introducing you to each other." They were not long held in a state of doubt as to the person, and by quickening their pace a little, they soon came up to him.

Mr. Lefevre appeared just to have reached the years of discretion, fresh with youth and full of vigor. He was tall, well proportioned, and of good presence. There was something commanding and lofty in his manner, with a general expression of frankness and energy in his countenance. He exchanged civilities with our young friends in unaffected kindness, and they proceeded on their way in company.

After a slight pause, Mr. Banks observed, "we have very much enjoyed this charming morning."

"I am happy to hear it," replied Mr. Lefevre, "it is quite a sabbath morning,"

"It is," rejoined Mr. Douglas, catching the reference of his new acquaintance; "creation seems to say 'Rest from earthly care;' and the lark over our heads," raising his hand towards the sky," is inviting us to the threshold of the heavenly world in acts of cheerful devotion."

Yes," said Mr. Lefevre, "if at any time nature is to be regarded as a transparent lens, through which we may look up to 'nature's God,' it must be on such a morning as this."

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And," resumed Mr. Douglas," if our sluggish thoughts require assistance in rising from sensible objects to the Great Father of all, I think they may derive it invariably from the author you hold in your hand," casting his eyes down upon the book.

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Cowper!" said Mr. Lefevre, with a stronger smile on his face than usual, unconsciously opening and shutting the volume, " your remark is excellent; he is my favorite; who,-may I ask-who is yours?"

"Were I to speak proudly and in the fashion," replied Mr. Douglas. "I should say Milton. Every body praises Milton, read or unread. But if I reply seriously and as becomes me, I shall confess that I know too little of the Poets to say any one is my favorite. Many of them I have not read, and many of them I am willing

to believe, I am not prepared to appreciate. In this latter class, I acknowledge I must place Milton himself. When I sat

down to read him, and found I could not relish every incident and every line of a poem allowed to be incomparable in its way, I felt similar disappointment to that Sir Joshua Reynolds ascribes to himself, when on commencing the study of Raphael's paintings, he found he had no taste for the sublime productions of his pencil. However, as he survived his vexations, I hope the time will come, when I shall be taught to estimate Milton as he deserves. As to Cowper," continued he, looking modestly, as if to apologize for holding the conversation," he is more familiar to me than any one of the Poets. Whether you sit by the fireside, or stroll in the fields, he seems always ready to attend, and divert, and edify you. One feels interested in him as a man and a christian; and as a poet, every body admires him. At least, his powerful descriptions, his love of nature, his virtuous and pungent satire, his comprehensive benevolence, his fervid and

sublime piety, his deep pathos, and even his plaintive melancholy, have often found their way to my heart."

This notice of the characteristic excellencies of Cowper, was naturally succeeded by a reference to their favorite passages. The smile of delight passed like a sun-beam over their features, on finding so strong a similarity in their tastes. The intimacy they had with the poet was insensibly transferred to themselves; and each one felt he had found a friend in a period of time not usually sufficient to form an acquaintance,

This unexpected interview beguiled the way, and soon the happy party arrived at the point of separation. Mr. Lefevre and Douglas parted to their several duties with sensible regret; but with an understanding, that they were to take the walk as frequently as they could in each other's society.

CHAPTER II.

WE cannot rationally separate the doctrine of a general from that of a particular Providence. The existence of chance is incompatible with the existence of Divine Government. The scheme of Providence must embrace every thing or nothing: for the grandest and most complex movements of Providence are often resting on springs the most minute and insignificant. Every person who studies the workings of his mind, and marks the events of his life, has observed the most material occurrences in his history to arise, at one time, from the most trifling circumstances over which he had no control, and at another, from some slight decisions, which might have been otherwise influenced by the weight of a feather. All the blessed consequences of the reformation in this country are derived to us, from an impulse of irregular passion in the bosom of Henry VIII. And, if so