threatened a severe fall of rain; but as we approached the object of our journey, the heavy clouds separating, discovered the Birs frowning over the plain, and presenting the appearance of a circular hill, crowned by a tower, with a high ridge extending along the foot of it. Just as we were within the proper distance, it burst at once upon our sight in the midst of rolling masses of thick black clouds, partially obscured by that kind of haze whose indistinctness is one great cause of sublimity, whilst a few strong catches of stormy light thrown upon the desert, in the back ground, serve to give some idea of the immense extent and dreary solitude of the wastes in which this venerable ruin stands." A FEW WEEKS WITH MY FRIENDS. VERY pleasant had been my morning's ramble with my friend Louisa, (see page 254,) as we wandered along the quiet lanes, crossed the rich sunny fields, gazed on the lovely scenery, and entered the peaceful cottages of the simple village poor. "I have one more treat for you, Anna," said my companion; an aged couple, who have shared each other's joys and sorrows, for more than fifty years, supporting themselves in honest independence, though their work is of the humblest and least lucrative kind. And now they seem standing together, on the top of Pisgah, looking into the heavenly country; and waiting for the command, 'Thou art this day to pass over Jordan.'' We proceeded at a quick pace, down a beautiful slope; and soon came in sight of their humble but pretty dwelling. By the door, at her spinning wheel, sat a thin old woman, whose sharp features were covered by a skin so wrinkled, that you might have mistaken it for parchment. But her eye seemed as bright, and her movements as active, as they could have been in early youth. "Welcome, my dear young lady," said old Rachel. ""Tis a morning fit to cheer those who kindly go about to cheer their fellow-creatures." "It is very lovely," replied Louisa. "I do not know, whether my friend would not give up all her London honors, if she might take such a cottage, as some we have visited this morning." The old man was sitting in a loom, diligently weaving the narrow bunting, which is used for flags; an employment he obtained from the neighbouring town. Turning towards me, with a look of mild dignity, which belongs to none but the aged and consistent Christian, he observed, "Ah, but, Miss! I dare say you know who fixes the bounds of our habitations; and gives us duties and relations, comforts and discipline, which we should not find so fitted to us, in any place of our own choosing. That is a blessed state of mind, Miss," he added, finding I continued silent, "when we can say, 'Father, I wait thy daily will, Thou shalt divide my portion still; Grant me on earth, what seems Thee best, Till death and heaven reveal the rest.'" "It is," I replied; "and I trust my visit will be made the means of bringing me to the experience of it." A tear stood in my eye, for I was but little accustomed to Christian communion. The good people looked at me with deep interest, while Rachel said, I hope we are not too bold, Miss Louisa; but if your young friend is now beginning to cast in her lot among the people of God, I know you will help and encourage her. You will say, 'Come with us, and we will do thee good; for the Lord has spoken good concerning Israel.'" 66 Yes, Rachel," answered Louisa, “the Christian's is a happy pilgrimage; and among his many privileges, it is no small one, that he may invite all around to share his present and eternal blessings. We may go on without limit, saying, ‘yet there is room.' "What a difference," exclaimed Thomas, "between our Almighty Friend, and the greatest and noblest upon earth. When they have allowed us to recommend a few cases, they have done all in their power, and think us much their debtors. Whereas, the more we expect for our own souls, from our gracious Benefactor, and the greater number of needy sinners we invite in his name, the more he is pleased with us. For it is His own word, 'He that winneth souls is wise; he obtains even now, joy inexpressible, while hereafter, we are told, 'they that turn many to righteousness, shall shine as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.'" 66 How beautiful and persuasive," rejoined Louisa, "are those words of the Psalmist, ‘O taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusteth in him."" "It is a blessed thing, Miss, to be permitted to bear witness from experience, that the Lord can give his children peace, which passeth all understanding. Yet, while we speak good of his name, we must take care to be faithful, too. God does not permit us to speak deceitfully for him. We must not conceal, that there is toil, and suffering, a struggle, and a warfare; as well as peace, and rest, and victory. I do not doubt, lady,” added Thomas, turning to me, "but you have already found two natures striving for the mastery; and at times the conflict between flesh and spirit is a very sore one." 66 This is one of the many lessons I am learning, Thomas.” "And it is a profitable lesson, Miss, though a painful one. By shewing us what is in our hearts, our heavenly Teacher lays us low, in our proper place; and makes Christ and his salvation precious to our souls. It is in mercy, not in anger, he reproves us. 'If the Lord had meant to destroy us, he would not have shewn us such and such things.' Till we feel our ruin and vileness, we shall never lay hold on his word, the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin.'" "The Christian," I replied, making an effort to state the feeling which at that time oppressed me, "the Christian, I should think, finds little difficulty in believing, that through his Saviour's atonement, all his sins may be forgiven; but how, in the midst of weakness and corruption, he is ever to hold out to the end, seems a more trying question." "And yet, my dear young lady, the one is as fully provided for as the other, in the covenant of God's grace. The Holy Spirit is promised, to subdue our corruption, and perfect that which concerneth us. The promise stands, 'Sin shall not have dominion over you;' Fear not, little flock, it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.' We have only to plead these promises in prayer, and to watch and strive, in the strength of the Lord for their fulfilment.” ‘And thus,” added Louisa, with a sweet and grateful smile, "we may look up to our reconciled God, and say, 'From the first breath of life divine, Down to the last expiring hour; The gracious work is all thine own, We took leave of the aged, venerable couple. I had not then been accustomed to converse with the pious poor; and I felt astonished at the clearness of their views, and their suitable way of expressing them. Since then, I have had many opportunities of observing how religion informs, and elevates, and refines the soul. The mind being unfurnished has room to receive the glorious truths of Christianity, in all their fulness. Such believers, therefore, can literally say, 'Thy word have I hid within my heart; it is my meditation all the day.' And this constant study of sacred Scripture, with its beautiful images and language, gradually tunes their hearts, and moulds their expressions, till they acquire an indescribable richness and power. Long did the remarks of Thomas and Rachel remain upon my mind; indeed, throughout the whole period of my Christian profession, I have scarcely found a greater privilege, than to sit at the feet of those, who though poor in this world, are eminently rich in faith, and heirs of glory. Our day's pleasures were not yet ended; for we had engaged to spend a long afternoon at the Rectory. Ten minutes intervening between our return and our dinner hour, Louisa found it abundantly sufficient, to make the necessary preparations. It never entered into Louisa's calculations, to be all negligence at one time, and all finery at another. Her appearance and manner were always lady-like, because always characterized by christian simplicity; while her perfect ease and artlessness, her freedom from self-seeking and affectation; threw over her a charm and elegance, for which many a young lady has labored in vain. By five o'clock, we were all seated in Mrs. Mason's pleasant drawing-room, the windows of which led out upon a velvet lawn, adorned with flowering shrubs, and surrounded by extensive grounds, laid out with taste and beauty. The church, with its adjoining burial-ground, lay on the right; and in front a lovely, richly wooded landscape. Throughout the evening, we had in one way or other, quite the appearance of a communicative party. The first knowledge taught and learned by the young people, was that of various stitches, and the means of applying them, to produce such ingenious and elegant inventions, as were occupying the nimble fingers around me. Some I found were destined for India, to aid our Missionary efforts there; while others had been bespoken by friends at home, and the profits promised to local charities. After a while, we were summoned to take tea upon the lawn, where Mr. Mason soon joined us, as well as some of the male members of our various families, who had been enjoying a game at cricket in an adjoining meadow. Conversations combining an innocent and profitable mixture of grave and gay, succeeded; enquiries were made respecting schools and districts; langour was roused, or zeal tempered, as occasion might require. Even my friend received a little kind and salutary advice. "Both your class and district, Louisa," observed Mr. Mason, "seem to be in a pleasant, encouraging state. Has Caroline Birnie visited with you this month?" "Not much, Sir. She has never called for me; and as I have been sufficiently at leisure, I have not found it any burden to go alone." 66 "Perhaps not so much, as to take Caroline with you," said Mr. Mason, smiling. 'But there is a text which will come into my mind, Louisa, something like this-'We ought not to please ourselves; but let every one of us please his neighbour, for his good to edification.?" ‘But I do not fancy," replied Louisa, somewhat timidly, "it would please Caroline to visit from cottage to cottage." 'Possibly not. Nevertheless, edification might arise now, and pleasure come afterwards. Indeed we are not quite sure, that a delicate fear of intruding on your enjoyment, may not hold Caroline back; and if so, the sooner you remove such an impression, the better. But suppose she has no inclination, which is probably the truth; then it would be a work of kindness to endeavor to excite one: for such intercourse and such engagements are calculated to be a source of the greatest benefit. Seriously, I shall feel obliged if my more established helpers, will try to interest their younger friends. It was with this view, I appointed two visitors to each district. Influence is an important talent, and one, which I fear, we |
