too many professors of the present day, to
overlook or undervalue the instances of this kind which exist. The
religious profession and opinions of some have too much of mere
_machinery_ in their composition. If every wheel, pivot, chain, spring,
cog, or pinion, be not exactly in its place, or move not precisely
according to a favourite and prescribed system, the whole is rejected as
unworthy of regard. But happily "the Lord knoweth them that are his;"
nor is the impression of his own seal wanting to characterize some who,
in comparative seclusion from the religious world, "name the name of
Christ and depart from iniquity."

There are some real Christians so peculiarly circumstanced in this
respect as to illustrate the poet's comparison,--

"Full many a gem of purest ray serene
The dark unfathomed caves of ocean bear;
Full many a flower is born to blush unseen,
And waste its sweetness on the desert air."

Yet this was not altogether the case with the Dairyman's daughter. Her
religion had indeed ripened in seclusion from the world, and she was
intimately known but to few; but she lived usefully, departed most
happily, and left a shining track behind her. While I attempt a faint
delineation of it, may I catch its influence, and become, through
inexpressible mercy, a follower of "them who through faith and patience
inherit the promises!"

From the time wherein I visited her, as described in my last paper, I
considered her end as fast approaching. One day I received a hasty
summons to inform me that she was dying. It was brought by a soldier,
whose countenance bespoke seriousness, good sense, and piety.

"I am sent, sir, by the father and mother of Elizabeth W---, at her own
particular request, to say how much they all wish to see you. She is
going _home_, sir, very fast indeed."

"Have you known her long?"

"About a month, sir. I love to visit the sick, and hearing of her case
from a person who lives close by our camp, I went to see her. I bless
God that ever I did go. Her conversation has been very profitable to
me."

"I rejoice," said I, "to see in you, as I trust, a _brother soldier_.
Though we differ in our outward regimentals, I hope we serve under the
same spiritual Captain. I will go with you."

My horse was soon ready. My military companion walked by my side, and
gratified me with very sensible and pious conversation. He related some
remarkable testimonies of the excellent