easiness commenced, he was either too much occupied with gloomy ideas to recollect any of a cheerful nature, or if he did think of this wonderful philanthropist at all, it was without the least hope of being able to apply to him with any prospect of success, in a case so peculiarly bad as his.*

It is not to be wondered at, therefore, that he was strangely affected by a communication so unexpected, so suitable to his case, and so satisfactory, from this most benevolent personage, even prior to the presentation of any petition on his part. At the same time, he could not help regretting the long period he had spent in sorrow and anguish, when he might have received such strong consolation, had he not so culpably, as well as foolishly, neglected the letter.† Very different indeed was the

The condition of a sinner before he is awakened, is not prosperous in reality-it is only easy. But ease in the midst of danger, is the forerunner of destruction. The state of a sinner when awakened, better deserves to be called prosperous; for the uneasiness which attends it is often followed by prosperity, and must in all cases precede prosperity.

6

+ Though divine consolation is imparted by the Holy Spirit, yet the Comforter' would not be withheld, were he sought in the use of proper means. By neglecting to read and hear the Scriptures, as also to pray, not only improvement, but pleasure

state of mind in which he returned home quickly after, from that in which he came.

The reader will easily believe that it was not long before he wrote a letter expressive of the sentiments which had been recommended to him, and with which he was animated.* Having sealed and directed it, he sent it off as early as possible. But he did not receive an answer so soon as he expected. The disappointment somewhat discouraged him. He began to be fearful of some unfavourable change in the mind of his illustrious and generous correspondent, on account of the long time the letter had been suffered to remain unanswered. He was indeed under the necessity of writing several times, before he obtained a reply. At last an answer came, and happily it proved agreeable to his wish. This was to him a sufficient pledge, that the whole of the promises made to

is lost. Whatever painful sensations some parts of God's word may occasion, it is calculated upon the whole to excite joy.

• An awakened sinner, who felt occasion to address the 'Throne of grace,' might do this abroad, as well as at home, provided he were in solitude. For surely a forest is as convenient a place for prayer, as a dungeon, or the whale's belly.' But amid the tumult of passions which sometimes agitate him, he may not have recollection.

him by the greatest and best of benefactors, would be in due time accomplished.

From this joyful moment, an active correspondence took place between the foreigner and his court. It too often indeed languished on his side, through the occasional influence of certain objects and incidents, in conjunction with evil habits not yet subdued; and this, as might have been foreseen, produced coldness and neglect on the part of his injured patron. But, upon the whole, as their epistolary intercourse was conducted with gratitude, humility, contrition, and cheerful obedience, on the one side; so it was accompanied by forbearance, forgiveness, friendship, and liberality, on the other. The business of the king, too, proceeded, though not without painful instances of reluctance, remissness, and suspension, yet in general with alacrity, vigour, and constancy.*

* If it be asked what man has to do for God, in addition to the performance of devotional exercises, meditating on sacred subjects, and conversing about them, the reply is, To inquire what the will of God is-to aim at maintaining the testimony of a good conscience-to preserve his reputation in the world and in the church-to unite in efforts for promoting true piety and benevolence—and to withdraw the affections from earthly to heavenly objects.

The cheerfulness and good humour thus recovered by the melancholy foreigner, and now placed on a solid basis, surprised his acquaintance not a little. When they inquired the cause, he frankly related to them the incident of his finding the letter in the wood. But notwithstanding the circumstance tended so manifestly to produce the great and good effect they witnessed, he could not persuade them to think of the case as he did. They treated the letter (which he took out and read to them) with ridicule.* At length, being mutually dissatisfied with one another, though they still continued to render reciprocal offices of civility, good-will, and benevolence, yet they ceased to be intimate friends as formerly, each party being desirous of associating with characters whose sentiments were in unison with its own.†

* See the text prefixed to the story.

The world and the church cannot heartily coalesce with each other, even where persecution on a religious account happily has no existence,

Q

122

ALLEGORY VI.

THE SELF-DECEIVING SERVANT.

MALACHI i, 6-middle clause.

A GENTLEMAN, highly respectable for his talents and virtues, as well as for his riches, judged it proper to hire an additional servant. The individual whom he fixed upon for his purpose, had never yet been in place, and consequently could obtain no recommendation from any former situation. He was, however, spoken favourably of no less for correct morals and a good temper, than for acuteness and activity, not only by relations and friends, but likewise by those whose judgment was less likely to be partial. His appearance and address were doubtless not a little prepossessing.

The master certainly proposed to employ him, both in doors and out of doors, about matters that related to the various departments of a large establishment, and to his numerous connexions. But his principal object in taking him, was to occupy him in concerns pertaining more im