my pocket." "Well, that is an extraordinary thing who but your master would do such a thing as this?" "I'm sure I don't know, but he's not like any body else that ever I saw, he is so generous and yet he is so prudent." "Ah, that's the perfection of generosity, I think," said Meredith, and with this observation they separated for the night.

"I was in hopes," said Stephen, as he entered his room, "that my poor father would have proposed prayer, I couldn't say any thing, my lips seemed sealed. Is this the fear of man? Oh no, 'tis not, it really is not but it is the fear of appearing to reprove my father, and that seems so unbecoming in me, that I cannot bear it: but I can and will pray for them," and this good son knelt down and prayed most fervently, that it would please God to enlighten his dear relations. This prayer

was offered in faith, and if it was not answered, we well know that it was never offered in vain: it doubtless turned into his own bosom.

The repose of cottagers is commonly, in the language of scripture, "sweet. Stephen might be said to rise with the lark, for its matin peal was the first sound that greeted his ear, and his infant prattler, wearied with change and excitement, was

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long ere his baby form seemed ready for the activity of the day. Very sleepy, Stephen," and the fond parent breathed a father's prayer. He lingered, for he did not like to leave him to wake among strangers, lest surprise and alarm should succeed but he found it useless to wait; so little uncle Frank was set to watch, while Stephen went to the Valley. The song of the early bird accompanied the tender father, and his heart was in tune for enjoyment, praise flowed spontaneously from his lips, and a sense of the divine presence gave the purest tinge to his spirit. Peace now, and peace for ever! His bosom swelled at the thought, and the expansive sense of incomprehensible blessedness, gave him for one moment an idea of unlimited happiness. Oh, what do the worldly lose, who confine their views and their pleasures to the base pursuits of earth! To the Christian, not a leaf trembling on the spray is indifferent! not a sound that is pleasurable but elevates him, not a voice that is alarming but fills him with gratitude to the author of his security! Safe, happen what may, who that had ever tasted these sublime sensations, would exchange them for the baubles of time; wealth, power, titles and distinctions, flattering, but fleeting and insecure. The

finger of the Almighty, pointed in displeasure, would wither the fairest earthly prospect, and chill the warmest hope: "At the blasting of the breath of thy displeasure," finely expresses what I would

convey.

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When Stephen arrived at the Valley, he saw Miss Jemima with her Bible in her hand, in her favourite walk: she slipped the volume into her pocket, and with condescending Christian simplicity, bade the young man a good morning; "and how is your little fellow-traveller, Stephen?" Well, Madam, but asleep; I thought it best not to disturb him, for the weather is warm, and he is very young: I must be careful of my trust, or I know not what his mother will say; I was obliged to beg hard for the pleasure of introducing him to his grandmother, he was so young, and it was so far." All very natural, said Jemima," and he really is so fine a I suppose his uncle is very fond

creature. of him?"

"Yes, Madam, indeed he is. Could I see my mistress? I quite forgot last night to deliver a parcel I had for her, and I made a point of coming down with it as soon as I rose, for I really did not feel easy till I had delivered it." When Mrs. Finch entered, Stephen again apologized for his omission, and his excuse was

readily granted. dear Jemima. I suppose, Stephen, your mother has told you this foolish business of poor Williamson?" "Yes, Ma'am." "I never knew the man so weak," said Mrs. Finch, and she kept walking up and down the room in fidgetty uneasiness, "I suppose I must part with Ellen, its very awkward for the poor girl. I am so entirely satisfied with her, it vexes me exceedingly." "I'm very glad, Ma'am, you are pleased with my sister, and concerned at the necessity of her leaving you; but as you observe, it seems almost unavoidable." "Do you know of any place, Stephen, that might suit her?" "I dare say I could hear of one, Madam; what do you think her most qualified for?" "She works so well with her needle, that I think she might undertake a better place than mine.' "Indeed, Madam, I never expect my sister to be better off than she is in your family, your unceasing kindness, and that of Miss Jemima to me and mine, make me very sorry for this necessary separation." "Well, you will think of your sister, Stephen, there is no haste, but I think it would be better she should go.'

"Shut the door, my

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"Undoubtedly, Ma'am." "I dare say

you will be concerned to hear, that poor dishonest creature Mason has come to an

untimely end. He was engaged in a quarrel at a public-house, and following the person (in a hurry) down the stairs his foot slipped, and his head struck forcibly on some of the stones which lay at the bottom of the rough staircase: he received a violent blow on the temple: his medical attendant saw no immediate danger, but the fever which succeeded, was increased by the indiscreet use of strong liquor. I'm sorry to say his end was very awful. No contrition, but a rebellious, hardened spirit was manifest through the whole. His wife and children are come to the parish, but should she behave prudently, she will not want friends. Poor Mr. Kemp was never forgiven that removal, and Mrs. Fairbrother has gone so far as to say, it was the ruin of the family. Mr. Cooper, whose love of justice you well know, was so displeased by this, that he called on her, and insisted she should retract this unjust aspersion; he assured her if she did not, he should regard her as a person dangerous, and no longer consider her as an object worthy his accustomed attention. This alarmed her, for Mr. Cooper is a most liberal benefactor in many ways to this perverse woman: and Jemima, my dear, though you don't quite agree with Mr. Cooper, I believe in some