I thought I had observed that they had, if I may so say, a more natural love of the word of God; they seemed to study it as their Father's own gracious words to His own children; and not like some whose taste seems at times so artificial that they only wish to like it; while nature, oppressed by the weight of unremoved sin, seems to rebel. It appeared to me that they valued it more than any other reading; not as a duty, but as supplying them with the best comfort; it also struck me that they were a much happier people; and although I could not dream of concluding them more zealous or more conscientious, I could not help thinking them more favoured, and drawn into closer communion with their spiritual Head: Shaken out of selfdependence, and therefore better able to appreciate the overwhelming debt of gratitude due to God Taught to look beyond self for happiness, and consequently sure of finding it at all times in Christ. In short, I finished my reflections by thinking, that blessed are they who know their election of God,' and who believing in Jesus, find Him precious to their souls,' and 'have no confidence in the flesh.' : Then you think my views unsound and unscriptural, Mary ;-because I do not consider it 2 L necessary to hold precisely the same opinions in some points, as you do?" "I did not say that I thought your views unsound and unscriptural; (though I believe, if I am to say the whole truth, I think them in part so); but my opinions have nothing to do with it; you wished to hear my reflections, and I gave them; I gave them as opinions formed from observation; I drew the comparison between believers (as I designated them to myself) weak in faith, and strong in faith; and the result of my examination was what I have just expressed; if I have pained you, my dear Mrs. Harding, believe me, I never intended it; but my sentiments I cannot retract." Mrs. Harding assured her that she respected her for her faithfulness ;-adding, "provided you do not think me quite wrong, I am satisfied." "Quite wrong!" said Mary, "my dear Mrs. Harding, I must be a fool, as well as what I am, a very great sinner, to entertain such a notion. No! the difference between those who see scripture as I have represented it, and those who see more darkly, is, according to my view, like that which subsists between the slave and the free servant. If the master be a good man, the one is equally secure of his favour with the other; but is there not a difference in the feelings of the two individuals? Free-will service of the heart is very different from imposed service and look at the two beings and see which is the happier, the bond-man or the free! Mrs. Harding seemed to consider the subject, but there the conversation ended. What further effect it may produce on her mind, time alone will prove; and such of our readers as may be desirous of following the traveller another season, may possibly have their wish gratified on some future occasion. THE END. |