As she has to pass from the depths of the deepest anxiety, to the heights of the most elevated joy, she ought not to be hurried, as by the impetuosity of a full and hasty communication, but rather gently led, 'that the transition of feeling may be gradual, instead of its rushing.in upon her with all its overpowering force." "Perhaps," observed Mrs. Stevens, " he will make some allusion to the subject of our conversation, which may lead to an entire disclosure of the state of his feelings. What a change! How surprising! I seem as if I were suddenly roused from a most enchanting dream." "Yes, my dear," said Mr. Stevens, "it is surprising that the Lord of Glory should condescend to subdue the enmity of the human heart; and thus make the child of disobedience an heir of glory; but it ought not to surprise us. If we look back, we shall remember the time when the theatre possessed more attractions than the temple, and the follies of dissipation gave us more delight than the exercises of devotion; but God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace are we saved,) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus."" Ephesians ii. 4-7. 4—7. "If," said Mrs. Stevens, " Mr. Roscoe should come forth as a decided character, he will make a powerful impression on his irreligious friends. Surely, they will not be able to withstand the force of such an argument in favour of the truth. I begin to anticipate the happiest results." "But, my dear," Mr. Stevens replied, "you must not be too sanguine; Mr. Roscoe may not come forth so soon, nor so decidedly, as you may anticipate. Though I trust, that, that great moral change has taken place, which distinguishes the real from the nominal Christian, yet, as his mind is of a very singular complexion, we may conclude it will still retain its individuality, and unfold its new qualities with that precision and precaution which are its on distinctive characteristics. You may calculate on decision; but not rash, or hasty decision; energy, but not much ardent zeal;-on unbending integrity, and unremitting constancy; but his progression will be that of a man moving onwards with the dignity of principle, rather than under the impetuosity of strong passion. But do not you suppose that he will go to and hear our dear 66 Mr. Ingleby next Sabbath?" Certainly not;" replied Mr. Stevens; " you are not to conclude, from the conversation of this evening, that he yet sees the truth with perfect clearness. No, he rather resembles the man of whom we read in the gospel, who, when the mystic power commenced its mighty operation, saw men so indistinctly that they appeared like trees walking.' The film is but partially removed from the eye of his understanding; and, though he has the power of spiritual discernment, yet not perfectly. And such is the degree of influence which prejudice, and family and social connexion have over his mind, that he will not very soon break through his long established habits, and mingle among us as one of our own people. Indeed, I hardly wish it; because it will be so extraordinary, that it will be considered as a religious mania, taken as by some kind of mysterious infection, rather than the positive result of deep thought, and cool and deliberate calculation. Oh, no; minds, when, under the dominion of grace, are usually governed according to the settled laws of their own constitution; and hence proceedeth that difference of conduct in relation to an exterior profession of religion, which is so apparent among the heirs of salvation.' "I am sure," said Mrs. Stevens, "that Mr. Ingleby will be delighted to hear of it. I have often heard him say, that the conversion of a moral man to the faith of Christ, is a more decisive proof of the efficacy of divine truth, than the conversion of an immoral man, and a much more rare occurrence." 66 Yes, my dear," said Mr. Stevens," it is more rare, because the character is more uncommon; and more difficult, because it is not so easy to convict of mental crime, as of an overt act of impiety; but I do not wish that there should be even the most distant allusion made on this subject to any one but Miss Roscoe." " My dear," said Mrs. Stevens, "you surprise me." "Perhaps I may;" Mr. Stevens replied; "but I believe my reason for wishing silence to be observed, will satisfy you. If we hastily proclaim to our friends that Mr. Roscoe has undergone a most material change in his religious opinions and principles, we may raise expectations which his precautionary habit of mind may disappoint, at least, for a season, and thus bring on ourselves the censures of some for stating as a fact what we merely wish to be true. And not only so, but we shall deprive his decision of that most commanding power of impression, which I think it will ultimately possess. For, if we are more forward to speak of such mental change than he is to display it, shall we not be considered as the originators of it? You think that it will have a powerful effect on his irreligious friends; and so it may, if he act as I fully expect he will act; but if he should instantaneously leave his parish church, and go with us to attend on Mr. Ingleby, the report would be, that we had at length overcome him by the charm of persuasion, and thus the effect of his example would be counteracted." "What effect," said Mrs. Stevens," do you think his conversion will have on Mrs. Roscoe?" Why," Mr. Stevens replied, "unless it should please God to interpose, and bring her to the knowledge of the truth, I have no doubt but it will be regarded as some most astounding and destructive visitation, sent by an unknown hand, to destroy her happiness for life. She is but partially reconciled to the piety of her daughter; and, even now, expresses not only her surprise, but her deep regret ; and, if her husband become pious, (as I have no doubt but he will,) though she may endeavour to conform herself to his religious habits, yet she will do it with reluctance.” 66 J. S. Hughes, Printer, 65, Paternoster Row, London. [No. 24. "The mother, with one child in her arms, and another by her side, with difficulty made their escape; and Josiah, in trying to remove his poor dumb ass from the shed which stood close behind the cottage, was severely scorched; and though he returned again and again, he was obliged to abandon her." See page 1 London: PRINTED FOR FRANCIS WESTLEY, 10, STATIONERS! COURT, AND AVE-MARIA-LANE SUBMISSION TO THE DIVINE WILL. PART I. "Happy the man who sees a God employed COWPER. NEAR the villa, stood a neat little cottage, which Mr. Stevens had erected for the security of his premises. It was occupied by a worthy man of the name of Hargrave, who gained his livelihood in the capacity of a common carrier. He had been married about seven years; and though he commenced life with no very flattering prospects, yet now he was raised to a state of comparative affluence. His cottage was very well furnished; he had two cows, a good horse and cart, and a donkey; a large stock of poultry; three store pigs; and hay and straw enough to last him through the autumn and winter. His wife, who managed the dairy, and prepared the butter and cheese, &e. for market, had borne him three children, two sons, and a daughter. In this retreat from the temptations of a large town, they lived in the enjoyment of domestic bliss, respected for their honesty and industry; neither envying their richer, nor despising their poorer neighbours. I had called on them in the course of the day; and, when congratulating them on their prosperity, I was struck with the very sensible remarks which Mrs. Hargrave made on the uncertain duration on all earthly blessings." Our heavenly Father," she observed, "has blessed us indeed; he has given us more than we deserve, and more than we expected; and He, who has given us all can, if he please, take all away. "Yes," I replied, "He can, and suppose he should deprive you of your little possessions, do you think you could bown in submission and say, Thy will be done?" |