suited his confined, though easy, circumstances, as well as his more limited desires, Major Villaret purchased at a moderate valuation, with a few acres of meadow-ground and plantation, for his amusement, when disinclined for more serious employment. The situation was sheltered, and sweet. Surrounded by mountains on the north and east, and embosomed by trees, which, as they had been arranged with taste, permitted the eye to wander over a beautiful and variegated scenery of wood and water, valley and hill, where, ever and anon, was spied the shepherd with his little charge, or whence rolled deeply the low of kine, it seemed such a spot as is alluded to by an elegant writer of our own, when he says: "Here, with a well-chosen library, and with some gentler bosom to share one's sorrows and participate in one's joys, one might spend an age, and think it but a day." In this lovely retreat, the friend of du Blesne had now been resi dent for several months.

As their union, though otherwise of the most favoured kind, had not been blessed

with a family, Major and Mrs. Villaret, sensible of the encroaching infirmities of years, were glad of an occasional visit from some of their acquaintances, whose presence might enliven their retirement. Not, that, like too many, they were destitute of resources, or required the conversation of others, to break the dull insipidity of a life without an object, or to banish gloomy apprehensions of the future. No they had a companion in their solitude, whom the eye of faith could discern, and the voice of adoration and gratitude could reach. A reconciled God and Saviour was with them, when they sat down, as when they rose up; when they walked by the way, as in the secret of their chamber.' With him, their happiness was complete. They desired nothing, they could have nothing beyond; and often had unutterable experience told them, that one hour of communion with him was better than a thousand, consumed in vain and frivolous amusement.

It was not, therefore, as dependants on the assiduities of others, that they sought society.

But they felt, that intercourse with those we love with those related to us by bonds of a holy and immutable nature-tends to che rish the Divine flame, as substances are warmed by collision; to soften and sanctify the heart; and to educe the kindly affec tions. Their religion, like its Author, was beneficent; and they rejoiced to see others animated by a spirit, after which they themselves aspired. They had frequently been conscious of the soothing and quickening efficacy of Christian fellowship; and they were willing, as opportunity offered, to be revived by its mysterious influence. agreeably to a high injunction, they hospitality without grudging,' as circumstances admitted, gratified in imparting, and pleased in receiving, those comforts which flow from a participation in the noblest of all pursuits. For the world, as such, they had neither leisure, nor inclination. They dreaded its contaminations, while they mourned and wept over its departure from the ways of peace; and from its friendship they recoiled, lest, coming within the sphere

Thus,

used

of its malign attraction, they should imbibe aught of its fearful characteristic-' enmity with God.'

But, from the inhabitants of the glen, they had nothing to apprehend. With them they were united in the purest feelings of that gracious precept- love one another.' Their paths led them in the same direction, and conducted to the same sanctuary of rest, and joy. They took sweet counsel together,' and often were found bending in company in prayer, and praise. Of according sentiments on the great doctrines of revelation, and participating in the same hopes and fears, there was no note that jarred in their intercourse, to interrupt its harmony, or injure its equal flow. With heaven in view, they encouraged one another to bear up patiently under the little ills of time, assured that they were hastening to a country where sorrow and sighing are unknown. With the permission of the proprietors of the interjacent lands, they had had a walk constructed, which, for variety of prospect, and that lovely loneliness' which dwells only amidst

such scenes, seldom has been equalled, perhaps never surpassed, which allowed easy, and private, access to each other's abodes. On this, scarcely a morning dawned without witnessing some foot on kindliness intent;' and rarely did an evening close, but one or other was seen on it with some message of mutual affection. Thus they lived in amity and concord. Du Blesne and Villaret were as brothers, while their partners felt for each other a sister's tenderness, hallowed by the sweet assurance that it would be perpetuated, in a more exalted intercourse, beyond the grave. To Major and Mrs. Villaret, the children of their friends supplied the place of a boon that had been withheld from themselves, doubtless, as they were persuaded, in mercy and they were insensibly drawn to them with the interest of parents. Their house was a second home to them; and seldom was without one of them resident within its hospitable walls.

Comparisons are generally invidious; but it is hoped that we shall not be accused of undue partiality, if we put the eldest of the