But, on arriving, how dismal a scene presented itself to his view! He found the land lying partly naked and barren, partly overgrown with briers and thorns, and partly inundated with water. Its fences were every where broken through, and wild animals of different sorts were roaming at large in the midst of it.* In this deplorable situation, not knowing what else to do, he applied to his former helper. But that most injured benefactor, instead of acceding to his request, as before, reminded him of the large demands upon him which remained unsatisfied-of the repeated exhortations, cautions, and entreaties, addressed to him in vain, relative to the farm in question-of the assistance that he now solicited, having been often tendered, and as often refused -and, finally, of the deliverance formerly granted him from the banditti, together with many other favours, which had neither instructed nor conciliated him. In conclusion, he gave him to understand, that his present solicitation, which might have been regarded in time past, * The mind and conduct may be in a state perfectly chaotic with respect to God and eternity, even when they are in a tolerably well-ordered condition with regard to man and time. came now too late, and that he must suffer the conse quences of his criminal neglect.* The unhappy tenant, having experienced this terrible though just repulse, fell a victim shortly after to remorse, apprehension, and indigence. ALLEGORY IV. THE POOR MAN'S FRIEND. A WEALTHY CITIZEN had invited a party of friends to dinner. Prior to their sitting down to it, the conversation which took place passed, as usual, for a time, with rapidity, from one subject to another. At length a topic was introduced which engaged their attention almost exclusively till they parted. It related to the peculiar happi * God may possibly hear the prayer of a dying sinner: but those only who seek him in the midst of health and life are certain of finding him. The sincerity of a death-bed repentance is too often doubtful, to say the least. ness of possessing a friend in time of need. Each of the company boasted in turn of enjoying this felicity, though not in the same way. One, it seemed, was in the good graces of a person famed both for opulence and generosity; another triumphed in the patronage of a nobleman high in office; and a third deemed himself so singularly fortunate, as to be authorized in calling even the sovereign his friend. The subject highly interested the party. It occasioned several remarks during dinner; and afterwards it was resumed with fresh spirit. Meanwhile the servant, who waited at table, and who in consequence had overheard a part of the conversation, could not avoid adverting within his own mind to the great and unpleasant difference which existed between his own situation and that of every other individual in the room. 'I am sure,' said he to himself, if I wanted a friend ever so, I have not one in the world. There is nothing to which I could have recourse for help in a time of extremity, except to my own head and hands.' Upon second thoughts, however, recollecting the office he filled, he judged it proper, to his other sources of succour, to add his feet. A short time after, the poor fellow was sent by his master about some business into the country. In going along a field, he heard two persons who were passing through one adjoining it, talking together. The hedge which parted the fields, was too high and too thick to admit of his seeing them; but they spoke sufficiently loud to render their discourse audible to him. One, it seems, was congratulating the other on having a friend so powerful and generous as he of whom they had been talking. 'Aye,' continued the speaker, it is a singular happiness in times of trouble to have such a place of refuge. But though many do not possess it, the want of it is owing to themselves. He is disposed to become the friend of any one, be the individual ever so mean. Nay, he is known to have become the friend even of those who were once his bitter enemies.'* The servant was greatly struck with these observations, and hastened to get into the road, with the view of making inquiry concerning this extraordinary person. Unhappily, before his arrival, the travellers had taken a rout which he could not by any means discover. It is well for mankind, that such is the disposition of the Almighty: otherwise, 'the carnal mind, which is enmity against God,' would prove an insurmountable obstacle to any one's 'setting bis hope' in him. Determined, however, to procure information, if possible, on a subject in which he felt himself so deeply interested, he began to consider where he could best apply for it. It was a long time before he thought of any one who was probably able to tell him what he desired to know. At last it occurred to him, that though he had first heard of this great and benevolent character at a distance from town, his place of residence might possibly be there, and that whether he lived there or elsewhere, a person of his eminence could scarcely be unknown to any one whose station qualified him for obtaining an extensive acquaintance with men and things. He therefore resolved to ask his master concerning the stranger, the first opportunity that presented itself after his return home. Having arrived there after executing the commission entrusted to him, he gave an account of the issue to his employer, who approved of his conduct. The man did not neglect an occasion that seemed so fit for his purpose. He told his master that there was a matter which lay heavy on his mind, and that he should feel extremely happy and thankful if he could obtain satisfactory information respecting it. He then mentioned the origin |