the nearly perpendicular side of a chalk-pit varied the
surface of the hill, contrasting a dazzling white to the sober green of
the surrounding bank.

On the left hand, at the distance of nearly half a mile, the tide flowed
from the sea into a lake or haven of a considerable length and breadth.
At one end of it, fishing and pilot vessels lay at anchor; at the other
appeared the parish church, amongst the adjoining woods and fields. The
bells were ringing; a gently swelling sound was brought along the surface
of the water, and an echo returned from a prominent part of the hill
beneath which I was riding. The whole scene was delightful.

I passed some rural and beautifully situated cottages, which seemed to be
formed as fit residences for peace and tranquillity; each was surrounded
by a garden, and each had a little orchard or field adjacent, where the
husbandman's cow enjoyed her own pasture, and at the same time prepared
rich provision for her owner's family. Such was the wise and considerate
allotment which the landlords and the farmers had _here_ made for the
labouring poor. The wholesome vegetable, the medicinal herb, and the
sweet-scented flower, intermingled as they grew around these little
dwellings, and reminded me, as I looked upon them, how comfortable is the
lot of the industrious poor, whose hearts have learned the lesson of
gratitude in the school of heavenly wisdom. For them as mercifully as
for their richest neighbour, the sun shines, the rain descends, the earth
brings forth her increase, the flower blossoms, the bird sings. Their
wants are few, and contentment makes them less. How great the blessing
of being poor in this world, but rich in faith and a chosen inheritance
in a better!

I knew that this was the character of some whose humble but neat and
cleanly cottages I passed. A few such features in the prospect rendered
it most lovely. Peace be to their memory, both as pilgrims and strangers
here, and as ransomed souls whom I hope to meet in glory hereafter!

The house to which I was travelling was situated at the corner of an oak
wood, which screened it both from the burning heat of summer suns and the
heavy blasts of winter south-west storms. As I approached it, I saw my
friend the Negro sitting under a tree, and waiting my arrival. He held
in his hand a little tract which I had given him; his Bible lay on the
ground. He rose with much cheerfulness, saying--

"Ah, massa, me very glad