.

was

however, as he was, of the fortune of his ancestors, he was thankful that he had still sufficient, and to spare for the fatherless and widow. If his board was not as profusely spread as once, when his wealth squandered in luxury and ostentation, amidst the sounds of the tabret and viol,' he had now learned duly to appreciate his mercies, and to taste them with the moderation of a renewed and grateful heart.

How delightful and instructive is it to enter into the secret of such a sanctuary! Here, withdrawn from the allurements of a world that lies in wait to deceive,' sequéstered from its noise and tumult, and at a distance from its unhallowed amusements, these disciples of the Saviour had enjoyments, which the sons of violence, and the votaries of dissipation, never knew. Not, that they sprang from that innocence, so unmeaningly talked of amidst the retirements of rural life. Alas, banished from Eden, that, until the times of restitution of all things,' will return no more! Innocence is a flower, too pure, too lovely, now to blossom

on a human soil. No: wild and lonely as they are, the solitudes of Switzerland, and Savoy, afford but too many indications, that man is a fallen creature. Sin has pene

trated even here. And the prince of darkness, ever seeking whom he may destroy, even amongst the recesses of the Alps, still rules with a melancholy sway!

The happiness of this favoured family had another source. Sensible of their many deficiencies of those iniquities which had long separated between their God and them,' they confessed and deplored them. But they had been led in humiliation to Calvary. There, while they pondered that mysterious sacrifice which Emmanuel offered in his own body on the tree,' the hand of Divine compassion touched them; and they were enabled to cast themselves in contrition at the foot of the cross. They had sorrowed; but their ' sorrow was now turned into joy.' They saw themselves liable to the just indignation of Him, whose statutes they had infringed, and whose long-suffering they had

* See note h.

treated with such lamentable neglect: but, there was One, who had been wounded for their transgressions,' and on whom had been laid the chastisement of their peace.' 'They looked on him,' and believed.

"They heard," "Tis finish'd,' on his parting breath; Beheld him die-and had a hope in death."

He

Then, they arose, and went on their way rejoicing.' Relying on the faithfulness of that Conductor, who had journeyed before them through the vale of tears, and had bidden them be of good comfort,' they calmly waited their appointed time. had himself encountered the hour of temptation, and had had mournful experience of its power. But he had overcome in the conflict; and had left this memorial with them, as an earnest of their own eventual triumph. If, therefore, they had here no continuing city,' they were more than consoled by the reflection, that they had in heaven an enduring substance;' and that there they would find another and a better rest.

True, they had their troubles, for man is born to trouble;' nor did they expect, per

haps they did not wish, exemption from the common lot. They remembered that it had been said by one, who knew well what he uttered: 'It is good for me that I have been afflicted;' and they were deeply sensible the rod was in the hand of a Father, who would 'not grieve them willingly.' Their anxieties, however, were not without their peculiar alleviations; and their sorrows were softened by the sweet assurance, that they had a Friend who bore with them the burthen and heat of the day'-while they were embalmed by the recollection, that he had undergone for them infinitely more than these. Thus they stood in continual readiness for whatever, in the counsel of his will,' he might see fit to dispense to themto obey with alacrity, or submit with resignation; feeling that unto them it was given, in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake.'

Their occupations, as his disciples, were of that description, which, endearing in the prospect, leaves no sting behind. Retiring from applause, and even from observation,

6

where they did not consider it a duty to 'let their light shine,' they laboured to be approved of God, rather than of men. Though the hills that surrounded them were barren and inaccessible, there was many a verdant vale between. Here lay their heritage: for, ever alive to the miseries of others, it was their delight to minister to their relief; and they acknowledged it as a cause of gratitude, to be permitted even to alleviate the burthens, which it was, perhaps, denied them to remove. The highest authority had told them, that the poor should never cease out of the land;' and these were the charge that constantly solicited the pious and unostentatious assiduities of du Blesne, and his family. Aware that their heavenly Master had condescendingly promised to accept, as offered to himself, the kindness showed to his afflicted members, it was their especial care to attend to the wants of those around them. These they regarded as peculiarly allotted to them in the universal vineyard; and, anxious that their portion of it might render testimony to a sedulous cul