ss and even
profligate character, went into the church through mere curiosity, and
with no better purpose than that of vacantly gazing at the ceremony. He
came likewise to the grave, and, during the reading of those prayers
which are appointed for that part of the service, his mind received a
deep, serious conviction of his sin and spiritual danger. It was an
impression that never wore off, but gradually ripened into the most
satisfactory evidence of an entire change, of which I had many and long-
continued proofs. He always referred to the burial service, and to some
particular sentences of it, as the clearly ascertained instrument of
bringing him, through grace, to the knowledge of the truth.

The day was therefore one to be remembered. Remembered let it be by
those who love to hear

"The short and simple annals of the poor."

Was there not a manifest and happy connection between the circumstances
that providentially brought the serious and the careless to the same
grave on that day together? How much do they lose who neglect to trace
the leadings of God in providence, as links in the chain of his eternal
purpose of redemption and grace!

"While infidels may scoff, let us adore."

After the service was concluded, I had a short conversation with the good
old couple and their daughter. She had told me that she intended to
remain a week or two at the gentleman's house where her sister died, till
another servant should arrive and take her sister's place.

"I shall be truly obliged," said she, "by an opportunity of conversing
with you, either there or at my father's, when I return home, which will
be in the course of a fortnight at the farthest. I shall be glad to talk
to you about my sister, whom you have just buried."

Her aspect and address were highly interesting. I promised to see her
very soon; and then returned home, quietly reflecting on the
circumstances of the funeral at which I had been engaged. I blessed the
God of the poor; and prayed that the poor might become rich in faith, and
the rich be made poor in spirit.

CHAPTER II.

A sweet solemnity often possesses the mind, whilst retracing past
intercourse with departed friends. How much is this increased, when they
were such as lived and died in the Lord! The remembrance of former
scenes and conversations with those who, we believe, are now enjoying the
uninterrupted happiness of a better world, fills the heart with pleasing
sa