their friend and benefactor' should be given to one who refused them a lodging, began to be now convinced that his companion was a devil; and begged to go on alone. But the angel said, "Hear me, and depart. 6. "When you lived in your hermitage, a shepherd was killed by his master. He was innocènt of the supposed offense; but had he not been then killed, he would have committed crimes in which he would have died impenitent. His master endeavors to atone for the murder, by dedicating the remainder of his days to alms and deeds of charity. 3 7. "I strangled the child of the knight. But know, that the father was so intent on heaping up riches for his child, as to neglect those acts of public munificence' for which he was befōre so distinguished, and to which he has now returned. I stole the golden cup of the hospitable citizen. But know, that from a life of the strictest temperance, he became, in consequence of possessing this cup, a perpetual drunkard, and is now the most abstemious of men. 8. "I threw the poor man into the water. He was then honest and religious. But know, had he walked one half of a mile further, he would have murdered a man in a state of mortal sin. I gave the golden cup to the rich man, who refused to take us within his roof. He has therefore received his reward in this world, and in the next will suffer for his inhospitality." The hermit fell prostrate at the angel's feet, and, requesting forgiveness, returned to his hermitage, fully convinced of the wisdom and justice of God's government. V. 79. TAULER. AULER, the preacher, walked one autumn day, Pondering the solemn Miracle of Life; 1 Běn`e făc′ tor, one who confers a benefit or does good. 'Im pění i tent, not repenting of sin; of a hard heart. A tōne', to make amends. 6 giving very liberally for the comfort, happiness, or pleasure of others. "Ab ste mi ous, sparing in food or strong drink. 6 Strasbourg, (strås bårg), a strong 'Mu nif i cence, a bestowing or ly fortified city of France. As one who, wandering in a starlèss night, 2. And as he walked he prayed. Even the same 6. His hand upon the stranger's coarse gray sleeve : Sad as the grave it leads to." "Nay, son, Our times are in God's hands, and all our days For cold as heat, for want as wealth, ǎlike Our thanks are due, since that is best which is ; And for the happinèss of which I spake, I find it in submission to His will, And calm trust in the holy trinity' 1 Trin' i ty, three united in one; especially, the union of the three persons (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,) in one Godhead, so that all are one God as to substance, but three persons as to individuality. 7. Silently wondering, for a little space, Stood the great preacher; then he spake as one 8. "Then," said the stranger, cheerily, "be it so. He goes; and better fire-walled Hell with Him 9. Tears sprang in Tauler's eyes. A sudden light, Set like the white moon where the hills of vine 10. So, entering with a changed and cheerful step 5 * Architrave, (årk ́I tråv), the part of a roof which rests on a column. "Friēze, a flat member or face of the upper part of a column, which is often enriched with figures of animals, or other ornaments of sculpture. 11. Erwin of Steinbach,' dizzily up to where In the noon-brightnèss the great Minster's tower, "Behold!" he said, "The stranger's faith made plain before mine eyes! JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER, A SECTION XVIII. I 80. THE FISHERMAN OF CASCO BAY. PART FIRST. MONG the numerous islands in Casco Bay, there are few, indeed, which at present contain more than a single dwelling; yet a century ago, the traveler would have been cheered with the mingled hum of business and of pleasure; and could have rested beneath many a hospitable roof, the ruins of which are now scarcely visible. 2. They were formerly inhabited by fishermen ; but, on account of the frequent attacks of the Indians, these huts were abandoned, and, being of slight materials, soon sunk into decay. Near one of these ruins, and not far from Diämond Cove, is the grave of Michael Burn, of whom the following story is related. 3. One evening, as he sat at the door of his hut, listening to the waves which broke on the rocks that surrounded him, his 1 Steinbach, (stin' båk), the name of three small towns of Germany. 2 Mural, resembling a wall. • Căs' cō Bay, in Cumberland county, Maine, extends east from Portland about twenty miles. 4 Century, (sent' yu ry), a hun dred years. dog, which was lying at his feet, suddenly sprang up, and, dart ing toward a projecting cliff,' plunged into the water. The fisherman, presuming from his earnest manner that something uncommon had attracted his attention, hastened to the spot. from which the animal had leaped; but the night was too dark to discover either the dog, or the object of his pursuit, and the murmur of the waves prevented his ascertaining what direction he had taken. 4. For a long time, he awaited his return in vain, and, at last. supposing he was engaged in a fruitlèss chase after some seals," which frequently made their appearance, he retired to rest. Scarcely, however, had he sought his pillow, when the wellknown bark, and a scratching at the door, not only announced his return, but anxiety for his master's presence. 5. He opened the door; the dog whined, pulled him gently, as if wishing him to follow, and suddenly left him. Having lighted his lantern, he left the hut, the dog, by his barking, directing the path; but, on approaching the shōre, judge of his surprise to find by his faithful animal a human being, and to all appearance a corpse. 6. It was evident that the dog had just drawn him from the water, but there were no marks of violence on his person. He opened his waistcoat-the body was still warm; and, filled with the hope of restoring animation,' he bore it to his hut. His exertions were not in vain. In a short time, the stranger gave signs of returning life, and by the next morning, he was enabled to converse with his generous preserver. 7. "You probably recollect seeing a vessel near your harbor, yesterday," said the stränger. "In that vessel, it was my misfortune to have been a passenger: Heaven grant that my beloved wife has not likewise fallen a victim to perfidy and ingratitude. I am a native of America, but for some years past I have resided in France, where I acquired a considerable fortune. Desirous of spending my last days in the land of my fathers, I 1 Cliff, a high and steep rock; a very steep or overhanging place. 2 Seals, animals that live mostly in the water, and are taken for their skins; there are two general kinds, the hair seal and the fur seal. 3 An`i ma' tion, the state of being lively, brisk, or full of spirit and vigor; breath; life. Per fi dy, the act of violating faith, a vow, or promise; treachery; the violation of a trust reposed. |