to resume its avocations, they went forth, but not with the sullenness, which so often contracts the brow of those, who are unacquainted with the vital influence of that exhilarating declaration : The Lord reigneth;' and which proclaims, in language but too intelligible, a mind alienated from God. Devoutly raising their memorial of gratitude, they entered on their engagements, whether of necessary recreation, or serious employment, with alacrity and cheerfulness; persuaded that He, whose truth had hitherto been to them as a shield and buckler,' would still be their Protector and their Guide, even unto death.' Thus, with their hearts stedfastly fixed on heaven, they were invariably found walking in those paths that conduct to its peaceful and happy abodes.

MATIN SONG.

While o'er these hills the dawning light

Its crimson pathway winds;

Dear Saviour, chase their clouds of night,
And wake our slumb'ring minds!

As yon blithe lark on soaring wings,
By lovely instinct led,

To pay her morning-homage springs
From off her dewy bed:

Cheerful, may we attune our songs,
And join her grateful lay ;
Since unto thee the praise belongs,
That we behold to-day.

With her's our mounting spirits, too,
Would range yon gloomless skies,
Where joy has flowers of ev'ry hue-
Nor storms, nor darkness, rise.

Thus would we live, through grace divine,
By thy still waters led :

In thy dear presence-sheep of thine;
And in thy pastures fed;

Until, in thy redeemed rest,

From sin and sorrow free,

We lay us down, supremely blest,
And sweetly sleep in thee!

In such strains, you might have heard the hymn of their early adoration resounding in harmonious echoes among their hills, from voices attuned to the songs of Zion,' and from 'hearts that made melody to God.' Nor, if the day opened with notes of thanksgiving, did its close meet them disinclined for a similar sacrifice.* It was not with them, as with too many, alas! who bow the knee at stated and distant intervals, and appear in the Divine presence through

* See note i.

was

accustomed form. Here, religion the one thing needful;' and they considered its pursuits at once as the most delightful of their employments, and as the chief concern of life. Whether, therefore, it was morning that rose on them, or night that gathered round their dwelling, they were still prepared to worship Him, who is a Spirit, in spirit and in truth.' Liberty of access to, and communion with, a reconciled heavenly Parent had been obtained for them at an inestimable price; and they were not negligent in the cultivation of so valuable and exalted a privilege. Deeply conscious that the most exquisite of earthly pleasures, united with the tenderest sensibilities of human friendship and love, are all poor and empty in comparison of those elevated enjoyments, with which the Redeemer, blesses his children, it was their first and most anxious desire to keep free every conduit, through which the streams that make glad the city of God,' could be derived to themselves individually, or to the house of their pilgrimage'-a habitation, where the

Prince of peace was a welcome, and where, they trusted, he would not be an unwilling, guest. Thus, soon as the Evening had hung her shadows upon their mountains-when the shepherd on the upland had secured his fold-the woodman laid aside his bill and wedge-and all around invited them by its stillness to meditation and prayer, they knelt together, in acknowledgment of the mercy which had sustained and preserved them.

In their turn, each member of the family presented, in the name of the others, the tribute of supplication and praise; the portion of the inspired volume, which had been previously read, generally furnishing its matter. 'I have often,' says a worthy pastor,* who found it good for him to visit this calm retreat of piety and peace, made one on these interesting occasions; and have heard, sometimes the venerable patriarch, or his amiable partner, sometimes the children, discharge this important function with the greatest facility, and the most touching fervour.'† Nor were the domestics excluded from

a participation in these little solemnities. Deeming himself in a high degree responsible for the spiritual instruction of his servants, and looking upon himself, not more as their master than their friend, du Blesne regarded an attention to their eternal wellbeing, as an essential, and not unpleasing, part of the duty of that relation in which he stood to them. And, anxious that, among the members of his household, as elsewhere, he might still conduct himself as one amenable to the gracious commandments of his God, it was his endeavour that he might rule with gentleness, while the law of kindness ever dwelt upon his lips. He remembered, that he had himself, also, a Master in heaven.'-Thus was his house a templea sanctuary, meet for the God of holiness and love. No contest for power, no angry recriminations, disturbed its peaceful region, All was unanimity and harmony, the blessed fruits of that religion, which breathes 'good will towards men.' Domestic happiness, the sole living record of Eden,

'The only bliss that has survived the fall,'