plice, you have taken the ragged lining out of my desk, and made me very clean and neat. No, I will wait till next year for my prayer-book.” Michael saw and felt the kindness of this, and was not sorry, upon reflection, to avoid doing more, lest they should think him partial and prodigal. But there was one step which he took, attended with more difficulty than every other : it was the prevention of the number of persons usually assembling in the belfry; this had grown and increased. It is true that they were not noisy, as in some churches, but still there was bustle, and talk, and irreverence. One point Mr. Lascelles had gained, they no longer sung those frightful old tunes, anthems of a quarter of an hour, every one bawling, and all in a different key, and consequently the idle conversation in the singing gallery was stopped. But still this little party in the belfry thickened and increased, and the good rector, who was as remote from tyranny as may be conceived, was at a loss how to stop it. He knew, that till a better principle was imparted than he could give them, this evil must remain, unless some one in the parish who had power would assist him. Michael had felt, and determined to remedy this eyil; he began thus : he went up to a

new lad, My good young man, you live with Mr. Stukeley, I think? You do not know your pew, I will shew you.” The lad looked sheepish, and bowed, and followed Michael. To another, “ James, Thomas, had you not better go to your seat, Mr. Lascelles will be in presently. To a third, “I do not think your master

a would like to see you stand talking here.” Then turning to the ringers,

- You do not want these young men ?" " Oh dear, no, Sir,” winking and laughing at each other.

The business was done for this Sunday, but the next it was all to do again. Michael stood quietly, but spoke not; the assembly were hushed, but they moved not. There was somewhat of that sturdy rebellion which John Bull is subject to, when he fancies his right invaded. Sunday after sunday they were assembled in the same manner, and Michael proceeded in the same quiet way. Brownrigg was so fidgetted, that he longed to put down this persevering impudence with a high hand, Michael begged that he would not, and with difficulty succeeded. There was his erect form constantly in the pew, leering round to see what progress poor Michael made in the belfry; while Esther sat pale, trembling, and terrified. At

length, stirred to it by his young master, Mri Jennings's carter, looking Michael steadily in the face, asked him if he should shew him his pew? To this our excellent young farmer hardly knew how to reply; and at length determined that there was dignity in silence; this he had often heard good Mr. Walker say, and this he found very salutary counsel, had he spoken under the impression of displeasure, he might not have spoken wisely; so he stood still till the service was over; then requesting a word with old Mr. Jennings, he stated

he difficulty he had to preserve order, and his own conviction that Mr. Jennings wished it as well as himself, and requested it as a favour that he would speak to his carter upon the impropriety of his conduct that day.

This slight compliment to Mr. Jennings, together with the mild address had its desired effect; and Jennings spoke with decision to his servant. His son was not so tractable; he observed, that

the governor (a name which he chose to give Michael) was a hard master; there was but one day in the week in which poor people might have a little pleasure, and in that day they were to be kept in order by Mr. Kemp. For his part, he loved to see them cheerful and happy; Mr. Kemp wanted to make them all as sour and melancholy as himself.” Old Jennings grew angry. Harry Jennings, say what you will, Kemp is a good man, such a man as you would do well to imitate. I do not think any family in this parish is better governed, if so well; and it is but reasonable to say, that we ought not to go to church to laugh and talk. I wish you may make as good a master of a family, if ever you have one.”

This point was completely gained ; after a few more Sundays all was tranquil in the belfry, and it was not long before every trace of resentment was lost, and the common people went to their pews in the same orderly manner as their superiors.

The poverty of the Jennings's was coming on them like an armed man; the landlord seized for rent, every thing was to be sold, and this numerous family knew not what to do, or where to go. It was now that the Christians shone in native splendour, while the neighbours contented themselves, some of them saying, “Ah, poor man, I thought he was coming down;" others, with less pity, said,” it was what was to be expected, and what they all deserved, proud creatures as they were.

Michael went every day to talk to the old man, to consult what might be done,

and, if possible, prevail upon the creditors to assist in some way to provide for the old people. There was something due to himself, and about this he shewed the greatest kindness, trusting old Jennings when no one else would ; and as for Esther, she would go to see the poor old woman, who was full of weakness and weeping, and talking about their being so come down; grieving that her daughters must work like poor people, never once glancing at her own imprudence, or regretting that they had been brought up beyond their means. But Esther's quiet good sense taught her that this was not a time to speak of what was wrong; no, she only soothed, patiently heard all the weak complaints, persuaded her to go out to take a little air. “Oh yes, mamma,” said

• Tiny, “ let the people see you are not afraid to be looked at. I think Mrs. Kemp is very right in that particular.” “I think so too,” said Miss Jennings ;

, “ there be some who like to see their betters come down; for my part, I would rather break than bend." The meek Esther could only look her disapprobation; but one day, when Michael was present, and these young ladies were saying something to the same effect, he observed,

or that it became us to inquire whose hand was