THE LAST ESSAYS OF ELIA. BLAKESMOOR IN H-SHIRE. I Do not know a pleasure more affecting than to range at will over the deserted apartments of some fine old family mansion. The traces of extinct grandeur admit of a better passion than envy; and contemplations on the great and good, whom we fancy in succession to have been its inhabitants, weave for us illusions, incompatible with the bustle of modern occupancy, and vanities of foolish present aristocracy. The same difference of feeling, I think, attends us between entering an empty and a crowded church. In the latter it is chance but some present human frailty, an act of inattention on the part of some of the auditory,—or a trait of affectation, or worse, vainglory on that of the preacher, puts us by our best thoughts, disharmonizing the place and the occasion. wouldst thou know the beauty of holiness? -go alone on some weekday, borrowing the keys of good Master Sexton, traverse the cool aisles of some country church; think of the piety that has kneeled there, the congregations, old and young, that have found consolation there, the meek pastor,- the docile parishioner. With no disturbing emotions, no cross conflicting comparisons, drink in the tranquillity |