with the pious poor has often been the instrument of animating and reviving my own heart in the midst of duty, and of giving me the most profitable information for the general conduct of the ministerial office.
As soon as the letter was read, I inquired who was the bearer of it.
"He is waiting at the outside of the gate, Sir;" was the reply.
I went out to speak him, and saw a venerable old man, whose long hoary hair and deeply wrinkled countenance commanded more than common respect. He was resting his arm upon the gate, and tears were streaming down his cheeks. On my approach he made a low bow and said,
"Sir, I have brought you a letter from my daughter, but I fear you will think us very bold in asking you to take so much trouble."
"By no means," I replied; "I shall be truly glad to oblige you and any of your family in this matter, provided it be quite agreeable to the minister of your parish."
"Sir, he told me yesterday that he should be very glad if I could procure some gentle-
