facturer, if his produce is bad, justly taxes his men or his machinery. The tradesman, if he loses, blames his want of foresight, or his unprincipled customers. But the farmer, having the best land, the best workmen, the best tools, the best seed, the longest experience, is still in the greatest uncertainty, from first to last. Circumstances, which he can neither foresee, nor, foreseeing, control, keep him sensibly in God's hands-and, if he is wise, resigned and trustful, be his fortune what it may. The worm, the caterpillar, the fly, or drought, and rain, cold, and heat, his very friends-if they fail at the prospering moment, render all his labours doubtful to the end. And therefore, being so entirely and manifestly in God's hands, he should rest satisfied, and not neglect his duty, confident that he is more likely, not less likely, to prosper, even though his alms are what the world would consider rash; but not rash, because they are given to Him, and with faith in Him from whom he holds all that he enjoys." It was by such conversations as these, under God's blessing, and by the influence of those reclaiming circumstances which He had graciously ordered, that the family at the Moat House were gradually more and more conforming their minds. and habits to a Christian rule. Mr. Lee could say more to them than he could to their neighbours, for not only were they ready to learn, but they had entirely given up all those flagrant neglects and irreligious habits, which, so long as they continue, make it worse than useless to go on to higher duties: so universally true is it, that "to him that hath shall be given." And it was well that religion had gained so increasing a hold upon Mr. Blake, for a heavy trial still awaited him. His sight had been for some time failing, and at last he resolved to go to London. He did so, and after consulting an eminent oculist, wrote back to his son the following touching letter:: My dear Son, I have seen Mr. A—, who says that nothing can be done. I shall soon lose my sight entirely, and I know I deserve it. I have been blind to God's works and God's mercies, and may be, He will make me see more of Himself, by this heavy affliction. I have made up my mind about the farm. I shall put you into it, and go and live in my cottage by the church; and I pray God I may have sight to see you married, and settled comfortably, before I am quite blind. Your mother is very low. God bless you, my support and comfort. We return on Thursday, and you will meet us at Belborough with the phaeton. Your affectionate father, London, Nov. 30. JOHN W. BLAKE. William accordingly met his parents at Belborough, and Mr. Lee was ready to receive them at Staunton. They felt his kindness more and more, and were comforted to think that they should be so much nearer to him when they lived in the village. For all this, it was a mournful Christmas, and the blindness came on so much faster than was anticipated, that it was plainly impossible that the marriage could take place in time for Mr. Blake to see it. It was, however, arranged that they should give up the farm to William at Lady-day, and that he should be married in Easter week. This was looking a long time forward, yet the lovers liked such looks. They were pleased enough at their own prospects, although it was painful to both, and especially to William, that his marriage should be brought nearer by his father's misfortune, and that his parents should leave their house for him. But the cottage was prepared, and everything gradually cleared up with a view to the completion of this arrangement. Mr. Blake was to live on the income of some cottages and a few acres, with £100 a-year out of the farm and he left his capital and the implements for William's use. The furniture, however, was removed to some extent to the cottage, which was enlarged by the addition of a very decent sitting-room, with a good bay-window, planned by Mr. Lee, in which Mr. Blake was to sit in his old arm-chair, varying the side according to the wind and sun. There was something very melancholy in all these : movements, but the excitement and the labour attendant upon them, diverted the attention; and William's father and mother were daily becoming more resigned, and cheerfully conformed to their prospects, and daily taking more pleasure in looking forward to the happiness which they trusted their son would enjoy. CHAPTER XII. The Union. "Why should we grudge the hour and house of prayer Who come to meet him there?" LYRA INNOCENTIUM. We have passed over the opening of the church, which took place at Advent, because it was not closely connected with our tale or its general bearings. The commencement of the daily service had been postponed until Ash Wednesday, and it began, thenceforth, to continue as a permanent blessing to the parish. Our readers will easily believe that the Blakes were pretty regular attendants, and William took great pains with the apportionment of his time, and generally managed to come off his marshes or the hill fields so as to take his place amongst the worshippers. It is true that, for this and several other things, he was laughed at, and called "serious William," "saint,” and many other names: but he remembered the presence of God, and regarded not the laughter of fools, against the light of God's countenance. This |