THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA Rare Book Room GIFT OF John W Beckman s P A G JZ 1: CONSECIUTED TALENTS; OB, 0f BY THE AUTHOR OF "WREATHS AND BRANCHES," "CHRISTIAN ORNAMENTS," ETC. " We are not our own." ' Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.' Weto Yorfc: GENERAL PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION, No. 20 John Street. 1852. Entered according to Act of Congress, ia the year 1852, By JOHN W. MITCHELL, (As Treasurer of the General Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Union,) In the Office of the Clerk of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Stereotyped by BILLIN & BROTHBBS, 10 North William-st. Printed by PUDNEY & RUSSELL. PREFACE THE following work is intended as a conclusion to a series of volumes written for the youth of the Church. The first, "Wreaths and Branches," was written to exhibit the beauty and fitness of the forms and services of the Protestant Episcopal Church. The second, " The Book of the Church," was an abridg ment of a volume by Southey, giving an account of its history ; and the third, " Christian Orna ments," sought to portray and illustrate its spirit. The present work aims to point out the mission of those children of the Church whose privileges are thus exalted. The narrative does not connect 4 PREFACE. it with the preceding volumes, but the principles which it inculcates are the same. Should it succeed in arresting the attention of any who are just preparing to put on the whole armor of God, it will fully accomplish the end for which it was designed. C. L. T. PRINCETON, N. J., April, 1852. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. THE ACCOUNT-BOOK ......... 7 CHAPTER IT. THE FAMILY AT BEULAH ... ..... 16 CHAPTER III. THE PIC-NIC AT CAMPBELL'S GROVE ..... 34 CHAPTER IV. LIFE'S MISSION ......... 55 CHAPTER V. THE ORPHAN . ." . ...... 66 CHAPTER VI. MR. MALCOLM'S COUNTING-ROOM . . .79 CHAPTER VII. FAMILY EDUCATION . ....... 100 CHAPTER VIII. SICKNESS IS SOMETIMES A TALENT I* CONTENTS. CHAPTER IX. PAGK MARY'S HAPPY SUNDAY . . . . . . . 128 CHAPTER X. BERKLEY PARSONAGE . . . . - CHAPTER XI. THE INVALUABLE NURSE .... -\RA. CHAPTER XII. RESULTS. . .' . '. /. 9 - f ^ 17g CHAPTER I. THE ACCOUNT-BOOK. IT was Eeginald Campbell's birth-day. Why did he remain so long that morning in his un cle's library when an eager group were await ing his appearance in the breakfast-room ? His cousin, Horace Hastings, was becoming decidedly impatient. The flush on his young face grew deeper, and he paced the room with rapid steps, repeating again and again, in a low voice, some stanzas which were evidently his own composition. "Why don't he come?" asked pretty Mary, as she looked fondly at a crimson purse, the work of those delicate taper fingers. " I wish I knew how much money father was going 8 CONSECRATED TALENTS. to give him to put in this purse; I hope it will be in bills, for gold will wear it out so much sooner." "If Judge Hastings has been all this time in giving him his allowance, he will want that beloved, new carpet-bag to carry it in," said Celia Eogers, laughingly, as she lay back in the rocking-chair, quite at ease, and not seem ing to share the general excitement. "I am very sorry for my part," she added, "that Eeginald is going to have any of that vile trash which makes every body so selfish and stupid. He is a nice boy now, but you'll see that his money will soon spoil him." "Celia always thinks rich people are dis agreeable. Is it so, Horace?" asked Mary, as her brother, in his restless promenading, approached the low ottoman on which she was seated. Horace did not seem to hear the question, but went on murmuring to himself, " Oh, happy boy, the starving poor Shall bless thy generous hand, Which lavishly its gifts shall shower To cheer each household band." THE ACCOUNT-BOOK. 9 " There ! there !" exclaimed Mary, jumping up from her seat, "I hear some one coming through the passage. Pshaw !" she added in a tone of disappointment, "it's only mamma." " Only mamma !" repeated the sweet-looking lady who entered the breakfast-room. "Pray who is expected that makes me such a second ary consideration?" "Excuse me, mother," said Mary, kissing her mother affectionately. It was never hard to forgive Mary, for her manners were natu rally most winning ; and when she tossed back the dark curls from her fair face, it was much easier to kiss those red lips than to resist their pleading. Beauty has its advantages, and of this Mary was already aware. "Has my son no good-morning for me?" asked Mrs. Hastings, turning to Horace, who was so absorbed in one subject that he scarcely knew that any one had entered the room. "Did you speak to me, ma'am?" he asked in an absent manner, then added in a livelier tone, "Mother, see if this stanza sounds better now : 10 CONSECRATED TALENTS. Thou art no orphan ! One above Has claimed thee for his own ; And thou hast owned his right to be Thy father, till thy course is run. No, no! that's the first version. I have writ ten it now: Thy sense of his almighty love, By filial acts is shown." Mrs. Hastings smiled at the ardor of the young poet, who seemed to think the differ ence between these two stanzas of immense importance. She saw that they were both quite tame, but only said kindly, "The last will do, Horace, for Eeginald will never criti cise the verses, for he knows the sincerity of the love that dictated them. Affection gives beauty to the most commonplace rhymes. But where is the hero of the day ? Have you not seen your cousin yet, Mary?" And where was Eeginald? He had risen an hour earlier than usual, but, on entering the library, found it already occupied. By the will of the late Dr. Campbell, his son was, on his sixteenth birth-day, to become the THE ACCOUNT-BOOK. 11 uncontrolled master of an income of six thou sand dollars, which, to him, seemed an inex haustible sum. It was not strange that he felt an added sense of importance, and his manner was slightly consequential as he en tered the library to receive his first quarterly allowance. This momentary rising of pride was instantaneously checked by the serious, almost solemn, aspect of Judge Hastings, who oifered his congratulations affectionately, but gravely ; and then taking up a large morocco- covered book from the round table, in the cen tre of the library, said, in an earnest tone, " Here, Keginald, is my birth-day gift for you. It is an account-book, which I have been oc cupied during the last hour in preparing for your use." " Thank you, uncle," said Eeginald, respect fully, "I had already prepared an account- book, but I shall value this as your gift." "I do not think you have one of this kind," said the Judge, in the same serious tone. "God grant that the accounts you regis ter here may be such as shall win for you the 12 CONSECRATED TALENTS. final commendation, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.' " Eeginald felt involuntarily impressed by his uncle's manner, and turned in silence to the first page of the volume, where he found writ ten in a large hand, " Account of my steward ship for the talent, riches, committed to my care May 1st, 18 . 'Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.' " At the head of the next page were the words, " Proofs of Accountability to God for all His gifts ;" and under them were ranged such arguments from Scripture as placed it beyond a doubt that all earthly possessions are only a sacred trust. On a succeeding page there was a similar col lection of texts to show the "Justifiable Use of Eiches;" and on the next, a formidable array of its "Dangers and Temptations." Eeginald was beginning to feel that his newly acquired independence was a very doubt ful acquisition when he turned to a page head ed, " Money expended ;" and this was so much more like an ordinary account-book that it revived pleasant anticipations of the luxuries THE ACCOUXT-BOOK. 13 and enjoyments with which he might hence forth surround himself. This momentary glow of satisfaction was changed to thoughtfulness by a glance at the opposite page, where he was confronted by the words, " Keasons to jus tify these expenditures in His sight, whose steward I am." The countenance of the youth was an inter esting study as he stood silently reflecting upon the new views he had acquired of his worldly fortune. The Judge watched the workings of his expressive face with tender interest, and then extended to him a porte-monnaie con taining three notes, each for five hundred dol lars. Eeginald took it in his hand, looked surprised at the amount of the notes, and blushed deeply. An evident struggle passed in his mind, which ended by his saying, with tearful eyes, as he handed the porte-monnaie back to Judge Hastings, "Uncle, I think I had rather entrust this sum to you than to undertake the management of it myself. I do not yet know what is the right use of money." 14 CONSECRATED TALENTS. Judge Hastings did not receive the proffered trust, but looked much, gratified at the altered manner of his young ward. "Keep it, Eeginald," he said, "for 'tis not right to shrink from any responsibility which it has pleased our heavenly Father to bestow. Yesterday, at the Communion, you joined in the solemn dedication of yourself and all that you possessed to His service, and to-day He entrusts you with the means of extensive use fulness. It is well for you early to examine into the most profitable disposition that can be made of all your consecrated talents. Do not, because I have placed before you the certainty of being called to an account, imitate him who hid his gift lest' usurious interest should be demanded. That Spirit which, in one of our collects, we invoke to 'give us a right judg ment in all things,' will assist you to employ this gift in the manner most acceptable to the Giver; and if thus employed, it will bring you in so rich a harvest that you will confess, though great talents involve great responsibil ity, they also present enlarged means of happi- THE ACCOUNT-BOOK. 15 ness. Now go to your cousins who are waiting to congratulate you, and, by this time, must be almost in despair." Still Reginald hesitated, and then said, in a low tone, "Uncle, will you pray that I may have the guidance of the Holy Spirit in fulfil ling my new duties? I fear myself." "Certainly, my boy," replied the Judge; "and you shall join me now in asking that corruptible gold may not deprive you of an incorruptible crown." There was something surpassingly lovely in the face of the youth, when the fervent petition of his uncle had ended. He felt that he had a mission to discharge to a perishing world, but he did not shrink from its responsibility, being convinced " that he who in the strength of Je sus trusts, is more than conqueror." 16 CONSECKATED TALENTS. CHAPTER II. THE FAMILY AT BEULAH. MANY persons are thankful for their birth in a Christian land, but there are few who realize that all the circumstances of their earthly lot are themes for praise. Yet there is not a sin gle feature in our condition, which, if rightly improved, may not become a means of useful ness to ourselves and others. " The trivial round, the common task, Will give us all we ought to ask, Room to deny ourselves ; a road To bring us, daily, nearer God." The situation of our dwelling-place, the char acter of our companions, the luxuries or dis comforts with which we are surrounded, and our personal appearance and manners, may have a momentous effect upon our destiny. Judge Hastings had, for many years, been a leading member of the bar, where he had THE FAMILY AT BEULAH. 17 proved the truth, that a successful lawyer and a devoted Christian are not necessarily a contra diction. When raised to the bench, he became anxious to leave the city, and endeavored to procure such a home as might most conduce to the welfare of his family. There were many who wondered at his preferring to give a higher price for a country-seat near the inland town of Berkley than for a beautiful place upon the Hudson, which, by the bankruptcy of its owner, could have been obtained for half that sum. " My dear Judge Hastings," said the plausi ble salesman of the latter, " are you aware of all the advantages of the situation I now offer ? I have always heard that you were most anx ious for the good of your children, and I assure you that, by locating them in this spot, you would at once insure to them the best of soci ety. Their near neighbors will, of course, in time, be their intimate friends, and what more desirable connections could they form? The De Lancys are within a stone's throw, the Beadmans on the right, and the Yan Bemans 18 CONSECKATED TALENTS. on the left three of the oldest families in the state." " But there is no church within ten miles," answered Judge Hastings calmly, "and I con sider it indispensable that my children should have every means of grace that it is in my power to bestow. If necessity deprived them of the privilege of regular attendance on the services of the Church, I might hope that the deficiency would be compensated; but I have no right to place them where they would be liable to this deprivation, for any mere worldly advantage. Nay, as a Christian man, I do not see what I have to do with any project for their worldly advancement, when, at their very birth, I renounced, in their name, all claims to favors the world can bestow. In choosing a home for my children, the main question is, ( "Where can they be reared in such a manner as best to prepare them for serving God, in time and eternity ?' The families you mention do not even profess to be educating their chil dren for heaven ; would not their vicinity then be, on the contrary, rather a disadvantage? THE FAMILY AT BEULAH. 19 You are right in thinking the early friendships of children of importance. I hope that those of mine may be such as can be continued through eternity." It is doubtful whether the gentleman to whom these remarks were made understood their full import ; but, at any rate, he ceased to urge the purchase of the Kover estate. Beulah, the residence to which Judge Hast ings had given the preference, was a pleasant country seat, situated on a fine hill, two miles from the town of Berkley. The house itself was a simple frame dwelling, but large, and of the purest white, and surrounded -by a light green verandah, covered with luxuriant vines. A beautiful stream wound around the base of the hill, over which a tasteful bridge was thrown, at the foot of a fine avenue of elms leading to the house. Under these venerable trees there were rustic seats, which were the favorite haunts of the children, and especially of Horace, who would sit there for hours gazing in silence on the beautiful prospect. There, too, of late, Eeginald Campbell might often be 20 CONSECRATED TALENTS. seen absorbed in meditation. The possession of comparative wealth had evidently not yet made Keginald a happier boy ; for ever since his six teenth birth-day he had worn a thoughtful air, and often appeared full of care. He had told his aunt Emily, who was his favorite confidant, that he sometimes almost envied Horace, because he was not obliged to be the dispenser of wealth. The children were quite amazed at the effect of his new possessions upon their generous cousin, and could not account for his not bestowing upon them the various little luxuries which he had previously intimated should be theirs when ever they were at his command. Celia Eogers entirely despaired of ever possessing the desire of her heart, a wrought gold bracelet, for on mentioning her admiration of such ornaments to Keginald, he had quietly handed her a Bible, open at St. Paul's description of the suitable adorning of women. Mary held out much longer in her hopes of a pretty, new purple velvet Prayer-book, with her name on a real gold clasp, for she knew her cousin loved to gratify her when he could, and she had heard THE FAMILY AT BEULAH. 21 him say herself, that " the best of books ought to have the best of bindings." She forgot that she had already a very nice one, bound in En glish leather, which would outlast three of the kind on which she had set her heart. Reginald, in his conscientious investigations with regard to the wisest expenditure of money, had already discovered that things which seemed expensive were eventually the cheapest because of their durability, but could not decide how far he was fulfilling his duty in purchasing mere articles of luxury for the en couragement of manufacture, and to provide labor for the poor. He remembered the remark of a certain divine, who answered this popular plea for self-indulgence by the suggestion, that there could never be wanting followers of mam mon to make a demand for such superfluities, so that Christians could employ their means where they were extensively and immediately useful. Poor Reginald! No wonder that he felt inclined to envy Horace; for what with reading political economy and reports of all the various societies of the Church, and examining 22 CONSECRATED TALENTS. the claims of the large number of applicants who immediately came to him for assistance, he had become perfectly loaded with business. He had not, however, forgotten the desire of his little cousin for the showy Prayer-book, but having priced one, and found that he could obtain for the same sum twenty-five plainer copies to give to a new floating church, he decided that the expenditure could not be placed in his account-book with a reason op posite which could make it justifiable. It is no wonder that Mary could not enter into his feelings, for he had already taken a step in advance of many of her most excellent friends. She forgot that all the family had the same claim on Reginald for expensive gifts as herself, and that it was his duty to calculate if the sum expended on the whole could not be better employed. So sure had she felt that her wishes would be complied with, that a place in the little bureau in the nice room occupied by Celia Eogers and herself, had been already allotted to the imaginary treasure. The girls took great delight in their room, THE FAMILY AT BEULAH. 23 where they passed many happy hours. It was as pleasant an apartment as one could wish. Mrs. Hastings knew the value of domestic habits to girls, and had therefore studied to make this room peculiarly attractive. On each side of the capacious chamber was a dressing-room, large enough to contain a little bed, and all that was necessary for a neat and careful toilet. Besides a pretty little book-case, filled with useful and interesting works, there was a splendid piano between the large windows, which was the es pecial pride of Celia Eogers, who had early evinced a most decided taste for music. Celia Eogers was the daughter of an early friend of Mrs. Hastings, who was now travelling in Europe for the restoration of her health. In the days of their intimacy both were thought less, arid lived only for the world ; but when Mrs. Hastings became more sober-minded, she did not on this account renounce the friend of her youth. It is true, that after inviting Celia to pass the year of Mrs. Kogers' absence at Beulah, Mrs. Hastings trembled lest she had provided Mary with a companion who would 24 CONSECRATED TALENTS. be most injurious; but her husband comforted her with the hope that their united influence would outweigh that of the new associate. "How incessantly you study!" remarked Celia one morning to Mary, soon after Kegi- nald's birth-day. "I suppose, though, that your mother keeps you at your book. I am thank ful that, for one year at least, my time is* my own." Mary laid down her book, and, for a mo ment, her pretty face wore a puzzled expres sion, and her smooth brow was wrinkled with perplexing thoughts. "Who gave you this year for your own?" she asked at length in a peculiarly innocent, earnest manner. "Who gave it me!" replied Celia, almost contemptuously ; " why mother, of course. She said I was to be my own mistress, and Mrs. Hastings agreed with her that I was to have my time at my own disposal. You need not look so shocked, Mary, for I heard your wise mother remark that she thought every body ought to learn to manage their own time." " Did she ?" asked Mary with the same per- THE FAMILY AT BEULAH. 25 plexed air ; " well, then, of course it must be so. I'll ask her what she meant the other day by telling me every hour was a new loan from God." Celia said nothing more, but commenced drumming on the piano the first part of a new polka, thinking to herself, "What a tiresome family this is ! one never makes a remark but they get a sermon." Mary continued reading in silence for some time, and then approaching the piano some what timidly, with a little volume of manu script poems in her hand, she said, "Celia, will you play Sartoria for me? I want to see if the words of Horace's new hymn can be set to it." "Sartorial and pray what tune is that?" asked Celia, laughing. " Why, the one we sang in church last Sun day," answered Mary, more boldly. "The one that goes, Tol, dol, de, dol, doll" exclaimed Celia. " I play that humdrum air ! No ! indeed. I only know three hymn tunes, and those are old songs Christianized. My 26 CONSECRATED TALENTS. German teacher never would let me learn any sacred music, for fear, he said, it would injure my style of playing, which, excuse my mod esty, he thinks decidedly brilliant." Mary made no reply, but determined to ask her own mother, the first opportunity, if play ing sacred music spoiled any one's execution. She walked in silence to her seat by the win dow, and read over again her brother's new hymn with evident pride and pleasure. Celia was discontented with herself, for she saw she had wounded Mary by her contemptuous way of speaking of hymn tunes, which were the only music with which she was acquainted. She rattled over several waltzes with an uneasy mind, and then, getting up from the piano, came and threw herself in a luxurious rocking- chair, which was also her own property, as Mrs. Hastings would never have provided a seat so calculated to foster her indolent habits. At its side was a pretty little work-table, which was also her own ; the top of which was in the form of a large basket, and contained various articles that were in themselves a clue to Celia's THE FAMILY AT BEULAH. 27 character. There was a purse half knit before crocheting was in fashion, and dropped as soon as she learned the latter art. There was a pair of slippers there too, which had been begun on canvass, in single-stitch, and were thrown aside to make room for a newer pattern. The worsteds were all in a snarl, and the silk was tarnished by being pulled out several times, so that the purses, when finished, would, nei ther of them, be acceptable gifts. Celia stirred round the contents of the basket, till she had extricated a tiny strip of soiled-looking mus lin, which had caught in knitting-needles and crochet-hooks till it had received several small rents, and already needed darning. She com menced hemming away violently on this ques tionable-looking piece of work, till, with a great effort, and without looking at Mary, she bolted out what was meant for a kind remark : " If you'll give me the notes, Mary, I'll learn that horrid tune, now you want to set Horace's hymn to it ; but I don't see what possesses him always to write to such doleful metres." Though Celia's manner was so blunt, Mary 28 CONSECRATED TALENTS. saw that she was trying to be kind; and her face grew brighter as she answered, "Oh, he does not think them doleful, and he wants to write to tunes that every body knows. Mam ma says," she added very earnestly, "that it is an honor to the greatest poet in the world to have hymns of his writing sung in church to the praise of God." "But how can Horace's hymn be sung in church, Mary?" asked Celia, half amused by the simplicity of her young companion, and impressed by the reverential manner with which Mary always mentioned every thing con nected with religion. "We only use the hymns in the Prayer-book, on every occasion." "I will tell you a secret," said Mary, her cheeks glowing with animation. "You must not tell any body, or let Eeginald know that you have heard of it, for papa has taught him to feel almost ashamed if any body finds out the good he does. You know Dr. Campbell used to be a teacher in one of the Free Church Sun day-schools in New York. This interested Reginald in the Church, and when he was last THE FAMILY AT BEULAH. 29 in the city, lie visited this Sunday-school, and got acquainted with some of the children. He found that there were actually some little girls there who had never seen the country; and one of the teachers told father, who went with cousin Reggie, that there were three in his class who had never been beyond the limits of the city. They lived in the fourth story of a miserable old house, which had not even a court for them to play in, and the largest piece of ground they had ever seen was the Park, ex cepting once, when, as a great treat, they rode down in the omnibus to the Battery. Only think of that, Celia ! How could they imagine a ' vineyard,' or know about ' lilies of the field,' brought up in that little dirty street where they only saw the sun at noon, and through clouds of smoke?" "I don't believe it," said Celia. "I don't see how it is possible that they never went over to some of the neighboring towns when any ferry-boat would have carried them for a few pennies." " But, Celia, they had to work all the week 30 CONSECRATED TALENTS. for pennies to buy bread, so they had none to spare. Anyhow father believed the story, and you know he is a lawyer, and used to finding out whether things are true or not. He said he believed it would make these children actu ally better to get one large view of God's glo rious works as we see them, and Eeggie, of his own accord too, proposed a plan that could give them a peep at these." "I understand, I understand," said Celia, nodding her head; "but go on and tell me all about it." "What's the use if you know it all before hand ?" said Mary, laughing. "Oh, just to see how excited you'll get in telling it," said Celia, playfully. " Well, if I amuse you, I am glad of it, for I am very happy myself when I think of this pic-nic. The way it is to be done is this: Next Saturday afternoon all the children are to have a holiday, and the parents are to be paid for whatever work the children would have done if they had stayed at home. Then Eegi- nald has, with father's help, chartered a boat to THE FAMILY AT BEULAH. 31 bring them up to the cove, and they are to have a pic-nic in the woods near the landing, which belongs, you know, to the Campbell estate. Father and mother are to help fur nish the provisions for the treat, and Horace has written a hymn which they are all to sing to Sartoria, because that is the tune they know best." "But how are they to learn it?" asked Celia doubtfully. "Oh, it is going to be printed," said Mary, with evident pride at such an honor being con ferred on her brother's poetry, which, in her own heart, she thought worthy of being framed in gold. "But is Eeginald to pay for that?" asked Celia. "I thought he esteemed it wicked to spend money for any thing that was not really useful ; and what good can there be in printing those verses when there are thousands already in the world as good, and better too ?" Mary almost lost her temper at this remark, but she conquered herself and answered very mildly, " Perhaps so ; but father says they can 32 CONSECRATED TALENTS. all take home the printed hymns, to keep them in mind of the day, which he hopes may give them some better notions of the greatness and goodness of our heavenly Father. Besides, Celia, I do not see how it can be wasting money that belongs to God, to use it in making children learn to sing praises to Him or remem ber His kindness." Celia's objections were silenced by this re mark. She helped Mary find the tune in Can- tus Ecclesias, and sung it with her at the piano so sweetly, no one would have remarked the little errors in the versification. Celia herself began to like the tune, and said half aloud, "I can't see why sacred music should spoil one's singing and playing." "Nor I," said Mary, as if the remark had been addressed to her. " And if it did, Celia, what matter would it be ? I am sure it is nicer to sing 'Youth, when devoted to the Lord, is pleasing in his eyes,' than about ' dreaming you wandered in marble halls,' or that song that tells you not to love, when the Bible tells us we ought to love every body." THE FAMILY AT BEULAH. 33 "What a pity it is you are a girl, Mary! you would have made such a nice minister," said Celia jestingly; but she put her hand affectionately in those brown, glossy curls, and kissed Mary with an affection that only sim plicity and faith can inspire. 34 CONSECKATED TALENTS. CHAPTER III. THE PIC-NIC AT CAMPBELL'S GROVE. THOUGH Keginald Campbell was in many respects very mature for his age, in others he was quite a child. From the moment that the plan of the pic-nic was suggested to him he was impatient for its execution, and hardly closed his eyes on the night preceding the eventful day. His joy was unbounded when he found that the sun was rising clear and bright, and before it had fairly appeared above the horizon he was already equipped for his ride. The boys were to accompany the Judge on horseback, to Campbell's Grove; then came Mrs. Hastings in the carriage with the girls, while a large ox-cart, loaded with provisions, followed in the rear. Both Keginald and Horace were overflowing with animation as they sprang upon the fine horses, which were THE PIC-NIC AT CAMPBELL'S GROVE. 35 a recent purchase of the former, who entered in his account-book his reasons for the expendi ture, thus: "Bought two horses, to afford Horace and myself a healthful and cheerful exercise ; while at the same time we may be come better acquainted with the state of the poor in its vicinity, and acquire a keener relish for the beauties of nature." The improvement in Horace's health since the possession of Bucephalus, for so he had named his steed, seemed quite to justify the expenditure; and Eeginald had marked with delight the rich glow that had appeared on his cousin's cheek and the increased activity of his slight frame. The exercise of riding, too, al ways exhilarated his spirits; and this eventful morning, even the little anxiety he felt as to the singing of his own hymn could not depress his gaiety. Mary thought as she saw the party ride away from the door, that her brother Horace certainly was the most beautiful as well as the most talented boy in the world. She could not, however, long meditate on his perfections, for 36 CONSECRATED TALENTS. it was necessary to prepare for her own ride : so she ran up to her room, humming as she went the first part of her favorite Sartoria. Celia Eogers was already dressed, but, contrary to Mary's expectations, she wore only a ging ham and her common straw bonnet. "Why, Celia, how shabbily you look!" she exclaimed; "you have got on the very frock you told me last week that you were going to give to the chambermaid, and you said that was only fit for a gardening bonnet." " That is precisely why I put them on," said Celia, with her coldest, proudest air. "When I am going among the rabble, I do not think it worth while to dress up, as they will do, in my best." " The rabble !" said Mary, with astonish ment, "there will be no rabble at the Grove. The steamboat is only going to bring up the Sunday-school, and there will be no others there, only Mr. Hinton's family, whom father invited to be present. "And what are the Sunday scholars but rab-, ble?" asked Celia, contemptuously. "They are 37 all picked up out of the gutter ; Eeginald told me himself that the city missionary had col lected them out of the very dregs of the popu lation." For a moment Mary was silent. She could not deny this part, but still she was aware that the manner in which it was mentioned was decidedly wrong. At length she said, musing ly, "I know they are poor, Celia, but Grod made them so, and I cannot see why we should be proud because He saw fit to make us dif ferent." No ! Mary saw no reason for pride, because she was not in the least tempted to that fault. She had not been taught like Celia, from her infancy, that she belonged to an entirely differ ent class from those of her fellow-beings, and to associate with them would be contamination. Her mother, it is true, had told her that it was for the good of mankind in general that they should have different employments, some of which needed education and refinement, while others only called for bodily strength. She had also been informed that it was for the happiness 38 CONSECRATED TALENTS. of all that those should associate together whose manners, habits, and employments were most alike, and plain and uneducated people felt as uncomfortable with those who had had greater advantages, as the refined did, in society which was not congenial to them. But she had also been told that her position in life, as it gave her more influence, was a talent, and that she must improve it by being as kind as possible to all within her reach, that they might be the more inclined to follow the good example which it was her bounden duty to set them. Indeed, Mrs. Hastings had impressed this truth so often upon the minds of her children, that they were almost inclined to change places with any who had not to answer for influence abused, as well as for their individual faults. But if free from pride, there was another sin to which Mary was often tempted. That pretty face of hers gave her wondrous pleasure, and now, as she stood curling her brown locks around her long white fingers, she wondered if any body that day would observe their beautiful color. Then she pinched her cheeks slightly, to see how she looked when animated, and put on her round straw hat very carefully, and slowly backed away from the mirror, to see herself at full length, and notice if her feet really looked so very small as she had been told that they did by some injudicious friend. Yes ! there was no doubt of it. They were dear little feet, and she was certainly very pretty; tall for her age, and uncommonly ladylike for a girl of thirteen. She smiled, and then smiled again, because she thus showed little white teeth between her full and red lips, like the most delicate pearls. So occupied was she with self-admiration, that she did not even hear her mother enter the room. "Yes, you are very pretty, my child," said Mrs. Hastings, who read Mary's thoughts in the guilty start she gave when aware of her presence. " Yery pretty 1" she repeated sadly ; " God has made a beautiful house for your soul to live in on earth. ' You cannot admire too much any of His works, nor be too thankful for His kind gifts. But, my dear child, I am afraid that though beauty has been loaned to you as a talent, to be employed 40 CONSECKATED TALENTS. in your Creator's service, you have hitherto considered it entirely your own. Eemember, that from those who do not improve their talents, will be taken away even that which they have. Your earthly body must be re turned to its Giver, and if it has not been used in His service you will not receive in its place an incorruptible one full of glory. Kemember, my dear child, that the being on whom you are gazing with such delight, must decay in the grave, and that every thought of vanity will render it less probable that you shall be clothed in eternal beauty. But I cannot stay to say more upon this subject. The carriage is wait ing for us, and I trust that I shall not see again on your face that self-complacent expression which to me would make the loveliest features disagreeable. Mary made no reply, but the tears rose to her eyes. They were not tears, however, of anger, for she felt the reproof was just, and was thankful that she had so judicious and excellent a mother. She saw now, that if Celia's choice of a dress had shown the deep-rooted haughti- THE PIC-NIC AT CAMPBELL'S GKOVE. 41 ness, which was the great fault of her character, her own had as clearly proved the vanity which was her besetting sin. She followed her mother in silence to the carriage, but Mrs. Hastings soon banished all unpleasant feelings by her pleasant conversation, and the ride to the Grove seemed very short, and was, as both the girls declared, "most delightful." On their arrival at the scene of the expected festivities, Celia and Mary busied themselves in arranging the provisions on the long tables which Eeginald and Horace erected. There was abundance of cold chickens and cold ham, and plenty of nice bread and butter, but no dainties. Mrs. Hastings knew that some of the poor children who were coming had rarely enough of any kind of food, and that it would be unwise to endanger their health by giving them a supply of luxuries to which they were unaccustomed. The fare of her own children was always simple, because, after renouncing for them all the sinful lusts of the flesh, she had no idea of fostering in them that greediness which is one of the besetting sins of childhood. i* 42 CONSECRATED TALENTS. Substantial and excellent food they had in abundance, but it was never made a reward, nor the deprivation of it a punishment, lest it should acquire undue value. Hospitality was exercised to all " without grudging," but she gave to the stranger such things as she had, and there was no complaining at Beulah of headaches from too free indulgence in rarities prepared for the entertainment of guests. In the boys, Mrs. Hastings was particularly anxious not to excite a fondness for good liv ing, having seen many a mother broken-hearted by the dissipation of a son in whom she had cultivated the love of eating, which is the pre cursor of the love of drinking, by taking pains to give him delicacies in his childhood. She believed that in every Christian household the Lenten rule of abstinence should be prolonged throughout the year ; at least, that " the flesh should be so subdued to spirit that they might ever serve God in righteousness and true holi ness." The arrangement of the tables was just com pleted when Horace cried out that he saw the 43 smoke-pipes of the Erie through the trees, and in a moment she was letting off steam at the landing-place. Celia and Mary ran to the edge of the grove to see the children come on shore, and Mary even could hardly help smiling at their singular appearance. All were in their holiday clothes, but they were of every variety. Some wore tarnished finery; some, expensive but outgrown and inappropriate clothing, and a few, homespun garments of the coarsest sort, while here and there some absolutely ragged urchins were sprinkled among the crowd. There were little girls in flaring, faded, blue and pink bonnets, with silk capes evidently made for grown-up women, and boys with velvet jackets with barren spots here and there, and gaudy buttons ; and as for hats, he was a hap py fellow whose head fitted into its covering. Big skulls were squeezed into little winter caps, and small boys were running about in broad-brimmed beavers, which threatened to slip over their noses and almost cover them. Mr. Neville, the pastor of this curious little flock, had requested that any person in the dis- 44 CONSECRATED TALENTS. trict where lie resided would send to him such clothing as they were willing to bestow on charity. A few weeks after, the apartment in which these donations were stored presented a striking commentary upon the style of dress adopted even by the conscientious and benevo lent. If Christians have only their own cast-off clothes to bestow in charity, would it not be well for them to adopt some style of dress which would not render objects of their charity absolutely ridiculous, or cultivate in them a taste which may prove their ruin. The deli cate materials, however, which are often per fectly suitable for the wealthy, are of no use to the laboring classes. Might it not, therefore, be a more judicious way for those who assist to clothe the destitute, to practise some self- denial instead of changing with every fashion, and giving away that which is useless to them, because out of date? They could wear the dress appropriate to their station till it was no longer serviceable, and employ the money thus saved by a fitting attention to the Christian rule, in THE PIC-NIC AT CAMPBELL'S GROVE. 45 buying such clothing as would be of real service to the poor. Among the gentlemen who landed from the steamboat with the children, there was one whose whole manner and appearance were most attractive ; his thin, gray hair was parted smoothly over a high, fair forehead, and there was a smile of such benevolence on his intelH- gent face that the smallest child in the group was not afraid to run and take hold of his hand as they commenced climbing the hill which led to Campbell's Grove. Indeed, he seemed to be a universal favorite, for tall, rough-looking boys clustered around him, lis tening eagerly for his replies to their clamorous questions. This gentleman was Mr. Neville, who had been for many years a city mission ary. By his exertions the congregation had been gathered together that now compose the Free Church, of which he was pastor. He was acquainted with every child in the Sunday- school, and to many of them he had been intro duced under circumstances which enlisted his peculiar sympathy. The little girl that he led 46 CONSECRATED TALENTS. by the hand was an orphan whom he had first seen as a baby in her cradle, when called to visit a poor woman who had been nearly burned to death. The mother died in a few weeks, leaving her child without a friend in the world, excepting the benevolent clergyman, who immediately made the case known to some pious individuals who looked to him for advice in the discharge of their stewardship. By their aid little Ellen had been placed in one of the charitable institutions of the Church, until a lady took her into her family to bring up as a waiting-maid. It is true that she was too young to be yet of much service, as she was now only eight years old ; but Mrs. Nash wisely remarked that the foundation of all character was laid in childhood, and that she could not expect Ellen to become such a woman as she liked unless schooled under her own eye. At her own request the child had been allowed to attend the Sunday-school of the Church of the Messiah, where her attentive behavior gave great satisfaction to her excel lent friend. THE PIC-NIC AT CAMPBELL'S GROVE. 47 But it would take too long to tell the history of all Mr. Neville's proteges. Some of the boys were chimney-sweeps, who had been re leased from tyrannical masters; some, newspa per boys, who had been persuaded to leave an employment so dangerous to their morals ; and some, foundlings, who knew only the name given them when they were rescued from de struction. With these children of misfortune there were others fortunate enough to have poor but honest parents, who were drawn to the Church of the Messiah by the simple pleadings of its warm-hearted pastor. All his flock were regarded by him with deep interest, but his pets were the young wanderers who had been won back by persevering efforts to the paths of happiness and peace. Eefined, gentlemanly, and intelligent in no common degree, Mr. Neville had passed the best years of life among the wretched and de graded, precisely because he found that his very refinement and intelligence gave him an influ ence over the coarse and ignorant, of which they were not themselves aware. The harsh 48 CONSECRATED TALENTS. voice insensibly softened as it replied to his gentle tones, and the hardened face showed often a gleam of feeling as it met his kind eye. No mortal tongue could tell how many souls had been saved from perdition by his coura geous efforts, but frequently there came to his ear the tidings of some sinner rescued, through his instrumentality, from eternal misery, and then he rejoiced with the pure joy of the an gelic choir. Oh, thrice blessed is the man who is gifted by nature for the discharge of a mis sion so much resembling that of his divine Master, who came "not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance!" It was nearly sunset when the sound of mu sic clear and sweet rose from Campbell's Grove to the blue sky above. A hundred children were singing, with hearts gladdened by the lovely scene around them, the praises of their gracious Father in heaven. Judge Hastings and his wife, with the girls, stood on a little mound, under a tall oak, commanding a view of the youthful band. Horace was seated on a stump near them, and as he listened to the THE PIC-NIC AT CAMPBELL'S GROVE. 49 words of his own composition, a deep flush set tled on his young cheek, and agitating thoughts were evidently passing through his mind. He had written many verses before, but none of them had affected him thus. It seemed so like leading the devotions of others to have com posed the form of words in which praise was offered to the Almighty. He almost trembled at the thought. Had he sufficiently considered the solemnity of the act, and was he fitted to discharge such an office? He felt now that it was not sufficient that words thus sung should contain poetical thoughts they must be the breathings of a pious heart. Any man might write poetry; but only a child of Glod could know in what language to address his Father. Oh, it is strange at what seasons, and by what means, the Spirit of Grod impresses upon our hearts those truths which reason has long acknowledged! While seated on that stump, Horace realized the fact that the noblest em ployment of human intellect was the praise of its Giver, but that this employment must be 50 CONSECRATED TALENTS. preceded by an entire surrender of our souls to His service. He remembered the words of the Confirmation Hymn, and uttered its fervent petition, "Deign, Lord, to make me wholly Thine," with a sincerity which accounted for the spirit of devotedness that his subsequent life dis played. The last echo of the hymn died away among the hills, and the children were preparing for departure, when a sudden scream of terror was heard from the place where Celia Eogers had wandered alone. A frank, fine-looking boy sprang to the spot just in time to snatch up in his hand, and whirl over the hill, a poisonous snake that was just preparing to spring upon the affrighted girl. No sooner was this manly act performed than he fell back into the group from which he had separated himself. When Celia recovered her self-command, she was unable to distinguish her deliverer; but in spite of her fright, the momentary glimpse she had of him had awakened disa- c^: PACE 50. greeable feelings in her proud heart. As she had been standing, a few hours before, under a little rustic arbor which the boys had erect ed, a scene had passed which she did not now like to remember. Her dress had been so studiously plain, that she was several times mistaken for one of the Sunday-school chil dren, and certainly many of them were her superiors in politeness and consideration on that occasion. While talking with Mary, this same noble-looking boy had approached her and asked politely, " Is this bright red flower the Cardinal flower? I have not been in the country since I was five years old, and I want to know if this is my mother's fa vorite." Mary, who was studying his face, saw the tears filling his dark eyes as he mentioned the word "Mother;" but Celia was looking the other way, as she haughtily replied, "I do not know the names of any of these weeds ; they are all the same to me." "Indeed!" said the boy, with grieved sur prise, "I beg your pardon for asking the 52 CONSECRATED TALENTS. question, but I did so want to know, and I could not find Mr. Neville." "Here I am, Frederick," said the pleasant voice of the pastor, as he emerged from the other side of the arbor, where he had been an unintentional listener to the foregoing conver sation, and a grieved observer of Celia's un christian manners. "Yes! that is a Cardinal flower, and if you will give it to me, I will take it home and press it for you, to keep in memory of this pleasant day." An eloquent blush bespoke the boy's grati tude as he turned away. ISTo remarks were at that time made by the clergyman, but when Celia heard that he had exchanged with their own pastor, and was to return in the carriage to Beulah, she felt no pleasure at the information. She was almost sure that the boy who had saved her life was the same whom she had thought impertinent in asking a civil question. If so, which stood the highest in the scale of beings, one who would give pain without provocation, or he who would ward it off at the risk of his own life ? THE PIC-NIC AT CAMPBELL'S GKOVE. 53 Nothing lias been said of Keginald, who on this day was studiously quiet, and no one could have suspected from his manner that he was the giver of the fete. He referred every thing to Judge Hastings with modest respect, and was very desirous the children should not be told to whom they were indebted for so happy a day. At the same time he had ma'de various inquiries with regard to such children as had excited his particular attention, and has set down in his memorandum-book the names of those to whom he thought some aid might be most useful. What need was there of his name being known? he was only the instru ment, and most fortunate in being allowed thus to dispense enjoyment. And now the steamboat bell rang loud, and the children eagerly flocked on board. A mo ment more and the Erie glided away, and soon disappeared from sight. Mr. Neville handed Mrs. Hastings and the girls to the carriage, and then took his seat beside them, while Judge Hastings and the boys remained for a few minutes, to see that the fragments of the feast 54: CONSECRATED TALENTS. were packed away into the ox-cart, and then they mounted their horses, and rode home so rapidly that they arrived in time to welcome the clergyman to Beulah. 55 CHAPTER IV. " THE bright, the beautiful, the blessed Lord's Day!" exclaimed Horace, as he woke to con sciousness on the ensuing morning. His win dow commanded a view of the rising sun, and as he saw the glorious clouds, gilded with its dawning splendor, adoring thoughts of the great Creator filled his young heart. An eye for the beautiful, and a love for the outward forms of nature add much to the hap piness of life ; but this is not their only aim. Horace had been taught that even his percep tions of beauty added to his responsibility, and it was inexcusable in him not to make some return for the love which he could read in every glistening star and fragile flower. " What shall I render unto the Lord for all His mercies !" was the involuntary question of his grateful heart. And what could he render 56 CONSECKATED TALENTS. since he possessed nothing which he had not received at the Lord's hands. " Time, Health, Intellect, Influence, these are Thy gifts, Parent of Good," he again ejaculated. "Oh, give me grace to use them aright!" Horace had been from his childhood a sober- minded boy, and had been taught always to consider himself as admitted by baptism to fel lowship with Christ's Church, if he did not forfeit this glorious privilege. He looked eagerly forward to the time when he could renew in Confirmation the vows that had been made for him in infancy, and at fifteen the wish of his heart had been fulfilled. It is sometimes said that Christian education often fails to attain its end, but this had not been the experi ence of Judge Hastings. His children were fallible beings, often overpowered by tempta tion and sin, but ever repenting and confessing their errors and seeking forgiveness through the blood of Christ. They were viewed by their parents, and taught to view themselves, as beings created for God's glory, and whose chief aim must be to advance that end. As they LIFE'S MISSION. 57 drew nearer to maturity, they were led to examine themselves, so as to discover in what way they could be most extensively useful; and even Mary had learned to ask in every un dertaking, "Will it forward the purpose for which I was created? Will any one thus be made better or happier?" With such views, it is no wonder that these young people hailed the Lord's Day with de light. It furnished them with refreshing food, by which they were better enabled to dis charge every duty. But the thoughts which had passed through the mind of the young poet while listening to his own verses had made him peculiarly susceptible to all holy influ ences. He felt that he must look upon na ture's broad expanse, and rising quickly, he dressed himself, and walked forth upon the lawn. The air was so delightful that insen sibly he wandered down the hill, and crossing the small bridge at its foot, ascended a rocky precipice which overhung the little stream. As he stood gazing on the fresh beauty of the morning, a pleasant voice saluted his ear 58 CONSECRATED TALENTS. with the words, "You are out early, my young friend, but I see your temptation this beau tiful scene, is it not?" "Indeed it is, sir," he replied respectfully, as he saw Mr. Neville appearing from the other side of the projecting rock on which he stood. Both remained for some time gazing in silence as the golden clouds faded away, till they were lost in the clear blue of day. "I wish that I were a man," exclaimed Horace at length, with much animation. "Why so?" asked Mr. Neville, wondering why at such a moment the lad should wish to exchange joyous youth for care-worn man hood. "So that I might assume your office, sir, and tell all mankind of the love of Him who made this beautiful world," was the earnest, yet modest reply. " Such, then, are your aspirations ?" re marked Mr. Neville, with a smile of benevo lent delight; "God grant, my boy, that they may be one day fulfilled! But you need not wait, Horace, for manhood to publish the LIFE'S MISSION. 59 goodness of your Maker. Do you not know that you are already a consecrated missionary, and there is abundance of work for all your energies and strength?" "How so?" asked Horace, eagerly. "Tell me where is any work, that I may do it." "You belong to that Church," was the re ply, " which is the body of our divine Lord, to whom He committed, upon His Ascension, the work of Christianising the whole earth. Prompted by the holiest of motives, gratitude and love, aided by His ever-present Spirit, its chief aim and end is to save a perishing world. To this aim every other must be made subser vient, every faculty and every talent devoted. 1 Ye are the salt of the earth, ye are the light of the world,' were the words of Christ to His disciples, and all who are named by His name are now called upon to purify and en lighten the earth. It is true, it is the duty of each individual to cultivate personal holi ness, that the salt may not lose its savor, nor the lamp its oil, but this is only the begin ning. Each must labor to discover what 60 CONSECRATED TALENTS. place is allotted to him in the vast field, and what instruments he is best fitted to use, and then devote himself wholly to his appointed task. 'Whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or min istry, let us wait on our ministering; or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that ex- horteth, on exhortation.' " "I know," said Horace, thoughtfully, "that we may, and must all be useful according to the best of our abilities, but only in the cleri cal profession can the salvation and the relief of misery be the whole business of life. Other men must give much of their time to some secular occupation." "There is the very point which so few understand," answered Mr. Neville. "Every calling in life may be made the instrument of fulfilling a higher mission, and ought to be considered as such. The merchant should view trade as the instrumentality through which his light is to shine. By a disinterest ed, upright, and high-minded course, he may reach hearts which were impervious to any 61 other agency. Every vocation forces a man into more intimate acquaintance with those similarly employed, and this gives him an opportunity for exerting over them a more powerful influence, while it directs their at tention to his own life and conduct, and the principles by which he is actuated. The mer chant thus becomes a missionary to merchants in general, the mechanic to those similarly employed, and the laborer to those who share his daily toil. The latter may not even come within the sound of a clergyman's voice, but there may be moments when a fellow-laborer may drop good seed into his heart, which could have been sown by no other hand. While two mowers are cutting down the long grass they may discover the hidden bird's nest, and one may direct the other's attention to the piercing cries of the parent from the neighboring bush, and speak of that universal parental love whose type and image is found in every animate being. Or they may be mutually rejoicing in the refreshing influence of a much-needed shower, and the missionary 62 CONSECRATED TALENTS. laborer may take occasion to speak of Him who sends ' the former and the latter rain.' To do this effectually his life must give weight to his words, and this it will be more apt to do if he feel rightly his own consecra tion, body and soul, to the service of Christ." " But these are men, all men," said Horace, despondingly, "and again I could wish I were a man, that I might be more extensively useful." " And is youth no talent, my young friend," asked Mr. Neville, kindly, "that you are so willing to give up its advantages? You would throw away one of the most beautiful instruments in the plan of benevolence. There is a power in the earnest piety of a young heart to unseal the purer fountains in those of the old, and to reach the coldest, most world-hardened men. Uncontaminated by contact with evil, and unstained by vice, the young are the ordained preachers of purity and disinterestedness. They should beware lest in their zeal for active usefulness they deviate from the modest virtues which give LIFE'S MISSION. 63 them most powerful influence. Glowing health! vigorous strength! ardent enthusiasm! these all whisper of a being fresh from the hand of God, and when seen entirely devoted to His service they have a most delightful effect in keeping alive the cheerfulness and activity of those who are discouraged because of the way. As I look at you, now burning with zeal to be up and doing, I recall my own youth, and feel its ardor renewed. This very morning you have done missionary labor, my boy, for you have made me see the blessed privilege of having so many avenues of use fulness open before me. There are tunes when I am almost burdened with the respon sibilities which have accumulated upon me, but I recall the hour, when like you I longed for a wider field of action, and it cheers me on to labor more faithfully." A deep blush overspread the face of the young lad, and he said modestly, "Oh, sir, I can hardly believe that I can have done or said any thing that could affect you thus, but I am very sure I shall never forget your 64 CONSECRATED TALENTS. words. Yes, sir, till I can be a clergyman, I will try and fulfil that mission with which I am already intrusted; I will ask my father if he thinks me fitted, in later life, to assume the holiest of all professions, and if so, oh, how joyfully will I go forth to spread the glad tidings of salvation." So saying, Horace accompanied Mr. Neville to the little path which wound down the hill, and crossing the bridge they walked up the long avenue of elms which led to the house, in perfect silence. The Judge was standing in the green ve randah watching for their return, and accom panied them into the library, where the rest of the family were already assembled for their usual morning devotions. Never before had Horace so fully felt the force of the language of the "General Con fession" in the Prayer-book, in which every member of the family supplicates God, for Christ's sake, that he "may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober life." Oh! how can so many Christians, not only LIFE'S MISSION. 65 listen to, but join in those solemn words, week after week, and month after month, and then go forth to their daily occupations, to buy and to sell, to teach and to learn to heap up riches, as if the treasures they accumulated were their own, for which they must render no account ! 66 CONSECKATED TALENTS. CHAPTER V. THE ORPHAN. SUNDAY evening was always a delightful time at Beulah, for Judge Hastings and his wife were both then at leisure to converse with the young people, and solve for them some of the various questions which had been puzzling their conscientious minds during the week. The presence of Mr. Neville gave ad ditional charm to this happy season, and by degrees the conversation fell mostly into his hands, while the rest of the circle were de lighted listeners. Eeginald had found courage to ask for the history of many of the Sunday-school scholars in whom he had been particularly interested the day before; he had also been promised Mr. Neville's company in his intended visits to them, whenever his uncle would give him permission to go to the city. Mary had been THE ORPHAN. 67 silent during these inquiries, but all at once she exclaimed with great animation, "Oh, you have not told us any thing about that noble boy that threw the snake over the hill so fearlessly." Celia blushed at this allusion; but no one noticed her confusion excepting Mr. Neville, who said, looking at her inquiringly, "Would you all like to know something of him?" "Certainly," said Celia, looking the other way, and trying to conceal her embarrass ment. "I must know something of him, and find some way to repay the service he did me." "That you may easily do," said Mr. Nev ille, kindly, "and I am sure when you know more of his history, you will feel that he is as worthy of respect as patronage." This last word was emphasized in such a way, as to show Celia that the clergyman had seen, and disapproved the haughtiness of her manners. " About a month since," continued Mr. Nev ille, "I was standing one morning at the church-door, when I saw a fine, manly-look- 68 CONSECRATED TALENTS. ing boy approaching, holding by the hand a little girl of about three years of age. " ' Is there an infant department in your school,' said he, accosting me respectfully, 1 in which I could place my little sister?' "'Yes, and a Bible-class for boys of your size, if you will join it,' I replied, suspecting that, like some other young lads, he might think religious instruction was only needed by little girls. "'Thank you,' said he, gratefully. 'That is just what I wish. I wanted to come to the school myself, and could not leave my little sister at home alone.' " ' Where do you live ?' I asked with in terest, for the boy's manner was very plea sing, and I had not at that time leisure to become better acquainted with him. "He gave me the number and street, and the next day I started in search of the place. I easily found the house, and was directed by the tenant of the lower story to a small room on the fourth floor. "On knocking at the door, it was opened THE OEPHAN. 69 bj our young friend, Frederick, who evidently had just been writing at a little pine table, which was covered with papers. In a small, dilapidated wicker-chair, beside the old wood en one from which he had just risen, his little sister was seated, playing with some paper dolls, cut out with a great deal of ingenuity. '"Where is your mother?' I asked, seeing no one else in the room, and observing that the only beds were a little crib and a straw pallet on the floor. "The little girl caught the sound of the familiar word, 'Mother,' and starting up from her seat ran to my side, and leaning one arm confidingly on my knee, she looked up earn estly in my face, and said with a mysterious air, 'She has been gone to heaven for five long weeks. She was very sick for a great while, but one day she fell fast asleep, and they took her out of her bed, and carried her there. Don't you think she was glad when she woke up in such a pretty place?' " Frederick's eyes filled with tears at these innocent words, and I could hardly repress my 70 CONSECRATED TALENTS. own as I kissed the dear little child, and said, 'Yes, indeed, I do not doubt that she was very happy to know that she was in her Saviour's home.' " ' Is your father not living, either ?' I said, turning to the brother, who had somewhat conquered his emotion. "'No, sir,' he answered, in a sad tone. 'He died about a year after Lotty, there, was born.' " ' And who takes care of you ?' I asked, in astonishment. " ' I take care of Lotty, and God takes care of us both,' he replied, with great simplicity. " 'Were your parents Americans?' I asked; 'there is something a little foreign in your accent.' " ' No, sir, my father was an Englishman, but he came to this country immediately after his marriage. I do not know any thing about his early history, but he was a very well- educated man, and spent most of his time in writing. I believe he published some book which did not sell well, and after that he used THE OKPHAN. 71 to earn his living by copying writing for law yers. While he was ill mother wrote for him, but writing and nursing him at the same time broke down her health, and she was never well again after his death. When she began to be too feeble to write a steady hand, she let me try and help her, and I got so that our employers were as well satisfied with the sheets I copied as with hers, and then I per suaded her not to write any more. She could, however, do a little fine sewing, which was not so fatiguing, and in this way we were supported till about two months ago, and then she was taken sick and confined to her bed. The people in the lower part of the house were very kind, and helped us during her illness, by bringing a great many things mother could eat. One morning, about day light, she was lying on her bed, which I have since had to sell, and I was on the pallet beside her, when I heard her say in a very low voice, "Frederick!" " * I rose immediately, and then she whis pered, "Don't wake Lotty, I have something 72 CONSECKATED TALENTS. to say to you. I am very ill, and shall never be any better. You will soon be alone in the world, my poor boy; but you are now fifteen, and with God's help you will, I hope, not suffer want; take care of your little sister. Eemain here for two months, till tidings will have time to reach you from my friends in England, to whom I have written a letter, which you will find in my trunk. Kiss me, my son. The orphan's God will protect you and relieve me. 7 ' " ' These were her last words. A few mo ments after I heard something like a deep sigh, and it was all over. Just then Lotty moved as if she was going to wake, and I hushed her again to sleep, that I might think what I ought to do. As soon as I was sure she slept, I went down and told Mrs. Martin, the kind woman in the lower floor, what had happened, and asked if she would let Lotty come down there and stay that day. She went up stairs, and took her in her arms softly, and carried her down into her room, where she found means to detain her till even- THE ORPHAN. 73 ing. Then I went to mother's trunk for the letter of which she had spoken, and found with it one to myself, telling me all that I was to do ; I then went to the gentleman who gave me writing, and asked, as mother had told me in this letter to do, if they would advance me a few dollars to bury her. As they knew me very well, and the writing which had been given had been regularly done, they gave me more than the sum I asked. I then requested an undertaker to let me have a plain coffin for mother's bedstead, which was the nicest thing we owned; and after coming to our room and seeing it, he consented, and before night every thing was ready for the funeral. I then went for you, sir, to attend the funeral, as mother, whenever she could go out, which was very seldom during father's illness and her own, had gone to hear you preach. You were not at home, but Mrs. Martin found a clergyman, and I went with him to the place where I had got permission to bury my mother. I could not have her laid there without a prayer, and the 7 74 CONSECRATED TALENTS. clergyman was very kind to go, and promised to come and see me the next day, but I think he must have fallen sick, for he has not been here since, and he looked very fee ble.' "In the grief which these recollections ex cited, the boy had forgotten his little sister, who had stood beside me listening to his nar rative, with the big tears rolling down her cheeks, but without speaking. Now she inter rupted him with a burst of sorrow, exclaim ing : ' Oh, Frederick, she has not gone to heaven, then! you put her in a coffin, and you put her in the ground, just as they did that man that died in the next house.' " ' What have I done !' said Frederick, in deep distress. 'Dear little Lotty,' said he, taking his little sister in his arms, and letting her hide her tearful face on his breast, 'mo ther is in heaven; it was only her body that went to the grave. Her soul went away from her body, because God was going to let it have a more "beautiful one." Was it not so, sir?' THE ORPHAN. 75 "I could hardly answer, so much was I overcome by the sight of these little orphans ; but I at length found words to quiet Char lotte, who, soon wearied with weeping, fell asleep in her brother's arms. "Frederick then continued his narrative, telling me how he had since continued to live. He never left home, only to go for writing, and then always took his little sister with him, carrying her in his arms, when she was too tired to walk. This little sister had accom panied him to Campbell's Grove on the day of the pic-nic, and had been under the charge of a daughter of his fellow-lodger, Mrs. Mar tin, on both occasions when my young friend, Celia, had observed Frederick. " So beautiful an instance of parental devo tion and manly energy," said Mr. Neville, in conclusion, "I have never before met. I can not persuade him to give up the charge of his little sister, for whom I could easily find an asylum, or to leave the room they occupy till the time appointed by his mother has expired. 76 CONSECRATED TALENTS. "As he was paid, in advance, for more wri ting than he can accomplish in several weeks, he has been obliged to sell every thing of any value, and has even disposed of all his own better clothes, leaving nothing for himself to wear but the patched suit which excited the contempt of some who saw him on that occa sion." " Contempt !" exclaimed Eeginald, indig nantly; "every article is a badge of honor. What a noble boy ! Show me how I can do something to testify my respect for such mag nanimous behavior." Mr. Neville smiled pleasantly at Keginald's enthusiasm, and said, " You shall go with me to Mr. Malcolm's, a friend of mine, whom I wish to consult as to the best employment for our young friend, when I find out more clearly the nature of his mind, and the extent of his previous education. At present he will want for nothing, and be yond bare necessaries he is unwilling to receive any assistance." "Well! poverty must be a glorious thing THE ORPHAN. 77 if it brings out such virtues," said Eeginald warmly. " Yes ; poverty may be made an instrument of much good, if cheerfully borne," replied Mr. Neville; "but it is a fiery ordeal. The poor, however, have their mission as well as the rich, and my friend Frederick has discharged his in part, if he has impressed upon you all the fact, that it is not the circumstances of our birth, but the manner in which we use our position in life, which entitles us either to respect or contempt." These words were a severe lesson for Celia ; but Mr. Neville saw that her pride needed humbling, and that, accustomed as she had been to flattery from her youth, even blunt truths were necessary to startle her out of her self-complacency. The story of Frederick Ca sey had so awakened her better feelings that she received the lesson it conveyed quite meekly, saying that she hoped it had done them all good. The next morning, when Mr. Neville left Beulah, there was a unanimous petition for a 7* 78 CONSECRATED TALENTS. second visit, and a promise was obtained from Judge Hastings, by the boys, that on the fol lowing Saturday they should pay the intended visit to Mr. Malcolm. MR. MALCOLM'S COUNTING-KOOM. 79 CHAPTER VI. MR. MALCOLM'S COUNTING-ROOM. EEGINALD and Horace welcomed gaily the bright day in which they were to accomplish the proposed excursion to the city. The Judge could not accompany them as he had wished, but the boys had been for some time accus tomed to be thrown upon their own resources, and he was never afraid to trust them any where alone when they were several years younger than at present. The house of Mr. Neville was easily found, and that gentleman was in readiness to accom pany them to Mr. Malcolm's counting-room, where Frederick Casey was to join the party. On their way thither, they passed the Ex change, which, as it was the principal hour of business, was crowded by active, energetic men, whose whole being seemed animated by 80 CONSECRATED TALENTS. one absorbing passion. On they passed with hurrying footsteps, and the keen eye which peered from under many closely knit brows, seemed to see the golden goal, and flushed with hope that it might soon be won. Newspapers were seized with avidity as the arbiters of fate, and the rise and fall of different articles of merchandise were sought with the same earnest interest as if their place and happiness were staked upon the daily vicissitudes of for tune. And who were these, whose chief desires their actions thus plainly declared? The world, the mammon-worshipping world ? And where was the Church, that band of meek followers of Christ, who, renouncing the cov etous desires of the flesh were to be the leaven which should pervade the whole mass with their spiritual, unworldly faith? On the Lord's Day they might be seen worshipping in His house, and even kneeling at His altar; but, as to-day they mingle with the world, and engage in its pursuits, plans, and purposes, who shall be able to MK. MALCOLM'S COUNTING-ROOM. 81 discriminate between their spirit and aim, and that of the ungodly world? Such were the reflections of the excellent clergyman, as, followed by his young com panions, he threaded his way through the jostling throng. They were just turning out of the crowded street when they were met by a gentleman of singularly pleasing appearance, to whom Mr. Neville introduced Eeginald and Horace. This was the very Mr. Malcolm whom they were about to visit, and he begged them to proceed to his counting-room, to which he would return in a few minutes. Though he was evidently in a hurry, there was something even in the haste of this truly Christian merchant different from the absorb ing eagerness of the surrounding crowd. His treasures were laid up in heaven, and his peace of mind did not therefore depend on those possessed on earth. There were other countenances, too, among those care-worn men, whose calmness was the result of the same certainty of a more enduring inheritance ; but there were comparatively few who carried, thus 82 CONSECRATED TALENTS. written on their brows, a letter which might be known and read of all. Mr. Malcolm had reached the age of thirty when the truth of religion first broke upon his mind. He was a man of strong, clear judgment and remarkable firmness of charac ter ; and it was not without a struggle with the self-confident pride of his nature, that he de termined to avow that his whole previous life had been one of opposition to God. But when this decisive step was once taken, there was no more wavering in his mind or conduct. He resolved that the Scriptures should be his own rule of life without waiting to see how they were construed by those around him who professed to follow their pure precepts. He had before conducted his business as the rules of honor and morality demanded, with out reference to the practice of his fellow- merchants, and now that Christian principle was his standard, he maintained the same independence. Had not the most discerning of those with whom Mr. Malcolm came daily in contact, pro- 83 nounced him, before this change in his views, a man of sound sense, they would now have ridiculed his ideas as the enthusiastic fancies of a fanatic. But his station placed him above contempt, and had it been otherwise, his firm consistency would have procured respect. Still there were those, among Christians, who shook their heads, and said they did not see the necessity of the sacrifices which he made. They also asserted that his wealth must decrease while his charities were so large and his business conducted upon the strange principle of never taking advantage of an op portunity for gain which must be another's loss. Among the prophets of evil was a gen tleman who returned with Mr. Malcolm to his place of business a few minutes after the arri val of Mr. Neville and his young companions. This gentleman he introduced to his other visitors as Mr. Sumerville, and then begged the latter to excuse him for a little while longer, as he must attend to an affair of some importance. The little room into which he then conducted Mr. Sumerville was so near 84 CONSECRATED TALENTS. that neither Mr. Neville nor the boys could avoid hearing the conversation that followed, which served to heighten their respect for Mr. Malcolm in no common degree. Mr. Sumerville was also a professing Chris tian ; but there were many among his daily associates who never suspected the fact. He was a type of a large class of business men, unimpeachable in morality, but apparently blind to the full extent of the devotion im plied by the baptismal vow. If told that any practice were at variance with the principles of the Gospel, he would own, with a sigh, that this was true, but that the world was all wrong, and no one man, in this age, could fulfil his whole duty until the spirit of the times was changed. He never thought how this change was to be effected, or what was to be his share in its execution. But it was not this subject which gave to his usually cloudy brow a still darker aspect while now conversing with Mr. Malcolm. "I hear," said he with eagerness, "that the place of supercargo is not yet filled in the ME. MALCOLM'S COUNTING-KOOM. 85 ship which you are about fitting out for China." "It is not. I have found no one yet to suit me for that situation," was the reply. "Then I have a real favor to ask. My eldest son, as you may know, has been long a source of anxiety and grief both to his mo ther and myself, and I am desirous to try the effect of a temporary absence upon his feelings and character. He is well educated, an excellent accountant, and most honorable and gentlemanly in all his views. I have no doubt that he would discharge all his duties well, and when once broken off from his pres ent associates, would renounce the bad habits which have given me so much trouble." Mr. Malcolm was evidently troubled by this request, and it was some moments before he replied in a calm, but kind tone, "You are mistaken, my dear friend, in the course you would pursue. Believe me, it is no way to increase your son's morality, to send him to a country where he is not only free from all parental and religious influence, 86 CONSECRATED TALENTS. but even from the restraint of public opinion. Moral men often become dissipated in those terrible countries, where all the sacred influ ences of Christianity are unknown, and the vicious give themselves wholly up to the errors which are unrebuked by their heathen companions. "Were your son merely unstable by nature, the experiment would be a peril ous one ; as it is, I consider that it might end in his destruction." "I differ from you entirely," was the reply. " The long voyage will give Ealph time for reflection; and when he arrives at his des tined haven he will have formed such resolu tions as will enable him to resist all temptation. I am willing to run the risk at any rate, if you will oblige me by giving him the place I solicit." Again there was a pause, and then Mr. Malcolm announced with evident pain : "I am sorry not to oblige you, but it is out of my power. In sending a ship to China, I do not merely seek to add to my resources, but to aid the cause of missions in what seems ME. MALCOLM'S COU^TING-KOOM. 87 to me the most effectual way. The greatest hinderance to the hearers of the Gospel has long been, as you well know, the inconsistent lives of those who have poured into heathen countries from lands professing to be Chris tian. I have no right, for my own advantage, to send any man thither who has such a char acter that he may prove a stumbling-block in the way of others. "I therefore make my first requisite in the choice of officers and men for my ships, that they should be men of practical religion, and in so doing I also give myself the surest pledge of their fidelity and judicious discharge of the business intrusted to them. "The captain of the 'Peace' is a man of exalted character, and every voyage which he has made has been most prosperous and suc cessful. The crew were all recommended by the chaplain of the Floating Chapel, and admi rably performed their duty. I had, after the return of the vessel, a letter from one of our missionaries, who performed service on board the ' Peace' while it was in port, thanking 88 CONSECRATED TALENTS. me for having so efficiently aided a cause which every Christian must have at heart. I have refused many applications for this situa tion, for the same reason which now obliges me to decline your offer." "But," persevered Mr. Sumerville, "one individual will do very little harm, and what you say makes me only more anxious that my son should go, for under such good influ ences, he must reform." "It is impossible," was the decided reply. Mr. Sumerville turned to leave the room, in evident indignation; but just as he had reached the door, he was arrested by Mr. Malcolm's saying, in a tone of warm kindli ness, " Stop, my friend, I have just thought of a way in which I may oblige you. One of my clerks, an excellent young man, is in delicate health, and a change of climate might benefit him. If he will accept the place of super cargo, I will take your son into my own store, where I can have him constantly under my eye, and hope to do him good. It is true MR. MALCOLM'S COUNTING-ROOM. 89 he will be placed in a responsible position; but if he be unfaithful, the loss will be my own, and not an injury to the souls of others. Will that suit you?" Mr. Sumerville stood transfixed at the generosity of this offer, though Mr. Malcolm thought himself only performing an act of Christian duty. "You deserve to prosper," he exclaimed. "Under your care how can my son help im proving." While Mr. Malcolm was thus occupied, Frederick Casey had arrived, bringing with him his little sister, and saying in apology for his tardiness, "Excuse me for being too late, but Mrs. Martin was obliged to go out, and I could not leave Lotty with her, so I had to bring her along; and she walks so slowly that I could not get here sooner." "You are very excusable, my boy," said Mr. Malcolm, kindly, as he held out his hand to the delicate little girl, who was half hiding behind her brother, and was evidently much frightened at being in a strange place. 8* 90 CONSECRATED TALENTS. "I have received tidings from England," said Frederick, giving at the same time a letter to Mr. Neville, directed in a bold, gen tlemanly hand. "It is only what I expected; I did not care to be recognized by those who were so unkind to my mother." As he spoke this last word, his eyes filled with tears, but his cheek was flushed with indignation. Mr. Neville made no reply to this remark, but opened the letter, and read, with displeased astonishment, the contents. "I once knew a young lady named Char lotte Austin, but I am unacquainted with any Mrs. Casey. You probably resemble the father, whose name you bear, and I must, therefore, decline making your acquaintance. "HERBERT AUSTIN." As Mr. Neville involuntarily re-read these words aloud, Eeginald and Horace exclaimed, indignantly, "Shameful! what a monster!" "Hush! hush!" said Mr. Neville. "Fred erick, those young lads are friends of mine, 91 who also wish to be friends of yours, but I did not mean to impart to them the contents of this letter without jour consent." "It's of no consequence, sir," said Frederick, still very much excited. "There is nothing in it of which I am ashamed. I should be quite as unwilling to own such a grandfather, as he appears to be to own me." "Softly, softly, my boy," said Mr. Neville, soothingly; "you do not know by what sor rows his heart may have been hardened." "I thought sorrow made the heart soft!" interrupted Horace. "It should do so, but if it is not received in a right spirit, it has the contrary effect. I pity the writer of this letter, for he cuts himself off from the natural solace of age, the love and companionship of the young. Come here, Lotty," he added, as he drew the little girl affectionately towards him, and placing her on his knee, took off her little faded hat, and smoothing the soft golden curls, which fell around her sweet innocent face, said, "would you like to come and live with me?" 92 CONSECRATED TALENTS. The little stranger seemed more startled than pleased at this proposition, and looked at Frederick, for him to answer. " I do not doubt that you would take very good care of her, sir," he replied, "but in deed we cannot be separated." "No? well, then, I must have you both. But we will talk of that some other time. Here comes Mr. Malcolm," he added, as that gentleman entered the room. "Allow me to introduce to you, sir, three of my young friends. This is Eeginald Campbell, who needs some lessons in the management of his worldly goods; this is his cousin, Horace Hastings, whose father, I believe, you have long known ; and this, sir, is my friend, Fred erick Casey, of whom you have heard me often speak." "And who is this?" asked Mr. Malcolm, after he had kindly shaken hands with the boys, as he took the little blue-eyed girl up in his arms, and looked in her face with tender interest. "It must be the little Lotty of whom you also told me." MR. MALCOLM'S COUNTING-ROOM. 93 With the quick instinct of childhood, Lotty read in the face of the new comer the be nevolence which was such a striking feature in his character. She did not struggle to free herself from his arms, while he continued gazing into her eyes with evident pleasure, and saying, as if to himself, " Strange ! so very like my lost Henrietta." Mr. Neville at once conjectured that Mr. Malcolm found in Lotty a resemblance to his only daughter, whose loss, a few years before, had been one of the greatest afflictions of his life, and he inwardly wondered at the provi dence which had thus insured to the orphan so warm a friend. In a few minutes Mr. Malcolm had recov ered his self-command, but he still held Lotty in his arms while listening to Mr. Neville's account of the refusal of Mr. Austin to ac knowledge his grandchild. "How cruel to himself!" he exclaimed, as he looked fondly at the little girl whom he was so tenderly holding; "but never mind, Frederick, you shall imagine that I am your 94 CONSECRATED TALENTS. grandfather. Mr. Neville tells me that you are well advanced in your studies, and wish to do something for yourself." "Now, if you could have your choice of all the occupations in the world, what would you rather be?" Frederick paused for some moments, and then said, "If I were only good enough, I should prefer to become a missionary; but that I can never be, for Lotty could not go with me, and I could never leave her." "Why, where would you wish to go? There are missionary stations where that would be no objection." "Yes, sir," said Frederick, respectfully, "but I want to go where widows are burned on the funeral piles of their husbands." "And why do you wish to go there?" asked Mr. Malcolm, delighted with the manly independence of the boy's manner, and his intelligent, expressive countenance. "Because, sir, that country must be full of orphans, and I long to tell them how good a Father they can find in the Christian's God." This was said with so much feeling and sincerity, that Mr. Malcolm brushed away an unconscious tear. Lotty saw the bright drop, and putting her little arm softly round the neck of her new friend, she laid her face sympathizingly against his, whispering, gently, " Don't cry, sir." The caressing manner brought back so fully the remembrance of his own lost darling, that the bereaved father was entirely overcome. Tear after tear fell on the head of the fair-haired child, while she tried by every innocent art to console his grief. "Come here, Lotty," said Frederick, seeing that she was the cause of this emotion. "JSTo, no," said Mr. Malcolm, holding her fast; "you must both come and live with me." Frederick looked at the same time gratified and annoyed at the proposition. At length he said firmly, but respectfully, " My mother said I was old enough to sup port Lotty and myself; and so I am. I do not wish to be dependent on any one, but I 96 CONSECRATED TALENTS. should be very happy to be put in the way of helping myself." "Are you proud, Frederick?" asked Mr. Malcolm, with a slight accent of reproach. "I hope not, sir," said Frederick meekly; "but the Bible says, 'If any man will -not work, neither let him eat.' If I were old or sick, I should be willing to receive aid from any one, but Grod has given me youth and strength, and I ought to employ them for my sister and myself." "You are right," said Mr. Neville, coming to his aid; "but I think we can settle the matter so as to please all. Mr. Malcolm will place you in a way of giving him such assist ance as will repay his kindness, and without being separated from your sister, you can still be independent." "Certainly," rejoined Mr. Malcolm before Frederick could answer; "I will employ you in the store, and give you a regular salary for the time thus occupied, which will be only during the eight business hours that I am here myself. I have no family, but an 97 excellent housekeeper who is fond of chil dren, and who will take the best care of Lotty while we are absent. Your evenings you shall devote to study, and you shall pay your own masters if you prefer to do so. By thus employing your spare time, you will be prepared, when you come of age, for the pro fession which is your choice, and by that time I hope that we shall be on such a good footing that you will consider me as not only a friend but also a father." One would have here thought that this proposition had been made to Eeginald, from his look of delight. Horace was absorbed in thinking what a beautiful piece of poetry the whole scene would make; but his sympathy, though taking this form, was as warm and as genuine as that of his cousin. Frederick himself was utterly unable to speak. Mr. Neville answered for him, and then said to Eeginald, "Mr. Malcolm will tell you at some other time about the benevolent projects to which you may lend your aid. We will now go and visit some of the ac- 98 CONSECRATED TALENTS. quaintances which you have made at the Grove." The boys rose to leave, and Frederick called his sister to him, and putting on her hat with a kind of motherly care, was about following them, after a few words of broken thanks, when Mr. Malcolm detained him, saying, "Wait one moment, I must go home with you, for I have a great deal more to say. Mr. Neville, will you step into this room?" When the door was closed, Mr. Malcolm said, earnestly, "I have just thought that a young Mr. Sumerville, whom I have to-day offered to receive into my store, may be a dangerous associate for this lad. Do you think he has strength of principle enough to resist evil example?" "I think," replied Mr. Neville, that most boys had better not be subjected to this trial, but in Frederick's case, I am almost sure he will not only resist evil, but impart good. He may aid you in your kind intentions towards young Sumerville, to which we were obliged to listen. I am sure that you will MR. MALCOLM'S COUNTING-ROOM. 99 be more than repaid for your interest in so noble a boy." "I am certain of it," was the reply. Mr. Neville and the boys took leave with a cordial invitation to pay another visit, and then the benevolent merchant locked up his own private room, and proceeded down the street, holding fast to one of Lotty's hands, while she extended the other to Frederick. The boys smiled, as on turning into another street they saw the little girl, almost skipping along between her two protectors. "You were ready, Eeginald, to envy, the other day, the energy and strength of charac ter which sometimes result from poverty," said Mr. Neville; "I hope you have seen as plainly to-day, that wealth, rightly improved, may have equal advantages." Eeginald gave a silent assent, and then the party halted at the door of a miserable dwell ing, where we will leave them to make the acquaintance of some other children of mis fortune. 100 CONSECRATED TALENTS. CHAPTER VII. FAMILY EDUCATION. "Is it true that you go to school to your mother?" was a question once asked of Hor ace Hastings, by an inquisitive young com panion. "Certainly!" he replied; "she has taught me all I know, except Latin, Greek, and mathematics, and in these father gives us lessons." "But are you not ashamed, at your age, to say lessons to a woman?" was the next rude inquiry. "Not in the least," exclaimed Horace, with animation; "I am proud to have a mother so capable of teaching me, and I only hope that I may be half as intelligent!" And well might Horace be proud of his teacher, for few persons were so fitted to direct the education of the young as Mrs. FAMILY EDUCATION. 101 Hastings. It was to her that both Horace and Keginald owed the refinement and purity of mind, the tender sensibility, and the manly courtesy which distinguished them among their young companions. Many a time had the devoted mother been thankful for the talents and cultivation which had enabled her to instruct her children, and given her such a tenacious hold upon their respect. Boys may love a weak-minded mother dearly, but intelligence and Christianity alone can preserve their esteem, and this, surely, is an incentive to every woman to cultivate. to their full extent, all the talents with which she is blessed. Mary and Celia never doubted the value of education in a woman, because they saw a daily exemplification of its power and influence. The hour before breakfast was employed by Judge Hastings and the boys in reading the Xew Testament in Greek, and some of the works of the early fathers in Latin. Every study was pursued in reference to the one great aim of life, its preparation for eternity, 9* 102 CONSECRATED TALENTS. and thus gained only its proper share of at tention. To read the Gospels and Epistles in the language in which they were written, was such an excitement to diligence, that the ru diments of the Greek language were mastered by the cousins in an incredibly short period. And then they read the stirring addresses of Paul, or his eloquent letters, with such interest in the original, that they forgot that they were acquiring a language in their zeal to obtain the true meaning of the inspired writer. Reg inald had not the same faculty in acquiring languages as his cousin, but the motive which urged him to diligence was so powerful, that there were few boys of his age who had a more thorough knowledge of Latin and Greek. And better than this, instead of having their heads filled with the absurd fables of heathen mythology, and their spirits infused with a love of military glory, with which the great principles of Christian peace might afterwards struggle in vain, these enthusiastic boys were drawing constant draughts from the only pure fountain of literature. The foundation, too, FAMILY EDUCATION. 103 of all historical knowledge was thus firmly laid. The Bible was the ground-work of their knowledge of the events which had befallen mankind, and when it ceased, the history of the Church was considered next worthy of attention. As Horace was firm in his intention of be coming a clergyman, he was anxious to com mence the study of Hebrew, and in this his father was still able to instruct him, having acquired a knowledge of the language, from a desire to be familiar with the tongue spoken by those who were once the peculiar people of God. He did not, however, encourage Reginald in taking up the same study, as there were others more necessary to fit him for his own peculiar duties. The time that was devoted by Horace to this new study was, therefore, employed by his cousin in mathematics, in which he was somewhat back ward, for Judge Hastings wished that he should have a thorough knowledge of finan cial affairs, that he might attend to the man agement of his own estate. In explaining the 104 CONSECRATED TALENTS. spread of the Gospel among the Gentiles, a sufficient sketch of the mythology of the Greeks and Eomans was given, to enable the young students to see in their superstitions the distorted images of truth, and to under stand with what obstacles Christianity had, in the outset, to contend. This, also, would enable them to appreciate classical literature, and those works of art which also had no higher aim than illustrating the fables of an cient superstition. After breakfast, the boys always took a long walk or ride, while Mrs. Hastings and the girls were employed in their domestic labors, which was at the same time healthful exercise, and a preparation for future useful ness. Celia Eogers had looked very much sur prised when, the day after her arrival, she was invited by Mary to come up stairs and put their room in order. " Has not the chambermaid time to do it ?" she asked, haughtily. "I am not accustomed to such work." FAMILY EDUCATION. 105 "Oh, yes! she has plenty of time, for she always sews an hour in the afternoon, but it's nicer to do it ourselves. I can't bear to have any one else dust my nice books, and I am sure if I were you, I would not like to have the servants touch that piano, for fear it would be all scratched over." "I'll risk it," said Celia, "rather than make a housemaid of myself. I suppose, though, at Kome I must do as the Eomans do ; so come in, and let us get through the horrid business as quickly as possible. Psha! don't put on that cap ; you look like a Dutch man." "Do I?" said Mary, laughing, as she looked in the glass, where her round face in the cap looked very like a baby's. "Well, that is better than looking like a dust woman, as I should if I did not put it on." At ten o'clock, Mrs. Hastings appeared in the library, with a large basket in her hands, which always contained plenty of mending, to employ herself and the girls, while the boys read aloud their lessons in history. 106 CONSECRATED TALENTS. The course had commenced, as we before said, with reading the Bible, and had di verged to all the nations of antiquity. The remains of Nineveh, which had been recently discovered, had excited the mind of Horace so much, that he had written some very pass able poetry upon the subject; and the anti quities of Egypt had deeply interested all the members of the little circle. Voyages, poetry, engravings, and maps were all laid under contribution to illustrate history, and the hour always seemed so short that was devoted to this study, that it had often been a request that the reading should be prolonged. This proposal was negatived by Mrs. Hastings, as it would disturb their regular course, and de prive some other branch of knowledge of a due share of attention. And when the dealings of God with some nation seemed dark to the inquiring mind of Horace, the solution of a riddle was never waited for with so much impatience as the explanation from the lips of his beloved mother. FAMILY EDUCATION. 107 One morning, during the French lesson, which followed the history, Celia Eogers seemed lost in thought. This was her fa vorite study, because she deemed it indispen sable to a polished lady, and such it was her aim to become. But of late she had heard so often that every hour must be employed in such a way as to further, directly or in directly, the designs of her Creator, that she had begun to speculate on the utility of every study when viewed in this light. While Keginald had been reading of the great Se- sostris, she had been saying to herself, " What is the use of learning about him? He has been dead for thousands of years, and we are all going down to the grave!" She did not utter this thought aloud, but N as she tried to acquire a list of French verbs, she continued her mental questioning, saying to herself, " They won't speak French in heaven, what's the use of learning it here?" Mrs. Hastings at length asked what was the reason that Celia answered so incorrectly, and she seized the opportunity to express the 108 CONSECEATED TALENTS. thoughts and speculations which had been dis turbing her mind. "You have often told us, ma'am, that we need acquire nothing which will not do us or somebody else real good. I should like to know what the better any body will or can be of my knowing about old Sesostris, or these hard French verbs? If I ever get to heaven, I don't suppose that old Egyptian will be there, so there will be no use in making his acquaintance; and from what Judge Hastings said about the present infidelity of the French nation, I don't believe I shall be any better for being able to talk with the parlez vous." Though the manner in which these remarks were made was not a suitable one, Mrs. Has- ings was pleased with the question, for she saw that Celia was beginning to comprehend that her education ought to have some other end than to prepare her for appearing well in society, which was, a few weeks ago, her only idea on the subject. "Let Sesostris remain in your memory," she replied, kindly, "as a monument of the folly FAMILY EDUCATION. 109 of human pride. He entitled himself the king of kings, but crumbled into dust before the stones on which he had engraved his own presumptuous folly. Few characters in ancient' history can serve for examples, but many may be useful as warning, and all can teach us impressively of the degradation of man when cut off from his Maker." "I can understand this," said Celia, after a pause ; " but I cannot see why, if your views of such things are correct, it is right to spend so much time on accomplishments. What is the use of giving an hour every day to the study of French ?" "Because," was the reply, "it is a language universally understood by those with whom you associate, and which, if you go abroad as your mother intends that you shall do, will enable you to make yourself intelligible to foreigners, and to exert a greater influence upon them. To travel in Europe, is to as sume great responsibilities, for Americans are the representatives of a nation boasting the greatest religious and political advantages, and 110 CONSECRATED TALENTS. bound, therefore, to exemplify the principles of Christianity and true Liberty in no com mon degree. To be a consistent Christian in Paris, is almost as difficult as in heathen Eome, and one may be almost a missionary in travelling, by a simple adherence to the Gospel, and an earnest endeavor to make it understood by all who may come within our influence. Besides, my dear Celia, there is much which you learn that only serves to give you a higher standing among those with whom you will come in contact. An accom plished lady can do much more good among certain people than one who has merely solid acquirements, provided always, even her ac complishments are considered as loans, which she may indeed use for her own pleasure, but of which she must give an account." "How mother would laugh at the idea that it was her duty to be a missionary in Paris!" said Celia, smiling herself at the ludicrousness which the idea would have to her worldly- minded parent. "She thought her only mis sion would be to buy nice clothes for herself FAMILY EDUCATION. Ill and me, and see every thing that was pretty, and every body that was amusing." Mrs. Hastings looked shocked, for it was very true that Mrs. Kogers considered a visit to Paris as an excursion entirely for her own amusement. " She may change her mind," was the grave answer, after a moment's pause; "and it may be your blessed privilege to convey to her truths which she was not so happy as to learn in her own youth. But Mary, my dear," added Mrs. Hastings, turning to her child, who sat leaning her head on her hand, "what makes you look so flushed? Your hand, too, is very hot ; do you not feel well?" "My head aches badly, mother," said Mary, "and ever since I got up I have had such giddy turns. I did not like to say any thing about it, for fear that you would be alarmed, but I do begin to feel very sick." " Reginald, will you ride immediately for Doctor Halhurst," said Mrs. Hastings, with more agitation than she often betrayed. 112 CONSECRATED TALENTS. "Celia, go ask the cook to send up some warm water, and a mustard plaster to your room, and then come up and help me put Mary in bed, for she is very feverish, and needs instant attention." As Mrs. Hastings had asked Mary if she were ill, the fact flashed across her mind that the scarlet fever was now very prevalent in Berkley, and that Mary had accompanied her a few days before to a house in which several of the children were shortly after taken with this dangerous disease. Mrs. Hastings was not foolishly timid with regard to any disease, but she was a devoted mother, and Mary was her darling. No won der, then, that for a few minutes she lost her usual composure, but it was recalled by Hor ace, whose quick affection had taken alarm, who said, gently, "Don't be so troubled, mother; Mary has often very bad headaches, and Dr. Halhurst says that, if properly treated in the beginning, he does not think the fever in Berkley of a malignant character." FAMILY EDUCATION. 113 "Have I the fever, mother?" asked Mary, in a frightened tone. "Do you think I will die?" she added, with solemn earnestness. "I do not know, my child, that you have any thing but a headache ; but whatever dis ease may be sent upon you will come from God, and He will give you strength to bear it, and order all things aright. I hope that if you can get into a perspiration immediately, by to-morrow you will be quite well." So saying, Mrs. Hastings put her arm round Mary, and kissing her fevered brow led her to her room. In a short time the latter was quietly in bed, with her anxious mother seated at her side, bathing her temples, and speaking words of consolation and encouragement. 114 CONSECKATED TALENTS. CHAPTER VIII. SICKNESS IS SOMETIMES A TALENT. Six long weeks had passed, and Mary still lay upon a bed of suffering, and her devoted mother still watched beside her with the ten derness which can only flow from maternal affection. It would have been hard to recog nize in the pale, emaciated child, the bright, blooming girl, who had gazed with such com placency upon her own fair face on the day of the eventful pic-nic. The glossy curls had been shorn off so that her poor head might be blistered, and the red lips were now pale and parched with long-continued fever. Even Mrs. Hastings could see no traces of her former loveliness, nor was there a single remnant of the animation which made her manners so pleasing. There she lay as helpless as an infant, with scarcely energy enough to swal low the distasteful draught which her mother SICKNESS IS SOMETIMES A TALENT. 115 held to her lips, and too feeble to change the position to which for weeks she had been con fined. As Celia bent over her, she thought she would give worlds for one bright smile, one happy word from her clear voice. And while Mary's body was thus the prey of disease, what was the condition of her soul ? Alas ! for those that dream of making peace with God when sickness warns them of their approaching end. But happily our young friend had not waited for the days when she should say, " There was no pleasure in them," before seeking the protection of an Almighty Friend. It was true she could not now think clearly, nor even, at times, make a single prayer; but she could silently look up to God, and lean on Him, and acknowledge that even her sufferings were from His hand, and were sent in love. The difference between her feelings and those which would have been experienced by more thoughtless children was, that she knew her Father in heaven, and they would have then had to learn their relation ship. 116 CONSECRATED TALENTS. There was once a little girl who was lost when she was an infant, and never knew any thing of her parents till she was fifteen years old. Then she was taken very ill, and while her fever was at its height, her mother dis covered what had become of her lost daugh ter, and came to reclaim her. Though thus nearly related, they were in reality strangers, and in vain the agonized parent tried to im press upon the poor invalid that she was her mother, and to make her understand how they had been separated, and what were the proofs of this assertion. The sick girl turned wea rily away from this perplexing theme, and manifested no pleasure in the society of the person who was claiming to be so near a rela tion ; but when the one who had brought her up, and hitherto nursed her with unfailing ten derness, entered the room, and leaned fondly over her, a glance of grateful recognition came over the wandering eyes, and the medicine proffered from that well-known hand was in stinctively received with confiding obedience. And such is the difference between renew- SICKNESS IS SOMETIMES A TALENT. 117 ing our filial relation with God in sickness, and reposing on Him whom we have long loved as a Father. Mary knew that beloved Friend, and took from His hand even the bit ter cup which He gave her, with childlike faith. She had not strength enough to think whether it were probable that she should die, or if she were ready for the change; but she left it all in His hands who cannot err. The invalid did not understand, at the time, that by this patient submission she was glo rifying God, and that sickness was a talent by which a work was to be accomplished, that other gifts had not achieved. As Celia Rogers saw the vanity of all earthly possessions, and how vainly Reginald with all his wealth strove to find some way of mitigating his cousin's sufferings, she felt the weakness of human nature and the om nipotence of the Almighty. How soon might she be reduced to a bed of languishing, and then what would be her consolation? She saw the soothing effect produced in the trou bled spirit of the sufferer by the repetition of 118 CONSECRATED TALENTS. some promise of Scripture, or the words of some familiar hymn, and she asked where was the charm which gave them such power. It was good for Celia to be confined to that sick chamber, for she there learned what are the things that are passing away, and what are those which endure for ever. At length health, joyful health, smiled upon Mary. As the spring approached she was able to rise from her bed and sit in a rock ing-chair by the window, watching the willows grow green where they drooped over the stream, and listening to the songs of the birds as they returned from their winter wander ings. And when she was weary of her own thoughts, Celia would read some pleasant story with a tone so gentle that it was impossible to hear the sound of her voice without feeling that her heart was made better. One trial awaited ' Mary on her recovery, which her previous vanity rendered a severe one, and this was the loss of her beauty. She could not help crying out when she first caught a glance at herself as she walked from SICKNESS IS SOMETIMES A TALENT. 119 the bed to Celia's rocking-chair. Her mother saw her distress and knew its cause. She did not, however, say any thing, and Mary wept in silence for some minutes. This seemed to relieve her, and at last she asked, in a very sad voice, "Mother, am I pretty at all now?" "No, my dear; you are quite plain in ap pearance," was the honest reply, though it was spoken in a voice of tender sympathy. " God has seen fit no longer to intrust you with that talent which you threatened to abuse, and there is no doubt that He has withdrawn it in mercy. You must not be surprised if you find that your appearance does not give as much pleasure nor win so many friends as it used to do, but must take the more pains to cultivate all that is agreeable in manners and conversation. You have had, however, an other given in its place. Sickness may be im proved as well as beauty, and I hope your future life will show that you know its value. I am sure that my Mary, when she reflects that her heavenly Father has^ restored to her 120 CONSECRATED TALENTS. life and- health, will not indulge in one re pining thought at the loss of personal attrac tions." " No indeed, mother ; I will try and not be so ungrateful," was the reply; "but I did look so very ugly with my hair all shaven off, and my face so covered with spots, that at first I could not help crying. I shall bear looking at myself better in future." Poor Mary ! And yet it was quite as hard for Horace to reconcile himself to this change in his darling sister; but when he saw how gentle she was, and how her whole character seemed purified by suffering, he loved her a thousand times more than before. Judge Hastings, too, as he held her in his arms, felt an increase of tenderness, and for many months she was treated by all the family as if she had paid a visit to the invisible world, which gave her a peculiar claim to consideration and respect. While the family had been thus absorbed with Mary, Judge Hastings had little leisure to inquire into Eeginald's proceedings, or to SICKNESS IS SOMETIMES A TALENT. 121 know how tie succeeded in the discharge of his stewardship. "How, my boy, are all your protege's?" he asked one morning, when they had finished the lessons, all of which, in the absence of Mrs. Hastings, devolved on him. "Pretty well, sir," replied Eeginald, in rather a desponding tone. "I am afraid though that I shall never learn to be really useful." "Do you remember, Horace, some lines of Keble upon the too sanguine expectation of satisfaction in acts of benevolence ?" asked the Judge, turning to his son, who was bending over a Hebrew Bible with deep interest. Horace looked up from his absorbing study with an abstracted air, and his father was obliged to repeat the question. "Excuse me," he said, blushing at his inat tention ; "I had almost made out to read part of a psalm. Do you mean the one on " he looked up to heaven, and sighed. "I believe the first verse is, 122 CONSECRATED TALENTS. " 'The Son of God, in doing good, Was fain to look to heaven and sigh : And shall the heirs of sinful blood Seek joy unmixed in charity ? God will not let love's work impart Full solace, lest it steal the heart ; Be thou content in tears to sow Blessings, like Jesus, in thy woe.' " "Indeed, uncle, I do not seek joy, neither do I expect gratitude, but I do want to know when I am right. Yesterday I found that, in trying to aid a poor family, I had encouraged the father in habits of intemperance, for, now that he does not feel restrained by the neces sity of supporting any one, he gives himself up wholly to this vice. In helping a boy last week, whom I believed too unwell to work, I am said to have rewarded indolence, since he turns out to be only lazy, and not in the least ill." "That is unfortunate," said the Judge; "but do not be discouraged, my dear boy. Your experience is that of every philanthro pist, and must be while misery and vice are so inseparably connected, that, in many cases, you cannot relieve the one without encour- SICKNESS IS SOMETIMES A TALENT. 123 aging the other. Indeed, want is so often the penalty of indolence, that it is a hard ques tion how far it ought to be relieved. I be lieve the best of men, however, agree that immediate suffering must be obviated, what ever its cause; and the most melancholy part of it is, that the victims of vice are often not the persons to blame. The wife of the drunk ard and the children of the wicked share in the evils which they had no part in pro ducing. I am glad that this is your only difficulty, for I thought that, like most young people, you had been chilled by the ingrati tude of those whom you wished to benefit." Keginald smiled. "You are mistaken, uncle; this is by no means my only difficulty. I am perfectly surrounded by perplexities. If I take more interest in one of our poor neighbors than the rest, they are immediately offended, and seem to think nothing of any favors which they have received, because some others have not been granted, to which they imagine that they have a right. As I was riding along, last 124 CONSECRATED TALENTS. week, I heard a man say, ' It was no great things for that young Campbell to be giving a mite here and a rnite there, when his purse was running over with gold. For his part, he never thanked rich people for such trifles, for poor folks had as good a right to them as they had themselves.' I have met several beggars who asked alms in the same spirit, and looked ready to knock me down when I gave them a shilling, because it was not more." " This is indeed trying ; but yet it may keep you in mind of the truth that you are only dispensing what you have received. The poor forget that even the blessings they pos sess are unmerited, and that they have not the slightest claim on that which has been intrusted to another ; but still they think, rightly, that the superfluity of the rich was meant to supply their needs. There must, however, be some instances of a more gen erous spirit to encourage your fainting heart." " Oh ! yes, sir," replied Reginald, with ani mation. "Some of the children who were here at the pic-nic have improved very much SICKNESS IS SOMETIMES A TALENT. 125 at the schools to which Mr. Neville recom mended me to send them, and two or three sick people have got quite well, from having good medical attendance and suitable food ; and one quite old man has reformed, from reading a book which I sent him at aunt Emily's suggestion." "Bravo! and yet you fear that you have done no good ! Why, here are instances enough to keep your heart from fainting for a year to come. And then think how the seed may be germinating in foreign lands, which you have assisted in planting, and whose fruit you may never behold till it is gathered into the great storehouse above." "I hope so, indeed, uncle," replied Eegi- nald, very modestly; "I can get along with this part of my duty better than the rest, because I have so much aid, and not so much use for my private judgment. I know that the Church has every opportunity for ascer taining what missions are most useful, and that it is wrong for any that she has planted to languish for want of support. I, therefore, 126 CONSECRATED TALENTS. place that portion of my income which I have decided to devote to missions, entirely at the disposal of the excellent men who spend so much time, and thought, and prayer, in the promotion of this good work. I am afraid that if I allowed myself to single out any one mission, I should be guided by feeling, and be induced, by an eloquent report, to ex pend on some more favored missionary that which ought to cheer the spirits of one less gifted by nature." "Courage, my boy," exclaimed the Judge, delighted to see with what conscientious in terest his young ward studied his duty. "At your age, you could not have pursued a wiser course; but you must be careful that while the Church acts for you, she does not feel for you. You have neither given up your duty nor your interest in the matter, by placing it in such able hands. You must read with the greatest care all the reports of missionary labor, that you may know for what blessings it is our duty to pray. The possession of wealth does not liberate you from the em- SICKNESS IS SOMETIMES A TALENT. 127 ployment of that other great instrument of usefulness, which every Christian is bound to use unceasingly, in the missionary cause. I mean prayer. He little appreciates his means of usefulness who sets the humble instrumen tality of wealth above that which reverently be it spoken can put in motion Omnipotence itself. " Horace sighed while his father spoke, for he felt conscious that he had considered him- elf almost powerless while he could wield an engine of such resistless force. He silently resolved the less he had to give to benevolent objects, the more fervently to pray that the offerings of others might be blessed. He had not yet learned to appreciate his own endow ments, or he would not have been tempted to envy Eeginald, since he possessed so large a share of that talent to which all others are, in measure, subservient Intellect. 128 CONSECKATED TALENTS. CHAPTER IX. IT was the lovely month of May, and the scenery around Beulah was more beautiful than ever, the whole face of nature being clothed with the rich verdure of spring. Mary had been for some time able to ride out and enjoy the fresh air, which never seemed to her more delightful than now. She almost felt glad that she had been so ill, for returning health had given a relish to pleas ures which before she had scarcely appre ciated. And now she was to go once more to church, and return thanks for the mercy which had preserved her from death. When Mary entered the church, it seemed as if she had never realized before that it was' the house of God. She thought of heathen temples, in which there were some visible idols, of dwelling-places where friends were 129 ready in person to welcome her, or of a place of worship where pictures and images repre sented the indwelling Spirit. But here was an assembly of people gathered together be neath one roof, not to converse with each other, but to hold communion with some Great Being, who was believed to be really present in their very midst. Overwhelmed with the thought, that she had come in the immediate presence of that Creator in whose hands are the issues of life and death, Mary bowed her head in reverence and adoration. The little petition which from her childhood she had said on coming into church, though never before thoughtlessly spoken, was now uttered with deep awe. As a touching voluntary on the organ com menced the services, she felt so overcome with grateful emotion that her eyes filled with tears, and she could hardly help sobbing aloud. It was a relief to join in the Confes sion of sins, for to realize the presence of our Maker is to feel our own un worthiness and need of pardon. And when the words of 130 CONSECRATED TALENTS. Absolution were spoken, promising all forgive ness who asked it in Christ's name, and that prayer was uttered which must be heard by Him who gave it to His disciples, a calm peace succeeded to this tumultuous emotion. Then came the joyful Psalter, and on that day the Psalm was read in which was the appropriate exclamation : "I will offer to Thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord, in the sight of all His people, in the courts of the Lord's house; even in the midst of thee, Jerusalem!'' And what Psalm does not contain expres sions suitable to the pouring out of a pious and thoughtful heart? Celia was so delighted at seeing her friend once more at her side in church, that invol untarily she joined in the anthem of praise that followed the reading of the Psalter. Mary almost started as she heard Celia's fine voice adding to the melody, and as she looked in her face to see what it could mean, she was struck with its altered devotional MAKY'S HAPPY SUNDAY. 131 expression. They had had little time for religious conversation since her recovery, and Celia was always averse to talking of her own deeper feelings. Indeed, she carried her re serve so far, that she often veiled them with an appearance of levity, talking lightly when she felt so seriously. She had never forgotten Mary's remarks with regard to her music, and often wondered since why religious peo ple seemed to think so little of the duty of joining in this part of public worship. After returning from church, Mary said to Celia, "Why! you sing in church now; I am so glad of it, for there are so few people in the congregation that care any thing about music. It would be nice if you would take a Sun day-school class, for there is never any body there to set the tune, and it would help the children so much if they could learn a few hymns that we hear often in the service." "There are limits to all things, Mary," said Celia, with a half-pleased, half-provoked air; "I sang to-day, in church, because I 132 CONSECRATED TALENTS. could not help it, but it does not follow that I must needs keep a singing-school for all the urchins in the parish." "No, it does not follow, necessarily," re plied Mary, with great meekness, "but it will follow, I am almost sure, when you think about it. Mr. Leonard came here, -last week, to know if Eeginald or Horace would not take a class; and he asked if you had been confirmed, and if you would have any objection to teaching three or four little ones. Mother said she thought both the boys and yourself too young to begin teaching others; but Mr. Leonard reasoned with her a great while, to prove that your youth was no ob jection, if you were only better instructed than your scholars, and were earnest in your de sire to benefit them." "I think Mrs. Hastings might have left me to decide this matter for myself," said Celia, proudly; "mamma always let me have the direction of my own affairs, and I do not see why I am never consulted now." "But you were not at home, Celia," said MARY'S HAPPY SUNDAY. 133 Mary, soothingly, "and mother did tell Mr. Leonard that you should judge for yourself in the matter, but she wished to have a long conversation with you previous to asking the question, and she has not had time for this since his visit." "Pray, what did she want to talk to me about?" asked Celia, in the same haughty tone. "I do not know," said Mary; adding, after a pause, "at least I am not sure." "But what do you think?" inquired Celia, impatiently. "I had rather not tell you now," was Mary's decided answer; and she immediately left the room, to avoid all further conversation. Celia laid aside her hat and shawl, and then threw herself in her rocking-chair, taking up her Bible, as was her wont at this hour on Sunday morning, and turning it over without being hardly conscious of what she was doing. She had continued thus musing for nearly half an hour when the door was opened by Mary, who only thrust her head in, saying, 134 CONSECRATED TALENTS. "Here is a note for you, Cclia," and ran down stairs without another word. Celia took up the little billet-doux, which Mary had dropped on the floor, and saw with surprise that it was in the handwriting of the latter. She hastily tore it open, and read with varying emotions the following words: "My own dear, nice, kind Celia, why will you be so ashamed of doing right? You always blush more when found feeling as you ought to do than if you had very naughty thoughts. The reason I could not tell you what mamma wanted to talk about, was be cause I saw you were half provoked at me for noticing that you sang in church, and I was afraid that you would say something that you would afterwards be sorry for. I hope you will think kindly of what I say. "When Mr. Leonard asked mother if you had been confirmed, she said, 'No.' And then he asked how old you were, and mother said, 'Just sixteen.' He next inquired if mother thought you ever considered your duty in this MARY'S HAPPY SUNDAY. 135 respect, and she told him that she had seen a great change in you lately, and she could not but hope that you were trying to fulfil your baptismal vows. He then said there was to be a Confirmation in July, and mother deter mined to talk to you about it. She would not have had this conversation about you before me, but I had returned from my ride very tired, and as I was lying on the sofa she did not like to disturb me. You'll for give me for listening, for I do love you so dearly, and am very anxious to know whether you are not willing to be confirmed. "While I was sick, I thought so often that I should be happier if I had only openly ac knowledged our Saviour before men, and now I do so wish I was old enough' to be con firmed in July; but mother says that as I am not yet fourteen, I had better wait another year. I am to try, though, and act just as if I had been, for you know, whether we acknowledge it or not, we are just as much bound to do it. "I am not preaching to you, dear Celia, 136 CONSECKATED TALENTS. though I think you are beginning to look proud. I am only saying just what's in a heart that is very full of love for you. I have never been able to thank you for all your care of me while I was sick, for I felt something in my throat that almost choked me whenever I began to say any thing about it. But as I lay there, watching you while you would go about putting every thing in the very place where I liked to see it, and arranging the grapes and oranges Eeginald bought for me, so as to make them tempting, I wondered how I could ever repay your kindness. Then I thought that if I was weak myself, I had a very powerful Father, who was able to give you all that was ne cessary for happiness, and so I prayed that He would send His Spirit to make you His own child. To-day, when I saw your face had changed, I felt a sudden hope that God had answered my poor prayers, and, oh ! it made me so happy. "And now tell me, my dear, dear Celia, if you won't be confirmed ! Don't be ashamed PAGE 137. MARY'S HAPPY SUNDAY. 137 of loving Christ; remember how He has said, that those who honor Him He will honor. You need not say a word about it to me when I come in, for I know you hate to talk about any thing that is very near your heart, but only just kiss me, and call me ' Mary dear,' as you do when you are pleased, and I shall feel sure that you are not of fended with "Your loving friend, "MARY." A few moments after the perusal of this note there was a light step on the stairs, and then Mary glided into the room, and, putting her arms around Celia's neck, said, caressingly, "You are not angry with me, are you, darling?" "Angry! no, indeed!" was the reply, as Celia kissed the sweet lips that were raised to hers, and then bending her head over Mary, to conceal the tears that were fast fall ing from her dark eyes, she whispered, "dear Mary, I will think about it, and by and by I will tell you all that I feel." 138 CONSECKATED TALENTS. And what was there in that little note which had so completely subdued her proud heart? The words were simple, but there was something so earnest and affectionate in its tone that it touched all her better feelings. And thus it was often the case, that Mary's frank simplicity achieved that for which others might labor in vain. Providence had given her quick tact and a pleasing manner, which made her a universal favorite even after she had lost the charm of beauty, and thus she was often able to bring others into those paths which to her were ever full of peace. A few days after this conversation Mrs. Hastings announced to the young people that she had a most unexpected pleasure in store for them. "The sweet wife of our pastor, Mrs. Leonard," she said, "called yesterday to see me, and begged that I would bring all the family to pass a day at the rectory. I proposed to take part of you on this occasion, and leave the rest to share another visit, but to this she would not consent, declaring that there was nothing she liked better than to MARY'S HAPPY SUNDAY. 139 see her table surrounded with bright young faces, and that she would, on no account, hear of my leaving her young friends, Eeginald and Horace, at home." "Oh! delightful," exclaimed Mary; "won't it be nice, Celia?" "Yes, very," said Celia, in an absent tone of voice, for she was thinking of the probable chances of being addressed by Mr. Leonard, on the subject of Confirmation. If there was any thing she dreaded, it was to be talked to by a stranger upon such subjects. Mary, however, was too full of delight to notice her cold reply, and went on asking, eagerly, "When are we to go, mother? what day was named?" "Thursday, my dear, as your father cannot give the boys their lessons in mathematics that morning, so they will have more time for their other studies. We are to go in the carriage, about eleven o'clock, and they are to follow on horseback, with your father, about half-past one, so as to arrive in time for dinner." 140 CONSECRATED TALENTS. "That is better yet," said Horace. "I like what I have seen of Mrs. Leonard, but it is rather dull for us boys to go out to spend the whole day. Ladies have their work, but I always feel so foolish hanging round a parlor in the morning, with nothing to do." "You had better carry a stick to whittle,' 7 remarked Celia, mischievously; "or you might take a paper-folder, and one of those huge documents of your father's, the leaves of which he wants cut by some of us this week." "Thank you," said Horace, in the same playful tone; "you might, perhaps, employ me in holding a skein of silk, if you had got through the last one that was wound ; or, if Mrs. Leonard was a notable knitter, there might be those huge knots of yarn to stretch my arms a little, and keep my hands out of mischief." "But, Horace," said Mary, very soberly, "you are not really in earnest in fearing a dull visit at the rectory? I thought you liked to go out with mamma!" MARY'S HAPPY SUNDAY. 141 "And so I do, and with you too, my dear little sister, but one may sometimes feel very awkward with very pleasant people. I was only expressing my satisfaction with the very sensible arrangement which relieves me from all fear of stupidity." "I do not think you would have any thing of that kind to dread," interposed Mrs. Hast ings, "if you went to breakfast. I have re gretted, ever since Mr. Leonard took charge of the parish, that circumstances had prevented us from becoming better acquainted with his family. Mary was just taken sick when they arrived at Berkley, and since that time I have been so occupied that I have had no opportunity for cultivating an intimacy which I am sure would be productive of good to you all." , "Mother, has Mrs. Leonard any children besides those little girls that sit in their pew every Sunday?" "She has one dear little baby, I am told, but I have never seen it during the short calls that I have been able to pay at the 142 CONSECRATED TALENTS. rectory. But it is time for our lessons, so try- now and fix all your thoughts upon them, and then you may learn one or two to make up for your absence to-morrow." Judge Hastings entered at this moment, and commenced an examination in history, as was his custom occasionally, that he might know exactly what progress they were all making under the faithful instructions of his intelli gent lady. BERKLEY PARSONAGE. 143 CHAPTER X. BERKLEY PARSONAGE. THE carriage had hardly stopped at the gate of the parsonage when its hospitable door was thrown open, and Mrs. Leonard ap peared to welcome her guests. "How much better she looks without a hat," whispered Mary to Celia while her mother was alighting, assisted by the cour teous rector himself. Mrs. Leonard was, indeed, a most attractive- looking person, and the affections of all young people were at once enlisted in her favor. Though she was commanding in size, there was nothing in her appearance to create awe, for her dark eyes were bright with intellect and feeling, and her sunny smile reached the in most recesses of every heart. Every child that she met in the street went on its way cheered by her cordial greeting, and the sick and the 144 CONSECRATED TALENTS. afflicted longed for her visits, as for the dawn of day. A life of prosperity had not hardened her heart, but, on the contrary, she seemed to feel that it was her especial duty to relieve those sufferings which in mercy she had been spared, and to diffuse the happiness that often had its source in her bright, elastic tempera ment, as well as the manifold blessings which had fallen to her lot. "Oh, what a charming little library 1" ex claimed Mary, as she examined the contents of a little book-case which stood in the corner of the pleasant parlor, while Mrs. Hastings paid a visit to the nursery. "I declare I should like to read every one of those books ; and only look here is the very collection of poetry father said he would order from En gland for us." " These are quite readable books," remarked Celia, as her eyes ran over the various titles; "but it seems to me they must have been at an auction, for there is not a single set which is not broken. They must have been bought at an auction, and that accounts for being BERKLEY PARSONAGE. 145 such a variety ; for poor clergymen don't gen erally treat themselves to so much miscella neous reading." "Oh fie, Celia! What a funny way you have of talking! as if Mr. Leonard had no more sense than to go and bid off odd volumes at auction. Besides, he is not a poor clergy man, though he would be worthy of as much honor if he were, for it would only be the fault of the people he preached to, and not his own. I heard father telling mother that Mr. Leonard had property of his own, with which he did a great deal of good." "Yes, to himself, no doubt," said Celia, laughing, "in buying this nice library, for instance." "What selfish people you must have asso ciated with when you were little !" remarked Mary, who could not bear the slightest hint that any clergyman was not all he should be. "I know why Mr. Leonard bought such nice books, and why there are so many odd volumes. Didn't you see a little pale boy come up the step just as we were entering 146 CONSECRATED TALENTS. with a large pile of books in his hand? I heard Mrs. Leonard say to him as we were laying off our things in the hall, 'Have you read them all through, Charlie? Well, you must have a great appetite for reading. Eun in the parlor and choose some more for your self, and one or two for your sister, and come again when you want some more. By the time you have got through what we have now, there will be a new supply.' "And then I saw her slip a gold dollar into his hand, and say, 'Stop at the store, * Charlie, and choose a nice little blanket-shawl for Molly to wear to church. I meant to have done it myself; but I have company to-day, and cannot go out.' " "What dreadful eyes and ears you have got, Mary !" said Celia, playfully. " I declare when I have a house I shall not let such a little spy as you are come within the door." "But you know," said Mary, blushing, "that I only tell the good I see, and I do not even mention that, excepting where I can do jus tice to some body that is not appreciated." BERKLEY PARSONAGE. 147 " Yes, or persuade me that these books were not bought at auction, which you were a little simpleton to think I really believed. You are an innocent little darling." Mary was right in believing that the library at the parsonage, like all its other luxuries, was bought as a means of usefulness. There was not a Sunday-school scholar, nor a sick old woman in the parish, who were not in the habit of sending thither whenever they wanted a book, and there were many of the thought less parishioners whose hearts were reached by means of works which conveyed through pleasing incidents the truths to which they would not have listened in any other form. "This is the only daughter I have at home," said Mrs. Leonard, as she entered with her baby in her arms. "Let me introduce you to Miss Lizzie Leonard. She must do the honors of the house till her sister's return from school. She can only say two words, 4 pretty' and 'good,' but by putting these in right you may get up a conversation." "Dear little thing!" cried Mary, who was 148 CONSECRATED TALENTS. devoted to babies, as she ran to kiss the black-eyed little girl, who was laughing and crowing in all the delight of infancy. "Are you not the dearest, sweetest little baby that ever was ?" "Goody," lisped out little Lizzie, with a great deal of fuss and delight at her own achievement. "She wants to tell you, Mary," said Mrs. Leonard pleasantly, "that she considers her self as good as she is pretty. It is very true that we cannot say much for her humility." "I am afraid Celia don't take much to ba bies, so I must get the piano to talk to her. I never liked them myself when I was young. Will you play a little for me, dear? There are some of Helen's pieces, which are quite simple, for, you know, she is only a beginner; but I should like to hear how they ought to be played." Celia sometimes made a fuss before she would condescend to exert her musical talent, but she had seen enough to know that a lady of such frank, unpretending manners would BEKKLEY PARSONAGE. 149 despise all affectation; so she seated herself at the piano at once, and played Helen's pieces one after the other in the most masterly manner. "Is it possible that you can play so well? I had no idea of it. There has a famous plan come into my head, which I will tell you. if you will excuse me a few moments." So saying, she ran and knocked at her husband's study door, eager, it was evident, to impart to him her new idea. That dear study ! To how many such com munications had it listened, and to what gen erous, self-sacrificing plans for the good of others and the diffusion of happiness ! Many a little plot had there been laid for accom plishing some benevolent end; and if Mrs. Leonard were the most conspicuous in carry ing them out, it was to the calmer judgment of the rector that they owed much of their success. "Now, Miss Celia, I am going to make a direct attack upon you," said Mrs. Leonard, in a very animated tone ; u so prepare to 150 CONSECRATED TALENTS. defend yourself, or rather to surrender at dis cretion. We are in want of an organist, and can procure no one for the salary that the church is able to give that can perform half as well as yourself. I am educating my little Helen for the place, but she is only nine years old, and will not be able for s0me time to master such an instrument. Now, won't you have pity upon our poor organ and draw some good music out of it? I declare no body has ever played on it, since we have been here, well enough to draw out half of its power." Mrs. Leonard had hit upon just the right way to manage Celia, for if any body wanted her to do any thing, they must come right out with it, for the least attempt at insinua tion set her directly in the opposition. "I would like to oblige you," she replied with uncommon politeness ; " but I know no thing of the organ, and my teacher does not give me lessons at present." "But practice is all that you need, and Helen's music-master would go over to the BERKLEY PARSONAGE. 151 church with you any day, and tell you about the stops and pedals," persisted Mrs. Leonard. " Come, it is only twelve now, and the Judge will not be here for an hour. What do you say, Mrs. Hastings, to going over to the church right off, to try what can be done ?" Mrs. Leonard saw that Celia must be taken by storm while she was in a compliant mood, and had discernment enough to perceive that she would never give up any thing that she had thus undertaken, however much she might afterwards regret her hasty acquiescence in a proposed arrangement. The church key was obtained from the study, and Mrs. Leonard led the guests through the beautiful grounds of the parsonage to the little gate which separated them from the church. Mrs. Hastings paused to admire the beautiful roses and luxuriant vines, which in one season had grown so rapidly, and the ex treme neatness of the little grass borders sur rounding the flower-beds, which were clipped every morning by the active lady of the mansion's own hands, when she went out to 152 CONSECRATED TALENTS. gather the bouquets that ornamented her taste ful dwelling. As the party entered the church-yard they stepped more lightly, and their animated man ner changed insensibly to one more befitting a place set apart to such holy uses. The massive church door was unlocked in silence, and not a word was spoken as, passing through the body of the building, they ascend ed the stairs leading to the organ. Almost in a whisper Mrs. Leonard un locked the -fine instrument, and then placed herself behind it to blow the bellows, while Celia looked over the music-book for some tune with which she was acquainted and to read the directions for managing the stops. As her fingers fell accidentally on the keys, a deep sound reverberated through the empty church, and a strange solemnity seized her excitable mind. From the inanimate instrument before her she was to draw forth sounds of praise to Him who had gifted man with the skill to elicit from created matter a voice of melody. BERKLEY PARSONAGE. 153 What was music? Again her fingers ran over the chords, as if to ascertain whence pro ceeded that strange sound, and again -.she almost shuddered as the clear, full notes swelled on the air. There was adoration in the very tones, and she felt that such an instrument should only be devoted to the holiest of purposes. Was there no lesson to be learned from this conviction? Her own deep, powerful voice could not only utter sounds of melodv, but words of praise ; and yet how frivolously had it hitherto been employed! Celia turned to the Te Deum, and with a reverend awe, which she had never before experienced, sang the opening words : " We praise Thee, God ; we acknowledge Thee to be the Lord. All the earth doth worship Thee, the Father ever lasting." Yes, she would consecrate her musical talent henceforth to the praise of God; and, more than this, she would publicly devote herself to His service. She did not now fear that Mr. Leonard would ask her about Confirma- 154 CONSECKATED TALENTS. tion; but, on the contrary, determined to so licit an interview with him herself that very day, and ask how she could best prepare her self for receiving that holy rite. To any. one unacquainted with the power of music, this may seem strange; but Celia had been, from her birth, most peculiarly sus ceptible to its influence. She was, moreover, on this particular day, peculiarly alive to all good impressions, and there was something in the whole air of the parsonage which had made her insensibly feel that its inmates were all consecrated to their Maker. Mrs. Hastings, who had remained with Mary in the room adjoining the organ while Celia was making these experiments, saw by the countenance of her young friend that pow erful emotions were at work in her soul. She put her arm kindly within her own as they went out of the church door and walked silently back to the parsonage. She then en gaged Mrs. Leonard in conversation while Mary amused herself with the baby, and thus left her alone to pursue a train of reflections BERKLEY PARSONAGE. 155 which, she was convinced, were of a profita ble nature. Celia quietly withdrew to a window where she stood looking towards the church, in wardly praying that she might have strength to carry out the resolution which had there been formed. Judge Hastings arrived just before the din ner-bell rang, apologizing for his tardiness on account of an unexpected engagement. Mr. Leonard was struck with the fine, intelligent countenances of the two boys, and equally so with their manly bearing. It is a ridiculous idea that refinement and principle are apt to make boys effeminate, for nothing is so well calculated to give them that independence of thought and action which always stamps itself upon their whole manner and appearance. Horace and Reginald were not, at first, as much pleased with their quiet, reserved host as with his more affable wife. It is true that the few remarks he made to them were kind and to the point, but duties of hospitality had evidently called him from those of a higher 156 CONSECRATED TALENTS. nature, from which he did not find it easy to abstract his mind. As the dinner-hour wore on, he became, however, more social, and at length became much interested in a discussion with the Judge in regard to some matters of vital importance to the Church's welfare. Horace, who had that quickness of percep tion which generally accompanies genius, con cluded at once that the manner which had at first inspired him with something like awe, did not arise from any deficiency in benevo lence, but was the result of natural reserve added to a deep and ever-present conviction of the solemn responsibility of his office. He might not, as a man, be as agreeable on this account; but, as a minister, it added much to his influence. Celia, who was particularly alive to any thing like levity in a clergyman, and quick to note inconsistency, was much impressed with the dignified demeanor of the, new rector, and felt strengthened in her deter mination of applying to him for counsel and guidance. In his most unguarded moments there was nothing passed his lips which would BERKLEY PAKSONAGE. 157 make religious conversation immediately after wards seem out of place ; but, on the con trary, there was just enough of familiarity in his social demeanor to encourage confidence in applying for pastoral counsel and aid. He never forgot his clerical office, and therefore he always met, in return, with consideration and respect. As soon as dinner was over, Judge Hastings was obliged to excuse himself for a few hours, and Mr. Leonard, after remaining a few mo ments in the parlor with the ladies, withdrew also to his study. Reginald looked at Horace, as much as to say, "Now comes the tug of war;" but the fear of being awkwardly situated was in an instant quieted by Mrs. Leonard saying, in her peculiarly lively way, "Now, boys, I am going to set you to work. Do you see that great pile of books in the corner, and the big basket beside them? They are new volumes for the Sunday-school, which are to be covered, and then they are to have the name of the church and the number pasted inside. I am 158 CONSECRATED TALENTS. going to invite the young ladies to do the covering with some cambric that they will find in the basket, while you are writing the cards ready to be pasted in, and then you will find a bottle of gum-water in that same huge receptacle. Mrs. Leonard understood that one secret of putting people at ease was to give them em ployment. Celia and Mary drew up to the centre-table, and commenced cutting out the covers for the books, while Horace and Begi- nald tried the pens in the open desk which Mrs. Leonard laid before them. An hour passed away in this pleasant em ployment, and the young people were so busy with their work that they forgot that there were any older ones in the room, and con versed in the most unrestrained manner about the volumes on which they were employed. Celia, it is true, did not say as much as usual ; but Horace was very animated, for books were his perfect delight ; and as for Mary, occasionally she would get every little while so interested in looking into some new one she BERKLEY PARSONAGE. 159 had never seen before, that she had to be re minded that her present business was only with its outside. The last volume was only just finished when Celia rose from the table with a determined air, and, approaching Mrs. Leonard, said quite firmly, "Is Mr. Leonard occupied? I should like to see him for a little while." Mrs. Hastings looked up in some surprise at this request; but Mrs. Leonard answered, as if it were quite a thing of course, "Certainly, dear, he will be at leisure to see you. Come with me to his study, where he likes best to receive his friends." Before Celia had time to be alarmed, she found herself sitting on the comfortable couch in the rector's study, and talking with that gentleman himself in the most confiding man ner. He had divined the object of her visit, and gently led the way to the subject, encour aging her she could hardly tell how, for he did not say much himself to tell him the rise and progress of that struggle with the powers of evil which had been taking place in her 160 CONSECKATED TALENTS. mind ever since her arrival at Beulah. After this full statement of her feelings, Mr. Leonard gave it as his opinion that she should present herself for Confirmation, but still left it for her to decide the question by self-examina tion and prayer, sure that the result would be a decision in the affirmative. The inter view was terminated with a cordial shake of the hand, and so fervent a u God bless you," that it seemed to sink into the depths of Celia's soul, and was afterwards remembered by her as if it had been a benediction from heaven itself. When she returned, somewhat embarrassed, to the drawing-room, she found it deserted, for Mrs. Leonard had an instinctive tact in rendering others comfortable, and felt that, after such an interview, the young girl would need some time to compose her agitated mind. She therefore invited Mrs. Hastings and Mary to accompany her in a visit to a sick parish ioner, despatching Keginald and Horace, with the same freedom as if they had been her own sons, to the railroad in search of a package BERKLEY PARSONAGE. 161 of Sunday-school books which had been ex pected in the morning. When the party returned, Celia was reading a little work recommended by Mr. Leonard, which she had found in the book-case, and the afternoon passed away without any allu sion to the cause of her seeking an inter view with the rector. When once again assembled at Beulah, after a pleasant ride home, Judge Hastings found it absolutely necessary to check the enthusias tic admiration of the young people for the family at the parsonage. "You cannot admire too much," he said, "the principles which actuate our excellent pastor and his agreeable wife ; but you bestow stronger praise on them both than it is right to lavish on mere mortals. They are both fallible; and, as perfect as they appear to you, in the sight of God they are weak and sinful beings, tempted, erring, and repenting as you yourselves must ever be. Love them as much as you will, my dear children, but there is a kind of way of speaking which 14* 162 CONSECKATED TALENTS. should be only used towards Him who is per fection." "But, father, may we not say it is good to be there?" asked Mary timidly. "I am sure I never felt so strongly the happiness that religion can bestow, though at home I have daily proof of its power." "Certainly, my child, you may attribute as much power to the spirit 'which actuates our kind friends as you please, for that is a sub ject on which there is no danger of extrava gance. I am glad, too, that you feel the influence of their society, for hospitality is with them a never-failing source of usefulness. I hardly believe that Mr. Leonard's preaching has done more good than the example set by his family to the many friends who have been welcomed to their roof. Some who have sad homes have spent the brightest hours of their life in his dwelling ; and many a gay relation who had never before been brought under the daily influence of practical godli ness, has been thus won to think of those things which are so lovely and of such good BERKLEY PARSONAGE. 163 report. God grant that their light may long continue to shine. Our talents are great, and, if rightly used, they will shine as the stars in the firmament for ever and ever." 164 CONSECRATED TALENTS. CHAPTER XL THE INVALUABLE NURSE. "WHAT will mamma say?" thought Celia, as she sat, alone in her room, reflecting upon the conversation which had taken place the day before at the rectory. She could not but think that it would be a trial to her worldly-minded parent to learn that the daughter who had been educated with the sole purpose of shining in society was, of her own accord, renouncing all the sinful pomps and vanities for which she had (from infancy) cultivated a taste. Her meditations were interrupted by hear ing her name called in a loud voice, and looking out of the window she saw Horace on horseback with a letter in his hand. "Come down quick. Celia," he cried, "for I am in a hurry, and here's a letter from your mo ther, which I have ridden post-haste to deliver." PAGE 164. THE INVALUABLE NURSE. 165 Celia needed to hear no more, but flew down stairs and almost snatched the letter from Horace's hand, and with a hasty "thank you," flew upstairs back into her own apart ment. Why, after reaching its seclusion, did she pause as she was about to break the seal, while half-formed words like a prayer rose to her lips? The memory of the last letter received from the same hand flashed across her mind, with its lively account of gay fes tivities and its minute descriptions of scenes which it pained Celia to imagine. What happiness could she now expect from a simi lar disclosure of worldliness and folly? With a cheek flushed with these changing emotions Celia broke open the seal. The first words she read filled her mind with as tonishment and wonder, so entirely did they differ from any thing she had before seen from her mother's hand. "My dear daughter," began Mrs. Kogers, "I feel that I am utterly unworthy to claim 166 CONSECRATED TALENTS. as a child one whom I have treated with such shameful neglect. I shudder when I think that I have brought into the world an im mortal being, dedicated her to her Maker, and then done all in my power to make her forget His laws and will. "You will be surprised, Celia, at my writing thus, but I am like one rescued from sudden destruction. For the instrument, which by the grace of God has effected this change, I am indebted to Mrs. Hastings. Do you re member that she insisted on my taking a very nice sempstress of her own, named Mary, for my nurse, when I had sought in vain for some suitable person to fill that station. I remonstrated at the time against her making such a sacrifice, but she declared that it was most necessary that while an invalid and in a foreign land I should have some one about me in whom I could place implicit confidence, but that it mattered much less what person filled the place which Mary occupied in her family. " From the first moment that I saw this THE INVALUABLE NURSE. 167 woman, there was something in her manner which pleased and at the same time annoyed me. She was never wanting in deference or at all presuming, but manifested at the same time such perfect self-respect, that I felt as if whenever I found fault with her I was inju ring myself. On board the steamer she attract ed the attention, not only of our own party, but of strangers, by her obliging ways and extreme efficiency and self-command during a storm which overtook us when near the En glish coast. She never neglected me for an instant, but often found time for paying little attentions to others, in the quiet manner of one discharging their bounden duty, for which they neither asked thanks nor reward. I ob served that she frequently took out a little volume from her pocket and read for a few minutes, and then put it back with the satis fied air of one who rises from a refreshing meal, and I also observed that her language and habits were much more refined than those of her station in general. I began to wonder why she did not feel ashamed of her position, 168 CONSECRATED TALENTS. and at last my curiosity to know the secret of her perfect contentment became so great, that I asked her one day if she never felt mortified at being in so humble a situation. "The expression of her reserved face told me at once that she perceived the rudeness of my remark, but she answered very com posedly, 'Oh, no! not in the least; I am happier than those who possess what are con sidered greater advantages.' "'That may be,' I said, but added, .'but for all that it must sometimes seem hard for a person of your intelligence to perform only the most menial omces, and feel that we were always looked down upon by those around us.' "'It would be hard to have such feelings/ she replied, with a quiet smile; 'but, happily, I have none of them. Since my divine Mas ter chose for Himself while on earth a hum ble position, it would be strange if I were to murmur at being placed in a similar one. He came in the form of a servant, and while I have daily access to the King of kings, I THE INVALUABLE NUKSE. 169 cannot consider it a hardship if there are those of my fellow-mortals placed in positions which, if they have greater privileges, have also greater temptations.' " * What insufferable pride !' I exclaimed to myself, quite incapable at that time of under standing that a just appreciation of ourselves may be quite consistent with Christian hu mility. I did not go on with the conversation, but often afterwards imagined that there was more of pity than envy in the glance with which my peculiar nurse surveyed some of my most fashionable visitors. I was also un able to account for the perfect indifference with which Mary surveyed all the beautiful purchases that I made in London and Paris. Superb jewelry, rich dresses, and elegant fur niture never drew forth from her one expres sion of admiration. I saw that her indifference to these things was real, from her never putting on two or three pretty little articles of finery which were given her by the ladies of our travelling party. She seemed only to ac cept them to avoid giving offence, and in one 15 170 CONSECBATED TALENTS. instance exchanged quite a valuable brooch at a jeweller's for a small sum of money, which she gave to some mendicants who were per petually calling on me for aid. Irritated as rny pride certainly was at having a person constantly with me to whom I seemed to be more an object of pity than admiration, Mary was too invaluable a nurse to be renounced on this account, and every day I found myself becoming more dependent on her services. "The only privilege on which she insisted, was attendance on public worship while in Paris, and freedom on the Sabbath from all unnecessary labor. This was at first difficult for me to grant, as I had more company on that day than others; but as she was inflexi ble, I had to comply with the only condition on which I could retain her valuable services. "About four weeks since my illness sud denly increased to an alarming extent. My physician forbade my seeing any one but Mary, and gave her the most minute directions for the treatment of my singular disorder, which had rendered me exceedingly nervous THE INVALUABLE NUKSE. 171 and melancholy. Nothing could induce her to deviate from these directions, and some of my friends were quite outraged because that no persuasions or inducements could prevail upon her to allow them to enter my apart ment. Thus shut up to her sole companion ship, I began to study more minutely than ever the singularity which had before at tracted my attention. On Sunday evening, being more restless than usual, and weary of my own faults, I asked Mary to read to me the third volume of a French novel, which I had commenced some time before, as she has already acquired such a knowledge of the language as to be quite intelligible. As she had finished the two preceding volumes with out hesitation, I could not at first account for the reluctance she seemed to feel in comply ing with my request, for I had forgotten what day it was, as there was nothing to mark the weeks in my present unvarying life. 'She did not pointedly refuse, but said, in a tone of kindness, 'I have a book here which, though it might not amuse you as 172 CONSECKATED TALENTS. much, madam, as the other may, will do more towards quieting your mind.' "'Pray, what is it?' said I, rising in bed, for I had always been curious to know to v what sort of literature Mary owed her intelli gence. '"It is an old book,' she answered, 'called "Baxter's Saints' Best," you no doubt have often heard of it.' "'Yes, yes,' I said, sinking back into a state of indifference; 'read it if you like. The title, "Best," is rather soothing, and if you will read in a monotonous tone, perhaps I may fall asleep.' "So saying, I closed my eyes, and Mary opened to the chapter upon the 'Excellencies of the Saints' Best.' I cannot describe the manner of her reading, so full was it of en thusiastic feeling. I could have fancied that she had received a letter from some dear friend with whom she wished to make me acquainted, from the warmth and earnestness with which she pronounced some of the more impressive sentences, and the anxious glances THE INVALUABLE NURSE. 173 she cast towards me, to see if I were still awake. "As she read, some chord in memory was touched, and vibrated long to the stroke. My grandmother, one of the excellent of the earth, rose before me, seated in a low, cushioned chair, with a large volume on her lap, from which she was reading through her spectacles, taking them off occasionally to wipe her eyes, which filled with tears of glad anticipation. That was her favorite book! I remembered it now. And where was that saint? She had entered into that rest which remaineth for the people of God. The time since I stood by her death-bed seemed but a day, and yet it was twenty years. "And in twenty years more, I asked, where shall I be? Shall I have entered into that rest? Again I listened to Mary's reading, and the land that she described seemed to me a haven of bliss; but then came the torturing thought of my utter unfit- ness for such a state. " ' For whom,' I asked, in a sleepy tone, 15* 174 CONSECRATED TALENTS. affecting a drowsiness which I did not feel, /is that place intended, of which you are reading ?' "Mary turned in silence to the chapter giving the l Character of those for whom that rest was prepared.' "I heard her to the end, and then said, hastily, 'Leave me, now; I have had enough. 7 And then I was alone with my awakened con science, and all my sins and offences against God arrayed before me. " I will not describe to you, my dear Celia, the night that followed. May you never lay up for yourself, by years of thoughtlessness, such agony! It is over now, and, blessed be God, I have a hope that for me also there remaineth a rest. But think not, my beloved daughter, that late repentance can undo the work of years. The thought of my neglect ed duty of you is like a dagger in my heart. One of the best things which I have ever done for the good of your soul, was placing you in your present residence; but how can I hope that so short a time spent THE INVALUABLE NURSE. 175 with Christian people will counteract the in fluence and example of years? "I remember, too, with pain, that from your childhood your besetting sin has been that pride which is the greatest enemy of God in the soul. Oh ! how I prayed that I might not be punished, by finding you still farther off from peace and happiness on my return. If you love me, Celia, spare me the bitterest of pangs that of self-reproach. And now, in your youth, struggle with this stubborn fault. Humbly solicit the aid of your heavenly Father, in returning to Him, and listen atten tively to the teachings of your kind friends. Oh! if you only knew how hard it is, when old, to conquer the simple habits of a life time, in youth you would listen to the voice of truth. I can say no more. Eead to Mrs. Hast ings what I have said, and tell her with how invaluable a friend she provided me in my faithful nurse. She will hardly believe that at first I resisted her influence from a fear of owing to a servant impressions which would have been more congenial to my nature to 176 CONSECRATED TALENTS. have received from some gifted and eminent divine. But that is all over now. As my plain-looking nurse moves about my room, I look upon her with more respect than I ever before bestowed upon mortal. She might well think her situation no disgrace, for she has used its advantages in the service of her Lord, and given to me a more convincing proof of the indifference to the world, which ought to distinguish all Christian people, than all with whom I have ever before met. I can never repay her, for she cares not for any gifts that are mine, and all that is worth possessing she already enjoys. And now, farewell, my child, till we meet. I feel that I must be with you as long as my days are spared, to undo, if possible, the evil that I have done. God forgive me, and bless you, my only child. "Your affectionate, "Though erring mother, "HELEN EOGERS." Poor Celia! how she wept as she read this penitent epistle ! The last stronghold of pride THE INVALUABLE NUESE. 177 was subdued, and she gave up her whole heart to her gracious Saviour, who had thus removed the great obstacle which would have obstructed her Christian course. " Oh ! if she could only return in time for Confirmation," was the present wish of her heart. Mrs. Rogers did return just in season to present herself at the chancel, with her daugh ter, to receive this solemn rite. Oh ! what a holy bond was there formed between mother and child, and what strength was added to the early friendship of Mrs. Hastings by this new tie ! As Celia's fine voice was heard that day in the Confirmation hymn, there was that feel ing in its tone which was more acceptable worship than the sweetest melody. And when, on the ensuing Sunday, she drew forth from the organ its richest music, no love of display mingled with her devotion. She felt that it was a glorious privilege to surrender every faculty to Him who, for her sake, veiled the glory of Godhead in the form of humanity. It was also peculiarly observable, that as 178 CONSECRATED TALENTS. they walked down the aisle after the Com munion-service had concluded, both Mrs. Eogers and her daughter sought out the most humble of their acquaintances, and saluted them with a cordiality which showed that they felt no worldly position gave superiority in the house of God, where all were equally the servants of one gracious Lord. "I believe Miss Eogers is a real Christian now," said one of these persons, who judge of religion by the manner which its profess ors adopt towards themselves. "Did you see how kindly she shook hands with me?" This, it is true, is not a fair rule of judg ment; but with those in inferior stations, there is no such proof of Christian sincerity as Christian courtesy and humility. RESULTS. 179 CHAPTER XII. RESULTS. Six years had passed since the circum stances narrated in the last chapter, and still the little circle at Beulah was unbroken. It is true that Mrs. Eogers had removed to a cottage in the neighborhood, but the two families were so closely united that they seemed but one. Now all were absorbed in an event of intense interest. This was no other than the embarkation of Horace Hast ings and Frederick Casey on a mission to a foreign land. From the morning on which Horace had imparted to Mr. Neville his desire to be pre pared for the clerical office, he had never varied in his determination to consecrate him self to that sacred profession. Every study had been pursued with a view to that end, and it was astonishing how much this single 180 CONSECRATED TALENTS. purpose had improved and perfected his nat ural gifts. When Mrs. Hastings heard that her son had determined to become a foreign mission ary, the brightest anticipation of her heart was fulfilled. She had always felt that his remarkable facility in acquiring languages, his untiring zeal in overcoming obstacles, his un common power in winning affection, and, more than all, his lofty and ardent piety, peculiarly fitted him for eminent success in missionary labors. She had viewed all these accomplish ments as the pious Jew of old might have looked upon the spotlessness of the lamb which he was about to offer in sacrifice, for they made him meet to be presented at the altar a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto the Lord. Oh! how can any Christian parent feel otherwise than joyful at having given to the Church another reaper for that harvest whose whiteness calls aloud for additional aid. It would seem as if each murmuring thought would be stilled by that terrible sentence, RESULTS. 181 that "he that loveth son or daughter more than Me, is not worthy of Me." There was one other person who shared in the holy delight with which Judge Hastings and his wife looked forward to the ordination of their son. This was Mr. Malcolm, who, in parting from Frederick Casey, felt that he too was giving up one who seemed like his own child, at the call of a heavenly Father. The tie had long since been broken which Frederick had thought, in his earlier years, would prevent him from telling the desolate children of heathen lands of the orphan's God. Little Charlotte gladdened for a while the dwelling of her benefactor by her gentle en dearments, and then she too was transplanted to an everlasting home. Frederick gazed with cheerful composure upon the sweet little face, as it lay in its final resting-place, and thought as he kissed for the last time the pale lips of his only relative, that he was glad that she was safe in the bosom of her Saviour. Though now no playful voice welcomed him on his return from the labors of the day, 182 CONSECRATED TALENTS. and the little crib was empty, which at his own request was placed in his room at Mr. Malcolm's, there was still no despondency in his manner or heart. He knew his little sis ter was not his own, and he only thanked God that she had lived long enough after his mother's death to prevent him from sinking into discouragement and despair. He request ed that the vacant crib might remain in its accustomed place, and he used to kneel beside it, as he formerly did when his little sister was sweetly sleeping there, asking only such temporal blessings as were best for his soul's health, and concluding even his petitions for these with a fervent " Thy will be done." Eeginald could not at first reconcile him self to the idea of his beloved cousin's depart ure. They had been so long inseparable that he would not imagine their living apart. Of late years he had found Horace's counsel and advice of great assistance in the management and disposal of his property, and together they had planned and executed many excel lent schemes of benevolence. The account- RESULTS. 183 book, which he had received on his sixteenth birth-day, had given him a lesson which he had never forgotten; and there might still be seen in his apartment each year one of the same kind, in which were registered many such expenditures of unrighteous mammon as could win for him friends in an everlasting habitation. The last entry was an investment of several thousands of dollars in a church building which was erecting on the spot that was to be the scene of the future labors of his cousin. For a long time Eeginald had been per plexed with a doubt whether it were not his duty to aid personally in so good a work ; but, on consulting his friend, Mr. Neville, that gentleman was decidedly of the opinion that his sphere of usefulness was the very one in which he was liow placed. His mind, though clear and strong, was not quick, and he had little skill in imparting knowledge. After several years of Sunday-school instruc tion, he came to the conclusion that the classification of teaching among those peculiar 184 CONSECRATED TALENTS. gifts which were only possessed by more fa vored individuals, was founded on a deep knowledge of our nature and its capabilities. He therefore decided to let his cousin Horace exercise his peculiar talents in the vocation for which he seemed so exactly adapted, and for himself, still to adopt for his motto, "He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity ; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.' 7 There was one fact which reconciled Kegi- nald entirely to remaining in his native coun try, and this was the attachment of which he now felt conscious to our young friend, Celia Eogers. He looked forward to the day when their united efforts should be the means of extensive usefulness. Nor was he too san guine in his expectations, for Christians who view even the marriage relation as only an instrument for more fully discharging their holiest duty, may promise themselves much happiness even in this world of sorrow. Mary had no scheme of earthly bliss float ing through her mind, and turning away her thoughts from their beloved resting-place. To RESULTS. 185 supply to her parents the place of her dear Horace as far as lay in her power, and to continue to diffuse joy around her by her sweet manners, calm cheerfulness, and warm piety, was a sufficient occupation to keep her mind from revelling in imaginary scenes of happiness. Yet it was not without a severe struggle that she prepared to say "farewell" to that brother who had been her strongest temptation to woman's most besetting sin idolatry of that which is merely human. The day appointed for the sailing of the Peace had arrived, for in this identical vessel Horace and Frederick were to sail for the home of their adoption. The supercargo of this vessel was no other than Ealph Sumer- ville, who had been as much influenced for good by Frederick's example as the kind forbearance and fatherly counsels of Mr. Mal colm. As Mrs. Hastings heard her son utter his solemn ordination vows, her heart throbbed with happiness and thanksgiving. What was it for her that if for a few years she should 16* 186 CONSECKATED TALENTS. see his face no more, if she might hope to behold it encircled with a diadem of brightness in the dwellings of celestial peace ! And when she heard Mary's voice joining calmly in the prayers which were repeated, she felt that her mission as a Christian mother had been in part fulfilled. She had given to the Church two members to assist in carrying on its warfare with the world, the flesh, and the devil, and they were going forth to conquer under the banner of their Lord. And what have we, who have been called by the same holy name, accomplished in this our mission? By example or by precept, by zeal or by meekness, have we yet won a sin gle soul to shine as a jewel in our immortal crown? By fightings within and wars with out, has one stronghold of Satan fallen, one enemy been subdued? And have we, who were bought with a price, ever entirely recog nized our consecration of soul and body to our Master's service? Where are our talents? At interest, or buried to a depth from which they will only RESULTS. 187 be disinterred to our everlasting shame and confusion ? Wo to the members of Jikato* portion of Christ's holy Church, so holy in spirit and so abounding in precious privileges, as ours is, if they accomplish not the end for which these privileges were given ! " Unto whom soever much is given, of him shall be much required." THE END.