In reason's ear they all rejoice, "The hand that made them is divine." Ah, said Charles, this is as it should be. Some holy souls are excited by the glorious handy-work of their God to join the chorus of the praises of the skies! O, I could linger here! How sweet to hear the heart attuned to God! -We remained until all again was silent -but the heavens; and then moving on, I said, as we entered our abode, The strains of the kingdom of Glory never cease; there is no night there, and no weariness-Worship is everlasting enjoyment, and Praise is eternal Rest! CHAPTER IV. NOTWITHSTANDING the close of our eventful day had been so sweetly soothing, I passed a most disturbed night. The visions of heavenly praise and peace were frequent, but they were often chased away by the apparent sound of the perturbed spirit of blasphemy, and thus I was kept in a constant agitation between holy rapture and awful dismay. But it was not an unprofitable exercise for my soul. In my slumberings on my bed, I seemed to have been forming a comparative estimate of the guilt of the one and of the sanctity of the other, so that to use Elihu's sentiment, it was as if God by his voice had sealed my instruction. It was, therefore, natural, that in the morning, one of my earliest engagements should be to visit the wretched waggoner, and enquire after his state, intending to return in time for my friend's breakfast hour. By a little enquiry I soon found out his abode, which was a wretched looking place, from the ruinous condition into which it had fallen. By a string outside the door, I lifted the wooden latch, and, none hindering, entered. By the fireside sat a woman of a large and masculine stature. She had thrown her head back on her chair, and was fast asleep. I concluded she was either the wife, or a nurse who had been watching all night, and overcome by fatigue, had dropt asleep for a few minutes. With this idea, I was unwilling to awake her, and fearing my step should alarm her suddenly, drew back, and gently closed. the door again. My precaution, however, did not avail; she heard the movement, and hastily coming to the door, made this imperative enquiry-Who the devil's there? The language made me shrink, and in a moment told me a tale of direful import. She looked somewhat abashed on seeing a gentleman, and, in a tone a little softened, she said, What did you please to want, Sir? Asking her to excuse the unintentional interruption, I told her my errand was to see the poor man who was so hurt, and who I suppose is your husband. That's true, she replied, we've been wed these nine years, and a pretty ends come on't at last. As I wished to learn a little of the character of these people, I made no observation which might seem to prevent her free communication. We shall be out of bread long enough now, if it may be he ever mends. I've listened to nought but groans all night, and was wearied out when you came to the door, sir. I am sorry I awoke you out of a sleep which might have refreshed you. O that's nought. It's that cursed lock won't hold the door. Why do you call it a cursed lock. Why I don't know, its a way I've got when things anger me. Let me tell you its a bad way. A scowl of black shade came over her face, as her eye flashed an instant resentment, though she evidently did not wish it to be seen. Can you let me see your husband? Why yes, if you've a mind, sir; but we ha'nt a chamber fit for you to come in. It is not the chamber, but your husband I want to see. Why then, if you'll go up yon stairs, only mind that beam at top that's broken in. My heart sickened as I mounted. I felt as though I were going to the haunt of evil spirits, and, indeed, I had no doubt such in reality it was, and that the name of them was "Legion, because they were many." I approached gently, but what a spectacle I beheld! wretchedness and poverty all round, and the man scarcely wearing a human visage-swelled and bruised, and burning fever evidently preying on him. I spoke, but he either could not hear, or was insensible. I could do nothing; he was out of the reach of human counsel or comfort, and now none could deal with him but the Lord, or, alas! the evil one. As I gazed on this miserable object, I could not but contemplate his soul's condition, so much worse than that of his body. Who, thought I, is now within him! Is there the Holy Spirit convincing of sin, or an evil spirit strengthening sin? Is there the Prince and Saviour giving repentance, or the power of darkness hiding it from his eyes! ! Alas! I received my answer-his tongue began to utter low tones, and |