heareth prayer, to whom all flesh shall

come.”

In this delightful train, circumstances led on, and all that Brownrigg saw, and all that he heard, increased his admiration, and taught him to value the principles from which such consistent conduct flowed.

It was on the evening of a most glowing day, and when the sun seemed unwilling to quit the horizon, and left its richest tints on the surrounding scene, that Brownrigg lingered later than usual at the fireside of his sisters. “ Why, my good old women,” said he; they waited, as this was commonly the prelude to something kind, they would not anticipate or break in upon him. After a considerable pause, clapping his hand upon the shoulder of Margaret, he said,

" What would you say,

old obstinate brother was to become a Methodist, eh?” Margaret turned her head, and looking at him most benevolently, said, “ Why, I should say, · Praise the Lord, Oh, my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.'” “Then you may begin to say it, for I am convinced that your sentiments are the only ones that will bring a man peace at the last : they are the Bible sentiments, they are the Church of England's sentiments, and they are mine. I have long wished to tell you, but I am a proud old fellow, and I did not like to own that I was wrong, and you were right, and had been for so many years.' “Oh, my beloved brother,” said Mary, and she rose, throwing her arms round his neck, “How does this day make my existence doubly sweet to me. Very dear, very pleasant art thou to me, my brother Jonathan.” And they all three wept together; and from that day it may be said they were of one heart and of one mind. They continued going to the temple, eating their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and in favour with all the people.

How this delighted the heart of the good rector it may easily be conceived; he went on (silently) his way, watching one and another, pointing out a false step there, encouraging the weak believer, while, with those more advanced, more firmly established, he was stirring up their pure minds by way of remembrance. Time seemed to wing more swiftly with him as he advanced, and he felt that for him it was important to gather up every remnant, that nothing might be lost. His dear children were answering all his wishes, they were beginning to visit the

poor, especially the sick; they were watching the schools, and advancing every plan established by their excellent parents. In fine, as their activity must naturally relax, it seemed likely to be supplied by the attention and willingness of these rising dear ones; who, though fit for any society, however polished, were ready to be all things to all men, so that they might win some. How much it were to be wished, that all the daughters of our clergy were thus trained to walk in all the commandments of the Lord blameless.

It was on a warm summer's evening that James Brown, passing the corner of the green lane, had shaken hands, and said, “ Good night, Peggy.” When he thought, “ well, I will walk up to the Brow, and will call upon my old friend." It was true, Brownrigg was extremely kind, but his kindness was on Peggy's account, and his uncle was too old to afford him any counsel or consolation, and the poor fellow seemed for the first time in want of some one on his side to say, “ James Brown is

" an honest lad, and worthy of Peggy. Michael most kindly entered into his feelings; but their conversation will best explain.

Esther was at work; Michael was sitting by her, amusing his little ones with

pictures in an old Bible, and telling them the history of Joseph and his brethren ; when James entering, stroked the little girl's head, and looking earnestly at her father, said, “ I am come to spend an hour with you.” Rose soon came in to put the young things to bed, and they sat for some moments in silence. “ I think," said James, “I think I have had this stick fifteen years.

Michael. It is nothing but a bit of hazel.

“ It is such an old friend; it was with this very switch I was cutting off the head of a nettle, when you persuaded me not to go that Sunday to Mrs. Priddle's. How many things have passed since that time, You were going to the Valley, Michael. Poor old master was alive then; you know you went away, and I got into a scrape with those gypsies. Surely God has been very good to me; I do not think I would part with this stick for the lord mayor's gold-headed cane.” Michael and Esther both looked at him with love and admiration, as they listened to this recital of his feelings. “ Your uncle is uncommon kind to me,” addressing Esther, “and I am continually obliged to say it and to feel it; but I seem to stand alone in the world, and want some one to say,

• Jem Brown is not an ungrateful

man.'»

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" No, you

“ I have said that, my dear fellow, over and over again, and Mr. Brownrigg does not need the assurance, for he has a very good opinion of you.

Well, I am very glad of it; but you do not know what it is, Michael, to have to say, 'Thank you, thank you, and have

' nothing to offer in return. need not say that, James, for you offer an honest hand and heart; and if my uncle is to let you ground, you labour for the fruit of it,” said Esther. James seemed relieved. Every generous bosom will feel for Jem, and every Christian will acquit him, under that declaration of our Lord, “ It is more blessed to give than to receive.” But however he might feel, we must say, that Brownrigg, his benefactor, never thought of the favour he was conferring: he was concerned for Peggy's happiness as for a child of his own. But for any benefit he was conferring, it raised none but pleasurable sensations in his mind, and he did not for a moment consider James his debtor. This honest man had truly a great mind; he certainly was peculiar, but it was the peculiarity of an isolated being; in short, he was an old bachelor, had a place for every thing, and every thing in its place; and if his temper was sometimes ruffled, it arose from

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