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in your sufferings. But do not yield to despair, The hand which inflicts distress can also bestow happiness; and, though the pitiless storm of stern adversity to-day beats hard and heavy on your defenceless roof, to-morrow prosperity's cheerful sun may raise your sinking hopes, and repair the ravages of the ruthless blast."
Mrs Benley and her daughter could not avoid making their observations on the strangeness of the visit; while he congratulated himself on the completion of his wish for an introduction to this amiable family.
It was on a market day that Farmer Welford waited on the good old man. He found him in a small room, pursuing his pious meditations. The sight of any of his parishioners was a cordial to the drooping spirits of Mr Benley. His griefs, though not forgotten, were suppressed while conversing with his friends; but, at the moment of separation, they returned with increased poignancy, and it required the utmost effort of mind to support the painful- -"Adieu!"
"Eternal God!" exclaimed the weeping father, "must I no more enjoy the sweets of liberty! How changed the scene! Here, when night her able mantle o'er the face of heaven begins to spread, nothing is heard but the dismal rattling of chains; doors of massy iron, grating on their hinges, appal the timid soul; while horrid oaths, and dreadful imprecations, wound the listening ear. O Welford! my soul sickens at the scene; and philosophy scarce can shield my mind from the horrors of despair!"
At this moment the gaoler entered the room
