Circumstances compelled me to leave this mourning com-
mimity immediately after committing the dust of their pious
ancestor to the earth. They accompanied me some distance on
my journey, and our parting was with mutual tears. Turning
to get one more glimpse of tnem, as their forms faded in the
distance, I heard the faint echo of a clear voice ; it was the lay-
reader igpeaking of the hope of the resurrection — ^** If we believe
** in Jesus."

Full of thought, I pursued my homeward way. Is devotion
never encumbercKi or impeded by the splendour that surrounds
her f Amid the long aisles of tlie lofty Cathedral — the throng
of rich stooled worshippers — the melody of the solemn-toned
organ — does that incense never spend itself upon earth, which
should rise to the throne of heaven I On the very beauty and
outward glory of its ordinances, may not the spirit proudly rest
(alas, too often, as these, and other deserted solitudes proclaim)
and go no more forth to the work of benevolence, in seeking out
Christ's scattered fold t or spread its wings at the call of taith,
to carry the blessed truths of redeeming love, to the utmost
bounds of the universe.
Yet surely, neglected though it be, there is a reality in reli-
gion, though man too often cheats himself with the shadow.
