th beholds this inscription written on
the walls, _The Lord lives here_. Faith, therefore, cannot pass by it
unnoticed, but loves to lift up the latch of the door, and to sit down
and converse with the poor, although perhaps despised, inhabitant. Many
a sweet interview does Faith obtain, when she thus takes her walks
abroad. Many such a sweet interview have I myself enjoyed beneath the
roof where dwelt the Dairyman and his little family.

I soon perceived that his daughter's health was rapidly on the decline.
The pale, wasting consumption, which is the Lord's instrument for
removing so many thousands every year from the land of the living, made
hasty strides on her constitution. The hollow eye, the distressing
cough, and the often too-flattering red on the cheek, foretold the
approach of death.

What a field for usefulness and affectionate attention on the part of
ministers and Christian friends is opened by the frequent attacks, and
lingering progress, of _consumptive_ illness! How many such precious
opportunities are daily lost, where Providence seems in so marked a way
to afford time and space for serious and godly instruction! Of how many
may it be said, "The way of peace have they not known;" for not one
friend ever came nigh to warn them to "flee from the wrath to come."

But the Dairyman's daughter was happily made acquainted with the things
which belonged to her everlasting peace before the present disease had
taken root in her constitution. In my visits to her, I went rather to
receive information than to impart it. Her mind was abundantly stored
with Divine truths, and her conversation was truly edifying. The
recollection of it must ever produce a thankful sensation in my heart.

I one day received a short note to the following effect:--

"Dear Sir,

"I should be very glad, if your convenience will allow, that you would
come and see a poor unworthy sinner. My hour-glass is nearly run out;
but I hope I can see Christ to be precious to my soul. Your
conversation has often been blessed to me, and I now feel the need of
it more than ever. My father and my mother send their duty to you.

"From your obedient

"And unworthy servant,

"E--- W---."

I obeyed the summons that same afternoon. On my arrival at the
Dairyman's cottage his wife opened the door. The tears streamed down her
cheek as she silently shook her head. Her heart was full. She tried to
speak, but c