gether' for the welfare of those who obey him. Thus did the light of truth imperceptibly dawn upon his heart. If the late event was sent to his soul with terror, it was guided by a hand of mercy. He, to whose purposes of love winds and waves are alike subservient, had ordained it as the instrument of opening a way for the more abiding lessons which du Blesne had yet to learn, and of exciting him to an anxious inquiry after the things which belonged unto his peace.' 1 These sentiments, thus auspiciously rising in his breast, were watched and diligently cherished by a pious pastor in his neighbourhood, whose acquaintance he had hitherto avoided, but with whom he subsequently became united in the closest ties of Christian benevolence and friendship. It was his care to lead the mind of du Blesne to higher hopes to point out to him the superintendance of a particular Providence -to induce him to recognize its over-ruling interposition in every occurrence of lifeand to enable him to trace, in his own afflic 1 tions, its especial interference, chastening him for his ultimate advantage. From these he conducted him, and his humble but faithful endeavours were acknowledged from above, to that mysterious display of benignity in the Creator, which was manifested in the restoration of his offending creatures. In the gift of his only Son, as a propitiation for our iniquities, in the vicarious obedience of Jesus, and his atoning death, he showed him at once the infinite demerit of sin-the means of reconciliation-and the unbounded compassion and tenderness of Him, against whom we had so causelessly, so ungratefully transgressed. Finally, he unfolded to him the medium through which the benefits of redemption are appropriated; and exemplified from sacred and unimpeachable testimony the vital influence of a true faith.' Through it,' would this good man say, ' and may this be our happy experience, the believer becoming identified with Christ, pays in Him the penalty due to the Divine justice, and is entitled to the possession of a tranquillity which this world can neither give nor take away while, in the fair perspective of the immortality that awaits him, he will often rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.' Thus was du Blesne, by slow but sure degrees, made wise unto salvation.' The economy of the Gospel-dispensation opened on his astonished sight in all its harmony and beauty. His mental vision was unfilmed. He beheld the refuge provided for him, 'the Rock that was higher than he,' and fled to it with trembling gratitude. He was no longer without God in the world.' Admitted to his embraces,' he found in Him all he wanted-a Redeemer, a guide, a friend. 'A stranger once from the covenants of promise,' he had been brought nigh by the blood of Christ' and, roused from the restless dream of delusive security, he awoke to the sweet reality of pardon and peace. In the fate of his darling child he now saw a circumstance of awful indeed, but salutary interest, proceeding from Him, who numbers the very hairs of our heads,' and without whose permission not one of them shall fall to the ground. The thought of Amadeus, it is true, would often cast a shade upon his brow, and extend its gloom downward to his heart. Yet, if he could not feel an assured confidence, that his boy had been removed to a better place, the tear of tender and anxious regret was occasionally illumined with a ray of comfort, that forbade him to sorrow as others who have no hope.' CHAP. II. Here have I found at length a quiet home Though link'd to human beings by the bond And hear delighted.' 6 FROM the moment when first it pleased the Father of mercies to enlighten the eyes of his understanding,' and to reveal to him the danger of their situation, who know not God,' the instruction of his family became to du Blesne a subject of the deepest solicitude. They were straying from the paths of life, and ignorant of the way of salvation. If they worshipped, their altar was erected on a shadowy foundation, and |