Had circumstances changed? Why then did he now feel oppressed and sad, as if some calamity had happened? Ought he to allow the mere words of another to deprive him of that peace and joy which should ever be the Christian's inheritance? And, then, was he not, as his pastor and friend, called upon to reprove Mr. Murray ? and in all gentleness, but with all faithfulness, to set before him his guilt, in thus indulging such a temper of mind-in thus marring the peace and happiness of all around him, by this habit of 'murmuring' and discontent. Ought he not to point out to him the fearful curses which are denounced against the Israelites, 'because they served not the Lord their God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things?' And was he not still more ungrateful than even the 'murmuring Israelites ?"" All these thoughts troubled him, and it was not till he had "committed them to the Lord," and in his heart sought direction and guidance from on high, that he was again enabled to "go on his way rejoicing."

CHAPTER V.

"In a fair house, with pleasant glebe embraced,
Where grace and comfort well were matched with taste,
There duty walked, there decent order dwelt,
There quiet nestled and religion knelt;
There might the needy for assistance turn,
And there the erring ever look and learn ;·
Amid his books, his children and the poor,
Loving, and loved, the good man dwelt secure ;
A sun within his little system shone

Still bright, and brightening all he looked upon."

-LYTE.

Mr. Greville did not return home till evening. He was cold and weary; there was much sickness at that time in his parish, and the village was scattered wide over hill and dale. The solitary farm house, surrounded by lofty trees, the lonely cottage, with its rich orchard, were beautiful in sum

D

mer, the admiration of the traveller, the theme of the poet; and delightful was it then to saunter along the shady lanes, with steep embowering banks, rich with the dogrose, honeysuckle, and every lovely wild flower; but now the roads were deep in snow, the air was thick with the still falling flakes, and the wind was keen and piercing. It was consolatory, however, to feel that he had carried comfort, and relief, and peace, to many a sorrowing household; and when he passed the beautiful old church, and his own picturesque and comfortable parsonage presented itself to his view, his heart was lifted up with thankful joy to the bountiful Giver of all Good.

Mary met him with a bright and smiling face. "Mama had had a long and refreshing sleep, baby was quite well, and the children had all gone in high spirits, full of hopeful anticipations of all kinds of pleasure, to the Park." Mary had sent Sarah with them, nurse having agreed with her it would be better not to send them alone, the little Rosa

requiring attendance and control, and Sarah could be better spared than herself.

She

had been writing to tell "the dear boys" that mama was so much better, and that they had another little sister to claim their love and prayers.

Mr. Greville, after hearing from Mary these details of her day's "doings," said, with a kind approving smile, as he put a paper, on which various memoranda were written in pencil, "Your day's doings' are not all done yet, dear Mary. You and nurse must give out of your store these various articles for the poor people, whom I have told to call for them this evening. I will go and see your dear mother, and by the time your task is done, shall be quite ready for dinner."

Mary took the list, and called Dennis, and with her proceeded to the store-room to give out the various articles of nourishment and clothing, according to her father's list. Dennis weighed out the quantities needed, and Mary entered them, with the names of the poor persons to whom they were sent, in two

books, kept in the store-room for the purpose -one called the "Sick Nourishment Book," the other the "Clothing Book." She next assisted Dennis in putting them neatly up into packages, and addressing them for the different persons for whom they were intended; and they were then taken to the room, where, in her hours of health and strength, Mrs. Greville usually saw those who had been sent by her husband to receive assistance; or those-when he was himself either absent or engaged-who came to seek either aid or advice. The gifts were accompanied with those kind words, so much "better than a gift," and occasionally when needed, by advice as to the best method of preparing for the sick, the nourishment supplied. The tale of sorrow was listened to with ready sympathy, and all were directed to seek wisdom and comfort from that wisdom which can never err, and that love which never fails.

During Mrs. Grenville's illness, Dennis supplied her place with faithfulness and zeal.