nd he arrived at the skirts of a hamlet placed on
the declivity of a mountain; and being desirous of finding a shorter
and more retired track, he stopped at a decent-looking dwelling-house
to inquire the way. From the windows several females were watching the
movements of a little child; and just as M. ---- inquired for a road
across the mountains, the infant was in danger of being crushed by a
coal-cart which had entered the street. The cries and alarms of the
females were met by the activity of the travellers, and the companion
of M. ---- set off to snatch the infant from danger, and place him in
security. An elderly female from the second story, gave M. ----, who
was still on his horse, the directions he desired; and, at the same
time, expressed her uneasiness that the gentleman should have had the
trouble to seek the child.

"Madam," interrupted M. ----, "my friend is only performing his duty:
we ought to do to another as we would that another should do to us;
and in this wretched world we are bound to assist each other. You are
kind enough to direct us travellers in the right road, and surely
the least we can do is to rescue your child from danger. The Holy
Scriptures teach us these duties, and the Gospel presents us the
example of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, when we were in ignorance and
danger, came to our world to seek and to save that which was lost."

"Ah! sir," replied the good woman, "you are very condescending, and
what you say is very true; but your language surprises me: it is
so many years since in this village we have heard such truths, and
especially from the lips of a stranger."

"Madam," resumed M. ----, "we are all strangers here, and sojourners
bound to eternity; there is but one road, one guide, one Saviour, who
can conduct us safely; if we feel this, young or old, rich or poor,
we are all one in Christ; and however scattered on earth, shall all
arrive at the heavenly city, to which he is gone to prepare mansions
for us."

"These doctrines, sir," exclaimed the female, "support the hearts of
many of us, who have scarcely travelled beyond our own neighbourhood;
and it is so rare and so delightful to hear them from others, that, if
it will not be an abuse of your Christian politeness, I would request
you to alight and visit my humble apartment."

"I shall comply most cheerfully with your request," replied M. ----;
"for though time is precious, I shall be thankful to spend a few
minutes in these