The Dairyman's Daughter

jects not only from contemplation on things present, but f

d we seem to hear and see with renewed emotions what we heard and saw at a former period. Successions of such recollected circumstances

uraging prospects for the soul, by connecting the past and present with the future. Seei

n" of the Saviour, assumes a new character. How powerfully does the apostle, on this ground, urge a plea for holy activity and watchfulness! "What! know ye not that your body is the temple of the H

t. In his endeavours to recall past conversations and intercourse with deceased friends in particular, the powers of remembrance greatly imp

countless chamb

e linked by man

, and lo, wha

ts image as t

varied aven

rrow to the s

ades: yet all

atent fibres

er, this feeble attempt to recollect some of the communicat

ith groves of nut and other trees, which screened the traveller from the rays of the sun, and afforded many interesting objects for admiration in the flowers, shrubs, and young trees which grew upon the h

heir summits, appeared at these intervals; rich cornfields were also visible through some of the open places; and now and then, when the road ascended a hill, the sea, with ships

es of nature! How gloriously the God of creation shines in his works! Not a tree, or le

adjoined his cottage. I advanced very near him without his observing me, for his sight was dim. On my calling out to him, he started at the sound of my vo

arge overspreading elm trees, to the house. Decency and order were manifest within and without. No excuse was made here, on the score of poverty, for confusion and uncleanliness in the disposal of their little household. Everything wore the aspect of neatness and propriety. On each side of the fire-place stood an old oaken chair, where the venerable parents rested their weary limbs a

and contentment. May I learn a fresh lesson for advance

t you should come under our roof. We take it ver

ther, laid aside his glory, and came down to this lower world on a visit of mercy and love; and ought no

hich accompanied her expressions of devotedness to God and love to Christ, for the great mercies which He had bestowed upon her. During her residence in different gentlemen's families where she had been in service, she had acquired a superior behaviour and address; but sincere piety rendered her very humble and unassuming in manner and conversation. She seemed anxious to improve the opportunity of my visit to t

the character of a young Christian. If it have pleased God, in the free dispensation of his mercy, to call the child by his grace, while the parent remains still in ignorance and sin, ho

, while at the same time they received from her every token of filial submission and obedience, testified by c

ensible that there is far more in real religion than mere occasional transition from one frame of mind and spirits to another. She believed that the experimental acquaintance of the heart with God principally consisted in so living upon Christ by faith, as to aim at living like Him by love. She knew that

knew their value. In addition to a Bible and Prayer-book, "Doddridge's Rise and Progress," "Romaine's Life, Walk, and Triumph of Fa

h I afterwards found to be a presage of consumption; and th

freshment, and enjoyed a few hours' conversation with them, I found it was necessary for me to return homewar

n, sir, come again when you can; and though I am a poor ignorant soul, and not fit to talk to such a gentleman as you, yet my dear child shall speak for me; she is the greatest

his gracious promise: 'Even to your old age I a

father and mother will, I am sure, remember it; and I rejoice in the opportunity of seeing so kind a friend under this roof. My Saviour has been abundantly good to me in plucking me 'as a brand from

se is fulfilled in their case: 'It shall come to

aid, "and praise God

been the happy instrument of

my own unworthiness and insuffi

cy upon us at the eleventh hour. Poor Betsy strives much for our sakes, both in body and soul; she works hard all day to save us trouble, and I fear has not strength to

you and all tha

, dear sir," was ech

My returning meditations were

peaceful cottage, and I always found increasing rea

n which I had not seen the Dairyman's family. I was reminded

v.

e time since I left ---. I took cold that day, and have been worse ever since. I walk out a little on these fine days, but seem to myself to walk very near on the borders of eternity. G

ld leave thi

ransport

h joy the

nd prove

hell and gh

through

f love and

me conquero

the hour of death. We cannot live nor die happy without this, and to keep it we must be continually watching and praying: for we have many ene

are in a sound sleep. Yet the voice of God is sometimes very powerful when his ministers speak, when they are influenced by his Holy Spirit, and are simple and sincere in holding forth the Word of Life. Then it will teach us all things, and enlighten our mind, and reveal unto us the hid

ly do, suffer these trifling objects here on earth to draw our minds from God, to rob Him of his glory, and our souls of that happiness and comfort which the believer may enjoy amidst outward afflictions. If we thus lived more by faith on the Son of God, we shou

backwardness to this exercise of duty when I think of God's willingness to save the vilest of the vile, according to the dispensations of his eternal grace and mercy. Oh, how amiable, how lo

he Lord's time is the best time. Now the night of death was come upon him; no more work was to be done. If I had done all that lay in my power to proclaim reconciliation by Christ to his soul, whether he had heard or no, I should have been more clear of his blood. But I cannot recall the time that is past, nor him from the grave. Had I known the Lord would have called him so suddenly, how diligent I should have been to warn him of his danger. But it is enough that God shows us what we are t

strength in my weakness of body and mind; for without Him I can do nothing. But when I can experience the teaching of that Holy One, I need no other teacher. May the Lord anoint you with the same, and give you every grace of his Holy Spirit, that you may be filled with all the fulness of Go

ed. I have heard that you are fellow-countrymen. I hope you are, however, both as strangers in

vant in the bonds of

- W-

I felt that in the person of this interesting correspondent were singularly united the characters of an humbl

ld the value of these epistolary communications, beyond