foretastes of a felicity, which the universe in possession could not have bestowed.

Thus, in the tranquil and endearing enjoyments of their domestic circle, and amidst such occupations, as the profession of their holy. religion enjoined, while it sanctified and regulated, du Blesne, and his, found the days of their pilgrimage imperceptibly accumulating. To Albert, and his partner, each revolving sun now seemed to rise and set more quickly; for,

"Our years, as life declines,

Speed rapidly away."

They were growing old; and had already begun to cast a longing eye towards that

rest, which remaineth for the people of God.' They had learned, by profitable experience, that there is nothing terrestrial capable of affording a solid, or durable, satisfaction to an immortal mind; and they had known enough of the trials and vicissitudes incident to this present scene, to make them desirous of repairing to another, beyond the

versatility which pursues us below. Not, that they were either inattentive, or indifferent, to the mercies with which their cup had run over.' No: they had too much cause for gratitude, both as it regarded themselves and their family, to pass by unnoticed the goodness which had followed them' in all their paths. were many, and invaluable.

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Their blessings For themselves -they had been assured, by the sweet voice of peace within, that, when the house of their earthly tabernacle should be dissolved,' they had a dwelling in the heavens,' whose foundations were eternal. As it respected their offspring-they had seen their sons, as plants grown up in their youth;' while their daughters were' around them as the polished corners of the temple.' And they had now, when sinking into the grave, the consolatory hope that the God of the parents was, also, the God of the children*.

Exemplified beneath their roof, they beheld, and were willing to accept it as an

See note n.

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In

auspicious omen of the Divine favour, that unity, which the psalmist contemplated with so amiable a complacency; and which he compares, with beautiful simplicity, to the refreshing dews that descended on the hill of Hermon, or the mountains of Zion.' deed, if mutual forbearance, and a charity that 'suffereth long and is kind,' be evidences of it, that unity was an inmate of the happy mansion of du Blesne. ' Of one heart and one soul,' they walked in the same steps' of active benevolence, humility, and love.

Continually reminded of that hour, wherein 'the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed,' they were stimulated to uniform diligence in their vocation, as knowing that

the day of God was at hand.' With habitual assiduity, therefore, did they endea vour to show forth the praises of Him, who had called them out of darkness into his marvellous light'-a little tribute of gratitude, which they trusted he would not refuse to accept. 'To obey,' they had been taught, was better than sacrifice; and to hearken than the fat of rams,' Thus, to do

6

the will of Him, who had

6

redeemed their

life from destruction,' was at once their duty and delight. Fervent in spirit,' it was their prayer in secret, and their noble aim. as they opened the doors they had shut about them,' that the kingdom of God might come; for, while they rejoiced with them that did rejoice,' they felt it their mournful privilege to sympathize with the sigh of the sufferer, and to commiserate those who would not have pity on themselves.

Yet, in the midst of these animating circumstances, there were still fears, such as will occasionally harass even the strongest faith, which threw a shade, transitory it is true, but dark, over the happiness of this venerable pair. Their sons were already removed from their sight, and distant from the scenes of their childhood. But they believed God; and, relying on his promise given to themselves and to their children,' they trusted that, in virtue of it, their dear boys would be preserved amidst the dangers and temptations, which they were aware

would assail them from their unavoidable intercourse with an evil world.*— They ceased not, however, night or day, to plead for them with all prayer and supplication; and they had more than once received a gracious answer to their requests. For them, therefore, they were comforted. But, they had several daughters :—and who was to be their protector, when themselves were mouldering in the dust?

This was the reflection, which sometimes embittered the sweet anticipations of their repose. Not, that they could not commit even this their tender anxiety to Him, who cared for them,' and who is a Father to the fatherless, even God in his holy habitation.' Yet, were there moments, when the feelings of nature would not be repressed-and when some sudden emotion of despondency would arise, and cast a melancholy hue over the evening of their days.

See note o.