among men shall rejoice in the holy one. For he
became poor, that we, through his poverty might be rich; not in gold, but
in grace.

"These promises comfort my soul, and would make me happy, even if I were
deprived of that which I now enjoy. I can trust my Saviour for this
world as well as for the next. He that spared not his own Son, but
delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give
us all things?

"The Lord of his mercy bless you, my dear Sarah, with the grace of a
contented mind!"

Here the gracious man stopped: and whether affected by her husband's
discourse, or by any other cause, I know not, but she made no reply. He
then said, "Come, children, it is our time for rest; shut the door, and
let us go to prayer."

"Forgive me," said I, laying hold of the door, as the child was obeying
her father's orders, "if I ask leave to make one in your family
devotions, before I travel homeward. I have heard you, my friend, when
you knew it not, and bless God for the sermon which you have this night
preached to my heart."

The honest labourer blushed for a moment at this unexpected intrusion and
declaration, but immediately said, "Sir, you are welcome to a poor man's
dwelling, if you come in the name of the Lord."

I just looked round at the wife, who seemed to be startled at my sudden
appearance, and the six fine children who sat near her, and then said,
"You were going to pray; I must beg of you, without regarding me, to go
on as if I were not here."

The man, whom I could not but love and reverence, with a simple,
unaffected, modest, and devout demeanour, did as I requested him. His
prayer was full of tender affection and sincerity, expressed with great
Scriptural propriety, and was in all respects such as became the preacher
of those sentiments which I have overheard him deliver to his wife just
before.

When he had finished, each of his children, according to the good old
patriarchal custom of better days, kneeled down before him in turn to
receive a father's blessing.

It was now late, and the rain was over. I gave the poor man my blessing,
and received his in return. I wished them good night, and went onwards
to my own home, reflecting with much self-abasement of heart, what an
honour and comfort it is to be a poor man, rich in faith.

A VISIT TO THE INFIRMARY.

I went a few months since to visit a parishioner, then in the county
infirmary, within some miles of which