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After the mournful service, on his return to the Rectory he stayed a few days with the bereaved family, and proposed taking Matilda home with him.

This dear young creature strolled silently about, comforting one and another, and performing all the little offices of friendship in that silent manner which is sure to win the heart, and the request was universal, that she might remain a short time with them. The father and the daughter were equally desirous of living under the influence of that fine code of laws which are found in the 12th of the Romans; and, among the rest, of weeping with those that weep, and rejoicing with those that do rejoice. Poor Michael lingered, and longed to see his friends at the Rectory, yet did not dare propose it, so much did he dread distressing those who were already bowed down under the hand of affliction ; but he thought he would take

; a last look on the spot where the mortal remains were deposited before he returned home. It was on this mournful visit to the narrow house of his early friend, that he saw Mrs. Walker leaning on the arm of her daughter, and he said, “ She goeth unto the grave to weep there ;” and he was about

' to withdraw in silence, when Mrs. Walker looked up and perceived him ; and with

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that unutterable distress which levels all distinction, she offered him her hand; he bowed his head, and withdrew.

Time soothed the sorrow for one of whom it might justly be written, “ Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, for they rest from their labours.” We might long dwell among scenes where faith and hope point to the land of blessedness; we might long continue to mark the silent progress of humble piety, and the influence of holy lives on those among whom they were passed. But we must leave these friends, we must return to our own village, and endeavour to practise there what we have witnessed in other scenes. We must watch with Mrs. Walker over the rising young ones around, we must visit the abodes of sorrow and sickness, and in our own family circle so endeavour to set an example of Christian meekness and forbearance as may best adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. If we have commended the abiding truths of Christianity; if we have exposed the fallacy of worldly dependance on happiness here; if we have shown that no cup is presented to mortal taste but hath some mixture of bitterness, we have assuredly drawn a faithful picture of our state here. Should one heart be led

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to contemplate its state by nature, one resolution be strengthened by what is here presented to the reader, the hope of the writer is gratified, and the desire accomplished.

THE END.

LONDON:

TBOTSON AND PALMER, PRINTERS, SAVOY STREET, STRAND.

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