her heart. Amidst all her
+gaiety, and sprightliness, and aversion to decided piety, she had
+always displayed an honest frankness when speaking on the subject,
+but now she had a part to act which required duplicity; and having
+been tutored to this vice at the Colonel's, she soon became a
+proficient. As her sister Louisa had made some reference to her
+comparative sedateness, and expressed, in very delicate terms, her
+hope that it was the beginning of the great change, she resolved
+to assume a more uniform gravity of manner, that she might more
+effectually conceal the passion which had taken such strong hold
+of her feelings. She made no allusion to the scenes of gaiety she
+had recently witnessed, and in which she moved as one of the most
+admired figures; nor did she express any wish to repeat her visit,
+which rather tended to confirm the hopes of her sister.
+
+"Jane and I," said Miss Holmes, as they were all rising from the
+dinner table, "are going to see Mrs. Kent; will you accompany us,
+Emma?"
+
+"Certainly. I long to see the old lady. She is a real Christian,
+I have no doubt; and if her mind had received the same degree of
+cultivation as her heart, she would have exhibited the majesty and
+force no less than the amiable traits of religion."
+
+"I was not aware," replied Miss Holmes, with a smile of pleasure,
+"that you ever associated such qualities with the pure religion of
+Jesus Christ."
+
+"O yes, I do; and I am delighted when I see them embodied in a
+living character; but they must be blended to produce their full
+effect."
+
+"But is not the beauty of religion more attractive than its
+grandeur?"
+
+"It may be so to some persons, but not to me. I prefer a mind that
+can discourse on the doctrines of Christianity in a style of speech
+which bears some analogy to their sublime greatness."
+
+"I hope, dear Emma," said Miss Holmes, "you do not now feel
+that strong antipathy to the Corries which you have heretofore
+manifested; for though they are weak Christians, yet you must
+acknowledge they are pious."
+
+"Yes, they may be pious," replied Emma, with some sarcastic warmth
+of manner; "but who that has any feeling of respect for the honour
+of Christianity does not regret that their piety is not confined to
+a cloister? Mrs. Kent exhibits the beauty of religion, the Corries
+its deformity: Mrs. Kent would make an infidel believe, but the
+Corries would make a Christian doubt; she, by the artless simplicity
+of her instructions, would
+
+              ... 'rear the tender thought,
+    And teach the young idea how to shoot;'
+
+till the principle of grace grows up laden with the fruits of
+righteousness; they, by their vanity and self-conceit, their
+dogmatism, and perverse obstinacy of opinion, would shake the
+strongest faith. Or, to speak in plain terms, such Christians as the
+Corries should never speak on religious subjects in the presence of
+the irreligious; for if they do, they will confirm the enmity which
+they wish to subdue, and give a degree of encouragement to sin which
+they do not intend."
+
+The old woman had just finished reading a letter when the young
+ladies entered her cottage; and though she received them with her
+usual kind manner, yet she could not conceal the powerful agitation
+of her feelings.
+
+"I hope," said Miss Holmes, "we are not intruding."
+
+"No, Miss, I am very glad to see you; and I hope you will not allow
+my distress to give you any trouble."
+
+"O," said Emma, "if you are in trouble let us know the cause of it;
+though I ought to apologize for having asked such an impertinent
+question."
+
+"The question is not impertinent, and therefore I beg you will say
+nothing about an apology. I have just received a letter from my dear
+boy, who has been absent from me these fourteen years, and as I had
+not heard from him for many months I thought he was dead."
+
+"Where is he?"
+
+"He is with his regiment at the Cape of Good Hope, very ill in the
+hospital, and says he does not expect that I shall ever hear from
+him again. He was once a good, obedient son, much attached to his
+mother, but he fell into evil company, and was enticed to enlist as
+a soldier. He said nothing to me about it for many days after he had
+done it, or I could have got him off by speaking to Squire Ridgeway;
+but I did not know anything about it till the night before he was
+marched off, and since then I have never seen him; and now he is
+confined in the hospital so far off that I can't go to nurse him,
+nor speak to him about the Saviour who came into the world to save
+sinners. I hope you will excuse me, ladies, but a mother can't help
+weeping."
+
+While the poor old woman was telling this affecting tale, the
+countenance of Emma underwent very perceptible changes, from the
+deep crimson blush to a deathlike paleness, till, overpowered by her
+feelings, she fainted in the arms of her sister. She was taken into
+the open air, and various expedients were adopted to restore her,
+which after a short time proved successful. "Dear creature," said
+Mrs. Kent, fanning her, "she has a tender heart, and can't bear to
+hear of another's sorrows. I am grieved that I said anything about
+my affliction, it has proved too much for her."
+
+"She has," Miss Holmes remarked, "a great esteem for you, which is
+the cause of her having felt so great an interest in your calamity;
+but she will soon be better."
+
+On recovering, she expressed her regret that the weakness of her
+nerves should occasion so much trouble; and having taken a draught
+of water, she rose, and leaning on the arms of her sisters, soon
+after walked home. During the evening she endeavoured to resume her
+usual cheerfulness, but she could not, and dreading a recurrence of
+the fit, she complained of indisposition, and retired to rest. In
+the morning, when her sister Louisa went into her room, she found
+her in a sweet sleep; and, as she was stealing away, she saw a
+miniature lying on her dressing-table, and on looking at it thought
+it bore a strong resemblance to Captain Orme, who, after Emma's
+return home, had one day called with his sister.
+
+The following day Mr. and Mrs. Holmes were surprised by a call from
+the Colonel and Miss Orme, who came to invite them to meet a select
+dinner party; and, though they had resolved not to intermix with
+the gay world, yet they knew not how to refuse such an expression
+of politeness, especially as they had been so kind to Emma. They
+therefore consented.
+
+"Mamma requested me," said Miss Orme to her young friend, "to offer
+you the loan of this book, which she thinks you will like. _It is a
+very religious one. You may open it at your leisure._"
+
+The emphasis which was placed on this sentence, viewed in connection
+with the miniature painting, awakened the suspicion of Miss Holmes,
+who now believed that some secret correspondence was going on
+between her sister and Captain Orme; and an accidental occurrence
+took place in the course of the day, which removed every doubt from
+her mind. Emma on taking her handkerchief out of her reticule, as
+she was retiring from the parlour after dinner, dropped a letter,
+which her mother picked up, and read. She immediately presented it
+to Mr. Holmes, who also read it. This was a letter which Mrs. Orme
+had inclosed between the leaves of the book she had sent to Emma,
+informing her that Charles was well, and wanted to meet her that
+evening, at Mrs. Paton's. She added that she hoped she had contrived
+to keep all at the Elms ignorant of the affair, as the Colonel was
+still of opinion that they should not be spoken to on the business
+till everything was properly arranged.
+
+This letter, which explained the obscure parts of Emma's conduct,
+involved the whole family in great perplexity; and they were at a
+loss to know what course to pursue, that would save her from the
+snares which had been laid to entrap her. At length it was resolved
+to replace the letter, and leave the room. This was done, and on
+passing through the hall, Mr. Holmes met her, and said,
+
+"I am going, my dear, to take a ride in the carriage this afternoon,
+will you go with me?"
+
+"Certainly, Papa."
+
+On entering the parlour she found her letter, and eagerly seized it,
+presuming that it had escaped detection.
+
+She had given her promise to accompany her father when her feelings
+were strongly excited by the dread of having Mrs. Orme's letter to
+her discovered; but now she began to complain of indisposition, and
+wished to decline the proposed ride. However, her objections were
+overruled, and she went.
+
+On the following morning, her father, finding her alone, took
+the opportunity of alluding to his anxiety for her spiritual and
+temporal welfare, and hoped that she would take no important step in
+life without the advice and approbation of her parents.
+
+"Do you think it possible, Papa, that I could be so unwise or so
+undutiful as to take any important step without consulting you?"
+
+"Tell me, my dear child," said her father, taking her by the hand,
+"have you not already been induced to do so, and that by the
+persuasion of others?"
+
+This question, proposed in the mildest accents, and with every
+expression of parental tenderness, staggered and confounded her,
+and, after a momentary pause, she fell on her knees and implored
+forgiveness.
+
+"Yes, my father, I have been induced to act a part which I sincerely
+regret. Forgive me, I beseech you."
+
+She frankly confessed the whole plot; offered to return every letter
+and present she had received, and promised that she would never
+suffer herself to be again beguiled from the path of duty. These
+presents Mr. Holmes sent back to the Colonel's, accompanied by the
+following letter:--
+
+     "SIR,--Since your call on Thursday morning, I have detected the
+     intimacy which has been formed between my daughter and your son;
+     and am surprised that you and Mrs. Orme should so far forget
+     the obligations which are due to a parent, as to dissuade my
+     child from consulting me on a measure of so much importance to
+     our happiness, and her own. Had the young people resolved to
+     practise this species of deception on me without your knowledge
+     or consent, I should blame them only; but as this plot has been
+     got up by you, I must say, that the amount of their fault is
+     lost in the greater magnitude of yours; and I have no doubt
+     but your object is to repair the ruined fortune of your son
+     at the expense of my daughter's happiness. You will therefore
+     allow me to say, that all intimacy between our families has
+     ceased.--Yours," &c.
+
+After this abrupt termination of an intimacy which had opened
+before her the prospect of a connection for life, she appeared for
+a few days relieved from an oppressive burden of anxiety, and was
+assiduous in her attention to her parents; but her appearance and
+her manners soon proved that her affections were entangled, and
+that nothing but time and the tenderest treatment on their part
+could disengage them. She became low and dejected--careless of her
+person--unwilling to mingle in any company--the healthful bloom of
+her countenance passed away, succeeded by the sickly and pallid
+hue; she seldom took part in conversation, and endeavoured to avoid
+all intercourse with the other members of the family. At length
+her mother became much alarmed, and said it was her opinion, that
+unless they consented to a renewal of the intimacy with the Ormes,
+they must prepare to follow their daughter to the grave. "I never
+can give my consent to the connection," said Mr. Holmes; "and would
+rather follow her to the grave than see her united to such a person.
+Captain Orme is a man who has squandered his fortune; destroyed the
+strength of his constitution by dissolute habits; is involved in
+debt by his extravagance; and would sacrifice the happiness, and
+even the life of Emma, with as little remorse as he now feels for
+his past crimes. He is bad, but his parents, if possible, are worse;
+for they have not only given the sanction of their approbation to
+his conduct, but attempted to corrupt our child, and thus ruin our
+domestic happiness."
+
+The conduct of a female, who accepts the addresses of a gentleman
+without consulting her parents, or her guardians, is deserving of
+censure; but when she is beguiled into the measure by the entreaties
+and persuasion of others, and especially those who have children
+or wards of their own, the voice of censure should reserve its
+severest expressions of reprobation for her tempters and seducers.
+Their delinquency, it is true, does not cancel hers, but it offers
+some slight degree of extenuation. What evils often result from
+that system of manoeuvring, which is so much tolerated, nay, even
+applauded, in society! These match-makers and busy-bodies--these
+common nuisances and pests--who trample on all the sacred principles
+of honour and of friendship, and display such indifference when
+detected--ought to be excluded from every family which wishes to
+preserve the honour and happiness of its female members. Nor ought
+we to hold in less detestation and abhorrence, the conduct of those
+who allow our children to hold secret and forbidden intercourse with
+each other at their houses, or consent to become the agents through
+whom a correspondence is carried on. Such persons may express their
+tender sympathy for the young people who are not permitted to meet
+openly and in the face of day, and may pass some heavy censures on
+the cruelty of their parents; but can they, on reflection, approve
+of their own doings, and think themselves entitled to respect?
+Impossible! They are acting a part over which they wish the veil
+of secrecy to be thrown; and, often sacrificing on the same altar
+the virtue and happiness of the child, with the peace and honour of
+the parent, can offer no other apology for their conduct, than that
+"they did not mean any harm."
+
+Mr. Holmes saw, with great anxiety, the declining health of his
+beloved Emma; and on surprising her, in tears, one morning as he
+entered her room, he expressed his fears that she was unhappy.
+
+"Yes, my father, I am unhappy; and I believe that I shall never see
+another happy day in this unhappy world."
+
+"But I understood, when I spoke to you on the subject, that it was
+your determination to renounce all further thoughts of Captain Orme."
+
+"Yes, I said I would return his letters, and never suffer myself
+to be again beguiled from the path of duty; but I cannot subdue my
+feelings. I think if you knew him you would not object."
+
+"My dear girl, I have strong objections to his profession, which is
+not favourable to the cultivation of those domestic virtues on which
+the happiness of a wife depends."
+
+"But, Papa, he is one of the most attentive and amiable of men; and
+would, I have no doubt, make me happy."
+
+"It is very rarely, indeed, that a rake ever makes a good husband."
+
+"A rake! Papa; you are misinformed."
+
+"Ah, my child, you are not aware of the deception which has been
+practised on you, by those you once thought, and perhaps still
+think, your friends. I have made the most minute inquiry respecting
+his habits, his property, and his character; and I can assure
+you, on evidence the most decisive, that he is dissolute in his
+habits--impoverished in his fortune--and his general character is
+the very reverse of what you imagine."
+
+"O Papa! I think you have been deceived. He has his mother's
+fortune, which is very handsome. I have seen the original deeds
+which secured it to him."
+
+"He had his mother's fortune, my dear, but he squandered it away
+before he came of age; and when it was actually transferred to him,
+it was not sufficient to pay all his debts."
+
+"Are you sure, Papa, that you are not misinformed?"
+
+"Perfectly sure, my dear Emma."
+
+"And may I be permitted to ask, how you gained this information,
+which is so contrary to every statement I have received; and which,
+if true, must change my opinion of him?"
+
+"I gained it, in the first instance, through the medium of your
+brothers; but as I was unwilling to believe such an unfavourable
+account, even on their testimony, I obtained a personal interview
+with several of his creditors, who gave me ocular proof of the
+correctness of their statements. Indeed, one of them arrested him
+last week, for the sum of twenty pounds, which had been due more
+than a year and a half; and others have been induced to wait a few
+months longer, from the representations of the Colonel, who has told
+them that his son is just on the eve of marrying a wealthy citizen's
+daughter, when every claim shall be settled."
+
+"Impossible! Such treachery cannot dwell in the human bosom!"
+
+"It is true, my child."
+
+"I am forced to believe it, Papa, and yet I cannot. Perhaps it is
+only a temporary embarrassment, arising from some act of generosity,
+or some species of fraud, that has been practised on him. And you
+know, Papa, a gentleman who is reduced to poverty, may rise again in
+society; and gaining wisdom by his experience, he may become more
+careful."
+
+"Yes, my dear, if he be a man of probity and virtue; but if not, he
+will never rise."
+
+"And is not Charles Orme a man of probity and virtue?"
+
+"I am sorry to say he is not. He may appear such in your presence,
+and he may be described as such by his own family, but when his mode
+of life is inquired into, he will be found frequenting places and
+societies which a virtuous man would shun as offensive to his taste,
+and destructive of his honour."
+
+When a forbidden passion has once gained an ascendency over the mind
+of a female, it very often throws such a spell around her, that she
+becomes either unable or unwilling to see the inevitable ruin that
+lies before her; and though she will listen to the advice of her
+friends with apparent interest, and sometimes profess to adopt it,
+under a full conviction that it is such as she ought to follow, yet
+as soon as she comes into contact with the fatal object on which her
+affections are irrecoverably placed, she feels an influence which
+destroys all her wise resolves, and hurries her to her doom.
+
+Thus it was with the infatuated Emma, who, after struggling with
+her affections for many months, and endeavouring to recover that
+mental peace which she formerly enjoyed, rashly determined to follow
+the impulse of her will, though her ruin should be the inevitable
+consequence.
+
+The family had accepted an invitation to spend a few days with an
+intimate friend, who resided near Tunbridge Wells, but as Emma did
+not wish to go into company at present, she was excused, and took
+leave of her parents and sisters with the tenderest expressions of
+attachment, and said she hoped they would enjoy the visit. On their
+return they were informed by the housekeeper that Miss Emma had not
+been home since the day after they left, but had requested her to
+present the following letter to her father as soon as she saw him:--
+
+     "MY DEAR FATHER,--Before you receive this, I shall have
+     committed an act which will plunge you and every one of our
+     family into the greatest distress; but I have been compelled to
+     it by dire necessity. I could not conquer my passion for Captain
+     Orme, and am therefore now his wife. Had I not consented, my
+     life would have fallen a sacrifice to my feelings; and as I am
+     not prepared to die, I judged it prudent to perpetuate a life,
+     with some chance for happiness, rather than lose it, with a
+     certain prospect of misery. I hope you and my dear mother will
+     forgive me; and if you cannot suffer me to visit you, I hope
+     you will pray for me. My present home is at the Colonel's, and
+     though I do not expect to find it such a one as that which I
+     have left, yet I trust it will not be without its comforts. With
+     every affectionate regard to you, my dear Mamma, and sisters,
+     and brothers, I am your undutiful, yet much attached,
+
+     "EMMA."
+
+
+
+
+A SEQUEL TO THE FOREGOING.
+
+
+The distress into which the Holmes' family were plunged, on
+hearing the contents of the letter just referred to, exceeds all
+description; and though, during the first ebullition of their grief,
+they gave utterance to heavy censures and bitter reproaches, yet, on
+cooler reflection, they felt more disposed to pity than blame the
+poor deluded Emma. "A deceived heart," said her father, "hath led
+her astray, and she needs not the vial of our displeasure to fill up
+the bitter cup which she has to drink. We, as a family, have had,"
+he continued, "a larger proportion of happiness for a long series of
+years than has fallen to the lot of most; and if, in the decline of
+life, it should please an all-wise Providence to cast over us the
+clouds of sorrow, we must not repine, but rather bow in submission
+to his righteous will, and pray for wisdom and for grace, to guide
+and support us, when walking through the darkness by which we are
+now surrounded."
+
+"But," said Mrs. Holmes, "this is an evil which I did not expect.
+I thought she had too much regard for her own honour, and too
+much respect for our feelings, to steal away from us in such a
+clandestine manner, as though her home were a prison, and her
+parents tyrants. She deserves all she may suffer; and if she has not
+become as callous as a rock, must endure a martyrdom of anguish."
+
+"Yes, my dear, but she is still our child; and though she has torn
+herself away from us, we must not abandon her."
+
+"Abandon her! no, impossible! I can never forget that I gave her
+birth; that I watched over her in infancy and childhood; and that
+she was the pride of my heart in my old age. It is the strength of
+my affection that gives me such intense pain when I think of her
+ungrateful conduct."
+
+Her clothes, &c., were carefully packed up, and sent to Colonel
+Orme's, according to her own request, accompanied by the following
+letter, which inclosed a draft on her father's banker for £50:--
+
+     "MY DEAR EMMA,--I shall not attempt to describe our
+     consternation when on returning home we received your letter,
+     which informed us of the step you have taken. To reproach you,
+     now the deed is done, will not repair the evil, nor will it
+     afford any alleviation to our distress. We hope you may be
+     happy, and may meet that kindness from your new connections,
+     which you, no doubt, have anticipated; but which we do not
+     expect. I have inclosed a draft for your _own use_, as a token
+     of my affection, and assure you that you will always meet with a
+     welcome reception at the Elms, when you choose to visit us; but
+     you must come alone. As you are now an inmate in a family which
+     makes no profession of religion, I fear you will be exposed to
+     temptations, which will efface every devout impression you have
+     received; and you may be induced to treat with indifference, if
+     not with contempt, the faith in which you have been educated.
+     Remember, my dear child, that the fashion of this world is
+     passing away, and that in a few years you will have to stand
+     before the judgment seat of Christ, and if, in that solemn and
+     awful moment, you should be separated from us, by the impassable
+     gulf, with what feelings will you await your sentence! We will
+     pray for you; but our prayers will be useless unless _you_
+     likewise pray, and repent, and believe the gospel.--I remain
+     your affectionate father,
+
+     H. HOLMES."
+
+Her husband took this draft to the bank and got it cashed, but he
+kept the money; and when his wife ventured to ask him for it, he
+requested her to apply to her father for more. This she refused to
+do, which drew from him the first unkind expression she had heard
+him utter. As the news of his marriage spread abroad, his creditors
+became very clamorous for the settlement of their accounts; and
+though by dexterous manoeuvring, he contrived to keep them from
+adopting any violent measures, yet he felt conscious that the
+crisis was fast approaching, unless Mr. Holmes could be persuaded
+to assist him. He made a contrite apology to his wife for the
+unguarded language he had used--pledged his honour never more to
+wound her feelings--and assured her that nothing but dire necessity
+had induced him to appropriate the money to his own use, which was
+designed exclusively for hers. She accepted the apology, but felt
+startled by his allusion to pecuniary embarrassment, though she felt
+the subject to be too delicate to notice.
+
+Her husband's family treated her with the utmost degree of respect
+and affection, and every one strove to promote her happiness.
+Captain Orme was unremitting in his attentions, studied her
+gratification in all his arrangements, and conducted himself with
+so much propriety, that she flattered herself with the prospect
+of enjoying a large portion of conjugal felicity. Six months had
+now passed away without any fresh interruption to her happiness,
+when she began to perceive a fixed gloom on the countenance of her
+husband, who absented himself more frequently, and for a longer
+space of time than he had been accustomed to do; and she heard some
+ambiguous expressions from her father and mother-in-law, which she
+knew not how to explain; nor would her high spirit suffer her to ask
+an explanation. At length, one day the Colonel informed her that
+some application must be made to her father for a settlement, as his
+son's pay was not equal to the expenses of the family which he was
+now likely to have.
+
+"Captain Orme informed me, Sir, when he solicited me to leave my
+father's house to become his wife, and you assured me that his
+statement was correct, that his fortune was large, and that it was
+quite immaterial to him whether my father gave me a fortune or left
+me penniless."
+
+"I deny it, Madam, and now tell you that your husband is in
+embarrassed circumstances, and it is useless to conceal the fact any
+longer. Something must be done, or you are both ruined."
+
+"No gentleman, Sir, ever ventured to suspect the truth of my
+testimony, and I am sorry that I ever gave you an opportunity to do
+it."
+
+"Well, well, I beg your pardon for the abruptness of my reply.
+Perhaps I did say that his statement was correct; but to be frank,
+he is in difficulties, and we must endeavour to get him out as well
+as we can; and no one has so much at stake in this business as
+yourself."
+
+"If his difficulties have come upon him since our marriage I will
+submit to any privation, and will take upon myself any task to
+extricate him; but if they existed before, I do not know that it is
+in my power to forgive an act of deception so cruel and unjust as
+that which you have all practised upon me."
+
+"You talk," said the Colonel, "like one who lived before the fall,
+in a state of paradisiacal innocence, rather than like one who has
+seen the world as it is. The world is governed by deception; in
+church, in state, in all the departments of social life; and if you
+have been deceived by any statements which might have been given to
+allure you to the altar, we have all been deceived since your return
+from it."
+
+"Not by me, Sir."
+
+"No, Madam, but by your father."
+
+"My father! no! impossible! As he is too humane to reproach, he is
+too sincere to deceive."
+
+"Why, we all expected, when the marriage was over, that he would
+provide handsomely for you."
+
+"I have no doubt that he will, ultimately, but I never gave you any
+reason to expect it."
+
+"But we _did_ expect it, and I think we have a _right_ to expect it.
+Can he suppose that my son is to meet all the expenses which you and
+your family may bring upon him, without receiving some assistance!
+If he do, he is deceived, and will entail on you and himself
+disgrace and misery."
+
+"But you know, Colonel," said Mrs. Orme, "it is no use to wound the
+feelings of dear Emma so much. If Charles is in trouble, I know she
+will do what she can to assist him, without being very particular
+respecting the cause of his difficulties; and I would propose,
+without any farther remarks on this very painful question, that she
+write to her father on the subject, or give her consent for you to
+write."
+
+"What are his difficulties?" inquired Emma.
+
+"O dear, only a small account which he is obliged to pay
+immediately."
+
+"And cannot he pay a small account?"
+
+"Why, my dear, he has had to settle several lately, which has taken
+from him all his ready money."
+
+"How much is this small account?"
+
+"O, only about £200."
+
+"And do you consider this a trifling sum to owe one tradesman?"
+
+"Certainly, my dear, for a gentleman of his profession."
+
+"Well," said Emma, "I will have some conversation with Charles on
+the subject when he returns; and we will decide on the adoption of
+some plan."
+
+"Why, my dear, I am sorry to inform you, that he is at present
+detained by the formalities of the law."
+
+"Detained by the formalities of the law! I do not understand you."
+
+"Perhaps not; but he cannot return home till the money is paid or
+some security is given that it shall be paid."
+
+"Then, where is he?"
+
+"Why, my dear, it will afford you no pleasure if I tell you. You had
+better not press the question."
+
+"But I must press the question; and I must request to know where he
+is."
+
+"Well, my dear, since you must have it, the gentleman who waited
+on him for the payment of the money, has very kindly given him
+permission to stay in his house till it is paid."
+
+"What! is he in prison?"
+
+"No, not exactly in prison; only the formalities of the law require
+that he should remain with the gentleman till the money is paid."
+
+"Can I see him?"
+
+"Why, you had better not. You had better write to your father on the
+business, or let the Colonel write."
+
+"Then let the Colonel write, for I can never consent to tell such a
+tale to my father, after having treated his remonstrances with so
+much contempt; and violating my most solemn pledge, that I would
+never suffer myself to be beguiled again from the path of duty."
+
+The Colonel wrote to Mr. Holmes, requesting that he would give his
+daughter some portion of her fortune; delicately hinting at the
+temporary embarrassments of her husband; soliciting, at the same
+time, the honour of an interview, when he had no doubt, but some
+expedient could be devised to bring about a friendly reconciliation,
+by which the happiness of both families might be placed on a
+substantial basis. To this letter Mr. Holmes replied, that he felt
+it his duty to make every provision in his power for the personal
+comfort of his daughter; but no circumstances should induce him to
+pay the enormous debts which he knew her husband had contracted by
+a course of extravagant profligacy; and while he was willing to
+admit her under his roof, it was not his intention ever to form the
+most distant intimacy with a family who had acted with such cruel
+duplicity towards his child, and sacrificed her happiness for life.
+
+On the receipt of this letter, the Ormes were thrown into the
+greatest degree of perplexity; and though they did not read it to
+Emma, because it contained some severe reflections on their conduct,
+yet they judged it expedient to inform her, that Mr. Holmes refused
+to comply with their request. "You must now, my dear, apply for some
+cash," said Mrs. Orme, "as you will soon want many conveniences,
+which it will not be in Charles's power to procure, and I would
+advise you to press for a generous remittance." This application,
+however, was rendered unnecessary, as a few days afterwards, she
+received a letter from her father, inclosing a draft for £30 for her
+own use, and informing her, that if she preferred being confined at
+the Elms, everything was ready for her reception.
+
+She now began to see the extreme delicacy of her situation, and to
+feel the direful consequences of her own imprudence; but she had no
+friend in whom she could confide or who could sympathize with her
+misfortunes. Her mind was in a state of perpetual anxiety, often
+deeply wounded by the neglect, or unkind looks and expressions of
+those who once professed the utmost degree of affection--with the
+near prospect, too, of becoming a mother, without a home, or any
+provision for herself or child, except by returning to her father's
+house--a step which she contemplated at present with extreme
+reluctance.
+
+After an absence of several days, Captain Orme returned home in
+high spirits, informing his wife that he had had an interview with
+her father, who very generously forgave him, and drew a check on
+his banker for £300. "Now," said the Captain, "I'll give you a
+proof of my honour. I'll take you to the bank, you shall receive
+the cash, and pay yourself the £50, which necessity compelled me to
+appropriate to my own use."
+
+"No, Charles," replied his wife, "if my father has forgiven you, so
+will I; and still indulge the hope, that our union, which has been
+embittered with grief, may yet prove a source of mutual felicity. I
+request that no further allusion be made to the money."
+
+"Indeed, I cannot be happy unless you allow me to redeem my honour,
+which stands pledged to you for it. You must consent to take it,
+and I'll accompany you to the bank. You will wound me if you make
+another objection."
+
+She entertained no doubt of the truth of his statement; and they
+accordingly drove to town together the following morning. Just as
+they were going into the bank, he said, "There's a friend whom I
+have been anxious to see some months; you will step in and get the
+cash, and after I have seen him, I will return and meet you."
+
+As she was well known to one of the partners in the banking firm,
+who had often visited at the Elms, the check was honoured without
+much inspection; and having the money, she gave her husband £250,
+and then begged his acceptance of the £50, as an expression of
+her attachment. With this sum he paid the debt for which he was
+arrested; and prevented another arrest which he had been daily
+expecting.
+
+Things now wore a brighter aspect, and the unsuspecting Emma was
+induced to decline accepting her father's offer; choosing to be
+confined at the Colonel's, where she could enjoy the society of
+her husband, without giving any trouble to the members of her own
+family. Though often pressed to pay a visit to the Elms, she had
+always deferred doing so; but she now proposed a visit to express
+the pleasure she felt in prospect of a reconciliation between the
+two families. On mentioning this, however, to her husband, he urged
+her not to do it till after her confinement, saying, "The heir will
+be our advocate, and heal the breach." The eventful time drew near,
+and everything necessary for the occasion had been sent, with a
+pressing invitation to spend a few weeks at home, as soon as she was
+capable of doing so.
+
+"I am happy to inform you," said her husband, a few weeks after the
+occurrences above narrated, "that I have had another interview with
+your father; after expressing his good wishes for your welfare,
+and requesting that I would accompany you to the Elms after your
+convalescence, he very generously said, that as our expenses
+just now must be very heavy, and he wished you to have the best
+professional advice, and every comfort that money could procure, he
+would beg my acceptance of this check for £400. Now, my dear Emma,
+we will go to town in the morning, and you shall get the cash, and
+do what you like with it." This was accordingly done in the course
+of the following day.
+
+At night the family retired to rest as usual; but about midnight
+they were disturbed, and ere day-break the birth of a fine boy
+was announced. The news was immediately despatched to the Elms,
+with a particular request from Mrs. Charles Orme, that her sister
+Louisa would come to see her. The interview was interesting and
+affecting; for though the two sisters bore no resemblance to each
+other in taste or in disposition, yet their attachment was mutual;
+and increased on this occasion by the influence of misfortune and
+sorrow. Miss Holmes remained at Redhill nearly three weeks; and on
+her return, when detailing the incidents of her visit, she referred
+to her father's generosity to Captain Orme.
+
+"Indeed, my dear," said Mr. Holmes, "I have done nothing which has
+not been previously agreed upon by us."
+
+"Why, father, it is very good in you to speak so of your generosity
+to Captain Orme. We were rather surprised, however, at your not even
+mentioning to us that you had seen him."
+
+"I have not seen Captain Orme since the day of his marriage, and I
+am at a loss to conceive to what acts of generosity you refer."
+
+"Not seen him, Papa! why, have you not given him two drafts on your
+banker, for a considerable amount?"
+
+"I never did anything of the kind! You must be dreaming, Louisa."
+
+"Emma informed me that you had; and that she went, at her husband's
+urgent request, and got them cashed."
+
+"Then he has forged my check; and again imposed on the credulity of
+our dear child."
+
+He immediately rode off to his banker's, and found forged checks
+to the amount of £700. This discovery involved the family in great
+distress; but they resolved not to take any steps in the business
+till they had seen Emma, which they expected to do in the course
+of a few days. On the morning she left for the Elms, Captain
+Orme requested that she would make no allusion to her father's
+generosity, as he did not wish it to be known. As she had already,
+however, mentioned the circumstance to Louisa, the request came too
+late, and Mr. Holmes, as above-mentioned, had now become aware of
+the villainy of his son-in-law. His resolve to question Emma on the
+subject, after her arrival, was abandoned, on witnessing the joy
+which she displayed on again meeting with her parents and sisters.
+The family all agreed that it would be cruelty to broach the matter
+at present, and that it had better be deferred to some more fitting
+opportunity.
+
+Mrs. Orme had been at home a month, and was preparing to return to
+Redhill, when her father took an opportunity of asking her who it
+was she saw at the bank, how often she had been there, what sums of
+money she had received, and what circumstances induced her to go.
+To all these questions she replied in very direct terms, and when
+she had finished, expressed her gratitude to her father for his
+kindness, and hoped that now he would consent to be reconciled to
+her husband.
+
+"Your husband, my child, has been pursuing one uniform plan of
+deception, from the time he first saw you to the present hour; and
+though this last instance of his duplicity is not the most fatal to
+your happiness, it is certainly the most hazardous for his own. I
+gave him no drafts, nor have I seen him since your marriage."
+
+"Not seen him, father!"
+
+"No."
+
+"Nor given him any checks!"
+
+"Never."
+
+"How in the world did he get them then?"
+
+"He has forged my name, Emma, and made you the innocent agent in his
+villainy."
+
+"And is it possible! Am I the wife of such a man!"
+
+"Such a man is your husband; and if the law now take its course, he
+will be liable to transportation for life."
+
+"O! father, spare Charles. Have mercy on your poor Emma; though he
+were the most wicked man alive, he is still my husband."
+
+"I shall refrain from prosecuting him; but it will be necessary to
+put a stop to such a system of fraud."
+
+"O! my father, what will now become of me and my babe!"
+
+"You have left your home once, my child, without my consent, but I
+hope you will not leave it again."
+
+"Never, father! if you will permit me to remain, though I fear my
+presence will be a source of perpetual anxiety."
+
+Mr. Holmes, after deliberating on the matter, sent the following
+letter to Captain Orme, unsealed, in an envelope, addressed to the
+Colonel:--
+
+     "SIR,--I have seen the forged checks which you got cashed at my
+     banker's; and on inquiry find that you induced my daughter to
+     present them, by telling her that I had given them to you, as
+     a token of my reconciliation. I presume you are aware of the
+     consequences to which you have subjected yourself; though you
+     may suppose that a regard for my daughter's feelings, and the
+     reputation of her child, will induce me to forego a prosecution.
+     I have, however, to warn you against the repetition of such
+     a base and hazardous course, for there are bounds which the
+     tenderest humanity will not suffer to be passed with impunity. I
+     should hope, for the honour of your father's character, that he
+     was ignorant of the crime which you have committed; but I fear
+     you are not the only person that is involved in the guilt of its
+     commission."
+
+To this letter he received the following reply the next day:--
+
+     "SIR,--You say you have detected my fraud, and express your fear
+     that I am not the only person that is involved in the guilt of
+     it. Very true, Sir. Your own daughter suggested to me this mode
+     of getting at some portion of her fortune--procured the blank
+     checks--and went herself and got them cashed; and now you are at
+     liberty to let the law take its course, if you please. She is
+     unfortunately my wife; and as she is once more under your roof,
+     I hope she will remain there till I send for her, which will not
+     be till you are induced to give her a fortune equal to my rank,
+     as I was fully entitled to expect on marrying her. My father,
+     who feels too indignant at your base insinuation to reply to it,
+     begs me to say, that he does not choose to admit your daughter
+     into his house again. You will, therefore, permit me to return
+     your own compliment, by saying, that all intimacy between our
+     families has ceased, and you may be assured, that I regret that
+     any intimacy was ever formed.--Your obedient servant,
+
+     "CHARLES ORME."
+
+This letter confirmed the suspicions which had been, for a long
+time, excited in the breast of Mrs. Charles Orme; and though the
+open avowal of her husband's baseness produced a painful impression,
+yet it decided the course which necessity compelled her to adopt;
+and she could not forbear sending him the subjoined letter:--
+
+     "MY HUSBAND,--I cannot, in justice to myself, remain silent,
+     after reading your letter to my father--a letter which is a
+     very natural sequel to your perfidious conduct. That you should
+     feel at liberty to charge upon me the baseness of suggesting
+     the crime of which you have been guilty, is more than I could
+     have imagined; but it has relieved me from that bitter regret
+     which I should otherwise feel in being separated from you
+     for life. You have betrayed me--you have reproached me--you
+     have insulted me--but this, it appears, is not enough: you
+     now try to disgrace me. Have you lost all sense of honour?
+     Does no feeling of generous sensibility move in your breast?
+     Are you become an alien from every virtuous principle? and do
+     you wish, if possible, to sink me into contempt, after having
+     abandoned me and your child? I feel too indignant to throw
+     back the reproaches which you have cast on me. I have a home,
+     and a peaceful one, and you may rely upon it, that no false
+     professions of attachment shall ever again induce me to leave
+     it. I am unable to judge of your state of mind; but if you have
+     the slightest degree of remorse left, conscience must reproach
+     you bitterly.--Your much injured
+
+     "EMMA."
+
+I shall now anticipate my narrative a little, and conclude the
+history of Captain Orme. Soon after sending the preceding letter to
+Mr. Holmes, he obtained a military appointment in the East Indies,
+through the influence of Lord ----; and immediately embarked,
+without making any communication to his wife, or expressing any wish
+to see his infant child. She knew not the place of his destination
+for nearly two years after he had left his native country, when
+she received a letter from him. On opening the letter she very
+naturally expected to find some relentings for his past unkindness,
+and some promises of future amendment, but she was disappointed.
+The influence of time, which generally softens down the asperities
+of temper, and brings about a cordial reconciliation between the
+most hostile parties, had only increased the malevolence of his
+disposition; and as though he had not already inflicted a wound
+sufficiently deep, he now proceeded to the most heartless and
+unmanly abuse. He accused her of infidelity; reproached her for her
+attachment to her own family, whom he reviled in the lowest terms;
+and concluded by saying, that she might now put on her weeds, as it
+was not his intention of ever returning to claim her as his wife, or
+even to acknowledge as his son the child she had borne.
+
+As she still cherished an attachment for him, notwithstanding his
+cruel treatment, and had indulged the forlorn hope of seeing him
+reclaimed from the paths of evil, the contents of this letter
+produced at first a deep melancholy; but as she had now begun to
+derive consolation from a source of happiness which is concealed
+from the eye of the gay and the dissipated, she soon regained her
+composure, though she ceased not to pray for her erring husband.
+At length the report of his death reached her through the medium
+of a friend. She wept when she heard of his decease, and expressed
+a strong anxiety to know the cause of it. Many inquiries were
+made, but no information could be obtained, till she received a
+letter from a military officer who had known him in the East.
+This gentleman spoke in high terms of his courage, and of the
+important services which he had rendered to the government of India;
+expressing, at the same time, his regret that he fell a victim, not
+to the sword, but to his habits of intemperance, which became so
+inveterate, that neither reason nor authority could subdue them.
+Thus terminated a union planned by treachery, which a perverse will
+led Emma Holmes to contract, but which she lived to regret with
+bitter and unavailing sorrow.
+
+Her husband's cruelty, in first abandoning his wife and child,
+without bidding them adieu, and then insulting her by his base
+accusations, was not more flagrant and unjust than his perfidy
+in first inducing her to become his wife. Though pity could not
+withhold the sympathy which her sufferings excited, yet every
+impartial spectator was compelled to acknowledge that she had
+brought them on herself by her own imprudence. And though such
+instances of cruelty and treachery are frequently occurring in
+the history of human life, and though they are held up by the
+moralist as beacons to warn the incautious female of the danger to
+which she is exposed, yet how often, alas! do we see such warnings
+disregarded. Women are too often smitten by external appearances,
+and too easily imposed upon by the artful tales of the perfidious
+and the crafty, to listen to the advice of their best friends. Thus
+braving the opposition of their parents, they plunge themselves into
+a state of misery, without having, as a melancholy alleviation to
+their anguish, the solitary consolation that they were not apprized
+of their danger. I have seen, in my passage through life, many
+fine characters wrecked on this fatal rock, and wish to guard the
+thoughtless and inexperienced from a similar catastrophe, and though
+I cannot suppose that I shall be able to change the purpose, when
+it is once formed, yet I do not despair of exciting some degree of
+precaution in the unfettered and uncorrupted mind.
+
+As that union, which is ordained to be the source of the purest
+felicity, or of the bitterest anguish, and which nothing but death
+or guilt can dissolve, is the most important that can be formed,
+no one ought to propose it, or consent to it, till after the most
+mature deliberation. In some instances it has been known that
+_short_ courtships have led to happy marriages; but the instances
+are comparatively few. Two persons accidentally meet--strangers
+to each other--an offer of marriage is made, and immediately
+accepted; a few weeks of intercourse, or of correspondence elapse,
+and they are united for life. Can such a hasty union, which has
+taken place while the parties have been almost entirely ignorant
+of each other, be expected to yield much domestic felicity? It
+may, but the chances are against it; as the history of social life
+demonstrates this fact, that domestic happiness is less dependent on
+the agreeableness of each other's persons, than on the harmony of
+each other's disposition; and though a magic charm often renders us
+blind to the defects of the beloved object, this blissful dream is
+soon dissipated when the wedded pair come to seek their happiness
+in the amiability of each other's tempers, and the goodness of each
+other's principles. And considering the immense importance of this
+correspondence in mental taste, tendencies, and inclinations, as a
+source of permanent domestic happiness, and the amazing diversity
+of tempers and dispositions which is known to prevail amongst human
+beings, will a wise man, or will a prudent female, venture to risk
+their felicity for life by a sudden and precipitate union? What!
+shall we deem it necessary to institute a severe inquiry respecting
+the temper, and disposition, and principles of the servants we take
+into our dwellings, and whom we may dismiss at our pleasure; and
+think that no such inquiry is necessary in relation to the person
+to whom we are to be united for life--who is to be our comfort or
+our torment, the means of elevating us to honour or sinking us into
+contempt! Would this be an act of wisdom or of discretion?
+
+And is it not to be regretted that the period of courtship, which
+is intended to give to the parties an opportunity of judging of
+their fitness for each other, is usually the period in which the
+greatest degree of duplicity prevails? It may be justly denominated
+the intermediate state between the two conditions in human life,
+over which the evil spirit of deception presides--investing the
+character with imaginary charms--softening down rugged and uncouth
+tempers into the smoothness of the most subduing tenderness--curbing
+restless and ungovernable passions with the restraints of a crafty
+policy--and giving such a fascination to external graces, that they
+are received as substitutes for the most solid and substantial
+virtues. This is the fatal period, when suspicion is usually
+asleep; when a slowness of heart to believe the rumours of report
+becomes proverbial; and it is not till the parties emerge from
+this delusion, to the realities of married life, and resume their
+real character, that they discover the deception they have been
+practising on each other. Then the work of mutual recrimination and
+reproach commences. Then it is their eyes are opened to see their
+folly and their danger, but their repentance, like that of Esau's,
+comes too late to repair the evil which they have brought upon
+themselves.
+
+As the period of courtship is the most dangerous in the history
+of life, because the most deceptive, those who wish to enjoy a
+state of permanent domestic happiness, cannot, at this period, be
+too observant of each other's tempers and dispositions, or too
+inquisitive respecting each other's connections and manners. If
+they now discover a dissonance in any of these particulars, they
+would act a wiser part to separate by mutual consent, than to form
+a union which will inevitably become a fruitful source of misery,
+and may terminate in disgrace, if not in ruin. Some severe moralists
+contend, that when an offer of marriage has been given and accepted,
+no circumstances will justify either party in withdrawing from their
+pledge, but that it ought to be held as sacred and as obligatory
+as the marriage vow. Though the writer would not hazard an opinion
+which would tend to sanction a wanton inconstancy, yet he claims
+the privilege of differing from such casuists. For what purpose
+has the unanimous consent of mankind required some period of time
+to elapse, after the offer has been made, before it is formally,
+and for life decided? Is it not that the contracting parties may
+have an opportunity of judging of their relative fitness for each
+other? If not, they may pass at once to the nuptial altar, after
+mutually consenting to their union; but if it be, they are invested
+with a moral right to revise their decision, when fresh discoveries
+of character are made, which change their opinions, and diminish,
+if not alienate their affections. Suppose a gentleman makes a lady
+an offer, and she accepts it, under a firm conviction that he is
+a man of honour, of integrity, of virtue, and of prudence, whose
+disposition is amiable, whose circumstances are respectable, and
+who is capable of maintaining her in the rank in which she has
+been accustomed to move. Suppose that on a subsequent inquiry,
+she finds out that these sterling qualities do not adorn his
+character--that he is violent in his passions--and that his means
+to support a family are not adequate to its demands. If she is now
+convinced that by consummating the union, her happiness for life
+will be sacrificed, ought she to be compelled to do so? She may be
+censured for giving her consent too hastily; but is a consent given
+under false impressions, and while in a state of total or partial
+ignorance, to be binding, when she discovers the delusion which has
+been practised on her, and sees nothing but misery and wretchedness
+before her? I think it is not. If Emma Holmes, when she returned
+the letters and presents to Captain Orme, had never more consented
+to see him, would any wise or prudent person have passed a sentence
+of condemnation on her conduct? No! Why not? Because she had given
+her consent under false impressions of his character; but after her
+marriage, though that took place under the same false impressions,
+she was bound by the laws of God and man to remain his wife.
+
+But as there is always some risk of reputation, and sometimes
+some pecuniary risk, in breaking off an engagement which has been
+formed, it should not be done hastily, nor for trifling reasons.
+Though the mutual pledge is less binding than the nuptial vow, yet
+if it be treated with levity and contempt, society will resent the
+insult which is offered to its sense of delicacy and of honour. The
+faithless and inconstant will be marked out as the objects of its
+censure and reproaches. And no censures can be too severe, nor any
+reproaches be too bitter, to be directed against the man who gains
+the affections of a female, and then abandons her from caprice; or
+against that female, who acts the part of a coquette, by giving
+pledges she never intends to redeem, and exciting expectations she
+has resolved to disappoint. And this risk ought to operate as a
+powerful motive to induce the utmost degree of caution when making
+or when accepting an offer. As the right of overture is claimed
+and exercised by man, he is supposed to institute every necessary
+inquiry before he makes his election, and to be perfectly satisfied
+that the female whose friendship and whose affection he courts
+is capable of promoting his happiness; and though on a closer
+intimacy he may discover some shades of imperfection which were not
+visible when he first knew her, yet if they are only the ordinary
+imperfections which belong to the human character, he would act
+an unwise, if not a criminal part, by making them the ostensible
+cause of breaking off the connection. We should ever remember, that
+the nuptial vow always unites two imperfect beings, whose mutual
+imperfections will call for the exercise of mutual candour; and
+when pure and ardent love glows in the breast of each, they will
+bear with each other's failings, and strive to promote each other's
+happiness.
+
+It is then, in the opinion of the writer, only when some radical
+defect is discovered in the character--some strong repulsive
+quality, or some untoward and ungovernable passion--that the
+male sex, who exercise the prerogative of choice, ought to feel
+at liberty to disengage themselves, unless the female give her
+unqualified approbation. In that case the connection may be
+dissolved at any time, as it cannot be supposed that a marriage
+between two persons who are willing to separate for life can be
+productive of happiness.
+
+But without acting capriciously, or presuming to encroach on the
+principle of equity, I should be disposed to concede to the female
+sex a greater degree of liberty on this point. When an offer is made
+to a lady, she may feel no reluctance to it--the person who makes it
+may be agreeable to her, and, by the ardour of solicitation, she may
+be induced to yield assent to the proposed union. She may do this
+before her modesty allows her to make those inquiries respecting
+temper, disposition, principles, and resources, which the gentleman
+is supposed to have made before he ventured to disclose his wishes.
+She may have been pressed to a compliance before she acquired that
+specific information which would justify and sanction it; and which,
+if advantage had not been taken of her amiable weakness, she would
+have withheld till she had obtained it. And perhaps, in addition to
+this, she has been induced to conceal the overture from her parents,
+or her guardians, till some convenient season should arrive to make
+it known--that convenient season being to be determined, less by the
+decision of her own mind, than the mind of her lover. When these
+circumstances occur in the history of a courtship, though I would
+not say that the lady is quite as free to reject the offer, as she
+was when it was first made, yet I think she is more at liberty to
+decline it, than the gentleman who made it. Yet she ought not to
+act capriciously, nor ought she to sport with the feelings of the
+person to whom she has given her promise; but slighter reasons for
+breaking off the connection will justify her in doing so, than those
+which will justify him. She may discover no radical defect in his
+character, yet she may perceive "the flaw unseemly"--she may behold
+no predominating principle of evil, yet she may see its corrupting
+influence--she may feel no strong repulsive qualities, yet her
+affections may die off, while she knows not the cause--she may
+witness no sallies of an ungovernable passion, yet she may strongly
+suspect the amiability of his temper--she may not be able to find
+out any fixed habits of inconsistency, or positive vice, and yet she
+may be convinced that her happiness would be sacrificed for life if
+she consented to the proposed union.
+
+A question now arises in which both parties are deeply interested.
+Ought a female to marry when she feels conscious that she cannot be
+happy with the person who wishes her to become his wife? or would it
+be an act of wisdom, or prudence, or of piety, in a man to drag a
+victim to the altar, who feels an abhorrence, not to the ceremony,
+but to its appalling consequences? No. As mutual love is the only
+substantial basis of the union, where that does not exist, the union
+ought not to be consummated; and though some evils generally result
+from a dissolution of the mutual pledge, yet they are fewer and less
+awful and destructive than those which follow a marriage without
+affection--or when the affection of one has to struggle against the
+cool indifference or positive dislike of the other.
+
+And if circumstances should render it imperatively necessary that
+either party should break off the connection, this should be done in
+the most delicate and honourable manner. The reasons in most cases
+should be expressly and unequivocally stated; all vacillation should
+be conscientiously avoided; no words of reproach or invective should
+be uttered; and for their mutual credit they should speak of each
+other among their friends in terms of respect.
+
+But let no female expect that a libertine in principle, or a
+rake in practice, will ever make a kind and attentive husband,
+notwithstanding any professions he may make. Her charms may for a
+season operate as a spell on his passions, and he may, under their
+powerful influence, appear "a new creature." The company of the
+dissolute may be forsaken for the pleasure of her society; and the
+habits of vice may be broken off while he is courting the living
+image of virtue; but his character will remain the same. He may
+affect to deplore his past follies, and he may speak in praise of
+goodness and of religion, but, unless his _heart_ is changed, he
+will soon give ocular proof that he is the same man as when he made
+an open mock of sin, and publicly contemned righteousness. That
+some who have been dissolute in their early days have become the
+ornaments of society, good husbands, kind parents, and faithful
+friends, is a fact too generally known to be doubted; but their
+reformation has usually preceded their marriage--rarely followed
+it. They have separated themselves from evil-doers, and they
+have learned to do well, before they have dared to solicit the
+affections of a virtuous female; and then having re-established
+their character, and fixed their habits of goodness and of religion,
+they have lived to repair the injury they have done to their own
+reputation and to the morals of others, by walking in a course of
+exemplary consistency.
+
+But there are no females who ought to be so cautious on this subject
+as the children of pious parents. If they have imbibed the spirit
+of pure and undefiled religion, they ought to marry _only in the
+Lord_. No intellectual talents, no degrees of moral excellence, and
+no resources of wealth, should induce them to a violation of this
+positive injunction of the law of God. It would be, in addition to
+an insult offered to Divine authority, a suicidal act in regard to
+personal honour and happiness; uniform experience proving that the
+intermarrying of the pious with the unconverted is followed by the
+most disastrous social and spiritual consequences.
+
+And if they are not decidedly pious, yet if they have been
+accustomed to habits of religion, they ought not to calculate on
+permanent happiness if they consent to marry a person who is an
+avowed infidel, or one who cannot distinguish between the form of
+godliness and its power. For such a marriage will separate the
+woman from all intimate connection with her pious friends, and she
+will thus become to them a source of deep and poignant sorrow. But
+this, though an evil which a daughter ought to guard against, out
+of respect to the feelings of her parents, is a minor evil, when
+compared with the influence it will have over her own mind. The
+irreligion of her husband will tolerate none of the customs with
+which she has been so long familiar--no family prayer--no reading
+of the Scripture--no reverential references to God--to Providence,
+or to an eternal world--the Sabbath will be employed as a day of
+business, or of indolence, or of pleasure--or if the husband attend
+a place of worship, he will go, not
+
+        "Where the violated law speaks out
+    Its thunders; and where, in strains as sweet
+    As angels use, the gospel whispers peace;"
+
+but where
+
+    "The things that mount the rostrum with a skip,
+     And then skip down again; pronounce a text,--
+     Cry hem; and reading what they never wrote,
+     Just fifteen minutes huddle up their work,
+     And with a well-bred whisper close the scene."
+
+Can this strange change take place without producing some ill
+effect? will she be satisfied and contented? will conscience never
+reproach her? will she have no misgivings? will the days of her life
+
+            "----glide softly o'er her head,
+    Made up of innocence?"
+
+Will she never institute a comparison between her present home,
+and that in which she drew her infant breath, and spent the years
+of childhood and of youth? Will she never contrast the piety of
+her father with the irreligion of her husband?--the devotional
+lessons of her mother with her present course of life? But suppose
+she should outlive all reverence and respect for the habits of
+domestic religion, which she has been accustomed to revere and
+observe from the days of childhood, and yield herself to the
+beguiling fascinations of gaiety and worldliness, what will be her
+reflections and feelings in the hours of sickness, and from whence
+can she derive consolation and hope when death approaches? Ah, it
+is _then_ the secrets of her soul will speak out! it is _then_
+that her criminal folly will appear in all its aggravated forms of
+guilt! it is _then_ she will revert to her former home, her earlier
+associations, her pristine impressions of religious truth. Alas! she
+now goes back to these scenes, not for comfort, but for torture;
+not to gather up the fragments of hope, but to give a keener point
+to her desponding fears; to call back "joys that are departed," and
+to increase the intensity of her mental anguish, by contrasting it
+with the happiness she once enjoyed. Yet, if she discloses what
+she feels, she is either ridiculed for her superstitious folly, or
+suspected of partial derangement--as no one understands her case.
+She lingers through the last stages of her life in sorrow and in
+sadness, the victim of self-consuming anxieties and grief; and may
+die in agonizing apprehension, if not in absolute despair.
+
+
+
+
+THE VILLAGE CHAPEL.
+
+
+The painful and prolonged excitement occasioned by Emma's unhappy
+marriage, and its disastrous consequences, so greatly impaired the
+health of Mrs. and Miss Holmes, that a change of air and scene was
+deemed absolutely necessary. Dawlish, their favourite retreat, was
+thought of, and they were making preparations for their departure
+thither, when a letter arrived from Mr. Newell, Mr. Holmes'
+son-in-law, in Warwickshire,[26] announcing that the new chapel
+which Mr. Holmes had been the means of rearing near his native
+place, was all but completed, and inviting them to spend some time
+with him, and be present on the opening day. This induced them to
+change their mind. "I certainly," said Mr. Holmes, "ought to go, to
+witness the accomplishment of my design." "And we," said his wife
+and daughter, "should very much like to accompany you; we may thus
+reap a spiritual benefit while endeavouring to recruit our bodily
+health."
+
+  [26] Vol. ii. p. 129.
+
+The village of Lynnbridge, Warwickshire, near which Mr. Newell
+resided, was delightfully situated on the slope of a hill,
+commanding an extensive and beautiful prospect. At the foot winded
+the Lynn, much renowned as an excellent trouting stream, and here
+crossed by a handsome stone bridge, over which lay the highroad to
+London. A narrow lane, richly adorned in summer with dog-roses and
+other wild flowers, led to the village above, which was rather of
+a straggling description, without any principal street. The houses
+were for the most part of a humble order, few rising to the dignity
+of two stories, but all displaying that air of neatness and comfort
+which so distinguishes our English villages above those of any other
+country. Each had a flower garden in front, very prettily kept; and
+the cottages, which were generally white-washed and thatched, had
+their walls often adorned with vines, ivy, or honey-suckle. At the
+extremity of the village, looking down upon the river, stood the
+parish church, a venerable Gothic edifice, with its churchyard,
+encircled by a row of ancient yew trees. Adjoining the church was
+the rectory, a picturesque and comfortable-looking old English
+mansion, with its pointed gables, well cultivated garden, and rather
+extensive pleasure grounds. Shady lanes led in all directions to the
+surrounding country; the prospect of which, as already mentioned,
+was of the most charming nature, comprehending an endless variety
+of hill and dale, wood and corn-fields, and reminding the gazer
+unconsciously of Cowper's lines--
+
+    "'Tis pleasant, through the loopholes of retreat,
+     To peep at such a world."
+
+The population was for the most part agricultural, but there
+were some gentlemen's seats in the neighbourhood, besides a few
+farm-houses, and several villas with a few acres of ground attached
+to each.
+
+Whether humanity is more depraved in a city than in a village,
+still remains an open question; but I have uniformly found that in
+both, the old and the young evince the same predilection for what
+is evil, and the same antipathies to what is pure; and if left
+without any enlightening and regenerating process, will bear a
+striking resemblance to each other in the great outlines of their
+moral character. Observation proves, I think, that the city, by its
+more varied attractions, facilitates the broader and more marked
+development of the essential depravity of our common nature. Yet in
+the inhabitants of a village we not unfrequently discover appalling
+ignorance, with its consequent vices of impiety, profanity, and
+intemperance, associated with extreme vulgarity of manners; an
+abject submissiveness to their superiors, and an extreme rudeness in
+their intercourse with each other.
+
+In regard to moral and social features, Lynnbridge was a very fair
+specimen of an English village, neither better nor worse than the
+average number; it had its church and its rector, its wardens to
+attend to ecclesiastical matters, and its overseer to look after the
+poor. There was no school, however, for the training of the young
+in the way in which they should go; nor had the pure gospel of the
+grace of God ever been preached to the people. In the neighbourhood
+of this village, Mr. Newell had taken a farm, and been settled there
+a few years before the date of the occurrences which I intend to
+narrate.
+
+The farm rented by Mr. Holmes' father, and on which he had been
+born and brought up, was situated a few miles from Lynnbridge, and
+from old associations he naturally took an interest in the village.
+On one of his visits to his son-in-law, he was much shocked with
+the appearance which it presented on a Sabbath evening. The large
+green on the banks of the river was crowded by the youth of both
+sexes, devoting the sacred hours of the day of rest to various
+popular sports, while their seniors filled the public-houses. Loud
+bursts of laughter were heard from all quarters, and he learned
+that brawls and boxing matches were by no means of rare occurrence.
+It was while contemplating this scene of disorder that Mr. Holmes
+formed the praiseworthy resolution of having a chapel built, and
+supporting the minister till the people were able and felt disposed
+to do so themselves. As soon as he made known his determination,
+his son-in-law, and several other gentlemen, voluntarily offered to
+co-operate with him. One gave a piece of land, another supplied part
+of the timber, and others subscribed their money; and though some
+ridiculed the design, and a few interdicted their tenants and their
+labourers from assisting in its accomplishment, yet, like the Hebrew
+temple, the chapel gradually rose, in spite of all opposition, till
+at length it was finally completed.
+
+Having heard that the Rector of the parish was much displeased
+with this projected encroachment on his ecclesiastical province,
+Mr. Holmes called on him, to explain the reason and motives of his
+conduct, and though he failed in obtaining his concurrence, yet he
+was assured that he would offer no opposition, as he held sacred the
+principle of unrestricted religious liberty. He returned from this
+interview more gratified than he expected he should be, having found
+the old Rector an amiable and intelligent man, far advanced beyond
+many of his order in the catholic liberality of his opinions and
+principles.
+
+The chapel was finished within the space of six months; and when
+every preparation was made for opening it, Mr. Newell, as already
+mentioned, sent notice to Mr. Holmes, who accordingly set out for
+Warwickshire, accompanied by his wife and eldest daughter. On
+arriving at Lynnbridge they found Mr. Newell waiting with his chaise
+to take them to Thornwood, about two miles distant, where they were
+received with the greatest joy by Mrs. Newell, the second daughter
+of the Holmes family, whom neither her mother nor sister had seen
+for a considerable time. After the first greetings were over, the
+conversation, as might be expected, turned on the late unhappy
+occurrences in the family, in connection with Emma's marriage.
+Then the subject of the new chapel, which was to be opened on the
+ensuing Sabbath, was introduced by Mr. Newell, who informed his
+father-in-law that the opposition raised against the measure had
+gradually died away, and some of the most violent and bigoted of its
+opponents had been brought to admit, that it was likely to prove
+advantageous to the morals of the people. After some discussion of
+this topic, which served to divert their attention from more painful
+matters, Mr. Newell assembled his household for evening worship, and
+shortly afterwards the family retired to rest.
+
+The following days were employed by the ladies in visiting the
+dairy, the garden, the poultry-yard, and examining other objects of
+rural interest; and by Mr. Holmes and his son-in-law in rambling
+over the farm, and discussing the various agricultural operations
+then in progress. At length the Sabbath morning dawned on which
+the chapel was to be dedicated to God. Mr. Holmes rose at an early
+hour, but was rather disappointed to find the sky looking dark and
+lowering; on going, however, into the fold-yard, he met the old
+shepherd, who, on being asked his opinion of the weather, quietly
+surveyed the sky, and said, "I think, Sir, the dark clouds will blow
+off, and we shall have a fine day." This remark quite raised his
+spirits, as the shepherd was considered a sort of weather prophet,
+and this time at all events his words proved true, for as the
+morning advanced the clouds began to disperse, the bees were seen
+passing and repassing the parlour window; and just after the family
+had finished breakfast, the sun burst from the dark mantle in which
+he had been enveloped, and diffused his bright and enlivening rays.
+
+"It is a pleasant thing," said Mr. Holmes, "to see the sun; but I
+have never gazed on it with more delight than at this moment."
+
+"A fine emblem," Miss Holmes replied, "of Him, who sometimes in an
+unexpected moment breaks in upon the midnight of the soul; and who,
+I trust, will arise and shine on the inhabitants of this benighted
+village, and bless them with the light of life and immortality."
+
+The chapel, a neat plain structure, was erected on a piece of
+freehold land, near the bank of the river, where the villagers had
+been accustomed to spend the sacred hours of the Sabbath in riotous
+amusement. It was crowded to excess, many persons having come from a
+great distance to be present at the opening. The Rev. Mr. Broadley
+of B---- commenced the service by reading a hymn, which was sung
+with great animation and delight. This was followed by reading
+the Scriptures, and prayer; and then the Rev. Mr. Wyatt, who had
+arrived for the occasion from London, preached a very beautiful and
+impressive sermon from John iii. 16--"For God so loved the world,
+that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him
+should not perish, but have everlasting life."
+
+"I am not aware," he remarked, after he had repeated his text,
+"that I could have selected a more important, or a more interesting
+passage than that which I have just read. So powerfully does it
+exhibit the love of God towards fallen man, that though I could
+speak with an eloquence equal to that of an angel, I should be
+incapable of doing it adequate justice. God so loved the world,
+that he gave his only begotten Son; and yet, by many, this gift is
+esteemed as a thing of nought; and all references which are made
+to its immense value, are regarded as the sallies or excesses of a
+disordered imagination, or a mean and contemptible fanaticism. He
+has 'so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that
+whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting
+life.' But alas! the danger which awaits us is disbelieved; and the
+happiness the Son of God came to bestow is despised."
+
+Mr. Wyatt divided his text in the following order:--
+
+I. The moral condition of men, of every rank, and of every
+description of character, is alarming.
+
+II. To deliver them from this state of moral danger was the express
+design of our Lord's mission.
+
+III. Such is the tenderness of his compassion, that whosoever
+believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.
+
+IV. Saving us from the misery which we deserve, by the gift of his
+only begotten Son, is a most astonishing display of the love of God.
+
+When speaking under the second division of his sermon, on the design
+of our Lord's mission, he delivered the following passage, which
+made a deep impression on the audience:--
+
+"Had one of the highest orders of angels assumed a human form, and
+announced to us some scheme of redemption from evil and from ruin,
+it would have been on our part an act of folly and ingratitude to
+have treated the message of mercy with indifference. But, brethren,
+no angel, however exalted, could redeem man from the curse of a
+violated law, or conduct him to the repossession of that purity
+and honour, from which, by transgression, he has fallen. Therefore
+God gave his only begotten Son, who united in his own person every
+attribute of Deity, and every perfection of humanity; displaying a
+majesty, combined with a tenderness of character, which alternately
+excite our awe and confidence. With what ease did he rule the
+elements of nature--heal the maladies and disorders produced by
+sin--recal the souls of the departed from the invisible world;
+while, with all the familiarity and compassion of a near and beloved
+friend, he mingles his tears of sympathy with the suffering mourner,
+and diffuses the peace of heaven over the heart oppressed with
+sorrow.
+
+"Suppose, my brethren, one of the elders of Israel, after having
+been present at the giving of the law at Sinai, and after having
+seen and heard the mysterious sights and sounds on that mount
+of awful majesty and terror, had then fallen into a trance, and
+continued in that state till the night before the vision of the
+shepherds on the plains of Bethlehem. Suppose he had then awoke
+and been told, that the law, which had been given with so many
+awful accompaniments, had been broken, and that the Lawgiver was
+on the eve of sending his only begotten Son into the world--would
+he not have concluded that his mission must be one of vengeance?
+But no! 'God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world;
+but that the world through him might be saved.' He gave his only
+begotten Son that we might not perish, but have everlasting life.
+What is it for man to perish? I cannot tell--I have never seen
+the judgment-seat of Christ!--I have never beheld the awful glory
+of that scene of terror!--I have never heard the final sentence,
+Depart!--I have never been banished far and for ever away from
+bliss!--I have not endured the agonies of the worm that never
+dies!--the fire that is never quenched! Indeed, my brethren, I
+cannot tell what it is to perish! It is a state of misery which no
+imagery can represent--which no language can describe--which no
+imagination can conceive.--'But have everlasting life!' It is life
+which gives to every other possession its determinate value. For
+what is beauty without life but a fading ornament? what is wealth
+without life but a useless substance? what is honour without life
+but a bursting bubble? Skin for skin, all that a man hath will he
+give for his life. So much do we prize this invaluable possession,
+that rather than lose it, we will consent to part with one limb,
+and one sense after another, till all are gone. But, brethren, the
+period is not far distant, when, like our forefathers, we must
+resign it, and be numbered with the dead; yet Jesus Christ says,
+that he that believeth in him shall never die. This promise must be
+taken in a restricted sense, as his disciples are no less liable to
+the visitations of death than his enemies. Their faith in him does
+not operate as a charm to repeal the law of mortality; neither does
+it exempt them from the diseases and pains which usually precede
+its infliction. But though they die a natural death, yet they
+immediately enter on the full enjoyment of eternal life--when they
+dissolve their connection with the inhabitants of this world, they
+become fellow-citizens with the saints in light--when they close
+their eyes on this earthly scene, they open them on the visions of
+celestial glory--and when their bodies are committed to the tomb,
+their immortal spirits are enjoying that endless life, over which
+death has no power. This life will be a life of perfect purity--of
+perfect knowledge--and of perfect felicity; and will continue
+unimpaired by sickness, and undisturbed by care, for ever and for
+ever.
+
+"And our text says, that _whosoever_ believeth in the Son of God
+shall have everlasting life. No one is denied the invaluable
+blessing on account of the obscurity of his origin, or the
+inferiority of his rank; for though these circumstances of
+distinction have a powerful effect on us, yet they have no influence
+over the mind of the Saviour, who looks with as much benign regard
+on a penitent villager as a repenting citizen; and is no less
+willing to save a poor neglected pauper than the rich nobleman who
+fares sumptuously every day. Whosoever believeth in him shall not
+perish, but have everlasting life. The most debased, impure, and
+worthless, if they truly lay hold of the Saviour, come within the
+circle of this comprehensive promise, and have the same warrant to
+expect forgiveness and final salvation, as the apostles of Jesus
+Christ had. 'And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him
+that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And
+whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely' (Rev. xxii.
+17)."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A short time after the Village Chapel had been set apart for
+the worship of God, and the Rev. Mr. Swinson, its minister, had
+commenced the discharge of his regular services, a spirit of
+opposition arose from a very unexpected quarter. Some of the more
+respectable farmers, and two magistrates, waited on the clergyman of
+the parish, to express their astonishment that he should give his
+sanction to a measure, which, in their opinion, was calculated to
+endanger the Church.
+
+"Indeed, gentlemen," said the Rector, the Rev. Mr. Trevor, "I have
+not sanctioned it. When Mr. Holmes called on me to explain his
+motives for building the chapel, he said his object was to reform
+the village. I expressed a wish that he might succeed in that
+particular, but at the same time told him that I did not think he
+would."
+
+"Reform the village, Sir!" said one of the magistrates, "the village
+wants no reformation. The people are honest, industrious, virtuous,
+and happy; and what reformation do they require?"
+
+"But they are rather remiss in their attendance at church; and they
+have frequently pastimes on the green on a Sunday evening, which I
+think ought not to be tolerated."
+
+"Why, certainly, Sir, they do not attend the church quite so often
+as they ought to do; but as for the pastimes on the green, I rather
+think you must have received some exaggerated report of them, for I
+candidly confess that I never saw anything to disapprove of."
+
+"I have heard of their dancing on a Sunday evening," replied the
+Rector, "and of many of them getting intoxicated, which you must
+allow, gentlemen, are not very reputable engagements for a Sunday
+evening."
+
+"They are a cheerful, merry set of folks, Sir; and some of them may
+sometimes take a little more ale than is good for them; but I never
+saw anything in their amusements to disapprove of. Indeed, I think
+the scene which the green presents on a Sunday evening is one of the
+most picturesque which a country life can exhibit; displaying, as it
+does, such varied lights and shades of rustic character. The young
+and old intermingle together; and those who are too infirm to engage
+in the innocent frolics of their youthful days, look on, while
+others react the parts they once performed. The utmost degree of
+hilarity prevails amongst them; and in these relaxations they forget
+the toils and cares of the week."
+
+"Well, gentlemen," replied Mr. Trevor, "I certainly think that the
+poor, no less than the rich, ought to be left to choose their own
+pleasures, without being controlled by others; and if any of them
+prefer worshipping their Maker on a Sunday evening, to joining in a
+public gambol, they ought to be permitted to do it. I cannot consent
+to impose any restraint on the consciences of others, as I should
+not like to submit to any restraint myself. Indeed, opposition
+on our part would be both impolitic and unjust; the spirit of an
+Englishman rises up in defiance against any interference with his
+religious opinions, and his opposition becomes more decided and
+more zealous in proportion to the efforts employed to restrain his
+liberty of conscience."
+
+Though these persons could not induce their amiable and intelligent
+Rector to unite with them in their attempt to put down what they
+termed _the new religion_, yet they resolved to employ all the
+influence they possessed to accomplish their purpose. How to do it
+in the most effectual way, and yet not involve themselves in any
+hazardous responsibility, was a question which perplexed them. After
+various discussions they resolved to prohibit all their tenants and
+servants from attending the chapel--to withhold parish pay from
+those paupers who went--and to refuse associating with the more
+independent and respectable parishioners who gave it the sanction
+of their presence. Having agreed on their plan of operation, they
+proceeded to act on it with vigour, and the effects were immediately
+felt; for on the following Sabbath the congregation assembling
+at the new chapel was reduced to less than one-half of its usual
+number. This determined opposition was rather discouraging; but
+as yet Mr. Swinson and those who adhered to him were permitted to
+remain unmolested. But a storm was gathering; and the evil spirits
+who had set themselves against the introduction of evangelical
+religion into the village, resolved to make one desperate effort to
+expel it. Some of the baser sort were selected as the agents of the
+plot; and everything being arranged, they came in a body on a Sunday
+evening, and while Mr. Swinson was preaching, they entered the
+chapel, and by their noise and tumultuous behaviour, compelled him
+to desist and the people to retire. As he was quitting this scene of
+confusion, he was grossly insulted, some of the rioters brandishing
+their sticks over his head, and threatening that if he dared enter
+the chapel again, he should not be permitted to escape with his
+life.
+
+[Illustration: MR. SWINSON ASSAULTED BY THE MOB.
+
+_Vol. ii. p. 396._]
+
+The report of these proceedings soon spread through the neighbouring
+country; and while some raised the "loud laugh," and defended the
+conduct of the assailants, others came forward to aid in resisting
+the tyranny which was attempting to trample on the rights and
+liberties of the people. It was well known that the actors on this
+occasion were instigated secretly by parties behind the scenes--that
+they were the mere agents of "the respectable and intelligent
+few," who had resolved on the extermination of this so-called new
+religion; and though Christian sympathy wept over their ignorance,
+and mercy pleaded for their forgiveness, yet it was felt by Mr.
+Holmes and his friends, as a duty they owed to the reputation of
+the clergyman who had been insulted, and to the liberties of the
+people which had been trampled on, to bring the perpetrators of this
+disturbance to punishment. Warrants were immediately granted by a
+neighbouring magistrate for the apprehension of all the culprits,
+and they were bound over to appear at the next sessions, there to be
+tried for disturbing Mr. Swinson and his congregation, while engaged
+in public worship, and for threatening the life of the minister, if
+he attempted to continue the discharge of his pastoral duties.
+
+No sooner had these thoughtless and misguided young men returned
+from the presence of the magistrate, than they began to regret the
+part they had acted; and frankly confessed, that they should never
+have engaged in the affair, had it not been for Mr. Wingate, an
+extensive proprietor in the neighbourhood, and his friends. "They
+put us up to it," one of them said, "and promised that no harm
+should come to us if we would kick up a _row_."
+
+There is no class of men in society who occupy a more respectable or
+a more enviable station than our country gentlemen. But living on
+their own patrimonial estates, in the midst of a thinly scattered
+population, consisting for the most part of poor and ignorant
+peasantry, they frequently display more of the domineering spirit
+of feudal times than any other class of men in the kingdom: and
+though they have made some progress in intellectual cultivation,
+in accordance with the spirit of the age, yet they still lag
+far behind the great body of their countrymen in liberality of
+sentiment and benevolence of disposition. They are too apt to regard
+the peasantry with supercilious contempt, and endeavour to keep
+down, by oppression, the rising spirit of freedom. They too often
+seem to consider those who have no riches, as beings having no
+rights--whose quiet complaint is to be considered as provocation,
+and whose mildest remonstrance is to be regarded as insolence. They
+have been in past times most active in opposing the introduction
+of the gospel of Jesus Christ into the villages over which they
+exercise an authority; and many of the popular outrages which have
+been committed against the ministers of the gospel, have originated
+in their suggestions or direct efforts. But now a change has come
+over the land for the better. This may be partly attributed to
+that spirit of independent inquiry which is spreading amongst our
+peasantry, who seem disposed to withstand all encroachments on their
+freedom of choice and action; and while they are not wanting in
+civility and proper subjection to their employers, bow not, as their
+forefathers did, to the yoke of arbitrary oppression.
+
+When the sessions came on, the friends of the accused made every
+possible effort to defeat the ends of justice, but they were
+foiled in the attempt. The case was stated in a clear and forcible
+manner--the evidence which supported it was full and conclusive--and
+though their acquittal would have given many of the spectators of
+their trial a triumph, yet an honest jury returned the verdict which
+the injured laws of the country demanded, and the rioters were found
+guilty. As they made, however, a handsome apology, and entered into
+a recognizance to keep the peace, and to come up for judgment when
+called on to do so, Mr. Holmes and his friends consented to stay any
+further proceedings, and this gave general satisfaction.
+
+After this decision, the spirit of persecution declined, and the
+peasantry, finding that they were protected by the laws of the
+country, resolutely determined to enjoy the freedom which no man
+could take from them. They now pressed in greater numbers to hear
+the preacher, who had given such decisive proofs that he knew how
+to practise the forbearance which he enforced, and exercise the
+mercy which it was his duty and his delight to proclaim. When
+preaching one Sabbath evening, shortly after the trial, from 1
+Tim. i. 13--"Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and
+injurious: but I have obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in
+unbelief"--he saw two of the ring-leaders of the late riot sitting
+in a back seat in the gallery of the chapel. Without appearing to
+notice them, he took occasion, from the subject he was discussing,
+to make a strong appeal to their consciences. After delineating the
+character of Paul, as a blasphemer and a persecutor, and as one who
+had injured the reputation and destroyed the peace of others, he
+passed by a natural transition to his present audience, and thus
+addressed them:--"Happy would it have been for the world, if the
+spirit of persecution had died out of it when Saul of Tarsus was
+converted to the faith of Christ; but alas! my brethren, it survived
+that memorable event, and has continued in existence to the present
+day. In former times it dragged the disciples of the Redeemer to
+prison, confiscated their property, and then consigned them to the
+flames; and though its power is now restrained by the laws of our
+country, yet it still retains all its native rancour and malignity.
+It would now react the part by which it formerly disgraced our
+national history, and plunge us into all the horrors and sufferings
+which our ancestors endured; but thanks to a kind and merciful
+Providence, we are guarded from its violence by the majesty of the
+British law, and are permitted to assemble together, where and when
+we please, without dreading opposition or disturbance from any one.
+
+"Our duty in relation to our persecutors is to pity them, for they
+do it ignorantly in unbelief, and to pray that they may obtain
+mercy. And have we not encouragement to do this, seeing that God
+is sometimes pleased to transform the persecutor into a preacher
+of the gospel? Hence the apostle, when writing to the church at
+Galatia, says: 'But they had heard only, that he which persecuted
+us in times past, now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.'
+What a change! What a miracle of grace! What a proof that Christ
+Jesus came to save the chief of sinners! And am I now addressing
+any one who has attempted to disturb us in the enjoyment of our
+religious privileges, or who has been in the habit of reviling or
+threatening us? You see how we are protected, and though we have not
+chosen to enforce the full penalties of the law, yet a repetition
+of the offence will render such forbearance in future absolutely
+impossible. But I flatter myself, that those who have opposed us,
+will do so no more; and that even the persecutors themselves may be
+induced to implore mercy. Yes, O persecutor, He against whom thou
+hast raised the rebellious hand, waits to be gracious--_he_, whose
+authority thou hast trampled on, and whose grace thou hast despised,
+is now looking down with an eye of compassion, more willing to
+pardon and to save, than to punish and destroy. If you continue in
+a state of rebellious impenitence, you will treasure up to yourself
+wrath against the day of wrath; but if you now repent and pray, and
+believe in him, you will be forgiven, and finally admitted into
+his presence in heaven, where you will enjoy a state of purity and
+happiness for ever. Let me then urge you to return home, and on your
+knees pour forth the prayer of the publican, 'God be merciful to me
+a sinner;' and should it please God, who 'delighteth in mercy,' to
+answer this prayer, you will then feel a stronger attachment than
+you ever felt aversion to the gospel of Christ."
+
+It often happens that the cause of the Redeemer is promoted by the
+very means employed to crush it; and of the truth of this remark
+the above narrative furnishes a striking instance. Mr. Swinson's
+congregation at Lynnbridge increased so rapidly, that _it_ became
+necessary to erect a large front gallery in the chapel; and many of
+the inhabitants of remoter parishes, being induced to come and hear
+the man who had been so unjustly treated, solicited him to visit
+them and preach during the evenings of the week. "So mightily grew
+the word of God, and prevailed" (Acts xix. 20).
+
+
+
+
+VILLAGE CHARACTERS.
+
+
+A few weeks after the termination of the struggle, so successfully
+maintained by the managers of the village chapel, against the
+encroachments of bigotry and intolerance, I received a letter
+from Mr. Newell informing me that Mr. and Mrs. Holmes had quitted
+Thornwood to return to the Elms, but had left Miss Holmes to remain
+a little longer with him and Mrs. Newell. He proceeded to say,
+that as his friends who had filled his house were now departed, he
+should be very happy if I would pay him a visit, and that if I could
+arrange to remain for a little time, I might then accompany Louisa
+on her return to the Elms, and thus fulfil the promise which I had
+formerly made to Mr. Holmes. This invitation came very opportunely,
+as I had just been labouring under a slight indisposition, for which
+change of air was strongly recommended. I had a great desire, too,
+to see again both Mr. Newell and Miss Holmes; and, accordingly,
+after arranging matters for an absence of a short period, I took my
+seat in the coach to Lynnbridge, where Mr. Newell was waiting to
+receive me with his chaise. Till then I had never before been in
+that part of the country, and was quite delighted with the beautiful
+drive from Lynnbridge to Thornwood. On arriving there I had the
+pleasure of meeting again Miss Holmes and Mrs. Newell, neither of
+whom I had seen since the marriage of the latter a few years before
+in London. I need not here enlarge on the kind reception which
+I received from all, or recount the details of the pleasant and
+cheerful conversation in which we spent the evening.
+
+The following day, after an early dinner, Miss Holmes, Mrs.
+Newell, and myself (Mr. Newell having some business to attend to)
+sallied out for a walk. "Louisa shall be our cicerone," said Mrs.
+Newell; "I think she knows more of the country hereabouts than
+I, who have lived in it for several years." "Perhaps, Mr. ----,"
+she continued, addressing me, "you would like to see some of our
+VILLAGE CHARACTERS. They are to be found everywhere; but I think
+this place has rather more than its share of them. Louisa, I
+believe, knows them all already, as she is a most ardent student
+of the different phases of humanity." I, of course, expressed my
+readiness to accompany the ladies wherever they chose to lead me;
+and we, accordingly, bent our footsteps towards a homestead about
+a mile off, occupied by Mr. William Harris, one of the finest
+specimens of the old English farmer I had seen for a long time. He
+was a stout-built man, rather inclined to corpulency, with a fresh
+ruddy face and a sharp keen eye; but the best description I can give
+of him is that furnished me by Miss Holmes, as we walked towards his
+house.
+
+"Mr. Harris," she said, "is, as might be expected, blunt in his
+manners, but frank and obliging in his disposition, of an hospitable
+and genial nature, and as regular as clock-work in all his domestic
+arrangements. He lives in the house in which his grandfather was
+born, and which is shaded by a large oak tree, that has outlived
+many generations, and is likely to outlive many more. He rises in
+the summer about five, breakfasts at half-past six, takes his dinner
+exactly as the clock strikes twelve, smokes his pipe in the porch
+between six and seven, then takes his supper, and retires at nine,
+to sleep away the long and tedious hours of night. He is, upon the
+whole, a very worthy man, though rather pedantic in his way. He
+received what he calls an _edecation_, when young; his father having
+sent him for six months to a boarding-school about twelve miles off;
+besides giving the old parish clerk two guineas to teach him the
+rules of addition and multiplication. He farms a small property of
+his own, on which his modest mansion stands, and rents another farm
+about double the size, under Lord ----; and is regarded by most of
+his fraternity rather clever in his profession. He is a good judge
+of live stock; is celebrated for the excellence of his butter and
+cheese; decidedly attached to his Church and his Queen; generally
+consulted on all parish questions; and universally admitted to be
+one of the best weather-tellers in the neighbourhood, though the
+shepherd says he has known him out in his reckonings. He has served
+the office of overseer eleven times, which forms one of his chief
+tales in all companies; has been churchwarden six times; was, when
+a young man, regularly enrolled amongst the yeomanry of the country
+at the time of the threatened invasion in the year 1804, and often
+expresses his regret that no opportunity ever occurred to enable him
+to distinguish himself in the annals of war. He goes to church with
+his comely dame every Sunday; repeats the responses in an audible
+voice; reclines his head on the top of his staff, while _appearing_
+to listen to the sermon; reads one chapter in the Old Testament and
+one in the New every Sunday afternoon; and then indulges himself
+with an extra glass and pipe with a few friends, either at his own
+house, or at the inn on the green. But he is, to quote his own
+language, a _mortal enemy_ to the Methodists; and will not suffer
+any of his servants, if he knows it, to attend the chapel. He says
+that the old religion is the best; and he thinks that no one ought
+to be suffered to change it. He often says he hopes to live long
+enough to see the Toleration Act repealed, which he declares is a
+disgrace to parliament."
+
+He happened to be smoking his pipe, with his arms resting on the
+little gate in the front of his house, as we were approaching it;
+and in exchange for the courteous salutation we gave him, he invited
+us to taste his ale, which, he said, was a prime fresh tap. This
+offer we declined with thanks, as we preferred a glass of cold
+water, which excited his astonishment.
+
+"You like water better than good ale! well, every one to his liking,
+I say; but give me a good tankard of prime home-brewed. You be a
+stranger, I think, Sir, in these parts," he continued, addressing
+me, "I don't remember of ever seeing you here before."
+
+"I have never been in this part of the country before," I replied,
+"and have just been admiring the fine scenery which surrounds your
+village on all sides. There is a good proportion of hill and dale;
+and the parish church on the brow of the hill, looking down to the
+river, is a most interesting object."
+
+"Yes, Sir, it looks very well. There were no trees about it, except
+the old yews, till I was appointed churchwarden, fourteen years
+ago, last Easter Monday, when I had them planted, and they have
+thriv'd very well. I have heard many gentlemen say it is a great
+improvement. They say it gives a kind of a finish to our church.
+They have often drunk my health for doing it."
+
+"But the inside of the church is not so neat and clean as the
+outside is imposing."
+
+"No, Sir, it's sadly neglected now; but when I was warden, it was
+the cleanest church in our parts."
+
+"How often have you duty performed in it?"
+
+"Once every Sunday, when I and my dame go as regularly as the doors
+are opened; except when it's very wet, and then I go alone. She
+has a touch of the rheumatics in bad weather; worse luck: and gets
+deafish if she goes."
+
+"As it is so small, I suppose it is crowded on the Sunday?"
+
+"Why, no, not much of that; for the people go to the chapel that's
+built yonder on the green. People now-a-days an't satisfied with the
+good old religion of the Church; they must have this new religion
+that's springing up all over the country."
+
+"Do you know what this new religion is?"
+
+"No, Sir. I'm satisfied with the religion my fathers had before me,
+and so I don't trouble my head about it; but I understand it makes
+people very miserable. Now, my religion never made me miserable, and
+I don't think it ever will. I am for letting well alone."
+
+"I suppose you wish to go to heaven when you die?"
+
+"Aye, to be sure, I do. I shouldn't like to go to t'other place.
+They are badish off there, so the parsons tell us; and I suppose
+they know all about it, as they studied at the univarsaty."
+
+"But we ought not to expect to get to a place unless we go the right
+way."
+
+"That's true, and no mistake."
+
+"Have you ever thought much about the difficulty of getting into
+the right way which leads to heaven? I suppose you have read
+what Jesus Christ says on this point? 'Enter ye in at the strait
+gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to
+destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait
+is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few
+there be that find it' (Matt. vii. 13, 14)."
+
+"Aye, I recollect reading them _varses_ t'other Sunday, and I felt a
+bit puzzled to make out their meaning."
+
+"But, Farmer, they have a meaning, and a very important meaning."
+
+"So I guess, or Jesus Christ wouldn't had them put into the Bible.
+Can you tell me the meaning, as I should like to know?"
+
+"Why, the meaning is just this: the many get into the broad way,
+that is, the wrong way, and they are lost, and perish in hell. Have
+you not read the verses which almost immediately follow?--'Many will
+say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy
+name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done
+many wonderful works? and then will I profess unto them, I never
+knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity' (Matt. vii. 22,
+23)."
+
+"Now, Sir, allow me to ask you one question. If we go to church,
+and pay every one his own, and are as good as we can be, do you not
+think that we shall go to heaven when we die? We can't be better
+than that, you know, Sir; and there are not many in these parts so
+good as that."
+
+"As you have asked me a question, will you allow me to ask you one?"
+
+"Yes, Sir; twenty, if you please."
+
+"Are you as good as you can be?"
+
+"Why, to be sure, Sir, I might be a bit better; but you know we are
+all sinners: the more's the pity."
+
+"Then, how can you expect to go to heaven on your own principle
+of reasoning? Now, Farmer, let me tell you, that you are under a
+delusion which will prove fatal unless you are undeceived. If you
+read the New Testament with attention, you will perceive, that two
+things are necessary to fit us for heaven: the first is, we must be
+born again; and the second is, we must repent of, and forsake all
+our sins, and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ."
+
+"Repentance: aye, that's very proper when people do wrong; but I
+have never done anything I am ashamed of. Why, Sir, I have been
+overseer eleven times; and there's ne'er a pauper in the parish but
+will say that I always acted with the greatest charity. I go to
+church--read my Bible--and pay everybody his own; and I don't think
+God requires anything more than this; and I suppose you will think
+this is very fair as times go?"
+
+"But are you born again?"
+
+"I don't know what that means; it puzzles my brains; but then I'm no
+scolard; though I know a good bit about farming, like."
+
+"Then if you do not know what it is to be born again, that's a proof
+that you are not born again, for if you were, you would understand
+what it is."
+
+"Well, I suppose I should. Then according to your talk, though
+I go to church, I am not likely after all to go to heaven. If
+you are right, I am on the wrong tack; but what must I do to get
+right? 'Tis time I looked about me, for I shall be sixty-eight next
+Lady-day, and that's a great age; though my father lived till he was
+fourscore, and my grandfather was ninety-one when he died; and I
+had an uncle who lived to see a hundred and three. You see we are a
+longish-lived set--about the oldest livers in these parts."
+
+"I think you can't do a better thing than overcome your prejudices,
+and go and hear the preaching at the village chapel, where these
+things will be explained to you; and it is very likely that there
+you will gain in a few months more information on religious subjects
+than you have acquired in all your life."
+
+At the mention of the chapel he shrugged up his shoulders and said,
+"Why, if I was to go there I should have half the parish laughing at
+me. I shouldn't be able to show my face at market. My old friends
+would give me the cold shoulder. No, no, it will never do for an
+old warden, who has been in office so often, to leave church and our
+old Rector, for a Methody chapel and a Methody parson."
+
+"One word, Farmer, and I will soon finish. Are you such a coward as
+to care for what others say, when you are doing a thing for your own
+advantage? Will you suffer the laugh of the ungodly to deter you
+from getting into the _narrow_ way that leads to heaven; and consent
+to be lost with the many, rather than saved with the few?"
+
+"These sartanly are plain questions, and I'll give them a turn over
+in my mind. I must confess that your talk has satisfied me--that I
+know but little--the more's the pity--about the good things of the
+Bible; and I think as how I shall take your advice, and go and hear
+the gentleman who preaches in the chapel. If I don't like what he
+says, I need not go again, and it is but right to give him a hearing
+before one condemns him."
+
+"Very true."
+
+We now wished Mr. Harris good day, and proceeded on our walk. A
+short distance onward we passed a neat cottage by the roadside, in
+the little garden in front of which we saw a lady walking up and
+down at a solemn pace. As Mrs. Newell was acquainted with her she
+stopped to ask her how she did. As she did not perceive us before
+Mrs. Newell spoke, being wrapped up in her own airy musings, she
+seemed startled, as though some spectre had suddenly made its
+appearance, but recovering her composure, she politely invited us to
+enter her modest habitation.
+
+"I am sorry, Madam," said Mrs. Newell, in her usual kind manner, "to
+see you so indisposed."
+
+"Indeed," said Miss Newnham, "I am very ill--very ill indeed. I was
+never worse in all my life. I have not had a wink of sleep these two
+nights. I sent for the doctor yesterday, but he did not come till
+this morning; and he says that I am not ill. But I feel that I am
+very ill indeed. Dr. Bland does not understand my case. I shall send
+for Dr. Gordon, who is more clever in his profession; so my aunt
+tells me, and so my old servant says."
+
+"Have you been ill long, Madam?" I inquired.
+
+"O no, Sir! I was very well this day fortnight. I spent the evening
+at Mrs. Paul's with a party, and stayed rather later than usual; and
+on coming home, just as I was passing along the churchyard, I saw a
+very bright star shoot down from the sky."
+
+"It did not, I suppose, fall on you?"
+
+"O no! it didn't fall on me; but, Sir, I had such a dream! and I
+awoke about three o'clock in the morning in such a terror, that I
+have not been well since. And every night, but two, since then, the
+screech owl has perched itself on the ledge of my window, and kept
+up its hideous noises so long, that I have been obliged to have my
+servant sleep in the same room with me ever since, and that's a very
+unpleasant thing: particularly so."
+
+"And if, Madam, it be not an impertinent question, may I be
+permitted to inquire into the nature of your dream?"
+
+"O Sir! I dreamed I went to Weston to purchase a new dress; and the
+shopman, by mistake, took down some crape instead of printed muslin;
+and just at that time in came Mr. Noades, the undertaker, and said
+he wanted some stuff for a shroud, for a lady who had died suddenly.
+And I awoke in such a fright! Indeed, I have not been myself since.
+My nerves are so shook. My very shadow makes me tremble. I am afraid
+I'm going to die."
+
+"Well, Madam, it is certain you will die, and you may die suddenly;
+but do you think that this dream will hasten the time of your death?"
+
+"But, Sir, when I awoke I heard the death-watch as plainly as you
+now hear me speak."
+
+"And do you suppose, Madam, that the Supreme Being has communicated
+to this insect a knowledge of your approaching death, and sent it,
+in the stillness of the night, to give you warning?"
+
+"But, Sir, I heard the death-watch several times when my sister was
+ill of a decline, and she died about six months afterwards. I said
+she would die. I was quite sure she would."
+
+"Very likely; and though you may trace a connection between her
+disorder and her death, yet what connection can you trace between
+the noise of this little insect and her death?"
+
+"But, Sir, since the screech owl left my window, our dog has done
+nothing but howl for the last two nights. O! it is so dismal to lie
+awake and hear it. It makes me tremble like an aspen leaf."
+
+"And do you think that the howling of the dog is a prognostic of
+your death, any more than the death of either of your servants?"
+
+"I remember, Sir, the dog howled most awfully just before my
+grandmother died: and when she heard it she said she should be sure
+to die, and she did die sure enough."
+
+"And how old, Madam, was your grandmother when she died?"
+
+"Ninety-two, all but four weeks and three days."
+
+"And she really did hear the dog howl some short time before her
+death?"
+
+"Yes, Sir, about five nights before she died; and all the servants
+heard it; and they were so frightened; and they all said, nothing
+can save her after these howlings."
+
+"Very likely; and as most dogs occasionally howl in the night,
+it would be very strange if some person did not die after such
+howlings; but can we suppose that the Supreme Being employs shooting
+stars, insects, owls, and dogs, to announce to us the approach of
+our death?"
+
+"And don't you believe, Sir, in such omens? Everybody does in our
+parish."
+
+"I believe that ignorance and superstition have invested these
+sights and sounds with an ominous import, and that many allow
+themselves to be terrified by them; but what can be a stronger proof
+of the absurdity of such a habit, than the fact that the star often
+falls, the death-watch often ticks, and the dog often howls, when
+the patient recovers, and lives for years to relate the terror and
+alarm which these scare-crows of superstition had excited in his
+breast."
+
+"I hope, Sir, I may live, and if I do, I shall then have a proof
+that there is nothing in it."
+
+"And pray, Madam, have you never known a patient recover from his
+illness even after he has been warned of his approaching death by
+these omens of terror?"
+
+"O yes, Sir, my dear mother was once very ill, and for seven nights
+our dog howled as he did last night; but she lived seven years
+afterwards, and when she died no noises were heard."
+
+"Now, dear Madam, excuse me, a stranger, taking the liberty of
+talking so to you; after what you have just mentioned, what stronger
+proof do you require of the folly of being alarmed by sounds which
+the inferior tribes of nature utter, and which you must know, on
+reflection, are no sure indications of any future event in the
+history of human life? That you will die is certain; and that you
+will enter the eternal world is certain; and that you will stand
+before the judgment-seat of Christ is certain; and that you are
+ignorant of the exact time when these great events will take place
+is equally certain; but instead of allowing your mind to be agitated
+by these senseless sounds, you ought to be preparing for the final
+issue of life."
+
+Here our conversation ended, and we then took our leave, Miss
+Newnham thanking me for the interest I had taken in her welfare, and
+hoping that I would call again on her before I left Thornwood.
+
+Addison has a good paper on the propensity which weak and
+superstitious people indulge, to give an ominous meaning to many
+of the casualties of life; and to allow themselves to be more
+terrified by the screeching of an owl, the clicking of an insect,
+or the howling of a dog, than the real and afflictive dispensations
+of Providence. As society improves in knowledge, especially the
+knowledge of the Scriptures, this propensity will become weaker and
+weaker; and though some traces of its existence may be discovered,
+at times, in the most cultivated minds, yet it is not invested
+with that magic power which it exercises over the illiterate. Many
+efforts have been employed to expose its absurdity, but if we
+intermingle with the uninformed inhabitants of a village, we shall
+have indubitable evidence that its influence still continues to
+operate. The same elegant writer to whom I have just referred,
+observes:--"I know but one way of fortifying my soul against these
+gloomy presages and terrors of mind, and that is, by securing to
+myself the friendship and affection of that Being who disposes of
+events, and governs futurity. He sees, at one view, the whole thread
+of my existence, not only that part of it which I have already
+passed through, but that which runs forward into all the depths
+of eternity. When I lay me down to sleep, I recommend myself to
+his care; when I awake, I give myself up to his direction. Amidst
+all the evils that threaten me, I will look up to him for help,
+and question not but he will either avert them, or turn them to my
+advantage. Though I know neither the time nor the manner of the
+death I am to die, I am not at all solicitous about it; because I am
+sure he knows them both, and that he will not fail to comfort and
+support me under them."[27]
+
+  [27] In connection with the above subject, the author may be
+  permitted to narrate the two following cases which occurred a few
+  years since in the town where he then resided:--The chief actors
+  in the scenes to be described were persons occupying a respectable
+  station in society, and who habitually associated with intelligent
+  and pious people. He and his wife accepted an invitation to dine
+  with a large party. The dinner was laid out in first-rate style,
+  grace was said with becoming solemnity, and we took our seats in due
+  form, when our hostess rose suddenly and rushed out of the room,
+  pale and affrighted, as though the turkey which she was preparing
+  to dismember had suddenly metamorphosed itself into a hobgoblin. We
+  then heard her exclaim, when she found herself alone in the hall,
+  nearly breathless with terror, "O dear, O dear! there are thirteen!"
+  I looked at my wife and she looked at me, in utter amazement,
+  wondering what presage of coming evil could lurk under the number
+  _thirteen_. At length our good-natured host said to one of his
+  daughters, "Eliza, you must retire, and we will send your plate to
+  you in the other room. You know your Mamma's objection to sit down
+  at the table with such an unlucky number." Eliza quietly withdrew,
+  and then her mother silently entered, almost as pale as a corpse,
+  but her natural colour returned soon after she commenced her carving
+  labours. _Thirteen_ an unlucky number! How odd! I could not make it
+  out, and continued to puzzle my head with it during dinner. However,
+  we were informed, before the party broke up, that one person was
+  sure to die very soon after eating a hearty dinner with _twelve_,
+  however hale and vigorous they might all be.
+
+  The other case is as follows:--A friend of the author had been
+  married, and he and his wife went to pay the customary wedding
+  visit. The sister of the bride was in waiting to receive the
+  company; her mother keeping watch, to see that everything was done
+  in due order. There was a goodly muster of persons, including uncles
+  and aunts, first and second cousins, and friends and acquaintances
+  almost without number. At last the uncle of the bride, a fine
+  portly man, made his appearance, and was in the act of entering the
+  parlour with his hearty congratulations to his niece, when the door
+  was suddenly and rather unceremoniously slammed to by his sister,
+  as though he had been some grim demon, bent on mischief. "Daniel,
+  don't come in; Daniel, you must not come in; Daniel, you shan't come
+  in," exclaimed the lady. "What's the matter now?" said Daniel, who
+  apparently was as much surprised at not being permitted to see us
+  as we were at not being permitted to see him. "What's the matter!"
+  re-echoed his sister; "_why, you have got your black coat on!_"
+  Daniel was obliged to doff his black coat and put on a blue one,
+  made for a much smaller man, and then he appeared amongst us. Moving
+  nearly as gracefully as a man would do in a strait waistcoat, his
+  appearance was a severe tax on our gravity. The mystery of the black
+  coat rejected, and the blue coat honoured by a presentation, still
+  remained unsolved to my wife and myself, till we overheard a grave
+  matron say, "It was very lucky, as the dear creature wouldn't die
+  now." That is, as was more fully explained afterwards, the black
+  coat would have betokened the death of the bride, if she had seen
+  it. Alas! poor human nature. What a specimen of its absurdity and
+  folly! The black coat of the author was invested with no fatal
+  presage, as he belonged to the clerical order; otherwise, like Uncle
+  Daniel, he must have changed it before he could have tasted a bit of
+  the wedding cake.
+
+Shortly after leaving Miss Newnham, we turned aside into a fine
+old park; and feeling rather fatigued, seated ourselves beneath a
+clump of trees that stood near the foot-path. As we sat watching the
+hares and rabbits which came out of a neighbouring coppice, and the
+stately deer which fed around us, unawed by our presence, the Squire
+passed by, and in a most good-humoured and kindly manner invited us
+to take some refreshment at the Hall. The invitation was accepted;
+and we soon found ourselves in a large antique parlour, in which the
+spirit of hospitality had dwelt from time immemorial.
+
+The Squire, or to call him by his own name, Mr. Bradley, was a fine
+looking old gentleman, of about sixty years of age, but with a deep
+trace of melancholy imprinted on his countenance. He had one child,
+who was sent, when eleven years of age, to a first-rate classical
+school, to be prepared for Oxford. When about the age of fourteen,
+according to a barbarous custom which still prevails in most of our
+great schools, he was chosen by a senior scholar to fight another
+boy about his own age. After contending till his strength was nearly
+exhausted, he received a blow on his right temple, which sent him
+lifeless to the ground. At first the boys thought him only stunned,
+and taking him up carefully, they carried him into a shed, when, to
+their horror, they found that he was dead! Horror-struck at this
+ghastly spectacle, they knew not what to do; but at length the
+dismal news reached the ears of the master--medical assistance was
+sent for, but it came too late. This fatal catastrophe happened
+just before Christmas, when the fond parents were preparing to
+receive their child once more under their roof during the holidays.
+When the tidings reached them, they were frantic with grief, and
+resolved to punish the authors of their calamity; but on cool
+reflection they forbore doing so, and sunk down into a state of
+melancholy, from which they have never perfectly recovered.
+
+This sad bereavement brought about a singular change in the habits
+of the Squire, who now became a very religious man. He had family
+prayer morning and evening, attended church regularly, and observed
+the fasts with a degree of monkish austerity which is rarely met
+with amongst Protestants. As his religion, however, contained no
+recognition of a living Saviour, it did not reach his heart, nor
+produce that exquisite taste for the enjoyment of spiritual things
+which is formed when the inner man is renewed in its spirit and
+disposition.
+
+And here the author would remark, before he gives the sequel of this
+interview with the Squire, that the Christian scheme of salvation
+differs from every other system of religion in one very important
+particular--it does not admit any person to the denomination of a
+believer, who does not feel its influence on his heart; nor can a
+person discern its adaptation to the moral condition of man, till
+such influence is felt. Hence it discriminates between the man
+who holds the truth in unrighteousness, and the man who receives
+it with meekness and in faith; and while it imparts to the latter
+all its consolations and its hopes, it pronounces the sentence of
+condemnation on the former, although his moral character may be
+adorned with the varied beauties of social virtue. To the one it
+unveils a scene of contemplation, which displays the purity and
+grandeur of the Divine nature--the equity and glory of his wise, yet
+mysterious dispensations of providence and of grace; to the other it
+remains as an unconnected and unharmonious scheme of religion, which
+no skill can simplify, and which no labour can methodically arrange.
+To the one it opens a fountain of living waters, of which they who
+drink never thirst after a more salubrious draught of happiness; to
+the other it is as a stagnant lake, whose waters are bitter, like
+those of ancient Marah. To the one it makes known a Saviour, in
+the efficacy of his death, in the riches of his grace, and in the
+prevalence of his intercession: to the other it exhibits him as the
+Man of sorrows, who once fasted in the desert, and preached in the
+temple--who once wept on Olivet, and groaned on Calvary--and who
+derives all his celebrity from the records of history, rather than
+from the manifestation of his love in renewing and sanctifying the
+soul. So that while these two persons profess the same faith, bear
+the same denominational character, worship in the same church, and
+observe the same ceremonial rites and institutions; they cannot hold
+any communion with each other in spirit, because their perceptions,
+taste, and moral inclinations are as much opposed to each other as
+the purity of the Divine nature is opposed to the impurity of the
+human.
+
+"It is now," said the Squire, "fifteen years since I lost my son.
+It was a grievous affliction--one which has embittered life to me:
+and if I could overcome the dread of death, I should long to lie
+down in our family vault, to rest in peace with the dead of past
+generations."
+
+"To lose a child," I replied, "in the common course of nature, must
+be a severe affliction to a parent; but to lose an only son, and in
+such a way as you lost yours, must be a trial almost too heavy to be
+borne."
+
+"O, Sir, it nearly bereft us of our senses; and we have gone but
+little into company since. There's his likeness," pointing to a good
+painting hanging over the fireplace, "and it is a very correct one;
+and here is his favourite dog, which we have preserved; but you see,
+like his master, his life is gone. This is the end of man."
+
+"Yes, Sir, it is appointed unto man once to die, and after death the
+judgment."
+
+"And it is this judgment after death which makes death so dreadful.
+I have been preparing myself for my latter end ever since the death
+of my child; and the more I think of its solemnity and importance,
+the more I am alarmed. We know what this life is; but of the next
+life we have no knowledge; and we know the beings with whom we now
+associate; but who can form a conception of disembodied spirits?"
+
+"The dread of death often operates as a spell on the happiness of
+life; and brings down the wealthy and prosperous to a state of
+mental wretchedness, equally deplorable with that of the destitute
+and forlorn."
+
+"Sir," said the Squire, with great emphasis, fixing his eye on
+myself as he spoke, "it brings us lower, because, as we have
+stronger temptations to the love of life, we have greater reluctance
+to resign it. Here we are distinguished by greater possessions,
+occupy a more exalted station, and have a greater variety of
+enjoyments at our command; but we are not sure that we shall be even
+admitted into the kingdom of heaven when we die; and, for aught we
+know, the same fate may await us which befel a certain rich man, of
+whom we read in the Bible."
+
+"That fact, Sir," I replied, "is calculated to excite a high degree
+of terror in the breast of a rich man, because it teaches us, that
+God does not continue the line of distinction between the rich and
+the poor beyond this life."
+
+"The distinction, Sir, may be preserved, but it may be against us,
+as poor Lazarus was comforted, while the rich man was tormented.
+I have a servant, who works for me in my garden, on whom I often
+look with envy; and if I could attain that composure in prospect of
+death which he possesses, I would gladly exchange my mansion for his
+cottage."
+
+"I presume, Sir, he is a religious man?"
+
+"Yes, he is a religious man, and so am I; but he has the art of
+deriving consolation from his religion, while I can derive none from
+mine."
+
+"But how is that? Is he a more learned or a more virtuous man than
+you are?"
+
+"No, Sir; he is virtuous, and he is intelligent for a person in his
+rank of life; but he says he does not derive any consolation from
+his virtue."
+
+"I presume, Sir, he is a man of prayer?"
+
+"Yes, and so am I, though I use a form, and he prays extempore--so I
+have heard."
+
+"I presume he attends a place of worship?"
+
+"Yes; he now goes to the chapel which has lately been built in the
+village. This is the only thing in his conduct I disapprove of. I
+think we ought to keep to the Church, and not sanction this new
+religion, which is overrunning the country."
+
+"But now, suppose this new religion, as you term it, should be the
+very religion from which your gardener derives all his consolation
+against the fear of death, would it not be an act of cruelty and of
+injustice if you were to attempt to deprive him of it?"
+
+"But why can't he derive his consolations from the religion of the
+Church of England?"
+
+"Then, Sir," I replied, "why don't you? You say that you have
+attended your parish church regularly for the last fifteen years,
+and yet you are as much in dread of death as you were when you first
+entered within its doors."
+
+"Very true; there's a mystery about it which I can't unravel."
+
+"Shall I explain it, Sir?"
+
+"I wish you would; and as it is a question which perplexes Mrs.
+Bradley no less than myself, I will fetch her, if you will excuse me
+for a few minutes."
+
+The Squire soon returned, accompanied by his lady, who welcomed us
+to the Hall, with the greatest cordiality and politeness.
+
+"Now, Sir," said the Squire, "if you will explain to us how it is
+our gardener derives that consolation against the fear of death from
+this new religion, which we cannot derive from the good old religion
+of our forefathers, you will confer a great favour, and we shall
+esteem your visit the most agreeable one we have ever received."
+
+"In the first place," I observed, "you have fallen into a mistake.
+The religion of the chapel is not a new religion, but the religion
+of the Bible, exhibited in a simple and popular form, and does not
+differ from the doctrinal articles of the Established church."
+
+"Indeed, Sir. Why, then, my gardener and I profess the same faith.
+But how is it he derives so much consolation from that which gives
+me none?"
+
+"Because, to quote the language of the Scripture, he has been
+renewed in the spirit of his mind, and has had the eyes of his
+understanding enlightened, so that he is enabled to trace the
+connection between the facts of Christianity and their application
+to his mind; while you, for want of this supernatural illumination,
+admit the facts only, without perceiving how they can, or how they
+do, produce the intended effect. For example: you admit that you
+are a guilty sinner in relation to God, and under a sentence of
+condemnation, which is the reason why you dread death; and you admit
+that Jesus Christ died for sinners; but you cannot perceive _how_ it
+is that his death operates to remove guilt, and to inspire a hope
+of eternal blessedness. There is, if I may use such an expression,
+a palpable darkness intervening between the fact of human guilt,
+and the fact of the Saviour's death for its expiation, which
+prevents your seeing how the latter does actually become the means
+of removing the former. Hence your faith in the death of Christ
+does not give you that consolation of which you sometimes hear your
+pious gardener speak; because, for want of an adequate power of
+perception, you cannot see how to apply its moral efficacy to your
+heart and conscience."
+
+"How to apply the moral efficacy of the death of Christ to my
+heart and conscience! Why, I was not aware that anything more was
+necessary, on my part, than simply admitting the fact of his death."
+
+"Then what meaning can you affix to the language of the
+apostle--'God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our
+Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I
+unto the world?' But such is the spiritual darkness that rests
+on the human mind, that the moral design of his death cannot be
+perceived without the illumination of the Holy Spirit. Why, the
+prayers and liturgy of your own Church most unequivocally recognize
+the necessity of this supernatural illumination."[28]
+
+  [28] See vol. i. p. 313.
+
+"I never felt the necessity of this spiritual illumination to which
+you refer, or most likely I should have sought after it."
+
+"I presume you would; but your not feeling the necessity of it forms
+no valid objection against the necessity of it. It may be necessary,
+and yet you may not perceive it; as the natural man, according
+to the testimony of St. Paul--that is, the man unaided by Divine
+assistance--'receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they
+are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are
+spiritually discerned."
+
+"You have certainly opened a new path of inquiry before me; and
+though I cannot at present see the need of any supernatural
+assistance to enable me to understand what I read in my Bible, yet,
+if the necessity of it be clearly stated in Holy Writ, I shall not
+hesitate to admit it.[29] But, to advert to the religion of this
+village chapel, am I to understand that the doctrines of the Church
+of England are preached in it?"
+
+  [29] The reader is referred to vol. i. p. 249.
+
+"Yes, Sir."
+
+"Then they have not brought a new religion into the village?"
+
+"No, Sir; they have brought no new religion into the village, but
+merely present the old religion of the Bible and of Protestantism in
+a new form."
+
+"And yet when they talk on religious subjects, they employ a very
+different phraseology of speech from that which we have been
+accustomed to use."
+
+"Very likely, because they are more familiar with the phraseology of
+the Scriptures than you are; and they feel the power of religious
+truth on their heart more forcibly than you profess to do. Your
+religion, if I judge from your conversation, is the religion
+of opinion, theirs of belief--yours of speculation, theirs of
+principle--yours of forms and ceremonies, theirs of knowledge and of
+feeling--yours of times and seasons, theirs of habitual devotion;
+and while you derive no consolation from the routine of duties which
+you perform, they have peace with God through Jesus Christ."
+
+"I have heard," said the Squire, "that their religion makes them
+happy, and raises them above the fear of dying--the great points I
+have been aiming to reach for fifteen years, but I am as far off as
+when I first began the pursuit."
+
+"If, Sir, you had been labouring under some physical malady for
+the space of fifteen years, without deriving any benefit from the
+prescriptions of your regular family physician, I presume you would
+call in other advice?"
+
+"I have no doubt of it, Sir; I should suspect his want of judgment."
+
+"Why not, Sir, act on the same principle, on the more important
+question relating to your soul--its peace, and its salvation?
+Your attendance at the church has been in vain. Why not dismiss
+your prejudices, and go to the village chapel? You have ocular
+demonstration, that the people who worship there are happy, and
+live in the anticipation of future happiness. Why not make the
+experiment, which can subject you to no loss, and may lead to a
+glorious issue?"
+
+"We are slaves, Sir, to prejudice. Yes, we create our own tyrant,
+and then yield to his iron sway! What fools we all are!"
+
+"I should not object," said Mrs. Bradley, "to go to the village
+chapel, if I thought I could obtain any spiritual benefit. I am
+weary of life. I want something to bring peace to my heart."
+
+"Make the experiment, Madam."
+
+"I feel inclined to do it; but yet I have a strange reluctance."
+
+"I will venture," said the Squire, "and give a proof that I am
+sincere in my efforts to obtain the hope of salvation."
+
+We now left the Hall, much pleased with our visit, and bent our
+steps towards home. It was a beautiful evening, and as we passed
+along we were charmed by the varied notes of my favourite bird, the
+thrush, whose harmony was occasionally disturbed by the cawing of
+the rooks on their return from their daily pilgrimage. We returned
+to the public road just as the sun was setting, and while admiring
+the lustre which he threw around him on his departure, I remarked
+to Miss Holmes, what a fine emblem it presented of the dying
+Christian, whose pathway through life resembles the shining light,
+which shineth brighter and brighter, yet reserves its brightest
+splendour for its setting, when a halo of glory encircles him as he
+disappears, leaving spectators astonished and delighted more by the
+closing scene, than by the progressive majesty of his course.
+
+On ascending the slope leading to the entrance of the village, a
+respectable looking man stepped out of a cottage by the roadside,
+and on recognizing Mrs. Newell and Miss Holmes, with myself, as a
+clergyman, invited us to walk in. His large Bible was on the table,
+and the family were preparing for evening worship. After a little
+desultory conversation, he begged that I would lead their devotions,
+a request with which I gladly complied--reading a chapter of the
+Bible and offering up a prayer.
+
+"I am happy, ladies," said the cottager's wife, when service was
+concluded, "to see you in my house; it is an honour which I have
+long coveted, but never expected; and we are much obliged to you,
+Sir, for your kindness in praying for us this evening. May the Lord
+reward you."
+
+"And I am happy," I replied, "that you have an altar of devotion
+erected in your family; and I hope that your morning and evening
+sacrifices, like those of the Hebrew temple, will regularly ascend
+before the Lord of hosts, and be accepted by him."
+
+I was now agreeably surprised to find myself in the cottage, and in
+the company of the gardener, whose religion had been the subject of
+discussion at the Hall.
+
+"We have just had," I remarked, "a long and interesting conversation
+with the Squire on religious subjects; and we were much pleased
+with the seriousness of his manner, and the eagerness with which
+he listened to our remarks, but like many others, he has no clear
+perception of the nature or design of the gospel of Christ."
+
+"He is, Sir," said the gardener, "a most singular man. Sometimes
+he is very devout--reads his Bible with great attention, and will
+often come to me in the garden, to talk about religion, and I have
+sometimes seen him so powerfully impressed by it, that he has shed
+tears when speaking of the restless state of his mind; but at other
+times he is equally gay and thoughtless, and disposed to turn
+religion and religious people into ridicule. He is very unhappy,
+though he is very rich; and has many good qualities, though he is
+not a spiritual man."
+
+"I suppose," I said, "you would not exchange your cottage for his
+mansion, if you were obliged along with the exchange to part with
+your consolations and hopes?"
+
+"O, no, I would not exchange situation and state with my master; for
+I am happy, but he is not--I can think of death with composure, but
+he dreads it--I can look forward to eternity with delight, but he
+shrinks back from its approach, as a child would recoil in terror on
+seeing some hideous figure."
+
+This pious gardener was the only son of a venerable elder of the
+Scotch church, who rented a small farm in the county of Stirling. He
+was a most industrious hard-working man; and his wife was a pattern
+for economy and frugality. For more than fifty years they lived
+together in the enjoyment of domestic happiness; but just as they
+reached the evening of life, they experienced a series of reverses,
+and poverty advanced upon them as an armed man, compelling them to
+give up their farm, to be cultivated by other hands. Their son took
+a little cottage for them near the church in which his venerable
+father had worshipped God for many years; and having acquired a
+scientific knowledge of horticulture, he obtained, through the
+medium of a friend, his present situation at the Squire's; and to
+his honour he supported his aged parents till it pleased God to
+take them to himself. When he came to England, he was a moral but
+not a pious man; nor did he feel the influence of the truth on his
+heart till after his marriage. His wife was the daughter of a worthy
+man, who gave her a superior education; and to this the God of all
+grace had added the ornament of a meek and a devotional spirit. By
+her chaste conversation, and the influence of her example, she won
+over her husband to the reception of the pure faith of Christ; and
+though, like most others, they have had the ebbings and flowings of
+prosperity and adversity; yet, to quote their own language, goodness
+and mercy have followed them all the days of their life.
+
+Had the gardener's father remained exempt from misfortunes, his
+son might have been living in the house in which he was born, and
+cultivating the farm his father tilled for fifty years; but then he
+had never seen his pious wife, and might still have possessed only
+the form of religion. That dispensation which came as the whirlwind
+and the storm, to drive him from his home and his country, led him
+at length to attain the blessings of contentment and peace. Thus
+we often see in the history of life, disastrous events proving the
+precursors of personal and domestic happiness, as the dark and
+tempestuous morning is not unfrequently followed by a serene and
+joyous evening; exciting gratitude and love to the wise Disposer of
+all human affairs, in exchange for the perplexity and sorrow which
+they may have occasioned.
+
+
+
+
+THE PIOUS COTTAGER.
+
+
+After staying for about a week under the hospitable roof of Mr.
+Newell, I quitted Thornwood, to pay my long promised visit to
+the Elms, and was accompanied thither by Miss Holmes. We had the
+gratification of finding all well on our arrival, and I spent with
+my old friends a few days very pleasantly; after which it was
+necessary for me to return home, though much urged by Mr. and Mrs.
+Holmes to remain with them for a little time longer. During my stay
+at the Elms, I more than once accompanied Louisa to call on Mrs.
+Kent, in whom I felt much interested, but who, for some time past,
+had been in a very feeble state of health, and was now evidently
+hastening to her end. The evening before my departure she rallied a
+little, and on the ensuing Sabbath felt herself so strong as to be
+able to walk to chapel, at about a quarter of a mile's distance. On
+Monday, however, she was again obliged to return to her bed, from
+which she never rose. She now gradually sank, and in the course
+of ten days peacefully expired. Her history, and some incidents
+connected with her death, will be found in the following letter from
+Miss Holmes to Mrs. Loader:--
+
+     "THE ELMS, _17th June, 18--_.
+
+     "MY DEAR FRIEND,--I have just sustained a great loss. Poor
+     Mrs. Kent died yesterday, and I feel that I have indeed lost a
+     friend. You have often asked me to give you some particulars of
+     her history, and this I shall now endeavour to do.
+
+     "She was left a widow when about the age of forty, with four
+     children, almost entirely dependent upon her for support.
+     Her husband, who was a pious man, died of a consumption; the
+     symptoms of which made their appearance within a few years after
+     their marriage. But as his outward man decayed, his inner man
+     was renewed day by day. During his protracted illness, though he
+     had no raptures when anticipating his death, and the glory to
+     follow, yet he was favoured with great composure; and when the
+     hour of his departure came, he died in peace. While he lived, he
+     and his wife had regularly attended the little Dissenting chapel
+     in the village, and had always been allowed to do so unmolested,
+     but shortly after his death the steward of Lord Harwood informed
+     his widow, that unless she gave up her religious notions, and
+     went to the parish church, she should not be allowed to remain
+     any longer in her little cottage. Her reply to this unmanly and
+     anti-Christian threat, at once displayed the characteristic
+     independence and firmness of her mind:--'As I would not give
+     up my religion to please his Lordship, you cannot suppose that
+     I will do it to please you, Sir. You may turn me out of the
+     cottage, but my Father, who knows that I want a dwelling for
+     myself and children, will provide me with another, over which
+     you will have no authority.'
+
+     "As soon as this threat was known, a very general murmur was
+     expressed through the hamlet. Many, indeed, thought that it
+     would not be carried into execution; but a pious gentleman, who
+     felt a great respect for the memory of her husband, and who knew
+     that she would always live in terror, while under the power of
+     this petty tyrant, built a little cottage for her on his own
+     estate, which she occupied, free of rent, till her death. Three
+     of her children, one after the other, fell victims to their
+     father's complaint, and were all buried in the same grave. She
+     was a very industrious, frugal, and prudent woman; greatly
+     respected by her religious friends, who, much to their honour,
+     provided an ample maintenance for her, when she became, through
+     infirmities, unable to support herself.
+
+     "Her cottage, which was built on a piece of rising ground,
+     within sight of the turnpike road, was the neatest in the
+     parish, and bore, in legible characters, the following
+     inscription:--'A refuge from persecution.' This memorial of
+     his cruel spirit mortified the steward, by exciting public
+     attention; and after smarting under it for some time, he offered
+     to make any apology to the widow, on condition that it might
+     be effaced. She became his advocate with her landlord, and the
+     stone was removed; but ere he had made the application, Lady
+     Harwood, on riding past in her carriage, having seen it, was
+     induced to stop, and ask Mrs. Kent why her cottage bore such
+     a singular inscription. The reason was given, and when she
+     informed his Lordship, on his return from the Continent, he felt
+     so indignant, that he sent for his steward, and, after a severe
+     reprimand, dismissed him from his situation.
+
+     "I have spent many pleasant, and I trust profitable hours in
+     Mrs. Kent's company; and now she is gone, I find the remembrance
+     of our conversations a source of great consolation. Her
+     knowledge of the Bible was very accurate and extensive; and
+     the remarks which she sometimes made on different passages
+     were pertinent and striking. In her the word of Christ dwelt
+     richly; it composed her perturbed feelings--induced a spirit of
+     resignation to the will of God--opened before her the prospect
+     of future bliss, and supplied her with subjects of reflection
+     and conversation, which made her society a source of much
+     improvement to others. She was well qualified to guide the young
+     Christian, amidst the perplexities which are apt to entangle
+     his faith in the early stages of his experience, and guard him
+     from the fatal evils by which he is often surrounded in his
+     passage through life. To her conversation my sister Jane is more
+     indebted than to any other means of religious instruction; and
+     even Emma would often gladly spend an hour in her society.
+
+     "A few months ago her infirmities began to increase upon
+     her; but we were not alarmed by any symptoms of approaching
+     dissolution, till about a week before our visit to Lynnbridge.
+     When sitting with her one fine spring evening, listening to the
+     song of the blackbird and the thrush, I spoke of the bountiful
+     provision which our heavenly Father has made for our necessities
+     and gratifications, she replied in the beautiful language of the
+     poet: 'Yes,
+
+                      '----not content,
+      With every food of life to nourish man,
+      He makes all nature beauty to his eye,
+      And music to his ear.'
+
+     But this is not the only provision he has made for us. He is now
+     preparing a place for us, and soon he will come to receive us to
+     himself.'
+
+     "On asking her if she had any fears in anticipation of the end
+     of her faith, she said--
+
+     "'I have had many, but they are all gone, and though I still
+     have my spiritual trials, yet I can anticipate the final issue
+     with great composure. I know in whom I have believed, and am
+     persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed
+     unto him against that day.'
+
+     "'You long to be gone, I have no doubt?'
+
+     "'I certainly long to see HIM, whom unseen, I have loved for
+     nearly fifty years, because then I shall be like Him; but I am
+     not impatient. Indeed, I am not yet prepared to go, for the ties
+     which bind me to earth are not all broken.'
+
+     "'Then this earth still possesses some attractions?'
+
+     "'Yes; I have enjoyed, and do enjoy a large proportion of its
+     comforts; and though I have felt, at times, the storms of
+     adversity, yet I can say, 'The lines are fallen unto me in
+     pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.' Here I am,
+     in my calm retreat--far away from the noise of contention and
+     strife--waiting patiently the great change; and if the Lord
+     should be pleased to answer my prayers for the salvation of my
+     dear son, I should then say, 'Lord, now lettest thou thy servant
+     depart in peace, according to thy word.'
+
+     "'Then you think your son is still living, notwithstanding the
+     report of his dangerous illness in the hospital at the Cape?'
+
+     "'Yes, I believe he is. As Abraham saw Isaac in a figure rising
+     from the dead, so the Lord gave me a somewhat similar vision,
+     the night after I received my son's letter. I saw him leaving
+     the hospital well, though leaning on his staff, and pale and
+     wan, as if just recovered from illness. I have now only one
+     painful trial.'
+
+     "Presuming that she referred to the spiritual state of her son,
+     I remarked, that parents must feel intense agony of mind, in
+     prospect of having their children separated from them in the
+     eternal world.
+
+     "'I have not that prospect to distress me. I have three already
+     in heaven, and I doubt not but the grace of God will ultimately
+     reach the heart of my prodigal son. I cannot doubt it. It would
+     be a sin to doubt it. I have felt such a spirit of prayer come
+     upon me at times, on his behalf, that I have wrestled for his
+     conversion, as Jacob wrestled with the angel at Peniel; and
+     though I have heard no voice saying to me, 'It shall be unto
+     thee even as thou wilt,' yet I have departed from the throne of
+     grace in peace, and found my faith strengthened with power from
+     on high. My faith is so strong and so uniform in its exercise,
+     that it has cast out fear from my heart; and I can rejoice in
+     prospect of meeting all my children in my Father's house.'
+
+     "During my absence at Lynnbridge her illness continued to
+     increase, and Jane used frequently to call on her, and take
+     her some little comforts which her feeble state required. On
+     my return I took Mr. ----, who was paying us a short visit,
+     to see her, and she seemed to derive great comfort from his
+     conversation and sympathy. She now gained a little strength,
+     and in a day or two felt herself so much better as to be able
+     again to go about, and on Sabbath actually walked to chapel. The
+     exertion, however, had been too much for her, and on calling at
+     her cottage on the Monday forenoon I was grieved to learn that
+     she had found herself so weak as to be obliged to return to bed.
+     I left with her a little wine, which I had brought with me,
+     and called again to see her in the evening. I perceived that I
+     must now forego all hopes of her recovery, as her strength was
+     evidently sinking fast. After some conversation regarding her
+     bodily ailments, she said to me, 'I have been struggling through
+     deep waters since your last visit, and even now the swellings of
+     Jordan are rising higher and higher upon me; and though I have
+     not lost my anchor, I have been tossed as upon the billows of
+     the great deep. I trust, indeed, all will be well at last; but
+     I now feel a terror in prospect of death, which I never felt
+     before. I am now on the verge of eternity. I shall soon, very
+     soon see God--the final sentence will soon be uttered; and if I
+     have been deceiving myself and others, what will be my doom!'
+
+     "'But, my dear Mrs. Kent,' I remarked, 'you should look back on
+     your past life, and think of the sacrifices which you have made
+     for the cause of the Redeemer, and the numerous indications of
+     his approbation which you have received.'
+
+     "'I dare not look back,' she replied, with great solemnity,
+     'unless it be to increase the intensity of the anguish which
+     at times weighs down my soul, for I have been an unprofitable
+     servant, and am one of the greatest of sinners that ever
+     indulged a hope of entering into heaven. Look back! no, my
+     dear. I am obliged to 'lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from
+     whence cometh my help.'
+
+     "Two days after this visit I again called, and found her sitting
+     up in her bed. On extending her hand, she said with great
+     animation, 'The storm is over, and now the sun is shining upon
+     my soul, in his full noon-tide strength. The bitterness of death
+     is passed; and I have nothing more to suffer, except a few
+     convulsive struggles, which nature will feel, when the moment
+     of my departure comes.' Then raising her hands and her eyes to
+     heaven, she burst forth into a strain of enraptured devotion. I
+     have preserved a few of her expressions, which were principally
+     quotations from the Bible, or Watt's Hymns; but it is not in
+     my power to portray the calm dignity of her countenance, or
+     the intense fervour of feeling with which she spoke. 'Blessed
+     Saviour! thou art my Redeemer! Thou hast borne my sins, and
+     carried my sorrows! Thou hast suffered the just for the unjust,
+     to bring me to God! Thou art the chief among ten thousand, and
+     altogether lovely! Thou art the author and finisher of my faith!
+     To thee do I yield myself, to be redeemed from all evil--to be
+     sanctified--to be presented faultless before thy Father's glory
+     with exceeding joy! Yes,
+
+                   '----every smile of thine,
+       Does fresh endearmonts bring;'
+
+     and fixing her eyes, as though she saw her Lord, she extended
+     her arms, and said,
+
+      'Haste, my Beloved, fetch my soul,
+        Up to thy bless'd abode,
+      Fly, for my spirit longs to see
+        My Saviour and my God.'
+
+     "I happened just then to turn my head to the window, when I
+     saw a soldier walking up the pathway in front of her cottage.
+     Without thinking what I was saying, I exclaimed, 'Here is your
+     son, Mrs. Kent, come back to you from the Cape!' Never shall I
+     forget the scene which followed.
+
+     "'My son!--impossible!'
+
+     "We heard the latch of the door lifted up, and a deep manly
+     voice calling 'Mother!' On that word reaching her ear, his
+     mother sprang up in her bed, and exclaimed, 'It is my son!' but
+     her feelings were so strongly excited that she had not strength
+     to restrain them, and before I could return to her assistance,
+     she fell back, and for some moments we thought her gone. I felt
+     her pulse, but it had ceased to beat--her eyes were fixed--and
+     while engaged with her faithful nurse in employing the usual
+     means to restore suspended animation, the door of her chamber
+     was opened, and her son entered with a smile on his countenance,
+     which was soon exchanged for the strong expressions of filial
+     grief. He saw what was the matter, and forbore to speak, but
+     stepping gently to her bedside, he kissed her, and let fall a
+     tear on her face. 'How long has she been ill?' he inquired; and
+     just as these words were uttered, we saw a slight motion of her
+     hand, and soon after she began to breathe softly. On returning
+     to consciousness, her first impulse was to embrace her long lost
+     child. No words were uttered by them, but a frequent interchange
+     of the expressions, 'My child!' 'My mother!' I withdrew to the
+     window while they remained for many minutes locked in each
+     other's embrace. I then handed the dying saint a glass of
+     wine, which revived her; and after reclining on the bosom of
+     her son for some time, giving vent to her feelings, she became
+     sufficiently composed to converse with him.
+
+     "'O mother, I am sorry to find you in this state; but you will
+     get well soon, I trust.'
+
+     "'Never while I remain in this world, my dear son. But I have
+     every reason to be thankful. God has always dealt graciously
+     with me. Even in the midst of the greatest tribulation, He has
+     enabled me to sing,
+
+      'Bless'd is the sorrow, kind the storm,
+      That drives me nearer home.'
+
+     But this last expression of his kindness, in permitting me
+     to see you before I die, is so unexpected, that it is like a
+     miracle wrought in answer to prayer.'
+
+     "'O mother,' the soldier replied, weeping as he spoke, 'your
+     prayers have been the means of my salvation, and I am thankful
+     that your life has been spared till I could come and tell you of
+     it.'
+
+     "She sat and listened with great interest to his account of
+     his adventures. While in hospital at the Cape he was visited
+     by a pious missionary, to whose conversation he ascribed his
+     conversion to God. 'Before I saw him,' he continued, 'I had many
+     qualms of conscience; and was often terrified at the thought of
+     death, but never _felt_ that I needed a Saviour till he spoke
+     to me. His appeals were like an arrow shot through my soul,
+     and I could get no comfort till I prayed to Jesus Christ.'
+     He paused to weep, and we wept with him; when he renewed his
+     narration, and after giving us a detailed account of his recent
+     preservation during a violent storm on his return to England, we
+     knelt down, and he commended the soul of his dying mother into
+     the hands of the Lord Jesus, after which I took my leave.
+
+     "Mrs. Kent remained for several days without undergoing any
+     material change; but on the eighth day after her son's return,
+     he called at the Elms, and said that his mother was not expected
+     to live through the day, and wished to see me. I immediately
+     went, accompanied by my sister Jane. We found her in a most
+     heavenly frame of mind. After a conversation which lasted about
+     half an hour, I observed a sudden alteration in her countenance,
+     which convinced me that the time of her departure was drawing
+     nigh. She now sat for several minutes in perfect silence; a
+     death-like stillness pervaded the room, and we all felt an awe
+     on our spirits that seemed to betoken some great event. She then
+     raised her head, and first expressed her gratitude to her nurse
+     for her kind attention; thanked me and Jane for the few favours
+     we had been enabled to show her; and then taking the hand of
+     her son, she pressed it to her lips, and said, 'Yes, thou art
+     a faithful God! and as it hath pleased thee to bring back my
+     long lost child, and adopt him into thy family, I will say, 'Now
+     lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
+     for mine eyes have seen thy salvation;' then smiling, she fell
+     back on her pillow, and with one deep sigh her gentle spirit
+     passed away and left us.
+
+     "Thus lived, thus suffered, and thus died, one of the Lord's
+     '_hidden ones_,' set apart for himself, to show forth his praise
+     first here on earth, and now for ever in the celestial world.
+
+     "I am happy to say that I can now refer, with some degree of
+     satisfaction, to dear Emma, in whose welfare I know you take
+     a deep interest. I speak with caution, yet I think I can say
+     there are some appearances, which give us reason to hope, that
+     her afflictions are beginning to yield the peaceable fruits of
+     righteousness. She is now more frequently alone and with her
+     Bible; still very reserved on the question of personal piety,
+     but references and allusions accidentally escape her lips, which
+     induce me to believe that the Lord is gradually drawing her to
+     himself. Dear creature! she has passed through a sad ordeal,
+     but I trust she will yet be enabled to say with David, 'It is
+     good for me that I have been afflicted.' Pray for her, my dear
+     friend, and also for your attached
+
+     LOUISA."
+
+
+
+
+THE CLOSING SCENE OF THE YOUNG CHRISTIAN'S CAREER.
+
+
+Miss Holmes, as the reader has already been informed, had suffered
+much in her health, by the unfortunate marriage of her sister
+Emma; but her visit to Lynnbridge had contributed greatly to her
+improvement, and her parents now fondly hoped that she was in a fair
+way of recovery. Shortly after the death of Mrs. Kent, however, she
+experienced a return of her former alarming symptoms, and an eminent
+physician was consulted, whose opinion, though rather reservedly
+given, was not of a very hopeful nature. Conscious herself of the
+extreme delicacy of her constitution, and apprehensive that she had
+not long to live, she now prudently declined an advantageous offer
+of marriage which she had received. Her suitor was Mr. Alfred Reed,
+the only son of an intimate friend of her father's; a young man,
+about her own age, decidedly pious, and who was likely to come into
+the possession of a large fortune. He had been bred to mercantile
+pursuits, but eventually decided on entering the Church. His father
+opposed his inclination, till, being fully convinced that he was
+actuated by proper motives, he cordially gave his consent. He had
+passed through his examinations at Cambridge with great distinction,
+and was now spending the vacation at home, preparatory to taking
+orders. His person, his manners, and his profession combined to
+render him an acceptable suitor to Miss Holmes, who united in her
+character the varied excellencies which are necessary to qualify a
+female to fill the important station of a clergyman's wife. She was
+intelligent, amiable, discreet, and zealous in the cause of religion
+and benevolence, without the smallest tincture of ostentatious
+display. Her sense of duty, however, would not permit her, in her
+present state of health, to contract a union which might speedily be
+dissolved, and involve her husband in much perplexity and grief.
+
+By the advice of her medical man, she was induced again to try a
+change of air as the best means of arresting the progress of her
+disorder. After much deliberation it was decided to go to Dawlish
+in Devonshire, both because they had so much enjoyed their former
+visits there, and Louisa preferred its retirement to the noise
+and gaiety of a more fashionable watering-place. Mr. Reed, who
+still continued faithful in his attentions to her, notwithstanding
+her refusal of his offer, and still cherished the hope of his
+proposals being accepted, on Miss Holmes' restoration to health,
+was allowed, at his earnest request, to form one of the party. He
+accordingly set out first, to secure a suitable lodging, and it
+was no small gratification to the family when they found he had
+taken the same house which they had occupied some years before.
+As they had travelled by easy stages, and had been favoured with
+pleasant weather, Miss Holmes appeared much better on her arrival at
+Dawlish than when she left the Elms; and she continued to improve so
+rapidly, that all began to anticipate her entire convalescence. Her
+spirits, which had at times been deeply depressed, soon rose to the
+level of her accustomed cheerfulness; and though the hectic flush
+occasionally added fresh beauty to the sweetness of her countenance,
+yet, as it did not return so often, nor appear so deeply tinged
+by the florid hue as formerly, it did not occasion any alarm. On
+returning from a lovely walk, as they passed the little chapel which
+benevolence raised for the accommodation of the Christian pilgrim,
+who thirsts for the pure water of life, she facetiously remarked,
+addressing herself to Mr. Reed, "I presume, Sir, we cannot calculate
+on your accompanying us to-morrow to this unadorned house of prayer."
+
+"Why not, Miss Holmes?"
+
+"Of course, Sir, your clerical profession will lead you elsewhere!"
+
+"I am happy to say, that I am not ashamed to go to offer up my
+sacrifice of prayer and of praise in any place in which the God of
+salvation will condescend to accept it. I prefer the village church
+to the village chapel, most certainly; but, as I have no wish to
+become a _dissenter_, I shall conform to the religious customs of
+the party during our visit."
+
+"A clergyman in a Dissenting chapel! The last wonder! Of course, we
+must all be sworn to secrecy, and keep our pledge, or no bishop will
+ordain you."
+
+There is no indisposition under which the human frame labours that
+assumes such a deceptive appearance as a consumption. In its early
+stages it will often work so insidiously on the constitution, that
+its subject is unconscious of its presence; and even, when it
+has advanced to a very considerable extent, there are generally
+those intervals of vigour and vivacity, that occasion sanguine
+expectations of a recovery to be entertained even to the last.
+And it is during these seasons, when the animal spirits return
+with great force--giving a degree of energy and activity which is
+regarded as an unequivocal proof of restored health, that exertions
+are made by walking and by visiting, which often accelerate the
+fatal issue. To confine to the house the invalid, who longs to
+breathe the fresh air, or to keep her out of company, when the
+pleasures of social intercourse relieve the spirits from languor,
+is a task which the kindness of friendship cannot always perform;
+and hence she is often permitted to run the risk of shortening her
+life by efforts which exhaust her strength; or by exposures to the
+keen night air, which give a fresh impetus to the disease. It was
+during one of these intervals of renewed strength that Miss Holmes
+was induced to pay a visit to a family, who resided about two miles
+off; and though her father proposed to take her in a carriage, she
+preferred walking. She reached her friends' house without feeling
+fatigued; after dinner enjoyed a ramble in the country; and then,
+having taken tea, returned to Dawlish. It was a pleasant evening,
+but the air was rather cold; and though she bore the exertions of
+the day with great cheerfulness, yet before she got home she began
+to feel exhausted. On entering the drawing-room, she threw herself
+on the sofa, and said, "I fear I have gone beyond my strength."
+After resting herself some time, she retired for the night; but
+when she awoke in the morning, instead of rising at her usual hour,
+she requested to have her breakfast in bed. At noon she made her
+appearance amongst the family, in apparently good spirits; but her
+mother, who had watched the progress of her disorder with deep
+anxiety, felt alarmed on seeing the hectic flush on her cheek,
+accompanied by an occasional cough. Towards the evening the height
+of her pulse was considerably increased; the palms of her hands
+became dry and hot, and she complained of being chilly. These
+symptoms excited fresh alarm; yet, as they came on immediately
+after the fatigue of a long day's excursion, her friends flattered
+themselves that they would go off when she had taken another night's
+rest; but in this they were disappointed. On the following morning
+they assumed a more threatening aspect; her cough became more
+troublesome, the pain in her side returned, and though she appeared
+cheerful, yet it was accompanied by an unusual gravity of look and
+manner. At length it was judged expedient to call in a medical man,
+who prescribed some medicines that afforded her a little temporary
+relief. When asked for his opinion, he said, "I do not despair of
+her recovery, though she must be very cautious. She must not exert
+herself beyond her strength, nor yet expose herself to the night
+air." The following letter, written to her friend Miss Martin, whom
+the reader will remember accompanying Miss Holmes to call on Mrs.
+Kent,[30] exhibits the state of her mind at this critical period:--
+
+     "MY DEAR MARY,--An all-wise Providence has been pleased to
+     guide my steps once more to Dawlish, where we expect to spend a
+     few months. In revisiting it again, I naturally advert to that
+     period of my life when I was living in a state of alienation
+     from God--devoted to the pleasures and vanities of the world.
+     Happy should I now be to ramble with you through this beautiful
+     country, and talk of Him who lived and died for sinners; but,
+     as that pleasure is denied me, I will converse with you through
+     a more circuitous medium. You are aware that our journey here
+     is mainly on my account. On my arrival I grew much better,
+     and continued for some weeks to improve in my general health;
+     but a short time ago I caught a severe cold, and have never
+     been well since. Though my friends still cling to hope, as
+     the sinking mariner hangs on the broken plank of the vessel,
+     till the returning wave comes to drive him off, I am now very
+     apprehensive as to the result. I know that my heavenly Father
+     can lengthen out the thread of my life, and restore to full
+     vigorous health the constitution which disease is gradually
+     wasting away; but I think He is about to remove me. It costs,
+     indeed, a hard struggle to view with composure the approach of
+     death at my age, and nothing could reconcile me to it but the
+     hope of immortality by which I feel animated and sustained. My
+     Alfred is with me, and his kind attentions often depress me.
+     He is still anticipating the day when he shall lead me to the
+     altar; but alas! fond youth, I am marked out as a victim for
+     the grave! Yes! and though I still feel I love him, yet I must
+     give him up, and all the prospects which open before me on this
+     side the tomb, to go and dwell with Him whom unseen I love! But
+     'thy will, O my Father, be done!'
+
+     "Though I have received the sentence of death, I do not expect
+     that it will be executed speedily. No! I shall not be taken till
+     all are prepared to resign me; and till every tie is loosened
+     which now fastens my affections to 'things seen and temporal.'
+     This is a kind provision which our heavenly Father usually makes
+     to afford some alleviation to the sorrow of surviving friends;
+     and to enable his children to retire from this vale of life,
+     without retaining any lingering desires for a longer continuance
+     in it.
+
+     "I have hitherto concealed from the eyes of others the most
+     alarming symptoms of my complaint, nor have I yet given them an
+     intimation of my own opinion; as I do not feel inclined to be
+     at present the bearer of such heavy tidings. They still try to
+     amuse me with the visions of futurity, and talk of my marriage
+     with Alfred, and all its attendant circumstances, as if length
+     of days was appointed for me: and though I feel conscious that
+     a few months, unless a miracle of mercy prevent, will change
+     the theme of social discourse, yet I cannot bring my mind to
+     the severe trial of attempting to banish these fond hopes and
+     anticipations from others.
+
+     "I am happy to inform you that my dear sister Emma is become
+     decidedly pious. Her severe afflictions have had a salutary
+     effect; and now, being purified and softened by their influence,
+     she exhibits the features of the Christian character in all
+     their attractive loveliness. Her natural volatility and
+     satirical humour are now transformed to chastened vivacity and
+     the sportive sallies of innocent wit.
+
+     "I need not say how much I should enjoy your company at Dawlish,
+     if you could make it convenient to pay us a visit; but as that
+     is too great an indulgence for me to expect, you will not
+     refuse me the gratification of hearing from you as soon as
+     possible. All here join me in kindest love to you, and your
+     Papa and Mamma, who, I trust, are both enjoying their usual good
+     health.--I am, yours most affectionately,
+
+     LOUISA."
+
+  [30] Vol. ii. p. 297.
+
+To this letter Miss Martin returned the following reply:--
+
+     "LONDON, _15th September, 18--_.
+
+     "MY DEAR LOUISA,--I received yours of the 10th, but it is not
+     possible for me to describe the impressions which it produced
+     on my mind. I alternately wept tears of sorrow and of joy; and
+     though that overpowering excitement, which its first reading
+     produced, has somewhat subsided, yet I feel almost incapable of
+     replying. And is the wise Disposer of all events about to remove
+     you from amongst us? And have you, at such a comparatively early
+     period of the spiritual contest, fought the good fight of faith,
+     and gained the crown which fadeth not away? If so, I will say,
+     'Happy, thrice happy saint!' thou art highly favoured of the
+     Lord! Yes, you will soon see the King in his beauty, and mingle
+     your notes of praise with the multitude around his throne! You
+     will soon partake of the fulness of joy, in which the spirits of
+     the just made perfect participate!
+
+     "But how can we give you up? How can we take this cup of sorrow
+     without praying that it may pass from us? How can we offer up
+     the prayer, 'Thy will, O Father, be done on earth, even as it
+     is done in heaven,' without feeling it quiver on our lips as we
+     attempt to utter it? I now find that entire resignation to the
+     Divine will, when those objects are placed in jeopardy on which
+     our affections are strongly fixed, is an attainment which I have
+     not yet acquired; and though I doubt not but the grace of Christ
+     will be found sufficient for its full display, when the day of
+     trial comes, yet, at the present moment, I am bowed down with so
+     much heaviness of soul that I cannot give vent to my feelings.
+     What a contrast do you exhibit! While I am restless, under the
+     agitations of fear, you are calm, in the anticipations of hope!
+     While I am praying that you may still be detained amongst us, to
+     share our joys and our sorrows, you are fluttering on the wings
+     of eager expectation, ready to say, as you soar away from us,
+     'Weep not for me, but weep for yourselves.' Happy spirit!
+
+     "Indeed, my dear Louisa, your sweet composure at this awful
+     crisis--your bright anticipations, viewed in connection with
+     your attachment to your friends around you, have given me such
+     an exalted opinion of the efficacy of the Christian faith to
+     sustain the human spirit on the great occasions of its history,
+     that I am not so much astonished at your tranquil joy, as I am
+     at my own timid misgivings; and though I still hope I possess
+     the faith which is the evidence of things not seen, yet in me
+     it is small, like the grain of mustard seed, while in you it
+     resembles the wide-spreading tree, beneath whose branches you
+     rest in safety.
+
+     "As you, my dear Louisa, when drawing nearer the closing
+     scene, may be subjected to the influence of the fears which
+     not unfrequently disturb the peace of the dying Christian, I
+     have taken the liberty of sending you an extract from a very
+     interesting memoir, which I have just read with great pleasure,
+     and which, with a degree of precision we rarely meet with in
+     theological works, points out the difference between faith and
+     hope.
+
+     "'This difference,' the writer justly observes, 'is not always
+     sufficiently attended to; and much presumption on the one hand,
+     and despondency on the other, have arisen from confounding them.
+     One person considers himself a believer of high attainments,
+     because he entertains no doubt of his being in a state of
+     salvation; and another doubts whether he be a believer at all,
+     because he cannot persuade himself that his sins are forgiven.
+     But it is obvious that two distinct and very different acts
+     of the mind are here confounded and blended together;--one,
+     which assents to the fact of Jesus Christ being the only and
+     all-sufficient Saviour of sinners; and which places a reliance
+     on the atoning sacrifice, for pardon of sin and acceptance
+     with God, which is the province of _faith_; and another, which
+     appropriates to itself the blessings of this salvation, and
+     confidently expects a future state of felicity, which is the
+     province of _hope_. Now, it is clear that these persuasions
+     of the mind may exist separately from each other; and that one
+     of them may be very strong, whilst the other has scarcely any
+     existence at all. St. Paul clearly recognizes this distinction,
+     when he offers up a prayer for the Romans, that the God of hope
+     would fill them with all joy and peace in believing. It is
+     here implied that genuine faith may exist without either joy
+     or peace; and by addressing his prayer to 'the God of hope,'
+     he remarks that joy and peace are the fruits of hope, and are
+     distinct blessings to be superadded to the grace of faith.'
+
+     "I regret that it is not in my power to visit you at Dawlish,
+     but I assure you that I have you in my remembrance, when bowing
+     before the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; and while I
+     pray that you may yet be spared to us, I do not forget to pray,
+     that if you are to be removed, you may be favoured with a joyful
+     entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
+     You will present my kind affection to your dear parents, and
+     your sisters.--Your affectionate friend,
+
+     MARY."
+
+The alarming symptoms which immediately followed this return of
+Miss Holmes' disorder, suddenly disappeared, and she was once more
+restored to comparative health, though it was evident to all her
+friends that the vigour of her constitution was greatly impaired.
+She was again permitted to resume her rambles, and to breathe the
+genial air of Dawlish, which once more enlivened her spirits. As she
+now felt able to endure the fatigues of exertion, she was induced to
+comply with the wishes of her kind friends in the country, to pay
+them another visit. She rode there and back, and cautiously avoided
+running any risk, either by too much exertion, or by any exposure to
+damps or cold.
+
+On reaching home, she changed her dress, and soon after retired
+to rest; but on awakening in the morning, felt a hoarseness,
+accompanied by a slight fever. She remained within for several days,
+but on the following Sabbath, felt so much better that she ventured
+to go to chapel, where she commemorated the death of the Redeemer.
+This religious service she afterwards spoke of as one of the most
+impressive and the happiest of her life. When adverting to it, in a
+letter which she wrote to Mrs. Loader, she observed, "I have often
+felt a great degree of solemnity and delight when receiving the
+sacramental memorials of the Saviour's death; but last Sabbath, at
+chapel, I felt a joy which was unspeakable and full of glory. When
+the minister repeated the memorable words, 'This do in remembrance
+of me,' I could not refrain from saying, in the language of Dr.
+Watts,
+
+    'Why was I made to hear his voice,
+    And enter while there's room;
+    While thousands make a wretched choice,
+    And rather starve than come?'
+
+"I think I have more than once alluded, in my free correspondence
+with you, to my ceaseless dread of self-deception; and this makes
+me hesitate to ascribe to a supernatural operation, the religious
+impressions and tendencies of my heart; yet, on this occasion, I
+could respond to the following declarations with perfect composure:--
+
+    ''Twas the same love that spread the feast
+      That sweetly forced me in;
+    Else I had still refused to taste,
+      And perished in my sin.'
+
+"Till that morning a gloomy shade always darkened my prospects
+of the future; but then the true light shone into me with such
+a bright radiance, that I abounded in hope through the power of
+the Holy Ghost. I retired from the hallowed service refreshed and
+invigorated; and in the evening, when denied the privilege of
+returning to the house of prayer, I made a more solemn surrender
+of myself to God, than at any former period. What scenes of wonder
+opened to my view! The Lord of life and glory expiring on the cross!
+The high and lofty One condescending to admit a sinful creature
+into his presence! The Saviour making intercession for me! The gay
+and the thoughtless may pour contempt on the sublime pleasures of
+devotion, and rush for happiness into a world which abounds with
+evil; and under the spell of a fatal illusion, may imagine they
+have found it. But our joys would be ill exchanged for theirs;
+and though it may not be in our power, while encompassed with the
+infirmities of our nature, to perpetuate the vivid impressions which
+we sometimes receive, yet they serve to demonstrate the superlative
+value of the faith which originates them; and may also tend to
+inspire within our breast an intense longing for that fulness of
+joy in which the spirits of the just made perfect are allowed to
+participate in the heavenly world."
+
+A few days after Louisa's visit to the chapel, the symptoms of her
+complaint returned with renewed violence. The physician was again
+sent for, and on entering the room, she said, with a smile on her
+countenance, "I am happy to see you, Sir; but I am now convinced
+that my disorder is beyond your power to remove."
+
+"Perhaps not."
+
+"Yes, Sir, it is; God can restore me if he please, but I do not
+expect it."
+
+He sat and conversed with her about a quarter of an hour, and then
+left her.
+
+"Pray, Sir," said Mrs. Holmes, "what is your opinion?"
+
+"She is very ill, Madam."
+
+"Do you think it is a confirmed consumption?"
+
+"I do. I fear the disease has made great progress."
+
+"Do you think that a longer continuance in the country will prove
+beneficial to the dear sufferer?"
+
+"To be candid, Madam, I do not think that it is in the power
+of human means to arrest the progress of the disease, though a
+judicious course of management may greatly alleviate her sufferings."
+
+"Do you think, Sir, she can be removed without much inconvenience to
+herself?"
+
+"She may, in the course of a few days, when her strength rallies;
+but I am clearly of opinion, that if you wait much longer, it will
+be impossible to remove her."
+
+This information came as a death-blow to the hopes of all the
+family. Mrs. Holmes, with Jane and Emma, sobbed aloud. A more
+silent though not less poignant grief marked the countenances of her
+father and Mr. Reed. "If she must die," said her father, "she had
+better be taken home to die." "My Louisa die! My dear Louisa die!"
+said Alfred, clasping his hands in an intensity of anguish, "And
+must she die? and must she be taken from me?" At length he became
+more composed, when informed by Mrs. Holmes that Louisa had just
+awaked out of a sweet sleep, much revived, and wished to see him.
+The family sat conversing together the whole of the evening, and
+arranged the plan for returning to the Elms, whither they determined
+to proceed immediately.
+
+For the space of a fortnight after her return home, Miss Holmes
+continued to improve so rapidly in appearance that the hope of life
+began to beam once more upon all except herself. At this time she
+wrote the following letter to Miss Martin, who had now gone with her
+parents to Hastings for a short period:--
+
+     "MY DEAR MARY,--A kind Providence has permitted me to see the
+     Elms once more, and once more to commune with my absent friend
+     from my own room, a privilege which I could not have anticipated
+     a few weeks since. After the reception of your kind letter, my
+     disorder took a turn, and we again thought that the bitterness
+     of death was passed; but in the midst of our joy the symptoms
+     reappeared, and I was brought near to the grave. I have again
+     revived, but it is only to protract my course for a little
+     time longer. I may live through the winter, and I may live to
+     see another spring opening with all its beauties, but I do not
+     expect it. The symptoms of death are upon me. The silver cord
+     is broken, and my affections are dying off from earth. I am
+     beginning to feel as a stranger amongst my most endeared friends
+     and relatives; and though their sorrows excite my sympathy,
+     yet I have no wish to remain here longer. No! I hear a voice
+     they do not hear, and see a form of beauty they cannot see. I
+     long to depart. I can look through my window on the walks which
+     wind round our shrubbery, without wishing to retrace my former
+     footsteps. I can muse on the pleasures which I have enjoyed in
+     the social circle, without desiring to taste them again. I still
+     feel that I am a sinner--an unworthy sinner; my perceptions of
+     the evil of sin are more clear and affecting than at any former
+     period of my life; and at times I am almost overwhelmed by the
+     indescribable manifestations of the Divine purity; but it hath
+     pleased God to impart to me corresponding views of the efficacy
+     of the precious blood of Christ, so that I have no fears
+     ruffling my peace. I am entering the valley, but it is not dark:
+     nor do I hear any sounds but those of Mercy's voice. The enemy
+     has not yet been suffered to stir up his strength against me,
+     nor have I been once tempted to mistrust either the fidelity of
+     the Saviour, or his willingness to save me. I thank you for the
+     extract which you sent me. It defines the essential difference
+     between faith and hope with great accuracy and precision; but
+     I have now done with all human compositions. The only book
+     I now read is the Bible. This is the fountain from whence I
+     now draw the pure water of life; and though I feel thankful
+     for the writings of those good men which have contributed to
+     my spiritual improvement and consolation, yet, like withered
+     flowers, they have lost their beauty and their fragrance.
+
+     "I do not think that I should have preferred any other period
+     of my existence for my departure, to the present, even if I had
+     been permitted to choose. If I had been taken earlier, I should
+     have left some of my relatives in the gall of bitterness; and if
+     spared longer, I might have left some hapless children; but now
+     I can embrace all as fellow-heirs of the grace of life, who are
+     nearly allied to me by the ties of nature, and I can quit the
+     world without leaving any chasm which may not soon be closed. My
+     friends will weep over my grave, but the hope of a re-union in
+     a better world will mitigate the violence of their sorrow; and
+     soon the days of their mourning will be ended, and earth will be
+     exchanged for heaven.
+
+     "Farewell, my dear friend; but only for a season. We are soon to
+     be separated, but we shall meet again. With kind remembrance to
+     all.--Your dying friend,
+
+     "LOUISA."
+
+Miss Holmes had now another relapse, which destroyed all hope of her
+recovery. Addressing her mother, who was communicating, in a low
+voice, to Mr. Reed the opinion of the physician, she said, "You need
+not whisper, I have long known that I should not recover; and now
+_you_ know it, let us converse together as those who are on the eve
+of parting."
+
+"I have long feared it," said Mrs. Holmes, "though I have been
+unable to express my fears."
+
+"But why, my dear Mamma, should you fear it? Death has lost its
+sting. The grave has lost its gloom. I am merely preceding you, and
+preceding you under the most auspicious circumstances."
+
+"Then has my dear Louisa no dread of death?"
+
+"No. I have outlived that dread of dying which once bowed down my
+spirits; and can smile on the king of terrors, who now appears
+transformed into an angel of deliverance."
+
+"But have you," said Mr. Reed, "no wish to live?"
+
+"I had, Alfred, but now I have not. I once wished to live to share
+your sorrows and your joys, and animate you in the discharge of your
+sacred duties; but now I wish to depart and be with Christ, which is
+far better."
+
+On seeing her mother and sisters weep, she said, "I am not surprised
+by your tears, because, if either of you were in my place, I should
+weep. I know that nature must give vent to her feelings; but you
+cannot expect _me_ to weep. Weep I cannot, unless I shed the tear of
+grateful joy. No! My days of weeping are passed away; and soon my
+days of suffering will be over."
+
+Though her disease had been for some time making rapid progress
+towards the fatal issue, her spirits were yet buoyant, and
+occasionally she was as energetic and cheerful as in former days.
+One evening, when the family were sitting with her, she talked with
+a vivacity and fluency which induced them to hope that she might be
+spared to them for some months, if not years longer. While indulging
+these expectations, they were aroused from their reverie by the
+sudden entrance of Emma, who brought her the following letter, from
+her friend Mrs. Loader, which the postman had just delivered:--
+
+     "MY DEAR FRIEND,--The affectionate letter which I have just
+     received from dear Emma, brings the mournful intelligence
+     of your relapse, and that now all hope of your recovery has
+     vanished away. This intelligence, though mournful to others, is
+     not, I am thankful to hear, a cause of sorrow to yourself. You
+     are now on Pisgah, with the dreary wilderness behind you; and
+     the goodly land of promise in view, overshadowed by no darkening
+     cloud. My sympathies I reserve for others; to you, I offer my
+     congratulations. The contest is over; the victory is won, and
+     ere long you will receive the fadeless crown of immortality. In
+     a few weeks or days, you, who are now an inhabitant of earth,
+     will be a glorified spirit, beholding the face of the Holy One,
+     and uniting with the saints in heaven in the grand chorus of
+     adoration and praise. What you will then feel, on looking back
+     on the scene through which you are now passing; or how you will
+     give expression to your thoughts and emotions, is beyond all
+     power of conjecture; but it is sufficient to be assured that you
+     will be perfectly happy, and released from all earthly cares
+     and anxieties. Happy spirit!--happy, because redeemed;--happy,
+     because brought in safety to the end of your pilgrimage;--and
+     happy, now that the shadow of death is flitting across your
+     path--the visible sign of the coming of your Lord, to take you
+     to himself. Adieu, my much-loved friend, but not for ever; the
+     hope of a re-union sustains the dying and the living. We shall
+     weep when _you_ are rejoicing with the spirits of the just amid
+     the unfading glories of the celestial world.
+
+     "The Lord be with you. Again I say adieu, my much-loved friend;
+     but only for a season. My love and sympathy to all the dear
+     members of your family.--Ever yours,
+
+     E. LOADER."
+
+Miss Holmes read this letter, shed a few tears, and then presented
+it to Emma, saying, "When the crisis is over, acknowledge for me
+receipt of it; and tell Mrs. Loader what pleasure it gave me."
+
+The tide of life was now rapidly ebbing; and on her father entering
+her room, a few days after receiving Mrs. Loader's letter, she
+stretched forth her hand, and said, "I hope you are prepared to
+resign me, for I have not long to be with you."
+
+"I have had," he replied, "a hard struggle to do it; but the Lord
+has at length enabled me to say, 'Even so, for so it seemeth good in
+thy sight.'"
+
+"I am glad to hear it; and I hope you will all be enabled to feel
+the same resignation to the Divine will. I wish you would now pray
+with me, that I may be strengthened in my soul to endure the last
+struggle." When this hallowed and deeply affecting exercise was
+ended, she reclined her head on the pillow, and slept for two hours.
+When she awoke, she rose up in her bed, and casting a smile on all
+around her, said, "My sleep has refreshed me." After giving a few
+directions respecting her funeral, she delivered the keys of her
+desk, &c., to her mother, with a request that she would distribute
+the few trifling presents she had marked for her friends, and then
+added, "Now I have done with earth. Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly!"
+As she gave utterance to this prayer, her countenance beamed with
+an indescribable glow of rapture, and with a gentle bending of
+the neck, she bid all farewell, her lips distinctly articulating,
+"Precious Saviour! thou art come," as they were closing in perpetual
+silence.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The sketch which I have exhibited of Miss Holmes' character and
+religious experience, has been taken from real life; and though
+on some points her experience may differ from that of the pious
+reader, yet that circumstance will not diminish the degree of
+interest which may be felt on examining it. We see what human nature
+is, even with all the advantages of a pious education, before the
+great spiritual change takes place; we see the process which is
+observed in the production of this change--the evidences by which
+it is attested--the various and the numerous conflicts which the
+subject of it has to encounter, while passing through this vale
+of tears--and the influence which a pure faith in the efficacy of
+the atonement has in sustaining the mind in affliction, and in
+the prospect of death. And who can turn away from such a scene,
+without wishing to be made a partaker of the like precious faith?
+and without exclaiming, "Let me die the death of the righteous?"
+Compare Miss Holmes' character with that of the devotee of fashion;
+compare the uniform tranquillity of her mind, after she had obtained
+peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, with the restless
+uneasiness which agitates the gay; compare her death with the death
+of the thoughtless and the trifling, and what will be the result?
+What! a firm conviction must be produced, that the religion of
+the Scriptures, when it is brought to operate on the human mind,
+does more to elevate and refine it, and prepare it for its final
+destiny, than all the discoveries of science, all the speculations
+of philosophy, or all the boasted triumphs of reason. This is a
+fact, which is not merely supported by opinion, but also by the
+evidence of experience and testimony; and though it may not excite
+that degree of attention which its importance demands, yet the
+period may not be far distant when the reader will feel the force
+of it. Yes, the hour may not be far distant, when you may be called
+away from that circle in which you are now moving, and from those
+scenes of pleasure which now captivate and hold you in subjection;
+to bid farewell to lover and to friend, and let go your hold of
+life. Yes, the hour may not be far distant, when you will feel
+yourself entering an eternal world, when the solemnities of the
+final judgment will open upon you in all their awful grandeur, and
+when conscience, roused from her long repose of guilty quietude,
+will speak to condemn. Yes, the hour may not be far distant, when
+the raptures of bliss, or the agonies of despair, will be yours,
+and yours for ever. And will you remain in a state of indifference,
+while such solemn events are at hand? Will you pass on to meet
+them, as though they were cunningly devised fables? Can no argument
+produce a conviction of your danger, and can no motive induce you to
+avoid it? Will you resolutely withstand all the efforts which are
+made to save you from going down to death unprepared to meet your
+God? and as resolutely devote yourselves to the follies and the
+amusements of the world, as though you were to live for ever? God
+forbid!
+
+But I hope that the intelligent reader has felt that moral
+renovation of heart, without which all the attainments of the
+purest morality will prove unavailing; and is looking for pardon
+and eternal life through faith in the death and mediation of our
+Lord Jesus Christ. If so, though you may have your occasional fears
+respecting your personal interest in him; though you may often
+dread, lest at some future period, the deep impressions under which
+you now labour should be effaced from your mind; and though you may
+even start back from the approach of death, as from the visitations
+of a destroying angel, yet He who has begun the good work will
+carry it on--He who has drawn you into fellowship with himself
+will perpetuate it--He who has inclined you to hope in his mercy
+will sustain that hope in the final hour, and give you a peaceful
+entrance into the joy of your Lord.
+
+Go, then, to the footstool of the Divine throne, and there offer
+up the sacrifice of praise to Him who has made you alive from the
+dead, and yield yourself unto God, and your end will be everlasting
+life. You may be reproached for such an act of decision--you may
+be contemned--you may excite the pity of some, and the sarcasm
+of others; but you will not repent the course you have taken,
+especially when your latter end approaches. Reflecting, then, on
+your past career in the world you are just quitting, and directing
+your anticipations forward to that on which you are entering, you
+will feel an elevation of soul which no remembrances can depress,
+and without a sigh of regret, or emotion of fear, will close your
+eyes in peace.
+
+And when the conflict is over, and you have gained the prize of
+immortality--when you have undergone the anticipated assimilation
+to the likeness of God, and are as perfect in purity and knowledge
+as in blessedness--beholding the person and the glory of the
+dear Redeemer--uniting with the innumerable multitude around
+his throne, in their anthems of adoration and praise--you will
+then feel, that in being a redeemed sinner, you have experienced
+greater manifestation of Divine favour and love, than if you
+had been created from the first an angel of the highest order.
+And in your then glorified state you will often advert to your
+earthly sojourn--to your sins and to your sorrows--retracing the
+mysterious path of your Christian course, with the ineffably joyful
+consciousness pervading your heart, that you have not again to
+suffer, or to sin; that you have not again to pass through "death's
+dark vale," or again to dread the possibility of perishing; but to
+live for ever in the full enjoyment of unmingled happiness. Then,
+with what emotions of gratitude will you adore and bless God for
+having made you, when in this world, refrain from following the
+example of the gay and thoughtless; who, alas! will then be where
+the voice of mercy is never heard, and where the light of hope never
+dawns!
+
+
+
+
+THE HAPPY MARRIAGE.
+
+
+During all this time that has elapsed, what has become of our
+friends at Fairmount?
+
+The reader has now probably conjectured from the account of my visit
+to Fairmount at Christmas,[31] that a marriage would ere long take
+place between Mr. Lewellin and Miss Roscoe. It had been arranged in
+a subsequent visit paid by Mr. Lewellin at Easter, that the wedding
+should take place in the following June, and preparations were
+already made for the joyful occasion, at which I was invited to be
+present. On returning to London, however, to adjust some business
+matters, Mr. Lewellin found to his dismay, that an affair of great
+importance, which even threatened the stability of the mercantile
+house with which he was connected, required him immediately to
+proceed to Australia. The disappointment and vexation thus
+occasioned to the youthful lovers may be conceived, but there was
+no alternative, and the wedding was accordingly postponed to the
+following spring, by which time it was hoped that the bridegroom
+would have returned. Unfortunately, however, the business which
+required Mr. Lewellin's attention at the Antipodes, proved of so
+tedious and protracted a nature, that instead of reaching home in
+the spring, as he expected, nearly two years elapsed before he could
+return to his native country. In the interval poor Miss Holmes, Miss
+Roscoe's attached friend, died, as I have narrated in the foregoing
+chapter, and her loss was deeply felt by Sophia. During Miss Holmes'
+last illness, Miss Roscoe was on a tour in Italy with her father
+and mother; and though her friend had been suffering from a severe
+cold when she quitted England, Sophia had no idea of the fatal issue
+to which this would lead, and frequently anticipated, during her
+travels, the pleasure with which, on her return, she would describe
+to Louisa the beautiful scenery and objects of interest she had
+seen while abroad. As Mr. and Mrs. Roscoe and Sophia travelled much
+in Italy, seldom staying long in one place, their correspondence
+with their friends in England was very irregularly maintained, and,
+consequently, no tidings of Miss Holmes' illness reached them;
+and it was not till passing through London, on their return from
+the Continent, that they learned, to their grief and dismay, that
+Louisa had expired about a fortnight previously. Before proceeding
+to Watville, they paid a visit to the Elms, and did their utmost to
+console the bereaved family. They were also very urgent in pressing
+Emma and Jane to pay them a visit, which the feelings of the
+latter would not permit them to do at the time, but they expressed
+their readiness to do so as soon as their minds were somewhat more
+composed.
+
+  [31] Vol. i. p. 544.
+
+Not long after Miss Roscoe's return home, her spirits were most
+unexpectedly revived by the arrival of Mr. Lewellin, who having
+brought his business to a satisfactory termination, had immediately
+thereafter stepped on board ship and reached England, a few days
+before the letter which he had sent to announce his return.
+The joy of the youthful pair at meeting again, after so long a
+separation, is more easily imagined than described. Preparations
+were now made for the consummation of their union, at which I was
+earnestly invited to be present, but the multiplicity of my pastoral
+engagements prevented me from doing so, much to my regret. I,
+however, readily promised to pay a visit at Fairmount as soon as the
+married couple should have returned from their wedding tour.
+
+At first it had been decided that the young people should settle
+in the vicinity of London, and that Mr. Lewellin should continue
+his mercantile pursuits as formerly, but this plan was ultimately
+abandoned. "I presume," said Mr. Roscoe to Mr. Stevens, when they
+met to adjust the final arrangements, "that your nephew will inherit
+your property, as my daughter will inherit mine, when it shall
+please God to remove us to a better world; and if so, I think they
+will possess a fortune quite large enough, without running the
+risk of losing any part of it by the speculations of commerce, and
+without encumbering themselves with the difficulties and anxieties
+necessarily attendant on them."
+
+"This question," replied Mr. Stevens, "has often engrossed my
+attention, and I am happy to find that our sentiments on it
+coincide."
+
+While Mr. Stevens and Mr. Roscoe were thus debating this grave
+subject, and determining what income they would portion off for
+the young people, they were disturbed by the sudden entrance of
+Mr. Lewellin and the ladies, who were ignorant of the point under
+discussion. "You two gentlemen look very grave," said Mrs. Stevens;
+"one would almost suppose that you have been discussing some
+question in which the destinies of Europe are involved."
+
+"No, Madam," said Mr. Roscoe, "we have not been agitating any such
+question, but another, if not of equal importance, yet of equal
+interest to you."
+
+"And what may that be, Sir?"
+
+"I see your curiosity is awakened; but cannot you restrain it for a
+few hours, till you can coax your husband to gratify it?"
+
+"Why, Sir, a woman very naturally feels anxious to know what, when
+known, will deeply interest her; and though you gentlemen sometimes
+practise the art of tantalizing, yet you must admit, that we can
+easily get at your secrets. When together, you can keep up the game;
+but when you separate, you give up the prize. You glory in your
+strength, when supported by each other's courage; but alone, you
+soon surrender."
+
+"Ah! so it is; we, the lords of the creation, are compelled to pay
+tribute."
+
+"Of course, Sir, tribute to whom tribute is due."
+
+"To Cæsar, Madam!"
+
+"And to Cæsar's wife, Sir."
+
+"I see you are restless; and as I have too much compassion to keep
+you on the rack, I will announce in due form the question which we
+have been agitating. It is this--Shall your nephew and my daughter,
+after a certain event takes place, go to reside near London, or
+shall they reside near us?"
+
+"A question, I presume, Sir, no less interesting to you than myself."
+
+"Equally so, Madam."
+
+"And how have you decided it, Sir?"
+
+"We have come to no decision; but we should prefer their settling
+near us, rather than going so far away."
+
+"I am happy to hear you are of that opinion; it completely coincides
+with my own views. I was always averse to George and Sophia being
+settled at a distance from us."
+
+The reader will no doubt remember Miss Denham, whose death I
+narrated in a previous part of the book.[32] Her mother did not
+long survive the melancholy event; and Mr. Denham, being now left
+alone, soon sank into a morbid melancholy, which embittered his
+last days. He had outlived nearly all the companions of his youth;
+followed those to the grave who were to have inherited his property;
+and after languishing in a state of mental gloom and depression
+for several years, he bowed his head and gave up the ghost. His
+property, which consisted principally of land, he ordered to be
+sold, and the proceeds to be divided amongst his poor relations,
+with the exception of a small estate which he bequeathed to an
+intimate friend. Mr. Roscoe became the purchaser of one of his
+estates, which was situated in the parish of Broadhurst, not far
+from Mr. Ingleby's rectory; and as the gentleman who had rented it
+had just resolved on removing to a more distant part of the country,
+Mr. Roscoe deemed it a most eligible location for the young people.
+It consisted of a good house, very pleasantly situated, with about
+eighty acres of arable and pasture land, well wooded and watered.
+
+  [32] Vol. i. p. 421.
+
+When it was known that Mr. Roscoe had made this purchase, Farmer
+Pickford called on him with the view of obtaining a lease of it for
+his son Harry.
+
+"I hear, Sir, as how you have bought one of the farms belonging to
+Mr. Denham; and I have made so bold as to call and say, I can get
+you a goodish sort of a tenant if you should want one. One that will
+do justice to the land, and no mistake."
+
+"And who is it you have been thinking of?"
+
+"My son Harry. He'll make as good a farmer as his father, and that
+is saying a good deal; though, perhaps, I shouldn't blow my own
+trumpet. I will stand score for the rent, and the proper tillage of
+the farm."
+
+"I thank you, Farmer, for your offer; and I should have much
+pleasure in accepting your son as a tenant, but I have purchased the
+farm with an intention of offering it to Mr. Lewellin, if he should
+feel disposed to become a farmer."
+
+"I beg pardon, Sir; I hope no offence. I wouldn't have said a word,
+if I had known that. Howsomever, I shall be glad to have him for a
+neighbour; and anything I can do to sarve him, I shall have a power
+of pleasure in doing."
+
+"Thank you, Farmer. He will need instruction beyond what I can give
+him; and I had resolved to call on you for a little advice."
+
+"That, Sir, I will give at any time, with a power of pleasure."
+
+"It is pretty good land, I believe, Farmer?"
+
+"The land, Sir, has a good heart in itself; but it has been
+desperately run out. It will take a power of trouble and expense to
+bring it into a good working condition, and no mistake. Mr. Denham
+was a bad landlord. He never would make no improvements, nor help
+his tenant to make any. And I always find a bad landlord makes a bad
+tenant."
+
+"I am very glad, Farmer, that you have called, and have referred to
+your son Harry; and I will now tell you what has been running in my
+mind. I know the farm has been mismanaged, and that it will require,
+as you say, much trouble and expense to bring it into a good working
+condition; now, could you not spare your son Harry for a year or
+two, to act as bailiff to Mr. Lewellin; and thus he will be doing
+something for himself, which you know won't prevent him from taking
+a farm, when you have an opportunity of doing so?"
+
+"It shall be, Sir, as you say."
+
+"Well, then, you and your son had better call in the course of a few
+days, and we will settle the terms of agreement."
+
+"With a power of satisfaction. This will mainly please my mistress,
+and Harry too, and no mistake."
+
+Farmer Pickford then took his leave, and Mr. Roscoe proceeded to
+Fairmount to acquaint the family with the projects he had in view,
+in which they all gladly acquiesced. "Indeed, George," said Mrs.
+Stevens, addressing herself to Mr. Lewellin, "I think you will
+sustain no loss by exchanging the smoke of London for the salubrious
+air of Rockhill, and may part with your prospects of civic honours
+without regret, to be enrolled on the list of country gentlemen.
+Though you may not at first be so expert in farming as in mercantile
+transactions, yet in process of time your rural occupations will be
+no less interesting, if not quite so profitable."
+
+"The exchange, Aunt, will be made without regret, especially when
+made in accordance with the wishes of my friends."
+
+"We all wish it," said Mrs. Roscoe, who had accompanied her husband
+to Fairmount; "and it quite reconciles me to the idea of parting
+with my dear Sophia."
+
+In the course of a few months Mr. Lewellin disposed of his business
+in London; the house at Rockhill underwent a thorough repair, and
+was neatly furnished, Harry Pickford was duly installed into his
+office, the farm stocked with the usual variety of live cattle,
+and the day for the celebration of the nuptial ceremony fixed. At
+length the wedding morning dawned, when the sun shone without a
+cloud, a circumstance which Sophia's good old nurse hailed as a
+happy omen of her future happiness. Every one was astir at an early
+hour. The friends invited to the wedding arrived, and the bride,
+with her father and mother and the rest of her party, drove off to
+the rectory, where they found Mr. Lewellin and Mr. and Mrs. Stevens
+and their friends waiting to receive them. "I am happy," said the
+venerable Rector, "that I have lived to see this day; and more happy
+that Divine Providence has conferred on me the office of uniting you
+in the bands of matrimony."
+
+He then knelt down and prayed with them, and as he prayed warm
+tears were shed, but they were not tears of sorrow. Prayer being
+ended, they at once proceeded to the church. The good old Rector,
+dressed in the habiliments of his office, walked first, followed by
+the bride leaning on her father's arm and the rest of the marriage
+party. On entering the church they passed direct to the altar, where
+the ceremony was performed by Mr. Ingleby with great solemnity, in
+presence of a larger concourse of people than had been remembered in
+the village on such an occasion for many years. As soon as it was
+finished, the married pair proceeded to the vestry to attach their
+signatures to the register of their marriage, when Mr. Ingleby thus
+addressed them:--"I hope you will enjoy the excursion you are about
+to take; that a kind Providence will watch over you, to preserve
+you from all evil; and that you will return to us in health and
+peace. Accept this small packet as a token of the interest I feel
+in your happiness, and possibly you may retain it as a relic of
+friendship long after I have left you for a better world." He then
+placed it in the hands of Mrs. Lewellin, saying, "You may open and
+examine it at your leisure." On re-entering the church, they were
+both unexpectedly greeted by the village choir, who sung in sweetest
+melody the 128th Psalm, from Sternhold and Hopkin's version--
+
+    "Blessed art thou that fearest God,
+       And walkest in his way;
+     For of thy labour thou shalt eat,
+       Happy art thou, I say.
+
+    "Like the fruitful vines on thy house side,
+       So doth thy wife spring out;
+     Thy children stand like olive plants,
+       Thy table round about.
+
+    "Thus art thou blest that fearest God,
+       And he shall let thee see
+     The promised Jerusalem,
+       And her felicity.
+
+    "Thou shalt thy children's children see,
+       To thy great joy's increase;
+     And likewise grace on Israel,
+       Prosperity and peace."
+
+[Illustration: M. S. MORGAN     T. BOLTON
+
+THE BRIDAL PARTY WELCOMED BY THE VILLAGERS.
+
+Vol. ii. page 456.]
+
+The bridal party on coming out of the church were received with
+acclamations by the assembled rustics, who, all attired in their
+holiday clothes, thronged the churchyard, and pressed forward to
+wish the new married couple a long and a happy life. Nothing could
+more unequivocally testify to the universal popularity with which
+Mr. and Mrs. Lewellin were regarded among the villagers. The bells
+in the old tower rung forth their merriest peals, while the village
+children, with their little baskets, strewed the path with flowers.
+On reaching the churchyard gate, the wedding party stepped into the
+carriages which were waiting for them, and drove off to Mr. Roscoe's
+mansion. There the young couple proceeded to dress for their
+journey; and having partaken of some refreshment, left for the usual
+tour. The wedding party were entertained at dinner, by Mr. and Mrs.
+Roscoe, in celebration of the joyous occasion: while the company was
+cheerful and lively, there was no appearance of that levity which
+too often attends the celebration of the nuptial vow, even amongst
+the decidedly pious. "There are some of the customs of the world,"
+said the venerable Rector, "which a Christian may follow without in
+the least compromising his character; I shall therefore offer no
+apology for giving the following toast--'MR. AND MRS. LEWELLIN, AND
+MAY THEY LIVE LONG ON EARTH, AND FINISH THEIR COURSE WITH JOY.'"
+This toast was duly honoured by the whole party, who soon afterwards
+retired to the drawing-room, where the remainder of the day was
+spent in innocent festivity and social intercourse. A sumptuous
+rustic feast was likewise spread on the lawn for the villagers,
+who were thus furnished with the means of participating with their
+superiors in the general rejoicings of the day.
+
+We now return to the wedded couple. "I wonder," said Mrs. Lewellin,
+as they rode along in the post-chaise, "what this packet contains:
+I must open it, and have my curiosity gratified. Ah!" said she, on
+discovering its contents, "it is just like Mr. Ingleby, he is always
+so kind and considerate. Here is his pastoral advice to us, who have
+just returned from the altar." She then proceeded to read to her
+husband as follows:--
+
+"I am happy, my dear young friends, that, in the union which has
+taken place this day, there has been no sacrifice of Christian
+principle--no violation of filial duty, and that it has been
+consummated under the most auspicious circumstances. You are both,
+my young friends, fellow-heirs of the grace of life; so that you
+have each obeyed the Divine injunction by marrying in the Lord.
+Here are your parents and your guardians offering you their
+congratulations, while Providence is opening before you a scene of
+prosperity, which, I trust, you will ever continue to enjoy. But
+you will not find this world a paradise; nor will you be allowed
+to pass through it without meeting with trials. It is not my wish,
+certainly, on this joyful occasion, to darken your prospects with
+the shades of threatening evil, but permit me, an old man on the
+brink of the grave, to address a few words to you, which may be of
+service after I have gone to rest with my fathers.
+
+"Ever remember that you are both imperfect Christians, which will
+keep you from forming extravagant expectations, and guard you
+against the depressing influence of those momentary disappointments
+which you may feel. It is generally admitted, by the most competent
+judges, that temper is the hinge on which the happiness of domestic
+life turns; and if you can contrive to keep this always in a
+good condition, you will never be disturbed by the gratings of
+discontent, or the harsher sounds of anger or of discord. You are, I
+believe, both amiable, and have, during a long courtship, preserved
+the equilibrium of your temper--
+
+    'Ne'er roughen'd by those cataracts and breaks,
+    Which humour, interposed, too often makes;'
+
+yet you have now entered on a course in which you will find the
+correctness of the poet's remark exemplified--
+
+    The kindest and the happiest pair,
+    Will find occasion to forbear;
+    And something, every day they live,
+    To pity, and perhaps forgive.'
+
+"I have known some who have been very fond of each other before
+marriage, and for some time after it, but their affection has
+gradually dwindled into indifference, even while they have been
+unconscious of any change. This is an evil against which I wish you
+to be on your guard. You may now suppose that such an event cannot
+occur; but what _has_ befallen others _may_ befal you. Pure love
+is a delicate plant, which suffers by neglect; and though you may
+imagine that by virtue of its inherent strength, it will perpetually
+yield the fragrance and the fruit of conjugal felicity, yet it will
+not do so without the most assiduous care. Endeavour, then, ever to
+exercise towards each other an amiable and forbearing temper, which
+will make you appear no less lovely in each other's estimation when
+the gray hairs of age come upon you, than when in the full bloom of
+youthful vigour.
+
+    'The love that cheers life's latest stage,
+    Proof against sickness and old age,
+    Preserved by virtue from declension,
+    Becomes not weary of attention:
+    But lives, when that exterior grace
+    Which first inspired the flame, decays.
+    'Tis gentle, delicate, and kind,
+    To faults compassionate and blind;
+    And will with sympathy endure
+    Those evils it would gladly cure.'
+
+"But if pure affection may be regarded as the foundation on which
+domestic happiness rests, it is the province of good sense to raise
+the superstructure--to decorate and embellish it--to secure its
+internal harmony, and to cast up those mounds and bulwarks which
+will protect it from external annoyance and danger. I do not know
+that I can define this expression better than by calling it, that
+sense of propriety which is suited to the situation in which the
+member of a family is placed. Good sense will teach you to keep your
+proper station in your family; when to see and when not to see the
+faults and the excellencies of others; when and how to administer
+reproof, or to give commendation; and how to uphold your authority
+without the appearance of severity. It will also induce you to
+pay great attention to the little things of domestic life, which
+exercise so material an influence in promoting its happiness.
+
+"As _your_ manners will have a material influence over all the
+subordinate members of your household, the exercise of your good
+sense will teach you the importance of keeping your proper station,
+lest you should, by an act of encroachment, give excitement to any
+evil tempers or dispositions, which the occasion may appear to
+justify. I am aware of the extreme difficulty of marking out the
+exact boundary within which you ought to keep in the exercise of
+your authority, or in your habit of personal inspection; but as an
+improper interference with the opinions or the prescribed duties of
+others very rarely fails to give offence, even when no offence is
+intended, good sense will keep you on your guard against rousing
+unnecessarily irritable feelings. I do not wish you to suffer
+your servants to govern you, nor do I wish you to stand in awe of
+them, as I am convinced, from long observation, that the sceptre
+of authority should be held by the heads of a family; but as your
+comfort will depend very materially on those by whom you are served,
+I would advise you to study their temper and their disposition,
+and so to shape your commands as to secure obedience without a
+murmur, and bring about reform without opposition. Remember that
+your servants are not slaves, to be governed by authority without
+reason--that they are not stoics, to be treated as though they had
+no feeling; but are your equals in relation to God, though your
+inferiors in relation to civil society--who have as strong a claim
+on your generosity, as you have on their fidelity, and who will in
+general reward your kindness and sympathy by their affection and
+grateful obedience.
+
+"If there be one sight more lovely than another in the present
+world, that sight is a happy family, whose different members live
+together in love and in peace, bearing each other's burdens,
+anticipating each other's wants, and endeavouring, by the thousand
+nameless expressions of kindness which they may show to each other,
+to secure and augment each other's felicity.
+
+"As you are both disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, you will, I
+have no doubt, erect an altar of devotion in your habitation; but
+you must guard against the supposition, that all the duties of
+family religion are discharged when you have presented the morning
+and evening sacrifice. You may have servants to instruct who are
+ignorant of the nature and design of the gospel of peace, or whose
+positive aversion to every form of religion renders remonstrance or
+persuasion necessary. Though you may imagine that the instruction
+of the pulpit will prove the means of removing their prejudices,
+and imparting to them clear perceptions of the truth as it is in
+Jesus, yet I would advise you not to trust entirely to it. A little
+private conversation with them, when a favourable opportunity
+occurs, or a few familiar remarks made before or after reading a
+portion of the Scriptures, when you are collected together for
+the purpose of family prayer, may have a powerful effect on their
+minds, and lead them to work out their own salvation with fear and
+trembling. And if you should be instrumental in bringing any of them
+to repentance, and to the knowledge of the truth, you will have an
+ample compensation for your anxiety and labour, in the more ardent
+attachment which they will feel for you, and the greater fidelity
+with which they will serve you.
+
+"I have more than once heard it remarked, that social intimacy very
+often proves injurious to that intimate Christian fellowship, on
+which the growth, if not the vitality of personal religion very
+materially depends. Hence, husbands and wives, parents and children,
+frequently converse more freely on the experimental influence of
+religion with distant associates or comparative strangers than with
+each other. But this ought not to be. They who are animated by the
+like precious faith, and who have to encounter the same spiritual
+difficulties, ought not to suffer the closeness of their union to
+operate as a reason why they should hold no spiritual communion with
+each other. Let me then entreat you, now you are just on the eve of
+forming your domestic habits, to avoid this evil, into which too
+many fall; and by the most unreserved mental communications, become
+helpers of each other's faith and hope.
+
+    'If pains afflict, or wrongs oppress,
+    If cares distract, or fears dismay,
+    If guilt deject, or sin distress,'
+
+do not lock up your grief as a profound secret, which a false
+delicacy may wish you to conceal from one another; but rather
+disclose it without reserve, and you will meet in your reciprocal
+sympathy a relief from your burden of sorrow. And that you may
+cultivate this intimate religious fellowship, allow me to suggest to
+you the adoption of a habit, which I think eminently conducive to
+your spiritual prosperity. Always retire, during some part of the
+day or the evening, to pray _with each other_, and for each other;
+and you will find that the line of the poet records a fact, which
+your own experience will soon attest to be true, that prayer
+
+  'Brings ev'ry blessing from above.'
+
+It enriches the mind with the treasures of spiritual wisdom, while
+it imparts a sweetness to the disposition, and an amiability to the
+temper, which cares and anxieties will not impair.
+
+"And though, my young friends, I cannot cheer you with the hope of
+being able to pass through life without coming into contact with
+its temptations, its disappointments, and its bereavements, yet He
+in whom you trust, and to whom you have both devoted yourselves in
+the spring-time of your life, will never leave you nor forsake you,
+but will be a very present help in every time of trouble. If you
+are spared till the time of old age, I trust you will be 'like a
+tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth fruit in
+his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth
+shall prosper.' And if you should be removed in early life, you will
+be transplanted to that celestial paradise, where you will flourish
+in undecaying strength and glory for ever. It is but a little while
+that I shall live on earth as a spectator of your bliss; but if
+spirits are allowed in their disembodied state to visit, though
+unseen, the abodes of mortals, I shall often be with you, 'joying
+and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in
+Christ.'"
+
+
+
+
+AN OLD FRIENDSHIP REVIVED.
+
+
+After a delightful tour through the west of England, and part of
+South Wales, Mr. and Mrs. Lewellin arrived at Malvern, where they
+intended to remain for some time previous to returning home. On the
+Saturday after their arrival, in ascending the hill behind the town,
+they passed two ladies, when Mrs. Lewellin said, "I think I know the
+tallest; she appears to be an invalid, and, to judge from her fixed
+look, I should infer that she had a faint recognition of myself."
+
+They turned back to pass them again, if possible, but they lost
+sight of them in the little crowd of fashionables enjoying their
+morning promenade. As they were sauntering along on their return
+to their hotel, they passed what appeared to be a small place of
+worship, and on making inquiries, they found it was a Dissenting
+chapel.
+
+"We ought," Mr. Lewellin remarked, "to be devoutly thankful to
+Divine Providence for raising up so many of these unobtrusive little
+sanctuaries--they are the retreats of the gospel, when it is driven
+out from the Established Church, as is too often the case."
+
+"To me," replied his wife, "any place is a Bethel, if its walls echo
+to the name of Jesus."
+
+The next day was the Sabbath. They were seated near the door of the
+chapel, when they saw the two ladies enter whom they had observed on
+the preceding day; but as they passed on to occupy a pew near to the
+pulpit, they could not get a sight of the face of either of them.
+The service was conducted as usual with extreme simplicity--singing,
+without the aid of any instrumental music, and extemporary prayer,
+free, however, from monotony or tautology. The sermon was short
+and impressive, setting forth the grand truths of revelation in
+a simple, earnest manner, and enforcing them in tones of mild,
+persuasive, yet commanding eloquence. The text would be considered
+by many a very commonplace one, yet it is one which embodies the
+whole theory of Divine truth--"This is a faithful saying, and worthy
+of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save
+sinners; of whom I am chief" (1 Tim. i. 15). When the two stranger
+ladies were walking up the passage, after the close of the service,
+Mrs. Lewellin contrived to be standing with her pew door partly
+open, but drew it back as they were in the act of passing. The eye
+of the invalid lady caught hers; she paused, and exclaimed with
+emotion--"And is it you, my dear Miss Roscoe?"
+
+"Not Miss Roscoe _now_," replied Mrs. Lewellin, waving her hand
+towards her husband; "I have exchanged it for Lewellin. And is it
+you, my dear Miss Rawlins?"
+
+"Yes, still Miss Rawlins, your old friend. How marvellous that we,
+who were once two such giddy girls, should meet after so great a
+lapse of time in a Dissenting chapel!"
+
+"The God of grace often works wonders."
+
+"Always when he saves sinners."
+
+"And does my dear Miss Rawlins feel herself to be a sinner?"
+
+"Yes, and one of the chief. Some others may be more vile, but no one
+can be more worthless."
+
+"Is this an illusion, or a reality? Am I in some fairy land?"
+
+"I do not wonder at your exclamation. It is more like romance than
+reality."
+
+They walked away from the chapel together, and when parting, Mrs.
+Lewellin said, "If you are at the chapel in the evening we will sit
+in the same pew."
+
+"O yes, my dear; we greatly prefer the chapel to the church. _There_
+we have the pomp of religion; _here_ its beautiful simplicity. At
+_church_ we hear the Church itself and its ceremonial rites held up
+to us from day to day; _here_ the Saviour himself is placed before
+us as the Alpha and Omega of the service. We are more partial to the
+substance of the truth, than to shadowy forms."
+
+In the evening a minister officiated, who was on a visit to Malvern
+for the improvement of his health. He was a fine looking man, though
+much emaciated, and preached as one whose eye was turned away from
+the vanities of time, contemplating steadfastly the glories of
+eternity. His text was strikingly appropriate to his own condition
+and to ours:--"The fashion of this world passeth away" (1 Cor. vii.
+31).
+
+"The context to this passage," said the minister, "tells us, my
+brethren, what experience confirms--that our abode on earth is
+short. St. Paul, therefore, exhorts us, and we will do well to
+attend to his exhortations, to guard against too fond an attachment
+to any relation or possession in life. You who weep, and you who
+rejoice, should moderate the intensity of your emotions; as you
+will soon be far removed from the influence of the causes which
+produce those feelings, and the possessions which you now hold
+on the most secure tenure will soon be claimed by others. Set
+not, therefore, your heart on this world, which you must so soon
+leave. Its appearance is attractive, like the shifting scenes of
+a theatre, or a gaudy pageant in a public procession; but it will
+soon vanish from your sight, to amuse and beguile others in like
+manner. There is another world--more splendid, more glorious, and
+more durable--towards that you should turn your attention, and seek
+with the most intense ardour of soul to be prepared to enter it.
+Otherwise, when you depart from this world--and you may very soon
+depart--you will go into outer darkness, and be lost for ever."
+
+"I hope, my dear Mrs. Lewellin," said Miss Rawlins, on the following
+morning, when they were promenading by themselves in a retired walk,
+"you will forgive me for not replying to the last letter I received
+from you. Indeed, I have often reproached myself for not doing it.
+It has been the occasion of bitter grief, and some tears, especially
+of late."
+
+"I can very easily forgive you, dear Miss Rawlins; but will you
+permit me to ask you why you did not reply?"
+
+"It was, at that period of my life, absolutely unintelligible. I
+concluded you were become a mystic; and I foolishly imagined you
+were contemplating taking the veil, and that I should soon hear you
+had entered a convent. You will not be surprised at this when you
+advert to the foolish letter I wrote to you about religion."[33]
+
+  [33] Vol. i. p. 451.
+
+"If agreeable to you," said Mrs. Lewellin, "I should like to hear by
+what means you were brought to see and to feel your real character
+and condition in relation to God and the eternal world."
+
+"My history is a very singular one--abounding with incidents that
+illustrate the workings of the special providence of God. You know,
+my dear, in what a gay circle I moved. The concert, the drama, the
+ball-room, card-parties, and novels absorbed my whole soul. I lived
+in a perpetual whirl of excitement and gaiety. But I was not happy,
+and often felt disgusted with my own frivolous pursuits. At length,
+I had a severe and dangerous illness, brought on by imprudently
+exposing myself to the cold damp air, in returning from a ball. For
+some weeks my life was despaired of, and these were weeks of terror.
+I was brought to the verge of the dark world, and felt appalled at
+the thought of entering it. I was rebellious, too, and murmured
+against God for depriving me of life at such an early period."
+
+"It was by a cold, caught at a ball, that your old friend, Miss
+Denham, lost her life."[34]
+
+  [34] Vol. i. p. 410.
+
+"Yes; I recollect you alluded to her death in a letter I received
+from you. Were you intimate with her?"
+
+"I was with her when she died."
+
+"Indeed! I know she was a gay devotee to the world; and, therefore,
+it may be painful to hear how she died. What myriads are offered as
+victims to the Moloch of fashion!"
+
+"No, my dear, not painful. Her head was reclining on the bosom of a
+pious friend, who was present with me at the interview; and her last
+words were--'I am dying, but not without hope of attaining eternal
+life, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.'"
+
+"How thankful I am to hear that. It is like the rescue of a
+friend from shipwreck. But to resume my story. I was gradually
+restored to health, and re-entered the gay world, amidst the warm
+congratulations of my friends. At the close of the season we came to
+Malvern to spend a few months. Here the mystic roll of Providence
+began to unfold itself. One day, when rambling by myself over
+the common, I saw a neat little cottage, which I entered. It was
+occupied by an old woman, who sat reading her Bible. I apologized
+for my act of intrusion; when she requested me to take a seat.
+
+"'I hope,' she added, looking at me benignantly as she spoke, 'you
+love your Bible. It tells us about Jesus Christ; about his love
+for poor sinners; and about his dying for them, to save them from
+perishing; and it tells us that if we come to him He will never
+forsake us. There is no book like God's Book.'
+
+"I felt confused, and soon left her; but her words followed me.
+They were perpetually sounding in my ears; and yet I could not draw
+out of them any intelligible meaning. A few days after this I met an
+old school-fellow, looking very ill; and having promised to call on
+her, I did so the following week. I found her confined to her bed,
+and evidently with but a short time to live. She said to me, when
+taking leave of her, 'You see, my dear Miss Rawlins, that I am now
+going into another world: and I go in peace, because I look by faith
+to Jesus Christ, who died to save sinners. He has assured me, in the
+Bible, that if I come to him, and trust in him, He will save me. You
+have been near death, but your life is spared; let me entreat you
+to leave the gay and thoughtless crowd, and come by faith to Jesus
+Christ to save you, and to make you happy.'
+
+"These last words made a deep impression on my heart, and gave
+rise to some painful reflections. Must I then, I said to myself,
+withdraw from the gay world to be happy? Can Jesus Christ make me
+happy? How is this possible, when he is dead, and gone to heaven?
+These references to Jesus Christ reminded me of your letter, which,
+as it happened still to be in my writing desk, I again perused. I
+was struck with the harmony of sentiment and testimony between your
+letter, the observations of the old woman, and the appeal of my
+dying friend; and I felt its influence, even though it appeared to
+me, in a great measure, unintelligible."
+
+"It is said of Samson," remarked Mrs. Lewellin, "that the Spirit of
+the Lord moved him at times; that is, he was occasionally acted on
+by an unusual impulse. And something analogous to this may be traced
+in our moral history; the recurrence of impressions and emotions, of
+a singular character, proceeding from some unknown cause. The Lord
+the Spirit is at work in the heart, but his operations are veiled in
+darkness; happily, the time for explanation comes at last."
+
+"It has been so, my dear Mrs. Lewellin, in my experience. Singular
+events have been employed to produce those singular emotions; but
+at the time, I could trace them to no perceptible cause, nor did I
+ever suppose they would lead to any important issue. But the mystery
+is now graciously explained. Soon after our return home, another
+incident occurred, which exercised a material influence on my mind.
+We went to dine with an old friend of my father's, who lived about
+ten miles from town, and intended to return in the evening, but such
+a violent storm came on, that we were glad to accept our friend's
+invitation to remain for the night. At nine o'clock the parlour bell
+was rung, and in a few minutes the servants entered, and our own
+coachman with them, when a large Bible was placed near a clergyman,
+one of the party. He read the second chapter of St. Paul's Epistle
+to the Ephesians, and offered up a very solemn and impressive
+prayer. This was quite novel; I had never before been present at
+such a service. I was again brought into contact with the great
+facts of revelation; and when on my knees before God in prayer, I
+became still more restless in my mind. I felt a strong inclination
+to go again to scenes of gaiety, to dispel the strange thoughts, and
+still stranger forebodings, which haunted me; and yet I recoiled
+from doing so, under an instinctive apprehension that they would
+make me still more restless and unhappy. I felt, at times, so
+miserable, that I took no interest in life. At this crisis, another
+incident occurred, trivial in itself, and apparently casual, but
+it was one of those agencies which were working together for my
+good. Our coachman brought with him, from the pious family which we
+had been visiting, some religious tracts; and on passing through
+the kitchen I saw one on the dresser; it was _Poor Joseph_.[35]
+I took it and read it. It delighted me from its singularity. I
+involuntarily exclaimed, when I had finished reading it, 'What a
+contrast between this poor half-witted man and myself! he is in
+ecstasy when referring to Jesus Christ coming into the world to save
+sinners, but I can only refer to this great fact with apathy and
+indifference. How is this?' It appeared strange, and was a heavy
+burden on my heart."
+
+  [35] Vol. i. p. 152.
+
+"Our Lord says, 'They that be whole need not a physician, but
+they that are sick' (Matt. ix. 12). A man in health looks with
+indifference on the physician; but not so the dying patient. It
+is a deep sense of personal guilt, and a vivid apprehension of
+positive danger, that fits a sinner to form a correct estimate of
+the need and value of a Saviour. When such a discovery is made and
+felt, then it is hailed with rapture, and mental repose is enjoyed
+as the consequence of trusting on the Saviour for pardon and
+salvation."
+
+"I now perceive and feel this; but it would still have been hidden
+from me, had it not been for another circumstance. I had one gay
+friend to whom I was much attached; indeed, with the exception of
+my parents, she was the only person I really loved. She completely
+ruled me, though one of the most gentle creatures I ever knew.
+I was never so happy as when in her company. She was as fond of
+the gay world as myself. On one occasion we had both accepted an
+invitation to a grand ball given by Sir John Markham, but in the
+morning I received a note from my friend requesting me not to expect
+to meet her there; adding, 'I withdraw from the gay world, and
+for ever. It is a vain show, which promises happiness, but yields
+none. Don't be alarmed; I will explain when I see you.' This note
+took me by surprise; but I was more pleased than distressed. I
+refrained from going to the ball, and went to see my friend. She
+then informed me that her attention had recently been turned to her
+Bible, by a sermon she heard preached by the Rev. James Harrington
+Evans, and she had resolved to seek lasting happiness by yielding
+herself to God, through the redemption of Christ Jesus the Lord. Her
+conversation, though somewhat unintelligible to me, was in perfect
+harmony with the sentiments I had previously heard others express. I
+now readily complied with her earnest solicitation to accompany her,
+on the following Sunday morning, to hear the same eloquent preacher.
+We went together. His text was, 'For through him we both have access
+by one Spirit unto the Father' (Eph. ii. 18). When he was explaining
+to us the nature of access to the Father, and showing us why and how
+we ought to come to Him, the veil was removed, and the light of life
+shone with clear radiance into my heart. I felt subdued, captivated;
+and, for the first time of my life, I could say, 'Now I know where
+true happiness is to be found.' _Now_ I could understand your
+letter. I followed, then, without hesitation, my friend's example,
+in withdrawing from the gay world."
+
+"I suppose," here remarked Mrs. Lewellin, "the secession of two such
+gay devotees from the circle of fashion, occasioned some little
+tumult?"
+
+"O, yes, we had a few calls from some of the more inquisitive, who
+live on excitement; but we were both inflexible, and now we are
+subjected to no annoyance."
+
+"What did your parents say?"
+
+"I think they were more pleased than otherwise, especially my dear
+mother, whose health had been rapidly declining for some months.
+Very soon afterwards she was confined to her room; and God honoured
+me to be the instrument in directing her to the Lamb of God, who
+gave his life a ransom for many. She passed through a severe ordeal
+of mental suffering during her long illness; but when descending
+into the dark valley, she saw, by faith, Jesus coming to receive
+her; and she died in peace."
+
+"These varied conflicts, my dear Miss Rawlins, in which you have
+been engaged, must have proved a severe trial to you."
+
+"They have rather seriously affected my health, which has given way,
+and occasioned our present visit to Malvern."
+
+"I congratulate you on your rescue from the allurements of a vain
+and giddy world. Now that you are made alive from the dead, you must
+yield yourself to God, to fear, and love, and glorify him, and show
+forth his praise."
+
+"As I have now, my dear Mrs. Lewellin, unbosomed to you the secrets
+of my heart, I shall feel more at ease. But, O! where can I find
+words adequate to express my grateful feelings to my adorable
+Saviour, for the marvellous manifestations of his sovereign
+compassion and love to my dear mother, my beloved friend, and
+myself!"
+
+The next day Mrs. Lewellin went with Miss Rawlins, to see the old
+woman who lived in the cottage on the common. On entering, they
+found her in her arm chair, with her Bible open before her, so
+intent on what she was reading, that she did not appear to notice
+them, till she was spoken to.
+
+"Sit down, ladies; I am glad to see you."
+
+"At your old employment, I see," said Miss Rawlins.
+
+"Why, Miss, I don't know that I can be at a better. It is proper
+that a child should read his father's epistles of love, and that a
+servant should study to know what his master requires him to do and
+suffer."
+
+"Do you ever feel weary of reading the parts of the Bible you have
+read before?"
+
+"It is, Miss, with God's Word, as it is with God's world. We enjoy a
+serene evening and the beauties and melodies of the spring, as much
+this year, as we did in any gone-by year of our life. I was just
+thinking, before you ladies came in, that I could say nearly off at
+heart the third chapter of John's Gospel; and yet I could read it
+again, with as much pleasure and profit, if not more, than I did the
+first time I read it. There is such a wonderful depth, and such a
+rich fulness and living power in God's Word."
+
+"What book," inquired Mrs. Lewellin, "do you like next to the Bible?"
+
+"O, dear, Ma'am, I have long done with all other books. I used
+to like good John Bunyan's _Pilgrim_, and I have read it through
+many times; but now I care about no book but my Bible. I sometimes
+think I should like to take the Bible with me to heaven, as then I
+should be able to have some dark sayings explained, which I can't
+understand now."
+
+"You have no doubts, I suppose, about the certainty of your
+salvation?"
+
+"No, Ma'am; not _now_. Some time since, I was greatly distressed
+with doubts and fears, but now all my anxieties are at rest. I stand
+with my staff in my hand, waiting to hear my Father call me home. He
+will call soon."
+
+"How simple, and how dignified," said Mrs. Lewellin, as they were
+leaving the cottage, "are the anticipations of an old disciple, when
+approaching the entrance to the heavenly kingdom!"
+
+"And what a contrast," replied Miss Rawlins, "to the devotees of
+fashion! They will amuse themselves at the card-table, till their
+hands become too enfeebled to play; and even on a death-bed will
+listen with deep interest to descriptions of operas and plays, a new
+singer, or a new actor; inquire with eager curiosity who wore the
+most splendid dress at the ball--what new marriage is now on the
+_tapis_--in short, will listen to anything, however trifling, to
+keep off the thought of dying."
+
+"Yes," said Mrs. Lewellin; "and when, for form's sake, the
+officiating priest is sent for, and he has gone through the
+prescribed ceremonies--has read the absolution and given the
+sacrament, and they have thus made their peace with God--they still
+live on, as long as they can live, amidst the gay scenes of former
+times now gone from them for ever. But to that one great event in
+their moral history, which is so certain, and so near at hand,
+all references or allusions are imperatively forbidden, as though
+its entire oblivion could prevent its actual occurrence. O, it is
+painful to think of the terrific surprise and overwhelming horror
+which will seize on their spirits, when they pass into the eternal
+world!"
+
+"Yes, my dear; and if _our_ preparations for death, and if our
+reminiscences and anticipations when dying, should bear, as I trust
+they will, a nearer resemblance to the dignified deportment, and the
+sweet serenity of the old woman on the common, than to the criminal
+frivolity of these self-doomed devotees of fashionable life, we
+must, in imitation of the devout Psalmist, and with tears of joyous
+gratitude, ever say--'Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy
+name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake'--(Psalm
+cxv. 1.)"
+
+On their return from this visit, Mrs. Lewellin said, with some
+embarrassment of manner, "We have now, my dear Miss Rawlins, been at
+Malvern longer than we contemplated. We leave to-morrow, but I hope
+that we may again meet somewhere on earth, to renew the sweet and
+hallowed intercourse we have so much enjoyed here."
+
+"I am thankful that you kept the secret of your departure to the
+last moment. An earlier intimation of the exact time would have had
+on my heart a very depressing effect. Our conversations at Malvern
+will ever be held by me in pleasing remembrance, and I shall long
+for an opportunity to renew them. Good night. We will have no formal
+parting. It will be too painful."
+
+As Mr. and Mrs. Lewellin had exceeded the time which they had
+originally contemplated spending on their tour, they now proceeded
+homewards to Rockhill, where they found Mr. and Mrs. Roscoe, and a
+few other friends, waiting to welcome them to their new home. The
+meeting was a delightful one, nothing having occurred to either
+party, during their absence, to occasion annoyance or perplexity.
+
+A few months after their return, Mrs. Lewellin received the
+following letter from Miss Rawlins:--
+
+     "DEAR MRS. LEWELLIN,--It will give you, I have no doubt, some
+     pleasure to hear that I am again in my father's house, and in
+     the enjoyment of perfect health and vigour. And you will, I
+     doubt not, unite with me in humble adoration and gratitude to
+     the God of all grace, not only for the grace bestowed on me--one
+     of the most worthless of the unworthy--but for his marvellous
+     loving-kindness to my dear father, who is so much delighted,
+     and so deeply moved by the preaching of the Rev. J. H. Evans,
+     that he attends his chapel with me regularly every Sabbath.
+     Though there is no decisive evidence that he is become a new
+     creature in Christ Jesus, yet I hope he is entering the narrow
+     way that leads to life. He spends much of his time in reading
+     his Bible and Doddridge's _Exposition_, and is very earnest in
+     his inquiries about coming to Christ to be saved. Truly the
+     God of grace often works wonders. My endeared friend, Miss
+     Forrester, whom you saw with me at Malvern, is now, and is
+     likely to continue to be for some time, an inmate in our family.
+     We were one in spirit when we were living and moving amidst the
+     frivolous and ensnaring gaieties of life; and we are still one
+     in spirit now we are both united to the Lord; but it is a spirit
+     of a purer nature, and one that death cannot destroy.
+
+     "I often think of our unlooked-for meeting at Malvern, and the
+     pleasant hours of Christian intercourse we spent together when
+     there. I hope both you and Mr. Lewellin have been enjoying good
+     health since your return home. I need not say how glad I shall
+     be to hear from you. Write soon, and believe me, ever yours,
+
+     "LETITIA."
+
+
+
+
+THE WANDERER'S RETURN.
+
+
+Some months having now elapsed since Mr. Lewellin's marriage, I
+set off to pay my long promised visit to my esteemed friend and
+his lady. I was accompanied by Mrs. Orme, who joined me in London
+from the Elms, and after a pleasant journey we arrived safely at
+Rockhill. It was promptly decided that the first half of my time
+should be spent with them, and the other at Fairmount, with Mr. and
+Mrs. Stevens. The day after my arrival, I took a stroll round the
+farm with Mr. Lewellin, and I was much gratified by its general
+appearance. I did not see his bailiff, Harry Pickford, as he was
+gone to Weyhill fair, to purchase a few South-down sheep; but I
+had great pleasure in hearing that his master had every reason to
+be satisfied with him, and that great confidence was placed in his
+judgment and activity. "He is," Mrs. Lewellin facetiously remarked,
+"an able professor in the science of agriculture; and I think,
+Sir, if you examine Mr. Lewellin, you will pronounce him an apt
+scholar. He has made much rapid progress in his studies during the
+session;--he may possibly take a degree."
+
+On the Sabbath it was arranged, while we were at breakfast, that
+Mrs. Orme should ride to church with our kind host and hostess;
+but I preferred walking, as I wished to take the same route I
+had taken some years before, and ascertain, if possible, what
+practical effect had resulted from my casual advice to Robert
+Curliffe, whom, on a previous occasion, I had found working in his
+garden,[36] with his two sons. It was a fine autumn morning, without
+a cloud; the air was genial and invigorating, and the stillness of
+the solitary lane along which I was passing formed an agreeable
+contrast to the noise and bustle of the thronged streets of my town
+residence. Robert's cottage still stood where I first saw it, but
+its appearance was greatly improved, and his garden was in a higher
+state of cultivation. These were auspicious signs, and formed, as
+will shortly be seen, fresh illustrations of an oft-repeated remark,
+that the work of grace in the heart contributes to the promoting of
+temporal as well as spiritual comfort. On entering his cottage, I
+found him dressed in his Sunday clothes, with his Bible beside him
+on the table, and in his hand Fuller's _Gospel its own Witness_. He
+expressed great joy at seeing me; and his wife, offering me a chair,
+said, "You will see a change here, Sir, since your first visit; the
+grace of God is a wonder-working power."
+
+  [36] Vol. i. p. 110.
+
+"And I suppose you are both happier than when you preferred working
+in the garden on the Sabbath to going to church?"
+
+"Yes, Sir," said Robert, "we are; and we are better off in worldly
+matters. Our home is a quieter home. Our lads are more orderly in
+their manners, and both go to Mr. Ingleby's Sunday-school. We are a
+reformed family."
+
+"I shouldn't like," said Robert's wife, "for things to go back into
+their old state; it would be like a good garden going back to a
+common waste."
+
+"You have now something of more importance to think about and talk
+about, than about planting and weeding your garden."
+
+"Yes, Sir, the wonderful facts of the Bible; especially God's
+unspeakable gift of a Saviour who is able and willing to save us."
+
+"What the Lord has done for us in our souls, since you had the first
+talk with our Robert, has given me a wonderful liking to the Bible,
+and to Mr. Ingleby's preaching. Before that time, if I read a bit
+of a chapter, I could not make out its meaning; and if I heard a
+sermon, it made no impression on my heart; it came in at one ear,
+and went out at t'other. Ah! dear; things are wonderfully changed
+in us. I shouldn't like them to be changed back again; it would be
+worse than seeing our garden overrun with thistles and nettles."
+
+I now pressed on to church. The Curate read the Liturgy with
+great solemnity and pathos. My Dissenting prejudices subsided as
+I listened to the solemn words of prayer; and the responses had a
+soul-inspiring effect. "Yes," I said to myself, "the prayers are
+simple, sublime, and appropriate; they are such as a sinner should
+offer up, when kneeling before the Lord; they prepare the heart to
+unite with the voices of the heavenly kingdom in their chorus of
+thanksgiving and praise." At length I saw the vestry door open; the
+venerable Rector walked out, ascended the flight of stairs, and
+entered his pulpit. After a short extempore prayer, he announced his
+text--"And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a
+great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and
+fell on his neck, and kissed him" (Luke xv. 20).
+
+On my previous visit to Fairmount, I had observed that the
+infirmities of age were fast creeping upon Mr. Ingleby, and this
+was now much more manifest, though it could scarcely be wondered
+at, as the good Rector had considerably advanced beyond the period
+generally allotted to the life of man, being now upwards of eighty
+years of age. His voice, however, was still clear and sonorous; and
+though there was less activity and brilliancy of imagination, yet
+the same bold and impassioned appeals to the conscience and the
+heart came from his lips as when I first heard him. He commanded
+the attention of his audience, and he rewarded it. After describing
+the old man walking anxiously up and down in the cool of the
+evening in front of his rural mansion, situated, it might be, in
+some remote quarter of Palestine, he proceeded to recount his
+supposed soliloquy, while thinking of his long-lost child:--"'Is he
+still living, or has he been devoured by some wild beast of prey!
+Is he in affluence, or is he in want! Does he ever think of his
+home, and of his father, or has he forgotten both! Shall I ever
+see him again! Shall I ever embrace him again, as I embraced him
+the morning he left me! Shall I ever hear him address me 'father,'
+as I was once accustomed to hear him call me!' The old man is now
+just going to retire for the night, when something is seen moving
+in the distance--it advances--it is a man--a poor forlorn outcast,
+come to ask for shelter; he shall not be denied; he looks more
+fixedly--the figure advances, yet it is still a great way off; it
+is--no, it cannot be; he looks--it is, it is my son! See how the
+old man runs to embrace the traveller! What a joyous meeting! what
+a night of gladsome mirth and hallowed devotion! And who, beloved
+brethren, supplies me with the materials for this dramatic sketch?
+Jesus Christ. For what purpose? To assure us that our heavenly
+Father feels more compassion for a relenting sinner than he can feel
+sorrow for his sins; and that He feels more paternal delight in the
+exercise of mercy, than a sinner can feel joy by having all his sins
+forgiven him."
+
+When the sermon was over, I saw Farmer Pickford and his wife
+standing at the corner of the lane, waiting for my approach.
+
+"I am glad to see you back again. I have looked for this day, many
+a day, and many a night, since you were preaching in the barn. You
+look well, Sir. Time makes no change in your appearance."
+
+"I hope, Sir," said Mrs. Pickford, "you will come and see us; we
+shall be so much pleased."
+
+"We have had, Farmer, a very touching sermon this morning."
+
+"It touched me to the quick, and no mistake. I have shed more tears
+this morning than I ever shed in any morning since I was born. It
+made me feel a power of trouble, like."
+
+"And it greatly affected me," said Mrs. Pickford; "it made me think
+of our long lost George; shall we ever see him again?"
+
+"He, my dear friend, who brought back the prodigal of the gospel,
+can bring back your dear son."
+
+"I hope he will," replied the Farmer. "I don't care in what
+condition he comes home, so that he does come back, and I live long
+enough to receive him. He may come in rags for what I care. I'll
+give him a capital supper, and a new suit; and we'll have a joyous
+merry-making, and no mistake. You'll give us another sarmunt in the
+barn?"
+
+"Yes, do, Sir," urged his wife; "we shall be so pleased, and
+profited, too. One of our neighbours, Mr. Richards, was so impressed
+by your discourse on the conversion of Zaccheus, that he is quite a
+changed character. He was, before he heard it, a very irreligious
+man; but now he regularly goes to church every Sabbath morning, and
+to Mr. Stevens' chapel every Sabbath evening. And he comes to our
+weekly prayer-meeting; and we often have edifying conversation with
+him."
+
+"Before he heard that sarmunt," said the Farmer, "Richards was just
+what I was before your first talk to me about my soul--a drunken,
+swearing sort of chap; but now he keeps as sober as a judge; and
+his talk is quite heavenly. He gets on in the good things faster
+than I do; I'm still but a dullish sort of a scollard; worse luck.
+But after all, I know something about the one thing needful; that's
+worth knowing. The Lord be praised; and many thanks to you, Sir."
+
+"I hope, Farmer, by this time, that you enjoy a well-grounded
+assurance, that you are accepted in the Beloved, and feel safe for
+eternity."
+
+"As for that, Sir, I must speak with great care. I must not be
+too bold. Howsomever, I don't fear dying, and that's a main good
+thing; a kind of a triumph, like; the Lord be praised. I love Jesus
+Christ--that's certain; I love my Bible, and I love the services of
+God's house more than I used to love the ways of sin, and that is
+saying a good deal. Will you give us another sarmunt in the barn,
+Sir?"
+
+"Yes; and I will let you know when I can do it."
+
+I dined in the course of the following week at Mr. Roscoe's, and
+much enjoyed my visit. It revived a recollection of the discussions
+of former times, between him and his Tractarian brother, now become
+an able advocate of the faith he then laboured to destroy. I never
+saw Mr. Roscoe looking better; his spirits were buoyant, rising at
+times to youthful cheerfulness. He abounded with anecdotes, both
+grave and facetious; and was, indeed, the soul of the social circle.
+We were deeply interested by the narration of an occurrence which
+happened on the preceding day, and which I will give in his own
+words:--
+
+"I walked yesterday as far as Brushwood House, on a little matter of
+business, and on my return home, just as I came to the corner of the
+coppice, I saw a respectable looking young man sitting on the stump
+of a tree in the hedgerow. He rose, bowed, and said, 'My name, Sir,
+is George Pickford, and I am just back from a long roving trip, on
+board of a merchant ship, and I have been watching a long while for
+some one to go and tell father and mother that I am back safe and
+sound. I am afraid to go home till some one has told them that I am
+here, because, as they don't know whether I am dead or alive, my
+abrupt appearance may startle them. And if, Sir, you will be so kind
+as to do this little job for me, I shall feel a power of gratitude.
+It won't take you far out of the way.' After chatting awhile with
+him about the places he had visited, I asked him whether he had been
+successful and taken care of his money, 'Why, Sir,' he replied,
+'as I am so near home, I don't mind confessing to you what I have
+confessed to no man since I came on shore. I have saved upwards of
+£130; and I have it in a leather bag belted round my body under my
+shirt. I kept clear of the land sharks in every port we entered. I
+have for the last four years kept within compass--never gaming on
+board, and never drinking on shore; but before then I used to do
+such things.'
+
+"Mrs. Pickford saw me approaching the farm-house. She was all hurry
+and bustle to get herself, and her neat little parlour, in order
+for my reception. I took a chair and talked some time about things
+in general, and then alluded to the sermon we had heard on Sabbath
+morning. The tear fell from her eye, as she said to me, 'Sir, it was
+a most painful sermon; it brought my George so forcibly before my
+mind,'
+
+"'You may possibly,' I remarked, 'see him again.'
+
+"'I don't expect it, Sir. He has been gone six years come the 8th of
+October; and we have not heard from him, or a word about him, since
+he left us.'
+
+"'Be of good cheer; you will see him ere long.'
+
+"'Her look was now wild and penetrating; and she exclaimed, 'What,
+Sir, do you say, and shall I see my George ere long?'
+
+"'Be composed,' I added, 'I bring you glad tidings. Your George is
+back safe and sound; and he has requested me to come and tell you.'
+
+"'Back, Sir! safe and sound; and you have seen him; tell me,' rising
+as she spoke, 'where he is, that I may see him too.'
+
+"I then said, 'If you will sit down, and promise to remain seated
+for the next quarter of an hour, you shall see him.'
+
+"'A hard promise, Sir; but I thank the Lord he has given me an
+opportunity to make it.'
+
+"I stepped through the fold-yard, hailed George, who was on the
+watch, and then led him to his mother. I shall not attempt a
+description of the scene that followed. She sprang into his arms,
+and he into hers.
+
+"'Mother, forgive me.'
+
+"'I do, my child.'
+
+"'I have sinned against Heaven and in thy sight, my mother.'
+
+"'I forgive all, my dear, dear George; and bless the Lord for giving
+me this opportunity of telling you so.'
+
+"His younger brother and his sisters, who stood gazing and weeping,
+all gathered around him, as soon as his mother withdrew her
+embraces. 'But where is father?' I heard him say, as I retired from
+this scene of domestic joy and happiness.
+
+[Illustration: M. S. MORGAN.
+
+T. BOLTON.
+
+THE WANDERER'S RETURN.
+
+Vol. ii. page 480.]
+
+"One thing I must not forget to mention. When it came up in the
+course of our conversation, at our first interview, that I knew his
+old master, his robbery of whom occasioned his running away, he put
+a letter into my hand, and asked me if I would deliver it to him. It
+contained the amount stolen, with interest, and compound interest up
+to the present date: with a confession of his crime, and an entreaty
+for forgiveness."
+
+We were all deeply affected by this touching tale, particularly Mrs.
+Lewellin and Mrs. Orme, who said, both speaking at the same time,
+"We must go and see George and his mother, and congratulate them on
+their happy meeting."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+In the midst of life, we are in death. We had a most unexpected
+confirmation of this during my stay at Fairmount. Mr. Stevens had
+engaged to accompany Mr. Roscoe to Norton, on a trifling matter of
+business; and as they were to start at ten o'clock, Mr. Roscoe rose
+rather early, took breakfast with Mrs. Roscoe, conducted family
+prayer as usual, and then retired into his study. Mr. Stevens
+came, and as Mr. Roscoe did not make his appearance, Mrs. Roscoe
+rang the bell, and desired the servant to call him. The servant
+went to his room, knocked several times, but receiving no answer
+she opened the door, and saw her master in the attitude of prayer.
+This circumstance induced her quietly to retire, but on closing the
+door, she was so much struck with the singular position in which she
+had seen his head, that she returned towards him, and immediately
+exclaimed in consternation, "My master is dead!" This exclamation,
+which was heard by Mr. Stevens, induced him to run up stairs,
+where he found the servant standing, petrified by terror, near
+her venerable master, who had, when engaged in the holy exercise
+of communion with God his Saviour, left the scene of his earthly
+cares and bliss, to take possession of his heavenly inheritance.
+His hands were yet warm, and his countenance had undergone no
+change, but the eyelids and the mouth had fallen--there was no
+respiration, no motion, for he had ceased to be a citizen of earth.
+The consternation which this unexpected event occasioned cannot
+be described. It burst upon the family like a thunder-storm. Mrs.
+Roscoe hastened into the study. "My husband, my dear husband!"
+she exclaimed, and was carried fainting into an adjoining room,
+where she remained for a quarter of an hour in a state of total
+insensibility, unconscious of her loss, till she saw Mr. Stevens
+approaching her.
+
+"And is my husband dead, Sir?"
+
+"Be composed, my dear friend, it is the Lord's doing."
+
+"Yes, Sir, I know it; but it is still a terrible trial. Does Sophia
+know it? Oh! tell her to come to me immediately."
+
+Mr. Stevens hastened to convey the mournful tidings to Mr. and Mrs.
+Lewellin. When he rode up the lawn in front of their house he saw
+them returning from a morning's walk, and after an exchange of a few
+common-place inquiries, he took Mr. Lewellin aside, and communicated
+the intelligence. Mrs. Lewellin, on looking through the parlour
+window saw that Mr. Stevens was the bearer of some news that deeply
+affected her husband; and feeling apprehensive that it bore some
+reference to her parents, she immediately rushed out, and asked if
+all was well.
+
+"Yes, my dear," said her husband, "all is well that the Lord does."
+
+"Yes, I know it; but what has he done?"
+
+"Your father"----
+
+"My father! What! tell me!"
+
+"Your father," said Mr. Stevens, "was taken suddenly ill this
+morning, and when I left him was not able to speak to me."
+
+"Is he living, Sir? O, tell me! Suspense tortures me! Let me know
+the full extent of the calamity!"
+
+"Your father is now mingling his praises with the redeemed before
+the throne!"
+
+"What! and have I lost my father? Is he gone without giving me his
+blessing? How did he die?"
+
+"We found him dead on his knees in the study."
+
+"On his knees! O, happy saint!"
+
+"His death has indeed been a translation."
+
+"And how does my dear mother sustain the blow?"
+
+"She wishes to see you immediately."
+
+They hastened to the house of mourning, but on entering the
+breakfast-parlour in which Mr. Roscoe had only a few hours before
+partaken of his last meal on earth, Mrs. Lewellin's feelings
+overcame her. On recovering from this hysteric fit she became more
+composed, and expressed a desire to see her afflicted mother, and
+being supported by Mr. Lewellin and Mr. Stevens, she was led into
+the room where the bereaved widow sat, silent and motionless, in all
+the solitude and agony of grief. She rose to meet her daughter, and
+in a moment they were closely locked in each other's embrace, but
+they were too much overpowered with anguish to utter any words but
+those of sorrow. They wept aloud, but in their weeping there was the
+majesty of grief, bending in unmurmuring submission to the will of
+their heavenly Father.
+
+"And is my father dead?"
+
+"Yes, my child, you have lost your father, and I have lost my
+husband."
+
+Mrs. Lewellin looked round the room, and having fixed her eye on
+his full-length picture, she approached it, and said, "There he is!
+yes, there he is! My father! speak, my father! It is thy Sophia that
+speaks to thee!" She stood silent for a few moments, and then sunk
+in the arms of her husband. For several hours she continued in a
+state of high delirium, but became gradually composed, and retired
+to rest. Next morning she awoke with her feelings less agitated;
+and though she wept when she saw her mother, yet she spoke of their
+mutual loss with more tranquillity.
+
+"Though it has pleased God," said the bereaved widow, "to deprive
+us of the visible presence of one we so ardently loved, we must not
+abandon ourselves to unavailing grief--we must not sorrow as others
+that have no hope; but rather bow down our souls in submission to
+his holy will and say, 'Even so, O righteous Father, for so it hath
+seemed good in thy sight.'"
+
+"I hope, my dear mother, I can repeat that sentiment; but still I
+feel that I have lost one of the best of fathers that ever called a
+child his own; and if I should be unable to control my feelings, I
+hope you will bear with me. Ours is no common loss."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+To relieve myself in some measure from the depression which this
+bereavement had occasioned, I bent my footsteps towards Farmer
+Pickford's homestead, and there I saw his son George, and had from
+him a rough outline of his adventures, which I will briefly narrate.
+
+He left the port of London, on board a merchant vessel, in company
+with Jack Summers, who had seduced him into the ways of iniquity;
+but poor Jack fell overboard, and was drowned, before he set sail.
+His first voyage was to Havana; where, one day, he went on shore
+with the ship's carpenter. They visited the slave-market, where
+they saw men, women, and children sold like beasts of burden. This
+sickened them, both of the West Indies and slavery; but he said,
+"We served them out," for, on stepping into their boat they found,
+coiled up in the jib-sail, a negro lad, about the age of fifteen,
+who said, "Me let go wid you." They contrived to get him on board
+without his being seen; George took off the top of an empty water
+butt, put the negro in, gave him a bottle of water and some bread
+and cheese, and told him to lie still till the ship was under
+weigh. Early the next morning the negro's master came to inquire if
+there was a black boy on board; and when the captain, who didn't
+know anything about it, assured him that there was not, he turned
+back; and soon after the vessel set sail. "We brought him away with
+us," said George, "and he has been with me ever since, and he is
+one of the best fellows of the crew for work." This voyage, upon
+the whole, was a very pleasant one, and he took a strong liking
+to a seafaring life. His second voyage was to Madeira, and this,
+also, was a pleasant one, notwithstanding a short though violent
+storm, which, to quote his own expression, "the little snug vessel
+outrode in gallant style." His third voyage was to Calcutta; but,
+on rounding the Cape, they encountered a tremendous hurricane,
+which lasted several days and nights without intermission; fears
+were entertained for the safety of the vessel, as she got fearfully
+strained; and now it was that the captain discovered the superior
+capabilities of George, for, having been apprenticed to a carpenter,
+he was able to take the berth of the ship's carpenter, who died some
+weeks before. On his return to port, the mate was promoted to the
+captain's berth, who took the command of another ship; and George
+Pickford took the berth of the mate. His character for sobriety and
+activity gave much satisfaction to Messrs. B., his employers; and
+he was a great favourite with the crew. Nothing occurred of any
+great importance for the next three years, till his last visit to
+Calcutta, when the ship was detained for upwards of two months; the
+captain giving him permission to go ashore as often as he pleased.
+Here he met a young man whom he knew--a native of Broadhurst, but
+now a resident in Calcutta--a decidedly pious man, who invited
+him to spend the following Sabbath with him. He did so; and they
+went together to the chapel in which Mr. James Hill, an English
+missionary, preached. As he sat directly opposite the pulpit, the
+eye of the preacher fell directly upon him--at least he thought so;
+and the text, "Be sure your sin will find you out," (Num. xxxii.
+23), brought his sin of dishonesty to his master, undutifulness to
+his parents, and his uniform forgetfulness of God, and contempt
+for his authority, with such vividness to his recollection that he
+hastened on board as rapidly as possible. There, in the quietude
+of his own berth, he pondered over this new discovery, which was
+accompanied by a train of novel and poignant emotions. His soul
+was overwhelmed with grief; but yet it was a grief which gave him
+more relief than pain. It was pungent, but it did not drive him
+to despair. Mr. Hill, in the conclusion of his discourse, quoted
+the words of Jesus Christ--"Whosoever believeth in him should not
+perish." "I caught hold of that promise," he said, "and I kept hold
+of it; and I found it a rope strong enough to save me. I believed I
+should not perish; I tried to pray, but could not get further than
+the prayer of the publican, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner.'" He
+stated that he longed for the return of Sabbath during the whole of
+the week; and when it came, though his duties on board required his
+attention in the morning, yet in the evening he was at liberty, and
+he again heard the same minister preach the glorious gospel of the
+blessed God. He felt its great moral power on his heart, reducing
+the wild tumult of feeling to a peaceful calm, and giving him a good
+hope, through grace, of pardon and salvation. The next morning the
+ship weighed anchor, and set sail; and he closed his statement to me
+as follows:--"I left my home a wild lad, and a criminal; I lived in
+bold rebellion against God up to the age of twenty-three; I acted a
+most unkind and undutiful part towards my dear parents, by keeping
+them in a state of ignorance of my whereabouts. When I went into
+Mr. Hill's chapel I had no more desire for conversion than I have
+now to be unconverted; but the Lord had compassion on me, and has
+saved me: glory be to his holy name. I am a brand plucked from the
+burning, if ever there was one plucked; now I wish to live to show
+my gratitude to the Lord Jesus Christ, for saving me; and to do good
+to my fellow-sailors. I am glad to say that two of our crew are
+God-fearing men; and we often meet together for reading the Bible
+and prayer. I had many precious moments, in prayer to the Lord, on
+our voyage back; and sometimes felt his presence near me, especially
+one night in a fearful storm. I knew he had the winds and the waves
+under his command. I trusted in him, and felt secure.
+
+On my return to Fairmount, after this interview with George, I met
+the Farmer, who gave me his usual hearty shake of the hand.
+
+"Have you been to my homestead?"
+
+"Yes, and have seen your son George, and had a long chat with him."
+
+"He is grown a finish sort of a chap. He's more of the gemman than
+his father, and no mistake. He has seen a main bit of the world,
+like. How well he talks; and what a power of matter he has to say.
+He keeps us up rather latish with his stories. Some are funny
+and make us laugh; and some are shocking. Man is a bad fellow
+everywhere till the grace of God touches his heart. Howsomever,
+George has scraped up a goodish bit of money. Ay, if a man has any
+luck at sea, he often gets on faster than we do here on land."
+
+"Your son, I rather think, has found something more valuable than
+gold, or silver, or precious stones."
+
+"The Lord be praised. Yes, he has found the precious pearl of great
+price. That's a proof to my mind that Jesus Christ is everywhere,
+or my George would not have found him in Calcutta, which, he says,
+is thousands of miles off. I suppose he has told you about the
+sarmunt that made him feel all at once that he was in a new world?
+He must have been as much surprised, when going out of the chapel as
+Zaccheus was when he dropped down out of the sycamore tree. What a
+wonder-working power the grace of God is, and no mistake!"
+
+"You were not at home, I believe, when your son arrived?"
+
+"No, I had been all the morning, along with two of my men, doing
+a bit of hedging and ditching in one of my lower meadows, t'other
+side of the hill. And all the while I was working, I was thinking
+over the sarmunt Mr. Ingleby preached on Sunday morning. It was one
+of great power; it touched me to the quick, like. And just as I was
+coming down the hill, to get a bit of dinner, I saw a chap running
+across the fold-yard into the house. I wondered who it could be.
+After a bit, he came out, and my mistress with him, and I saw her
+pointing towards me. I felt all at once a power of strange thoughts
+rush into me; and I stood still as the chap was running towards me,
+jumping over hedge and ditch, like a greyhound after a hare. When
+he got a bit nearer, about five hundred yards off, I thought all
+at once it was the step and swing of George; and I heard him cry
+out, 'Father! father!' as loud as he could bawl; but for the life
+of me I couldn't speak a word more, and I couldn't have been more
+frightened if I had seen two ghosts. I seemed stuck fast into the
+ground with my tongue tied; so that I was obliged to leave him to do
+all the work of hugging, and kissing, and such like. When I got a
+bit over my fright, I told him I was main glad to see him back; and
+that I would give him as good a supper as was put on the table the
+night you gave us the sarmunt in the barn about the conversion of
+Zaccheus."
+
+"It must have been a joyous meeting to you."
+
+"I have been thinking two or three times since, that it is almost
+worth while to lose a youngster for a year or two, for the delight
+of seeing him come back safe and sound. You should hear him read the
+Bible and pray. It would do your heart good, Sir. Now, Sir, when
+will you come and give us the sarmunt in the barn? George shall read
+out the hymn, and pitch the tune, and then you will have a sample
+of his cleverness in such matters. Old William, the shepherd, says
+he'll take the biggest wether-bell he can find, and he'll go round
+to all the cottages and farm-houses in those parts, and cry notice
+of it. I must clear out both barns to find room for the people;
+they'll come as thick as rooks after the plough. The Lord be praised
+that I should ever live to see such joyous times and such wonderful
+doings: no sham work; and I must not forget to thank you for the
+part you have had in them."
+
+"You may expect me next Wednesday week."
+
+"Very well, Sir, I shall expect you on that day."
+
+"But one thing I have to request, and that is, that you don't get
+such a splendid supper as you did last time."
+
+"I never trouble myself about kitchen matters. I leave that to my
+wife, whose name is Martha; and you know that the Bible tells us
+that Martha always has a liking to give a good treatment to our best
+friends. No, no, I mustn't speak about such a matter; if I do, there
+will be a rookery in the kitchen."
+
+"Then I must send her a note and make the request myself."
+
+"Well, just as you like, Sir; but I guess it won't matter. Women,
+you know, don't like to be put out of their way; and I am sure of
+one thing, that if you give us a good sarmunt, as you are sure to do
+if you preach, she will give you a good supper, which she is sure
+to do if she does the cookery. Why, Paul says, if you mind, Sir,
+that we must give our carnal things to them that give us spiritual
+things."
+
+As I was taking my leave of him, he said--"Please, Sir, just stop
+one minute. It almost got out of my head; but it's back again. Did
+George tell you what he says to his mother and me? He says he is
+mate of this ship, which I suppose is a goodish sort of a thing;
+and he says he thinks he shall be made a captain after he has had
+another voyage or two, which I suppose is something better; and he
+says he'll take his brother Sam with him and show him Calcutta and
+----, I forget what he calls it, but it is where our tea comes from;
+and he says he'll make him a bonny sailor, which he says is better
+than ploughing or turnip sowing. But his mother don't like this
+talk, for she says she shall never sleep at night when the wind gets
+up and the lightning comes. Well, I would rather keep them both at
+home, than let either of them go; but George has a desperate liking
+for the sea: and it seems to be his calling, and we must trust the
+Lord to take care of them. O dear, how I forget things! My thinkings
+about George coming back to us and Sam going from us, drives almost
+everything out of my head. I heard Bob Curliffe say, as I was
+crossing the lane on the top of the hill, that he heard his master
+say to Mr. Hyde that Mr. Roscoe is dead, is that true, Sir?"
+
+"Yes; he died suddenly, yesterday morning, when on his knees in
+prayer."
+
+"That's just how I should like to die, and no mistake. What a
+wonderful change for a man--all in a moment; from earth to heaven
+in no time! Mr. Ingleby will give us a grand sarmunt on Sunday on
+this subject, or I am no prophet. I shouldn't wonder if he takes the
+matter of Enoch's getting into heaven without dying. I should like
+that way of going, but we must leave all to the Lord. After all, I
+don't care how I go, or who sees me go, so as I get into heaven at
+last."
+
+The Farmer was right in his predictions. Mr. Ingleby did give us an
+excellent sermon on the translation of Enoch; and this was followed
+by an admirable sketch of the character of our deceased friend. But
+I can do no more than transcribe the subjoined paragraph, which I
+took down at the time I heard it:--
+
+"When it pleaseth God to visit our friends with a lengthened
+indisposition before he removes them, we have the pleasure of
+administering to them the consolations of religion--of exchanging
+the expressions of Christian sympathy--and catching from their lips
+some sublime expressions of anticipated bliss. The sufferings,
+however, which they generally endure are so keen and so poignant,
+that in many instances we are thankful when the contest is over.
+But if death comes in an unexpected hour, and bears off a friend
+without giving us any warning, we are plunged into the lowest abyss
+of sorrow, because we are denied the privilege of bidding him adieu:
+yet as a mitigation of our anguish we have this consolation, that he
+was not called to _walk_ through the dreary valley, being borne as
+'on angels' wings' to heaven. In such a case his departure partakes
+more of a translation than an act of dying; he oversteps the grave,
+and enters into the possession of his purchased inheritance without
+having his fears awakened by the solemnity of his removal, or his
+peace disturbed by the anxieties and distress which it occasions to
+others. One hour he is with his friends on earth, busily employed
+in all the duties of his station--the next with his friends in the
+celestial world, joining with them in their ascriptions of praise
+to Him that sitteth on the throne, and to the Lamb. One hour he is
+mourning here below over the imperfections of his character--the
+next he feels himself made perfect in purity and in blessedness;
+and while those who revered and loved him are weeping around his
+breathless corpse, he is taking his part in the exercises of that
+sacred temple in which the worshippers serve the Lord day and night
+for ever."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+At last the long expected Wednesday night came, and Mr. Stevens
+drove me in his gig to Farmer Pickford's, where I found the barn
+full of people waiting my arrival. His son George commenced the
+service by reading a hymn, and he read it very well; he then led
+off the singing; his brother Harry, a good tenor, standing on his
+left, and his father, a good bass, on his right. His mother, with
+two or three younger females, stood behind, and altogether a very
+effective rustic choir was formed. I selected for my text the 23d
+verse of the 11th chapter of the Acts--"Who, when he came, and had
+seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with
+purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord."
+
+"This, my dear brethren," I observed, "is very likely the last
+time I may ever meet you, and address you, in this rustic temple,
+which is as glorious in the eyes of the Holy One of Israel, as the
+magnificent temple at Jerusalem, which was his local dwelling-place
+in ancient times. For here he has condescended to visit you, though
+unseen, and listen to your prayers and your praises; and here the
+glorious gospel of his grace has proved his power to your salvation.
+Yes, when you have finished your course, and the conflict is over,
+and when you have gained the prize of your high calling, your
+recollections will hover over this hallowed spot, as the spiritual
+birth-place of your immortal souls; where you were quickened into
+newness of life; and where 'after that ye believed, ye were sealed
+with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our
+inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto
+the praise of his glory' (Eph. i. 13, 14). I solemnly charge every
+one of you to be faithful unto death, otherwise you will die in your
+sins, and be lost for ever. And how dreadful would such a loss be!"
+
+The service closed in the usual way, and the congregation dispersed.
+The Farmer introduced several persons to me, who had received
+spiritual benefit from the sermon on the conversion of Zaccheus,
+particularly his neighbour Farmer Richards, of whose conversion
+he had previously given me some account, and who was invited to
+sup with us. This meal was as sumptuous as the former one. It was
+soon over; and then before I rose from the table I thus addressed
+them:--"Great spiritual changes, my dear friends, have taken place
+in your family since I took my first meal in this kitchen. You,"
+addressing Mr. P., "were then an unenlightened and an unrenewed
+man, living without God in the world, without Christ, and without
+hope; but now, with your dear wife, you have passed from death
+unto life; have both tasted that the Lord is gracious; are made
+fellow-heirs of the grace of life; and can rejoice in the hope
+of your final salvation. Your first-born has long since yielded
+himself to God, as one alive from the dead; and there sits by your
+side your long-lost George, unexpectedly restored to you, and made
+a new creature in Christ Jesus before he came back to receive your
+parental benediction. And though the younger children are not yet
+brought within the bonds of the covenant"--(I was here interrupted
+by the Farmer, who, under an excitement he could not repress,
+exclaimed, "I think our Sam is, for I saw him on his knees in prayer
+the other night.")--"I am glad to hear this, and I trust that he,
+like his two brothers, will yield himself to God, to be renewed,
+sanctified, and saved; and that his dear sisters will follow their
+example; and that all of you will be saved, and glorified in the
+celestial world." "The Lord grant it may be so," said all. At the
+urgent request of Mrs. Pickford, I read a psalm, and prayed with the
+family. It was a solemn service--more solemn than any preceding one,
+because it was the last. Many wept when on their knees, and some
+wept when they rose up, to give and receive the final farewell. I
+hastily shook hands with every one in the room, simply saying, as
+I went out, "Lord bless you, and keep you. I hope we shall meet in
+heaven." "Amen!" was the response, given with an earnestness and a
+solemnity that was almost overpowering.
+
+When the Farmer came to button the apron of our gig, he again took
+my hand; and he said, as the tear fell from his eye, "The Lord be
+praised for sending you to taste my ale and cream cheese, and you be
+thanked for coming. I hope you will pray for me, that I may stick
+close to the Lord, with all my heart and soul; and I hope you will
+always pray for our George and his brother Sam, when the wind gets
+up. Good night, gemmen; a safe ride to Fairmount. Farewell."
+
+
+
+
+A STRUGGLE FOR LIFE.
+
+
+One morning, while at breakfast at Fairmount, I was surprised by
+a note from Mr. John Ryder, requesting the favour of a call from
+me, at Aston, before I returned home. The reader will remember Mr.
+Ryder[37] as a suitor of Miss Denham, and the affecting farewell of
+the latter to him on her death-bed.
+
+  [37] Vol. i. p. 420.
+
+"There is a mystery in this," said Mr. Stevens, "which I cannot
+account for. I have not seen Mr. Ryder for many months. Miss
+Denham's death was a dreadful blow to him, and since then he has
+never recovered his wonted spirits, but become quite a recluse,
+neither paying nor receiving any visits."
+
+"Who can tell?" I remarked; "her death may issue in his spiritual
+life. I will send a reply, saying that I will call on him to-morrow
+evening."
+
+"He is a noble character," said Mrs. Stevens; "and a young man
+of great intelligence and most amiable disposition. I trust his
+affliction has led him to direct his attention to the only true
+source of consolation. Indeed, I have some grounds for hoping that
+this is the case, as I understand he has been very regular in his
+attendance at church for some time past."
+
+On going to Aston the following evening to call on Mr. Ryder, I
+unexpectedly met him, and we walked together to his house. After
+thanking me for my promptness in thus responding to his request,
+he proceeded to disclose to me, without much reserve, the deep
+perplexity and strongly excited state of his mind on the question
+of personal religion; asking me, at the same time, for my advice,
+and how he should act to obtain relief from his perplexities and
+depression of spirit.
+
+He frankly confessed that prior to the death of Miss Denham, for
+whom he had long cherished a most ardent attachment, he had imbibed
+some vague sceptical opinions against religion. Her dying farewell,
+however, both astonished and confounded him, particularly the last
+words which she addressed to him:--"We now part, but I hope not
+for ever. Death, which is now removing me, may soon call for you;
+and then I hope you will find that consolation in the death of a
+despised Saviour, which it has pleased God, very unexpectedly and
+undeservedly, to give to me." "I never," he remarked, "heard her say
+anything like this before. She was now entering the dark unknown
+world; but it appears that she derived consolation from the death of
+Jesus Christ. How is this? said I, as I withdrew from the chamber
+of death; and how can it be? I have said thousands of times since.
+However, what I saw and heard on that awfully appalling occasion
+left an indelible conviction on my mind, that there is a something
+in religion suited to humanity at the most momentous period of its
+history. But what is that something? I said to myself. Is it a
+hidden mystery which the great teacher death alone can explain; or
+is it possible to get the mystery explained before death comes? This
+is the emphatic question I wish you to solve, as my happiness both
+in this world and the next depends on its solution."
+
+In token of his sincerity, he told me that he had altogether
+withdrawn from the gay world; regularly attended his parish church,
+and had taken the sacrament several times. He now read the Bible,
+and other devotional books, in preference to novels and periodicals;
+and went through a regular form of private prayer, both morning
+and evening. He closed by saying:--"But, like a man surrounded by
+a thick mist when crossing some wild moor, I know not whether I am
+going right or wrong--I can obtain no satisfaction."
+
+I was about to reply to this communication, when our arrival at
+Aston, and the appearance of Miss Ryder, to whom I was introduced by
+her brother, put a stop to further conversation on the subject for
+the present. We now entered the house, and while tea was preparing,
+Mr. Ryder proposed that we should take a turn round the garden. In
+passing along, my eye caught sight of a beautiful figure of Ceres,
+resting on a pedestal. I remarked, that it was by a very slow and
+painstaking process that things of real excellence were brought to
+perfection.
+
+"Yes," replied Mr. Ryder; "a few months ago that beautiful figure
+was a rough, shapeless stone. I have often thought, when standing
+and admiring it, what an eye and what a taste its sculptor must
+possess! But after all, it wants life to give the full expression of
+beauty."
+
+"It stands as an emblematical figure."
+
+"Yes, Sir; of the productive power of nature."
+
+"And, Sir, of something else."
+
+"Of what?"
+
+"Of the man who has the form of godliness, but who has never felt
+its regenerating and life-giving power."
+
+He paused, looked grave, but spoke not. After the lapse of a few
+moments he moved on in silence, as though my words had excited a new
+train of thought in his mind. At length he said:--"I do not clearly
+understand what you mean by the expression--the regenerating and
+life--giving power of godliness."
+
+"I mean the regenerating power of the Divine Spirit, creating anew
+the human soul, and infusing into it spiritual life. 'You,' says the
+apostle, when addressing the members of the church at Ephesus, 'hath
+he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins' (Eph. ii. 1)."
+
+"But is man, at any period of his moral history, living in a state
+of death? Such a supposition appears to me to be paradoxical."
+
+"Before the regenerating power of the Divine Spirit acts on the
+soul of man, he lives in a state of death, in two senses. We say,
+for example, of the culprit who is condemned to die, that he is a
+dead man. His life is not his own; it is forfeited to the claims
+of justice. And thus, while living in an unrenewed and unpardoned
+state, we are legally dead; our life is forfeited to the claims of
+Divine justice; and we are exposed to the penalty of the violated
+law of God."
+
+"And what is that penalty?"
+
+"Condemnation, including in its infliction the forfeiture of the
+favour of God; mental disquietude, remorse, and dread of death,
+exclusion from a state of happiness, on passing into the eternal
+world; and banishment to hell, in despair, for ever. For it is
+written--'Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things
+which are written in the book of the law to do them' (Gal. iii. 10)."
+
+He again moved on in silence; and then suddenly stopping, and
+resting his eye for a few moments on the ground, he replied, under
+great excitement:--"This, Sir, is a fearful condition of existence.
+It is appalling. It chills my blood to think of it. Then my present
+restlessness and disquietude of soul are the lighter inflictions of
+this tremendous penalty--the premonitions of the coming storm of
+God's righteous displeasure."
+
+"Yes, Sir; and they are given in mercy and in love."
+
+"You surprise me. What! does mercy ever employ such terrific
+forerunners to announce her coming? If so, for what purpose?"
+
+"To rouse man, while living in a state of false security, to an
+apprehension of his guilt, and consequent danger. They are, in fact,
+warning voices, warning man to flee from the wrath to come, to
+repent of his sins, and to make him feel the absolute necessity of a
+Divine interposition to rescue him from the peril of his condition,
+that he may 'seek the Lord while he may be found, and call upon him
+while he is near' (Isa. lv. 6)."
+
+We now entered a tastefully constructed grotto, covered with ivy,
+situated at the upper extremity of the garden. Here we had an
+enchanting prospect of the surrounding country, and stood gazing on
+it for a while in silence, when Mr. Ryder remarked--"This, Sir, is a
+beautiful world."
+
+"Yes, Sir," I replied; "and it would have been a happy world, if sin
+had not entered and defiled it, and thus marred our happiness. The
+beasts of the field and the birds of the air appear to have escaped
+its withering influence. They are happy. It is only man, the noblest
+specimen of the Divine workmanship, who is groaning and pining away
+in mournful sadness, under its polluting and destroying power."
+
+"To me, Sir, it appears surprising that the Deity should have
+permitted sin to enter this province of his vast dominions, and
+allow it to become the active agent of so much crime and misery,
+when he could so easily have prevented it, if he had chosen."
+
+"I am not surprised by your remarks, for unquestionably the
+dispensation under which we are living is awfully mysterious; but
+still, notwithstanding the impenetrable darkness which envelopes
+certain parts of the Divine procedure, other parts are plain
+and intelligible, obviously conducive to our present and final
+happiness. Hence, if we act wisely, we shall turn our attention
+from what we _cannot_ know, to what we _may_ know-from concealed
+reasons and causes, to revealed facts. Instead, then, of perplexing
+ourselves about the origin of evil, we shall sit at the feet of
+Jesus, and he will tell us what God has done to repair the injury
+of the fall--'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only
+begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but
+have everlasting life' (John iii. 16). This, Sir, is plain, and this
+is intelligible; and we are assured by the Son of God himself, that
+if we believe in him we shall not perish, but have everlasting life."
+
+"Your remarks, Sir, interest me. They illumine the darkness in which
+my own thoughts have been long revolving in shapeless con fusion.
+I begin to perceive that my salvation is possible. You referred
+just now to another sense in which man is dead, in addition to the
+forfeiture of his life, by his violations of the law of God; will
+you explain what that other state of death is?"
+
+Our conversation was here interrupted by a summons to tea. Mr. Ryder
+was now profoundly silent on the questions which had engrossed our
+attention, leaving an impression on my mind that his sister had
+no sympathy with his spiritual anxieties and depression. She was
+about twenty-five years of age, of very pleasing manners, and an
+apparently amiable disposition--neither obtrusive nor reserved;
+sprightly, and somewhat of a facetious turn. When looking at
+and listening to her, the words which our Lord addressed to the
+accomplished young ruler of Judea involuntarily occurred to me--"One
+thing thou lackest." Her brother now proposed another stroll in the
+garden, which was prevented by the arrival of some visitors, and the
+rest of the evening passed away without any recurrence to our former
+topic of conversation. On taking leave, Mr. Ryder made me promise
+that I would soon repeat my visit, which I accordingly did in the
+course of the ensuing week.
+
+On this occasion I again met Mr. Ryder, as before, taking an
+evening stroll, and we walked to Aston together. On passing an old
+dilapidated mansion, we saw its proprietor standing in the porch, a
+nondescript both in appearance and character. "That, Sir," said Mr.
+Ryder, "is the most singular man I ever knew; he is very wealthy,
+and leads a very selfish and sensual life; he loves nothing but
+himself, his dogs, and his gun. He has sympathy for a dog when in
+pain, but none for a human being. His dogs are fed sumptuously, and
+taken the greatest care of, but he has never been known to give
+anything in charity to his own species. He shuns all intercourse
+with his fellow-men, and is, in fact, a perfect misanthrope--a
+being without a heart. Not long ago, his father, who lives in
+extreme poverty in the adjoining county, came to see him, but he
+peremptorily ordered him away without giving him bit or drop."
+
+"This man," I replied, "loving nothing but himself, his dog, and his
+gun, not even his own father, is happily a very rare case, but it is
+one which is both illustrative and suggestive. He is a living emblem
+of the unregenerate man; who is a selfish being, loving nothing but
+what ministers to his own sensual gratifications. He has no heart
+to revere and love his heavenly Father, and is consequently unfit
+for heaven, and unfit to live amongst, and associate with the pure
+and happy spirits who dwell there. If he were taken to heaven in his
+present moral and spiritual condition, he would appear as strange a
+being amongst them, as this man does amongst you--shunning all, for
+want of congeniality of taste and disposition; and shunned by all
+as odious and repulsive; his expulsion would be an act of necessity,
+both in relation to himself and to others. Hence it is obvious from
+the nature of the case, as well as from the Word of God, that before
+an unregenerate man is meet for heaven, the sentence of condemnation
+which is recorded against him must, by an act of free grace, be
+repealed, and then all his sins are forgiven. In addition to this,
+he must be renewed in the spirit of his mind, and a spiritual life
+must be breathed into him by the power of the Divine Spirit."
+
+"I have, Sir, I think, a clear apprehension of what you mean by an
+act of grace in repealing the sentence of condemnation recorded
+against us for the sins we commit; but you say, that in addition to
+this we need the infusion into our mind of a new life, which you
+call a spiritual life. But if we are pardoned by an act of free
+grace, will not this secure to us an admission into heaven, without
+that additional operation to which you refer, and of which I can
+form no clear conception?"
+
+"The exercise of free grace in pardoning a sinner is merely
+exempting him from a liability to punishment in this world,
+and in the world to come; but if he remain unrenewed, he will
+be the same in his moral principles, in his predilections, and
+antipathies, after he is pardoned, as he was while under a sentence
+of condemnation. He will feel no filial reverence for God; the love
+of Christ will not glow in his soul; he will possess no aptitude to
+hold fellowship with the pure spirits of the celestial world; nor
+can he live and move amongst them with dignity and ease, as one of
+their order."
+
+"I perceive, Sir, the drift of your meaning; but yet it is enveloped
+in mysticism. One moment I seem to have it; but it is gone ere I can
+lay hold of it; it flits before me, and vanishes. However, there is
+one question which I shall feel obliged by you replying to: By what
+process can I originate, or get originated, this new spiritual life
+into my soul; and how must I set about it?"
+
+"You cannot, Sir, originate it. As you cannot pardon yourself,
+neither can you renew yourself."
+
+This remark fell with terrible force on his spirit, and cast a deep
+gloom on his countenance. He looked fearfully anxious, like a man
+who, on gaining an eminence apparently beyond the reach of the tide,
+sees his connection with the shore cut off by the unexpected rising
+of the waters.
+
+"I am, then, in a hopeless condition! It appears, Sir, from your
+statement, that I came into existence in a state of spiritual death,
+and consequent condemnation, without possessing any self-quickening
+power. This, if true, forces upon me the conviction that I must look
+upon myself as a poor unfortunate being, involved in a tremendous
+calamity, which I could not avoid, and from which I cannot extricate
+myself. Why, Sir, I am in a state of hopeless and irrecoverable
+misery."
+
+"No, Sir, neither irrecoverable nor hopeless; for God, who is rich
+in mercy to pardon, is also rich in mercy to renew and quicken you
+into newness of life."
+
+"But will He do it?"
+
+"Yes, if you are willing to have it done."
+
+"Willing! Sir; I am anxious to be saved, and saved on any terms,
+and by any process. I am willing to submit to any privations, any
+self-humiliation, any physical or mental tortures, to obtain the
+hope of salvation."
+
+"One of the principles of God's wise and gracious administration
+is embodied in the following absolute promise made to his ancient
+people, accompanied by its contingent condition:--'A new heart also
+will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will
+take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you
+an heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause
+you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do
+them. Thus saith the Lord God; I will yet for this be enquired of by
+the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with
+men like a flock' (Ezek. xxxvi. 26, 27, 37). A new spirit and a new
+heart is what you need, and now want; this God alone can give, and
+for this you must pray with great earnestness."
+
+We now arrived at Aston, where, after having tea, we sauntered
+out as before into the garden, and entered the grotto to admire
+the view. Here Mr. Ryder resumed the thread of our conversation
+by saying:--"Permit me to ask you a question, which I feel to be
+important. When the Divine Spirit breathes this spiritual life into
+the soul of a man who has been living in a state of spiritual death,
+is he conscious of the change produced?"
+
+"In some rare instances, I believe that a man does feel the action
+of the renewing and life-giving power of the Divine Spirit, at the
+very instant of time he is passing from death to life, though he may
+not then know by whom the spiritual operation is performed."
+
+"But, Sir, as it is only rarely that such a sudden transition
+from death to life takes place, by what signs are we to determine
+its actual occurrence, when it is the result of a more lengthened
+process?"
+
+"I believe the infusion of spiritual life in the soul of man is
+always an instantaneous act, though a long time may and often does
+elapse before he actually knows that he is quickened into newness
+of life. And in all cases the signs by which we may decide as
+to its actual occurrence, are very similar to those by which we
+determine the reality of our physical existence. For example, I am
+conscious that I am alive, because I breathe, feel, see, and hear,
+which I could not do if I were not alive. By a similar criterion
+we arrive at a satisfactory belief of the reality of our spiritual
+life. I am made alive from the dead; and as a proof of it, I can
+utter the voice of prayer and of praise. I _feel_ sin to be a
+loathsome burden, offensive to my taste; I can _see_ the glory of
+Christ displayed in his life, in his sufferings, and in his death.
+I can _hear_ the voice of the Lord speaking to me in his promises,
+to comfort and strengthen me; and in his precepts, commanding my
+subjection and resignation to his sovereign will; I can _walk_ in
+the way of his commandments, and feel obedience to be a source of
+gratitude and delight. I often _hunger_ and _thirst_ after a more
+perfect conformity to his righteousness; and now my meditations on
+God are sweet and delightful; and I can say--'Whom have I in heaven
+but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee'
+(Psal. lxxiii. 25). These are the unmistakeable signs of spiritual
+life."
+
+"You certainly, Sir, have supplied me with ample materials for
+thinking and reflection, and made an opening for my more easy
+understanding of the Bible. But there is one question of a more
+direct personal nature, which I wish to propose, and it is
+this--What am I to do? I am restless and unhappy. I want relief.
+Where, and how, can I obtain it? What positive thing am I to do,
+or suffer, to obtain it? That is the great question with me _now_.
+I perceive that the ulterior design of the Christian scheme of
+revelation is to restore man to the moral state from which he is
+fallen; but I have now to do with the present time, and the present
+state of my mind. What am I to do, or suffer, to gain peace of mind,
+and get that new spiritual life, of which you have been speaking?"
+
+"I am happy, Sir, that it is in my power to give a specific, and
+I trust a satisfactory reply to your question. You are awakened
+out of your long dormant state of moral insensibility, to see and
+to feel your real character and condition in relation to God and
+eternity. This is the primary cause of your mental disquietude and
+restlessness. You have sought for relief in the outward forms of
+religion, and in the services and sacraments of the Church; but you
+have not succeeded in obtaining it. These expedients have proved
+to you the mirage of hope, not the well-spring of relief. Happily,
+there is a relieving power yet in reserve, which will not deceive or
+disappoint you--'For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that
+which was lost' (Luke xix. 10). As Jesus Christ came into the world
+to save sinners, he will not refuse to save any sinner who makes his
+appeal to his compassion and his power. Indeed, he assures us--'All
+that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to
+me I will in no wise cast out' (John vi. 37)."
+
+He now arose, evidently much impressed, and walked slowly out of the
+grotto, pacing to and fro along the gravel walk. After some time I
+moved off in an opposite direction; but at length we again met.
+
+"I hope, Sir," he said, "you will excuse my uncourteous act in
+leaving you; but I wished, by a little calm reflection, to settle in
+my mind the important statement which you have given me, before the
+vivid impressions which it produced went off. I trust I shall long
+remember this interview; and I hope the day may come when you will
+hail me as a fellow-disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ."
+
+I then prayed with him, and shortly after took my departure. I did
+not see his sister on this occasion, as she was from home, but I
+left a copy of Dr. Doddridge's _Sermons on Regeneration_, with a
+note begging her acceptance of it, and a request that she would read
+it carefully.
+
+Several months after this visit, when I had returned home to my
+ordinary duties, I received the subjoined letter from Mr. Ryder,
+which I read with emotions of gratitude and praise to Him who works
+all things after the counsel of his own will:--
+
+     "ASTON, _25th February, 18--_.
+
+     "REV. AND DEAR SIR,--The conversation which passed between us,
+     when I had the pleasure of a visit from you some months since,
+     supplied the clue which I had long been searching for, to a
+     right understanding of the Word of God on the great practical
+     questions relating to my present happiness and final salvation.
+     I know that my knowledge is still very superficial, but I trust
+     I now understand the hidden mystery; what it is to pass from
+     death to life; and from a state of guilt and condemnation to
+     pardon and acceptance. I have taken the one decisive step,
+     and cast myself at the feet of the Saviour, pleading his own
+     promise, and he has given me rest. I have now obtained--what I
+     long sought for in vain--peace of mind, and a good hope of final
+     happiness; because I have been diverted from the refuge of lies,
+     in which I too long trusted, to the true source of consolation.
+
+     "You will not be surprised to hear, that the ministry of the
+     Rev. Mr. Cole became more and more distasteful, as I advanced
+     in my knowledge of Christ and the mystery of redemption, till
+     at length I reluctantly withdrew from his church, which I have
+     attended from my childhood. I now attend the church of the Rev.
+     Mr. Guion, an excellent preacher and pastor, whom I believe you
+     know. And it is with no slight emotions of joyous delight, that
+     I have it in my power to inform you, that my beloved sister has
+     been brought to feel the renewing influence of religion on her
+     heart. This blessed result has been brought about by reading the
+     incomparable sermons of Dr. Doddridge, which you so kindly gave
+     to her. Being favoured with the enlightened and soul-searching
+     ministry of our excellent pastor, she soon obtained joy and
+     peace in believing. While I was left to wander in darkness, or
+     in twilight, through many an anxious month, at times nearly
+     despairing of a successful issue, her translation from darkness
+     into light was almost instantaneous. She is now my helper in the
+     Lord; and the affection which always subsisted between us is now
+     doubly strengthened by the ties of Christian love and sympathy.
+
+     "I hope that ere long you will again be in this part of the
+     country; and I need not say how glad my sister and I should be
+     to see you.--With every sentiment of respect, in which Anna
+     joins, believe me, yours very sincerely,
+
+     J. RYDER."
+
+
+
+
+THE SCEPTIC RECLAIMED.
+
+
+Before leaving Fairmount to return home, I was unexpectedly
+gratified by a letter from Mr. Gordon, who had learned, from a
+mutual acquaintance, of my having gone to pay a visit to my friends
+in the west of England. His communication, upon the whole, much
+pleased me, and revived hopes which had almost ceased to exist. It
+satisfied me that his mind was restless, yielding in some slight
+degree to the force of facts and evidence, though he still clung
+pertinaciously to his sceptical notions. He wrote as follows:--"I
+have been prosecuting my inquiries on what you call the grand
+question, having read carefully Dr. Bogue's essay, which you kindly
+presented to me. I have also conned over some of the facts and
+evidences which you brought forward at our last interview.[38]
+This, I presume, you will say is taking a step or two in the right
+direction; and I suppose you will wish to know the practical
+result. I will first give you the negative: it has not issued in
+what you would hail as a glorious triumph--my conversion to the
+Christian faith. No; I am what I was when you left me--still a
+decided unbeliever. My heart recoils from admitting that a theory
+of religion, enveloped in such mystery, and accompanied by such
+conditions, can claim a Divine origin. However, this much I will
+confess, that it has led me to revise, in some slight degree, my
+own theory of belief, or what you may call my disbelief. You will
+excuse me going into detail, as that would spin out this letter to
+a tedious length. I admit, then, that Christianity may work very
+beneficially amongst savages; and it may promote the happiness of
+persons of intelligence and taste, who are trained up under its
+influence. I have now no desire to exterminate it. Indeed, I would
+rather consent to let the venerable tree, which has taken such
+deep root in popular prejudices, or, if you prefer it, in popular
+sympathies, remain to afford shade and shelter to you who regard it
+as the tree of life, than I would touch it to injure it. No, Sir; I
+respect the taste and feelings of others too much to wish to deprive
+them of the object of their attachment and veneration."
+
+  [38] Vol. ii. p. 94.
+
+Mr. Gordon concluded his letter by saying that he hoped to have the
+pleasure of seeing me in London, as he presumed that I should pass
+through the metropolis on my way to my own town.
+
+About a week after receiving this letter I quitted Fairmount,
+leaving Mrs. Orme, who was still to remain for a few weeks longer
+at Rockhill. From the pressure of my engagements in the metropolis
+I was unable to make out my purposed call on Mr. Gordon. Having
+occasion, however, about four months afterwards, to go to London
+to preach a charity sermon, I set out one evening to see him; but
+on reaching his house, was concerned to find that he was in a very
+precarious state of health, and had been unable to go out for some
+time. On sending up my card, I was at once admitted, and found him
+in the drawing-room reclining on the sofa. He looked very ill; but,
+judging from the expression of his countenance, I thought he was
+glad to see me. On making some inquiries as to the length of his
+confinement, and the nature of his disorder, he made a reply which
+brought on a lengthened conversation.
+
+"It is now," he said, "nearly three months since I was in the city;
+and it is doubtful whether I shall ever go there again."
+
+"Is your disorder, then, of such a threatening character?"
+
+"Why, yes, it baffles Lawrence. But he is now trying another
+medicine, which he hopes will take effect; if not, he says, I must
+prepare for the worst."
+
+"I hope, then, you are making the necessary preparations."
+
+"To be candid, Sir, I am the same man as when we had the last
+chat on the question of Christian missions, with this only
+difference--then I was in vigorous health, but now I am prostrated
+by disease, and disease which threatens to be fatal, though it does
+not give me much pain."
+
+"You must no doubt feel some anxiety when so near death--on the eve
+of the final extinction of your being, or of passing into another
+world of existence, and for ever?"
+
+"Why, yes, I am no stoic; and therefore I feel emotions both novel
+and painful. I would rather live than die, especially if I could
+recover my usual health and energy; because it is better to be,
+than not to be. The prospect of a termination to my existence is no
+pleasing theme for reflection."
+
+"Then you still believe that when death comes you will cease to
+exist, and perish for ever like the beasts of the field?"
+
+"That is my belief."
+
+"But you may be mistaken."
+
+"I admit it, because mere belief and positive knowledge are two very
+different things."
+
+"Then you are living in a state of uncertainty; as you know not
+whether you will be annihilated or live on for ever in another
+state of existence. Surely this must give rise to some fearful and
+depressing thoughts."
+
+"No, I cannot say that it does, because I think the Deity who
+brought me into existence without my solicitation, and who has given
+me such a large portion of enjoyment throughout life, will still
+befriend me, if he decide that I shall continue to exist after death
+in another world. That I shall continue to exist, however, I do not
+expect."
+
+"But do you not perceive the fallacious ground on which your
+expectation is placed, unless you believe, and without any clear
+evidence, that the Deity has made a special dispensation in your
+behalf?"
+
+"I don't quite understand you."
+
+"Why, you infer that your future condition of existence, if you
+are to live after death, will be similar to the one which you have
+enjoyed here, and which has been, upon the whole, a very favourable
+one. Suppose another person proceed on the same principle, he
+must infer, that his future condition will be a most painful and
+unfortunate one, simply because his present condition is so. There
+is, then, a self-evident and a dangerous fallacy in the proposition
+which allows two persons to draw from it such opposite inferences,
+the one for, and the other against himself, and without any
+reference to personal conduct or character."
+
+"There may be a logical fallacy in my proposition, and in my
+reasoning on it; but it is the only ground of hope, when, in some
+moments of misgiving, I am led to admit the possibility of passing
+into another state of existence."
+
+"Well, then, you are reduced to the necessity of making one
+admission, which is a terrible rebuke to your sceptical theory."
+
+"Indeed! and what is that?"
+
+"That your position, in relation to death, is an unenviable one,
+especially when placed in comparison with that of a believer in
+Christ; indeed, it is one which should make you recoil in terror."
+
+"I admit it. Yes, Sir, if you were in the same condition with
+myself, you would, I have no doubt, have visions of celestial glory
+flitting before your imagination, and you would be in ecstasy.
+Yes, a believer in Christ has a great advantage over us, when
+he approaches the crisis of his destiny. No gloomy thoughts or
+anxieties harass his soul; but on the contrary, a brilliant prospect
+stretching far into eternity opens to his view. Yes, a believer in
+Christianity ought to feel a transport of joy in anticipation of his
+death."
+
+"Then, on your own admission, death to a believer in Christ is the
+morning star of a glorious day; but to a sceptic, it is the dark
+shadow of coming night."
+
+"I admit you have brilliant visions, when death is coming to bear
+you off; we have none, we see nothing but darkness, and feel at
+times the terror of uncertainty. I admit you occupy the vantage
+ground then; you stand on what you believe is a rock; beneath us is
+the moving quicksand. Yes, you die in general better than we do,
+or can do. There is no denying this; and I shall not attempt to
+disguise it."
+
+"Your condition, my dear friend, in my apprehension, is truly
+appalling. It agonizes me. I see you standing on the edge of a
+tremendous precipice. In a moment you may be lost, and perish, and
+for ever. Shall I pray with you, before I leave you? The prayer of
+faith may prevail for your rescue and salvation."
+
+"Excuse me, dear Sir, without supposing that I undervalue your
+generous friendship. You would save me, I know, if you could. But
+I have no faith, and therefore it would not be honest to appear
+devout, and I cannot compel myself to believe."
+
+I called again before I left London, but as he was asleep, I did not
+see him; but I saw his housekeeper, a very intelligent, pious woman,
+in whose integrity I knew he had great confidence. She informed
+me, that when sitting with her master during one very restless
+night; and thinking, from some heavy sighs which he occasionally
+heaved, that some new feelings were stirring within him, she said to
+him--"It is a great pity, Sir, that you will cling so firmly to your
+infidel opinions when they cannot comfort you. You had better look
+up to the Saviour; he is able, and he is willing to comfort and save
+you."
+
+"Well, Mary," he replied, "I admit it would be better if I could
+believe in a Saviour, as you do, than to remain in my present state
+of uncertainty; but I have no faith--I cannot compel myself to
+believe."
+
+"Then, Sir, pray to the Lord Jesus, and he will give you faith to
+trust in him for salvation. He has compassion for them that are out
+of the right way."
+
+"But how can I pray, when I have no faith in prayer? It may all be
+true what you believe, and if it should, I am irrecoverably lost,
+and for ever; but I have no faith in such a tremendous issue."
+
+"But, Sir, such a tremendous issue may be certain, even though you
+do not believe it; and the bare possibility of its occurrence should
+alarm you."
+
+"I admit that, but I can't compel myself to believe."
+
+I returned home with a heavy heart, feeling as a humane person
+feels, on coming out of the prison, where he has had the last
+agonizing interview with an old friend, whom he has left under the
+sentence of death. Having requested Mr. Gordon's housekeeper to let
+me know if any change took place in his health, I received a note
+from her a few weeks afterwards, saying, the crisis was past, and
+that he was so far restored, that he was now at Maidenhead, trying
+the effect of a change of air and scene. This gave me pleasure--as
+a respite sometimes issues in a rescue. His form was ever before
+me. Many a petition did I offer up to the Hearer of prayer in his
+behalf; and more than once, on rising from my knees, I felt a strong
+persuasion that the prayer of faith would prevail. It was after a
+very remarkable season of special devotion, when I pleaded with the
+Lord with intense and hallowed earnestness, that I received from
+him the following letter, which was an ample recompense for all my
+labours and anxieties:--
+
+     "REV. AND DEAR SIR,--I yield at last. My only hope for pardon
+     and peace is in the precious blood of Christ. My heart is too
+     full to write much. It is full to overflowing. Do come and see
+     me, and I will tell you all. I can secure you a spare room not
+     far from my own lodgings.--Yours truly,
+
+     ARTHUR GDORDON."
+
+I set off immediately, and spent several days with him; and had from
+him and his housekeeper a detailed statement of the occurrences
+which had taken place, and which I will now reduce to continuous
+order, for the gratification of the reader. He had taken lodgings
+in a cottage occupied by a poor but pious family, and which was
+pleasantly situated near the banks of the Thames. Though he had no
+regard for the exercises of family devotion, yet he had no very
+strong antipathy to them. He therefore felt no annoyance by hearing
+the good man read and pray with his family morning and evening,
+though no one knew that he was in the habit of listening. The
+simple, yet earnest petitions (as Mr. Gordon afterwards confessed)
+which were offered up to the Hearer of prayer, in behalf of the
+stranger, for his restoration to the enjoyment of perfect health,
+and that his affliction might be sanctified to his spiritual
+benefit, often made a deep impression on his heart, but it passed
+away without any appearance of a beneficial result.
+
+An incident now occurred which had nearly proved fatal to him,
+but it was overruled for good. He went with a party of friends to
+spend the day at Marlow; and as they calculated on the probability
+of seeing some wild ducks, one gentleman took his gun with him. On
+their return down the river in the evening, they resolved, as it
+felt rather cold, to walk the last two or three miles. In stepping
+out of the boat, one of the party slipped, and at that moment the
+loaded gun, which he carried in his hand, went off; Mr. Gordon, who
+was a little in advance, and stooping down to fasten his shoe, fell,
+and his hat was blown to shivers. All were terror-struck, under the
+impression that he was killed; but it was soon discovered that he
+had sustained no injury, beyond a slight wound on the right side of
+his forehead, and the tip of his ear, which were slightly grazed.
+They pressed around him with their congratulations; one facetiously
+remarking, that he must have been born under a lucky star, to dodge
+death so dexterously, when it was so near him. The accident, and the
+escape, naturally engaged more of their conversation than any of
+the other occurrences of the day; but there was no reference to the
+special providence of God, except in the usual strain of sceptical
+derision. "A pious believer," said the facetious man, "would be for
+kneeling down, and offering up a tribute of thanksgiving for your
+lucky escape, Gordon; and so should I, if I believed in a special
+Providence."
+
+"I don't believe," said another, "that God ever interferes in such
+little matters; if he did, he could easily have prevented the slip
+of the foot, which was the first moving cause of the explosion; and
+had he done that, Gordon would have saved his hat, and gone home
+without his scars."
+
+These remarks, which at any other time would have been in harmony
+with his opinions and sentiments, by his own admission, now grated
+harshly on his ears; he felt his spirit recoil from them, and for
+the first time in his life wished himself out of such company. He
+was somewhat astonished, as he confessed to me, by the suddenly
+awakened antipathies, which beat so strongly in his heart. On
+arriving at his lodgings, he related to the family the particulars
+of his narrow escape from death; when the good man exclaimed, in a
+subdued tone of pious reverence, "The Lord be praised for protecting
+you in such an hour of danger. This, Sir, is an instance of what
+the Psalmist calls preventing mercy, for which you should be truly
+grateful to the Lord."
+
+Mr. Gordon knew that his servant united with the family in their
+evening devotions; and thinking that this accident and escape would
+form a subject of reference in the prayers of the pious cottager, he
+kept his door ajar, and sat and listened. He heard his servant say,
+"My master is as kind a man as walks on the earth, and is thankful
+for any attentions which are paid to him by any one; but he has no
+gratitude in his heart to the God of his mercies. He lives, as the
+apostle says, without God in the world."
+
+"Well, then," replied the good man, "if he offer up no thanksgivings
+to the Lord for his miraculous escape from death, we will do it
+for him; and pray that he may be brought to feel as a child of our
+heavenly Father ought to feel." He then read the sixth chapter
+of the Gospel of Matthew, remarking, at the conclusion, that it
+was a great privilege to be able to believe the consolatory and
+soul-sustaining truths which they had been reading. One sentence in
+his prayer was uttered with emphatic earnestness--"We thank thee, O
+Lord, for preserving the life of the stranger now sojourning with
+us, when it was so near death; and we pray that he may feel towards
+thee as a child ought to feel towards his heavenly Father." This
+touched his heart.
+
+"I never," he said to me, "felt such an emotion as I experienced
+when that simple prayer was uttered. It was as thrilling and as
+powerful as it was sudden and unexpected. I immediately arose and
+seated myself on the sofa, and was soon absorbed in a train of deep
+thought. Yes, death came very near me to-night. He has marked the
+signs of his nearness in the scar wounds on my forehead and my ear.
+Was it mere chance which gave me a hair-breadth escape from a sudden
+death? Yes, says infidelity; God never interferes in little matters.
+But would it have been to me a little matter if I had had an arm
+blown off, or a leg broken, or been sent out of life into another
+world; and probably to ----. No. It would have been a great matter
+_then_. Is my preservation from death to be regarded as a little
+matter? Was God away from the spot where my friend's foot slipped?
+Yes, says infidelity; and I should have responded to this saying
+before the event occurred; but I cannot _now_. I doubt my own faith;
+I renounce it. It may do at a club, or a convivial party; but it
+won't do for the spot where death was coming, but where the victim
+has been miraculously rescued from his power. 'AS A CHILD OUGHT TO
+FEEL TOWARDS HIS HEAVENLY FATHER!' Beautiful expression! Yes, I
+ought to feel grateful to God; but I have never considered him as
+standing in the relation of a father to me. But has he not on this
+occasion acted like one?"
+
+On turning and looking carelessly round the room, he saw his copy
+of Tremaine lying on the side-board. He took it up and opened it;
+the chapter on Providence caught his eye, and he read it. "This,"
+he confessed to me, he found to be but "starlight-reading; clear,
+but cold; brilliant, but wanting in power; expanding the intellect,
+and charming the imagination, but not finding its way to the heart.
+I read, and believed; read, and yet doubted. I was," he said,
+"completely bewildered; but I recollect saying, O that I had the
+faith of the cottager, or my servant, my mind would be in perfect
+peace."
+
+His housekeeper, who, as yet, was ignorant of the novel process
+of thinking which was going on in his mind, informed me that she
+was astonished and delighted one evening by his asking her for the
+loan of her Bible. She fetched it, and on giving it to him, said,
+"That book, Sir, will do you good, if you pray over it when you are
+reading it." He read the sixth chapter of Matthew; read it several
+times; and when referring to it in our conversation, he said, "What
+a difference, Sir, between the two readings! Tremaine reasons
+closely and clearly; he almost demonstrates and compels belief; but
+there is no pathos, no power; the heart still remains sceptical and
+unmoved. Jesus Christ asserts, commands, and promises; the heart is
+captivated, and induced to place its trust in God. Yes! 'it must
+be,' as the pious cottager remarked, 'an inestimable privilege to
+be able to believe the consolatory and soul-sustaining truths which
+I have now been reading.' I believe NOW. But how is this? Logic
+has not been reasoning. My intellect is dormant; and yet it is
+spell-bound by novel and solemn thoughts. It is making new spiritual
+discoveries, which, I believe, are grand realities, but which I have
+long despised and rejected as legendary tales; and I feel tranquil.
+And yet, as the process of reflection goes on, I feel again
+bewildered. My calm is becoming a tumult; and out of satisfaction
+springs up anxiety. Is this a delusion, or am I waking up out of a
+mental torpor amidst sublime spiritual realities? I am conscious of
+a change which has come upon me, and very unexpectedly."
+
+"You do not doubt its reality?"
+
+"No, Sir; it is no sham. I am as conscious of its reality as I
+am of my own existence. I am no sceptic _now_. I have no hostile
+feeling _now_ against the remedial scheme of salvation. I adore
+Christ _now_. I can give him my heart. I am astonished by my own
+utterances; but they are the genuine expressions of my feelings."
+
+"I presume, Sir, you ascribe the great change which has taken place
+in your belief, and in your moral taste, to a supernatural cause; to
+what the apostle calls the grace of God?"
+
+"I do, Sir. There are three things which satisfy me that this
+marvellous change is the work of God. In the first place, I had no
+conception that such a change was either necessary or possible; in
+the next place, I had no more power or inclination to effect it
+myself than I have to raise a dead man to life; and then it has been
+produced so suddenly, preceded by no intimations or anticipations
+of such an occurrence, and by such apparently inadequate means.
+The simple prayers of the rustic cottager subdued me. They touched
+my heart. I could, as you know, withstand the assaults of the most
+acute and powerful reasoning; your persuasive eloquence touched no
+cord of my heart. I could repel, with a sarcasm, the most awful
+warnings; and stand immoveable when death was advancing to execute
+the penal sentence; but I could not stand out against the simple
+prayers of the pious cottager. Indeed, I felt more inclined to yield
+than to resist. It is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in my
+eyes. He made me willing in the day of his power. On this principle
+it can be accounted for, but on no other. Reason, as well as
+gratitude, compels me to say--By the grace of God, I am what I am.
+But O, my friend, where can I find language to give full expression
+to the astonishment and gratitude which I feel when reflecting on
+the long-suffering and the forbearance of God, whose majesty I
+have so often insulted, and whose authority I have set at nought,
+defying his threatenings, and spurning his overtures of mercy! How
+marvellous the condescending compassion and grace of the Lord Jesus
+Christ, who has at last brought me to penitence and contrition, and
+given me a hope of salvation!"
+
+"I suppose you now recal to your recollection, at times, some of
+the subjects of our former discussions; both your objections to the
+various parts of revealed truth, and how I endeavoured to refute
+them?"
+
+"In the first place, I may mention, that from the outset, on the
+Saturday evening we first met,[39] and through every succeeding
+encounter, I had a latent apprehension that you were right; and
+that your belief, with its consolations and prospects, was far more
+conducive to human happiness, than my disbelief, with its suspicions
+and uncertainties; I clearly saw, that on your hypothesis, the loss
+of life, which is the greatest of human possessions, would be an
+incalculable gain; but on mine, it would be an irreparable loss.
+When reasoning in my calmer moments on these data, I arrived at
+this conclusion--for man's sake the Christian faith _ought_ to be a
+genuine faith, even if it is not so; and I recollect when you were
+assigning the causes which invest the name of Jesus Christ with such
+great power over the human mind on its passing through scenes of
+extreme privation and peril, and especially when passing from one
+world to another, I felt that I would gladly exchange my disbelief
+and its uncertainties, for your faith and its assurances. I now,
+Sir, by the grace of God, can add my testimony to the truthfulness
+of what you asserted in that encounter. The Christian faith is both
+a renovating and consolatory power, and it does the work ascribed
+to it; it gives peace to a wounded spirit, and a hope full of
+immortality to the guilty and morally worthless."
+
+  [39] Vol. i. p. 94.
+
+"You would not now willingly be what you once were?"
+
+"Be what I once was! no, Sir. As readily suppose that a glorified
+spirit, if left to his own choice, would choose to come back to
+earth, to re-tread its polluting soil, to raise again the standard
+of rebellion against the Majesty of heaven, and again intermingle
+with the workers of iniquity. Be what I once was! no, Sir. Like the
+man in the gospel who found the pearl of great price, I have no wish
+to lose what I have miraculously found; I have found the Messiah,
+Jesus Christ the Saviour, mighty to save; and to his service I now
+consecrate myself for life and for ever."
+
+He took me one evening to the place where the gun-shot accident
+happened, and when pointing with his stick to the spot where he
+fell, he stood a while speechless, the tears trickling down his
+cheeks, when he exclaimed, under the impulse of strong emotion,
+"What a mercy that I was not blown from this spot into hell! On this
+spot, Sir, I have stood every evening since the accident occurred,
+to offer up my adorations and thanksgiving to the God of my mercies,
+and to echo the utterance of Paul, 'This is a faithful saying, and
+worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world
+to save sinners; of whom I am chief' (1 Tim. i. 15). Yes, Sir,
+and I will visit it when the gray hairs of age hang upon me, if I
+am spared to old age; and shall I ever forget it when in heaven?
+But the gun-shot and my escape would have proved the materials
+for a profane joke in a convivial party, had it not been for the
+sovereign grace of God, who employed it as the precursor of my
+salvation--'Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me,
+bless his holy name'" (Psal. ciii. 1).
+
+He continued at Maidenhead till his health was thoroughly
+re-established, and then he returned to London. On his reappearance
+at the counting-house, in which he had long held an important
+office, he received the hearty congratulations of the firm, and of
+all his fellow-clerks, by whom he was greatly respected, for his
+close application to his duties, his gentlemanly habits, and the
+kindness of his disposition.
+
+Shortly afterwards he had occasion to pass through my town on some
+business of his employers, and paid me a visit. We spent a very
+pleasant evening together. He then informed me that he had had a
+visit from Mr. Newton, and another infidel friend; who called with
+their congratulations on his escape from the gun-shot, and the
+recovery of his health, and to propose an excursion to Greenwich,
+with a party, on the following Sunday. This invitation he at once
+declined, and added, "You probably will be surprised to hear that
+I renounce as false, and as fatal, all the sceptical sentiments
+and opinions I once held; and now embrace with gratitude and joy
+the glorious gospel of Christ, as a true and sublime revelation of
+mercy and of grace. In future, my Sabbaths will be held sacred to
+public worship, in preference to any other exercises or pursuits.
+And I would earnestly entreat you to turn your serious attention
+to the paramount claims of the gospel; its rejection, as a legend
+of superstition, will embitter your reflections and appal your
+anticipations in a dying hour." They listened to this with profound
+astonishment, making no other remark than simply wishing him well,
+and then abruptly left him.
+
+I took occasion from this reference to Newton and his companion, to
+remark, that it would have been a great blessing for himself and
+others, if he had undergone this change at an earlier period of his
+life.
+
+"Ah, Sir," he replied, and the tear stood in his eye as he spoke,
+"I reflect with shame, and at times with agonizing regret, on the
+efforts I have made to seduce others from the way of righteousness
+and peace. My friend Lewellin has happily escaped from the evil
+course into which I led him on his first settlement in London,[40]
+and he is now a bright star in the church of Jesus Christ; but I
+fear that some have passed into the eternal world, under the fatal
+delusions with which I perverted their minds. These two old friends
+who lately paid me a visit of congratulation, and others still
+living, who are lost in the crowd of gaiety and dissipation, have
+sustained incalculable injury from the influence of my example,
+and the fatal tendency of my former sentiments and opinions. A
+recollection of these facts will entail upon me bitter regret and
+stinging remorse through the whole course of my life; and though I
+may obtain mercy from Him whose name I have so often blasphemed,
+yet from them I can expect nothing but the severest invective for
+having misled them, or the keenest satire and reproach for turning a
+renegade, as they will term it, to the system of scepticism we once
+professed in common."
+
+  [40] Vol. i. p. 13.
+
+
+
+
+THE RECTOR'S DEATH-BED.
+
+
+For several years Mr. Ingleby's health had been gradually declining,
+but to the last he displayed great vigour of intellect and vivacity
+of spirit. When I saw him on the occasion of my wedding visit to Mr.
+Lewellin, he appeared to be still hale and active, notwithstanding
+the great age which he had attained. In common with the rest of his
+friends, I expected that he might still be spared for a few years
+to instruct them by his counsels, and animate them by his example.
+Mr. Roscoe's death, however, proved a severe shock to him; he fell
+into a state of nervous depression; and after a violent cold which
+he took in going to visit a poor cottager, in a remote part of his
+parish, his parishioners began to fear that he would soon be removed
+from them. For several Sabbaths he was confined to the rectory;
+but when he grew a little better, he resumed the discharge of his
+pastoral duties. Though he brought into the pulpit the stores of
+knowledge which he had been collecting for many years, and felt
+his spirit still glowing with the ardour of an intense affection
+for the spiritual and eternal welfare of his hearers, his energy
+was now considerably abated; his voice, which was originally full
+and commanding, became low and enfeebled, and he often appeared
+exhausted by fatigue, even before he had half finished the service.
+
+We sometimes see a congregation, which a minister has collected
+together in the days of his vigour, forsaking him in his old age, to
+pay their homage to the rising sun of popularity; preferring the
+voice of a comparative stranger to that of their former shepherd;
+but the venerable Ingleby was never deserted. The people pressed
+to hear him when the silver locks of age adorned his head, with as
+much eagerness as when he possessed all the energy of youth; and
+felt as deep an interest in the last services which he conducted,
+as in any that had preceded them. It must be admitted that his
+situation did not bring him within the immediate influence of
+any strong competition for public favour; but though many of his
+congregation resided much nearer other clergymen, they nevertheless,
+at all seasons of the year, continued regular in their attendance
+on the ministrations of Mr. Ingleby to the close of his life. This
+attachment to their pastor took its rise in the usefulness of his
+public labours; and as he had uniformly conducted himself amongst
+them as a holy man of God, devoting his time and his influence to
+promote their happiness, his character rose in their esteem as
+circumstances gave him an opportunity of developing it. He acted on
+the following maxims, which were given him by an aged clergyman, not
+long after he took orders, and the practical utility of whose advice
+Mr. Ingleby soon experienced in securing him the permanent regard
+of his flock:--"Preserve the sanctity of your public character
+in the intercourse of private and social life. Do not visit your
+people often, except when they need your visits, and then convince
+them, that while you have no time to spare for the purposes of
+amusement or recreation, you are ever ready to attend to the claims
+of pastoral duty. Avoid engaging in the commerce of the world; yet
+never think that you are acting beneath the dignity of your station
+when engaged in giving advice to the inexperienced, or assisting
+others by your counsels, to guide their affairs with discretion.
+Let the poor of your flock know that their pastor is their friend
+in adversity, their advocate when oppressed, and will be their
+comforter when on the bed of sickness or of death."
+
+About a month before his decease he arose on the Sabbath morning
+free from pain, the spirit of former times came upon him, and he
+felt that he could get through the labours of the day, without
+availing himself of the assistance which his neighbour, the Rev.
+Mr. Guion, had so kindly offered. The text from which he addressed
+the congregation was taken from 2 Pet. i. 13, 14:--"Yea, I think
+it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up, by
+putting you in remembrance; knowing that shortly I must put off
+this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath showed me."
+When he read the words, the attention of the people was immediately
+fixed on him. The effect which was produced by the delivery of
+this discourse was very powerful. It was undoubtedly much aided by
+the peculiar circumstances of the speaker, who was grown gray and
+infirm in the service of the people, and who in his introduction
+informed them, that he was led to the choice of the subject,
+under an impression, which left no doubt of the propriety of its
+application to himself. The aspect of the preacher, pale, emaciated,
+standing on the verge of eternity--the simplicity and majesty of
+his sentiments--the sepulchral solemnity of a voice which seemed
+to issue from the shades, combined with the intrinsic dignity of
+the subject--perfectly quelled the audience with tenderness and
+terror, and produced such a scene of audible weeping as was perhaps
+never surpassed. All other emotions were absorbed in devotional
+feeling; it seemed to us as though we were permitted for a short
+space to look into eternity, and every sublunary object vanished
+before "the powers of the world to come." "I had often heard him,"
+says Mr. Stevens, in a letter which I received from him, "when he
+was more energetic, but never when he was more impressive; when he
+discovered more originality of genius, but never when he displayed
+more intensity of feeling; when he employed a more polished and a
+more imaginative style of address, but never when he spoke with more
+authority and power; and, thinking with the rest of the audience,
+that he was now terminating his labours, I felt a high gratification
+that he was enabled to bring them to a close with so much credit to
+himself, as the able and faithful minister of the New Testament.
+His appeal to the people, after he had finished his discourse and
+closed his Bible, delivered in simple and unaffected language,
+subdued the whole audience, and left us, when he had finished it, no
+alternative but an involuntary burst of sorrow that we should hear
+no more that voice to which we had so often listened."
+
+The following is an extract from the Rector's farewell sermon:--
+
+"My dearly beloved brethren, I have now served you in the ministry
+of the gospel for more than forty years, and am on the eve of
+closing my labours amongst you. Looking back on my life, I discover
+many defects in my character, and many imperfections in the manner
+in which I have discharged my public duties; these I most humbly
+deplore; but I trust they have been only the ordinary infirmities
+of a Christian minister, who has uniformly aimed to reach a higher
+point of excellence than he could ever attain. If I cannot, like
+the great apostle of the Gentiles, appeal to the holiness and
+unblameableness of my behaviour amongst you; yet I trust I can
+to the ardour of my affection, and the fidelity of my public
+ministrations; and while I would entreat you to cast the veil of
+charity over all the blemishes of my character, I would, at the
+same time, charge 'every one of you, as a father doth his children,
+that ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his
+kingdom and glory.' The truth which I have preached to you is now
+my support in prospect of the scene which is before me. The time
+of my departure is at hand. My course is nearly finished. I shall
+soon stand before the judgment-seat of Christ. My eternal state
+shall soon be decided; and I shall soon know the final decision.
+But I am not alarmed. I do not dread death. The judgment-seat does
+not appal me. The final sentence awakens no fearful forebodings of
+sorrow. I am looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto
+eternal life. Whether I shall ever be permitted to address you
+again from this pulpit, is known only to Him who works all things
+after the counsel of his own will; nor do I feel very solicitous
+to do so. If I should, I shall appear amongst you in weakness, if
+not in fear and in much trembling; and if I should not, I hope you
+will be provided with another minister, who will, either in this
+church, or elsewhere, as the Lord may direct, preach, to you with
+more energy, and with more success, the glorious gospel which I have
+so often proclaimed to you. But I cannot leave you without saying,
+that as I have not shunned to declare the whole truth of God in
+the most faithful manner, if any of you should eventually perish,
+you will not have it in your power to say that it was owing to my
+unfaithfulness. Any of you perish! What! will you reject the counsel
+of God against yourselves? Will you refuse to come to Jesus Christ,
+that you may have life? Will you neglect the great salvation, which
+has been made known unto you; and sink down to endless woe under
+the accumulated guilt of your impenitence? Must I be compelled to
+appear as a witness against any of you, in that day when God shall
+judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel?
+and, instead of seeing you accepted in the Beloved, shall I see you
+banished from the presence of the Lord for ever? And must I now
+terminate my labours amongst you, under the awful impression, that
+while they have been the means of saving some, they have become the
+innocent occasion of aggravating the just condemnation of others?
+and thus, like the apostle, while to some I have been the savour of
+life unto life, must I be to others the savour of death unto death?"
+
+When the service was over, many of the people crowded into the aisle
+though which he passed; some stood in the porch of the church,
+others along the pathway which led across the graveyard, and some
+few followed him to the rectory, to shake hands with him and bid
+him farewell; sorrowing, like the elders of Ephesus, when they fell
+on Paul's neck and kissed him, most of all that they should see his
+face no more. This spontaneous expression of attachment, on the
+part of the people, deeply affected the venerable man, who wept as
+he reiterated his parting benediction to the aged and the young;
+and though he had strength given him to go through this trying
+hour, yet, on entering his parlour, he complained of a giddiness,
+and immediately fell fainting into the arms of Mr. Lewellin. This
+excited considerable alarm through the whole family; and one of
+the servants, in the paroxysm of her agony, sent forth the report
+that her master was dead. On his being removed into the open air,
+however, he soon revived, though, from the distorted appearance
+of his countenance, it was evident that he had received a slight
+paralytic stroke. He slept the greater part of the afternoon,
+but towards evening became very animated, and for several hours
+conversed, with great cheerfulness, on the immortality of the soul,
+and its final and blissful destiny.
+
+When Socrates was under sentence of death, he assured his friends,
+who came to offer him their sympathy, that his chief support
+in prospect of taking the fatal draught, was an expectation,
+not unmixed with doubts, of a happy existence after death. From
+reasoning and reflecting on the subject, he had been led to the
+conviction that something of man remains after his decease, and that
+the condition of good men will at last be better than that of the
+bad; but he could not discover in all his researches, any positive
+evidence in support of this opinion; and hence, while he expressed
+a hope of entering the invisible world on passing away from this,
+he candidly acknowledged that he had his doubts. "My situation,"
+said the venerable Ingleby, "is more enviable than that of the sage
+of Athens. He doubted the immortality of the soul, while I firmly
+believe it. And why do I believe it? Not because my nature revolts
+at the thought of annihilation; not because I feel an instinctive
+desire to outlive the triumphs of death; but because He who sees
+the end from the beginning has said, that the wicked 'shall go away
+into everlasting punishment; but the righteous shall go into life
+eternal.'"
+
+"We ought," said Mr. Lewellin, "to be very thankful to the Author of
+revelation, for having announced the fact of our immortality in such
+a clear and unequivocal manner; for it has always struck me, that no
+other argument can be admitted as conclusive, but the testimony of
+one who has an actual knowledge of an endless futurity."
+
+"I quite agree with you," said Mr. Ingleby; "for how is it possible
+for any being to know that I shall live for ever but that Great
+Being who knows the end from the beginning? The communications
+which we have in the Bible, on this subject, are professedly his
+testimony; but if we reject these communications as fabulous, we
+must either give up our hope of immortality, as an idle fancy, or
+abandon ourselves to that state of dubious uncertainty, in which
+the Athenian sage lived and died. And to this dilemma the infidels
+of modern times are reduced; hence, while they cannot _disbelieve_
+in a future state of existence, they cannot anticipate it with any
+degree of confidence. If the gospel be, what they say it is, a
+cunningly devised fable, which has its origin, not in the records of
+truth, but in the invention of man, it is a fable which is eminently
+conducive to human happiness; and I should consider that man my
+enemy, who would even attempt to expose its fallacy. I am now near
+the close of life, the tomb is opening to receive me, and ere long I
+shall cease to be an inhabitant of this world. Am I to perish like
+the beasts of the field? or am I to exist in another state of being?
+These are questions which now present themselves to my mind, with
+an air of solemn majesty, which they never before assumed; but to
+whom can I propose them, with any hope of obtaining a satisfactory
+reply? There is no voice which speaks, but that which comes from the
+excellent glory; and that voice tells me, that this mortal shall put
+on immortality; that death shall be swallowed up in victory; and it
+teaches me to offer my thanksgivings to God, who hath given me the
+victory over the fear of death, and the terror of the grave, through
+our Lord Jesus Christ."
+
+"The language," observed Mr. Stevens, "which our Lord addressed to
+his disciples, just before his departure, to assuage the violence
+of their grief, is no less calculated to afford us consolation
+under our sufferings, especially when we are brought near the verge
+of eternity:--'Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God,
+believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it
+were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
+And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and
+receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.'"
+
+"I do believe in Him," replied the Rector, "and enjoy the influence
+of that belief, in the calm placidity of my mind. I do believe
+that he is preparing a place for me amongst the mansions of the
+blessed, and I enjoy the influence of that belief in the sublime
+anticipations of hope. Yes, I shall soon see him in all the glory of
+his majesty, and in all the tenderness of his compassion; and with
+the rest of the redeemed I shall soon bow down in his presence with
+mingled emotions of astonishment and delight! With astonishment,
+that he ever condescended to love me, and to employ me in his
+service; and with delight, at the scenes which I shall then behold,
+and the voices which I shall then hear. Then shall I be satisfied
+when I am assimilated to the Divine likeness."
+
+"You have then no doubt of your final salvation?"
+
+"No, Sir; I wait for it as an event of absolute certainty."
+
+"I perceive," rejoined Mr. Stevens, "that you now make no reference
+to the opinion which you have so often expressed respecting the
+'different degrees of glory which the righteous will have conferred
+on them in the heavenly world.'"
+
+"I am too deeply anxious on the more important point of getting
+into heaven, to bestow even a moment's consideration on the degree
+of my future happiness. I know I shall have infinitely more than I
+deserve; even if I should have less than the least of all saints;
+and I am perfectly willing to take what portion my Lord may assign
+me, under a full conviction that--
+
+    'The man who dwells where Jesus is,
+    Must be completely blest.'"
+
+"I once heard you say," remarked Mrs. Stevens, "that you had no
+doubt but we should know each other in the heavenly world. Have
+you, Sir, on more mature deliberation, been induced to change that
+opinion?"
+
+"No, Madam. When I enter heaven, I shall not forget that I was once
+an inhabitant of earth--that I once lived in a state of rebellion
+against God--that he was pleased to bring me to repentance and
+faith in the Lord Jesus Christ--that he employed me in the ministry,
+and assigned to me the parish of Broadhurst as the scene of my
+labours--that I associated in the days of my pilgrimage, with you
+and your husband, your nephew and his wife, and other Christian
+friends--and that in the exercise of social communion I once enjoyed
+some tokens of the Divine favour. If then we shall retain a distinct
+recollection of places and occurrences connected with our earthly
+sojourn, we shall surely not forget the persons who gave to those
+places and occurrences their chief interest and importance. Suppose
+I should now, while you are sitting by my side, steal out of life,
+and enter heaven, should I on my passage lose a remembrance of
+the room in which I expired, or the events which have transpired
+this day? Impossible! And could I remember these things, without
+remembering you and my other pious friends? And when you arrive,
+and are presented faultless, will you not be presented faultless
+in the individuality of your person, with all _your_ remembrances
+of places, of persons, and events fresh upon you? And will it
+be possible for us to associate with each other without making
+some reference to the former state of our existence, which will
+necessarily lead to a discovery of who we are, and from whence we
+came, even if there should be no more direct method of gaining a
+knowledge of each other? But apart from this general reasoning, we
+may appeal to the Scriptures, which, I think, give their decided
+sanction to these views. Hence we find the apostle, when writing
+to the Thessalonians, who had through his instrumentality been
+converted to the faith of Christ, says, 'For what is our hope, or
+joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our
+Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? For ye are our glory and joy.' I
+cannot affix any meaning to this passage, unless I believe, that
+each apostle, and every minister in every succeeding age of the
+church, will know the persons who have been converted to God through
+their instrumentality; and that from this knowledge will arise some
+peculiar degree of glory and of joy."
+
+"Then, Sir," said Mr. Lewellin, "doubtless you can now anticipate a
+high degree of felicity from this source, as God has been pleased to
+make your ministry very useful?"
+
+"I have no doubt but I shall partake of this source of happiness;
+but I am not now anticipating it. My mind is too deeply occupied
+by the important question of getting into heaven, to bestow one
+solitary thought on the minor questions of our speculative belief.
+I am nearing the borders of the holy land of promise; living now
+in the anticipation of soon seeing the King in his beauty, and of
+undergoing that transformation which I shall feel when I see him."
+
+"Then, Sir, you think you will 'shortly put off this tabernacle,'
+and enter that 'house which is not made with hands, eternal in the
+heavens?'"
+
+"Yes, Mr. Lewellin; and I can put it off with as much composure as
+I can throw aside a worn-out surplice. The time of my departure is
+near."
+
+"But," said Mrs. Lewellin, "what shall we do when you are taken from
+us? We shall be like the sheep, when the shepherd is gone!"
+
+"No, my dear friend, the great Shepherd may pitch another fold, and
+lead you to another pasturage; but he will still 'feed his flock; he
+will gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and
+will gently lead those that are with young.'"
+
+His friends now left him to repose. He slept through the
+greater part of the night, but towards the morning became very
+restless--often complaining of a strange sensation in his head. He
+took a light breakfast, and as he felt rather drowsy, requested
+that he might not be disturbed. About noon he awoke; but felt no
+disposition to rise. He again took a little nourishment, and again
+fell asleep, and slept till near five o'clock. When he awoke he
+asked the hour, but he paid no attention to the reply which was made
+to him. His physician now gave it as his decided opinion that he
+would not live through the night. "He is in no pain; and if I judge
+from the state of his pulse, I should suppose that his life will
+gradually depart from him; perhaps when he is asleep." But about
+seven o'clock he suddenly revived, sat up in his bed, and requested
+to have his hands and his face washed. When this office of kindness
+was performed for him, by Mrs. Lewellin, he looked on her for some
+moments without uttering a word; and then stretching out his hand
+he said, "My dear, I thank you. You have not anointed me against
+my burial; but you have refreshed me to encounter the last enemy.
+Death is upon me, but he does not come in a terrific form. No; he
+is changed from the king of terrors into an angel of deliverance. I
+will thank you, Sir," addressing himself to Mr. Lewellin, "to read
+the eighth chapter of Paul's Epistle to the Romans, and then pray
+for me; and pray that I may be favoured with a sense of the Divine
+presence when passing through the valley of the shadow of death."
+Mr. Lewellin having complied with his wishes, the venerable pastor
+then gave his friends his blessing; exhorting them to cleave to the
+Lord with full purpose of heart. After remaining silent for some
+minutes, during which time he appeared to be in the solemn act of
+commending his soul to God, he looked round with great benignity of
+countenance, and said, "Why, my children, do you weep?"
+
+"Is it possible, Sir," Mrs. Lewellin replied, "for us to lose such a
+pastor and such a friend without weeping?"
+
+"Well, I will forgive your tears, because I know you love me; but
+I cannot weep with you. Though I have not before me that scene
+of martyrdom which presented itself to the great apostle of the
+Gentiles, when addressing his son Timothy, yet I can adopt the
+triumphant language which he then uttered, and with an equal degree
+of confidence:--'I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my
+departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my
+course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a
+crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall
+give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that
+love his appearing.'" And having uttered these words he reclined his
+head on his pillow, and gently breathed his last.
+
+
+
+
+THE RECTOR'S FUNERAL.
+
+
+Upon the report of the pastor's death being spread through the
+village, a sudden shock was felt by almost every one, though the
+event itself did not excite much surprise. He had lived so long
+amongst his parishioners, and had endeared himself to them by so
+many acts of kindness, that they wept for him, as an affectionate
+child mourns for the loss of his father; and even the worldly and
+indifferent concurred in paying a just tribute of respect to his
+memory. On the day of his funeral, an immense concourse of people
+assembled. The instructions which he had given to his friend, Mr.
+Stevens, respecting his funeral, were minutely attended to; and they
+were in strict accordance with the chaste simplicity of character
+which he had maintained through life. There was no hearse with its
+nodding plumes--no hired mourners; he had selected twelve of the
+senior members of his church to carry his body to the tomb, and
+fixed on the spot where the bier was to rest while they relieved
+each other from the fatigue of carrying his mortal remains. The
+procession moved from the rectory about ten o'clock in the morning,
+preceded by the Rev. Mr. Guion and two other clergymen--followed by
+a few of his relations and a long train of friends, walking three
+a-breast, in deep mourning--many of his poorer parishioners, having
+only a piece of crape on their hats, fell into the rear, which was
+closed by the children of the Sunday-school, who wore a similar
+badge of grief. Immediately as the procession began to move, the
+bell, which had been tolling for more than an hour, ceased till the
+bier stopped at the appointed resting-place, when it again commenced
+to send forth its melancholy sounds.
+
+On entering the churchyard, the Rev. Mr. Guion began the solemn
+service by repeating the animating words of Jesus Christ--"I am the
+resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were
+dead, yet shall he live." The coffin was taken into the church,
+and placed on an elevated platform before the pulpit, so as to be
+distinctly seen by the whole congregation; and after a few minutes,
+during which time the people were taking their seats, Mr. Guion
+began reading, in a most solemn and impressive manner, the lessons
+which are appointed for such an occasion. Agreeably to the custom
+at funeral obsequies in former times, after he had finished the two
+lessons, he ascended the pulpit, and delivered a discourse from the
+following appropriate text--"Sorrowing most of all for the words
+which he spake, that they should see his face no more" (Acts xx.
+38). After a short and judicious introduction, he called attention
+to the following remarks, which he illustrated and enforced with
+great effect:--
+
+"The decease of a minister is an event of great importance--
+
+"I. In relation to himself. No class of men occupy a station so
+important, or are called to discharge duties so momentous, as
+ministers of the gospel. The eloquent advocate who pleads at the
+bar, sometimes snatches the victim from the altar, against whose
+life the foul conspirator has brought his charge, and he retires
+from the scene of his labours amidst the plaudits of the people;
+but in a few years they both sink into the same silent earth, and a
+remote posterity remains ignorant of their anxieties and of their
+triumphs. The fearless senator attacks iniquity in the high places
+of its dominion, or rouses up the slumbering principle of justice to
+vindicate her insulted honours; but he sleeps with his fathers, and
+having received the honour of his country's applause he is conveyed
+to the mansions of the dead. The effects of their labours terminate
+with the occasion of their exercise; or if they should stretch into
+a distant futurity, they are circumscribed within the boundaries
+of time. From man they receive their commission, and to man they
+resign it when it is executed; and though their conduct will undergo
+a revision at the day of judgment, yet it is from man they receive
+their official discharge. But it is not so with us. It is true
+that we are under some degree of responsibility to our superiors
+in the ecclesiastical hierarchy, and it is equally true that we
+are under some degree of responsibility to the people of our cure;
+but our chief responsibility relates to a higher tribunal, and a
+more important decision awaits us than any which man can pronounce.
+Fix your attention for a moment on a minister of the gospel, see
+him tottering on the brink of eternity--he falls, we catch his
+descending mantle, 'sorrowing most of all that we shall see his face
+no more; but while we are making preparations to perform his funeral
+obsequies, he is giving up an account of his stewardship. Then the
+motives which induced him to enter the ministerial office, and which
+induced him to continue it--the manner in which he spent his time,
+and discharged the hallowed duties devolving on him--will undergo
+a strict investigation, and the final sentence will be pronounced,
+which will fix his doom in raptures or in woe, for ever. If he be
+found faithful, he will receive the commendation of his Master; but
+if unfaithful, he will be cast into outer darkness, 'where their
+worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.'
+
+"It is an event of importance in relation--
+
+"II. To the people of his charge. They lose their spiritual teacher,
+their counsellor, their friend, and their example. Yes! and some
+of you who are now looking on that coffin, if permitted to give
+utterance to your sentiments, would say, 'There lies the holy man of
+God, who met me in my mad career of folly and of crime, and was the
+means of turning my feet into the way of peace.' 'There he lies,'
+another could say, 'who, when I was perishing for thirst, opened
+my eyes, and showed me the well of living waters.' 'Alas!' another
+would exclaim, 'I shall now see his face no more; who, when I was
+sinking into despair, under the virulence of my moral malady, told
+me of the balm of Gilead, and of the great Physician there, who
+healed and comforted me, giving me renovated health and a deathless
+life.' Farewell, holy man of God; we shall see thy face no more,
+till we see thee the express image of thy Lord's person.
+
+"It is an event of importance in relation--
+
+"III. To general society. No man, saith the apostle, liveth to
+himself. While we are individually pursuing our separate interests,
+we are advancing the general good, and not unfrequently serve
+others, while intent only on serving ourselves. If this be true of
+men in general, it is more emphatically true in relation to the
+ministers of the gospel. While they are discharging the functions
+of their office in relation to the people of their charge, they
+are diffusing principles abroad in society which will be found to
+operate more widely than is generally imagined. When they die, the
+influence of their example, of their character, of their precepts,
+of their individual exertions to promote private happiness, and to
+support public institutions--and of their prayers--is a loss which
+is felt not only in the immediate circle in which they moved, but to
+a much larger extent; though it may not be felt so instantaneously
+nor so deeply.
+
+"But, my brethren, it is not in my power to calculate the loss which
+you have sustained by the decease of the venerated man whose corpse
+is now before us; and who, for more than forty years, has preached
+the gospel of peace in this pulpit.
+
+"When he first entered on the duties of his office, he found a
+barren wilderness; but he has left a fruitful field. The church,
+which was mouldering to ruins, he repaired and enlarged; the
+congregation, which was scattered, he has gathered together; and
+many who have preceded him through the dark valley, and many whom
+he has left to follow him, he has been the means of saving from the
+impending wrath of the Almighty. It is now many years since the
+person who is now addressing you went, under the most unfavourable
+impressions, to hear him preach; but the word that fell from his
+lips came with power, and I, who went to scoff, returned to pray.
+From that hour I revered him as my spiritual father in Christ; and
+an intimacy soon after commenced, which continued unbroken and
+undisturbed till death. If I were now to give full scope to my
+feelings, I should probably be censured by some for pronouncing
+an extravagant eulogy on his character; but I am conscious that
+while he owed all his excellence to the renewing and purifying
+influence of Divine grace, he uniformly displayed, both in public
+and in private life, a degree of excellence which has been rarely
+surpassed, if equalled, in modern times. As a preacher, he excelled
+no less in the descriptive than in the argumentative style of his
+address--combining in all his discourses strength of reasoning with
+the most happy modes of illustration--equally capable of awing his
+congregation by the solemnity of his manner, and subduing them by
+the tenderness of his appeals; compelling them by the ardour of
+his feelings, and energy of his utterance, to lose sight of the
+messenger who was speaking, in a devout contemplation of the message
+which he delivered; and giving to things unseen such a power of
+impression, that those which are visible seemed to dwindle into a
+state of absolute insignificancy.
+
+"As a man, he was courteous in manners, and amiable in
+disposition; as a friend, he was disinterested and faithful in
+his attachments; as a Christian, he was devout and catholic in
+his spirit; as a minister, he was independent, yet attentive and
+affectionate--uniformly endeavouring to incorporate in his character
+the moral qualities which his Lord and Master developed in the
+progress of his history; and though a nice observer might discover
+a few shades of imperfection falling on it, yet they were scarcely
+perceptible. He approached the nearest to the perfect man of the
+Scriptures of any one I ever knew; but that which gave a distinctive
+peculiarity to his character, and which made him the object of
+general esteem and veneration, was his catholic liberality, his
+ever-active benevolence, and his amiability--combined with a
+chastened seriousness and sportive playfulness of disposition,
+which exhibited the gravity of religion untinged by the gloom of
+superstition, and its cheerfulness free from the levity of folly.
+
+"He thought and judged for himself on every part of revealed truth,
+and maintained the doctrines which he held with the most determined
+firmness; yet he never suffered his mind to be soured by the spirit
+of controversy, nor was he ever known to treat those who differed
+from him with contempt or with indifference. He loved the catholic
+spirit of the gospel, no less than its sublime doctrines; uniformly
+condemned that arrogance of spirit which leads the bigot to say
+of the members of his own communion, 'The temple of the Lord! the
+temple of the Lord are we!' and demonstrated by his conduct that he
+was as anxious to preserve the bonds of peace unbroken amongst the
+different denominations of Christians as to keep the unity of the
+faith entire. And while he gave a decided preference to the Church
+of which he was so bright an ornament, yet he felt a deep interest
+in the prosperity of every other religious community which contends
+earnestly for the faith which was once delivered to the saints; and
+admitted to his friendship and intimacy the pious Dissenter, with as
+much cordiality as he embraced an Episcopal brother.
+
+"But his catholic liberality did not degenerate into
+latitudinarianism. He was willing to cultivate Christian fellowship
+with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, and was
+anxious to narrow rather than widen the ground of difference between
+them; but he felt no inclination to compromise any essential
+doctrines of the gospel as a compliment to the semi-sceptical spirit
+of the age--choosing rather to run the risk of incurring the charge
+of bigotry, than sanction a popular opinion that there is no danger
+in speculative error, if the person who imbibes it be sincere in his
+belief, and display an exterior amiability of temper and conduct, in
+accordance with the laws of practical righteousness. His charity was
+not of that deceptive cast, which places a human being who rejects
+the leading doctrines of Christianity on a level, in the Divine
+estimation, with the humble disciple of Jesus Christ who implicitly
+receives them, as he was convinced 'that the charity which the
+Scriptures so earnestly inculcate, consists in a real solicitude for
+the welfare of others, not in thinking well of their state;' and
+thus, while he gave ample scope for the exercise of his compassion
+in aiming to promote the salvation of all his hearers, he felt awed
+by that authority which separates the believer from the unbeliever,
+and which marks, by a palpable line of distinction, the essential
+difference between those who admit, and those who deny the truth as
+it is in Jesus.
+
+"Some men are benevolent, but the principle of their benevolence
+lies embedded in their mental constitution, like fire in the flint,
+and it is only by hard and reiterated strokes that it can be
+elicited. This principle, when exerted, may produce all the effects
+of a spontaneous flow of feeling; but it looks so much like that
+sullen selfishness which is absorbed in its own gratifications, that
+its occasional exertions are regarded only as a novel tribute to its
+own capricious taste.
+
+"Others are benevolent, but the principle of their benevolence is
+associated with so much finesse and self-adulation, and with so
+many disgusting and offensive requirements, that while it relieves
+the wants of a sufferer, it inflicts a deep wound on his spirit,
+and makes him feel such an oppressive weight of obligation, that
+he cannot enjoy the comforts which have been administered to him.
+But the benevolence of our deceased friend was the master-passion
+of his soul, and it was ever wakeful--ever active; which required
+no qualifications for its exercise, but misery in some of her
+multiplied forms; it prescribed no bounds for its exertions, but
+the limits of his own means; and he bestowed his bounties with so
+much delicacy, that no other emotion was ever excited in the breast
+of the recipient than that of the purest gratitude to his kind
+benefactor.
+
+"His kindness of disposition led him to feel great tenderness for
+the reputation of others; and though no one could reprove vice more
+keenly, yet he never sanctioned that habit of depreciating the
+character of absent individuals, which may be regarded as one of
+the most besetting sins of human nature. Hence, few men possessed
+more friends, or fewer enemies; it may be doubted whether among the
+numerous list of the former he lost the esteem of one.
+
+"Perhaps no man ever united more closely in his private character
+the dignity and the cheerfulness of religion--preserving unimpaired
+the sanctity of his station with a lively and playful disposition;
+and maintaining the reputation of a holy man of God, while hailed in
+general society as the amiable, the intelligent, and the interesting
+companion. The line which separates the harmless from the
+pernicious he was never known to pass, so that he never injured the
+sanctity of his public character by any levities in his demeanour,
+but inspired a greater reverence for it, by the dignified ease of
+his manners, and the uniform placidity and agreeableness of his
+temper.
+
+"The closing scene of his life was no less beautiful than
+impressive; and forces from us the exclamation of the worthless
+prophet, 'Let me die the death of the righteous! and let my last end
+be like his!' He is gone! That face on which you have looked with so
+much pleasure, you will see no more; that voice to which you have
+so often listened with mingled emotions of awe and pleasure, you
+will hear no more, till you meet him before the judgment-seat of the
+Son of God; and, brethren, permit me to ask you, whether you think
+you are prepared to see him, and hear him there? He has preached
+to you the gospel of peace, with great fidelity, and with equal
+affection; but have you received it, not as the word of men, but,
+as it is in truth, the word of God? He has watched for your souls
+as one who knew that he must give an account; but have you, by your
+submission to the truth which he proclaimed, enabled him to do it
+with joy and not with grief? Is there no one in this congregation
+who has remained insensible to his moral danger, though that danger
+has often been pointed out to you in the most awful and impressive
+manner? Is there no one who has remained impenitent, notwithstanding
+the various efforts which the venerated deceased employed to bring
+you to repentance, and to a belief of the truth? Is there no one who
+has forced the aged pastor to retire from this pulpit to his study,
+and there to weep and to mourn, and to say, in the bitterness of
+his mental agony, 'When I speak they will not hear: but put from
+them the words of life, and the way of peace they will not know?'
+He is gone to enjoy the reward of his labours, and ere long you, my
+brethren, will follow him. But are you prepared to give an account
+of the manner in which you have improved his faithful services
+amongst you? If you are, you will again meet and again intermingle
+your social feelings and affections in a world where you will enjoy
+an endless duration of bliss; but if not, let me beseech you to
+retire, and on your knees implore mercy and forgiveness, lest you
+should be taken off in the midst of your sins, and be cast out with
+the workers of darkness, where there will be weeping, and wailing,
+and gnashing of teeth for ever."
+
+When this discourse was finished, the corpse was removed to the
+vault; and when placed in it, the remaining part of the Burial
+Service was read. When the earth fell on the lid of the coffin, as
+the impressive words, _ashes to ashes, dust to dust_, were uttered,
+there was a spontaneous burst of audible weeping from the whole
+assemblage, which, for a few moments, so overpowered the feelings
+of Mr. Guion, that it was with some degree of difficulty he could
+proceed. At length the service was concluded; but on returning from
+the church the order of the procession was deranged, for while some
+few walked back to the rectory, others pressed round the tomb; and
+many stood about the churchyard in detached groups, recalling the
+various incidents in their history connected with their deceased
+pastor. "O!" said one athletic youth, who wept while he spoke, "I
+was a bold transgressor till I heard him preach." "I went to laugh,"
+said another, "but I returned to pray." "He was my friend," said
+many voices; and all expressed their opinion that they should never
+see a successor equal to him.
+
+After the concourse of people had dispersed, Mr. and Mrs. Lewellin
+continued wandering amongst the tombs, reading the epitaphs which
+surviving friendship had engraven on the head-stones of their
+departed relatives and friends. The place of sepulture in which they
+were now walking, was one of the neatest of rural burying places.
+The walks were free from weeds; there were no gaps in the hedges;
+the graves bore no marks of being trodden by the foot of beast or
+of man; the yew trees luxuriated in their native growth, without
+assuming those fantastic shapes and forms which a capricious taste
+sometimes compels them to take, and the green ivy overspread the
+walls of the venerable church. Many of the inscriptions on the
+earlier tombstones were nearly effaced, and those which were still
+legible, like too many of the "good old times," recorded sentiments
+and expressions which are no less offensive to a refined taste,
+than to a scriptural faith. But in the later stones, which had been
+erected during the lifetime of the venerable pastor, a striking
+difference was observable. The inscription bore the name and the age
+of the occupant of the tomb, and beneath it some appropriate text of
+Scripture--recalling the words of an elegant writer, "It is meet,
+pleasant, and soothing to the pious mind, when bereaved of friends,
+to commemorate them on earth by some touching expression taken from
+that book which reveals to them a life in heaven."
+
+Mr. Lewellin and his wife now entered the church, resolving to go
+and indulge their solemn meditations beside the uncovered tomb of
+the deceased pastor; but on passing down the aisle, were suddenly
+startled by the deep sounds of sorrow. On looking towards the vault
+where Mr. Ingleby's remains were deposited, they saw an aged couple
+leaning on their staffs, looking into the grave, but they appeared
+too much oppressed by grief to give any other vent to their feelings
+than by sighs and tears. "Come, Dame, let us be gone," said the old
+man to his wife; "it won't be long before we see him again." As
+they turned round from the grave, Mr. and Mrs. Lewellin advanced
+and kindly endeavoured to mitigate their sorrow. "O! Sir," said the
+old man, "he was a good man, and a faithful minister of Christ; and
+many will have to bless God for ever, for sending him amongst us.
+We thought we loved him while he was with us; but we did not know
+that we loved him so much till he was taken away. But it won't be
+long before we shall see him again." "Then," said Mr. Lewellin,
+"I presume you have received the gospel which he preached amongst
+you, not as 'the word of man, but, as it is in truth, the word of
+God.'" "Yes, Sir, we have been enabled to receive it. Before he
+came to preach in this village we very seldom attended church,
+and never thought about the salvation of our souls; but, blessed
+be the name of the Lord, we were both called to the knowledge of
+the truth through the instrumentality of his honoured servant; and
+have, for the space of near forty years, been walking together as
+heirs of the grace of life. It was a great shock to our feelings
+when we heard of his death, though we expected it; but now he is
+gone, it is our duty to be resigned to the will of God. But, Sir,
+resignation may feel its loss; and the Saviour won't condemn us if
+we weep at the grave of our departed pastor, as He once wept at the
+grave of Lazarus. He was one of the most excellent of the earth. He
+preached well, and he confirmed the truth which he preached by the
+unblameableness of his life. He was a most benevolent man. He obeyed
+the words of the Scriptures, and did good to all, especially to the
+household of faith. We shall never see his like again."
+
+My friend and his wife felt so deeply interested by the affection
+and piety of this aged couple, that they walked with them to their
+little thatched cottage. "This little cottage," said the old man,
+"was built for us by our pastor, who gave it to us for our life.
+This is the chair in which he used to sit, and this is the Bible
+which he gave us, and here is his picture, which we have had for
+these thirty years--and this is his walking-stick, that he gave me
+when I took my leave of him at the door of the rectory, the Sabbath
+before he left us." "And when," said the old woman, "I could not
+see to read my Bible, he gave me these spectacles; and he used to
+come, and sit with us, and talk to us of Him who lived and died for
+sinners, and made us forget the trials of the way, by discoursing to
+us about the joys of the end of it. But it won't be long before we
+see him again."
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Lewellin were much affected by this touching account
+of their old friend, whose charity and benevolence formed a theme
+of grateful remembrance in the minds of those poor cottagers.
+Perceiving that their circumstances were much straitened, they
+presented them with a trifling sum, and then, amid the blessings of
+the aged couple, took leave and proceeded on their way to Rockhill.
+
+
+
+
+THE NEW RECTORS.
+
+
+Soon after the death of the venerable Ingleby, the Rev. Mr. Cole,
+the Rector of the adjoining parish of Aston, whose health had been
+gradually declining, was taken very ill. He had accompanied several
+of his friends to a concert in a neighbouring town, and on his
+return caught a violent cold. No danger was apprehended for several
+weeks; but having imprudently accepted an invitation to spend an
+evening at a friend's, where he was detained to a late hour at
+whist, his favourite amusement, his indisposition gained a fresh
+accession of strength by exposure to the night air. He now began to
+entertain apprehensions of a fatal termination to his complaint, and
+said to his wife, when she was consulting him on the propriety of
+putting off a party which had been fixed for the following week, "My
+dear, I shall never appear amongst you again."
+
+"Don't say so, Edward. You are getting low-spirited and
+unnecessarily anxious. You should keep up your spirits, and
+anticipate the pleasure which you will yet enjoy amongst your
+friends."
+
+"I have no _wish_ to die, Emily, but I _must_ die. The doctors can
+do nothing for me. I should like to see my old friends again, but I
+have no spirit to entertain them."
+
+"I heard Dr. Bailey say, that he placed great dependence on the
+prescription which he gave to Mr. Russel. Indeed, I think you look
+better. He says he has no doubt but you will recover; and all your
+friends say that you must banish the thought of dying, as nothing
+will tend so much to accelerate that awful event. I think they had
+better come: they will put new life into you."
+
+"Yes, they may tell me to banish the thought of dying, but I cannot
+do it; it forces itself upon me in spite of all my resolutions to
+avoid it."
+
+"Dr. Bailey suggested to me to read some amusing book to you. Here
+are the _Pickwick Papers_. Let me read you a chapter about Pickwick
+and Sam Weller. I know how they used to make you laugh; and a hearty
+laugh, to my mind, does more good than all the medicine in the
+world."
+
+"Neither Mr. Pickwick nor Sam Weller, my dear, would be proper
+companions for me just now. I must pay respect to the sanctity of my
+character. I should not object, if I get a little better, to your
+reading me the _Vicar of Wakefield_, or a paper from the _Spectator_
+or _Rambler_. But I fear my disease has gone too far to be checked
+by any human expedient. I must yield to the law of nature, and
+prepare for death; and it is, I assure you, an awful thing to
+die--to go from one world to another."
+
+"Well, my dear," replied his wife, "as you have long since made your
+peace with God, you have nothing to fear; and therefore I hope you
+will keep your mind composed."
+
+"My mind is tolerably composed, Emily, except when delirious
+thoughts come and throw it into a tumultuous agitation, and then I
+feel wandering about in a maze of confusion. Death may be looked
+upon by some, who have no taste for earthly enjoyments, with
+peculiar interest, as the forerunner of their future bliss; but I
+would rather live than die."
+
+When Mr. Cole found himself getting worse, and his most sanguine
+friends began to fear that the hour of his departure was at hand,
+he wished to receive the sacrament; and the Rev. Dr. Greig, from a
+neighbouring town, was requested to come and administer it to him.
+The Doctor seemed much affected when introduced to his old friend;
+and, after gently squeezing his hand, as a token of affection, he
+sat down by his bedside.
+
+"I am sorry, Sir," said the reverend Doctor, "to find you so
+extremely ill; but I hope you will yet recover."
+
+"That, I fear, is impossible; I must die; and I wish, before I die,
+to receive the holy sacrament. I think it will put strength into my
+soul, and enable me to meet death without dread."
+
+"I hope you have no dread of death."
+
+"Why, no, Doctor, I have no dread of death; but as it is the
+passage into the eternal world, I feel that it is an awful thing to
+die--more awful at the crisis than in anticipation."
+
+"It may be awful to the wicked, but it cannot be to you, who have
+spent your life in the public service of our Church, promoting the
+cause of virtue and religion."
+
+"I confess, Sir, that I have nothing to reproach myself with. I have
+spent a long life in the service of our Church, and have endeavoured
+to teach my parishioners the way to heaven; and as a recompense for
+my well-meant efforts I hope eternal life will be given to me; but
+now that death is near, I feel it to be a more awful thing to die
+than when I viewed it at a distance. I now see the propriety of
+the passage in our Burial Service--'O God, most mighty, O holy and
+merciful Saviour, thou most worthy Judge, eternal, suffer us not at
+our last hour, for any pains of death, to fall from thee.'"
+
+Dr. Greig now proceeded to read the Communion Service; and having
+partaken of the elements himself, and given them to Mrs. Cole and
+the nurse, he presented them to his dying friend, who ate the bread,
+and drank the wine, with great solemnity of manner. The service
+being ended, he said that he had one more request to make, and
+then he should die in peace. "I wish, Doctor, you would read the
+Burial Service at my interment, and preach my funeral sermon on the
+following Sunday; and you may tell my parishioners, that I _die in
+charity with all mankind_."
+
+In about six hours after his friend left him, a change took place,
+and he remained insensible the greater part of the night. Towards
+the morning he awoke out of a deep sleep; and, having taken a little
+refreshment, he sat very composedly for a few minutes. Looking
+at his wife with intense earnestness, he said, "My dear Emily, I
+suppose I must die;" and then he fell back on his pillow, heaved a
+deep sigh, and expired. On the seventh day after his death he was
+buried in a vault, near the communion table of his own church; and
+Dr. Greig, according to his request, read the service, and delivered
+his funeral discourse on the following Sabbath. The congregation,
+which was unusually large, appeared deeply affected, especially
+when the Doctor pointed to the tomb in which their deceased pastor
+had just been interred.
+
+In delineating the character or Mr. Cole, Dr. Greig dwelt for some
+time on his classical taste and his literary acquirements; paid
+a just tribute of praise to his amiable disposition and obliging
+manners, and commended him for his uniform attachment to the
+Church, of which he had been a minister for the greater part of
+half a century; and concluded by saying, "His religion was not
+of that austere cast which prohibits the innocent amusements and
+gratifications of society, and dooms its possessor to a life of
+perpetual gloom and mortification. It was an enlightened piety--a
+piety which united the gravity of wisdom with a cheerful and
+facetious spirit, which courted no popularity by the vanity of its
+pretensions; which sought retirement rather than publicity; and
+conciliated the favour of the Almighty by the practice of virtue,
+rather than by the dogmas of belief. His life is an epitome of moral
+virtue and social goodness, which may be read by all men with great
+profit. It will teach us all, and especially the clergy of our
+Church, how they should live, and what recompense they may expect to
+receive when called to die, as a reward for their fidelity to their
+charge. He did not, as we all know, in imitation of the example
+of some, rob other churches to fill his own; but was contented to
+preach to the select few who favoured him with their presence and
+their friendship; and who, I doubt not, will revere his memory as
+long as the power of recollection remains; and who, when the duties
+of life are discharged, will go where he is gone, to renew the
+intimacy of friendship, and enjoy the felicity of social converse.
+And who is not struck with the dignified serenity of his death!
+There were no raptures of enthusiasm in prospect of dissolution; no
+flights of fancy; no rhapsodies of expression, as though he were
+weary of life and longed to lose it; but a submission to the law of
+nature, which requires that we must die, accompanied by a sublime
+avowal which he wished me to make to you, _that he died in charity
+with all mankind_."
+
+In examining the character of these two clergymen, and reviewing
+the temper of mind which they displayed in the immediate prospect
+of entering the eternal world, the intelligent reader will perceive
+a manifest difference; and though it does not become us to invade
+the province of the Supreme Judge, and fix the final destiny of any
+human being, yet we may be permitted to say, that the venerable
+Ingleby bore the nearest resemblance, in his life and in his
+death, to the ministers of the New Testament. If Mr. Cole was the
+most learned man, Mr. Ingleby was the most spiritual; and though
+Mr. Ingleby derived no gratification from the trifling amusements
+of fashionable life, yet he uniformly displayed a cheerfulness
+of disposition which became the sanctity of his office. Mr. Cole
+consented to die because he could not live; while Mr. Ingleby
+yielded up his life as a free-will offering to God who first gave
+it, and then demanded it. In the death of Mr. Cole we can discover
+no humility on account of the imperfections of his character--no
+utterances of a mind delighting in communion with the great
+Supreme--no reference to a Mediator, by whom the guilty and the
+worthless are reconciled to the offended Sovereign--no ardent
+anticipations of a state of changeless purity and glory; while,
+in the closing scene of Mr. Ingleby's life, we behold a spirit,
+yet inhabiting the tabernacle of earth, springing forward to meet
+the great Deliverer--hailing his approach with mingled emotions of
+awe and delight--giving utterance to the sublimest conceptions of
+future bliss, and in language, such as Paul employed when treading
+on the narrow isthmus which separates time from eternity. The death
+of Mr. Cole was certainly the most calm; but it was the calm of a
+stagnant pool, whose waters move not because they are unaffected by
+any current; while the death of Mr. Ingleby resembled the peaceful
+ripple of the crystal stream, as it moves tranquilly from its
+source to swell the waters of the vast ocean. The one died like
+a philosopher, over whose mind the light of evidence produced a
+belief of the existence of an eternal world, which, alas! presented
+no powerful attractions; the other, like a sinner, redeemed by the
+precious blood of Christ, and made meet to possess the inheritance
+of the saints in light, in comparison with which the brightest
+honours of earth pass away as things of no value.
+
+When the pastor of a Dissenting church is called away from his
+flock, to give an account of his stewardship to the great Shepherd
+and Bishop of souls, an event occurs in its history which generally
+produces a most powerful effect on the minds of the surviving
+members. As he, while living, was the pastor of their choice, so,
+when dead, they cease not to venerate and esteem his memory. They
+pay him, it is true, no superstitious homage. All they show is the
+feeling of pure nature, which requires no artificial expedients
+to express its affection for the object of its esteem when he is
+taken away. But amongst them, while the pastor dies, the ministry
+lives. They turn away from his tomb to listen to the voice of his
+successor; and though they cannot easily transfer that strong
+attachment and profound respect which have been the growth of a
+long and close intimacy, yet they receive him in the Lord with all
+gladness, and hold such in reputation.
+
+In the choice of a successor they have great advantages over their
+Christian brethren who are members of the Establishment. They are
+not compelled to receive a pastor, but are left to choose one; and
+hence, as is natural, they select one whose religious opinions
+agree with their own, whose manner of preaching accords with
+their own taste, and whose character is such as corresponds with
+the sacredness of his profession. And though a popular election
+is liable to some objections, yet, from the mode in which it is
+generally conducted amongst them, they are but as the small dust
+of the balance, when weighed against the sterling value of the
+privilege which it involves and secures. The argument employed
+by Dissenters in support of this practice is, in their judgment,
+quite conclusive. They say, As we claim the right of choosing the
+attorney whom we consult on a point of law--of choosing our surgeon
+and physician when visited by sickness--of choosing the tutor under
+whose care we place our children, we act still more in accordance
+with the established laws of social life, and the most obvious
+dictates of enlightened reason, when we exercise the right of choice
+in relation to the pastor from whose public ministrations we are to
+receive the consolations of the gospel of peace. In this instance,
+no less than in others, a preference will be felt; and while we
+hold all in reputation for their works' sake, who discharge the
+sacred duties of the pastoral office with fidelity, we shall derive
+a greater gratification, and higher degree of improvement, from the
+labours of one for whose manner of preaching we may feel a decided
+predilection and regard. When this right of choice is denied us,
+we are compelled to receive a minister who has been appointed over
+us by the authority of another, and if he be just such a one as
+we like, no evil is produced; but suppose he reject the doctrines
+which we receive as true, or suppose his style of preaching be in
+direct opposition to our taste, or suppose his moral conduct be not
+in exact accordance with his profession, what in such a case ought
+to be our line of conduct? Can we expect to become established in
+our faith, by going where that faith is perpetually assailed? Can
+we expect to derive consolation, if we go where the manner in which
+the message is offered offends our taste? Can we expect to venerate
+the ministry, if the man who holds the hallowed office display not
+the same mind which was in Christ Jesus our Lord? Impossible! We
+may make the experiment, but it will not be found productive of the
+fruits of righteousness and peace; as the laws of nature forbid us
+to calculate on gathering grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles.
+
+Within a few weeks after the death of Mr. Ingleby, the living
+of Broadhurst was presented to Mr. Porteous, the grandson of a
+neighbouring magistrate of the same name,[41] who took offence at
+the first sermon Mr. Ingleby preached; and though he felt a profound
+respect for his private virtues, yet he withdrew from his ministry,
+and usually attended that of Mr. Cole. This young man possessed a
+fine person, and the graces of a popular and commanding elocution;
+but he was gay in his manners, volatile in his disposition, addicted
+to the sports of the field, and decidedly opposed to those peculiar
+doctrines of the gospel which his predecessor had so long and so
+faithfully preached.
+
+  [41] Vol. i. p. 69.
+
+As his character was generally known through the parish, the pious
+members of the Church were deeply depressed when they heard that he
+was appointed to succeed their deceased pastor; but they prudently
+resolved to hear him preach, having previously met on several
+different occasions to pray that a double portion of the Spirit of
+grace might rest upon him. The church was excessively crowded when
+he delivered his first discourse, which was founded on the following
+text--"Be not righteous over much."
+
+He read the prayers with so much seriousness and propriety of
+emphasis, that the whole congregation was delighted with him. When
+he announced his text, there was a simultaneous movement amongst
+them; and for a few moments they looked at each other as though
+deeply amazed, and then the eyes of all were fastened on him. After
+adjusting his position and his attitude with great caution, and
+surveying his audience with an appearance of complacency, he began
+reading his sermon, which he delivered in fourteen minutes, and
+then concluded the service. The sermon was a severe philippic on
+the labours of his predecessor, and the piety of his hearers; and
+though in the conclusion he paid a passing tribute of respect to
+his private virtues, and the benefits which the parish had received
+from his pastoral visits, yet he gave it as his decided opinion
+that he had uniformly disregarded the _important_ injunction of the
+text:--"That he erred from the purest motives we all must admit;
+and it must be some consolation to know, that his error was all on
+the side of virtue; but virtue is never so lovely as when she is
+kept from all excess of feeling--as when she spurns from her those
+restraints, which, by keeping her out of the circle of _innocent_
+indulgences, give her the appearance of grief-worn sadness--as when
+she enjoys life, and is contented to wait for the reward which the
+Almighty will confer on her honest and well-meant endeavours to
+please him. That it will be my endeavour to avoid the error into
+which my most excellent predecessor fell, my intelligent hearers
+may calculate on; and I flatter myself by so doing, I shall diffuse
+over the whole of my parish, the air of cheerful gaiety and social
+pleasure; and that the gloom which has so long hung over you will
+soon disappear, as the lowering cloud retires from the face of
+nature, when the bright orb of day scatters his golden rays in
+passing from the horizon to the meridian."
+
+When he had finished his discourse, he paused for the loud Amen;
+but the good old clerk disdained to utter it; and when, on retiring
+to the vestry, he was asked by Mr. Porteous, the grandsire of the
+new Rector, why he had neglected his duty, he honestly replied,
+"Because, Sir, I did not choose to sanction those perversions of the
+gospel which the Rector has been guilty of this morning; nor appear
+to commend the severe and unjust animadversions which he has made on
+the character of my deceased pastor."
+
+"Then, Sir, you shall be turned out of office."
+
+"I will not wait to be turned out, Sir, I will resign it; for I
+have too much love for the truth to sanction error, and hold the
+reputation of my deceased pastor in too much esteem to say Amen,
+after it has been so wantonly defamed."
+
+"Then, Sir, I suppose you intend to raise the standard of revolt
+against my grandson; but if that be your mind, you shall suffer for
+it."
+
+"As I live, Sir, in a land of freedom, and was never in bondage
+to any man, I shall not, now I am grown gray in years, sell my
+birth-right for a mess of pottage; and therefore, without wishing to
+give either you or the new Rector any offence, I frankly tell you,
+that while he continues to preach as he has preached this morning, I
+will never return to hear him."
+
+"You are an obstinate fellow, and ought not to be suffered to speak
+to your superiors in this style."
+
+"You asked for the reasons of my conduct, which I have given you;
+and also for the line of conduct I intend to pursue, and I have told
+you; and now, as you descend to abuse, I will retire."
+
+This altercation with the old clerk, who was greatly esteemed by the
+congregation for his superior intelligence and decided piety, was
+overheard by many of the people, who were much pleased; first, by
+his silence at the conclusion of the service, and now, by the bold
+stand which he made against the perversion of the truth, and the
+unmerited attack on the reputation of the venerable deceased. On
+coming out of the vestry, he was commended by them, and urged not to
+suffer any threat to induce him to bend to the authority, which had
+so unhandsomely endeavoured to intimidate him.
+
+As Mr. Lewellin had acquired a considerable degree of influence
+among the pious members of the Church, during the short time he had
+resided in the parish, they very naturally looked to him for counsel
+at this critical juncture; and though he was unwilling to take any
+premature steps, yet he gave it as his decided opinion, that they
+ought not to suffer the gospel to be driven from amongst them. "I am
+a Dissenter," said he to a few friends who waited on him; "but while
+the gospel was preached in the Church, I felt perfectly willing to
+worship there, and should have continued to do so, if the new Rector
+had followed the example of our deceased pastor, but as he has
+chosen to make such a bold avowal of his determination to extirpate
+the serious and devout piety of the parish, that he may propagate
+his gay and anti-Christian religion, I think we are called upon by
+the voice of Providence to prevent it."
+
+"I cannot leave the Church," said one.
+
+"Nor I," said another.
+
+"Nor I," said a third.
+
+"I should not like to leave it," said another, "but if I cannot hear
+the gospel in the Church, I will hear it where I can."
+
+It was finally determined to let things take their course for the
+next few weeks, during which time they were to consult their friends
+on the question.
+
+On the Sabbath after Mr. Porteous preached his first sermon at
+Broadhurst, Mr. Hartley, Mr. Cole's successor, took possession of
+his living at Aston, and preached his first discourse from Ezek.
+xxxvii. 3--"And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live?
+And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest." From these words, taken
+in connection with the entire parable, he gave a description of
+the moral condition of man, during the period of his unregeneracy;
+demonstrated the inefficacy of all human expedients to recover him,
+without the co-operation of a supernatural power; and traced the
+progress of his spiritual renovation by the renewing power of the
+Holy Spirit, from its earliest symptoms to its final consummation in
+heaven. The sermon discovered some ingenuity, but more judgment; it
+abounded with striking remarks, expressed in the most appropriate
+language; but its predominating quality was a regular appeal to the
+understanding and the heart of the audience, conducted with such
+force of reasoning, and charm of persuasion, that many expressed
+their astonishment at their former ignorance of revealed truth;
+while those who had long enjoyed the ministry of the venerable
+Ingleby, rejoiced that God had sent another faithful messenger
+amongst them. Some few, who were the late incumbent's personal
+friends, and who often participated with him in the amusements of
+fashionable life, were displeased with the _length_ of the sermon,
+though they were gratified with the chasteness of the language
+which was employed; and reprobated the austere requirements of
+the new religion, while they spoke in very complimentary terms of
+the elegant composition and the good delivery of the new Rector.
+The great majority of the people, however, were astonished and
+delighted; and from the conclusion of the sermon were led to
+anticipate in Mr. Hartley a very different pastor from Mr. Cole.
+
+"Hitherto, many of you have lived," said the preacher, "without any
+deep repentance on account of your sins--without any active and
+operative faith in the efficacy of the Saviour's death--without
+enjoying any spiritual communion with the great Invisible--and
+without anticipating your entrance into the eternal world with that
+sublime awe which such an event ought to inspire in your breast. It
+devolves on me to rouse you from this state of deep insensibility
+and criminal impiety. You live; but what is that life which you
+have lived? Has it not been a life of social pleasure--a life of
+vain indulgences--a life of indifference to the interesting facts,
+the sublime doctrines, the pure precepts, and the glorious promises
+of the gospel of Jesus Christ! It now devolves on me to awaken
+you, if possible, out of this mental delusion, that you may 'yield
+yourselves unto God as those that are alive from the dead;' then
+ye 'shall have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting
+life.' To accomplish this, I shall add private admonition to public
+instruction; and though I have no wish to pry into the secrets of
+your families, nor to obtrude myself where my presence would not
+be acceptable, yet it will be my endeavour, as far as possible,
+to gain an accurate knowledge of the spiritual state of the whole
+of my charge, in the hope that by God's blessing I may be able at
+the last day to present every one of you perfect in Christ Jesus.
+When you are afflicted, I will visit you; when in trouble, I will
+administer to you the consolations of the gospel; in your dying
+hours, I shall consider it a privilege to be permitted to cheer you
+with the hope of immortality; and as I am placed over you as your
+spiritual guide and friend, I assure you, that there is no sacrifice
+which I will hesitate to make, nor any duty which I will not most
+cheerfully perform, to promote your happiness; and I shall esteem
+the gratification of serving you an adequate recompense for all my
+exertions, as I seek not yours, but you."
+
+
+
+
+A SECESSION AT BROADHURST.
+
+
+When Mr. Hartley took possession of his cure at Aston, Mr. Stevens
+immediately declined having public worship conducted in his chapel
+any longer. On being remonstrated with by Mr. Langley, a zealous
+Dissenter, for breaking up a society which had been flourishing
+for many years, he said, "I dissented, not from choice, but from
+necessity; but now I can hear the gospel in the parish church, I
+think it no less my duty to return to her communion, than I once
+felt it my duty to withdraw from it. The minister who is appointed
+over us is a good man; and as the church in which he officiates is
+large enough to contain the whole of the population, I see no reason
+why the people should be divided, especially as most of them have
+no conscientious objections against either the doctrines or the
+ceremonies of our Episcopal Establishment."
+
+"But, Sir," replied Mr. Langley, "though the gospel be now preached
+in the church, you are not certain that it will be after the death
+or removal of the present incumbent; and then what are the pious
+members of the church to do, if you now shut up your chapel? Would
+it not be more prudent on your part, to secure the permanent
+continuance of the gospel in the parish, by perpetuating its public
+ministrations in your chapel, than thus hazard its entire expulsion?
+If you adopt this plan, there will be a place of refuge for the
+piety of the parish, if at any future time it should be compelled to
+retire from the Established church."
+
+"Such a plan, I have no doubt," replied Mr. Stevens, "would meet
+with the approbation of many pious Dissenters; but I am not disposed
+to adopt it. If, under the ministry of our present Rector, the
+people should receive the truth, not as the word of man, but as
+the word of God, they will not suffer it to disappear from amongst
+them, even if they should be deprived of it in the church; but will
+most certainly avail themselves of their rights as British freemen,
+and erect for themselves a chapel, in which they may worship God
+according to the dictates of their conscience, and enjoy a ministry
+of their own choice."
+
+But while the sun of prosperity was shining on the parish of Aston,
+dispelling the gloom of ignorance and superstition which had hovered
+over it for many years, it was setting on the adjoining hamlet,
+which had for a longer time enjoyed the light of truth, leaving the
+people in a most disconsolate state. "To lose our old pastor,"
+said an old Christian to Mr. Lewellin, "was a great loss; but to
+have the candlestick removed from amongst us, and the light thereof
+extinguished, is a much greater loss. While we had the light we
+rejoiced in it; but I fear that, like the church of Ephesus, we have
+lost our first love; and as we have not repented and done our first
+works, the Lord has visited us with this grievous judgment."
+
+A few of the more influential members of the Establishment met at
+Mr. Lewellin's to consider what plan they ought to adopt on the
+present occasion. As they venerated the Church, and felt an ardent
+attachment to its forms and ceremonies, they were unwilling to
+withdraw from her communion. One gentleman said, he had been to
+consult the Rev. Mr. Guion, who gave it as his decided opinion
+that they should still attend their parish church, and pray for
+the conversion of the new Rector. "If," he said, "you have not
+the gospel in the pulpit, you have it in the desk; and though it
+may not please God to answer your prayers, yet you will have this
+compensation for the sacrifice you will be called upon to make--that
+you have remained faithful to your Church."
+
+"I have no wish to leave the Church," replied another; "but I must
+hear the gospel. I am commanded to take heed _what I hear_; and if
+I disobey this injunction, how can I expect to enjoy the Divine
+blessing?" In this opinion they all concurred; and as they could
+attend the neighbouring church, it was proposed that they should sit
+under the ministry of the new Rector at Aston.
+
+"But," said Mr. Lewellin, "though we who have vehicles can easily
+go three or four miles on the Sabbath-day, to enjoy a pure and an
+enlightened ministry, yet what are the poor and the infirm to do?
+They cannot attend; and shall we leave them to spend the remainder
+of their days in a state of spiritual destitution? Have they no
+claim on our benevolent feelings? Shall we, by deserting them in
+this their low estate, allow them to go and utter the mournful
+complaint at the footstool of the Divine throne, '_No man careth for
+our souls_?' Shall we provide no spiritual comforter, but suffer
+them to live and die without having one near them to administer the
+consolations of religion? Shall we stand still and see this fine
+moral inheritance falling back into its original state of ignorance
+and vice; when, by acting that part which our deceased pastor more
+than once recommended, we may be the means of preserving it from
+decay? Did he not say, in the last sermon he preached to us, that he
+hoped the Lord would provide another minister, who would preach the
+gospel to us either in the church, _or elsewhere_? And in a private
+conversation, on the evening of his departure, he said, in reply to
+a question, 'The great Shepherd _may pitch another fold, and lead
+you to another pasturage_.'"
+
+"If," said a gentleman, "I were to consult my own inclination, I
+should still attend with my family at Broadhurst; but I do not
+think we should act a generous or a Christian part if we were to
+make no effort to establish a gospel ministry in the parish. Cannot
+we do what Mr. Stevens did under similar circumstances? and then,
+if it should please God at any future time, to favour us with a
+Rector who will preach the same doctrines as those which we have
+been accustomed to hear, we can return to the Church, and live and
+die in her communion. And if not, we shall have this compensation
+for the sacrifice which we shall be called to make, that we have
+acted in accordance with the wishes of our deceased pastor, and, I
+trust, in accordance with the will of our Lord and Master." This
+suggestion was eagerly seized by several others; and it was finally
+determined to build a neat chapel, large enough to contain about
+500 worshippers; and to obtain the permanent labours of some good
+minister of Jesus Christ. As soon as this decision was made known,
+the pious villagers expressed their gratitude in the most affecting
+terms; and offered to contribute, out of the depths of their
+poverty, towards the necessary expenses which would be incurred; but
+their more wealthy Christian brethren rather chose to bear the whole
+burden among themselves.
+
+One gentleman gave a piece of freehold land, on which the chapel
+was erected; and adjoining it, a house for the minister, with
+a large garden attached. It was built within the space of six
+months; and by the exertions of Mr. Lewellin, Mr. Drew, a pious and
+intelligent young man, was appointed to take the pastoral charge of
+the people. Being of a catholic spirit, and wishing to render his
+public ministrations generally acceptable, he prudently consented
+to read the Liturgy of the Church of England. Though, at first,
+some of the people sighed, and others wept as they passed by the
+venerable building in which for so many years they had worshipped
+the God of their fathers, yet in process of time they felt an
+equal degree of attachment to this second temple, which, if less
+imposing in its appearance, contained the Shechinah of truth, which
+departed from the altar when the venerable Ingleby fell asleep in
+Jesus. Some years after, in a conversation with the intelligent
+clerk, who held the same office in the chapel as he had filled in
+the church, he informed me, that his pastor bore a near resemblance
+to the deceased Rector, in the amiability of his temper, and in
+the ardour of his zeal for the salvation of his hearers, though he
+differed from him in the manner and style of his preaching. "The
+Rector, Sir," he remarked, "was a son of consolation, from whose
+lips the words of mercy fell in soft and subduing accents on the
+ears of the congregation; Mr. Drew is a Boanerges, the thunder of
+whose eloquence awes us by its majesty; but when he has wrought up
+our feelings to the highest degree of terror, he suddenly shifts the
+scene, and exhibits to our view the Lamb of God, who takes away the
+sins of the world. Mr. Ingleby, I think, had the finest imagination,
+but Mr. Drew has the most powerful intellect; and though the former
+could enter into all the variations of Christian experience with the
+greatest ease, yet the latter applies the truth with equal force
+to the wounded conscience. Mr. Ingleby was distinguished by the
+gracefulness of his manner; Mr. Drew excels in the force and dignity
+of his delivery; and though we shall never cease to respect the
+memory of our former pastor, we are equally attached to our present.
+Under his ministry, no less than under that of his predecessor,
+many have been reclaimed from the error of their ways to the wisdom
+of the just; while the young and the more advanced Christian have
+been built up in the faith and the hope of the gospel. The poor are
+visited in their cottages; the dying have a spiritual comforter
+with them in their last moments; and over the whole parish a moral
+vigilance is exercised, which receives the sanction of all the wise
+and the good."
+
+After witnessing the changes which a few years had made in the
+external establishment of religion in these two parishes, while the
+same moral process was going on in the salvation of the people, I
+felt how superior, in its nature and tendency, is the spirit of
+the gospel to that of religious bigotry. Had Mr. Stevens felt a
+bigoted attachment to the principle of dissent, he would have kept
+open his chapel after the settlement of Mr. Hartley at Aston, and
+thus have divided the people into two distinct societies; while
+the congregation at Broadhurst, if they had venerated the church
+in which the venerable Ingleby had so long preached, more than
+the truth which he delivered, would have been left without an
+evangelical ministry. But by acting the part of wisdom and of piety,
+they perpetuated the truth in each parish, without occasioning
+any division amongst those who were attached to it. Though in one
+village they sat to hear its enunciations on unconsecrated ground,
+while in the other it addressed them within the walls of the
+Establishment; yet as it derived none of its importance or worth
+from the places in which it is proclaimed, nor from the ministers
+who preached it, they mutually received it with meekness, as the
+engrafted word which is able to save the soul. Nor can I doubt that
+the Saviour visited with equal delight each congregation which
+assembled together in his name--that the Divine Spirit conveyed
+the same resistless energy to the Dissenting as to the Episcopal
+ministry--that the angels of heaven hovered over the village
+chapel with as much pleasure as over the village church; and
+that those who were made meet for glory on unconsecrated ground,
+were received with equal rapture by the spirits of the just made
+perfect, as their brethren who had worshipped within the pale of
+the Establishment. They differed in their relation to the external
+forms of Christianity, but possessing its pure and heavenly spirit,
+they stood in the same relation to Jesus Christ, who was their
+Saviour--to the Holy Ghost, who was their Comforter--and to heaven,
+which was their undefiled inheritance; and when, at the appointed
+time, any of them departed this life, they were neither commended
+nor censured for their denominative attachments while on earth,
+but admitted into the joy of their Lord as sinners redeemed by his
+blood. A friendly intercourse was kept up between the pious members
+of the two churches and their respective pastors, which demonstrated
+to the villagers that their religion was substantially the same in
+its nature and in its design, though it differed in a few external
+ceremonies. If they went to church, it was to worship God--to
+confess their sins--and to hear the glad tidings of salvation; and
+if they went to the village chapel, it was to engage in the same
+hallowed exercises, and listen to the same gospel of peace. As
+they felt no superstitious attachment to the places in which they
+assembled, nor imagined that the Episcopal form of ordination gave
+to the clergyman a degree of sanctity which the Dissenting minister
+did not possess, they intermingled in each other's society, not
+to wrangle or contend for superiority, but to cultivate the unity
+of their faith, and display the excellence of that grace which
+"teacheth us, that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should
+live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world." Is it
+not to be regretted, that a similar spirit has not been uniformly
+cherished amongst the disciples of Jesus Christ? but, alas! they
+have in general caught the spirit of the mother of Zebedee's
+children, rather than that of their Master, and have been struggling
+for the ascendency, instead of living in harmony with each other.
+And is it not to this cause, more than any deficiency of evidence,
+that we may fairly account for the too general rejection of the
+gospel; for can we expect others to believe in its Divine origin,
+when they see those who embrace it with the greatest eagerness,
+displaying an intolerant temper, and refusing to hold communion with
+each other because they happen to differ on a few points of opinion,
+which they all acknowledge to be of secondary importance? Every
+Christian should examine the following prayer of Jesus Christ, and
+the reason which he assigned for presenting it:--"Neither pray I for
+these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through
+their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me,
+and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may
+believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me
+I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in
+them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that
+the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as
+thou hast loved me" (John xvii. 20-23).
+
+When the spirit of religious bigotry takes possession of the
+youthful breast, we naturally feel disposed to attribute it to the
+immaturity of the judgment, or a deficiency in Christian principles.
+We therefore conclude, that in more advanced life these unamiable
+qualities will disappear, and a cordial attachment will be formed
+for all of every denomination who love our Lord Jesus Christ in
+sincerity and in truth. This, I believe, is generally the case,
+though we sometimes see the evil spirit of bigotry souring the
+temper of aged Christians, contracting their benevolence, and
+rendering them more disposed to live apart from their brethren, than
+on terms of friendly intercourse; and if we venture to remonstrate
+with them, we are gravely told that they must preserve the
+consistency of their character. Consistency! And why not preserve
+the consistency of their character as Christians, who are required
+to love each other as brethren, rather than the consistency of their
+character as religious bigots, who neglect the weightier matters
+of the law, to cultivate the mint and cummin of ecclesiastical
+alienation and intolerance? Why not, when peculiar circumstances
+require it, overlook the little points of difference that exist
+between them; and unite as those who are endowed with the same
+spirit of faith--who are governed by the same authority, and who are
+moving on to the same state of blessedness and glory?
+
+There were a few Dissenters who could not conscientiously worship
+within the walls of the Establishment, even though they revered the
+character of the new Rector at Aston, and approved of his ministry.
+Not being able to support a society of their own denomination, they
+subjected themselves to the inconvenience and expense of travelling
+several miles every Sabbath to enjoy the privilege of communion
+with their brethren at Broadhurst. But though they could not unite
+with their fellow-Christians at Aston in the exercises of public
+devotion, they were, nevertheless, zealous in co-operating with them
+in the execution of those plans of benevolence which related to
+the moral improvement and the temporal advantage of the hamlet in
+which they resided. A latitudinarian would be disposed to censure
+this unbending spirit in reference to public worship, and feel
+himself justified in holding it up to general reprobation; but a
+wise man will be sparing of his animadversions on conscientious
+scruples, when they are not suffered to disturb the harmony of
+friendly intercourse, and do not disqualify those who feel them from
+uniting with others of a different faith in the cultivation of the
+affections and charities of social life.
+
+The Rev. Mr. Guion, who resided within a few miles of Broadhurst,
+and who had been for many years the devoted friend of the venerable
+Ingleby, was so much displeased when the pious members of the
+congregation seceded from the ministry of Mr. Porteous, that he
+broke off all intercourse with them, and not unfrequently expressed
+his censures in rather strong language. As they chose, in opposition
+to his advice, to withdraw from the pale of the Establishment,
+though he knew that their new Rector preached another gospel
+than that which they had heard from the lips of their deceased
+pastor, he looked upon them as schismatics, with whom he could not
+associate, even in the ordinary familiarities of friendship, without
+endangering his reputation as a clergyman of the Church of England.
+Though he admitted that some moral good might possibly result from
+the establishment of a Dissenting ministry in the village, yet he
+thought the evil would more than counter-balance it. He was a good
+man, but not a perfect man; a zealous minister of the everlasting
+gospel, but he wished that gospel to be preached only within the
+pale of the Established church; and though in private life he
+exhibited many traits of the Christian character, yet they were
+rather too strongly marked by the blemishes of a sectarian spirit.
+
+He occasionally met Mr. Drew, the Dissenting clergyman at
+Broadhurst, at the anniversaries of the various Bible Societies in
+the country, and also at the houses of Mr. Stevens and Mr. Lewellin.
+On these occasions he behaved to him with all the courtesy of a
+gentleman, but for a long while he appeared more disposed to shun
+than to court his society. He spoke of Mr. Drew in terms of respect,
+but not with the warmth of a brotherly affection as one minister
+of Jesus Christ should speak of another. On one occasion, having
+spoken rather more unguardedly than usual, Miss Ryder, who was one
+of his own hearers, with a delicate severity of rebuke, said, "I
+presume, Sir, when an angel of the Lord reports to his fellow-angels
+that a sinner on earth is brought to repentance, they do not pause
+to inquire whether he is a Churchman or a Dissenter before their
+rejoicing begins."
+
+"And I suppose," remarked Mrs. Stevens, "when they receive their
+appointment to minister to any of the heirs of salvation, they do
+not pause in their embassy, contending which shall have the honour
+of waiting on a Conformist, in preference to a Nonconformist."
+
+This colloquy was here joined by Mr. Ryder, who was as catholic in
+his spirit, as he was decided in his love of the truth. "To me,"
+he observed, "the ecclesiastical distinctions between church and
+dissent, on which some rest such importance, appear superlatively
+little and unimportant, when put in comparison with the essential
+doctrines of the common salvation; and the less attention we pay
+to them the better is it, I think, for our own peace and Christian
+consistency. I am a Churchman in part, because I was educated as
+one; and because I can hear the gospel preached by her clergy. If,
+however, I were living in a parish where the gospel is disowned,
+as it is at Broadhurst, I am sure I should, without a moment's
+hesitation, turn a Dissenter, rather than not hear it."
+
+"And so should I," said several voices.
+
+It is satisfactory to be able to add, that Mr. Guion's prejudices
+gradually subsided, and that in course of time he returned to the
+catholic and liberal spirit which he had formerly displayed when
+he contributed so generously to the necessities of the Rev. Mr.
+Powell.[42] Though, in the views held by him regarding the great
+body of Christians, he never attained to the largeness of heart
+so eminently displayed by Mr. Ingleby; he bore, nevertheless, in
+his character a strong resemblance to that excellent pastor, and
+appeared as his living representative in all that was lovely and of
+good report.
+
+  [42] Vol. i. p. 224.
+
+
+
+
+A FAREWELL TO OLD FRIENDS.
+
+
+On quitting Fairmount, to return home, the reader will recollect
+that I left Mrs. Orme to remain for a short time longer at Rockhill,
+as Mrs. Lewellin felt much depressed in spirits by her father's
+death, and required the presence of a cheerful and affectionate
+friend to enable her gradually to dispel her grief, and regain her
+wonted interest in her ordinary domestic employments. Mrs. Orme's
+stay was protracted much longer than she originally intended, and
+the close of the year had nearly arrived before her kind friends
+would allow her to depart. During the period of her sojourn at
+Rockhill, she had gained many friends, who were attracted as much by
+the unsophisticated kindness and liveliness of her disposition as by
+her painfully interesting and romantic history. Among others, none
+formed a greater intimacy than Miss Ryder, who, with her brother,
+was now a frequent visitor at Rockhill and Fairmount. Mrs. Orme
+was invited to spend a few days at Aston, where she found herself
+exceedingly happy in the cheerful society of her new friend Anna,
+and the hearty hospitality of her brother, who was led to take
+a deep interest in his guest from the fancied resemblance which
+she bore to Matilda Denham, the departed object of his youthful
+affections. On taking leave of Mr. and Miss Ryder, Mrs. Orme made
+the latter promise that she would pay her a visit in the course of
+the ensuing summer, at the Elms, as Anna generally went to London
+once a-year to visit an elder sister, who had been married and
+settled there for some years.
+
+About two months after Mrs. Orme's departure from Rockhill, Mr.
+Ingleby died, as narrated in a foregoing chapter, and was shortly
+followed to the grave by Mr. Cole, the Sector of the parish in
+which Mr. and Miss Ryder resided. The reader is already aware of
+the remarkable religious revolution which now took place in Aston
+and the adjoining parish of Broadhurst, though of a very lamentable
+description in the latter place. In the course of the same spring,
+Mrs. Orme received intelligence of her husband's death, an event
+which naturally excited painful emotions in her breast, though,
+considering his past conduct, her grief for his loss could neither
+be very deep nor poignant. Her little boy was now nearly two years
+old, a lovely child both in appearance and disposition, and an
+immense favourite with his grandfather, who had insisted on his
+mother leaving him at the Elms when she went to visit her friends in
+the west of England.
+
+On hearing of Captain Orme's death, Miss Ryder judged it best to
+defer her visit to the Elms; and consequently it was not till
+the following year that she had again the pleasure of renewing
+her friendship with Mrs. Orme, and thus becoming acquainted with
+the other members of her family. Nothing could exceed the kind
+attention paid her by Mr. and Mrs. Holmes, who felt grateful for the
+kindness she had shown to Emma while at Aston. They insisted on her
+remaining for a considerable period with them, and also that Mr.
+Ryder should pay a visit to the Elms, and take his sister home.
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Holmes had been much pleased with Miss Ryder, and also
+with her brother when he arrived at the Elms. The happy change,
+too, in his religious character, which had now taken place, led to
+a strong congeniality of feeling in the intercourse between him and
+his worthy host and hostess. Many a delightful excursion was taken
+by the family in company with their guests; a feeling of happiness
+pervaded every member of the household; and for the first time since
+the death of Louisa, the family regained their former liveliness and
+buoyancy of spirits. It was noticed, however, that on all occasions
+Mr. Ryder contrived to secure the company of Mrs. Orme to himself,
+both in the family excursions or when at home at the Elms. Various
+excuses were invented to favour their being by themselves, without
+awakening suspicion, which frequently excited a smile, and sometimes
+a good-humoured sarcasm from her sister Jane.
+
+"Dear, dear," said Mrs. Orme, "I left a small needle-case in the
+alcove where we were sitting last evening."
+
+"I will run, Emma, and fetch it."
+
+"By no means, dear Jane, I won't trouble you; I can very readily put
+my hand upon it."
+
+Mr. Ryder of course accompanied her to the alcove--a sweet retired
+spot; and then they extended their walk to a Roman camp, at a few
+miles' distance--contriving to be back in time to dress for dinner.
+On the following morning, Mr. Ryder, knowing that Miss Jane was
+under a special engagement to meet an old friend, said at the
+breakfast table, "I should like to take an excursion to town to-day,
+if you young ladies will accompany me."
+
+"I believe, Sir," said the facetious Jane, with an arch look and
+significant nod and smile, "you know that I cannot go, which
+possibly may make the excursion the more agreeable."
+
+The carriage was ordered out; the excursion was taken; and an
+apology was in readiness to be offered on their return for the
+lateness of the hour. These, and many similar indications of a
+mutual attachment, were too obvious to elude the notice of Mr. and
+Mrs. Holmes, and therefore it excited no astonishment when Mr.
+Ryder, one morning, with Mrs. Orme leaning on his arm, entered Mr.
+Holmes' study, and requested his consent to their union. The old man
+was so much delighted by this somewhat anticipated request, that
+without hesitation, he replied, "I will most cheerfully give it;
+and may the Lord bless you." At this moment Mrs. Holmes entered the
+room, and joyfully expressed her concurrence in the proposed match,
+which had already received the sanction of her husband.
+
+After all the preliminaries were duly adjusted the wedding took
+place; and the ceremony was conducted by the Dissenting clergyman
+whom Mr. and Mrs. Holmes attended, and whose ministrations had
+proved so great a source of consolation to Louisa, on the last
+occasion that she was able to go to chapel.[43] In accordance with
+the feelings, however, both of the bride and bridegroom, it was
+resolved that there should be no public display or large assemblage
+of guests, and that none but the most intimate friends on both
+sides should be invited. The marriage was consequently a very quiet
+proceeding; but though unattended by the public acclamations which
+greeted that of Mr. and Mrs. Lewellin, it was nevertheless quite as
+happy a one, both at the time of its celebration and in its results.
+
+  [43] Vol. ii. p. 440.
+
+On the ceremony being completed, the married couple started for a
+tour of a few weeks on the Continent, proceeding by Antwerp and
+Brussels to the Rhine, thence passing through Switzerland to Geneva,
+and then returning home through France, by Lyons and Paris. On
+arriving at Southampton, to which they had crossed from Dieppe, they
+proceeded on their journey to the west of England, and in the course
+of a day or two arrived at Aston, where Miss Ryder had everything
+ready for their reception. And now the reader may suppose that as I
+have so satisfactorily disposed of Mrs. Orme, there remains nothing
+more to be said of their friends at the Elms; but I have not yet
+quite done with the family of the Holmes.
+
+When a professor of religion renounces his faith, and goes off
+into the world, we usually see, as in the case of Mr. Beaufoy,[44]
+a most melancholy change in his character and in his habits. The
+man of sobriety often becomes intemperate; the man of unsullied
+moral character sometimes becomes a libertine; the habits of
+domestic virtue and religion are broken up, and all is desolation
+and misery. But when a sceptic embraces the faith of Christ, the
+moral and social change is equally conspicuous; and it invariably
+proves a personal and a relative blessing. Of this, a striking
+exemplification occurs in the history of Mr. Gordon, Mr. Lewellin's
+early friend. After he felt the renewing power of the grace of God,
+the old things of evil, to which he had long addicted himself,
+passed away, and he became a new creature in Christ Jesus--an
+essentially different man, in taste, in principle, and in social
+habits. He proved the genuineness of his conversion by the integrity
+and consistency of his conduct in all the subsequent stages of his
+career. In a letter which I received from him, some months after
+he had passed from death to life, he said, "Though I cannot doubt
+the reality of my spiritual renovation, and am compelled to ascribe
+it to the sovereign grace of God, and though I am persuaded that
+he will complete what he has begun, yet I deem it proper to let my
+principles be fairly tested, before I make any avowed profession
+of religion." On this resolution he acted. The first thing he did,
+that bore the aspect of attachment to the Christian faith, was to
+engage a pew in a church at Blackfriars', where the gospel was
+preached in its purity; and he was very regular in his attendance.
+And it so happened that his pew adjoined the one occupied by Mr.
+William Holmes, the eldest son of my old friend; who now, along
+with his brother Edward, carried on the business from which their
+father had retired. Young Holmes was already slightly acquainted
+with Mr. Gordon, having frequently heard of him from his sisters.
+In consequence of their sitting so near each other in church they
+frequently walked home together; a close intimacy sprung up between
+them, and they often visited at each other's houses. The account of
+Mr. Gordon's miraculous escape, and the marvellous change of mind
+and character which immediately followed, naturally interested young
+Holmes, and still more his family, who readily acceded to William's
+proposal, that the next time he came to the Elms he should bring his
+friend with him. Mr. Gordon was easily prevailed upon to accept the
+invitation; and so favourable was the impression made by him on Mr.
+and Mrs. Holmes, that he was requested to repeat his visit, and in
+a short time became so intimate as gradually to be regarded as one
+of the family. Many months had not elapsed before it was evident
+that a deep reciprocal attachment had been formed between him and
+Miss Jane, which at last terminated in a union, concluded under the
+happiest auspices. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Gordon went
+to reside at Blackheath, where a few years afterwards I had the
+pleasure of being their guest. They had then three fine children;
+and though I have not seen either of them for some time, we still
+keep up an occasional correspondence. I am also happy to be able to
+say that after his marriage, Mr. Gordon became at once decided in
+his profession of religion, endeavouring in all things to adorn the
+doctrine of God his Saviour. His natural _hauteur_ was exchanged for
+the meekness and gentleness of Christ; and he became as zealous in
+the defence and diffusion of the faith once delivered to the saints,
+as he had been in his hostility against it. He was much esteemed by
+his Christian brethren, and so also was his wife, both of whom are
+now advancing together to meet the grand crisis of their destiny,
+without any dread of the final issue.
+
+  [44] Vol. ii. p. 240.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Some time after Mr. Ryder's return to Aston, I received a letter
+from him giving me a sketch of his tour, and urging me to redeem
+the promise I had given him to pay the wedding visit. As the autumn
+was advancing, I resolved to go at once; and I spent two very
+pleasant weeks with him, visiting my other friends at intervals. One
+evening we had at Mr. Lewellin's a large gathering of some of the
+most prominent personages of my narrative, including the Rev. John
+Roscoe and his lady, the Rev. O. Guion, Mr. and Mrs. Stevens, and
+Mrs. Roscoe. As soon as we were comfortably seated, with nothing to
+do but to partake of our friend's hospitality, and enjoy the charm
+of social fellowship, the Rev. Mr. Roscoe, addressing Mr. Guion,
+said, "Can you, Sir, tell me anything about my old friends the
+Misses Brownjohn? The last time I heard of them they were engaged
+in a lawsuit about a fortune, to which they supposed themselves
+entitled by the death of their nephew.[45] Did they succeed in
+getting it?"
+
+  [45] Vol. i. p. 380.
+
+"Yes, Sir; and it was, I believe, a very large property. They
+started their carriage immediately afterwards."
+
+"Do you know how they got over the difficulties occasioned by the
+non-production of the register of their birth and baptism?"
+
+"I don't know how they got over the legal difficulties; but the
+other difficulty was not got over to Miss Susan's satisfaction for a
+long time after she came into the possession of the property."
+
+"You refer, I presume, to the omission of her name in the parish
+registry, recording the fact of her regeneration?"
+
+"Yes, Sir."
+
+"Such a document," Mrs. John Roscoe remarked, "must be of immense
+value in the estimation of an unregenerated Tractarian. No getting
+into heaven without it! A parish registrar must be a very important
+functionary in the estimation of these High Church devotees. If he
+fail in his duty, alas! their hope of salvation vanishes--they are
+left to die in despair."
+
+"To solve her difficulties," continued Mr. Guion, "Miss Susan
+applied to the bishop's secretary to lay her case before his
+lordship for his opinion. The reply was to this effect: that as
+she had taken the sacrament for many years, and had a distinct
+recollection of having been confirmed, and a faint recollection of
+her god-mother, it must be taken for granted that she was baptized.
+But even this official opinion from the highest ecclesiastical
+authority of the diocese, did not quite satisfy her, though her
+sister, Miss Dorothy, often told her it ought; and gave it as her
+opinion, that if there was any omission she was sure the Almighty
+would overlook it."
+
+"Against this, Miss Susan demurred. 'Take for granted what ought
+to be positively certain! no, sister, I cannot do that.' She was
+restless--ever going about from one aged person to another, in the
+hopes of finding some one who would give her some information as
+to her baptism. At length she found an old woman who recollected
+hearing that her uncle Robert, who died young, used to be spoken
+of in the family as her god-father. She followed up this clue,
+and found a son of this uncle Robert, who, on looking through an
+old account book, discovered the following entry:--'Paid for a
+silver cup, given to my god-child, Susan Brownjohn, of Norton,
+£3, 10s.' This cup she still had in her possession, bearing this
+inscription:--'The gift of Robert Fenton.' This was hailed as an
+unmistakeable evidence of her regeneration; and now she felt sure of
+going to heaven when the Almighty took her from earth."
+
+"How painfully absurd," said Mrs. John Roscoe, "to see an old lady
+trotting about, without regarding wind or weather, in search of the
+proof of her regeneration; or, in other words, of her title to the
+kingdom of heaven! Are Miss Susan and Miss Dorothy still alive?"
+
+"Miss Dorothy is; but Miss Susan has been dead for nearly a
+twelvemonth. It is generally supposed that her death was hastened
+by her anxieties and exertions about the legitimate proof of her
+baptismal regeneration. When symptoms of decay became alarming, her
+sister engaged a professional nurse to wait upon her--an intelligent
+old woman, who afterwards gave me the following account of Miss
+Susan's last days:--
+
+"'The first time I saw her, she was in her own room, seated in a
+high-backed arm-chair; the neatest room I ever saw-so clean, and
+everything in such prim order. 'Now, Mrs. ----, Mrs. ----,' she said
+to me, 'I forget your name, and therefore I shall call you Mrs.
+Nurse, I am going to die, for Dr. Black told me when I asked him,
+that he thought it probable that the Almighty was going to take me
+to himself; and I suppose it must be so. Now, Mrs. Nurse, I have a
+good many prayers to read; and a good deal to read out of this good
+book, _The Whole Duty of Man_; and I like to get all my reading over
+before tea, and then I can enjoy myself. You will now go out of my
+room, and not come back till I ring, which, I suppose, will be in
+about an hour's time.' However, the bell rung in about a quarter
+of an hour, and Miss Dorothy and I entered the room together. 'I
+can't,' she said to her sister, 'get through my reading so well as I
+used to do. I get sleepy as soon as I begin. But I see the cup.'
+
+"'O!' said Miss Dorothy, 'you are too scrupulous, dear sister; the
+Almighty is sure to overlook it.'
+
+"'I suppose he will; but I like to be particular. However, it's
+a great comfort to me, to see the silver cup, the proof of my
+baptismal regeneration; the thing necessary, you know, dear sister,
+to fit us for heaven. I would not part with it for another fortune
+from the Indies.'
+
+"'I saw,' said the old nurse, 'a little old-fashioned silver cup on
+the mantel-piece, on which she often looked with evident emotions of
+pleasure: but I could not divine the reason, till one day she gave
+me a detailed history of the whole matter. She then asked me whether
+I was baptized at the church; and whether I had satisfied myself
+that it was duly entered in the church register; assuring me, that
+unless it was, I stood no chance of going to heaven. At length,'
+continued the old woman, 'the crisis came.'
+
+"'I suppose,' said Dr. Black to her, after examining her pulse
+very carefully, 'you would like to take the sacrament, before the
+Almighty takes you to himself?'
+
+"'To be sure I should, Doctor; our Church appoints it.'
+
+"'Shall I request your Rector, Mr. Guion, to call?'
+
+"'To be sure not, Doctor. I never have had anything to do with the
+Evangelicals while living, and they shan't come near me when dying.
+No, no, Doctor; I'll keep to the clergy of the proper order--the
+clergy of our fathers.'
+
+"'Very good, Madam; I know your predilections.'
+
+"'Yes, Doctor; and my antipathies.'
+
+"'The day and hour was fixed, and old Mr. Johnson, from Ottersley,
+came to administer the sacrament; and Miss Susan was dressed for the
+occasion, propped up with pillows in her high-backed arm-chair. Soon
+after the ceremony was over, I saw,' said the old nurse, 'a change,
+and I knew death was coming; Miss Dorothy was standing by her side.'
+'I feel,' she remarked, 'a queer sensation coming over me. Give me
+a glass of water;' but she expired when in the act of attempting to
+take the tumbler into her hand.'"
+
+What a melancholy contrast this presents to the death of the pious
+cottager, Mrs. Allen![46]
+
+  [46] Vol. i. p. 187.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+I was happy to hear from Mrs. John Roscoe, that the ministry of
+her husband and his pious Curate was working moral wonders amongst
+his parishioners. The church was uniformly crowded with attentive
+hearers; the people flocked to it from distant villages and
+hamlets. "But, Sir," she added, "my husband has to pay the usual
+tax which is levied on all who distinguish themselves by their
+zeal and energy, in exposing the absurdity and fatal tendency of
+the popular superstitions, and trying to win souls to Christ. 'The
+most favourable construction I can put on his conduct,' said an
+old clergyman, in a large party, 'is this--he is a little beside
+himself.' I immediately replied, 'It would be, reverend Sir, a great
+advantage to many of your parishioners, if you also were a little
+beside yourself; and then they would stop at home, and attend your
+ministrations, instead of having to walk three or four miles every
+Sabbath to hear my husband.' This startled him, as he did not know
+that I was present. He then endeavoured to eke out an apology, which
+he would have been much wiser to have let alone."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+I was sorry to hear that my old friend Farmer Pickford had sustained
+an injury by the slip of the ladder on which he was standing when
+lopping a tree, and that he had been confined to his bed some
+weeks. On seeing me enter his room, he stretched forth his hand, and
+said, "I thought, Sir, you would give me a bit of a call, like. I am
+main glad to see you. Here I am, the Lord's prisoner. I would rather
+be the Lord's prisoner than the devil's free man, and no mistake."
+
+"I hope the injury you have sustained is not likely to prove a
+lasting one."
+
+"Why, as for that, I can't say. But now and tan I think I shall
+never be the man I was. I shall never be able to dig and trench, and
+mow and thrash, as when I was a youngster. And, at my time of life,
+I can't expect it. I am sixty-five come October. I tell you what,
+Sir, I see mercy mixed up with this affliction; and, as one of the
+Psalms says, I can sing of mercy and judgment. What a mercy that my
+neck was not broken; and that I had no broken bones. I never felt
+my heart so full of gratitude on going into my homestead as I did
+the morning when I was brought in on the hurdle. I couldn't help
+shedding some tears, like. The Lord be praised."
+
+"Then you do not murmur, or feel disquieted?"
+
+"No, no, Sir; not I. I an't going to commit that sin. I have had
+much comfort while lying on this bed, and no mistake. My mistress
+comes and sits by my side, and reads God's precious Book to me. I
+get main fond of the Psalms: they are like upland springs, they
+refresh my soul at once, like. And she comes, after church, on a
+Sunday, and talks over the sarmunts she hears there; and they come
+home to my heart. And Harry often comes, when he has struck off
+work, and he reads a bit, and gives the meaning of it, in his plain
+way, and what he says comes to my heart. So you see, Sir, I have
+many mercies mixed up with this affliction."
+
+"Well, Farmer, I am happy to find that you are still holding on your
+way to the kingdom of heaven, and are full of peace and hope as you
+move onwards."
+
+"Why, Sir, I hope you didn't think I should turn back, when you
+were gone. Turn back to the world and sin! and turn my back on the
+precious Saviour, who had compassion on, and rescued me when I was
+a lost sinner! No, Sir; I would rather be hacked to death first, and
+no mistake. But I mustn't feel boastful. I don't keep myself. No.
+The Lord is my keeper. I mind a sarmunt Mr. Ingleby preached one
+Sunday morning. It made me strongish in faith, like; I got the text
+by heart before I took dinner, and I can say it, without missing
+a word--'And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never
+perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand' (John x.
+28)."
+
+"The Psalmist says, 'It hath been good for me that I have been
+afflicted;' and I suppose, Farmer, you can say the same?"
+
+"Yes, Sir, I can, and no mistake. I am main glad for this
+affliction. It gives me a bit of breathing time, like; I can think
+over spiritual matters now I am in this quiet room, better than
+I could while busy at the farm work. It's all right. The Lord be
+praised."
+
+"You expect, I suppose, that you shall soon get about again?"
+
+"Why, as for that, I can't say. I have a main liking for this room.
+It is so quiet, and my thoughts now and tan be so delightsome. It's
+true I have had a power of pain and suffering, but this has been
+overtopped by heart's ease and spiritual rejoicings. I can say, what
+my mistress read out of the blessed book, 'The Lord has made my bed
+in my affliction.' And here I am, willing to lie still or get up, to
+suffer longer or go to farm work, just as the Lord pleases. I a'nt
+much mindful about it."
+
+"I suppose, Farmer, you have thought sometimes during your
+confinement, about your departure from earth, to be with Christ?"
+
+"Aye, that's it, and no mistake. T'other night, when I was thinking
+a bit about dying and going into t'other world, I wondered how
+I should feel when looking at Jesus Christ for the first time,
+and what I should say to him, and what he would say to me. These
+thinkings came to and again, with such power, that tears streamed
+out of my eyes, and no mistake; and I wept on, till I fell asleep."
+
+"He will appear in his glory, when he comes to receive you to
+himself; and it will be a glory very brilliant, yet it won't dazzle
+or confound you, as your power of vision will be equal to the
+grandeur of the spectacle."
+
+"What a marvellous wonder that he should ever take a bit of a liking
+to such a wicked fellow as I was! But it's just like him. When he
+was here, he looked out for the chief of sinners; after them that
+are lost. I a'nt forgot your sarmunt in the barn about Zaccheus. I
+shall think of it when I am in heaven, if I should ever get there,
+as I hope I shall. And I shall have a bit of wish to see him, as he
+had to see Jesus Christ, when he got up into the sycamore tree."
+
+I was much gratified by finding him in such a heavenly frame of
+mind--so patient under his sufferings, so resigned to the Divine
+will, so joyful in hope, and so strong in faith. I read a chapter,
+making a few explanatory remarks, prayed with him, and left him; but
+he would not let me go without a promise that I would see him again.
+
+On my next visit, I saw Mrs. Pickford, who appeared the picture of
+grief. She wept, and said--"My dear husband has been very ill the
+last two days, and in very great pain; I fear the Lord is going to
+take him from me. However, I have the consolation of knowing, that
+he has taken refuge in the ark of safety; he cleaves to the dear
+Redeemer with all his heart. It is quite wonderful to hear how he
+talks about the love of Christ; about feeling its power on his soul;
+and about seeing him, and being made like him."
+
+I went into his room, shook hands with him, and had a long
+conversation. When speaking of the Saviour coming, in the spiritual
+manifestations of his presence, to comfort and animate his disciples
+in the chamber of affliction, or when entering death's dark vale,
+he interrupted me by a burst of natural eloquence, which greatly
+delighted us--"I can speak to the truth of what you say. He does
+come and comfort my heart. I have had more heart-rejoicings in
+this room, than I ever had at church or chapel, when hearkening to
+sarmunts, and that is saying a great deal. My soul has been taken
+up to the third heaven, and though I have not seen Jesus Christ
+with my bodily eyes as Paul did, yet I have felt the sweetness of
+his love--the preciousness of his love, and no mistake. I say to
+my wife, I say to my children, I say to my servants, and all my
+neighbours, Take refuge in Christ, the living ark of safety, to save
+you from the wrath to come; and love him with all your hearts, and
+then when you die, He will come and comfort you, as he comes and
+comforts me. I beg pardon, Sir, for stopping you, but I couldn't
+hold no longer. My heart was too full."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It is now a long time since I was last at Fairmount; but I
+frequently correspond with Mr. Stevens and Mr. Lewellin, and hear
+how matters are going on in that part of the country, of which,
+though not my native place, I may truly say, from the pleasing
+associations connected with it, in the words of Horace--
+
+    "Ille terrarum mibi præter omnes
+     Angulus ridet."
+
+My friends Mr. and Mrs. Stevens continue as formerly in the
+enjoyment of good health and spirits, and though advanced in years,
+are still active in promoting the religious and moral improvement
+of the villagers in their neighbourhood. Mr. and Mrs. Lewellin have
+now a young family growing up about them; and Rockhill is quite the
+admiration of the country round for the great improvements effected
+on it by Mr. Lewellin, who, by diligent perseverance, and the
+valuable services of his bailiff, Harry Pickford, has become quite a
+scientific farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Ryder are very happy, with two sweet
+children, a boy and a girl, and a constant interchange of visits
+is kept up with Rockhill and Fairmount. Miss Ryder still lives
+with them; but it is doubtful whether this will be the case much
+longer, at least it is currently reported in the village that Mr.
+Hartley, the Rector of Aston, is shortly to lead her to the altar, a
+statement which receives some corroboration, from the circumstance
+that the Rector has lately been getting his house repaired and newly
+furnished. Mrs. Roscoe, shortly after her husband's death, took up
+her abode with her daughter and son-in-law, where she receives
+every attention and kindness, and looks tranquilly forward to
+joining her beloved husband in a better world.
+
+My old friend Farmer Pickford, after being confined for nearly
+twelve months, gradually regained his health and his physical
+energy, and is now become a hale old man, and has every prospect of
+attaining a patriarchal age. A few months since I received from him
+a basket of game, with the following characteristic note:--
+
+     "REVEREND SIR,--As you have left off honouring my wife's
+     cookery, she and I have been thinking that you would like to
+     taste a bit of our game in your own house. I shot the hares,
+     and Harry killed the partridges and the snipes. They are quite
+     fresh--all killed yesterday. We hope they will come safe. I am
+     happy to say that all's well at the homestead. We get a good
+     sarmunt now and tan, in the kitchen. I hope we shall all meet in
+     heaven, and no mistake.--Yours devoutly,
+
+     JOHN AND MARTHA PICKFORD."
+
+His son George is now captain of a vessel, and Sam is his mate.
+People say that Harry is to be married soon to a daughter of Farmer
+Goddard; and if so, it is believed that he will leave his situation
+at Rockhill, and occupy the adjoining farm, which will become vacant
+at Michaelmas.
+
+
+
+
+CONCLUSION.
+
+
+The Author has now brought his labours to a close; and having thus
+finally disposed of the various characters in his story, it may
+justly be presumed that nothing more remains to be done but simply
+to thank his readers for their courteous attention to his narrative,
+and bid them a hearty and respectful farewell. But, perhaps, before
+doing so, he may be permitted to cast a retrospective glance on the
+course through which he and his readers have passed together, and
+review some of the leading principles which he has endeavoured to
+illustrate and enforce in the course of his work.
+
+In commencing his labours, the Author of the _Sheepfold and the
+Common_ resolved to maintain a strict neutrality amid the various
+conflicting sects in the Christian Church, and avoid everything like
+an undue _clannishness_ or _esprit de corps_. Assuming a position
+midway between the two principal religious parties which exist
+amongst us--Church and Dissent--he resolved to hold the balance of
+judgment and justice with an impartial hand--neither to lower the
+one, nor unduly exalt the other--allowing each to retain its own
+ecclesiastic polity, without presuming to encroach on the freedom
+which both so equitably claim. He has, he admits, exposed some of
+the imperfections of the Episcopal Establishment; but these very
+imperfections have been pointed out and animadverted on by many of
+its most intelligent and decided advocates and admirers, both of
+the clergy and laity. In so doing, however, it has been very far
+from his intention wantonly to impair the credit of the Church of
+England, or alienate her members from her communion; but to render
+his assistance in paving the way for a revision of her polity,
+which is now so loudly called for, and which, in general belief,
+will render her a greater and a more impressive instrument of moral
+and spiritual power amongst the great mass of the people. He has
+not attempted to set in hostile array against each other those who
+are united in the same faith, though differing in denominational
+opinions and practices. He has given no advice to a Churchman or
+to a Dissenter which stands in opposition to the pure and catholic
+spirit of the gospel; but he has endeavoured to induce all, from a
+profound regard to the authority of Jesus Christ, as well as their
+own moral dignity and happiness, "to add to their faith, virtue;
+and to virtue, knowledge; and to knowledge, temperance; and to
+temperance, patience; and to patience, godliness; and to godliness,
+brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity" (2 Pet. i.
+5-7).
+
+His main object throughout the whole of his labours has been to
+present, in a popular form, the leading doctrines of the Christian
+faith; and to vindicate its integrity and purity against its
+ever-active opponents; and to prove, at the same time, that it is a
+remedial scheme to recover man from the ruin occasioned by the first
+transgression, rather than a mere educational or ceremonial one.
+He is aware that the heart of every man, while in an unenlightened
+and unrenewed state, presents an impassable barrier against its
+claims; but the regular marshalled forces of opposition are
+concentrated within the fortresses of scepticism and superstition.
+Scepticism assumes different phases, and takes various grounds of
+objection--alternately denying the truthfulness of the historic
+records of Christianity--impugning the credibility of its witnesses,
+and the rationality of its doctrines--inveighing against the
+so-called arrogance of its claims and requirements--and rejecting it
+as an ill-contrived theory, which answers no other purpose than to
+gratify the visionary, or affright the credulous. In the person of
+Mr. Gordon and others, the Author has allowed scepticism to express
+its hostility to Christianity; and the reader will form his own
+judgment of the way in which the arguments put forth by infidelity
+have been met and repelled. (See vol. i. pp. 96-104, 133-144, and
+137; ii. 76-107.)
+
+In endeavouring thus to explain and illustrate Evangelical
+doctrines, the Author has necessarily been led, by the nature of
+his subject, to expose and confute the various forms of heresy and
+theological error which appear to be more especially characteristic
+of the present age. On one of these--the Tractarian heresy--which
+prevails to such a lamentable extent among many members of
+the Church of England, he has deemed it expedient to dwell at
+considerable length, and has frequently introduced the views
+maintained by the High Church party, as a subject of disquisition.
+On this point it may, perhaps, be necessary to enter somewhat into
+detail, as to many persons the remarks on the doctrines professed by
+the Tractarian body, and the animadversions on the teaching of their
+clergymen, may appear somewhat severe and unwarranted.
+
+It cannot, the Author conceives, be denied by any Christian,
+who bows to the absolute authority of the Bible, and its
+obvious interpretation, that the only way to obtain eternal life
+is by believing in Jesus Christ, the Son of God; and that the
+spiritual regeneration of the soul is a necessary pre-requisite
+and qualification for an admission into the kingdom of heaven.
+But Tractarianism, like Romanism, virtually ignores this scheme
+of mercy, by introducing a ceremonial apparatus, by which a
+priestly power effects for its deluded victims and devotees all
+that is necessary for final salvation, without the concurrence of
+any supernatural grace, but what is supposed to flow through the
+artificially prescribed channels. To expose the absurdity, as well
+as the anti-Christian character of this heresy, the Author has
+introduced, in the person of Mr. Roscoe, the character of a devout
+and spiritually enlightened man, and in his brother, the Rev. John
+Roscoe, that of an able and zealous advocate of the Tractarian
+theory. The reader will form his own opinion on the merits of the
+question at issue, and the force of the arguments maintained by the
+supporters of the respective systems (i. 317-477).
+
+No one, the Author thinks, can read the New Testament with careful
+attention, without perceiving that the sacred writers treat
+of two distinct orders of human beings--the natural, and the
+spiritual man; the one enlightened and renovated, and living in
+mental fellowship with God; the other, living through life under
+the governing influence of his constitutional principles, and
+conventional predilections and habits--in whose estimation, whether
+he be a libertine or a religious devotee, the necessity of a mental
+regeneration is viewed as a fiction, or a mere theological dogma.
+Hence, it devolved on the Author, in a work of this description,
+to draw plainly the broad line of distinction, which he thinks the
+intelligent reader will discover he has done in his illustrative
+and confirmatory examples, as well as by the simple process of
+reasoning, deducible from the authoritative data of the inspired
+volume. (See vol. i. pp. 198, 342-346, 352-356; see also paper on
+_Calm Discussion_, i. 246, and _A Struggle for Life_, ii. 493.)
+
+This broad line of distinction between the two orders of men,
+becomes more marked and decisive when they are dying, or when
+anticipating death. As an instance of this, the reader is presented
+with a contrast in the narrative of the deathbed of Mrs. Allen
+(i. 187, 188), as compared with that of Miss Susan Brownjohn (ii.
+568-570), and in the respective accounts of the last moments of
+Mr. Ingleby, the Evangelical pastor; and Mr. Cole, the advocate of
+Tractarian principles (ii. 523-528, 540-544).
+
+In separate papers, which form essential parts of his work, he has
+brought under the notice of his readers a variety of individual
+cases, which may prove as beacons, or examples of great practical
+utility. He would call the serious attention of the incautious, who
+may be exposed to beguiling temptations, to the case of Mr. Lewellin
+(i. 13), young Harvey (ii. 179), and Mr. Beaufoy (ii. 240).
+
+To the case of the ANXIOUS INQUIRER, who is intensely concerned for
+his salvation, the Author has paid great attention, by explaining
+the _cause_ of his mental disquietude, which is a penetrating
+conviction of personal guilt, and a clear perception of its
+consequent danger (i. 416 and 503).
+
+The great question, _What must we do to be saved?_ answered: see _An
+Escape from a False Refuge_ (i. 530); also, _The Farm-house Kitchen_
+(ii. 292).
+
+The spiritual perplexities to which all are subjected, in some
+degree, while working out their salvation, are specified and
+adjusted, and these are:--_The defective nature of repentance_ (i.
+176); _the declension of spiritual enjoyments_, and _the want of
+an assurance of final salvation_ (ii. 159). See also Mrs. Loader's
+Letter (ii. 303).
+
+In the person of Miss Roscoe we have a specimen of Christian
+decision, its sacrifices, its struggles, its conflicts, its
+triumphs, and its recompense of reward. Miss Holmes' religious
+history presents a very different complexion; in her we see the good
+work of grace beginning and advancing under favourable auspices;
+her conflicts are mental, and the final issue is glorious. In the
+case of Miss Emma Holmes is exhibited the painful consequences of
+duplicity and headstrong rashness, in entering into the married
+state.
+
+Nothing, in the opinion of the Author, has a more powerful influence
+over the popular mind, to excite prejudice against Christianity,
+and to lead the profane and sceptical to call in question its
+Divine origin, than the multiplicity of sects which exist within
+the pale of the visible church; especially when they perceive the
+bitter and antagonistic spirit which they often cherish and express
+towards each other. The evil of this and its remedy, the Author has
+endeavoured to point out and illustrate (ii. 18-36.)
+
+The Author has interwoven, in the progress of his work, many
+specimens of the wonder-working power of the grace of God, in the
+regeneration and conversion of persons of varying degree of moral
+excellencies and of moral worthlessness; and of the diversified mode
+of operation which is observed by the Divine Spirit when effecting
+it. He would call the attention of the intelligent reader to the
+following cases, which are so many living witnesses in confirmation
+of the Divine origin and blissful tendency of the truth, by which
+they are called out of a state of spiritual death to give their
+testimony:--Mr. Lewellin (i. 23), the Rev. O. Guion (i. 76), Miss
+Roscoe (i. 129), Mr. Tennent (i. 151), Mr. Roscoe (i. 278), Farmer
+Pickford (i. 47, 392, 571), Miss Denham (i. 414), Rev. John Roscoe
+(i. 428), Miss Osbourne, the Quakeress (i. 503), Mr. and Mrs. Lobeck
+(i. 528-544), Mrs. Hastings--see _The Effect of a Word Spoken in
+Season_ (ii. 108), Mrs. Farrington--see _The Farm-house Kitchen_
+(ii. 284), Mr. Ryder--see _A Struggle for Life_ (ii. 493), Mr.
+Gordon (ii. 511-515).
+
+That the papers are very unequal in point of interest and execution,
+no one is more conscious of than the writer; but what he has
+written, he wrote as well as he could when it was written; and he
+must now leave it to be dealt with, just as the candid and impartial
+critic may decide. He knows that perfection has never been attained;
+and though he feels that partiality for his own productions with
+which authors are charged, and to which they are compelled to plead
+guilty, when they speak so as to be believed, yet he is not vain
+enough to suppose that he has attained it. The work has its faults,
+which he has not skill enough to conceal, nor temerity enough to
+vindicate and if it possess no excellence, it will soon descend to
+that state of oblivion from which no interest can redeem it.
+
+"And now," to quote the language of an elegant author, "could he
+flatter himself that any one would take half the pleasure in reading
+his numbers which he has taken in writing them, he would not fear
+the loss of his labour. The employment detached him from the bustle
+and hurry of life, the din of politics, and the noise of folly;
+vanity and vexation flew away for a season, care and disquietude
+came not near his dwelling. He arose fresh as the morning to his
+task; the silence of the night invited him to peruse it; and he can
+truly say, that food and rest were not preferred before it. Happier
+hours than those which have been spent in composing them he never
+expects to see in this world: very pleasantly did they pass, and
+moved smoothly and swiftly along; for when thus engaged he counted
+no time. They are gone, but have left a relish and a fragrance upon
+the mind; and the remembrance of them is sweet."
+
+It has been justly observed, that there are few things not purely
+evil, of which we can say, without some emotion of uneasiness, _this
+is the last_. Those who never could agree together, shed tears when
+mutual discontent has determined them to final separation. Of a
+place which has been frequently visited, though without pleasure,
+the last look is taken with heaviness of heart; and the Author,
+who has by a series of papers contributed to the improvement and
+gratification of society, may expect to be forgiven, if he should
+feel some novel sensations pervading his breast, when his last essay
+is before him.
+
+Thus in the planning and execution of our schemes, life passes
+away, and we advance by unconscious steps towards its termination;
+and though by a singular species of artifice we contrive to keep
+our latter end in some distant perspective of futurity, yet in our
+more serious moments of reflection we feel that it is approaching.
+And can we anticipate it with cool indifference? Can we think of
+taking a last look at the varied beauties of nature, which have so
+often charmed the eye--of hearing the last words of friendship,
+which have so often delighted the ear--of uttering the last adieu
+which is to separate us from all communion with the inhabitants of
+earth--without feeling a degree of pensive sadness, which nothing
+can relieve but the hope of a blissful immortality? And even when
+this hope breaks in upon our solemn musings, and dispels the gloom
+which envelopes them, it is not always in our power to regain that
+tranquillity which the approach of our _last_ hour tends to disturb.
+Our _last_ hour! It may now be distant, but ere long it will be
+near. Suppose it were now come! Suppose only sixty more minutes of
+time were allotted to us on earth! Suppose we were now within a few,
+a very few steps of the seat of final judgment! Suppose in a few
+moments we should be called to give an account of the deeds done
+in the body, whether good or evil! Suppose, ere the village clock
+proclaims to the rustic inhabitants the departure of _another hour_,
+we should be doomed to receive the decisive sentence, which will
+
+    "Remove us to yon heav'nly place,
+     Or shut us up in hell,"
+
+what would be the state of our mind? Should we be calm, like the
+woodman, who after the toils of the day, goes home to enjoy his
+rest? or should we be alarmed, as when the mariner sees the first
+symptoms of the rising storm? Should we be in ecstasy, as when the
+captive is released from the prison-house of wretchedness, and
+restored to his home? or should we turn pale, and tremble like
+the condemned criminal, when he hears the first sound of his own
+funeral knell? These are questions which we may now dismiss under an
+apprehension that they relate to a remote period; but that period
+is not so remote, as when the questions first met the eye of the
+reader; and ere long it will be _the present time_. Are we prepared
+to live through our last hour; and to give up our life, when the
+last pulse shall beat through our veins, without wishing to prolong
+it? Are we ready to step across the boundary which divides the
+visible from the invisible world, without faltering in our passage?
+If so, we may live in peace. We need fear no evil. We may range
+into futurity, without being appalled by any rising forms of terror.
+We may anticipate the last hour with tranquil joy, and calmly wait
+its approach. But if not, we ought to feel alarm. To be gay and
+sportive when treading on the verge of eternal woe, would be no less
+than a species of mental delirium. It would be an act of criminal
+folly; a treasuring up to ourselves wrath against the day of wrath;
+and impiously smiling as the storm of the Divine displeasure is
+accumulating its stores of vengeance.
+
+Let me, then, before I have taken my final farewell of my reader,
+urge him once more to "work out his own salvation with fear and
+trembling." Let me once more point his attention to "the Lamb of
+God, that taketh away the sin of the world." Let me once more tell
+him, in the language which fell from the lips of the Redeemer, when
+he was on the earth:--"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting
+life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the
+wrath of God abideth on him."
+
+I have now done; and commending my well-meant though imperfect
+labours to the blessing of Him who alone can render them effectual
+to the salvation of my readers, I now retire to the more private
+duties of my station, yet not without indulging the hope of meeting
+some in the celestial world, to whom I have been the means of
+imparting consolation, while passing through this valley of weeping.
+
+
+THE END.
+
+GLASGOW: W. G. BLACKIE AND CO., PRINTERS, VILLAFIELD.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note.
+Irregularities and inconsistencies in the text have been retained
+as printed. Quotation marks are inconsistent; mismatched quotes are
+not fixed if it's not sufficiently clear where the missing quote
+should be placed.
+
+The illustrations have been moved so that they do not break up
+paragraphs, thus the page number of the illustration might not match
+the page number in the List of Illustrations.
+
+Page 174: The missing word "it" has been added by the transcriber:
+"we are satisfied that it is our duty to hear the gospel".
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Sheepfold and the Common, Vol. II
+(of 2), by Timothy East
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44769 ***