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said

young Mr. Jennings, “ Mr. Kemp is such a good man ; it is honestly worth the money

Perhaps the reader may have felt that, of all things, to bear a sneer is the hardest, and Michael felt it so: he never had assumed any thing to himself; he never had looked down upon others; and, why they should be so very spiteful he could not understand. Not understand that! why, I thought, Michael, you had read your Bible," said Mr. Walker. Yes, Sir, I hope I have.” “ Well, Sir, it is there written, " If a man will live godly in Christ Jesus, he shall suffer persecution.”.

66 One of my poor old workwomen, Sir,” said Michael, “wanted relief from the parish, and they could not even let her pass : it was, * Dear me, you want relief of the parish. I thought these godly gospellers always provided for their own. Surely Mr. Kemp forgets : we had a fine sermon a Sunday or two ago about that.' And then Mr. Jennings put in his word again.

So, Goody, you see that they who preach the Gospel are to live upon the Gospel.' I bore it in silence, but the poor old woman could not. Well, Sir, what do you hope to live upon ? Just then

' Mr. Lascelles entered : they were hurrying business over, that they might settle with

6

out him; but no sooner did he take his chair, than the tone was somewhat altered ; but the old woman, who knew her strength when the dear Reverend came in, was resolved to make them ashamed, and continued, I should think, gentlemen, that you all hoped to live upon the Gospel; my Bible tells me, that there is no other name given.' • What's all this, Dame Jenner?' said Mr. Lascelles, rising; I then spoke, for I thought I could explain it better. . It seems to be the wish of the parish, Sir, that I should provide for my own poor; and, if this is general, it will come to the same thing, I suppose.' Undoubtedly,' said Mr. Lascelles; but it is an unheard of propo

. sition, I believe.' • True,' said Mr. Jen

, nings, but Mr.Kempis an uncommon man. And now I am almost ashamed to tell you, Sir, what this kind friend said ; but I

am quite aware, that he did it with a view to keep up my spirits, for he saw I was hurt. 'I quite agree with you, Sir; and as you so justly appreciate his merits, Mr. Jennings, I hope you will endeavour to imitate him.' “ Ah, I can fancy Lascelles when he said this. There is no man like him for putting down impertinent people. But he had not quite finished : 'I hear with concern, gentlemen, that some of you are capable of turning the sacred truths of our

holy religion into ridicule. Some sneer at the word “ Gospel,” others, at being “ born again.” Gospel, gentlemen, means glad tidings; hopes of salvation to lost, undone sinners. Being

“ born again, means that change of heart and of life, without which our Saviour himself assures us, . No man can enter the kingdom of

, heaven.' Now, to be capable of jesting with such awful truths, proves a state of extreme depravity. Oh, never may I hear, never again, I trust, that those, over whom God has placed me, are capable of jesting with their eternal hopes;' and he seated himself, and there was a silence of some minutes before the business of the day went on.

“ You see, my good young man,” said Mr. Walker, “ you have been prosperous, and for a time all was well ; indeed, I have heard in a roundabout way from your

a sister Jane to Sophy, from Sophy to mamma, and from mamma to me, that these Jennings' were not unwilling to share your prosperity, but that you had too much discretion either to link yourself, or to permit Joe to form a permanent connection with persons whose piety was at least doubtful; and as this was the case, they are not only prejudiced but mortified.” Michael shook his head, and said, he was sorry

66

you must

Jane should trouble them with his trifling concerns.

Nay,” said Mrs. Walker,“ not blame Jane; we are always glad to hear how you are going on, and I often say myself, “ Well, Jane, what news from

, the Brow ?” “ That was a very foolish affair. Sir, you know my brother Joseph has not much sense, poor fellow.” “Weli, , Sir, you must not be surprised when you disappoint people, especially prejudiced people, that they should retaliate, and at least endeavour to make you feel a portion of that spleen that rankles in their own bosoms. I have frequently been led to compare a prosperous person to a young child : as soon as it begins to take notice, we are delighted with its infant ways; and we love to see the little patting feet upon the fioor, and to hear the sound of its melodious voice; and when it has learnt to combine and furnish a sentence, all it says is witty and well meant; but when it reaches its fourth or fifth year we begin to look for a little study, for obedience; it must no longer run on and be listened to, and we forget that the poor little traveller is walking in nature's road, the very road in which we have encouraged its footsteps. Now it is really wrong to be angry at the folly we have fostered, but if the dear infant

has stood all this prosperity, and is not to be spoiled by this unqualified indulgence, we are certainly called upon to love it unreservedly. But its brothers and sisters feel that they have the same claims, the elder ones more, and the young ones are slipping into his very place. Thus it is, a popular man appears, every one makes way for him, and the breath of praise follows him. He can hardly do wrong if he has sense, and above all, if he has piety, he bears it meekly, and is not the worse for the adulation. But there is a time when this also must pass, and they expect either to share his pleasures, or that he should resign his high place. If, like the spoiled child, he bears it loftily, he is sure to suffer; and if, like the meek child, he takes it patiently, he must nevertheless resign his popularity, and give way.”

“ I thank you, Sir, for this lesson. I feel its truth, we shall fatigue you.-I think, Esther, we must be going. Farewells were exchanged, and the blessing of his early friend rested on him.

It would be endless to describe all that passed at the cottage ; how the little ones would fain see the Brow, and hoped brother Michael would let them come some day; and the thanks to their kind neighbour, &c. &c. But one thing we must no