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Oninetjsitp of JQortf) Carolina
The Sylvester Hassell Collection
FROM THE LIBRARY OF
Sylvester Hassell, D. D.
CLASS OF '62
GIVEN BY HIS CHILDREN
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UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA
School • f Library Science
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Digitized by the' Internet Archive
in 2012 with funding from"
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
http://archive.org/details/dairymansdaughteOOri
Dairyman's Daughter.
ARRETON CHURCH.
THE
DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER
AN AUTHENTIC NARRATIVE.
BY REV. LEGH RICHMOND,
LATE RECTOR OF TDRVEY, BEDFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND.
TAKEN FROM HIS LATEST EDITION.
PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY,
150 NASSAU STREET, NEW YORK.
;
THE
DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER
It is a delightful employment to dis- cover and trace the operations of divine grace, as they are manifested in the dis- positions and lives of God's real chil- dren. It is peculiarly gratifying to ob- serve how frequently, among the poorer classes of mankind, the sunshine of mercy beams upon the heart, and bears witness to the image of Christ which the Spirit of God has impressed thereupon. t Among such, the sincerity and simplicity of the . Christian character appear unencumbered v by those obstacles to spirituality of mind o- and conversation, which too often prove
6 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
a great hinderance to those who live in the higher ranks. Many are the diffi- culties which riches, worldly consequence, high connections, and the luxuriant re- finements of polished society, throw in the way of religious profession. Happy indeed it is — and some such happy in- stances I know — where grace has so strikingly supported its conflict with nat- ural pride, self-importance, the allure- ments of luxury, ease, and worldly opin- ion, that the noble and mighty appear adorned with genuine poverty of spirit, self-denial, humble-mindedness, and deep spirituality of heart.
But in general, if we want to see re- ligion in its most simple and pure char- acter, we must look for it among the poor of this world who are rich in faith. How often is the poor man's cottage the palace of God. Many can truly declare, that they have there learned the most
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 7
valuable lessons of faith and hope, and there witnessed the most striking demon- strations of the wisdom, power, and good- ness of G-od.
The 'character which the present nar- rative is designed to introduce to the notice of my readers, is given from real life ami circumstances. I first became acquainted with her by receiving the following letter, which I transcribe from the original now before me.
"&ev. Sir — I take the liberty to write to you. Pray excuse me, for I have never spoken to you. But I once heard
you when you preached at church.
I believe you are a faithful preacher to warn sinners to flee from the wrath that will be revealed against all those that live in sin, and die impenitent. Pray go on in the strength of the Lord. And may he bless you, and crown your labor
8 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
of love with success, and give you souls for your hire.
"The Lord has promised to be with those whom he calls and sends forth to preach his word, to the end of- time ; for without him we can do nothing. I was much rejoiced to hear of those marks of love and affection to that poor soldier of the S. D. militia. Surely the love of Christ sent you to that poor man: may that love ever dwell richly in you by faith; may it constrain you to seek the wandering souls of men with the fervent desire to spend and be spent for his glory. May the unction of the Holy Spirit attend the word spoken by you with power, and convey deep conviction to the hearts of your hearers. May many of them experience the divine change of being made new creatures in Christ.
"Sir, be fervent in prayer with God
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 9
for the conversion of sinners. His power is great, and who can withstand it? He has promised to answer the prayer of faith, that is put np in his Son's name. 'Ask what ye will, -it shall be granted you.' How this should strengthen our faith, when we are taught by the word and the Spirit how to pray! Oh, that sweet inspiring hope ; how it lifts up the fainting spirits, when we look over the precious promises of God ! What a mer- cy if we know Christ and the power of his resurrection in our own hearts! Through faith in Christ we rejoice in hope, and look up in expectation of that time drawing near, when all shall know and fear the Lord, and when a nation Shall be born in a day.
"What a happy time, when. Christ's kingdom shall come ! Then shall his ' will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.7 Men shall be daily fed with the manna
10 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
of his love, and delight themselves in the Lord all tiie day long. Then what a paradise below they will enjoy. How it animates and enlivens my soul with vigor to pursue the* ways of God, that I may even now bear some humble part in giving glory to God and the Lamb.
' ' Sir, I began to write this on Sunday, being detained from attending on public worship. My dear and only sister, liv- ing as a servant with Mrs. , was so
ill, that I came here to attend in her place and on her. But now she is no more.
"I was going to entreat you to write to her in answer to this ; she being con- vinced of the evil of her past life, and that she had not walked in the ways of God, nor sought to please him. But she earnestly desired to do so. This makes me have a comfortable hope that she is gone to glory, and that she is now join-
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 11
ing in sweet concert with the angelic host in heaven to sing the wonders of redeeming love. I hope I may now write, 'Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord.'
"She expressed a desire to receive the Lord's supper, and commemorate his precious death and sufferings. I told her, as well as I was able, what it was to receive Christ into her heart ; but as her weakness of body increased, she did not mention it again. She seemed quite resigned before she died. I do hope she is gone from a world of death and sin to be with God for ever.
"Sir, I hope you will not be offended with me, a poor ignorant person, to take such a liberty as to write to you. But I trust, as you are called to instruct sin- ners in the ways of God, you will bear with me, and be so kind to answer this ill-wrote letter, and give me* some in-
12 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
struction. It is my heart's desire to have the mind that was in Christ, that when I awake up in his likeness then I may be satisfied.
"My sister expressed a wish that you might bury her. The minister of our parish, whither she will be carried, can- not come. She will lie at — i — . She died on Tuesday morning, and will be buried on Friday or Saturday, which- ever is most convenient to you, at three o'clock in the afternoon. » Please to send an answer by the bearer, to let me know whether you can comply with this re- quest.
"From your unworthy servant,
" ELIZABETH W ."
I was much struck with the simple and earnest strain of devotion which this let- ter breathed. It was but indifferently written and spelt. But this the rather tended to 'endear the hitherto unknown
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER, 13
writer, as it seemed characteristic of the union of humbleness of station with emi- nence of piety. I felt quite thankful that I was favored with a correspondent of this description ; the more so, as such characters were at that time very rare in the neighborhood. I have often wished that epistolary intercourse of this kind were more encouraged and practised among us. I have the greatest reason to speak well of its effect both on myself and others. Communication by letter as well as by conversation with- the pious poor, has often been the instrument of animating and reviving my own heart in the midst of duty, and of giving me the most profitable information for the general conduct of the ministerial office.
As soon as the letter was read, I in- quired who was the bearer of it.
"He is waiting at the outside of the gate, sir," was the reply.
14 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
I went out to speak to- him, and saw a venerable old man, whose long hoary hair and deeply wrinkled countenance commanded more than common respect. He was resting his arm upon the gate, and tears were streaming down his cheeks. On my approach he made a low bow, and said,
'"Sir, I have brought you a letter from my daughter ; but I fear you will think us very bold in asking you to take so much trouble."
"By no means," I replied; "I shall be. truly glad to oblige you and any of your family in this matter, provided it be quite agreeable to the minister of your parish."
"Sir, he told me yesterday, that he should be very glad if I could procure some gentleman to come and bury my poor child for him, as he lives five miles off, and has particular business .on that
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 15
day: so when I told my daughter, she asked me to come to you, sir, and bring that letter, which would explain the matter."
I desired him to come into the house, and then said,
"What is your occupation?"
' ' Sir, I have lived most of my days in
a little cottage at , six miles from
here. I have rented a few acres of ground, and kept some cows, which, in addition to my day-labor, has been the means of supporting and bringing up my family."
"What family have you?"
"A wife, now getting very aged and helpless, two sons, and one daughter; for my other poor dear child is just de- parted out of this wicked world."
"I hope, for a better."
"I hope so too: poor thing, she did not use to take to such good ways as her
16 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
sister ; but I do believe that her sister's manner of talking with her before she died was the means of saving her soul. What a mercy it is to have such a child as mine is. I never thought about my own soul seriously till she, poor girl, begged me to flee from the wrath to come.'7
"How old are you?"
"Near seventy, and my wife is older; we are getting old and almost past our labor, but our daughter has left a good place, where she lived in service, on purpose to come home and take care of us and our little dairy. And a dear, dutiful, affectionate girl she is."
"Was she alwavs so?"
"No, sir; when she was very young, she was all for the world and pleasure, and dress and company. Indeed, we were all very ignorant, and thought if we took care for this life, and wronged
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 17
nobody, we should be sure to go to heav- en at last, My daughters were both wilful, and, like ourselves, strangers to the ways of God and the word of his grace. But the eldest of them went out to service, and some yea^ ago she heard
a sermon preached at church by a
gentleman that was going to , as
chaplain to the colony, and from that time she seemed quite another creature. She began to read the Bible, and became sober and steady. The first time she returned home afterwards to see us," she brought us a guinea which she had saved from her wages, and said, as we were getting old, she was sure we should want help; adding, that she did not wish to spend it in fine clothes, as she used to do, only to feed pride and vanity. She said she would rather show gratitude to her dear father and mother, because Christ had shown such meiScy to her.
2
18 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
"We wondered to hear her talk, and took great delight in her company ; for her temper and behavior were so hum- ble and kind, she seemed so desirous to do us good both in soul and body, and was so different from what we had ever seen her before, that, careless and igno- rant as we had been, we began to think there must be something real in religion, or it never could alter a person so much in a little time.
" Her youngest sister, poor soul, used to faugh and ridicule her at that time, and said her head was turned with her new ways. 'No, sister/ she would say, 'not my head, but I hope my heart is turned from the love of sin to the love of God. I wish you may one day see, as I do, the danger and vanity of your present condition.'
"Her poor sister would reply, 'I do not want to hear any of your preaching ;
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 19
I am no worse than other people, and that is enough for me.' *Wdl, sister,' Elizabeth would say, 'if you will not hear me, you cannot hinder me from praying for you, which I do with all my heart.'
'•And now, sir, I believe those pray- ers are answered. For when her sister was taken ill, Elizabeth went to Mrs.
's to wait in her place, and take
care of her. She said a great deal to her about her soul, and the poor girl be- gan to be so deeply affected and sensi- ble of her past sin, and so thankful for her sister's kind behavior, that it gave her great hopes indeed for her sake. When my wife and I went to see her as she lay sick, she told us how grieved and ashamed she was of her past life ; but said she had a hope through grace that her dear sister's Saviour would be her Saviour too; for she saw her own
20 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
sinfulness, felt her own helplessness, and only wished to cast herself upon Christ as her hope and salvation.
, " And now, sir, she is gone, and I hope and think her sister's prayers for her conversion to God have been answered. The Lord grant the same for her poor father and mother's sake likewise."
This conversation was a very pleasing commentary upon the letter which I had received, and made me anxious both to comply with the request, and to become acquainted with the writer. I promised the good dairyman to attend on the Fri- day at the appointed hour ; and after some more conversation respecting his own state of mind under the present trial, he went away.
He was a reverend old man ; his fur- rowed cheeks, white locks, weeping eyes, bent shoulders, and feeble gait, were characteristic of the aged pilgrim. As he
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 21
slowly walked onwards, supported by a stick, which seemed to have been the companion of many a long year, a train of reflections occurred, which I retrace with pleasure and emotion.
At the appointed hour I arrived at the church ; and, after a little while, was summoned to the churchyard gate to meet the funeral procession. The aged par- ents, the elder brother, and the sister, with other relatives, formed an affecting group. I was struck with the humble, pious, and pleasing countenance of the young woman from whom I had received the letter. It bore the marks of great seriousness without affectation, and of much serenity mingled with a glow of devotion.
A circumstance occurred during the reading of the burial-service, which I think it right to mention, as one among many testimonies of the solemn* and im-
22 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
pressive tendency of our truly evangeli- cal Liturgy.*
A man of the village who had hither- to been of a very careless and even prof- ligate character, went into the church through mere curiosity, and with no bet- ter, 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 receiv- ed a deep, serious conviction of his sin and spiritual danger. It was an impres- sion that never wore off, but gradually ripened into the most satisfactory evi- dence of an entire change, of which I had many and long-continued proofs. He always referred to the burial-ser- vice, and to some particular sentences
* The Publishing Committee in issuing this narrative entire would express no opinion as to the use of a Liturgy.
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 23
of it, as the clearly ascertained instru- ment of bringing hini, through grace, to the knowledge of the truth.
The day was therefore one to be re- membered. Eemembered 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 told me that she intended to remain a week or two at. the gentleman's house where
24 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
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.pray- ed that the poor might become rich in faith, and the rich be made poor 114 spirit.
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 25
PART II.
A sweet solemnity often possesses the mind, while retracing past intercourse with departed friends. How much is this increased, when they were such as lived and died in the Lord. The re- membrance of former scenes and conver- sations with those who, we Relieve, are now enjoying the interrupted happiness of a better world, fills the heart with pleasing sadness, and animates the soul with the hopeful anticipation of a day when the glory of the Lord shall be re- vealed in the assembling of all his chil- dren together, never more to be sepa- rated. Whether they were rich or poor while on earth, is a matter of trifling consequence : the valuable part of their character is, that they are "kings and
26 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
priests unto God ;" and this is their true nobility. In the number of now de- parted believers, with whom I once loved to converse on the grace and glory of the kingdom of God, was the dairyman's daughter.
About a week after the funeral, I
went to visit the family at , in
whose service the youngest sister had lived and died, and where Elizabeth was requested to remain for a short time in her stead.
The house was a large and venerable mansion. It stood in a beautiful valley at the foot of a high hill. It was em- bowered in fine woods, which were in- terspersed in every direction with ris- ing, falling, and swelling grounds. The manor-house had evidently descended through a long line of ancestry, from a distant period of time. The Gothic char- acter of its original architecture was still
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 27
preserved in the latticed windows, adorn- ed with carved divisions and pillars of stone- work. Several pointed termina-
28 THE DAIRYMAN'S'DAUGHTER.
tions also, in the construction of the roof, according to the custom of our forefa- thers, fully corresponded with the general features of the building.
One end of the house was entirely clothed with the- thick foliage of an im- mense ivy, which climbed beyond cus- tomary limits, and embraced a lofty chim- ney up to its very summit. Such a tree seemed congenial to the walls that sup- ported it, and conspired with the antique fashion of the place to carry imagination back to the days of our ancestors.
As I approached, I was led to reflect on the lapse of ages, and the successive generations of men, each in their turn occupying lands, houses, and domains; each in their turn also disappearing, and leaving their inheritance to be enjoyed by others. David once observed the same, and cried out, "Behold, thou hast made my days as a handbreadth; and
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 29
mine age is as nothing before thee ; ver- ily every man at his best state is alto- gether vanity. Surely every man walk- eth in a vain show; surely they are dis- quieted in vain; he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them." Happy would it be for the rich, if they more frequently meditated on the un- certainty of all their possessions, and the frail nature of every earthly tenure. "Their inward thought is, that their houses shall continue for ever, and their dwelling-places to all generations ; they call their lands after their own names. Nevertheless, man being in honor abideth not; he is like the beasts that perish. This their way is their folly ; yet their posterity approve their sayings. Like sheep they are laid in the grave ; death shall feed on them; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling."
30 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
*
As I advanced to the mansion, a pleas- ing kind of gloom overspread the front ; it was occasioned by the shade of trees, and gave a characteristic effect to^ the ancient -fabric. I instantly recollected that death had very recently visited the house, and that one of its present inhab- itants was an affectionate mourner for a departed sister.
There is a solennity in the thought of a recent death, which will associate itself with the very walls from whence we are conscious that a soul has just taken its flight to eternity.
After passing some time in conversa- tion with the superiors of the family, in the course of which I was much gratified by hearing of the unremitted attention which the elder sister had paid to the younger during the illness of the latter,- I received likewise other testimonies of the excellence of her general character
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 3L
and conduct in the house, I then took leave, requesting permission to see her, agreeably to the promise I had made at the funeral not many days before.
I was shown into a parlor, where I found her alone. She was in deep mourn- ing. She had a calmness and serenity in her countenance which exceedingly struck me, and impressed some idea of those attainments which a further ac- quaintance with her afterwards so much increased.
She spoke of her sister. I* had the satisfaction of finding that she had given very hopeful proofs of a change of heart before she died. The prayers and ear- nest exhortations of Elizabeth had been blessed to a happy effect. She described what had passed with such a mixture of sisterly affection and pious dependence on the mercy of God to sinners, as con- vinced me that her own heart was under
32 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
the influence of "pure religion and un- dented."
f She requested leave occasionally to correspond with me on serious subjects, stating that she needed much instruction. She hoped I would pardon the liberty which she had taken by introducing her- self to my notice. She expressed a trust that the Lord would overrule both the death of her. sister, and the personal acquaintance with me that resulted from it, to a present and future good, as it respected herself, and also her parents, with whom she statedly lived, and to whom she expected to return, in a few days.
Finding that she was wanted in some household duty, I did not remain long with her, but left her with an assurance that I proposed to visit her parents very shortly.
"Sir," said she, "I take it very kind
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 33
that you have condescended to leave the company of the rich, and converse with the poor. I wish I could have said more to you respecting my own state of mind. Perhaps I shall be better able another time. When you next visit me, instead of finding me in these noble walls, you will see me in a poor cottage. • But I am happiest when there. Once more, sir, I thank you for your past kindness to me and mine, and may God in many ways bless you for it."
I quitted the house with no small de- gree of satisfaction, in consequence of the new acquaintance which I had form- ed. I discovered traces of a cultivated as well as a spiritual mind. I felt that religious intercourse with those of low estate may be rendered eminently useful to others, whose outward station and ad- vantages are far above their own.
How often does it appear that "God 3
34 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty ; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are: that no flesh should glory in his presence/'
It was. not unfrequently my custom, when my mind was filled with any inter- esting subject for meditation, to seek some spot where the beauties of natural prospect might help to form pleasing and useful associations. I therefore ascended gradually to the very summit of the hill adjoining the mansion where my visit had just been made. Here was placed an elevated sea-mark : it was in the form of a triangular pyramid, and built of stone. I sat down on the ground near it, and looked at the surrounding pros- pect, which was distinguished for beauty and magnificence. It was a lofty sta-
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 35
tion, which commanded a complete cir- cle of interesting objects to engage the spectator's attention.
Southward the view was terminated by a long range of hills, at about six miles distance. They met, to the west- ward, another chain of hills, of which the one whereon I sat formed a link, and the whole together nearly encom- passed a rich and fruitful valley, filled with corn-fields and pastures. Through this vale winded a small river for many miles: much cattle were feeding on its banks. Here and there, lesser eminences arose in the valley ; some covered with wood, others with corn or grass, and a few with heath or fern. One of these little hills was distinguished by a parish church at the top, presenting a striking feature in the landscape. Another of these elevations, t situated in the centre of the valley, was adorned with a vener-
36 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
able holly-tree, which has grown there for ages. Its singular height and wide- spreading dimensions not only render it an object of curiosity to the traveller, but of daily usefulness to the pilot, as a mark visible from the sea, whereby to direct his vessel safe . into harbor. Villages, churches, country-seats, farm- houses, and cottages, were scattered over every part of the southern valley. In this direction also, at the foot of the hill where I was stationed, appeared the an- cient mansion which I had just quitted, embellished with its woods, groves, and gardens.
South-eastward, I saw the open ocean, bounded only by the horizon. The sun shone, and gilded the waves with a glit- tering light that sparkled in the most brilliant manner. More to the east, in continuation of that line of hills where • I was placed, rose two downs, one be-
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 37
yond the other ; both covered with sheep, and the sea just visible over the farthest of them, as a terminating boundary. In this point ships were seen, some sailing, others at anchor. Here the little river, which watered the southern valley, fin- ished its course, and ran through mead- ows into the sea, in an eastward direction. On the north the sea appeared like a noble river, varying frdm three to. seven miles in breadth, between the banks of the opposite coast and those of the island which I inhabited. Immediately under- neath me was a fine woody district of country, diversified by many pleasing objects. Distant towns were visible on the opposite shore. Numbers of ships occupied the sheltered station which this northern channel afforded them. The eye roamed with delight over an expanse of near and remote beauties, which alter- nately caught the observation, and which
38 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
harmonized together, and produced a scene of peculiar interest.
Westward the hills followed each other, forming several intermediate and partial valleys, in a kind of undulations, like the waves of the sea; and, bending to the south, completed the boundary of the larger valley before described, to the southward of the hill on which I sat. In many instances the hills were culti- vated with corn to their very summits, and seemed to defy the inclemency of the weather, which at these heights, usu- ally renders the ground incapable of bringing forth and ripening the crops of grain. One hill alone, the highest in elevation, and above ten miles to the south-westward, was enveloped in a cloud, which just permitted a dim and hazy sight of a signal-post, a lighthouse, and an ancient chantry, built on its summit.
Amidst these numerous specimens of
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 39
delightful scenery I found a mount for contemplation, and here I indulged it.
"How much of the natural beauties of paradise still remain in the world, although its spiritual character has been so awfully defaced by sin. But when divine grace renews the heart of the fallen sinner, paradise is regained, and much of its beauty restored to the soul. As this prospect is compounded of hill and dale, land and sea, woods and plains, all sweetly blended together, and reliev- ing "each other in the landscape; so do the gracious dispositions wrought in the soul produce a beauty and harmony of scene to which it was before a stranger."
I looked towards the village in the plain below, where the dairyman's youn- ger daughter was buried. I retraced the simple solemnities of the funeral. I con- nected the principles and conduct of her sister with the present probably happy
40 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
state of her soul in the world of spirits, and was greatly impressed with a sense of the importance of family influence as a means of grace. "That young wom- an," I thought, "has been the conductor of not only a sister, but perhaps a father and mother also, to the true knowledge of God, and may, by divine blessing, be- come so to others. It is a glorious occu- pation to win souls to Christ, and guide them out of Egyptian bondage through the wilderness into the promised Canaan. Happy are the families who are walking hand in hand together, as pilgrims tow- ards the heavenly country. May the number of such be daily increased."
Casting my eye over the numerous dwellings in the vales on my right and left, I. could not help thinking, "How many of their inhabitants are ignorant of the ways of God, and strangers to his grace. May this thought stimulate to
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 41
activity and diligence in the cause of immortal souls. They are precious in God's sight — they ought to be so in ours."
Some pointed and affecting observa- tions to that effect recurred to my mind as having been made by the young per- son with whom I had been just convers- ing. Her mind appeared to be much im- pressed with the duty of speaking and acting for God " while it is day;" con- scious that "the night cometh, when no man can work." Her laudable anxiety on this head was often testified to me afterwards, both by letter and conversa- tion. What she felt herself, in respect to endeavors to do good, she happily communicated to others with whom she corresponded or converged.
Time would not permit my continuing so long in the enjoyment of these medita- tions on this lovely mount of enjoyment,
42 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
as my heart desired. On my return home I wrote a few lines to the dairy- man's daughter, chiefly dictated by the train of thought which had occupied my mind while I sat on the hill.
On the next Sunday evening I received her reply, of which the following is a transcript.
. "Sunday.
"Kev. Sir — I am this day deprived of an opportunity of attending the house of God, to worship him. . But, glory be to his name, he is not confined to time or place. I feel him present with me where I am, and his presence makes my paradise ; for where he is, is heaven. I pray God that a- double portion of his grace and Holy Spirit may rest upon you this day ; that his blessing may attend all your faithful labors; and that you may find the truth of his word assuring us, that wherever we assemble together
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 43
in his name, there is he in the midst to bless every waiting sonl.
"How precious are ail his promises. We ought never to doubt the truth of his word. For he will never deceive us if we go on in faith, always expecting to receive what his goodness waits to give. Dear sir, I have felt it very consoling to read your kind letter to-day. I feel thankful to God for - ministers in our church who love and fear his name; there it is where the people in general look for salvation ; and there may they ever find it, for Jesus' sake. May his word, spoken by you his chosen vessel of grace, be made spirit and life to their, dead souls. May it come from you as an instrument in the hands of God, as sharp arrows from a strong archer, and strike a death-blow to all their sins. How I long to see the arrows of convic- tion fasten on the minds of those that are
44 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
hearers of the word and not doers. 0 sir, be ambitious for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. It will add to the lustre of your crown in glory, as well as to your present joy and peace. We should be willing to spend and be spent in his service, saying, 'Lord, may thy will be done by me on earth, even as it is by the angels in heaven.' So you may expect to see his face with joy, and say, 'Here am I, Lord, and all the souls thou hast given me.'
"It seems wonderful that we should neglect any opportunity of doing good, when there is, if it be done from love to God and his creatures, a present reward of grace, in reflecting that we are using the talents committed to our care accord- ing to the power and ability which we receive from him. God requires not what he has not promised to give. But when we look back, and reflect that
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 45
there have been opportunities in which we have neglected to take up our cross and speak and act for God, what a de- jection of mind we feel. We are then justly filled with shame. Conscious of being ashamed of Christ, we cannot come with that holy boldness to a throne of grace, nor feel that free access when we make our supplications.
"We are commanded to provoke one another to love and good works ; and where two are agreed together in the things of God, they may say,
" ' And if our fellowship below In Jesus be so sweet, What heights of rapture shall we know When round the throne we meet.'
"Sir, I hope Mrs. - and you are
both of one heart and one mind. Then you will sweetly agree in all things that make for your present and eternal hap- piness. Christ sent his disciples out, not
40 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
singly, but two and two, that they might comfort and help each other in those ways and works which their Lord com- manded them to pursue.
"It has been my lot to have been alone the greatest part of the time that I have known the ways of God. I there- fore find it such a treat to my soul when I can meet with any who loves to talk of the goodness and love of God, and all his gracious dealings. What a comfort- able reflection, to think of spending a whole eternity in that delightful employ- ment; to tell to listening angels his love 'immense, unsearchable.'
"Dear sir I thank you for your kind- ness and condescension in leaving those that are of high rank and birth in the world, to converse with me, who am but a servant here below. But when I con- sider what a high calling, what honor and digmty. God has conferred upon me,
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 47
to be called his child, to be born of his Spirit, made an heir of glory, and joint- heir with Christ; how humble and cir- cumspect should I be in all my ways, as a dutiful and loving child to an affec- tionate and loving Father. When I se- riously consider these things, it fills me with love and gratitude to God, and I do not wish for any higher station, nor envy the rich. I rather pity them, if they are not good as well as great. My blessed Lord was pleased to appear in the form of a servant ; and I long to be like him.
"I did not feel in so happy a frame of conversation that day, nor yet that liberty to explain my thoughts which I sometimes do. The fault must have been all in myself; for there was noth- ing in you but what seemed to evidence a Christian spirit, temper, and disposi- tion. I very much wished for an oppor-
48 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
tunity to converse with you. I feel very thankful to God that you do take up the cross, and despise the shame ; if you are found faithful, you will soon sit down with him in glory.
"I have written to the Eev. Mr. ,
to thank him for permitting you to per- form the burial-service at over my
dear departed sister, and to tell him of the kind way in which you consented to do it. I should mention that your man- ner of reading the service on that day had a considerable effect on the hearers.
"Pray excuse all faults, and correct my errors. I expect in a few clays to return home to my parents' house. We shall rejoice to see you there.
"From your humble servant in Christ,
"E. W-r — ."
It was impossible to view such a cor- respondent with indifference. I had just returned from a little cottage assembly,
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 49
where, on Sunday evenings, I sometimes went to instruct a few poor families in one of the hamlets belonging to my par- ish. I read the letter, and closed the day with thanksgiving to God for thus enabling those who fear his name to build up each other in fear and love.
Of old time, ''they that feared the Lord spake often one to another; and the Lord hearkened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.'7 • That book of remembrance is not yet closed.
50 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
PARTIII.
The mind of man is like a moving pic- ture, supplied with objects, not only from contemplation on things present, but from the fruitful sources of recollection and anticipation.
Memory retraces past events, and re- stores an ideal reality to scenes which are gone by for ever. They live a^lin in revived imagery, and we seem to. hear and see with renewed emotions what we heard and saw at- a former period. Suc- cessions of such recollected circumstances often form a series of welcome memo- rials. In religious meditations, the mem- ory becomes a sanctified, instrument of spiritual improvement.
Another part of this animated picture is furnished by the pencil of hope. She
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 51
draws encouraging prospects for the soul, by connecting the past and the present with the future. Seeing the promises afar off, she is persuaded of their truth, and embraces them as her own.
The Spirit of God gives a blessing to both these acts of the mind, and employs them in the service of religion. Every faculty of body and soul, when consider- ed as a part of "the purchased posses- sion " of the Saviour, assumes a new character. How powerfully does the apostle, on this ground, urge a plea for holy activity and watchfulness. "What, know "ye not that your body is the tem- ple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? for ye are bought . with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."
The Christian may derive much profit
52 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
and enjoyment from the use of the mem- ory as it concerns those transactions in which he once bore a part. In his en- deavors to recall past conversations and intercourse with deceased friends in par- ticular, the powers of remembrance great- ly improve by exercise. One revived idea produces another, till the mind is most agreeably and usefully occupied with lively and holy imaginations.
" Lulled in the countless chambers of the brain, Our thoughts are linked by many a hidden chain; Awake but one, and lo, what myriads rise ; Each stamps its image as the other flies ; Each, as the varied avenues of sense Delight or sorrow to the soul dispense, Brightens or fades ; yet all, with sacred art, Control the latent fibres of the heart."
May it please God to bless, both to the reader and the writer, this feeble attempt to recollect some of the communications which I once enjoyed in my visits to the dairyman's dwelling.
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 53
Very soon after the receipt of the last letter, I rode for the first time to see the family at their own house. The principal part of the road lay through retired, nar- row lanes, beautifully overarched with groves of nut and other trees, which screened the traveller from the rays of the sun, and afforded many interesting objects for admiration in the flowers, shrubs, and young trees which grew upon the high banks on each side of the road. Many grotesque rocks, with little trick- ling streams of water occasionally break- ing out of them, varied the recluse scen- ery, and produced a romantic and pleas- ing effect.
Here and there the most distant pros- pect beyond was observable through gaps and hollow places on the road-side. Lof- ty hills, with many signal-posts, obelisks, and lighthouses on their summits, ap- peared at these intervals: rich corn-
54 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
fields were also visible through some of the open places ; and now and then, when the road ascended a hill, the sea, with ships at various distances, was seen. But for the most part shady seclusion, and objects of a more minute and confined nature, gave a character to the journey, and invited contemplation. • How much do they lose who are stran- gers to serious meditation on the won- ders and beauties of nature. How glo- riously the God of creation shines in his works. Not a tree, or leaf, or flower, not a bird or insect, but it proclaims in glowing language, /'God made me."
As I approached the village where the good old dairyman dwelt, I observed him in a little field, driving his two cows be- fore him towards a yard and hovel which adjoined his cottage. I advanced very near him without his observing me, for his sight was dim. On my calling out
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 55
to him, he started at the sound of my voice, but with much gladness of heart welcomed me, saying, " Bless your heart,
56 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
sir, I am glad you are come ; we have looked for you every day this week."
The cottage-door opened, and the daughter came out, followed by her aged and infirm mother. The sight of me nat- urally brought to recollection the grave at which we had before met. Tears of affection mingled with the smile of satis- faction with which I was received by these worthy cottagers. I dismounted, and was conducted through a neat little garden, part of which was shaded by two large overspreading elm-trees, to the house. Decency and order were manifested within and without. No ex- cuse was made here, on the score of pov- erty, for confusion and uncleanliness in the disposal of their little household. Every thing wore the aspect of neatness and propriety. On each side of the fire- place stood an old oaken arm-chair, where the venerable parents rested their weary
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 57
limbs after the day's labor was over. On a shelf in one corner lay two Bibles, with a few religious books and tracts. The little room had two windows: a lovely prospect of hills, woods, and fields, ap- peared through one j the other was more than half obscured by the branches of a vine which was trained across it; be- tween its leaves the sun shone, and cast a cheerful light over the whole place.
"This," thought I, " is a fit residence for piety, peace,-and contentment. May I learn a fresh lesson for advancement in each, through the blessing of God on this visit."
"Sir," said the daughter, "we are not worthy that you should come under our roof. We take it very kind that you should travel so far to see us."
"My Master," I replied, "came a great deal further to visit us poor sinners. He left the bosom of his Father, laid aside
58 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
his glory, and came down to this lower world on a visit of mercy and Jove ; and ought not we, if we profess to follow him, to bear each other's infirmities, and go about doing good, as he did?"
The old man now entered, and joined his wife and daughter in giving me a cordial welcome. Our conversation soon turned to the loss they had so lately sus- tained. The pious and sensible disposi- tion of the daughter was peculiarly man- ifested, as well in what she said to her parents, as in what she more immediate- ly addressed to myself. I had now a further opportunity of remarking the good sense and agreeable manner which ac- companied her expressions of devoted- ness to God, and love to Christ for the great mercies which he had bestowed upon her. During her residence in dif- ferent gentlemen's families where she had been in service, she had acquired a
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 59
superior behavior and address ; but sin- cere piety rendered her very humble and unassuming in manner and conver- sation. She seemed anxious to improve the opportunity of my visit to the best purpose for her own and her parents7 sake ; yet there was nothing of unbecom- ing forwardness, no self-confidence or conceited ness in her conduct, She united the firmness and solicitude of the Chris- tian with the modesty of the female and the dutifulness of the daughter. It was impossible to be in her company, and not observe how truly her temper and con- versation^ adorned the principles which she professed.
I soon discovered how eager and how successful also she had been in her en- deavors to bring her father and mother to the knowledge and experience of the truth. This is a lovely feature in the character of a ' young Christian. If it
60 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
have pleased God, in the free dispensa- tion of his mercy, to call the child by his grace, while the parent remains still in ignorance and sin, how great is the duty incumbent on that child to do what is possible to promote the conversion of those to whom so much is owing. Hap- py is it when the ties of grace sanctify those of nature.
The aged couple evidently regarded and spoke of this daughter as their teach- er and admonisher in divine things, while at the same time they received from her every token of filial submission and obe- dience, testified by continual endeavors to serve and assist them to the utmost of her power in the daily concerns of the household.
The religion of this young woman was of a highly spiritual character, and of no ordinary attainment. Her views of the divine plan in saving the sinner were
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 61
clear and scriptural. She spoke much of the joys and sorrows which, in the course of her religious progress, she had expe- * rienced ; but she was fully sensible that there is far more in real religion than mere occasional transition from one frame of mind and spirits to another. She be- lieved that the experimental acquaintance of the heart with God principally con- sisted in so living upon Christ by faith, as to aim at living like him by love. She knew that the love of God toward the sinner, and the path of duty prescribed to the sinner, are both of an unchangea- ble nature. In a believing dependence on the one, and an affectionate walk in the other, she sought and found "the peace of God which passeth all understanding ;" "for so he.giveth his beloved sleep.'7
She had read but few books besides her Bible ; but these few were excellent in their kind, and she spoke of their con- •
62 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
tents as one who knew their value. • In addition to a Bible and prayer-book, Doddridge's "Rise and Progress," Ro- maine's "Life, Walk, and Triumph of Faith," Bunyan's 'Pilgrim," Alleine's. "Alarm," Baxter's "Saints' Everlasting Rest," a hymn-book, and a few tracts completed her library.
I observed in her countenance a pale and delicate hue, which I afterwards found to be a presage of consumption; and the idea then occurred to me that she would not live very long.
Time passed on swiftly with this inter- esting family ; and after having partaken of some plain and wholesome* refresh- ment, and enjoyed a few hours' conver- sation with them, I found it was necessa- ry for me to return homewards. The disposition and character of the parties may be in some sort ascertained by the expressions at parting.
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 63
"God send you safe home again," said the aged mother, "and bless the day that brought you to see two poor old creatures, such as we are, in our. trouble and affliction. Come again, sir, come again when you can ; and though I am a poor ignorant soul, and not fit to talk to such a gentleman as you, yet my clear child shall speak for me ; she is the greatest comfort I have left, and I hope the good Lord will spare her to support my trembling limbs and feeble spirits, till I lie down with my other dear de- parted children in the grave."
"Trust to the Lord,'7 I answered, "and remember his gracious promise : ' Even to your old age I am he ; and even to hoar hairs I will carry you.' "
"I thank you, sir," said the daughter, "for your Christian kindness to me and my friends. I believe the blessing of the Lord has attended your visit, and I hope
64 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
I have experienced it to be so. My dear father and mother, will, I am sure, remember it • and I rejoice in the oppor- tunity of seeing so kind a friend under this roof. My Saviour has been abun- dantly good to me in plucking me ' as a brand from the burning,' and showing me the way of life and peace ; and I hope it is my heart's desire to live to his glory. But I long to see these dear friends enjoy the power and comfort of religion like- wise."
"I think it evident," I replied, "that the promise is fulfilled in their case : ' It shall come to pass, that at evening time it shall be light.' "
" I believe it," she said, "and praise God for the blessed hope."
"Thank him too, that you have been the happy instrument of bringing them to the light."
"I do, sir; yet when I think of my
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. . 65
own un worthiness and insufficiency, I re- joice with trembling."
"Sir," said the good old man, "I am sure the Lord will reward you for this kindness. Pray for us, old as we are, and sinners as we have been, that yet he would have mercy upon us at the elev- enth hour. Poor Betsey strives much for our sakes, both in body and soul ; she works hard all day to save us trouble, and I fear has not strength to support all she does ; and then she talks to us, and reads to us, and prays for us, that we may be saved from the wrath to come. Indeed, sir, she 's a rare child to us."
11 Peace be to you, and to all that be- long to you."
" Amen, and thank you, dear sir," was echoed from each tongue.
Thus we parted for that time. My returning meditations were sweet, and I hope profitable.
66 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
Many other visits were afterwards made by me to this peaceful cottage, and I always found increasing reason to thank God for the intercourse I there enjoyed.
An interval of some length occurred once during that year, in which I had not seen the dairyman's family. I was reminded of the circumstance by the re- ceipt of the following letter.
"Rev. Sir — I have been expecting to see or hear from you for a considerable time. Excuse the liberty*! take in send- ing you another letter. I have been confined to the house the greater part of
the time since I left . I took cold
that day, and have been worse ever since. I walk out a little on these fine days, but seem to myself to walk very near the borders of eternity. Glory be to God, it is a very pleasing prospect be- fore me. Though I feel the workings of
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 67
sin, and am abased, yet Jesus shows his mercy to be mine, and I trust that I am his. At such times,
"'My soul would leave this heavy clay At his transporting word, Kun up with joy the shining way To meet and prove the Lord.
'"Fearless of hell and ghastly death, I 'd break through every foe ; The wings of love and arms of faith Would bear me captive through.'
My desire is to live every moment to God, that I may, through his grace, be kept in that heavenly, happy frame of mind that I shall wish for at the hour of death. We cannot live nor die happy without this ; and to keep it, we must be continually watching and praying ; for we have many enemies to disturb our peace. I am so very weak, that now I can go nowhere to any outward means for that help which is so refreshing to my spirit. "I should have been very happy to
68 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
have heard you last Sunday, when you
preached at . I could not walk so
far. I hope the word spoken by you was made a blessing to many who heard it. It was my earnest prayer to God that it might be so. But alas, once call- ing does not awaken many that are in a sound sleep. Yet the voice of God is sometimes very powerful, when his min- isters speak — when they are influenced by his Holy Spirit, and are simple and sincere in holding forth the word of life. Then it will teach us all things, and en- lighten our mind and reveal unto us the hidden things of darkness, and give us out of that divine treasure 'things new and old.' Besting on God to work in us both to will and to do of his own good pleasure, we ought always to work as dil- igent servants, that know they have a good Master, that will surely not forget their labor of love.
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 69
"If we could but fix our 'eyes always on that crown of glory that awaits us in the skies, we should never grow weary in well-doing ■ but should run with pa- tience and delight in the work and ways of God, where he appoints us. We should not then, as we too frequently do, suffer these trifling objects here on earth to draw away our minds from Gocl, to rob him of his glory, and our souls of that happiness and comfort which the believer may enjoy amidst outward afflictions. If we thus lived more by faith in the Son of God, we should endeavor to stir up all whom we could to seek after God. We should tell them what he has done for us, and what he would do for them, if they truly sought him. We should show them what a glorious expectation there is for all true believers and sincere seekers.
"When our minds are so fixed on God,
10 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
we are more desirous of glorifying him, in making known his goodness to us, than the proud rich man is of getting honor to himself. I mourn over my own back- wardness to this exercise of duty, when I think of God's willingness to save the vilest of the vile, according to the dis- pensations of his eternal grace and mer- cy. Oh, how amiable, how lovely, does this make that God of love appear to poor sinners, that can view him as such. How is the soul delighted with such a contem- plation. They that have much forgiven, how much they love.
"These thoughts have been much on
my mind since the death of . I
trust the Lord will pardon me for neglect. I thought it was my duty to speak or write to him ; you remember what I said to you respecting it. But I still delayed till a more convenient season. Oh, how I was struck when I heard the Lord had
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. Tl
taken him so suddenly. I was filled with sorrow and shame for having neg- lected what I had so often resolved to do. But now the time of speaking for God to him was over. Hence we see that the Lord's time is the best time. Now the night of death was come upon him ; no more work was to be clone. If I had done all that lay in my power to proclaim reconciliation by Christ to his soul, whether he had heard or no, I should have been clear of his blood. But I can- not recall the time that is past, nor him from the grave. Had I known the Lord would have called him so suddenly, how diligent I should have been to warn him of his danger. But it is enough that God shows us what we are to do, and not what he is about to do with us or any of his creatures. Pray, sir, do all you can for the glory of God. The time will soon pass by, and then we shall enter that
72 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
glorious rest that he hath prepared for them that love him. I pray God to fill you with that zeal and love which he only can inspire, that you may daily win souls to Christ. May he deliver you from all slavish fear of man, and give you boldness, as he did of old those that were filled with the Holy Ghost and with power.
"Remember, Christ hath promised to be with all his faithful' ministers to the end of time. The greater dangers and difficulties they are exposed to, the more powerful his assistance. Then, sir, let us fear none but him. I hope you will pray much for me, a poor sinner, that God will perfect his strength in my weak- ness of body and mind, for without him I can do nothing. But when I can ex- perience the teaching of that Holy One, I need no other teacher. May the Lord anoint you with the same, and give you
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 73
every grace of his Holy Spirit, that you may be filled with all the fulness of God ; that you may know what is the height and depth, the length and breadth, of the love of God in Christ Jesus • that you may be, in the hand of the Lord, as a keen archer to draw the bow, while the Lord directs and fastens the arrows of conviction in the hearts of such as are under your ministry.
"I sincerely pray that you may be made a blessing to him that has taken tlie place of the deceased. I have heard that you are fellow-countrymen ; I hope you are, however, both as strangers in this world, that have no abiding-place, but seek a country out of sight.
"Pray excuse all faults. From your humble servant in the bonds of the gos- pel of Christ,
« E. W ."
X4 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
When I perused this and other letters which were at different times written to me by the dairyman's daughter, I felt that in the person of this interesting cor- respondent were singularly united the characters of a humble disciple and a faithful monitor. I wished to acknow- ledge the goodness of God in each of these her capacities.
I sometimes entertain a hope that the last day will unfold the value of these epistolary communications, beyond even any present estimate of their spiritual importance.
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 15
PART IV.
The translation of sinners "from the power of darkness into the kingdom of God's dear Son," is the joy of Christians and the admiration of angels. Every penitent and pardoned soul is a new wit- ness to the triumphs of the Redeemer over sin, death, and the grave. How great the change that is wrought. The child of wrath becomes a monument of grace — a brand plucked from the burn- ing. "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature : old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.77 How marvellous, how interest- ing, is the spiritual history of each indi- vidual believer. He is, like David, "a wonder to many," but the greatest won- der of all to himself. Others may doubt
16 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
whether it be so or not ; but to him it is unequivocally proved, that from first to last, grace alone reigns in the work of his salvation.
The character and privileges of real Christians are beautifully described in the language of our church, who, when speaking of the objects of divine favor and compassion, says, "They that be endued with so excellent a benefit of God, be called according to God's pur- pose in due season: they through grace obey the calling ; they be justified freely • they be made sons of God by adoption ■ they be made like the image of his only begotten Son Jesus Christ; they walk religiously in good works ; and at length, by God's mercy, they attain to everlast- ing felicity."
Such a conception and display of the almighty wisdom, power, and love, is indeed "full of sweet, pleasant, and un-
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 11
speakable comfort to godly persons, and such as feel in themselves the working of the Spirit of Christ mortifying the works of the flesh, and their earthly members, and drawing up their minds to high and heavenly things; it doth greatly establish and confirm their faith of eternal salvation, to be enjoyed through Christ, and doth fervently kindle their love towards God.'7
Nearly allied to the consolation of a good hope through grace, as it respects our own personal state before God, is that of seeing its evidences shed lustre over the disposition and conduct of oth- ers. Bright was the exhibition of the union between true Christian enjoyment and Christian exertion, in the character whose moral and spiritual features I am attempting to delineate.
It seemed to be the first wish of her heart to prove to others, what God had
78 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
proved to her, that Jesus is "the way, and the truth, and the life." She desired to evince the reality of her calling, justi- fication, and adoption into the family of God, by showing a conformity to the image of Christ, and by walking "relig- iously in good works ;" she trusted that in this path of faith and obedience she should "at length, by God's mercy, attain to everlasting felicity.'7
I had the spiritual charge of another parish, adjoining to that in which I re- sided. It was a small district, and had but few inhabitants. The church was pleasantly situated on a rising bank, at the foot of a considerable hill. It was surrounded by trees, and had a rural, retired appearance. Close to the church- yard stood a large old mansion, which had formerly been the residence of an opulent and titled family; but it had long since been appropriated to the use
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 79
of the estate as a farm-house. Its out- ward aspect bore considerable remains of ancient grandeur, and gave a pleasing character to the spot of ground on which the church stood.
In every direction the roads that led to this house of God possessed distinct but interesting features. One of them ascended between several rural cottages, from the sea-shore, which adjoined the lower part of the village street, An- other winded round the curved sides of the adjacent hill, and was adorned, both abtrve and below, with numerous sheep, feeding on the herbage of the down. A third road led to the church by a gently rising approach* between high banks, covered with young trees, bushes, ivy, hedge-plants, and wild flowers.
From a point of land which commanded a view of all these several avenues, I used sometimes for a while to watch my
80 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
congregation gradually assembling to- gether at the hour of Sabbath worship. They were in some directions visible for a considerable distance. Gratifying as- sociations of thought would form in my mind as I contemplated their approach and successive arrival within the pre- cincts of the house of prayer.
One day, as I was thus occupied, dur- ing a short interval previous to the hour of divine service, I reflected on the joy which David experienced at the time he exclaimed, "J wras glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. Our feet shall stand within thy gates, 0 Jerusalem. Jerusalem is builcl- ed as a city that is compact, together; whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, unto the testimony of Israel, to "•give thanks unto the name of the Lord.7'
I was led to reflect upon the various
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 81
blessings connected with the establish- ment of public worship. "How many immortal souls are now gathering to- gether to perform the all-important work of prayer and praise, to hear the word of God, and to feed upon the bread of life. They are leaving their respective dwellings, and will soon be united to- gether in the house of prayer. How beautifully does this represent the effect produced by the voice of the 'Good Shepherd/ calling his sheep from every part of the wilderness into his fold. As these fields, hills, and lanes are now covered with men, women, and children, in various directions drawing nearer to each other, and to the object of their journey's end ; even so, many ' shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.7 " Who can rightly appreciate the value
82 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
of such hours as these? — hours spent in learning the ways of holy pleasantness and the paths of heavenly peace — hours devoted to the service of God and of souls ; in warning the sinner to flee from the wrath to come ; in teaching the igno- rant how to live and die ; in preaching the gospel . to the poor ; in healing the broken-hearted; in declaring "deliver- ance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind/'7 "Blessed is the peo- ple that know the joyful sound ; they shall walk, 0 Lord, in the light of thy countenance. In thy name they shall rejoice all the day, and in thy righteous- ness shall they be exalted."
My thoughts then pursued a train of reflection on the importance of the min- isterial office, as connected in the pur- poses of God with the salvation of sin- ners. I inwardly prayed that those many individuals whom he had given
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 83
me to instruct, might not, through my neglect or error, be as sheep having no shepherd, nor as the blind led by the blind ; but rather that I might, in season and out of season, faithfully proclaim the simple and undisguised truths of the gos- pel, to the glory of God and the pros- perity of his church.
At that instant, near the bottom of the enclosed lane which led to the church- yard, I observed a friend, whom, at such a distance from his home, I little expect- ed to meet. It was the venerable dairy- man. He came up the ascent, leaning with one hand m on his trusty staff, and with the other on the arm of a younger man, well known to me, who appeared to be much gratified in meeting with such a companion by the way.
My station was on the top of one of the banks which formed the hollow road beneath. They passed a few yards be-
84 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
low me. I was concealed from their sight by a projecting tree. They were talking of the mercies of God, and the unsearchable riches of his grace. The dairyman was telling his companion what a blessing the Lord had given him in his daughter. His countenance brightened as he named her, and called her his pre? cious Betsey.
I met them at a stile not many yards beyond, and accompanied them to the church, which was hard by.
"Sir," said -the old man, "I have brought a letter from my daughter. I hope I am in time for divine service. Seven miles has now become a long walk for me; I grow old and weak. I am very glad to see you, sir.'7
"How is your daughter?"
"Yery poorly indeed, sir: very poor- ly. The doctors say it is a decline. I sometimes hope she will get the better
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 85
of it; but then again I have many fears. You know, sir, that I have cause to love and prize her. Oh, it would be such a trial ; but the Lord knows what is best. Excuse my weakness, sir."
He put a letter into my hand, the peru- sal of which I reserved till afterwards, as the time was nigh for going into church.
The presence of this aged pilgrim, the peculiar reverence and affection with which he joined in the different parts of the service, excited many gratifying thoughts in my mind; such as rather furthered than interrupted devotion.
The train of reflection in which I had been engaged when I first discovered him on the road, at intervals recurred powerfully to my feelings, as I viewed that very congregation assembled to- gether in the house of God, whose steps, in their approach towards it, I had watch- ed with prayerful emotions.
86- THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
"Here the rich and poor meet together in mutual acknowledgment that the Lord is the Maker of them all ; and that all are alike dependent creatures, looking up to one common Father to supply their wants, both temporal and spiritual.
"Again, likewise, will they meet to- gether in the grave, that undistinguished receptacle of the opulent and the needy.
"And once more, at the judgment-seat of Christ, shall the rich and the poor meet together, that 'every one may re- ceive the things done in his body, accord- ing to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.'
' ' How closely connected in the history of man are these three periods of a gen- eral meeting together.
"The house of prayer, the house ap- pointed for all living, and the house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. May we never separate these ideas from
. THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 8?
each other, but retain them in a sacred and profitable union. So shall our wor- shipping assemblies on earth be repre- sentatives of the general assembly and church of the first-born, which are writ- ten in heaven. :;
When the congregation dispersed, I entered into discourse with the dairyman and a few of the poor of my flock whose minds were of the like disposition to his own. He seldom could speak long to- gether without some reference to his dear child. He loved to tell how merciful his God had been to him, in the dutiful and affectionate attentions of his daughter. All real Christians feel a tender spiritual attachment towards those who have been the instrument of bringing them to an effectual knowledge of the way of salva- tion ; but when that instrument is one so nearly allied, how dear does the relation- ship become.
88 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. ,
If my friend the dairyman was in" any danger of falling into idolatry, his child would have been the idol of his affections. She was the prop and stay of her par- ents7 declining years, and they scarcely knew how sufficiently to testify the grat- itude of their hearts for the comfort and blessing which she was the means of affording them.
While he was relating several partic- ulars of his family history to the others, I opened and read the following letter :
"Sir — Once more I take the libertv to trouble you with a few lines. I re- ceived your letter with great pleasure, and thank you for it. I am now so weak that I am unable to walk to any public place of divine worship, a privilege which has heretofore always so much strength- ened and refreshed me. I used to go in anxious expectation to meet- my God, and hold, sweet communion with him,
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 89
and I was seldom disappointed. In the means of grace, all the channels of divine mercy are open to every heart that is lifted up to receive out of that divine fulness grace for grace. These are the times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. How have I rejoiced to hear a faithful and lively messenger, just come, as it were, from communion with God at the throne of grace, with his heart warm- ed and filled with divine love, to speak to fallen sinners. Such a one has seemed to me as if his face shone as that of Moses did with the glory of God, when he came clown from the mount, where he had been within the veil. May you, sir, imitate him, as he did Christ, that all may see and know that the Lord dwell- eth with you, and that, you dwell in him through the unity of the blessed Spirit. I trust you are no stranger to his divine teaching, aid, and assistance, in all you
90 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
set your hand to do for the glory of God.
"I hope, sir, the sincerity of my wishes for your spiritual welfare will plead an excuse for the freedom of my address to you. I pray the Giver of every perfect gift, that you may experience the mighty workings of his gracious Spirit in your heart and your ministry, and rest your all on the justifying and purifying blood of an expiring Redeemer. Then will you triumph in his strength, and be ena- bled to say with the poet, .»
" ' Shall I, through fear of feeble men, The Spirit's course strive to restrain? Or, undismayed in deed and word, Be a true witness for my Lord ?
" ' Awed by a mortal's frown, shall I Conceal the word of God most high ? How then before thee shall I dare To stand, or how thine anger bear ?
" ' Shall I, to soothe th' unholy throng, Soften thy truths and smooth my tongue,
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 91
To gain earth's gilded toys, or flee The cross endured, my God, by thee ?
"'What then is he whose scorn I dread? "Whose wrath or hate makes me afraid ? A man, an heir of death, a slave To sin, a bubble on the wave.
" ' Yea, let men rage, since thou wilt spread Thy shadowing wings around my head ; Since in all pain thy tender love Will still my sure refreshment prove.
" ' Still shall the love of Christ constrain To seek the wandering souls of men, With cries, entreaties, tears to save, And snatch them from the yawning grave.
" ' For this let men revile my name, No cross I shun, I fear no shame ; All hail reproach, and welcome pain, Only thy terrors, Lord, restrain.'
' ' I trust, sir, that you see what a glo- rious high calling yours is, and that you are one of those who walk humbly with God, that you may be taught of him in all things. Persons in your place are
92 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
messengers of the most high God. Is it too much to say, they should live like the angels in all holiness, and be filled with love and zeal for men's souls ? They are ambassadors, in Christ's stead, to per- suade sinners to be reconciled to God. So that your calling is above that of an- gels, for they are afterward to minister to the heirs of salvation; but the sinner must be first reconciled to God. And you are called on from day to day to intercede with man as his friend, that you may win souls to Christ. Christ is ascended up on high, to intercede with his Father for guilty sinners, and to plead for them the merits of his death. So that Christ and his faithful ministers, through the operation of the blessed Spir- it, are coworkers together. Yet without him we can do nothing ; our strength is his strength, and his is all the glory from first to last.
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 93
"It is my heart's prayer and desire, sir, that you may, by a living faith, cleave close to that blessed, exalted Lamb of God who died to redeem us from sin — that you may have a sweet communion with Father, Son, and Spirit — that you may sink deep in humble love and rise high in the life of God. Thus will you have such discoveries of the beauties of Christ and his eternal glory as will fill your heart with true delight.
"If I am not deceived, I wish myself to enjoy his gracious favor, more than all the treasures which earth can afford. I would in comparison look upon them with holy disdain, and as not worth an anxious thought, that they may not have power on my heart to draw or attract it from God, who is worthy of my highest esteem, and of all my affections. It should be our endeavor to set him always before us, that in all things we may act
94 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
as in his immediate presence; that we may be filled with that holy fear, so that we may not dare wilfully to sin against him! We should earnestly entreat the Lord to mortify the power and working of sin and unbelief within us, by making Christ appear more and more precious in our eyes, and more dear to our hearts. ' ' It fills my heart with thankful recol- lections, while I attempt in this weak manner to speak of God's love to man. When I reflect on my past sins and his past mercies, I am assured, that if I had all the gifts of wise men and angels, I could never sufficiently describe my own inward sense of his undeserved love tow- ards me. We can better enjoy these glo- rious apprehensions in our hearts, than explain them to others. But Oh, how un- worthy of them all are we. Conscious- ness of my own corruptions keeps me often low ; yet faith and desire will ea'si-
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 95
ly mount on high, beseeching God that he would, according to the apostle's pray- er, fill me with all his communicable ful- ness, in the gifts and graces of his Spirit, that I may walk well-pleasing before him, in all holy conversation, perfecting holi- ness in his fear.
"If I err in boldness, sir, pray pardon me, and in your next letter confirm my hope that you will be my counsellor and guide.
"I can only recompense your kindness to me by my prayers that your own in- tercourse with God may. be abundantly blessed to you and yours. I consider the Saviour saying to you, as he did to Peter, 'Lovest thou me?' And may your heartfelt experience be compelled to reply, Thou knowest all things, and thou knowest that I love thee supremely. May he have evident marks of it in all your outward actions of love^ind human-
96 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
ity, in feeding his flock, and in the in- ward fervor and affection of all your con- secrated powers ; that you may be zeal- ously engaged in pulling down the strong- holds of sin and Satan, and building up his church; sowing the seeds of right- eousness, and praying God to give the increase ; that you may not labor for him in vain ; but may see the trees bud and blossom, and bring forth fruit abun- dantly, to the praise and glory of your heavenly Master. In order to give you encouragement, he says, whosoever 'con- verteth a sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death ;' and that will increase the brightness of your crown in glory. This hath Christ mer- ited for his faithful ministers.
"I hope, sir, you will receive grace to be sincere in reproving sin, wherever you see it. You will find divine assist- ance, and all fear and shame taken from
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 97
you. Great peace will be given to you, and wisdom, strength, and courage, ac- cording to your work. You will be as Paul; having much learning, you can speak to men in all stations in life, by GrocUs assistance. The fear of offending them will never prevent you, when you consider the glory of God; and man's immortal soul is of more value than his present favor and esteem. In particular, you are in an office wherein you can visit all the sick. Man's extremity is often God's opportunity. In this way you may prove an instrument in his hand to do his work. Although he can work without means, yet his usual way is by means ; and I trust you are a chosen vessel unto him, to prove his name and declare his truth to all men.
"Visiting the sick is a strict command, and a duty for every Christian. None can tell what good may be done. I wish
98 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
it was never neglected, as it too often is. Many think that if they attend in the church, the minister to preach, and the people to hear, their duty is done. But more is required than this. May the Lord stir up the gift that is in his people and ministers, that they may have com- passion on their fellow-sinners, that they may never think it too late, but remem- ber that while there is life there is hope.
"Once more, I pray, sir, pardon and excuse all my errors in judgment, and the ignorance that this is penned in ; and may God bless you in all things, and particularly your friendship to me and my parents. What a comfort is family religion. I do not doubt but this is your desire, as it is mine, to say,
"'I and my house will serve the Lord ; But first obedient to his word I must myself appear :
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 99
By actions, words, and tempers show That I my heavenly Master know, And serve with heart sincere.
" ' I must the fair example set,
From tftose that on my pleasure wait
The stumbling-block remove ; Their duty by my life explain, And still in all my works maintain
The dignity of love.
" ' Easy to be entreated, mild,
Quickly appeased and reconciled,
A follower of my God : A saint indeed I long to be, And lead my faithful family
In the celestial road.
" ' Lord, if thou dost the wish infuse, A vessel fitted for thy use
Into thy hands receive : Work in me both to will and do, And show them how believers true
And real Christians live.
" ' With all-sufficient grace supply, And then I '11 come to testify The wonders of thy name, Which saves from sin, the world, and hell ; Its power may every sinner feel, And every tongue proclaim.
100 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
• '■ ' Cleansed by the blood of Christ from sin, I seek my relatives to win,
And preach their sins forgiven ; Children, and wife, and servants seize, And through the paths of pjeasantness
Conduct them all to heaven.'
"Living so much in a solitary way, books are my companions ; and poetry which speaks of the love of God and the mercies of Christ, is very sweet to my mind. This must be my excuse for troub- ling you to read verses which others have written. I have intended, if my declining state of health permit, to go to
for a few days. I say this, lest
you should call in expectation of seeing me, during any part of next week. But my dear father and mother; for whose precious souls I am very anxious, will reap the benefit of your visit at all events. From
"Your humble and unworthy servant, " ELIZABETH W ."
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 101
Having read it, I said to the father of my highly valued correspondent,
"I thank you for being the bearer of this letter. Your daughter is a kind friend and faithful counsellor to me, as well as to you. Tell her how highly I esteem her friendship, and that I feel truly obliged for the many excellent sen- timents which she has here expressed. Give her my blessing, and assure her^ that the oftener she writes, the more thankful I shall be."
The dairyman's enlivened eye gleamed with pleasure as I spoke. The praise of his Elizabeth was a string which could not be touched without causing every nerve of his whole frame to vibrate.
His voice half faltered, as he spoke in reply; the tear started in his eyes; his 'hand trembled as I pressed it; his heart was full; he could only say,
"Sir, a poor old man thanks you for
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your kindness to him and his family. God bless you, sir ; I hope we shall soon see you again."
Thus we parted for that day.
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PART V.
It has not unfrequently been observed, that when it is the Lord's pleasure to remove any of his faithful followers out of this life at an early period of their course, they make rapid progress in the experience of divine truth. The fruits of the Spirit ripen fast, as they advance to the close of mortal existence. In par- ticular, they grow in humility, through a deeper sense of inward corruption, and a clearer view of the perfect character of the Saviour. Disease and bodily wreak- jess make the thoughts of eternity recur with frequency and powder. The great question of their own personal salvation, the quality of their faith, the sincerity of their love, and the purity of their hope, are in continual exercise.
104 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
Unseen realities, at such a time, occupy a larger portion of thought than before. The state of existence beyond the grave, the invisible world, the unaltered charac- ter of the dead, the future judgment, the total separation from every thing earth- ly, the dissolution of body and. spirit, and their reunion at the solemn hour of resurrection — these are subjects for their meditation which call for serious earnest- ness of soul. Whatever consolations from the Spirit of God they may have enjoyed heretofore, they become now doubly anx- ious to examine and prove themselves, whether they be indeed in the faith. In doing this, they sometimes pass through hidden conflicts of a dark and distress* ing nature ; from which, however, they come forth like gold tried in the furnace. A while they may sow in tears, but soon they reap in joy.
Their religious feelings have then/per-
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 105
haps, less of ecstasy, but more of seren- ity.
As the ears of corn ripen for the har- vest, they bow their heads nearer to the ground. So it is with believers: they then 'see more than ever of their own imperfection, and often express their sense of it in strong language ; yet they repose with a growing confidence on the love of God through Christ Jesus. The nearer they advance to their eternal rest, the more humble they become, but not the less useful in their sphere. They feel anxiously* desirous of improving ev- ery talent they possess, to the glory of God, knowing that the time is short.
I thought I observed the truth of these remarks fulfilled in the progressive state of mind of the dairyman's daughter.
Declining health seemed to indicate the will of God concerning her. But her character, conduct, and experience of the
106 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
divine favor, increased in brightness as the setting sun of her mortal life ap- proached its horizon. The last letter which, with the exception of a very short note, I ever received from her, I shall now transcribe. It appeared to me to bear the marks of a still deeper acquaintance with the workings of her own heart, and a more entire reliance upon the free mercy of God.
The original, while I copy it, strongly revives the image of the deceased, and the many profitable conversations which I once enjoyed in her company and that of her parents. It again endears to me the recollections of cottage piety, and helps me to anticipate the joys of that day when the spirits of the glorified saints shall be reunited to their bodies, and be for ever with the Lord.
The writer of this and the preceding letters herself little imagined, when they
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 107
were penned, that they would ever be submitted to the public eye: that they now are so, results from a conviction that the friends of the pious poor will estimate them according to their value ; and a hope that it may please God to honor these memorials of the dead, to the effectual edification of the living.
"Rev. Sir — In consequence of your kind permission, I take the liberty to trouble you with another of my ill-writ- ten letters ; and I trust you have too much of your blessed Master's lowly, meek, and humble mind, to be offended with a poor, simple, ignorant creature, whose intentions are pure and sincere in writing. My desire is, that I, a weak vessel of his grace, may glorify his name for his goodness towards me. May the Lord direct me by his counsel and wis- dom. May he overshadow me with his
108 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
presence; that I may sit beneath the banner of his love, and find the consola- tions of his blessed Spirit sweet and re- freshing to my soul.
"When I feel that I am nothing, and God is all in all, then I can willingly fly to him, saying, 'Lord, help me; Lord, teach me ; be unto me my prophet, priest, and king. Let me know the teaching of thy grace, and the disclosing of thy love.' What nearness of access might we have, if we lived more near to God. . What sweet communion might we have with a God of love. He is the great I AM. How glorious a name. Angels with trem- bling awe prostrate themselves before him, and in humble love adore and wor- ship him. One says,
"'While the first archangel sings, He hides his face behind his wings.'
Unworthy as I am, I have found it by experience, that the more I see of the
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 109
greatness and goodness of God, and the nearer union I hope I have had with him through the Spirit of his love, the more humble and self-abased I have been.
"But every clay I may say, 'Lord, how little I love thee, how far I live from thee, how little am I like thee in humility.7 It is nevertheless my heart's desire to love and serve him better. I find the way in which God does more particularly bless me, is when I attend on the public ordinances of religion. These are the channels through which he conveys the riches of his grace and pre- cious love to my soul. . These I have often found to be indeed the time of re- freshing and strengthening from the pres- ence of the Lord. Then I can see my hope of an interest in the covenant of his love, and praise him for his mercy to the greatest of sinners.
1.10 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
"I earnestly wish to be more estab- lished in his ways, and to honor him in the path of duty, while I enjoy the smiles of his favor. In the midst of all outward afflictions I pray that I may know Christ, and the power of his resurrection within my soul. If I were always thus, my summer would last all the year ; my will would then be sweetly lost in God's will, and I should feel a resignation in every dispensation of his providence and his grace, saying, 'Good is the will of the Lord ; infinite wisdom cannot err.' Then would patience have its perfect work.
"But, alas, sin and unbelief often, too often, interrupt these frames, and lay me low before God in tears of sorrow. I often think what a happiness it would be, if his love were so fixed in my heart, that I might willingly obey him with alac- rity and delight, and gradually mortify the power of self-will, passion, and pride.
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. Ill
This can only arise from a good hope through grace, that we are washed in that precious blood which cleanses us from every sinful stain, and makes us new creatures in Christ. Oh that we may be the happy witnesses of the sav- ing power and virtue of that healiug stream which flows from the fountain of everlasting love.
"Sir, my faith is often exceedingly weak ; can you be so kind as to tell me, what you have found to be the most effectual means of strengthening it? I often think how plainly the Lord declares, Believe only, and thou shalt be saved. Only have faith ; all things are possible to him that has it. How I wish that we could remove all those mountains that hinder and obstruct the light of his grace ; so that having full access unto God through that ever-blessed Spirit, we might lovingly commune with him as
112 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
with the dearest of friends. What favor does God bestow on worms. And yet we love to murmur and complain. He may well say, What should I have done more, that I have not done? or wherein have I proved unfaithful or unkind to my faithless, backsliding children?
"Sir, I pray that I may not grieve him, as I have done, any more. I want your counsel and your prayers for me in this matter. How refreshing is the sight of one that truly loves God, that bears his image and likeness.
■ ' But delightful as is conversation with true believers on earth, whose hearts are lifted up to things above, yet what is this to that happy day which will- admit us into more bright realms ; where we shall for ever behold a God of love in the smiling face of his Son, who is the ex- press image of his Father, and the bright- ness of his glory. Then, if found in him,
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 113
we shall be received by the innumera- ble host of angels who wait around his throne.
"In the mean time,*sir, may I take up my cross, and manfully fight under Him who, for the glory that was set before him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is now set down at his Fa- ther's right hand in majesty. I thank you for the kind liberty you have given me of writing to you. I feel my health declining, and I find a relief, during an hour of pain and weakness, in communi- cating these thoughts to you.
"I hope, sir, you go on your way re- joicing; that you are enabled to thank Him who is the giver of every good gift, spiritual, temporal, and providential, for blessings to }^ourself and your ministry. I do not doubt but that you often meet with circumstances which are not pleas- ing to nature, vet, bv the blessing of
8
114 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
God, they will be all profitable in the end. They are kindly designed by grace •to make and keep us humble. The diffi- culties which you spoke of to me some time since will, I trust, disappear.
' ' My clear father and mother are as well as usual in bodily health, and I hope grow in grace, and in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ. My chief desire to live is for their sakes. It now seems long since we have seen you. I am almost ashamed to request you to come to our little cottage to visit those who are so much below your station in life. But if you cannot come, we shall be very glad if you will write a few lines. I ought to make an excuse for my letter, I spell so badly ; this was a great neglect when I was youngo I gave myself great- ly to reading, but not to the other, and now I am too weak and feeble to learn much.
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 115
"I hear sometimes of persons growing serious in your congregation. It gives me joy, and if true, I am sure it does so to yourself. I long for the pure gospel of Christ to be preached in every church in the world, and for the time when all shall know, love, and fear the Lord ; and the uniting Spirit of God shall make them of one heart and mind in Christ our great Head. Your greatest joy, I know, will be in laboring much for the glory of God in the salvation of men7s souls. You serve a good Master. You have a sure reward I pray God to give you strength according to your clay.
"Pray, sir, do not be offended at the freedom and manner of my writing. My parents7 duty and love to you are sent with these lines from
"Your humble servant in Christ,
"ELIZABETH W .
116 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
Epistolary communications, when writ- ten in sincerity of heart, afford genuine portraits of the mind. May the fore- going be viewed with Christian candor, and consecrated to affectionate memory."
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. lit
PART VI.
Travellers, as they pass through the country, usually stop to inquire whose are the splendid mansions which they discover among the woods and plains around them. The families, titles, for- tune, or character of the respective own- ers engage much attention. Perhaps their houses are exhibited to the admir- ing stranger. The elegant rooms, costly furniture, valuable paintings, beautiful gardens and shrubberies, are universally approved ; while the rank, fashion, taste, and riches of the possessor afford ample materials for entertaining discussion. In the meantime, the lowly cottage of the poor husbandman is passed by as scarce- ly deserving of notice. Yet perchance such a cottage may often contain a treas-
118 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
ure of infinitely more value than the sumptuous palace of the rich man ; even "the pearl of great price. " If this be set in the heart of the poor cottager, it proves a gem of unspeakable worth, and will shine among the brightest ornaments of the Redeemer's crown, in that clay when he maketh up his "jewels."
Hence, the Christian traveller, while in common with others he bestows his due share of applause on the decorations of the rich, and is not insensible to the beauties and magnificence which are the lawfully allowed appendages of rank and fortune, cannot overlook the humbler dwelling of the poor. And if he should find that true piety and grace beneath the thatched roof which he has in vain looked for amidst the worldly grandeur of the rich, he remembers the declara- tions in the word of God. He sees with admiration, that the high and lofty One
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 119
that Inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy, who dwelleth in the high and holy place, clwelleth with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, Isa. 57:15; and although heaven is his throne, and the earth his footstool, yet, when a house is to be built, and a place of rest to be sought for himself, he says, "To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word." Isa, 66:2.
When a house is thus tenanted, faith beholds this inscription written on the walls, The Lord lives here. Faith there- fore cannot pass it by .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
120 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
dwelt the dairyman and his little Tarn-
ay.
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 dis- tressing cough, and the often too-flatter- ing flush on the cheek, foretold the ap- proach of death.
What a field for usefulness and affec- tionate attention, on the part of ministers and Christian friends, is opened by the frequent attacks and lingering process 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
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 121
they not known f for not one friend ever came nigh, to warn them to "flee from the wrath to come."
But the dairyman's daughter was hap- pily 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 abso- lutely stored with divine truths, and her conversation .was truly edifying. The recollection of it will 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
122 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
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 mother send their duty to you.
"From your obedient and unworthy
servant,
" ELIZABETH W .?
I obeyed the summons that same after- noon. 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 could not. I took her by the hand, and said,
"My good friend, all is right, and as the Lord of wisdom and mercy directs."
"Oh, my Betsey, my dear girl, is so bad, sir. What shall I do without her? I thought I should have gone first to the grave ; but — "
"But the Lord sees good that before you die yourself, you should behold your
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 123
child safe home to glory. Is there no mercy in this?".
' • Oh dear, sir, I am very old and very weak; and she is a dear child, the stall and prop of a poor old creature, as I am."
As I advanced, I saw Elizabeth sitting by the fireside, supported in an arm-chair by pillows, with every mark of rapid decline and approaching death. A sweet smile of friendly complacency enlight- ened her pale countenance, as she said,
"This is very kind indeed, sir, to come so soon after I sent to you. You find me daily wasting away, and I cannot have long to continue here. My flesh and my heart fail ; but God is the strength of my weak heart, and I trust will be my portion for ever."
The conversation was occasionally in- terrupted by her cough and want of breath. Her tone of voice was clear,
124 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
though feeble ; her manner solemn and collected ; and her eye, tiiough more dim than formerly, by no means wanting in liveliness as she spoke. I had frequent- ly admired the superior language in which she expressed her ideas, as well as the scriptural consistency with which she communicated her thoughts. She had a good natural understanding ; and grace, as is generally the case, had much im- proved it. On the present occasion I could not help thinking she was peculiar- ly favored. The whole strength of gra- cious and natural attainments seemed to be in full exercise.
After taking my seat between the daughter and the mother — the latter fix- ing her fond eyes upon her child with great anxiety while we were convers- ing— I said to Elizabeth,
"I hope you enjoy a sense of the di- vine presence, and can rest all upon Him
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAJJGHTER. 125
who has 'been with thee,' and has kept 'thee in all places where thon hast gone/ and will bring thee into ' the land of pure delight, where saints immortal reign.' "
"Sir, I think I can. My mind has lately been sometimes clouded, but I be- lieve it has been partly owing to the great weakness and suffering of my bod- ily frame, and partly to the envy of my spiritual enemy, who wants to persuade me that Christ has no love for me, and that I have been a self-deceiver."
"And do you give way to his sugges- tions? Can you doubt, amidst such nu- merous tokens of past and present mer- cy?"
"No, sir, I mostly am enabled to pre- serve a clear evidence of his love. I do not wish to add to my other sins that of denying his manifest goodness to my soul. I would acknowledge it to his praise and glory."
126 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
"What is your present view of the state in which you were, before you felt seriously concerned about the salvation of your soul?"
"Sir, I was a proud, thoughtless girl, fond of dress and finery; I loved the world, and the things that are in the world. I lived in service among world- ly people, and never had the happiness of being in a family where worship was regarded, and the souls of the servants cared for, either by master or mistress. I went once on a Sunday to church, more to see and be seen, than to pray or hear the word of God. I thought I was quite good enough to be saved ; and dis- liked, and often laughed at religious people. I was in great darkness; I knew nothing of the way of salvation ; I never prayed, nor was sensible of the awful danger of a prayerless state. I wished to maintain the character of a
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 127
good servant, and was much lifted up whenever I met with applause. I was tolerably moral and decent in my con-~ duct, from motives of carnal and world- ly policy ; but I was a stranger to God and Christ. I neglected my soul ; and had I died in such a state, hell must, and would justly, have been my por- tipn.77
"How long is it since you heard the sermon which you hope, through God's blessing, effected your conversion?'7 "About five years ago.77 "How was it brought about?77
"It was reported that a Mr. ,
who was detained by contrary winds from embarking on board ship as chap- lain to a distant part of the world, was
to preach at church. Many advised
me not to go, for fear he should turn my head ; as they said he held strange no- tions. But curiosity, and an opportunity
128 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
of appearing in a new gown, which I. was very proud of, induced me to ask leave of my mistress to go. Indeed, sir, I had no better motives than vanity and curi- osity. Yet thus it pleased the Lord to order it for his own glory.
"I accordingly went to church, and saw a great crowd of people collected together. I often think. of the contrary states of my mind during the former and "latter part of the service. For a while, regardless of the worship of God, I looked around me, and was anxious to attract notice myself. My dress, like that of too many gay, vain, and silly servant- girls, w^as much above my station, and very different from that which becomes an humble sinner, who has a modest sense of propriety and decency. The state of my mind was visible enough from the foolish finery of my apparel.
"At length the clergyman gave out
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 129
his text: 'Be ye clothed with humility.' He drew a comparison between the cloth- ing of the body and that of the' soul. At a very early part of his discourse, I be- gan to feel ashamed of my passion for fine dressing and apparel ; but when he came to describe the garment of salva- tion with which a Christian is clothed, I felt a powerful discovery of the naked- ness of my own soul. I saw that I had neither the humility mentioned in the text, nor any one part of the true Chris- tian character. I looked at my gay dress, and blushed for shame on account of my pride. I looked at the minister, and he seemed to be as a messenger sent from heaven to open my eyes. I looked at the congregation, and wondered whether any one else felt as I did. I looked at my heart, and it appeared full of iniquity. I trembled as he spoke, and yet I felt a great drawing of heart to the words he uttered.
130 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
" He opened the riches of divine grace in God's method of saving the sinner. I was astonished at what I had been doing all the days of my life. He described the meek, lowly, and humble example of Christ ; I felt proud, lofty, vain, and self- consequential. He represented Christ as 'Wisdom;' I felt my ignorance. He held him forth as ' Eighteousness ;' I was convinced of my own guilt. He proved him to be ' Sanctification ;' I saw my cor- ruption. He proclaimed him as 'Re- demption ;' I felt my slavery to sin, and my captivity to Satan. He concluded with an animated address to sinners, in which he exhorted them to flee from the wrath to come, to cast off the love of outward ornaments, to put on Jesus Christ, and be clothed with true humility.
■ ' From that hour I never lost sight of the value of my soul, and the danger of a sinful state. I inwardly blessed God
THE DAIRYMAN'S. DAUGHTER. 131
for the sermon, although my mind was in a state of great confusion.
"The preacher had brought forward the ruling passion of my heart, which was pride in outward dress ; and by the grace of God it was made instrumental to the awakening of my soul. Happy, sir, would it be, if many a poor girl, like myself, were turned from the love of outward adorning and putting on of fine apparel, to seek that which is not cor- ruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
"The greatest part of the congrega- tion, unused to such faithful and scrip- tural sermons, disliked and complained of the severity of the preacher ; while a few, as I afterwards found, like myself, were deeply affected, and earnestly wish- ed to hear him again. But he preached* there no more.
132 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
"From that time I was led, through a course of private prayer, reading, and meditation, to see my lost state as a sin- ner, and the great mercy of God through Jesus Christ, in raising sinful dust and ashes to a share in the glorious happiness of heaven. And Oh, sir, what a Saviour I have found. He is more than I could ask or desire. In his fulness I have found all that my poverty could need; in his bosom I have found a resting- place from all sin and sorrow; in his word I have found strength against doubt and unbelief." '
"Were you not soon convinced," I said, "that your salvation must be an act of entire grace on the part of God, wholly independent of your own previous works or deservings?" 1 "Dear sir, what were my works, be- fore I heard that sermon, but evil, carnal, selfish, and ungodly? The thoughts of
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 133
my heart, from my youth upward, were only evil, and that continually. And my deservings, what were they, but the deservings of a fallen, deprayed, careless soul, that regarded neither law nor gos- pel? Yes, sir, I immediately saw that if ever I were saved, it must be by the free mercy of God, and that the whole praise and honor of the work would be his from first to last."
"What change did you perceive in yourself with respect to the world?"
"It appeared all vanity and vexation of spirit. I found it necessary to my peace of mind to come out from among them and be separate. I gave myself to prayer; and many a happy hour of secret delight I enjoyed in communion with God. Often I mourned over my sins, and sometimes had a great conflict through unbelief, fear, temptation to re- turn back again to my old ways, and a
134 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
variety of difficulties which lay in my way. But He who loved me with an everlasting love, drew me by his loving- kindness, showed me the way of peace, gradually strengthened me in my resolu- tions of leading a new life, and taught me, that while without him I could do nothing, I yet might do all things through his strength."
' ' Did you not find many difficulties in your situation, owing to your change of principle and practice?'7
"Yes, sir, every day of my life. I was laughed at by some, scolded at by others, scorned by enemies, and pitied by friends. I was called hypocrite, saint, false deceiver, and many more names which were meant to render me hateful in the sight of the world. But I esteem- ed the reproach of the cross an honor. I forgave and prayed for my persecutors, and remembered how very lately I had
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 135
acted the same part towards others my- self. I thought also that Christ endured the contradiction of sinners ; and as the disciple is not above his Master, I was glad to be in any wayr conformed to his sufferings.'7
"Did you not then feel for your fam- ily at home?"
"Yes, that I did indeed, sir; they were never out of my thoughts. I pray- ed continually for them, and had a long- ing desire, to do them good. In particu- lar I felt for my father and mother, as they were getting into years, and were very ignorant and dark in matters of re- ligion.7'
"Aye," interrupted her mother, sob- bing, "ignorant and dark, sinful and mis- erable we were, till this dear Betsey — ■ this dear Betsey — this dear child, sir, brought Christ Jesus home to her poor father and mother's house."
136 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
' ' No, dearest mother; say rather, Christ Jesus brought your poor daughter home to tell you what he had doue for her soul, and I hope, to do the same for yours."
At this moment the dairyman came in with two pails of milk hanging from the yoke on his shoulders. He had stood- behind the half-opened door for a few minutes, and heard the last sentences spoken by his wife and daughter.
"Blessing and mercy upon her,*' said he, "it is very true; she left a good place of service on purpose to live with us, that she might help us both in soul and body. .Sir, don't she look very ill? I think, sir, we sha'n't have her here long.'7
"Leave that to the Lord," said Eliza- beth. "All our times are in his hand, and happy it is that they are. I am- willing to go; are not you willing, my
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 137
father, to part with me into his hands, who gave me to you at first?"
"Ask me any question in the world but that," said the weeping father.
"I know," said she, "you wish me to be happy."
"I do, I do," answered he; "let the Lord do with you and us as best pleases him."
I then asked her on what her present consolations chiefly depended, in the prospect of approaching death.
"Entirely, sir, on nry view of Christ. When I look at myself, many sins, in- firmities, and imperfections cloud the image of Christ which I want to see in my own heart. But when I look at the Saviour himself, he is altogether love- ly ; there is not one spot in his counte- nance, nor one cloud over all his perfec- tions.
"I think of his coming in the flesh,
/138 THE DAIRYMAN' ^DAUGHTER.
and it reconciles me to the sufferings of the body ; for he had them as well as I. I think of his temptations, and believe that he is able to succor me when I am tempted. Then I think of his cross, and learn to bear my own; I reflect on his death, and long to die unto sin, so that it may no longer have dominion over me. I sometimes think on his resurrection, and trust that he has given me a part in it, for I feel that my affections are set upon things above. Chiefly I take com- fort in thinking of him as at the right hand of the Father, pleading my cause, and rendering acceptable even my feeble prayers, both for myself and, as I hope, for my dear friends.
"These are the views which, through mercy, I have of my Saviour's goodness ; and they have made me wish and strive in my poor way to serve him, to give myself up to him, and to labor to do my
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 13$
duty in that state of life into which it has pleased God to call me.
1 ' A thousand times I should have fallen and fainted, if he had not upheld me. I feel that I am nothing without him. He is all in all.
"Just so far as I can cast my care upon him, I find strength to do his will. May he give me grace to trust him till the last moment. I do not fear death, because I believe that he has taken away its sting. And Oh, what happiness be- yond. Tell me, sir, whether you think I am right. I hope I am under no delu- sion. I dare not look for my hope in any thing short of the entire fulness of Christ. When I ask my own heart a question, I am afraid to trust it, for it is treacherous and has often deceived me. But when I ask Christ, he answers me with promises that strengthen and refresh me, and leave me no room to doubt his
1*40 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
power and will to save. I ani in his hands, and would remain there ; and I do believe that he will never leave nor forsake me, but will perfect the thing that concerns me. ' He loved me and gave himself for me, and I belie*ve that his gifts and callings are without repent- ance. In this hope I live, in this hope I wish to die."
I looked around me as she was speak- ing, ' and thought, Surely this is none other than the house of God, and the gate of heaven. Every thing appear- ed neat, cleanly, and interesting. The afternoon had been rather overcast with dark clouds ; but just now the setting sun shone brightly and somewhat sud- denly into the room. It was reflected from three or four rows of bright pew- ter plates and white earthenware, ar- ranged on shelves against the wall; it also gave brilliancy to a few prints of
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 141
sacred subjects that hung there also, and served for monitors of the birth, baptism, crucifixion, and resurrection of Christ.
A large map of Jerusalem, and a hie- roglyphic of "the old and new man," completed the decorations on that side of the room. Clean as was the white- washed wall, it was not cleaner than the rest of the place and its furniture. Sel- dom had tjie sun enlightened a house where order and general neatness, those sure attendants of pious poverty, were more conspicuous.
This gleam of setting sunshine was emblematical of the bright and serene close of this young Christian's depart- ing season. One ray happened to be reflected from a little looking-glass upon her face. Amidst her pallid and de- caying features there appeared a calm resignation, triumphant confidence, un-
142 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
affected humility, and tender anxiety, which fully declared the feelings of her heart.
Some further affectionate conversation, and a short prayer, closed this inter- view.
As I rode home by departing daylight, a solemn tranquillity reigned throughout the scene. The gentle lowing of cattle, the bleating of sheep just penned in their folds, .the humming of the injects of the night, the distant murmurs of the sea, the last notes of the birds of day, and the first warblings of the nightingale, broke upon the ear, and served rather to increase than lessen the peaceful se- renity of the evening and its correspond- ing effects on. my own mind. It invited and cherished just such meditations as my visit had already inspired. Natural scenery, when viewed in a Christian mirror, frequently affords very beautiful
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 143
illustrations of divine truths. We are highly favored when we can enjoy them, and at the same time draw near to God in them.
144 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
PART VII.
It is a pleasing consideration, that amidst the spiritual darkness which un- happily prevails in many parts of the land. God nevertheless has a people. It not unfrequently happens that single in- dividuals are to be found, who, though very disadvantageously situated with re- gard to the ordinary means of grace, have received truly saving impressions, and through a blessing on secret medita- tion, reading, and prayer, are led to the closest communion with God, and become eminently devoted Christians. It is the no small error of too many professors of the present day, to overlook or under- value the instances of this kind which exist. The religious profession and opin-
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 145
ions of some have too much of mere ma- chinery in their composition. If every wheel, pivot, chain, spring, cog, or pin- ion, be not exactly in its place, or move not precisely according to a favorite and prescribed system, the whole is rejected as unworthy of regard. But happily "the Lord knoweth them that are his;77 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.77
There are some real Christians so pe- culiarly circumstanced in this respect, as to illustrate the poet7s 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 dairy man7s daughter. Her re- 10 •
146 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
ligion 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 in- fluence, 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 se- riousness, 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?"
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 147
"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 brothei^ soldier. Though we differ in our outward regimentals, I hope we serve under the same spiritual Cap- tain. I will go with you."
My horse was soon ready. My mili- tary companion walked by my side, and gratified me with very sensible and pious conversation. He related some remark- able testimonies of the excellent disposi- tion of the dairyman's daughter, as they appeared from recent intercourse which he had had with her.
"She is a bright diamond, sir," said the soldier, "and will soon shine brighter than any diamond upon earth."
148 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
We passed through lanes and fields, over hills and valleys, by open and re- tired paths, sometimes crossing over, and sometimes following the windings of a little brook which gently murmured by the road-side. Conversation beguiled the distance, and shortened the apparent time of our journey, till we were nearly arrived at the dairyman's cottage.
As we approached it, we became si- lent. Thoughts of death, eternity, and salvation, inspired by the sight of a house where a dying believer lay, rilled my own . mind, and I doubt not, that of my com- panion also.
No living object yet appeared, except the dairyman's dog: keeping a kind of mute watch at the door ; .for he did not as formerly, bark at my approach. He seemed to partake so far of the feelings appropriate to the circumstances of the family, as not to wish to give a hasty or
THE. DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 149
painful alarm. He came forward to the little wicket-gate, then looked back at the house door, as if conscious there was sor- row within. It was as if he wanted to say, "Tread softly over the threshold, as you enter the house of mourning; for my master's heart is full of grief."
The soldier took my horse, and tied it up in a shed. A solemn serenity ap- peared to surround the whole place ; it was only interrupted by the breezes pass- ing through the large elm-trees which stood near the house, and which my im- agination indulged itself in thinking were plaintive sighs of sorrow. I gently open- ed the door; no one appeared, and all was still silent. The soldier followed; we came to the foot of the stairs.
"They are come," said a voice which I knew, to be the father's; "they are come."
He appeared at the top ; I gave him
150 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
my hand, and said nothing. On enter- ing the room above, I saw the aged mother and her son supporting the much- loved daughter and sister ; the son's wife sat weeping in a window-seat, with a child on her lap ; two or three persons attended in the room to discharge any office which friendship or necessity might require.
I sat down by the bedside. The mother could not weep, but now and then sighed* deeply, as she alternately looked at Eliz- abeth and at me. The big tear rolled down the brother's cheek, and testified an affectionate regard. The good old man stood at the foot of the bed, lean- ing upon the post, and unable to take his eyes off the child from whom he was so soon to part.
Elizabeth's eyes were closed, and as yet she perceived me not. But over the face, though pale, sunk, and hollow, the
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 151
peace of God, which passeth all under- standing, had cast a triumphant calm.
The soldier, after a short pause, silent- ly reached out his Bible towards me, pointing with his finger at 1 Cor. 15 :55- 57. I then broke silence by reading the passage, "0 death, where is thy sting? 0 grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin ; and the strength- of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ,"
At the sound of these words her eyes opened, and something like a ray of di- vine light beamed on her countenance, as she said, "Victory, victory; through our Lord Jesus Christ,"
She relapsed again, taking no further no'tice of any one present.
"God be praised for the triumph of faith," said I.
"Amen," replied the soldier.
152 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
The dairyman's uplifted eye showed that the Amen was in his heart, though his tongue failed to utter it.
A short struggling for breath took place in the dying young woman, which was soon over ; and then I said to her,
"My dear friend, do you not feel that you are supported?"
"The Lord deals very gently with me," she replied.
"Are not his promises now very pre- cious to you?"
' ' They are all yea and amen in Christ Jesus."
"Are you in much bodily pain?"
"So little, that I almost forget if."
"How good the Lord is."
"And how unworthy am I."
"You are going to see him as he is."
"I think — I hope — I believe that I am."
She again fell into a short slumber.
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 153
Looking at her mother, I said, "What a mercy to have a child so near heaven as yours is."
"And what a mercy/' she replied, in broken accents, "if her poor old mother might but follow her there. But, sir, it is so hard to part."
"I hope through grace by faith you will soon meet, to part na more ; it will be but a little while."
"Sir," said the dairyman, "that thought supports me, and the Lord's goodness makes me feel more reconciled than I was."
"Father — mother," said the reviving daughter, "he is good to me ■ trust him, praise him evermore.
"Sir," added she, in a faint voice, "I want to thank you for your kindness to me ; I want to ask a favor : you buried my sister — will you do the same for me?"
154 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
"All shall be as you wish, if God per- mit, " I replied.
"Thank you, sir, thank you. I have another favor to ask : when I am gone, remember my father and mother. They are old, but I hope the good work is begun in their souls — my prayers are heard. Pray come and see them. I cannot speak much, but I want to speak for their sakes ; sir, remember them."
The aged parents now sighed and sob- bed aloud, uttering broken sentences, and gained some relief by such an expression of their feelings.
At length I said to Elizabeth, "Do you experience any doubts or temptations on the subject of your eternal safety?'7
"No, sir. The Lord deals very gently with me, and gives me peace.'7
"What are your views of the dark valley of death, now that you are pass- ing through it?'7
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 155
"It is not dark."
"Why so?"
' • My Lord is there, and he is my light and my salvation."
"Have yon any fears of more bodily suffering?"
"The Lord deals so gently with me, I can trust him."
Something of a convulsion came on. When it was past, she said again and
again,
"The Lord deals very gently with me. Lord, I am thine ; save me, blessed Je- sus, precious Saviour. His blood cleans- eth from all sin — who shall separate? His name is Wonderful. Thanks be to God — He giveth the victory — I, even I, am saved. 0 grace, mercy, and wonder. Lord, receive my spirit. Dear sir — dear father, mother, friends, I am going — but all is well, well, well."
She relapsed again. We knelt down
156 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
to prayer. The Lord was in the midst of us, and blessed us.
She did not again revive while I re- mained, nor ever speak any more words which could be understood. She slum- bered for about ten hours, and at last sweetly fell asleep in the arms of that Lord who had dealt so gently with her.
I left the house an hour after she had ceased to speak. I pressed her hand as I was taking leave; and said, "Christ is the resurrection and the life.77 She gent- ly returned the pressure, but could neither open her eyes nor utter a reply.
I never had witnessed a scene so im- pressive as this before. It completely filled my imagination as I returned home.
"Farewell," thought I, "dear friend, till the morning of an eternal day shall renew our personal intercourse. Thou wast a brand plucked from the burning, that thou mightest become a star shining
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 15T
in the firmament of glory. I have seen thy light and thy good works, and will therefore glorify our Father which is in heaven. I have seen, in thy example, what it is to be a sinner freely saved by grace. I have learned from thee, as in a living mirror, who it is that begins, continues, and ends the work of faith and love. Jesus is all in all; he will and shall be glorified. He won the crown, and alone deserves to wear it. May no one attempt to rob him of his glory. He saves, and saves to the utter- most. Farewell, dear sister in the Lord. Thy flesh and thy heart may fail; but God is the strength of thy heart, and shall be thy portion for ever."
158 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
PART VIII.
Who can conceive or estimate the na- ture of that change which the soul of a believer must experience at the moment when, quitting its tabernacle of clay, it suddenly enters into the presence of God? If, even while "we see through a glass darkly," the views of divine love and wisdom are so delightful to the eye of faith, what must be the glorious vision of God when seen face to face ? If it be so valued a privilege here on earth to enjoy the communion of saints, and to take sweet counsel together with our fellow-travellers towards the heavenly kingdom ; what shall we see and know when we finally "come unto mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumer- able company of angels, to the general
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 159
assembly and church of the first-born, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the me- diator of the new covenant?"
If, during the sighs and tears of a mortal pilgrimage, the consolations of the Spirit are so precious, and the hope full of immortality is so animating to the soul ; what heart can conceive, or what tongue utter its superior joys* when arriv- ed at that state where sighing and sorrow flee away, and the tears shall be wiped from every eye?
Such ideas were powerfully associated together in my imagination, as I travel- led onward to the house where, in solemn preparation for the grave, lay the remains of the dairyman's daughter.
She had breathed her last shortly after the visit related in my former account. Permission was obtained, as before in
160 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
the .case of her sister, that I should per- form the funeral service. Many pleas- ing yet melancholy thoughts were con- nected with the fulfilment of this task. I retraced the numerous and important conversations which I had held with her. But these could now no longer be main- tained on earth. I reflected on the inter- esting and improving nature of Christian friendships, whether formed in palaces or in cottages ; and felt thankful that I had so long enjoyed that privilege with the subject of this memorial. I then indulged a selfish sigh for a moment, on thinking that I could no longer hear the great truths of Christianity uttered by one who had drunk, so deep of the wa- ters of the river of life. But the rising murmur was checked by the animating •thought, "She is gone to eternal rest — could I wish her back again in this vale of tears?"
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER*. 161
At that moment the first sound of a tolling bell struck my ear. It proceeded from a village church in the valley di- rectly beneath the ridge of a high hill, over which I had taken my way. It was Elizabeth's funeral knell.
The sound was solemn ; and in ascend- ing to the elevated spot over which I rode, it acquired a peculiar tone and character. Tolling at slow and regular intervals — as was customary for a con- siderable time previous to the hour of burial — the bell, as it were, proclaimed the blessedness of the dead who die in the Lord, and also the. necessity of the living pondering these things, and laying them to heart. It seemed to say, "Hear my warning voice, thou son of man. There is but a step between thee and death. Arise, prepare thy house; for thou shalt die, and not live."
The scenery was in unison with that ll
162 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
tranquil frame of mind which is most suitable for holy meditation. A rich and fruitful valley lay immediately be- neath ; it was adorned with corn-fields and pastures, through which a small river winded in a variety of directions, and many herds grazed upon its banks. A fine range of opposite hills, covjered with grazing flocks, terminated with a bold sweep into the ocean, whose blue waves appeared at a distance beyond. Several villages, hamlets, and churches were scat- tered in the valley. The noble man- sions of the rich and the lowly cottages of the poor added their respective fea- tures to the landscape. The air was mild, and the declining sun occasioned a beautiful interchange of light and shade upon the sides of the hills. In the midst of this scene, the chief sound that arrested attention was the bell tolling for the fu- neral of the dairyman's daughter.
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 163
Do any of my readers inquire why I describe so minutely the circumstances of prospect and scenery which may be connected with the incidents I relate? My reply is, that the God of redemption is the God of creation likewise \ and that we are taught in every part of the word of God to unite the admiration of the beauties and wonders of nature to every other motive for devotion. When- David considered the heavens, the work of God's fingers, the moon and the stars which he has ordained, he was thereby led to the deepest humiliation of heart before his Maker. And when he viewed the sheep and the oxen and the beasts of the field, the fowls of the air and the fish of the sea, he was constrained to cry out, "0 Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth."
I am the poor man's friend, and wish more especially that every poor laboring
164 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
man should know how to connect the goodness of God in creation and prov- idence* with the unsearchable riches of his grace in the salvation of a sinner. And where can he learn this lesson more instructively than in looking around the fields where his labor is appointed, and there tracing the handiwork of God in all that he beholds? Such meditations have often afforded me both profit and pleasure, and I wish my readers to share them with me.
The dairyman's cottage was rather more than a mile distant from the church. • A lane, quite overshaded with trees and high hedges, led from the foot of the hill to his dwelling. It was impossible at that time to overlook the suitable gloom of such an approach to the house of mourning.
I found, on my entrance, that several Christian friends from different parts of
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 1G5
the neighborhood had assembled together, to pay their last tribute of esteem and regard to the memory of the dairyman's daughter. Several of them had first be= come acquainted with her during the lat- ter stage of her illness; some few had maintained an affectionate intercourse with her for a longer period. But all seemed anxious to manifest their respect for one who was endeared to them by such striking testimonies of true Chris- tianity.
I was requested to go into the cham- ber where the relatives and a few other* friends were gone to take a last look at the remains of Elizabeth.
It is not easy to describe the sensation which the mind experiences on tjie first sight of a dead countenance, which when living was loved and esteemed for the sake of that soul which used to give it animation. A deep and awful view of
166 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
the separation that has taken place be- tween the soul and body of the de- ceased since we last beheld them, occu- pies the feelings ; our friend seems to be both near, and yet far off. The most interesting and valuable part is fled away ; what remains is but the earthly, perishing habitation, no longer occupied by its tenant. Yet the features present the accustomed association of friendly intercourse. For one moment we could think them asleep. The next reminds us that the blood circulates no more • the 'eye has lost its power of seeing, the ear of hearing, the heart of throbbing, and the limbs of moving. Quickly a thought of glory breaks in upon the mind, and we imagine the dear departed soul to be arrived at its long wished-for rest. It is surrounded by cherubim and seraphim, and sings the song of Moses and the Lamb on mount Zion. Amid the solemn still-
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 167
ness of the chamber of death, imagina- tion hears heavenly hymns chanted by the spirits of just men made perfect. In another moment, the livid lips and sunken eye of the clay-cold corpse recall our thoughts to earth, and to ourselves again. And while we think of mortality, sin, death, and the grave, we feel the prayer rise in our bosom, "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his.'7
If there be a moment when Christ and salvation, death, judgment, heaven, and hell, appear more than ever to be mo- mentous subjects of meditation, it is that which brings us to the side of a coffin containing the body of a departed be- liever.
Elizabeth's features were altered, but much of her likeness remained. Her fa- ther and mother sat at the head, her brother at the foot of the coffin. The
16S THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
father silently and alternately looked upon his dead child, and then lifted up his eyes to heaven. A struggle for res- ignation to the will of God was manifest in his countenance, while the tears roll- ing down his aged cheeks at the same time declared his grief and affection. The poor mother cried and sobbed aloud, and appeared to be much overcome by the shock of separation from a daughter so justly dear to her. The weakness and infirmity of old age added a char- acter to her sorrow, which called for much tenderness and compassion.
A remarkably decent-looking "woman, who had the management of the few simple though solemn ceremonies which the case required, advanced towards "me, saying,
"Sir, this is rather a sight of joy than of sorrow. Our dear friend Elizabeth finds, it to be so, I have no doubt. She
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 169
is beyond all sorrow: do you not think she is, sir?"
" After what I have known, and seen, and heard,'' I replied, "I feel the fullest assurance, that while her body remains here, her soul is with her Saviour in paradise. She loved him here, and there she enjoys the pleasures which are at his right hand for evermore."
"Mercy, mercy upon a poor old crea- ture almost broken down with age and grief. What shall I do ? . Betsey 7s gone. My daughter 's dead. 0 my child, I shall never see thee more. God be merciful to me a sinner," sobbed out the poor mother.
"That last prayer, my dear, good woman," said I, "will bring you and your child together again. It is a cry that has brought thousands to glory. It brought your daughter there, and I hope it will bring you thither likewise. God
170 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
will in no wise cast out any that come to him."
"My dear," said the dairyman, break- ing the long silence he had maintained, "let us trust God with our child, and let us trust him with our own selves. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away ; blessed be the name of the Lord. We are old, and can have but a little further to travel in our journey, and then — " he could "say no more.
The soldier mentioned in my last paper reached a Bible into my hand, and said, "Pe'rhaps, sir, you would not object .to reading a chapter before we go to the church?"
I did so ; it was the fourteenth of the book of Job. A sweet tranquillity pre- vailed while I read it. Each minute that was spent in this funeral chamber seemed to be valuable. I made a few observations on the chapter, and con-
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 171
nectecl them with the case of our depart- ed sister.
"I am but a poor soldier/7 said our military friend, "and have .nothing of this world's goods beyond, my daily sub- sistence ; but I would not exchange my hope of salvation in the next world for all that this world could bestow without it. What is wealth without grace ? Bless- ed be God, as I march about from one quarter to another, I still, find the Lord wherever I go; and thanks be to his holy name, he is here to-day in the midst of this company of the living and the dead. I feel that it is good to be here.7'
Some other persons present began to take a part in our conversation, in the course of which the life and experience of the dairyman's daughter were brought forward in a very interesting manner. Each friend had something to relate in
172 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
testimony of her gracious disposition. A young woman • under twenty, who had hitherto been a very light and trifling character, appeared to be remarkably impressed by the conversation of that day, and I have since had ground to believe that divine grace then began to influence her in the choice of that bet- ter part which shall not be taken from her.
What a contrast does such a scene as this exhibit, when compared with the dull; formal, unedifying, and often inde- cent manner in which funeral parties assemble in the house of death.
As we conversed, the parents revived. Our subject of discourse was delightful to their hearts. Their child seemed almost to be alive again, while we talked of her. Tearful smiles often brightened their countenances, as they heard the voice of friendship uttering their daugh-
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 1T3
ter's praises, or rather the praises of Him who had made her a vessel of mer- cy, and an instrument of spiritual good to her family.
The time for departing to the church was now at hand.
I went to take my last look at the de- ceased.
There was much written on her coun- tenance. She had evidently died with a smile. It still remained, and spoke the tranquillity of her departed soul. According to the custom of the country, she was decorated with leaves and flowers in the coffin : she seemed as a bride gone forth to meet the bridegroom. These in- deed were fading flowers, but they re- minded me of that paradise whose flowers are immortal, and where her never-dy- ing soul is at rest.
I remembered the last words which I had heard her speak, and was instant-
174 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
ly struck with the happy thought that death was indeed "swallowed up in vic- tory."
As I slowly retired, I said inwardly, "Peace, my honored sister, be to thy memory and to my soul, till we meet in a better world. ,;
In a little time the procession formed : it was rendered the more interesting by the consideration of so many that fol- lowed the coffin being persons 'of a devout and spiritual character. The distance was rather more than a mile. I resolved to continue with and go before them, as they moved slowly onwards.
Immediately after the body came the venerable father and mother, bending with age, and weeping through much affliction of heart. Their appearance was calculated to excite every emotion of pity, love, and esteem. The other relatives followed them in order, and
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 1^5
the several attendant friends took their places behind.
« After we had advanced about a hun- dred yards, my meditation was unex- pectedly and most agreeably interrupted by the friends who attended beginning to sing a funeral psalm. Nothing could be more sweet or solemn. The well- , known effect of the open air in softening and blending the sounds of music, was here peculiarly felt. The road through which we passed was beautiful and ro- mantic. It lay at the foot of a hill, which occasionally reechoed the voices of the singers, and seemed to give faint replies to the notes of the mourners. The fu- neral knell was distinctly heard from the church tower, and greatly, increased the effect which this simple and becoming service produced.
We went by -several cottages: a re- spectful attention was universally ob-
176 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
served as we passed, and the counte- nances of many proclaimed their regard for the departed young woman. The singing was regularly continued, with occasional intervals^ of about five min- utes, during our whole progress.
I cannot describe the state of my own mind as peculiarly connected with this solemn singing. I was reminded of older, times and ancient piety. I wished the practice more frequent. It seems well calculated to excite and cherish devotion and religious affections.
Music, when judiciously brought into the service of religion, is one of the most delightful, and not least efficacious means of grace. I pretend not too minutely to conjecture as to the actual nature of those pleasures which, after the resurrection, the reunited body and soul will enjoy in heaven ; but I can hardly persuade my- self that melody and harmony will be
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 177
wanting, when even the sense of hearing shall itself be glorified.
We at length arrived at the church. Looking upwards, as I drew near the church, I observed a dial on the wall. The sun's declining rays directed the shadow to the evening hour. As I pass- ed underneath this simple but solemn monitor, I was reminded of the lapse of time, the uncertainty of life, and sure approach of eternity. I thought with David, "We are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers ; our clays on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding." "So teach us to number our days, that ?we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."
The service was heard with deep and
affectionate attention. When we came
to the grave, the hymn which Elizabeth
had selected was sung. All was devout,
simple, animating. We committed our 12
118 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
clear sister's body to the earth, in full hope of a joyful resurrection from the dead.
Thus was the veil of separation drawn for a season. She is departed, and no more seen, But she will be seen on the right hand of her Eedeemer at the last day, and will again appear to his glory, a 'miracle of grace and monument of mercy.
My reader, rich or poor, shall you and I appear there likewise? Are we 11 clothed with humility/' and arrayed in the wedding garment of a Redeemer's righteousness ? Are we turned from idols to serve ^the living God? Are we sensi- ble of our own emptiness, and therefore flying to a Saviour's fulness to obtain grace and strength? Do we indeed live in Christ, and on him, and by him, and with him? Is he our all in all? Are we lost, and found? dead, and alive again?
THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER. 179
My poor reader, the dairyman's daugh- ter was a pool' girl, and the child of a poor man. Herein thou resemblest her ; but dost thou, resemble her as she re- sembled Christ? Art thou made rich by faith? Hast thou a crown laid up for thee? Is thy heart set upon heavenly riches? If not, read this story once more, and then pray earnestly for like precious faith.
But if through grace thou dost love and serve the Redeemer that saved the dairyman's daughter, grace, peace, and mercy be with thee. The lines are fallen unto thee in pleasant places: thou hast a goodly heritage. Press forward in duty, and wait upon the Lord, possess- ing thy soul in holy patience. Thou hast just been with me to the grave of a departed believer. Now- "go thy way till the end be ; for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days."
180 THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER.
Note. The mother died not long after her daughter ; and I have good reason to believe that God was merciful to her, and took her to himself.
The good old dayman died in 1816y in the eighty-fourth year of his age. His end was emi- nently Christian.
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