XX.

WILLIAM THE SILENT.

"God, in his mercy," said this beloved prince, the founder of the Dutch Republic, and one of the noblest defenders of the Reformed faith, "God, in his mercy, will maintain my innocence and my honor, during my life and in future ages. As to my fortune and my life, I have dedicated both, long since, to his service. He will do therewith what pleases him, for his glory, and my salvation."

"As long as he lived," says Motley, "he was the guiding star of a whole nation, and when he died the little children cried in the streets."

He was assassinated 1584, by a Jesuit con

spirator, who had sought an opportunity for the deed for years.

"The prince," says Motley, "came from his dining-room, and began leisurely to ascend the stairs. He had only reached the second stair, when a man emerged from the sunken arch, and, standing within a foot or two of him, discharged a pistol full at his heart. balls entered his body. The prince exclaimed, in French, as he felt the wound,

two

Three

"O my God, have mercy upon my soul! O, my God, have mercy upon this poor people!"

And so this prince, whose life had been wholly devoted to the good of others, died, with a prayer for the people he loved, on his lips.

XXI.

ENGLISH WORTHIES.

GEORGE HERBERT.

George Herbert, called Saintly George Herbert, was born 1593, and died 1634.

His life was as famous for its humility and willing obedience to the word of God, as his poems, sermons and prayers were for their gem-like spiritual perceptions, vividness and quaintness.

It is said that while he was walking on his way to Salisbury, to join a musical party, he saw by the road-side a poor man with a poorer horse, that had fallen under under the weight of his burden. Both man and beast were in great distress, and needed help.

If Mr. Herbert had been careless, indifferent and cold-hearted, he would not so willingly have put off his canonical coat, and helped the man to unload, and afterwards load his horse.

He did all this,

blessed him for it.

however, and the man Like the good Samaritan of old, he also gave the man money to refresh both himself and his horse. Thus they parted company, and each went on his own way.

Mr. Herbert arrived late in Salisbury, so late, indeed, that his friends of the musical gathering had given up hope of seeing him. It is easy to imagine their surprise, however, when he entered the room, and they heard his story; for his clothes, usually very neat and trim, were soiled and discomposed.

"What a pity," said one of the company, "that you should have disparaged yourself by so dirty an employment!"

"A man of your position," exclaimed another, "could not be expected to spoil your cleanliness by keeping company with wayfarers !"

Everybody found words of this sort, while

expressing sympathy, to show that the kindness exhibited by Mr. Herbert was uncalled for, and a condescension on his part.

The good man's response was worthy of

the nobleness of his act.

"Ah, my friends," said he, "the thought of what I have done will prove music to me at midnight; but the omission of that deed would have upbraided and made discord in my conscience whenever I should again pass by that place; for, if I be bound to pray for all that be in distress, I am sure that I am bound, so far as it is in my power, to practise what I pray for. And let me tell you, I would not willingly pass one day of my life without comforting a sad soul, or showing mercy, and blessing God for the occasion."

AFTER PREACHING.

"Blessed be God and the Father of all mercy, who continueth to pour his benefits upon us. Thou hast elected us, Thou hast called us, Thou hast justified us, us, sanctified and glorified us. Thou wast born for us, and Thou livedst and diedst for us. Thou hast given us