THE LIBRARY 

OF 

THE UNIVERSITY 
OF CALIFORNIA 

Rare Book Room 
GIFT OF 

John W Beckman 



s 




P A G JZ 1: 



CONSECIUTED TALENTS; 



OB, 



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BY THE AUTHOR OF 

"WREATHS AND BRANCHES," "CHRISTIAN 
ORNAMENTS," ETC. 



" We are not our own." 

' Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.' 



Weto Yorfc: 

GENERAL PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION, 

No. 20 John Street. 

1852. 



Entered according to Act of Congress, ia the year 1852, 

By JOHN W. MITCHELL, 

(As Treasurer of the General Protestant Episcopal Sunday School Union,) 

In the Office of the Clerk of the United States District Court for the Southern 

District of New York. 



Stereotyped by BILLIN & BROTHBBS, 
10 North William-st. 

Printed by PUDNEY & RUSSELL. 



PREFACE 



THE following work is intended as a conclusion 
to a series of volumes written for the youth of the 
Church. 

The first, "Wreaths and Branches," was written 
to exhibit the beauty and fitness of the forms and 
services of the Protestant Episcopal Church. The 
second, " The Book of the Church," was an abridg 
ment of a volume by Southey, giving an account 
of its history ; and the third, " Christian Orna 
ments," sought to portray and illustrate its spirit. 

The present work aims to point out the mission 
of those children of the Church whose privileges 
are thus exalted. The narrative does not connect 



4 PREFACE. 

it with the preceding volumes, but the principles 
which it inculcates are the same. 

Should it succeed in arresting the attention of 
any who are just preparing to put on the whole 
armor of God, it will fully accomplish the end 

for which it was designed. 

C. L. T. 

PRINCETON, N. J., April, 1852. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

THE ACCOUNT-BOOK ......... 7 

CHAPTER IT. 

THE FAMILY AT BEULAH ... ..... 16 



CHAPTER III. 

THE PIC-NIC AT CAMPBELL'S GROVE ..... 34 

CHAPTER IV. 
LIFE'S MISSION ......... 55 

CHAPTER V. 

THE ORPHAN . ." . ...... 66 

CHAPTER VI. 
MR. MALCOLM'S COUNTING-ROOM . . .79 

CHAPTER VII. 

FAMILY EDUCATION . ....... 100 

CHAPTER VIII. 



SICKNESS IS SOMETIMES A TALENT 
I* 



CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER IX. PAGK 

MARY'S HAPPY SUNDAY . . . . . . . 128 

CHAPTER X. 



BERKLEY PARSONAGE . . . . - 

CHAPTER XI. 



THE INVALUABLE NURSE .... -\RA. 

CHAPTER XII. 

RESULTS. . .' . '. /. 9 - f ^ 17g 



CHAPTER I. 

THE ACCOUNT-BOOK. 

IT was Eeginald Campbell's birth-day. Why 
did he remain so long that morning in his un 
cle's library when an eager group were await 
ing his appearance in the breakfast-room ? 

His cousin, Horace Hastings, was becoming 
decidedly impatient. The flush on his young 
face grew deeper, and he paced the room with 
rapid steps, repeating again and again, in a 
low voice, some stanzas which were evidently 
his own composition. 

"Why don't he come?" asked pretty Mary, 
as she looked fondly at a crimson purse, the 
work of those delicate taper fingers. " I wish 
I knew how much money father was going 



8 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

to give him to put in this purse; I hope it 
will be in bills, for gold will wear it out so 
much sooner." 

"If Judge Hastings has been all this time 
in giving him his allowance, he will want that 
beloved, new carpet-bag to carry it in," said 
Celia Eogers, laughingly, as she lay back in 
the rocking-chair, quite at ease, and not seem 
ing to share the general excitement. "I am 
very sorry for my part," she added, "that 
Eeginald is going to have any of that vile 
trash which makes every body so selfish and 
stupid. He is a nice boy now, but you'll see 
that his money will soon spoil him." 

"Celia always thinks rich people are dis 
agreeable. Is it so, Horace?" asked Mary, 
as her brother, in his restless promenading, 
approached the low ottoman on which she 
was seated. 

Horace did not seem to hear the question, 
but went on murmuring to himself, 

" Oh, happy boy, the starving poor 
Shall bless thy generous hand, 
Which lavishly its gifts shall shower 
To cheer each household band." 



THE ACCOUNT-BOOK. 9 

" There ! there !" exclaimed Mary, jumping 
up from her seat, "I hear some one coming 
through the passage. Pshaw !" she added in 
a tone of disappointment, "it's only mamma." 

" Only mamma !" repeated the sweet-looking 
lady who entered the breakfast-room. "Pray 
who is expected that makes me such a second 
ary consideration?" 

"Excuse me, mother," said Mary, kissing 
her mother affectionately. It was never hard 
to forgive Mary, for her manners were natu 
rally most winning ; and when she tossed back 
the dark curls from her fair face, it was much 
easier to kiss those red lips than to resist their 
pleading. Beauty has its advantages, and of 
this Mary was already aware. 

"Has my son no good-morning for me?" 
asked Mrs. Hastings, turning to Horace, who 
was so absorbed in one subject that he scarcely 
knew that any one had entered the room. 

"Did you speak to me, ma'am?" he asked 
in an absent manner, then added in a livelier 
tone, "Mother, see if this stanza sounds better 
now : 



10 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

Thou art no orphan ! One above 

Has claimed thee for his own ; 
And thou hast owned his right to be 

Thy father, till thy course is run. 

No, no! that's the first version. I have writ 
ten it now: 

Thy sense of his almighty love, 
By filial acts is shown." 

Mrs. Hastings smiled at the ardor of the 
young poet, who seemed to think the differ 
ence between these two stanzas of immense 
importance. She saw that they were both 
quite tame, but only said kindly, "The last 
will do, Horace, for Eeginald will never criti 
cise the verses, for he knows the sincerity of 
the love that dictated them. Affection gives 
beauty to the most commonplace rhymes. But 
where is the hero of the day ? Have you not 
seen your cousin yet, Mary?" 

And where was Eeginald? He had risen 
an hour earlier than usual, but, on entering 
the library, found it already occupied. By 
the will of the late Dr. Campbell, his son 
was, on his sixteenth birth-day, to become the 



THE ACCOUNT-BOOK. 11 

uncontrolled master of an income of six thou 
sand dollars, which, to him, seemed an inex 
haustible sum. It was not strange that he 
felt an added sense of importance, and his 
manner was slightly consequential as he en 
tered the library to receive his first quarterly 
allowance. This momentary rising of pride 
was instantaneously checked by the serious, 
almost solemn, aspect of Judge Hastings, who 
oifered his congratulations affectionately, but 
gravely ; and then taking up a large morocco- 
covered book from the round table, in the cen 
tre of the library, said, in an earnest tone, 
" Here, Keginald, is my birth-day gift for you. 
It is an account-book, which I have been oc 
cupied during the last hour in preparing for 
your use." 

" Thank you, uncle," said Eeginald, respect 
fully, "I had already prepared an account- 
book, but I shall value this as your gift." 

"I do not think you have one of this 
kind," said the Judge, in the same serious 
tone. "God grant that the accounts you regis 
ter here may be such as shall win for you the 



12 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

final commendation, 'Well done, good and 
faithful servant.' " 

Eeginald felt involuntarily impressed by his 
uncle's manner, and turned in silence to the 
first page of the volume, where he found writ 
ten in a large hand, " Account of my steward 
ship for the talent, riches, committed to my care 
May 1st, 18 . 'Unto whomsoever much is 
given, of him shall be much required.' " At the 
head of the next page were the words, " Proofs 
of Accountability to God for all His gifts ;" and 
under them were ranged such arguments from 
Scripture as placed it beyond a doubt that all 
earthly possessions are only a sacred trust. 
On a succeeding page there was a similar col 
lection of texts to show the "Justifiable Use of 
Eiches;" and on the next, a formidable array 
of its "Dangers and Temptations." 

Eeginald was beginning to feel that his 
newly acquired independence was a very doubt 
ful acquisition when he turned to a page head 
ed, " Money expended ;" and this was so much 
more like an ordinary account-book that it 
revived pleasant anticipations of the luxuries 



THE ACCOUXT-BOOK. 13 

and enjoyments with which he might hence 
forth surround himself. This momentary glow 
of satisfaction was changed to thoughtfulness 
by a glance at the opposite page, where he 
was confronted by the words, " Keasons to jus 
tify these expenditures in His sight, whose 
steward I am." 

The countenance of the youth was an inter 
esting study as he stood silently reflecting upon 
the new views he had acquired of his worldly 
fortune. The Judge watched the workings of 
his expressive face with tender interest, and 
then extended to him a porte-monnaie con 
taining three notes, each for five hundred dol 
lars. Eeginald took it in his hand, looked 
surprised at the amount of the notes, and 
blushed deeply. An evident struggle passed 
in his mind, which ended by his saying, with 
tearful eyes, as he handed the porte-monnaie 
back to Judge Hastings, 

"Uncle, I think I had rather entrust this 
sum to you than to undertake the management 
of it myself. I do not yet know what is the 
right use of money." 



14 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

Judge Hastings did not receive the proffered 
trust, but looked much, gratified at the altered 
manner of his young ward. 

"Keep it, Eeginald," he said, "for 'tis not 
right to shrink from any responsibility which 
it has pleased our heavenly Father to bestow. 
Yesterday, at the Communion, you joined in 
the solemn dedication of yourself and all that 
you possessed to His service, and to-day He 
entrusts you with the means of extensive use 
fulness. It is well for you early to examine 
into the most profitable disposition that can be 
made of all your consecrated talents. Do not, 
because I have placed before you the certainty 
of being called to an account, imitate him who 
hid his gift lest' usurious interest should be 
demanded. That Spirit which, in one of our 
collects, we invoke to 'give us a right judg 
ment in all things,' will assist you to employ 
this gift in the manner most acceptable to the 
Giver; and if thus employed, it will bring 
you in so rich a harvest that you will confess, 
though great talents involve great responsibil 
ity, they also present enlarged means of happi- 



THE ACCOUNT-BOOK. 15 

ness. Now go to your cousins who are waiting 
to congratulate you, and, by this time, must be 
almost in despair." 

Still Reginald hesitated, and then said, in a 
low tone, "Uncle, will you pray that I may 
have the guidance of the Holy Spirit in fulfil 
ling my new duties? I fear myself." 

"Certainly, my boy," replied the Judge; 
"and you shall join me now in asking that 
corruptible gold may not deprive you of an 
incorruptible crown." 

There was something surpassingly lovely in 
the face of the youth, when the fervent petition 
of his uncle had ended. He felt that he had a 
mission to discharge to a perishing world, but 
he did not shrink from its responsibility, being 
convinced " that he who in the strength of Je 
sus trusts, is more than conqueror." 



16 CONSECKATED TALENTS. 



CHAPTER II. 

THE FAMILY AT BEULAH. 

MANY persons are thankful for their birth in 
a Christian land, but there are few who realize 
that all the circumstances of their earthly lot 
are themes for praise. Yet there is not a sin 
gle feature in our condition, which, if rightly 
improved, may not become a means of useful 
ness to ourselves and others. 

" The trivial round, the common task, 
Will give us all we ought to ask, 
Room to deny ourselves ; a road 
To bring us, daily, nearer God." 

The situation of our dwelling-place, the char 
acter of our companions, the luxuries or dis 
comforts with which we are surrounded, and 
our personal appearance and manners, may 
have a momentous effect upon our destiny. 

Judge Hastings had, for many years, been 
a leading member of the bar, where he had 



THE FAMILY AT BEULAH. 17 

proved the truth, that a successful lawyer and a 
devoted Christian are not necessarily a contra 
diction. When raised to the bench, he became 
anxious to leave the city, and endeavored to 
procure such a home as might most conduce to 
the welfare of his family. There were many 
who wondered at his preferring to give a 
higher price for a country-seat near the inland 
town of Berkley than for a beautiful place upon 
the Hudson, which, by the bankruptcy of its 
owner, could have been obtained for half that 
sum. 

" My dear Judge Hastings," said the plausi 
ble salesman of the latter, " are you aware of 
all the advantages of the situation I now offer ? 
I have always heard that you were most anx 
ious for the good of your children, and I assure 
you that, by locating them in this spot, you 
would at once insure to them the best of soci 
ety. Their near neighbors will, of course, in 
time, be their intimate friends, and what more 
desirable connections could they form? The 
De Lancys are within a stone's throw, the 
Beadmans on the right, and the Yan Bemans 



18 CONSECKATED TALENTS. 

on the left three of the oldest families in the 
state." 

" But there is no church within ten miles," 
answered Judge Hastings calmly, "and I con 
sider it indispensable that my children should 
have every means of grace that it is in my 
power to bestow. If necessity deprived them 
of the privilege of regular attendance on the 
services of the Church, I might hope that the 
deficiency would be compensated; but I have 
no right to place them where they would be 
liable to this deprivation, for any mere worldly 
advantage. Nay, as a Christian man, I do not 
see what I have to do with any project for 
their worldly advancement, when, at their very 
birth, I renounced, in their name, all claims to 
favors the world can bestow. In choosing a 
home for my children, the main question is, 
( "Where can they be reared in such a manner 
as best to prepare them for serving God, in 
time and eternity ?' The families you mention 
do not even profess to be educating their chil 
dren for heaven ; would not their vicinity then 
be, on the contrary, rather a disadvantage? 



THE FAMILY AT BEULAH. 19 

You are right in thinking the early friendships 
of children of importance. I hope that those 
of mine may be such as can be continued 
through eternity." 

It is doubtful whether the gentleman to 
whom these remarks were made understood 
their full import ; but, at any rate, he ceased to 
urge the purchase of the Kover estate. 

Beulah, the residence to which Judge Hast 
ings had given the preference, was a pleasant 
country seat, situated on a fine hill, two miles 
from the town of Berkley. The house itself 
was a simple frame dwelling, but large, and of 
the purest white, and surrounded -by a light 
green verandah, covered with luxuriant vines. 
A beautiful stream wound around the base of 
the hill, over which a tasteful bridge was 
thrown, at the foot of a fine avenue of elms 
leading to the house. Under these venerable 
trees there were rustic seats, which were the 
favorite haunts of the children, and especially 
of Horace, who would sit there for hours gazing 
in silence on the beautiful prospect. There, 
too, of late, Eeginald Campbell might often be 



20 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

seen absorbed in meditation. The possession of 
comparative wealth had evidently not yet made 
Keginald a happier boy ; for ever since his six 
teenth birth-day he had worn a thoughtful air, 
and often appeared full of care. He had told his 
aunt Emily, who was his favorite confidant, that 
he sometimes almost envied Horace, because he 
was not obliged to be the dispenser of wealth. 
The children were quite amazed at the effect of 
his new possessions upon their generous cousin, 
and could not account for his not bestowing 
upon them the various little luxuries which he 
had previously intimated should be theirs when 
ever they were at his command. Celia Eogers 
entirely despaired of ever possessing the desire 
of her heart, a wrought gold bracelet, for on 
mentioning her admiration of such ornaments 
to Keginald, he had quietly handed her a Bible, 
open at St. Paul's description of the suitable 
adorning of women. Mary held out much 
longer in her hopes of a pretty, new purple 
velvet Prayer-book, with her name on a real 
gold clasp, for she knew her cousin loved to 
gratify her when he could, and she had heard 



THE FAMILY AT BEULAH. 21 

him say herself, that " the best of books ought 
to have the best of bindings." She forgot that 
she had already a very nice one, bound in En 
glish leather, which would outlast three of the 
kind on which she had set her heart. 

Reginald, in his conscientious investigations 
with regard to the wisest expenditure of 
money, had already discovered that things 
which seemed expensive were eventually the 
cheapest because of their durability, but could 
not decide how far he was fulfilling his duty in 
purchasing mere articles of luxury for the en 
couragement of manufacture, and to provide 
labor for the poor. He remembered the remark 
of a certain divine, who answered this popular 
plea for self-indulgence by the suggestion, that 
there could never be wanting followers of mam 
mon to make a demand for such superfluities, 
so that Christians could employ their means 
where they were extensively and immediately 
useful. Poor Reginald! No wonder that he 
felt inclined to envy Horace; for what with 
reading political economy and reports of all the 
various societies of the Church, and examining 



22 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

the claims of the large number of applicants 
who immediately came to him for assistance, 
he had become perfectly loaded with business. 
He had not, however, forgotten the desire of 
his little cousin for the showy Prayer-book, but 
having priced one, and found that he could 
obtain for the same sum twenty-five plainer 
copies to give to a new floating church, he 
decided that the expenditure could not be 
placed in his account-book with a reason op 
posite which could make it justifiable. 

It is no wonder that Mary could not enter 
into his feelings, for he had already taken a 
step in advance of many of her most excellent 
friends. She forgot that all the family had the 
same claim on Reginald for expensive gifts as 
herself, and that it was his duty to calculate if 
the sum expended on the whole could not be 
better employed. So sure had she felt that her 
wishes would be complied with, that a place 
in the little bureau in the nice room occupied 
by Celia Eogers and herself, had been already 
allotted to the imaginary treasure. 

The girls took great delight in their room, 



THE FAMILY AT BEULAH. 23 

where they passed many happy hours. It was 
as pleasant an apartment as one could wish. 
Mrs. Hastings knew the value of domestic habits 
to girls, and had therefore studied to make this 
room peculiarly attractive. On each side of the 
capacious chamber was a dressing-room, large 
enough to contain a little bed, and all that was 
necessary for a neat and careful toilet. Besides 
a pretty little book-case, filled with useful and 
interesting works, there was a splendid piano 
between the large windows, which was the es 
pecial pride of Celia Eogers, who had early 
evinced a most decided taste for music. 

Celia Eogers was the daughter of an early 
friend of Mrs. Hastings, who was now travelling 
in Europe for the restoration of her health. In 
the days of their intimacy both were thought 
less, arid lived only for the world ; but when 
Mrs. Hastings became more sober-minded, she 
did not on this account renounce the friend of 
her youth. It is true, that after inviting Celia 
to pass the year of Mrs. Kogers' absence at 
Beulah, Mrs. Hastings trembled lest she had 
provided Mary with a companion who would 



24 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

be most injurious; but her husband comforted 
her with the hope that their united influence 
would outweigh that of the new associate. 

"How incessantly you study!" remarked 
Celia one morning to Mary, soon after Kegi- 
nald's birth-day. "I suppose, though, that your 
mother keeps you at your book. I am thank 
ful that, for one year at least, my time is* my 
own." 

Mary laid down her book, and, for a mo 
ment, her pretty face wore a puzzled expres 
sion, and her smooth brow was wrinkled with 
perplexing thoughts. "Who gave you this 
year for your own?" she asked at length in a 
peculiarly innocent, earnest manner. 

"Who gave it me!" replied Celia, almost 
contemptuously ; " why mother, of course. She 
said I was to be my own mistress, and Mrs. 
Hastings agreed with her that I was to have 
my time at my own disposal. You need not 
look so shocked, Mary, for I heard your wise 
mother remark that she thought every body 
ought to learn to manage their own time." 

" Did she ?" asked Mary with the same per- 



THE FAMILY AT BEULAH. 25 

plexed air ; " well, then, of course it must be 
so. I'll ask her what she meant the other 
day by telling me every hour was a new 
loan from God." 

Celia said nothing more, but commenced 
drumming on the piano the first part of a new 
polka, thinking to herself, "What a tiresome 
family this is ! one never makes a remark but 
they get a sermon." 

Mary continued reading in silence for some 
time, and then approaching the piano some 
what timidly, with a little volume of manu 
script poems in her hand, she said, 

"Celia, will you play Sartoria for me? I 
want to see if the words of Horace's new 
hymn can be set to it." 

"Sartorial and pray what tune is that?" 
asked Celia, laughing. 

" Why, the one we sang in church last Sun 
day," answered Mary, more boldly. 

"The one that goes, Tol, dol, de, dol, doll" 
exclaimed Celia. " I play that humdrum air ! 
No ! indeed. I only know three hymn tunes, 
and those are old songs Christianized. My 



26 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

German teacher never would let me learn any 
sacred music, for fear, he said, it would injure 
my style of playing, which, excuse my mod 
esty, he thinks decidedly brilliant." 

Mary made no reply, but determined to ask 
her own mother, the first opportunity, if play 
ing sacred music spoiled any one's execution. 
She walked in silence to her seat by the win 
dow, and read over again her brother's new 
hymn with evident pride and pleasure. Celia 
was discontented with herself, for she saw she 
had wounded Mary by her contemptuous way 
of speaking of hymn tunes, which were the 
only music with which she was acquainted. 
She rattled over several waltzes with an uneasy 
mind, and then, getting up from the piano, 
came and threw herself in a luxurious rocking- 
chair, which was also her own property, as 
Mrs. Hastings would never have provided a 
seat so calculated to foster her indolent habits. 
At its side was a pretty little work-table, which 
was also her own ; the top of which was in the 
form of a large basket, and contained various 
articles that were in themselves a clue to Celia's 



THE FAMILY AT BEULAH. 27 

character. There was a purse half knit before 
crocheting was in fashion, and dropped as soon 
as she learned the latter art. There was a pair 
of slippers there too, which had been begun 
on canvass, in single-stitch, and were thrown 
aside to make room for a newer pattern. The 
worsteds were all in a snarl, and the silk was 
tarnished by being pulled out several times, 
so that the purses, when finished, would, nei 
ther of them, be acceptable gifts. Celia stirred 
round the contents of the basket, till she had 
extricated a tiny strip of soiled-looking mus 
lin, which had caught in knitting-needles and 
crochet-hooks till it had received several small 
rents, and already needed darning. She com 
menced hemming away violently on this ques 
tionable-looking piece of work, till, with a great 
effort, and without looking at Mary, she bolted 
out what was meant for a kind remark : 

" If you'll give me the notes, Mary, I'll learn 
that horrid tune, now you want to set Horace's 
hymn to it ; but I don't see what possesses him 
always to write to such doleful metres." 

Though Celia's manner was so blunt, Mary 



28 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

saw that she was trying to be kind; and her 
face grew brighter as she answered, "Oh, he 
does not think them doleful, and he wants to 
write to tunes that every body knows. Mam 
ma says," she added very earnestly, "that it is 
an honor to the greatest poet in the world to 
have hymns of his writing sung in church to 
the praise of God." 

"But how can Horace's hymn be sung in 
church, Mary?" asked Celia, half amused by 
the simplicity of her young companion, and 
impressed by the reverential manner with 
which Mary always mentioned every thing con 
nected with religion. "We only use the 
hymns in the Prayer-book, on every occasion." 

"I will tell you a secret," said Mary, her 
cheeks glowing with animation. "You must 
not tell any body, or let Eeginald know that 
you have heard of it, for papa has taught him 
to feel almost ashamed if any body finds out the 
good he does. You know Dr. Campbell used 
to be a teacher in one of the Free Church Sun 
day-schools in New York. This interested 
Reginald in the Church, and when he was last 



THE FAMILY AT BEULAH. 29 

in the city, lie visited this Sunday-school, and 
got acquainted with some of the children. He 
found that there were actually some little girls 
there who had never seen the country; and 
one of the teachers told father, who went with 
cousin Reggie, that there were three in his 
class who had never been beyond the limits of 
the city. They lived in the fourth story of a 
miserable old house, which had not even a 
court for them to play in, and the largest piece 
of ground they had ever seen was the Park, ex 
cepting once, when, as a great treat, they rode 
down in the omnibus to the Battery. Only 
think of that, Celia ! How could they imagine 
a ' vineyard,' or know about ' lilies of the field,' 
brought up in that little dirty street where they 
only saw the sun at noon, and through clouds 
of smoke?" 

"I don't believe it," said Celia. "I don't 
see how it is possible that they never went over 
to some of the neighboring towns when any 
ferry-boat would have carried them for a few 
pennies." 

" But, Celia, they had to work all the week 



30 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

for pennies to buy bread, so they had none to 
spare. Anyhow father believed the story, and 
you know he is a lawyer, and used to finding 
out whether things are true or not. He said 
he believed it would make these children actu 
ally better to get one large view of God's glo 
rious works as we see them, and Eeggie, of his 
own accord too, proposed a plan that could 
give them a peep at these." 

"I understand, I understand," said Celia, 
nodding her head; "but go on and tell me 
all about it." 

"What's the use if you know it all before 
hand ?" said Mary, laughing. 

"Oh, just to see how excited you'll get in 
telling it," said Celia, playfully. 

" Well, if I amuse you, I am glad of it, for I 
am very happy myself when I think of this 
pic-nic. The way it is to be done is this: 
Next Saturday afternoon all the children are to 
have a holiday, and the parents are to be paid 
for whatever work the children would have 
done if they had stayed at home. Then Eegi- 
nald has, with father's help, chartered a boat to 



THE FAMILY AT BEULAH. 31 

bring them up to the cove, and they are to 
have a pic-nic in the woods near the landing, 
which belongs, you know, to the Campbell 
estate. Father and mother are to help fur 
nish the provisions for the treat, and Horace 
has written a hymn which they are all to sing 
to Sartoria, because that is the tune they know 
best." 

"But how are they to learn it?" asked Celia 
doubtfully. 

"Oh, it is going to be printed," said Mary, 
with evident pride at such an honor being con 
ferred on her brother's poetry, which, in her 
own heart, she thought worthy of being framed 
in gold. 

"But is Eeginald to pay for that?" asked 
Celia. "I thought he esteemed it wicked to 
spend money for any thing that was not really 
useful ; and what good can there be in printing 
those verses when there are thousands already 
in the world as good, and better too ?" 

Mary almost lost her temper at this remark, 
but she conquered herself and answered very 
mildly, " Perhaps so ; but father says they can 



32 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

all take home the printed hymns, to keep them 
in mind of the day, which he hopes may give 
them some better notions of the greatness and 
goodness of our heavenly Father. Besides, 
Celia, I do not see how it can be wasting 
money that belongs to God, to use it in making 
children learn to sing praises to Him or remem 
ber His kindness." 

Celia's objections were silenced by this re 
mark. She helped Mary find the tune in Can- 
tus Ecclesias, and sung it with her at the piano 
so sweetly, no one would have remarked the 
little errors in the versification. Celia herself 
began to like the tune, and said half aloud, "I 
can't see why sacred music should spoil one's 
singing and playing." 

"Nor I," said Mary, as if the remark had 
been addressed to her. " And if it did, Celia, 
what matter would it be ? I am sure it is nicer 
to sing 'Youth, when devoted to the Lord, is 
pleasing in his eyes,' than about ' dreaming you 
wandered in marble halls,' or that song that 
tells you not to love, when the Bible tells us 
we ought to love every body." 



THE FAMILY AT BEULAH. 33 

"What a pity it is you are a girl, Mary! 
you would have made such a nice minister," 
said Celia jestingly; but she put her hand 
affectionately in those brown, glossy curls, and 
kissed Mary with an affection that only sim 
plicity and faith can inspire. 



34 CONSECKATED TALENTS. 



CHAPTER III. 

THE PIC-NIC AT CAMPBELL'S GROVE. 

THOUGH Keginald Campbell was in many 
respects very mature for his age, in others he 
was quite a child. From the moment that the 
plan of the pic-nic was suggested to him he 
was impatient for its execution, and hardly 
closed his eyes on the night preceding the 
eventful day. His joy was unbounded when 
he found that the sun was rising clear and 
bright, and before it had fairly appeared above 
the horizon he was already equipped for his 
ride. 

The boys were to accompany the Judge on 
horseback, to Campbell's Grove; then came 
Mrs. Hastings in the carriage with the girls, 
while a large ox-cart, loaded with provisions, 
followed in the rear. Both Keginald and 
Horace were overflowing with animation as 
they sprang upon the fine horses, which were 



THE PIC-NIC AT CAMPBELL'S GROVE. 35 

a recent purchase of the former, who entered in 
his account-book his reasons for the expendi 
ture, thus: "Bought two horses, to afford 
Horace and myself a healthful and cheerful 
exercise ; while at the same time we may be 
come better acquainted with the state of the 
poor in its vicinity, and acquire a keener relish 
for the beauties of nature." 

The improvement in Horace's health since 
the possession of Bucephalus, for so he had 
named his steed, seemed quite to justify the 
expenditure; and Eeginald had marked with 
delight the rich glow that had appeared on his 
cousin's cheek and the increased activity of his 
slight frame. The exercise of riding, too, al 
ways exhilarated his spirits; and this eventful 
morning, even the little anxiety he felt as to 
the singing of his own hymn could not depress 
his gaiety. 

Mary thought as she saw the party ride away 
from the door, that her brother Horace certainly 
was the most beautiful as well as the most 
talented boy in the world. She could not, 
however, long meditate on his perfections, for 



36 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

it was necessary to prepare for her own ride : 
so she ran up to her room, humming as she 
went the first part of her favorite Sartoria. 
Celia Eogers was already dressed, but, contrary 
to Mary's expectations, she wore only a ging 
ham and her common straw bonnet. 

"Why, Celia, how shabbily you look!" she 
exclaimed; "you have got on the very frock 
you told me last week that you were going to 
give to the chambermaid, and you said that 
was only fit for a gardening bonnet." 

" That is precisely why I put them on," said 
Celia, with her coldest, proudest air. "When 
I am going among the rabble, I do not think it 
worth while to dress up, as they will do, in my 
best." 

" The rabble !" said Mary, with astonish 
ment, "there will be no rabble at the Grove. 
The steamboat is only going to bring up the 
Sunday-school, and there will be no others 
there, only Mr. Hinton's family, whom father 
invited to be present. 

"And what are the Sunday scholars but rab-, 
ble?" asked Celia, contemptuously. "They are 



37 

all picked up out of the gutter ; Eeginald told 
me himself that the city missionary had col 
lected them out of the very dregs of the popu 
lation." 

For a moment Mary was silent. She could 
not deny this part, but still she was aware that 
the manner in which it was mentioned was 
decidedly wrong. At length she said, musing 
ly, "I know they are poor, Celia, but Grod 
made them so, and I cannot see why we should 
be proud because He saw fit to make us dif 
ferent." 

No ! Mary saw no reason for pride, because 
she was not in the least tempted to that fault. 
She had not been taught like Celia, from her 
infancy, that she belonged to an entirely differ 
ent class from those of her fellow-beings, and to 
associate with them would be contamination. 
Her mother, it is true, had told her that it was 
for the good of mankind in general that they 
should have different employments, some of 
which needed education and refinement, while 
others only called for bodily strength. She had 
also been informed that it was for the happiness 



38 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

of all that those should associate together whose 
manners, habits, and employments were most 
alike, and plain and uneducated people felt as 
uncomfortable with those who had had greater 
advantages, as the refined did, in society which 
was not congenial to them. But she had also 
been told that her position in life, as it gave her 
more influence, was a talent, and that she must 
improve it by being as kind as possible to all 
within her reach, that they might be the more 
inclined to follow the good example which it 
was her bounden duty to set them. Indeed, 
Mrs. Hastings had impressed this truth so often 
upon the minds of her children, that they were 
almost inclined to change places with any who 
had not to answer for influence abused, as well 
as for their individual faults. 

But if free from pride, there was another 
sin to which Mary was often tempted. That 
pretty face of hers gave her wondrous pleasure, 
and now, as she stood curling her brown locks 
around her long white fingers, she wondered if 
any body that day would observe their beautiful 
color. Then she pinched her cheeks slightly, 



to see how she looked when animated, and put 
on her round straw hat very carefully, and 
slowly backed away from the mirror, to see 
herself at full length, and notice if her feet 
really looked so very small as she had been 
told that they did by some injudicious friend. 
Yes ! there was no doubt of it. They were dear 
little feet, and she was certainly very pretty; 
tall for her age, and uncommonly ladylike for a 
girl of thirteen. She smiled, and then smiled 
again, because she thus showed little white 
teeth between her full and red lips, like the 
most delicate pearls. So occupied was she with 
self-admiration, that she did not even hear her 
mother enter the room. "Yes, you are very 
pretty, my child," said Mrs. Hastings, who read 
Mary's thoughts in the guilty start she gave 
when aware of her presence. " Yery pretty 1" 
she repeated sadly ; " God has made a beautiful 
house for your soul to live in on earth. ' You 
cannot admire too much any of His works, nor 
be too thankful for His kind gifts. But, my 
dear child, I am afraid that though beauty has 
been loaned to you as a talent, to be employed 



40 CONSECKATED TALENTS. 

in your Creator's service, you have hitherto 
considered it entirely your own. Eemember, 
that from those who do not improve their 
talents, will be taken away even that which 
they have. Your earthly body must be re 
turned to its Giver, and if it has not been used 
in His service you will not receive in its place 
an incorruptible one full of glory. Kemember, 
my dear child, that the being on whom you are 
gazing with such delight, must decay in the 
grave, and that every thought of vanity will 
render it less probable that you shall be clothed 
in eternal beauty. But I cannot stay to say 
more upon this subject. The carriage is wait 
ing for us, and I trust that I shall not see again 
on your face that self-complacent expression 
which to me would make the loveliest features 
disagreeable. 

Mary made no reply, but the tears rose to 
her eyes. They were not tears, however, of 
anger, for she felt the reproof was just, and was 
thankful that she had so judicious and excellent 
a mother. She saw now, that if Celia's choice 
of a dress had shown the deep-rooted haughti- 



THE PIC-NIC AT CAMPBELL'S GKOVE. 41 

ness, which was the great fault of her character, 
her own had as clearly proved the vanity 
which was her besetting sin. She followed her 
mother in silence to the carriage, but Mrs. 
Hastings soon banished all unpleasant feelings 
by her pleasant conversation, and the ride to 
the Grove seemed very short, and was, as both 
the girls declared, "most delightful." 

On their arrival at the scene of the expected 
festivities, Celia and Mary busied themselves in 
arranging the provisions on the long tables 
which Eeginald and Horace erected. There 
was abundance of cold chickens and cold ham, 
and plenty of nice bread and butter, but no 
dainties. Mrs. Hastings knew that some of the 
poor children who were coming had rarely 
enough of any kind of food, and that it would 
be unwise to endanger their health by giving 
them a supply of luxuries to which they were 
unaccustomed. The fare of her own children 
was always simple, because, after renouncing 
for them all the sinful lusts of the flesh, she 
had no idea of fostering in them that greediness 
which is one of the besetting sins of childhood. 



i* 



42 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

Substantial and excellent food they had in 
abundance, but it was never made a reward, 
nor the deprivation of it a punishment, lest it 
should acquire undue value. Hospitality was 
exercised to all " without grudging," but she 
gave to the stranger such things as she had, 
and there was no complaining at Beulah of 
headaches from too free indulgence in rarities 
prepared for the entertainment of guests. 

In the boys, Mrs. Hastings was particularly 
anxious not to excite a fondness for good liv 
ing, having seen many a mother broken-hearted 
by the dissipation of a son in whom she had 
cultivated the love of eating, which is the pre 
cursor of the love of drinking, by taking pains 
to give him delicacies in his childhood. She 
believed that in every Christian household the 
Lenten rule of abstinence should be prolonged 
throughout the year ; at least, that " the flesh 
should be so subdued to spirit that they might 
ever serve God in righteousness and true holi 
ness." 

The arrangement of the tables was just com 
pleted when Horace cried out that he saw the 



43 

smoke-pipes of the Erie through the trees, and 
in a moment she was letting off steam at the 
landing-place. Celia and Mary ran to the edge 
of the grove to see the children come on shore, 
and Mary even could hardly help smiling at 
their singular appearance. All were in their 
holiday clothes, but they were of every variety. 
Some wore tarnished finery; some, expensive 
but outgrown and inappropriate clothing, and 
a few, homespun garments of the coarsest sort, 
while here and there some absolutely ragged 
urchins were sprinkled among the crowd. 
There were little girls in flaring, faded, blue and 
pink bonnets, with silk capes evidently made 
for grown-up women, and boys with velvet 
jackets with barren spots here and there, and 
gaudy buttons ; and as for hats, he was a hap 
py fellow whose head fitted into its covering. 
Big skulls were squeezed into little winter 
caps, and small boys were running about in 
broad-brimmed beavers, which threatened to 
slip over their noses and almost cover them. 
Mr. Neville, the pastor of this curious little 
flock, had requested that any person in the dis- 



44 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

trict where lie resided would send to him such 
clothing as they were willing to bestow on 
charity. A few weeks after, the apartment in 
which these donations were stored presented a 
striking commentary upon the style of dress 
adopted even by the conscientious and benevo 
lent. 

If Christians have only their own cast-off 
clothes to bestow in charity, would it not be 
well for them to adopt some style of dress 
which would not render objects of their charity 
absolutely ridiculous, or cultivate in them a 
taste which may prove their ruin. The deli 
cate materials, however, which are often per 
fectly suitable for the wealthy, are of no use to 
the laboring classes. Might it not, therefore, 
be a more judicious way for those who assist 
to clothe the destitute, to practise some self- 
denial instead of changing with every fashion, 
and giving away that which is useless to them, 
because out of date? They could wear the dress 
appropriate to their station till it was no longer 
serviceable, and employ the money thus saved 
by a fitting attention to the Christian rule, in 



THE PIC-NIC AT CAMPBELL'S GROVE. 45 

buying such clothing as would be of real 
service to the poor. 

Among the gentlemen who landed from the 
steamboat with the children, there was one 
whose whole manner and appearance were 
most attractive ; his thin, gray hair was parted 
smoothly over a high, fair forehead, and there 
was a smile of such benevolence on his intelH- 
gent face that the smallest child in the group 
was not afraid to run and take hold of his 
hand as they commenced climbing the hill 
which led to Campbell's Grove. Indeed, he 
seemed to be a universal favorite, for tall, 
rough-looking boys clustered around him, lis 
tening eagerly for his replies to their clamorous 
questions. This gentleman was Mr. Neville, 
who had been for many years a city mission 
ary. By his exertions the congregation had 
been gathered together that now compose the 
Free Church, of which he was pastor. He was 
acquainted with every child in the Sunday- 
school, and to many of them he had been intro 
duced under circumstances which enlisted his 
peculiar sympathy. The little girl that he led 



46 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

by the hand was an orphan whom he had first 
seen as a baby in her cradle, when called to 
visit a poor woman who had been nearly 
burned to death. The mother died in a few 
weeks, leaving her child without a friend in the 
world, excepting the benevolent clergyman, 
who immediately made the case known to 
some pious individuals who looked to him for 
advice in the discharge of their stewardship. 
By their aid little Ellen had been placed in one 
of the charitable institutions of the Church, 
until a lady took her into her family to bring 
up as a waiting-maid. It is true that she was 
too young to be yet of much service, as she 
was now only eight years old ; but Mrs. Nash 
wisely remarked that the foundation of all 
character was laid in childhood, and that she 
could not expect Ellen to become such a 
woman as she liked unless schooled under her 
own eye. At her own request the child had 
been allowed to attend the Sunday-school of 
the Church of the Messiah, where her attentive 
behavior gave great satisfaction to her excel 
lent friend. 



THE PIC-NIC AT CAMPBELL'S GROVE. 47 

But it would take too long to tell the history 
of all Mr. Neville's proteges. Some of the 
boys were chimney-sweeps, who had been re 
leased from tyrannical masters; some, newspa 
per boys, who had been persuaded to leave an 
employment so dangerous to their morals ; and 
some, foundlings, who knew only the name 
given them when they were rescued from de 
struction. With these children of misfortune 
there were others fortunate enough to have 
poor but honest parents, who were drawn to the 
Church of the Messiah by the simple pleadings 
of its warm-hearted pastor. All his flock were 
regarded by him with deep interest, but his 
pets were the young wanderers who had been 
won back by persevering efforts to the paths of 
happiness and peace. 

Eefined, gentlemanly, and intelligent in no 
common degree, Mr. Neville had passed the 
best years of life among the wretched and de 
graded, precisely because he found that his very 
refinement and intelligence gave him an influ 
ence over the coarse and ignorant, of which 
they were not themselves aware. The harsh 



48 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

voice insensibly softened as it replied to his 
gentle tones, and the hardened face showed 
often a gleam of feeling as it met his kind eye. 
No mortal tongue could tell how many souls 
had been saved from perdition by his coura 
geous efforts, but frequently there came to his 
ear the tidings of some sinner rescued, through 
his instrumentality, from eternal misery, and 
then he rejoiced with the pure joy of the an 
gelic choir. Oh, thrice blessed is the man who 
is gifted by nature for the discharge of a mis 
sion so much resembling that of his divine 
Master, who came "not to call the righteous, 
but sinners to repentance!" 

It was nearly sunset when the sound of mu 
sic clear and sweet rose from Campbell's Grove 
to the blue sky above. A hundred children 
were singing, with hearts gladdened by the 
lovely scene around them, the praises of their 
gracious Father in heaven. Judge Hastings 
and his wife, with the girls, stood on a little 
mound, under a tall oak, commanding a view 
of the youthful band. Horace was seated on a 
stump near them, and as he listened to the 



THE PIC-NIC AT CAMPBELL'S GROVE. 49 



words of his own composition, a deep flush set 
tled on his young cheek, and agitating thoughts 
were evidently passing through his mind. He 
had written many verses before, but none of 
them had affected him thus. It seemed so like 
leading the devotions of others to have com 
posed the form of words in which praise was 
offered to the Almighty. He almost trembled 
at the thought. Had he sufficiently considered 
the solemnity of the act, and was he fitted to 
discharge such an office? He felt now that 
it was not sufficient that words thus sung 
should contain poetical thoughts they must be 
the breathings of a pious heart. Any man 
might write poetry; but only a child of Glod 
could know in what language to address his 
Father. 

Oh, it is strange at what seasons, and by 
what means, the Spirit of Grod impresses upon 
our hearts those truths which reason has long 
acknowledged! While seated on that stump, 
Horace realized the fact that the noblest em 
ployment of human intellect was the praise of 
its Giver, but that this employment must be 



50 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

preceded by an entire surrender of our souls to 
His service. He remembered the words of the 
Confirmation Hymn, and uttered its fervent 
petition, 

"Deign, Lord, to make me wholly Thine," 

with a sincerity which accounted for the spirit 
of devotedness that his subsequent life dis 
played. 

The last echo of the hymn died away among 
the hills, and the children were preparing for 
departure, when a sudden scream of terror was 
heard from the place where Celia Eogers had 
wandered alone. A frank, fine-looking boy 
sprang to the spot just in time to snatch up in 
his hand, and whirl over the hill, a poisonous 
snake that was just preparing to spring upon 
the affrighted girl. No sooner was this manly 
act performed than he fell back into the group 
from which he had separated himself. 

When Celia recovered her self-command, 
she was unable to distinguish her deliverer; 
but in spite of her fright, the momentary 
glimpse she had of him had awakened disa- 



c^: 




PACE 50. 



greeable feelings in her proud heart. As she 
had been standing, a few hours before, under 
a little rustic arbor which the boys had erect 
ed, a scene had passed which she did not now 
like to remember. Her dress had been so 
studiously plain, that she was several times 
mistaken for one of the Sunday-school chil 
dren, and certainly many of them were her 
superiors in politeness and consideration on 
that occasion. While talking with Mary, this 
same noble-looking boy had approached her 
and asked politely, " Is this bright red flower 
the Cardinal flower? I have not been in 
the country since I was five years old, and 
I want to know if this is my mother's fa 
vorite." 

Mary, who was studying his face, saw the 
tears filling his dark eyes as he mentioned the 
word "Mother;" but Celia was looking the 
other way, as she haughtily replied, "I do not 
know the names of any of these weeds ; they 
are all the same to me." 

"Indeed!" said the boy, with grieved sur 
prise, "I beg your pardon for asking the 



52 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

question, but I did so want to know, and I 
could not find Mr. Neville." 

"Here I am, Frederick," said the pleasant 
voice of the pastor, as he emerged from the 
other side of the arbor, where he had been an 
unintentional listener to the foregoing conver 
sation, and a grieved observer of Celia's un 
christian manners. "Yes! that is a Cardinal 
flower, and if you will give it to me, I will 
take it home and press it for you, to keep in 
memory of this pleasant day." 

An eloquent blush bespoke the boy's grati 
tude as he turned away. 

ISTo remarks were at that time made by the 
clergyman, but when Celia heard that he had 
exchanged with their own pastor, and was to 
return in the carriage to Beulah, she felt no 
pleasure at the information. She was almost 
sure that the boy who had saved her life was 
the same whom she had thought impertinent 
in asking a civil question. If so, which stood 
the highest in the scale of beings, one who 
would give pain without provocation, or he who 
would ward it off at the risk of his own life ? 



THE PIC-NIC AT CAMPBELL'S GKOVE. 53 

Nothing lias been said of Keginald, who on 
this day was studiously quiet, and no one could 
have suspected from his manner that he was 
the giver of the fete. He referred every thing 
to Judge Hastings with modest respect, and was 
very desirous the children should not be told 
to whom they were indebted for so happy a 
day. At the same time he had ma'de various 
inquiries with regard to such children as had 
excited his particular attention, and has set 
down in his memorandum-book the names of 
those to whom he thought some aid might be 
most useful. What need was there of his 
name being known? he was only the instru 
ment, and most fortunate in being allowed thus 
to dispense enjoyment. 

And now the steamboat bell rang loud, and 
the children eagerly flocked on board. A mo 
ment more and the Erie glided away, and soon 
disappeared from sight. Mr. Neville handed 
Mrs. Hastings and the girls to the carriage, and 
then took his seat beside them, while Judge 
Hastings and the boys remained for a few 
minutes, to see that the fragments of the feast 



54: CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

were packed away into the ox-cart, and then 
they mounted their horses, and rode home so 
rapidly that they arrived in time to welcome 
the clergyman to Beulah. 



55 



CHAPTER IV. 



" THE bright, the beautiful, the blessed Lord's 
Day!" exclaimed Horace, as he woke to con 
sciousness on the ensuing morning. His win 
dow commanded a view of the rising sun, and 
as he saw the glorious clouds, gilded with its 
dawning splendor, adoring thoughts of the 
great Creator filled his young heart. 

An eye for the beautiful, and a love for the 
outward forms of nature add much to the hap 
piness of life ; but this is not their only aim. 
Horace had been taught that even his percep 
tions of beauty added to his responsibility, and 
it was inexcusable in him not to make some 
return for the love which he could read in 
every glistening star and fragile flower. 

" What shall I render unto the Lord for all 
His mercies !" was the involuntary question of 
his grateful heart. And what could he render 



56 CONSECKATED TALENTS. 

since he possessed nothing which he had not 
received at the Lord's hands. 

" Time, Health, Intellect, Influence, these are 
Thy gifts, Parent of Good," he again ejaculated. 
"Oh, give me grace to use them aright!" 

Horace had been from his childhood a sober- 
minded boy, and had been taught always to 
consider himself as admitted by baptism to fel 
lowship with Christ's Church, if he did not 
forfeit this glorious privilege. He looked 
eagerly forward to the time when he could 
renew in Confirmation the vows that had been 
made for him in infancy, and at fifteen the wish 
of his heart had been fulfilled. It is sometimes 
said that Christian education often fails to 
attain its end, but this had not been the experi 
ence of Judge Hastings. His children were 
fallible beings, often overpowered by tempta 
tion and sin, but ever repenting and confessing 
their errors and seeking forgiveness through 
the blood of Christ. They were viewed by 
their parents, and taught to view themselves, as 
beings created for God's glory, and whose chief 
aim must be to advance that end. As they 



LIFE'S MISSION. 57 

drew nearer to maturity, they were led to 
examine themselves, so as to discover in what 
way they could be most extensively useful; 
and even Mary had learned to ask in every un 
dertaking, "Will it forward the purpose for 
which I was created? Will any one thus be 
made better or happier?" 

With such views, it is no wonder that these 
young people hailed the Lord's Day with de 
light. It furnished them with refreshing food, 
by which they were better enabled to dis 
charge every duty. But the thoughts which 
had passed through the mind of the young poet 
while listening to his own verses had made 
him peculiarly susceptible to all holy influ 
ences. He felt that he must look upon na 
ture's broad expanse, and rising quickly, he 
dressed himself, and walked forth upon the 
lawn. The air was so delightful that insen 
sibly he wandered down the hill, and crossing 
the small bridge at its foot, ascended a rocky 
precipice which overhung the little stream. 
As he stood gazing on the fresh beauty of 
the morning, a pleasant voice saluted his ear 



58 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

with the words, "You are out early, my young 
friend, but I see your temptation this beau 
tiful scene, is it not?" 

"Indeed it is, sir," he replied respectfully, 
as he saw Mr. Neville appearing from the 
other side of the projecting rock on which he 
stood. Both remained for some time gazing 
in silence as the golden clouds faded away, 
till they were lost in the clear blue of day. 

"I wish that I were a man," exclaimed 
Horace at length, with much animation. 

"Why so?" asked Mr. Neville, wondering 
why at such a moment the lad should wish 
to exchange joyous youth for care-worn man 
hood. 

"So that I might assume your office, sir, 
and tell all mankind of the love of Him who 
made this beautiful world," was the earnest, 
yet modest reply. 

" Such, then, are your aspirations ?" re 
marked Mr. Neville, with a smile of benevo 
lent delight; "God grant, my boy, that they 
may be one day fulfilled! But you need not 
wait, Horace, for manhood to publish the 



LIFE'S MISSION. 59 

goodness of your Maker. Do you not know 
that you are already a consecrated missionary, 
and there is abundance of work for all your 
energies and strength?" 

"How so?" asked Horace, eagerly. "Tell 
me where is any work, that I may do it." 

"You belong to that Church," was the re 
ply, " which is the body of our divine Lord, 
to whom He committed, upon His Ascension, 
the work of Christianising the whole earth. 
Prompted by the holiest of motives, gratitude 
and love, aided by His ever-present Spirit, its 
chief aim and end is to save a perishing world. 
To this aim every other must be made subser 
vient, every faculty and every talent devoted. 
1 Ye are the salt of the earth, ye are the light 
of the world,' were the words of Christ to 
His disciples, and all who are named by His 
name are now called upon to purify and en 
lighten the earth. It is true, it is the duty 
of each individual to cultivate personal holi 
ness, that the salt may not lose its savor, nor 
the lamp its oil, but this is only the begin 
ning. Each must labor to discover what 



60 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

place is allotted to him in the vast field, and 
what instruments he is best fitted to use, and 
then devote himself wholly to his appointed 
task. 'Whether prophecy, let us prophesy 
according to the proportion of faith; or min 
istry, let us wait on our ministering; or he 
that teacheth, on teaching; or he that ex- 
horteth, on exhortation.' " 

"I know," said Horace, thoughtfully, "that 
we may, and must all be useful according to 
the best of our abilities, but only in the cleri 
cal profession can the salvation and the relief 
of misery be the whole business of life. Other 
men must give much of their time to some 
secular occupation." 

"There is the very point which so few 
understand," answered Mr. Neville. "Every 
calling in life may be made the instrument 
of fulfilling a higher mission, and ought to be 
considered as such. The merchant should 
view trade as the instrumentality through 
which his light is to shine. By a disinterest 
ed, upright, and high-minded course, he may 
reach hearts which were impervious to any 



61 

other agency. Every vocation forces a man 
into more intimate acquaintance with those 
similarly employed, and this gives him an 
opportunity for exerting over them a more 
powerful influence, while it directs their at 
tention to his own life and conduct, and the 
principles by which he is actuated. The mer 
chant thus becomes a missionary to merchants 
in general, the mechanic to those similarly 
employed, and the laborer to those who share 
his daily toil. The latter may not even come 
within the sound of a clergyman's voice, but 
there may be moments when a fellow-laborer 
may drop good seed into his heart, which 
could have been sown by no other hand. 
While two mowers are cutting down the long 
grass they may discover the hidden bird's 
nest, and one may direct the other's attention 
to the piercing cries of the parent from the 
neighboring bush, and speak of that universal 
parental love whose type and image is found 
in every animate being. Or they may be 
mutually rejoicing in the refreshing influence 
of a much-needed shower, and the missionary 



62 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

laborer may take occasion to speak of Him 
who sends ' the former and the latter rain.' 
To do this effectually his life must give 
weight to his words, and this it will be more 
apt to do if he feel rightly his own consecra 
tion, body and soul, to the service of Christ." 

" But these are men, all men," said Horace, 
despondingly, "and again I could wish I were 
a man, that I might be more extensively 
useful." 

" And is youth no talent, my young 
friend," asked Mr. Neville, kindly, "that you 
are so willing to give up its advantages? You 
would throw away one of the most beautiful 
instruments in the plan of benevolence. There 
is a power in the earnest piety of a young 
heart to unseal the purer fountains in those 
of the old, and to reach the coldest, most 
world-hardened men. Uncontaminated by 
contact with evil, and unstained by vice, the 
young are the ordained preachers of purity 
and disinterestedness. They should beware 
lest in their zeal for active usefulness they 
deviate from the modest virtues which give 



LIFE'S MISSION. 63 

them most powerful influence. Glowing 
health! vigorous strength! ardent enthusiasm! 
these all whisper of a being fresh from the 
hand of God, and when seen entirely devoted 
to His service they have a most delightful 
effect in keeping alive the cheerfulness and 
activity of those who are discouraged because 
of the way. As I look at you, now burning 
with zeal to be up and doing, I recall my own 
youth, and feel its ardor renewed. This very 
morning you have done missionary labor, my 
boy, for you have made me see the blessed 
privilege of having so many avenues of use 
fulness open before me. There are tunes 
when I am almost burdened with the respon 
sibilities which have accumulated upon me, 
but I recall the hour, when like you I longed 
for a wider field of action, and it cheers me 
on to labor more faithfully." 

A deep blush overspread the face of the 
young lad, and he said modestly, "Oh, sir, I 
can hardly believe that I can have done or 
said any thing that could affect you thus, but 
I am very sure I shall never forget your 



64 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

words. Yes, sir, till I can be a clergyman, I 
will try and fulfil that mission with which I 
am already intrusted; I will ask my father if 
he thinks me fitted, in later life, to assume 
the holiest of all professions, and if so, oh, 
how joyfully will I go forth to spread the 
glad tidings of salvation." 

So saying, Horace accompanied Mr. Neville 
to the little path which wound down the hill, 
and crossing the bridge they walked up the 
long avenue of elms which led to the house, 
in perfect silence. 

The Judge was standing in the green ve 
randah watching for their return, and accom 
panied them into the library, where the rest 
of the family were already assembled for their 
usual morning devotions. 

Never before had Horace so fully felt the 
force of the language of the "General Con 
fession" in the Prayer-book, in which every 
member of the family supplicates God, for 
Christ's sake, that he "may hereafter live a 
godly, righteous, and sober life." 

Oh! how can so many Christians, not only 



LIFE'S MISSION. 65 

listen to, but join in those solemn words, week 
after week, and month after month, and then 
go forth to their daily occupations, to buy 
and to sell, to teach and to learn to heap 
up riches, as if the treasures they accumulated 
were their own, for which they must render no 
account ! 



66 CONSECKATED TALENTS. 



CHAPTER V. 

THE ORPHAN. 

SUNDAY evening was always a delightful 
time at Beulah, for Judge Hastings and his 
wife were both then at leisure to converse 
with the young people, and solve for them 
some of the various questions which had been 
puzzling their conscientious minds during the 
week. The presence of Mr. Neville gave ad 
ditional charm to this happy season, and by 
degrees the conversation fell mostly into his 
hands, while the rest of the circle were de 
lighted listeners. 

Eeginald had found courage to ask for the 
history of many of the Sunday-school scholars 
in whom he had been particularly interested 
the day before; he had also been promised 
Mr. Neville's company in his intended visits 
to them, whenever his uncle would give him 
permission to go to the city. Mary had been 



THE ORPHAN. 67 

silent during these inquiries, but all at once 
she exclaimed with great animation, "Oh, 
you have not told us any thing about that 
noble boy that threw the snake over the hill 
so fearlessly." 

Celia blushed at this allusion; but no one 
noticed her confusion excepting Mr. Neville, 
who said, looking at her inquiringly, "Would 
you all like to know something of him?" 

"Certainly," said Celia, looking the other 
way, and trying to conceal her embarrass 
ment. "I must know something of him, and 
find some way to repay the service he did 
me." 

"That you may easily do," said Mr. Nev 
ille, kindly, "and I am sure when you know 
more of his history, you will feel that he is 
as worthy of respect as patronage." This last 
word was emphasized in such a way, as to 
show Celia that the clergyman had seen, and 
disapproved the haughtiness of her manners. 

" About a month since," continued Mr. Nev 
ille, "I was standing one morning at the 
church-door, when I saw a fine, manly-look- 



68 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

ing boy approaching, holding by the hand a 
little girl of about three years of age. 

" ' Is there an infant department in your 
school,' said he, accosting me respectfully, 
1 in which I could place my little sister?' 

"'Yes, and a Bible-class for boys of your 
size, if you will join it,' I replied, suspecting 
that, like some other young lads, he might 
think religious instruction was only needed by 
little girls. 

"'Thank you,' said he, gratefully. 'That 
is just what I wish. I wanted to come to the 
school myself, and could not leave my little 
sister at home alone.' 

" ' Where do you live ?' I asked with in 
terest, for the boy's manner was very plea 
sing, and I had not at that time leisure to 
become better acquainted with him. 

"He gave me the number and street, and 
the next day I started in search of the place. 
I easily found the house, and was directed by 
the tenant of the lower story to a small room 
on the fourth floor. 

"On knocking at the door, it was opened 



THE OEPHAN. 69 

bj our young friend, Frederick, who evidently 
had just been writing at a little pine table, 
which was covered with papers. In a small, 
dilapidated wicker-chair, beside the old wood 
en one from which he had just risen, his little 
sister was seated, playing with some paper 
dolls, cut out with a great deal of ingenuity. 

'"Where is your mother?' I asked, seeing 
no one else in the room, and observing that 
the only beds were a little crib and a straw 
pallet on the floor. 

"The little girl caught the sound of the 
familiar word, 'Mother,' and starting up from 
her seat ran to my side, and leaning one arm 
confidingly on my knee, she looked up earn 
estly in my face, and said with a mysterious 
air, 'She has been gone to heaven for five 
long weeks. She was very sick for a great 
while, but one day she fell fast asleep, and 
they took her out of her bed, and carried her 
there. Don't you think she was glad when 
she woke up in such a pretty place?' 

" Frederick's eyes filled with tears at these 
innocent words, and I could hardly repress my 



70 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

own as I kissed the dear little child, and 
said, 'Yes, indeed, I do not doubt that she 
was very happy to know that she was in her 
Saviour's home.' 

" ' Is your father not living, either ?' I said, 
turning to the brother, who had somewhat 
conquered his emotion. 

"'No, sir,' he answered, in a sad tone. 
'He died about a year after Lotty, there, 
was born.' 

" ' And who takes care of you ?' I asked, 
in astonishment. 

" ' I take care of Lotty, and God takes care 
of us both,' he replied, with great simplicity. 

" 'Were your parents Americans?' I asked; 
'there is something a little foreign in your 
accent.' 

" ' No, sir, my father was an Englishman, 
but he came to this country immediately after 
his marriage. I do not know any thing about 
his early history, but he was a very well- 
educated man, and spent most of his time in 
writing. I believe he published some book 
which did not sell well, and after that he used 



THE OKPHAN. 71 

to earn his living by copying writing for law 
yers. While he was ill mother wrote for him, 
but writing and nursing him at the same time 
broke down her health, and she was never 
well again after his death. When she began 
to be too feeble to write a steady hand, she 
let me try and help her, and I got so that 
our employers were as well satisfied with the 
sheets I copied as with hers, and then I per 
suaded her not to write any more. She could, 
however, do a little fine sewing, which was 
not so fatiguing, and in this way we were 
supported till about two months ago, and then 
she was taken sick and confined to her bed. 
The people in the lower part of the house 
were very kind, and helped us during her 
illness, by bringing a great many things 
mother could eat. One morning, about day 
light, she was lying on her bed, which I have 
since had to sell, and I was on the pallet 
beside her, when I heard her say in a very 
low voice, "Frederick!" 

" * I rose immediately, and then she whis 
pered, "Don't wake Lotty, I have something 



72 CONSECKATED TALENTS. 

to say to you. I am very ill, and shall never 
be any better. You will soon be alone in the 
world, my poor boy; but you are now fifteen, 
and with God's help you will, I hope, not 
suffer want; take care of your little sister. 
Eemain here for two months, till tidings will 
have time to reach you from my friends in 
England, to whom I have written a letter, 
which you will find in my trunk. Kiss me, 
my son. The orphan's God will protect you 
and relieve me. 7 ' 

" ' These were her last words. A few mo 
ments after I heard something like a deep 
sigh, and it was all over. Just then Lotty 
moved as if she was going to wake, and I 
hushed her again to sleep, that I might think 
what I ought to do. As soon as I was sure 
she slept, I went down and told Mrs. Martin, 
the kind woman in the lower floor, what had 
happened, and asked if she would let Lotty 
come down there and stay that day. She 
went up stairs, and took her in her arms 
softly, and carried her down into her room, 
where she found means to detain her till even- 



THE ORPHAN. 73 

ing. Then I went to mother's trunk for the 
letter of which she had spoken, and found 
with it one to myself, telling me all that I 
was to do ; I then went to the gentleman who 
gave me writing, and asked, as mother had 
told me in this letter to do, if they would 
advance me a few dollars to bury her. As 
they knew me very well, and the writing 
which had been given had been regularly 
done, they gave me more than the sum I 
asked. I then requested an undertaker to let 
me have a plain coffin for mother's bedstead, 
which was the nicest thing we owned; and 
after coming to our room and seeing it, he 
consented, and before night every thing was 
ready for the funeral. I then went for you, 
sir, to attend the funeral, as mother, whenever 
she could go out, which was very seldom 
during father's illness and her own, had gone 
to hear you preach. You were not at home, 
but Mrs. Martin found a clergyman, and I 
went with him to the place where I had got 
permission to bury my mother. I could not 
have her laid there without a prayer, and the 

7 



74 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

clergyman was very kind to go, and promised 
to come and see me the next day, but I 
think he must have fallen sick, for he has 
not been here since, and he looked very fee 
ble.' 

"In the grief which these recollections ex 
cited, the boy had forgotten his little sister, 
who had stood beside me listening to his nar 
rative, with the big tears rolling down her 
cheeks, but without speaking. Now she inter 
rupted him with a burst of sorrow, exclaim 
ing : ' Oh, Frederick, she has not gone to 
heaven, then! you put her in a coffin, and 
you put her in the ground, just as they did 
that man that died in the next house.' 

" ' What have I done !' said Frederick, in 
deep distress. 'Dear little Lotty,' said he, 
taking his little sister in his arms, and letting 
her hide her tearful face on his breast, 'mo 
ther is in heaven; it was only her body that 
went to the grave. Her soul went away from 
her body, because God was going to let it 
have a more "beautiful one." Was it not so, 
sir?' 



THE ORPHAN. 75 

"I could hardly answer, so much was I 
overcome by the sight of these little orphans ; 
but I at length found words to quiet Char 
lotte, who, soon wearied with weeping, fell 
asleep in her brother's arms. 

"Frederick then continued his narrative, 
telling me how he had since continued to live. 
He never left home, only to go for writing, 
and then always took his little sister with 
him, carrying her in his arms, when she was 
too tired to walk. This little sister had accom 
panied him to Campbell's Grove on the day 
of the pic-nic, and had been under the charge 
of a daughter of his fellow-lodger, Mrs. Mar 
tin, on both occasions when my young friend, 
Celia, had observed Frederick. 

" So beautiful an instance of parental devo 
tion and manly energy," said Mr. Neville, in 
conclusion, "I have never before met. I can 
not persuade him to give up the charge of his 
little sister, for whom I could easily find an 
asylum, or to leave the room they occupy 
till the time appointed by his mother has 
expired. 



76 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

"As he was paid, in advance, for more wri 
ting than he can accomplish in several weeks, 
he has been obliged to sell every thing of any 
value, and has even disposed of all his own 
better clothes, leaving nothing for himself to 
wear but the patched suit which excited the 
contempt of some who saw him on that occa 
sion." 

" Contempt !" exclaimed Eeginald, indig 
nantly; "every article is a badge of honor. 
What a noble boy ! Show me how I can do 
something to testify my respect for such mag 
nanimous behavior." 

Mr. Neville smiled pleasantly at Keginald's 
enthusiasm, and said, 

" You shall go with me to Mr. Malcolm's, a 
friend of mine, whom I wish to consult as to 
the best employment for our young friend, 
when I find out more clearly the nature of his 
mind, and the extent of his previous education. 
At present he will want for nothing, and be 
yond bare necessaries he is unwilling to receive 
any assistance." 

"Well! poverty must be a glorious thing 



THE ORPHAN. 77 

if it brings out such virtues," said Eeginald 
warmly. 

" Yes ; poverty may be made an instrument 
of much good, if cheerfully borne," replied Mr. 
Neville; "but it is a fiery ordeal. The poor, 
however, have their mission as well as the 
rich, and my friend Frederick has discharged 
his in part, if he has impressed upon you all 
the fact, that it is not the circumstances of our 
birth, but the manner in which we use our 
position in life, which entitles us either to 
respect or contempt." 

These words were a severe lesson for Celia ; 
but Mr. Neville saw that her pride needed 
humbling, and that, accustomed as she had 
been to flattery from her youth, even blunt 
truths were necessary to startle her out of her 
self-complacency. The story of Frederick Ca 
sey had so awakened her better feelings that 
she received the lesson it conveyed quite 
meekly, saying that she hoped it had done 
them all good. 

The next morning, when Mr. Neville left 
Beulah, there was a unanimous petition for a 

7* 



78 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

second visit, and a promise was obtained from 
Judge Hastings, by the boys, that on the fol 
lowing Saturday they should pay the intended 
visit to Mr. Malcolm. 



MR. MALCOLM'S COUNTING-KOOM. 79 



CHAPTER VI. 
MR. MALCOLM'S COUNTING-ROOM. 

EEGINALD and Horace welcomed gaily the 
bright day in which they were to accomplish 
the proposed excursion to the city. The Judge 
could not accompany them as he had wished, 
but the boys had been for some time accus 
tomed to be thrown upon their own resources, 
and he was never afraid to trust them any 
where alone when they were several years 
younger than at present. 

The house of Mr. Neville was easily found, 
and that gentleman was in readiness to accom 
pany them to Mr. Malcolm's counting-room, 
where Frederick Casey was to join the party. 
On their way thither, they passed the Ex 
change, which, as it was the principal hour 
of business, was crowded by active, energetic 
men, whose whole being seemed animated by 



80 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

one absorbing passion. On they passed with 
hurrying footsteps, and the keen eye which 
peered from under many closely knit brows, 
seemed to see the golden goal, and flushed with 
hope that it might soon be won. Newspapers 
were seized with avidity as the arbiters of 
fate, and the rise and fall of different articles 
of merchandise were sought with the same 
earnest interest as if their place and happiness 
were staked upon the daily vicissitudes of for 
tune. 

And who were these, whose chief desires 
their actions thus plainly declared? The 
world, the mammon-worshipping world ? And 
where was the Church, that band of meek 
followers of Christ, who, renouncing the cov 
etous desires of the flesh were to be the leaven 
which should pervade the whole mass with 
their spiritual, unworldly faith? 

On the Lord's Day they might be seen 
worshipping in His house, and even kneeling 
at His altar; but, as to-day they mingle 
with the world, and engage in its pursuits, 
plans, and purposes, who shall be able to 



MK. MALCOLM'S COUNTING-ROOM. 81 

discriminate between their spirit and aim, 
and that of the ungodly world? 

Such were the reflections of the excellent 
clergyman, as, followed by his young com 
panions, he threaded his way through the 
jostling throng. They were just turning out 
of the crowded street when they were met by 
a gentleman of singularly pleasing appearance, 
to whom Mr. Neville introduced Eeginald and 
Horace. This was the very Mr. Malcolm 
whom they were about to visit, and he begged 
them to proceed to his counting-room, to which 
he would return in a few minutes. 

Though he was evidently in a hurry, there 
was something even in the haste of this truly 
Christian merchant different from the absorb 
ing eagerness of the surrounding crowd. His 
treasures were laid up in heaven, and his 
peace of mind did not therefore depend on 
those possessed on earth. There were other 
countenances, too, among those care-worn men, 
whose calmness was the result of the same 
certainty of a more enduring inheritance ; but 
there were comparatively few who carried, thus 



82 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

written on their brows, a letter which might 
be known and read of all. 

Mr. Malcolm had reached the age of thirty 
when the truth of religion first broke upon 
his mind. He was a man of strong, clear 
judgment and remarkable firmness of charac 
ter ; and it was not without a struggle with the 
self-confident pride of his nature, that he de 
termined to avow that his whole previous life 
had been one of opposition to God. But when 
this decisive step was once taken, there was 
no more wavering in his mind or conduct. 
He resolved that the Scriptures should be his 
own rule of life without waiting to see how 
they were construed by those around him 
who professed to follow their pure precepts. 
He had before conducted his business as the 
rules of honor and morality demanded, with 
out reference to the practice of his fellow- 
merchants, and now that Christian principle 
was his standard, he maintained the same 
independence. 

Had not the most discerning of those with 
whom Mr. Malcolm came daily in contact, pro- 



83 

nounced him, before this change in his views, 
a man of sound sense, they would now have 
ridiculed his ideas as the enthusiastic fancies 
of a fanatic. But his station placed him above 
contempt, and had it been otherwise, his firm 
consistency would have procured respect. 

Still there were those, among Christians, 
who shook their heads, and said they did not 
see the necessity of the sacrifices which he 
made. They also asserted that his wealth 
must decrease while his charities were so large 
and his business conducted upon the strange 
principle of never taking advantage of an op 
portunity for gain which must be another's 
loss. Among the prophets of evil was a gen 
tleman who returned with Mr. Malcolm to his 
place of business a few minutes after the arri 
val of Mr. Neville and his young companions. 

This gentleman he introduced to his other 
visitors as Mr. Sumerville, and then begged 
the latter to excuse him for a little while 
longer, as he must attend to an affair of some 
importance. The little room into which he 
then conducted Mr. Sumerville was so near 



84 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

that neither Mr. Neville nor the boys could 
avoid hearing the conversation that followed, 
which served to heighten their respect for Mr. 
Malcolm in no common degree. 

Mr. Sumerville was also a professing Chris 
tian ; but there were many among his daily 
associates who never suspected the fact. He 
was a type of a large class of business men, 
unimpeachable in morality, but apparently 
blind to the full extent of the devotion im 
plied by the baptismal vow. If told that any 
practice were at variance with the principles 
of the Gospel, he would own, with a sigh, that 
this was true, but that the world was all 
wrong, and no one man, in this age, could 
fulfil his whole duty until the spirit of the 
times was changed. He never thought how 
this change was to be effected, or what was 
to be his share in its execution. But it was 
not this subject which gave to his usually 
cloudy brow a still darker aspect while now 
conversing with Mr. Malcolm. 

"I hear," said he with eagerness, "that the 
place of supercargo is not yet filled in the 



ME. MALCOLM'S COUNTING-KOOM. 85 

ship which you are about fitting out for 
China." 

"It is not. I have found no one yet to 
suit me for that situation," was the reply. 

"Then I have a real favor to ask. My 
eldest son, as you may know, has been long 
a source of anxiety and grief both to his mo 
ther and myself, and I am desirous to try 
the effect of a temporary absence upon his 
feelings and character. He is well educated, 
an excellent accountant, and most honorable 
and gentlemanly in all his views. I have no 
doubt that he would discharge all his duties 
well, and when once broken off from his pres 
ent associates, would renounce the bad habits 
which have given me so much trouble." 

Mr. Malcolm was evidently troubled by this 
request, and it was some moments before he 
replied in a calm, but kind tone, 

"You are mistaken, my dear friend, in the 
course you would pursue. Believe me, it is 
no way to increase your son's morality, to 
send him to a country where he is not only 
free from all parental and religious influence, 



86 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

but even from the restraint of public opinion. 
Moral men often become dissipated in those 
terrible countries, where all the sacred influ 
ences of Christianity are unknown, and the 
vicious give themselves wholly up to the 
errors which are unrebuked by their heathen 
companions. "Were your son merely unstable 
by nature, the experiment would be a peril 
ous one ; as it is, I consider that it might 
end in his destruction." 

"I differ from you entirely," was the reply. 
" The long voyage will give Ealph time for 
reflection; and when he arrives at his des 
tined haven he will have formed such resolu 
tions as will enable him to resist all temptation. 
I am willing to run the risk at any rate, if 
you will oblige me by giving him the place 
I solicit." 

Again there was a pause, and then Mr. 
Malcolm announced with evident pain : 

"I am sorry not to oblige you, but it is 
out of my power. In sending a ship to China, 
I do not merely seek to add to my resources, 
but to aid the cause of missions in what seems 



ME. MALCOLM'S COU^TING-KOOM. 87 

to me the most effectual way. The greatest 
hinderance to the hearers of the Gospel has 
long been, as you well know, the inconsistent 
lives of those who have poured into heathen 
countries from lands professing to be Chris 
tian. I have no right, for my own advantage, 
to send any man thither who has such a char 
acter that he may prove a stumbling-block in 
the way of others. 

"I therefore make my first requisite in the 
choice of officers and men for my ships, that 
they should be men of practical religion, and 
in so doing I also give myself the surest 
pledge of their fidelity and judicious discharge 
of the business intrusted to them. 

"The captain of the 'Peace' is a man of 
exalted character, and every voyage which he 
has made has been most prosperous and suc 
cessful. The crew were all recommended by 
the chaplain of the Floating Chapel, and admi 
rably performed their duty. I had, after the 
return of the vessel, a letter from one of our 
missionaries, who performed service on board 
the ' Peace' while it was in port, thanking 



88 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

me for having so efficiently aided a cause 
which every Christian must have at heart. I 
have refused many applications for this situa 
tion, for the same reason which now obliges 
me to decline your offer." 

"But," persevered Mr. Sumerville, "one 
individual will do very little harm, and what 
you say makes me only more anxious that 
my son should go, for under such good influ 
ences, he must reform." 

"It is impossible," was the decided reply. 

Mr. Sumerville turned to leave the room, 
in evident indignation; but just as he had 
reached the door, he was arrested by Mr. 
Malcolm's saying, in a tone of warm kindli 
ness, 

" Stop, my friend, I have just thought of a 
way in which I may oblige you. One of my 
clerks, an excellent young man, is in delicate 
health, and a change of climate might benefit 
him. If he will accept the place of super 
cargo, I will take your son into my own 
store, where I can have him constantly under 
my eye, and hope to do him good. It is true 



MR. MALCOLM'S COUNTING-ROOM. 89 

he will be placed in a responsible position; 
but if he be unfaithful, the loss will be my 
own, and not an injury to the souls of others. 
Will that suit you?" 

Mr. Sumerville stood transfixed at the 
generosity of this offer, though Mr. Malcolm 
thought himself only performing an act of 
Christian duty. 

"You deserve to prosper," he exclaimed. 
"Under your care how can my son help im 
proving." 

While Mr. Malcolm was thus occupied, 
Frederick Casey had arrived, bringing with 
him his little sister, and saying in apology for 
his tardiness, "Excuse me for being too late, 
but Mrs. Martin was obliged to go out, and 
I could not leave Lotty with her, so I had 
to bring her along; and she walks so slowly 
that I could not get here sooner." 

"You are very excusable, my boy," said 
Mr. Malcolm, kindly, as he held out his hand 
to the delicate little girl, who was half hiding 
behind her brother, and was evidently much 
frightened at being in a strange place. 

8* 



90 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

"I have received tidings from England," 
said Frederick, giving at the same time a 
letter to Mr. Neville, directed in a bold, gen 
tlemanly hand. "It is only what I expected; 
I did not care to be recognized by those who 
were so unkind to my mother." 

As he spoke this last word, his eyes filled 
with tears, but his cheek was flushed with 
indignation. Mr. Neville made no reply to 
this remark, but opened the letter, and read, 
with displeased astonishment, the contents. 

"I once knew a young lady named Char 
lotte Austin, but I am unacquainted with any 
Mrs. Casey. You probably resemble the 
father, whose name you bear, and I must, 
therefore, decline making your acquaintance. 
"HERBERT AUSTIN." 

As Mr. Neville involuntarily re-read these 
words aloud, Eeginald and Horace exclaimed, 
indignantly, "Shameful! what a monster!" 

"Hush! hush!" said Mr. Neville. "Fred 
erick, those young lads are friends of mine, 



91 

who also wish to be friends of yours, but I 
did not mean to impart to them the contents 
of this letter without jour consent." 

"It's of no consequence, sir," said Frederick, 
still very much excited. "There is nothing 
in it of which I am ashamed. I should be 
quite as unwilling to own such a grandfather, 
as he appears to be to own me." 

"Softly, softly, my boy," said Mr. Neville, 
soothingly; "you do not know by what sor 
rows his heart may have been hardened." 

"I thought sorrow made the heart soft!" 
interrupted Horace. 

"It should do so, but if it is not received 
in a right spirit, it has the contrary effect. 
I pity the writer of this letter, for he cuts 
himself off from the natural solace of age, the 
love and companionship of the young. Come 
here, Lotty," he added, as he drew the little 
girl affectionately towards him, and placing 
her on his knee, took off her little faded hat, 
and smoothing the soft golden curls, which fell 
around her sweet innocent face, said, "would 
you like to come and live with me?" 



92 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

The little stranger seemed more startled 
than pleased at this proposition, and looked 
at Frederick, for him to answer. 

" I do not doubt that you would take very 
good care of her, sir," he replied, "but in 
deed we cannot be separated." 

"No? well, then, I must have you both. 
But we will talk of that some other time. 
Here comes Mr. Malcolm," he added, as that 
gentleman entered the room. "Allow me to 
introduce to you, sir, three of my young 
friends. This is Eeginald Campbell, who 
needs some lessons in the management of his 
worldly goods; this is his cousin, Horace 
Hastings, whose father, I believe, you have 
long known ; and this, sir, is my friend, Fred 
erick Casey, of whom you have heard me 
often speak." 

"And who is this?" asked Mr. Malcolm, 
after he had kindly shaken hands with the 
boys, as he took the little blue-eyed girl up 
in his arms, and looked in her face with 
tender interest. "It must be the little Lotty 
of whom you also told me." 



MR. MALCOLM'S COUNTING-ROOM. 93 

With the quick instinct of childhood, Lotty 
read in the face of the new comer the be 
nevolence which was such a striking feature 
in his character. She did not struggle to 
free herself from his arms, while he continued 
gazing into her eyes with evident pleasure, and 
saying, as if to himself, " Strange ! so very 
like my lost Henrietta." 

Mr. Neville at once conjectured that Mr. 
Malcolm found in Lotty a resemblance to his 
only daughter, whose loss, a few years before, 
had been one of the greatest afflictions of his 
life, and he inwardly wondered at the provi 
dence which had thus insured to the orphan 
so warm a friend. 

In a few minutes Mr. Malcolm had recov 
ered his self-command, but he still held Lotty 
in his arms while listening to Mr. Neville's 
account of the refusal of Mr. Austin to ac 
knowledge his grandchild. 

"How cruel to himself!" he exclaimed, as 
he looked fondly at the little girl whom he 
was so tenderly holding; "but never mind, 
Frederick, you shall imagine that I am your 



94 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

grandfather. Mr. Neville tells me that you 
are well advanced in your studies, and wish 
to do something for yourself." 

"Now, if you could have your choice of all 
the occupations in the world, what would you 
rather be?" 

Frederick paused for some moments, and 
then said, "If I were only good enough, I 
should prefer to become a missionary; but 
that I can never be, for Lotty could not go 
with me, and I could never leave her." 

"Why, where would you wish to go? 
There are missionary stations where that 
would be no objection." 

"Yes, sir," said Frederick, respectfully, "but 
I want to go where widows are burned on 
the funeral piles of their husbands." 

"And why do you wish to go there?" 
asked Mr. Malcolm, delighted with the manly 
independence of the boy's manner, and his 
intelligent, expressive countenance. 

"Because, sir, that country must be full of 
orphans, and I long to tell them how good a 
Father they can find in the Christian's God." 



This was said with so much feeling and 
sincerity, that Mr. Malcolm brushed away an 
unconscious tear. Lotty saw the bright drop, 
and putting her little arm softly round the 
neck of her new friend, she laid her face 
sympathizingly against his, whispering, gently, 
" Don't cry, sir." The caressing manner 
brought back so fully the remembrance of 
his own lost darling, that the bereaved father 
was entirely overcome. Tear after tear fell 
on the head of the fair-haired child, while 
she tried by every innocent art to console 
his grief. 

"Come here, Lotty," said Frederick, seeing 
that she was the cause of this emotion. 

"JSTo, no," said Mr. Malcolm, holding her 
fast; "you must both come and live with 
me." 

Frederick looked at the same time gratified 
and annoyed at the proposition. At length 
he said firmly, but respectfully, 

" My mother said I was old enough to sup 
port Lotty and myself; and so I am. I do 
not wish to be dependent on any one, but I 



96 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

should be very happy to be put in the way 
of helping myself." 

"Are you proud, Frederick?" asked Mr. 
Malcolm, with a slight accent of reproach. 

"I hope not, sir," said Frederick meekly; 
"but the Bible says, 'If any man will -not 
work, neither let him eat.' If I were old or 
sick, I should be willing to receive aid from 
any one, but Grod has given me youth and 
strength, and I ought to employ them for my 
sister and myself." 

"You are right," said Mr. Neville, coming 
to his aid; "but I think we can settle the 
matter so as to please all. Mr. Malcolm will 
place you in a way of giving him such assist 
ance as will repay his kindness, and without 
being separated from your sister, you can 
still be independent." 

"Certainly," rejoined Mr. Malcolm before 
Frederick could answer; "I will employ you 
in the store, and give you a regular salary 
for the time thus occupied, which will be 
only during the eight business hours that I 
am here myself. I have no family, but an 



97 

excellent housekeeper who is fond of chil 
dren, and who will take the best care of 
Lotty while we are absent. Your evenings 
you shall devote to study, and you shall pay 
your own masters if you prefer to do so. By 
thus employing your spare time, you will be 
prepared, when you come of age, for the pro 
fession which is your choice, and by that 
time I hope that we shall be on such a good 
footing that you will consider me as not only 
a friend but also a father." 

One would have here thought that this 
proposition had been made to Eeginald, from 
his look of delight. Horace was absorbed in 
thinking what a beautiful piece of poetry the 
whole scene would make; but his sympathy, 
though taking this form, was as warm and 
as genuine as that of his cousin. 

Frederick himself was utterly unable to 
speak. Mr. Neville answered for him, and 
then said to Eeginald, "Mr. Malcolm will tell 
you at some other time about the benevolent 
projects to which you may lend your aid. 
We will now go and visit some of the ac- 



98 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

quaintances which you have made at the 
Grove." 

The boys rose to leave, and Frederick called 
his sister to him, and putting on her hat with 
a kind of motherly care, was about following 
them, after a few words of broken thanks, 
when Mr. Malcolm detained him, saying, 

"Wait one moment, I must go home with 
you, for I have a great deal more to say. 
Mr. Neville, will you step into this room?" 

When the door was closed, Mr. Malcolm 
said, earnestly, "I have just thought that a 
young Mr. Sumerville, whom I have to-day 
offered to receive into my store, may be a 
dangerous associate for this lad. Do you 
think he has strength of principle enough to 
resist evil example?" 

"I think," replied Mr. Neville, that most 
boys had better not be subjected to this trial, 
but in Frederick's case, I am almost sure he 
will not only resist evil, but impart good. 
He may aid you in your kind intentions 
towards young Sumerville, to which we were 
obliged to listen. I am sure that you will 



MR. MALCOLM'S COUNTING-ROOM. 99 

be more than repaid for your interest in so 
noble a boy." 

"I am certain of it," was the reply. 

Mr. Neville and the boys took leave with a 
cordial invitation to pay another visit, and then 
the benevolent merchant locked up his own 
private room, and proceeded down the street, 
holding fast to one of Lotty's hands, while 
she extended the other to Frederick. The 
boys smiled, as on turning into another street 
they saw the little girl, almost skipping along 
between her two protectors. 

"You were ready, Eeginald, to envy, the 
other day, the energy and strength of charac 
ter which sometimes result from poverty," 
said Mr. Neville; "I hope you have seen as 
plainly to-day, that wealth, rightly improved, 
may have equal advantages." 

Eeginald gave a silent assent, and then the 
party halted at the door of a miserable dwell 
ing, where we will leave them to make the 
acquaintance of some other children of mis 
fortune. 



100 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 



CHAPTER VII. 

FAMILY EDUCATION. 

"Is it true that you go to school to your 
mother?" was a question once asked of Hor 
ace Hastings, by an inquisitive young com 
panion. 

"Certainly!" he replied; "she has taught 
me all I know, except Latin, Greek, and 
mathematics, and in these father gives us 
lessons." 

"But are you not ashamed, at your age, to 
say lessons to a woman?" was the next rude 
inquiry. 

"Not in the least," exclaimed Horace, with 
animation; "I am proud to have a mother so 
capable of teaching me, and I only hope that 
I may be half as intelligent!" 

And well might Horace be proud of his 
teacher, for few persons were so fitted to 
direct the education of the young as Mrs. 



FAMILY EDUCATION. 101 

Hastings. It was to her that both Horace 
and Keginald owed the refinement and purity 
of mind, the tender sensibility, and the manly 
courtesy which distinguished them among 
their young companions. Many a time had 
the devoted mother been thankful for the 
talents and cultivation which had enabled her 
to instruct her children, and given her such a 
tenacious hold upon their respect. 

Boys may love a weak-minded mother 
dearly, but intelligence and Christianity alone 
can preserve their esteem, and this, surely, 
is an incentive to every woman to cultivate. 
to their full extent, all the talents with which 
she is blessed. Mary and Celia never doubted 
the value of education in a woman, because 
they saw a daily exemplification of its power 
and influence. 

The hour before breakfast was employed by 
Judge Hastings and the boys in reading the 
Xew Testament in Greek, and some of the 
works of the early fathers in Latin. Every 
study was pursued in reference to the one 
great aim of life, its preparation for eternity, 

9* 



102 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

and thus gained only its proper share of at 
tention. To read the Gospels and Epistles in 
the language in which they were written, was 
such an excitement to diligence, that the ru 
diments of the Greek language were mastered 
by the cousins in an incredibly short period. 
And then they read the stirring addresses of 
Paul, or his eloquent letters, with such interest 
in the original, that they forgot that they were 
acquiring a language in their zeal to obtain 
the true meaning of the inspired writer. Reg 
inald had not the same faculty in acquiring 
languages as his cousin, but the motive which 
urged him to diligence was so powerful, that 
there were few boys of his age who had a 
more thorough knowledge of Latin and Greek. 
And better than this, instead of having their 
heads filled with the absurd fables of heathen 
mythology, and their spirits infused with a 
love of military glory, with which the great 
principles of Christian peace might afterwards 
struggle in vain, these enthusiastic boys were 
drawing constant draughts from the only pure 
fountain of literature. The foundation, too, 



FAMILY EDUCATION. 103 

of all historical knowledge was thus firmly 
laid. The Bible was the ground-work of their 
knowledge of the events which had befallen 
mankind, and when it ceased, the history of 
the Church was considered next worthy of 
attention. 

As Horace was firm in his intention of be 
coming a clergyman, he was anxious to com 
mence the study of Hebrew, and in this his 
father was still able to instruct him, having 
acquired a knowledge of the language, from 
a desire to be familiar with the tongue spoken 
by those who were once the peculiar people 
of God. He did not, however, encourage 
Reginald in taking up the same study, as 
there were others more necessary to fit him 
for his own peculiar duties. The time that 
was devoted by Horace to this new study 
was, therefore, employed by his cousin in 
mathematics, in which he was somewhat back 
ward, for Judge Hastings wished that he 
should have a thorough knowledge of finan 
cial affairs, that he might attend to the man 
agement of his own estate. In explaining the 



104 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

spread of the Gospel among the Gentiles, a 
sufficient sketch of the mythology of the 
Greeks and Eomans was given, to enable the 
young students to see in their superstitions 
the distorted images of truth, and to under 
stand with what obstacles Christianity had, in 
the outset, to contend. This, also, would 
enable them to appreciate classical literature, 
and those works of art which also had no 
higher aim than illustrating the fables of an 
cient superstition. 

After breakfast, the boys always took a 
long walk or ride, while Mrs. Hastings and 
the girls were employed in their domestic 
labors, which was at the same time healthful 
exercise, and a preparation for future useful 
ness. 

Celia Eogers had looked very much sur 
prised when, the day after her arrival, she 
was invited by Mary to come up stairs and 
put their room in order. 

" Has not the chambermaid time to do it ?" 
she asked, haughtily. "I am not accustomed 
to such work." 



FAMILY EDUCATION. 105 

"Oh, yes! she has plenty of time, for she 
always sews an hour in the afternoon, but 
it's nicer to do it ourselves. I can't bear to 
have any one else dust my nice books, and I 
am sure if I were you, I would not like to 
have the servants touch that piano, for fear 
it would be all scratched over." 

"I'll risk it," said Celia, "rather than 
make a housemaid of myself. I suppose, 
though, at Kome I must do as the Eomans 
do ; so come in, and let us get through the 
horrid business as quickly as possible. Psha! 
don't put on that cap ; you look like a Dutch 
man." 

"Do I?" said Mary, laughing, as she looked 
in the glass, where her round face in the cap 
looked very like a baby's. "Well, that is 
better than looking like a dust woman, as I 
should if I did not put it on." 

At ten o'clock, Mrs. Hastings appeared in 
the library, with a large basket in her hands, 
which always contained plenty of mending, to 
employ herself and the girls, while the boys 
read aloud their lessons in history. 



106 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

The course had commenced, as we before 
said, with reading the Bible, and had di 
verged to all the nations of antiquity. The 
remains of Nineveh, which had been recently 
discovered, had excited the mind of Horace 
so much, that he had written some very pass 
able poetry upon the subject; and the anti 
quities of Egypt had deeply interested all the 
members of the little circle. Voyages, poetry, 
engravings, and maps were all laid under 
contribution to illustrate history, and the hour 
always seemed so short that was devoted to 
this study, that it had often been a request 
that the reading should be prolonged. This 
proposal was negatived by Mrs. Hastings, as 
it would disturb their regular course, and de 
prive some other branch of knowledge of a 
due share of attention. 

And when the dealings of God with some 
nation seemed dark to the inquiring mind of 
Horace, the solution of a riddle was never 
waited for with so much impatience as the 
explanation from the lips of his beloved 
mother. 



FAMILY EDUCATION. 107 

One morning, during the French lesson, 
which followed the history, Celia Eogers 
seemed lost in thought. This was her fa 
vorite study, because she deemed it indispen 
sable to a polished lady, and such it was her 
aim to become. But of late she had heard 
so often that every hour must be employed 
in such a way as to further, directly or in 
directly, the designs of her Creator, that she 
had begun to speculate on the utility of every 
study when viewed in this light. While 
Keginald had been reading of the great Se- 
sostris, she had been saying to herself, " What 
is the use of learning about him? He has 
been dead for thousands of years, and we are 
all going down to the grave!" 

She did not utter this thought aloud, but N 
as she tried to acquire a list of French verbs, 
she continued her mental questioning, saying 
to herself, " They won't speak French in 
heaven, what's the use of learning it here?" 

Mrs. Hastings at length asked what was 
the reason that Celia answered so incorrectly, 
and she seized the opportunity to express the 



108 CONSECEATED TALENTS. 

thoughts and speculations which had been dis 
turbing her mind. 

"You have often told us, ma'am, that we 
need acquire nothing which will not do us or 
somebody else real good. I should like to 
know what the better any body will or can be 
of my knowing about old Sesostris, or these 
hard French verbs? If I ever get to heaven, 
I don't suppose that old Egyptian will be 
there, so there will be no use in making his 
acquaintance; and from what Judge Hastings 
said about the present infidelity of the French 
nation, I don't believe I shall be any better 
for being able to talk with the parlez vous." 

Though the manner in which these remarks 
were made was not a suitable one, Mrs. Has- 
ings was pleased with the question, for she 
saw that Celia was beginning to comprehend 
that her education ought to have some other 
end than to prepare her for appearing well 
in society, which was, a few weeks ago, her 
only idea on the subject. 

"Let Sesostris remain in your memory," she 
replied, kindly, "as a monument of the folly 



FAMILY EDUCATION. 109 

of human pride. He entitled himself the king 
of kings, but crumbled into dust before the 
stones on which he had engraved his own 
presumptuous folly. Few characters in ancient' 
history can serve for examples, but many may 
be useful as warning, and all can teach us 
impressively of the degradation of man when 
cut off from his Maker." 

"I can understand this," said Celia, after a 
pause ; " but I cannot see why, if your views 
of such things are correct, it is right to spend 
so much time on accomplishments. What is 
the use of giving an hour every day to the 
study of French ?" 

"Because," was the reply, "it is a language 
universally understood by those with whom 
you associate, and which, if you go abroad as 
your mother intends that you shall do, will 
enable you to make yourself intelligible to 
foreigners, and to exert a greater influence 
upon them. To travel in Europe, is to as 
sume great responsibilities, for Americans are 
the representatives of a nation boasting the 
greatest religious and political advantages, and 



110 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

bound, therefore, to exemplify the principles 
of Christianity and true Liberty in no com 
mon degree. To be a consistent Christian in 
Paris, is almost as difficult as in heathen 
Eome, and one may be almost a missionary 
in travelling, by a simple adherence to the 
Gospel, and an earnest endeavor to make 
it understood by all who may come within 
our influence. Besides, my dear Celia, there 
is much which you learn that only serves to 
give you a higher standing among those with 
whom you will come in contact. An accom 
plished lady can do much more good among 
certain people than one who has merely solid 
acquirements, provided always, even her ac 
complishments are considered as loans, which 
she may indeed use for her own pleasure, but 
of which she must give an account." 

"How mother would laugh at the idea that 
it was her duty to be a missionary in Paris!" 
said Celia, smiling herself at the ludicrousness 
which the idea would have to her worldly- 
minded parent. "She thought her only mis 
sion would be to buy nice clothes for herself 



FAMILY EDUCATION. Ill 

and me, and see every thing that was pretty, 
and every body that was amusing." 

Mrs. Hastings looked shocked, for it was 
very true that Mrs. Kogers considered a visit 
to Paris as an excursion entirely for her own 
amusement. 

" She may change her mind," was the grave 
answer, after a moment's pause; "and it may 
be your blessed privilege to convey to her 
truths which she was not so happy as to 
learn in her own youth. But Mary, my 
dear," added Mrs. Hastings, turning to her 
child, who sat leaning her head on her hand, 
"what makes you look so flushed? Your 
hand, too, is very hot ; do you not feel 
well?" 

"My head aches badly, mother," said Mary, 
"and ever since I got up I have had such 
giddy turns. I did not like to say any thing 
about it, for fear that you would be alarmed, 
but I do begin to feel very sick." 

" Reginald, will you ride immediately for 
Doctor Halhurst," said Mrs. Hastings, with 
more agitation than she often betrayed. 



112 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

"Celia, go ask the cook to send up some 
warm water, and a mustard plaster to your 
room, and then come up and help me put 
Mary in bed, for she is very feverish, and 
needs instant attention." 

As Mrs. Hastings had asked Mary if she 
were ill, the fact flashed across her mind that 
the scarlet fever was now very prevalent in 
Berkley, and that Mary had accompanied her 
a few days before to a house in which several 
of the children were shortly after taken with 
this dangerous disease. 

Mrs. Hastings was not foolishly timid with 
regard to any disease, but she was a devoted 
mother, and Mary was her darling. No won 
der, then, that for a few minutes she lost her 
usual composure, but it was recalled by Hor 
ace, whose quick affection had taken alarm, 
who said, gently, 

"Don't be so troubled, mother; Mary has 
often very bad headaches, and Dr. Halhurst 
says that, if properly treated in the beginning, 
he does not think the fever in Berkley of a 
malignant character." 



FAMILY EDUCATION. 113 

"Have I the fever, mother?" asked Mary, 
in a frightened tone. "Do you think I will 
die?" she added, with solemn earnestness. 

"I do not know, my child, that you have 
any thing but a headache ; but whatever dis 
ease may be sent upon you will come from 
God, and He will give you strength to bear 
it, and order all things aright. I hope that 
if you can get into a perspiration immediately, 
by to-morrow you will be quite well." 

So saying, Mrs. Hastings put her arm round 
Mary, and kissing her fevered brow led her 
to her room. In a short time the latter was 
quietly in bed, with her anxious mother seated 
at her side, bathing her temples, and speaking 
words of consolation and encouragement. 



114 CONSECKATED TALENTS. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

SICKNESS IS SOMETIMES A TALENT. 

Six long weeks had passed, and Mary still 
lay upon a bed of suffering, and her devoted 
mother still watched beside her with the ten 
derness which can only flow from maternal 
affection. It would have been hard to recog 
nize in the pale, emaciated child, the bright, 
blooming girl, who had gazed with such com 
placency upon her own fair face on the day 
of the eventful pic-nic. The glossy curls had 
been shorn off so that her poor head might 
be blistered, and the red lips were now pale 
and parched with long-continued fever. Even 
Mrs. Hastings could see no traces of her former 
loveliness, nor was there a single remnant of 
the animation which made her manners so 
pleasing. There she lay as helpless as an 
infant, with scarcely energy enough to swal 
low the distasteful draught which her mother 



SICKNESS IS SOMETIMES A TALENT. 115 

held to her lips, and too feeble to change the 
position to which for weeks she had been con 
fined. As Celia bent over her, she thought 
she would give worlds for one bright smile, 
one happy word from her clear voice. 

And while Mary's body was thus the prey 
of disease, what was the condition of her 
soul ? Alas ! for those that dream of making 
peace with God when sickness warns them of 
their approaching end. But happily our young 
friend had not waited for the days when she 
should say, " There was no pleasure in them," 
before seeking the protection of an Almighty 
Friend. It was true she could not now think 
clearly, nor even, at times, make a single 
prayer; but she could silently look up to 
God, and lean on Him, and acknowledge that 
even her sufferings were from His hand, and 
were sent in love. The difference between 
her feelings and those which would have been 
experienced by more thoughtless children was, 
that she knew her Father in heaven, and they 
would have then had to learn their relation 
ship. 



116 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

There was once a little girl who was lost 
when she was an infant, and never knew any 
thing of her parents till she was fifteen years 
old. Then she was taken very ill, and while 
her fever was at its height, her mother dis 
covered what had become of her lost daugh 
ter, and came to reclaim her. Though thus 
nearly related, they were in reality strangers, 
and in vain the agonized parent tried to im 
press upon the poor invalid that she was her 
mother, and to make her understand how they 
had been separated, and what were the proofs 
of this assertion. The sick girl turned wea 
rily away from this perplexing theme, and 
manifested no pleasure in the society of the 
person who was claiming to be so near a rela 
tion ; but when the one who had brought her 
up, and hitherto nursed her with unfailing ten 
derness, entered the room, and leaned fondly 
over her, a glance of grateful recognition came 
over the wandering eyes, and the medicine 
proffered from that well-known hand was in 
stinctively received with confiding obedience. 

And such is the difference between renew- 



SICKNESS IS SOMETIMES A TALENT. 117 

ing our filial relation with God in sickness, 
and reposing on Him whom we have long 
loved as a Father. Mary knew that beloved 
Friend, and took from His hand even the bit 
ter cup which He gave her, with childlike 
faith. She had not strength enough to think 
whether it were probable that she should die, 
or if she were ready for the change; but she 
left it all in His hands who cannot err. 

The invalid did not understand, at the time, 
that by this patient submission she was glo 
rifying God, and that sickness was a talent 
by which a work was to be accomplished, 
that other gifts had not achieved. 

As Celia Rogers saw the vanity of all 
earthly possessions, and how vainly Reginald 
with all his wealth strove to find some way 
of mitigating his cousin's sufferings, she felt 
the weakness of human nature and the om 
nipotence of the Almighty. How soon might 
she be reduced to a bed of languishing, and 
then what would be her consolation? She 
saw the soothing effect produced in the trou 
bled spirit of the sufferer by the repetition of 



118 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

some promise of Scripture, or the words of 
some familiar hymn, and she asked where was 
the charm which gave them such power. It 
was good for Celia to be confined to that sick 
chamber, for she there learned what are the 
things that are passing away, and what are 
those which endure for ever. 

At length health, joyful health, smiled upon 
Mary. As the spring approached she was 
able to rise from her bed and sit in a rock 
ing-chair by the window, watching the willows 
grow green where they drooped over the 
stream, and listening to the songs of the birds 
as they returned from their winter wander 
ings. And when she was weary of her own 
thoughts, Celia would read some pleasant story 
with a tone so gentle that it was impossible 
to hear the sound of her voice without feeling 
that her heart was made better. 

One trial awaited ' Mary on her recovery, 
which her previous vanity rendered a severe 
one, and this was the loss of her beauty. She 
could not help crying out when she first 
caught a glance at herself as she walked from 



SICKNESS IS SOMETIMES A TALENT. 119 

the bed to Celia's rocking-chair. Her mother 
saw her distress and knew its cause. She did 
not, however, say any thing, and Mary wept 
in silence for some minutes. This seemed to 
relieve her, and at last she asked, in a very 
sad voice, 

"Mother, am I pretty at all now?" 
"No, my dear; you are quite plain in ap 
pearance," was the honest reply, though it was 
spoken in a voice of tender sympathy. " God 
has seen fit no longer to intrust you with that 
talent which you threatened to abuse, and 
there is no doubt that He has withdrawn it 
in mercy. You must not be surprised if you 
find that your appearance does not give as 
much pleasure nor win so many friends as it 
used to do, but must take the more pains to 
cultivate all that is agreeable in manners and 
conversation. You have had, however, an 
other given in its place. Sickness may be im 
proved as well as beauty, and I hope your 
future life will show that you know its value. 
I am sure that my Mary, when she reflects 
that her heavenly Father has^ restored to her 



120 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

life and- health, will not indulge in one re 
pining thought at the loss of personal attrac 
tions." 

" No indeed, mother ; I will try and not be 
so ungrateful," was the reply; "but I did 
look so very ugly with my hair all shaven 
off, and my face so covered with spots, that 
at first I could not help crying. I shall bear 
looking at myself better in future." 

Poor Mary ! And yet it was quite as hard 
for Horace to reconcile himself to this change 
in his darling sister; but when he saw how 
gentle she was, and how her whole character 
seemed purified by suffering, he loved her a 
thousand times more than before. Judge 
Hastings, too, as he held her in his arms, felt 
an increase of tenderness, and for many months 
she was treated by all the family as if she 
had paid a visit to the invisible world, which 
gave her a peculiar claim to consideration and 
respect. 

While the family had been thus absorbed 
with Mary, Judge Hastings had little leisure 
to inquire into Eeginald's proceedings, or to 



SICKNESS IS SOMETIMES A TALENT. 121 

know how tie succeeded in the discharge of 
his stewardship. 

"How, my boy, are all your protege's?" he 
asked one morning, when they had finished 
the lessons, all of which, in the absence of 
Mrs. Hastings, devolved on him. 

"Pretty well, sir," replied Eeginald, in 
rather a desponding tone. "I am afraid 
though that I shall never learn to be really 
useful." 

"Do you remember, Horace, some lines of 
Keble upon the too sanguine expectation of 
satisfaction in acts of benevolence ?" asked the 
Judge, turning to his son, who was bending 
over a Hebrew Bible with deep interest. 

Horace looked up from his absorbing study 
with an abstracted air, and his father was 
obliged to repeat the question. 

"Excuse me," he said, blushing at his inat 
tention ; "I had almost made out to read part 
of a psalm. Do you mean the one on " he 
looked up to heaven, and sighed. "I believe 
the first verse is, 






122 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

" 'The Son of God, in doing good, 

Was fain to look to heaven and sigh : 

And shall the heirs of sinful blood 
Seek joy unmixed in charity ? 

God will not let love's work impart 

Full solace, lest it steal the heart ; 

Be thou content in tears to sow 

Blessings, like Jesus, in thy woe.' " 

"Indeed, uncle, I do not seek joy, neither 
do I expect gratitude, but I do want to know 
when I am right. Yesterday I found that, in 
trying to aid a poor family, I had encouraged 
the father in habits of intemperance, for, now 
that he does not feel restrained by the neces 
sity of supporting any one, he gives himself 
up wholly to this vice. In helping a boy 
last week, whom I believed too unwell to 
work, I am said to have rewarded indolence, 
since he turns out to be only lazy, and not 
in the least ill." 

"That is unfortunate," said the Judge; 
"but do not be discouraged, my dear boy. 
Your experience is that of every philanthro 
pist, and must be while misery and vice are 
so inseparably connected, that, in many cases, 
you cannot relieve the one without encour- 



SICKNESS IS SOMETIMES A TALENT. 123 

aging the other. Indeed, want is so often the 
penalty of indolence, that it is a hard ques 
tion how far it ought to be relieved. I be 
lieve the best of men, however, agree that 
immediate suffering must be obviated, what 
ever its cause; and the most melancholy part 
of it is, that the victims of vice are often not 
the persons to blame. The wife of the drunk 
ard and the children of the wicked share in 
the evils which they had no part in pro 
ducing. I am glad that this is your only 
difficulty, for I thought that, like most young 
people, you had been chilled by the ingrati 
tude of those whom you wished to benefit." 

Keginald smiled. 

"You are mistaken, uncle; this is by no 
means my only difficulty. I am perfectly 
surrounded by perplexities. If I take more 
interest in one of our poor neighbors than the 
rest, they are immediately offended, and seem 
to think nothing of any favors which they 
have received, because some others have not 
been granted, to which they imagine that they 
have a right. As I was riding along, last 



124 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

week, I heard a man say, ' It was no great 
things for that young Campbell to be giving 
a mite here and a rnite there, when his purse 
was running over with gold. For his part, 
he never thanked rich people for such trifles, 
for poor folks had as good a right to them as 
they had themselves.' I have met several 
beggars who asked alms in the same spirit, 
and looked ready to knock me down when I 
gave them a shilling, because it was not more." 

" This is indeed trying ; but yet it may 
keep you in mind of the truth that you are 
only dispensing what you have received. The 
poor forget that even the blessings they pos 
sess are unmerited, and that they have not 
the slightest claim on that which has been 
intrusted to another ; but still they think, 
rightly, that the superfluity of the rich was 
meant to supply their needs. There must, 
however, be some instances of a more gen 
erous spirit to encourage your fainting heart." 

" Oh ! yes, sir," replied Reginald, with ani 
mation. "Some of the children who were 
here at the pic-nic have improved very much 



SICKNESS IS SOMETIMES A TALENT. 125 

at the schools to which Mr. Neville recom 
mended me to send them, and two or three 
sick people have got quite well, from having 
good medical attendance and suitable food ; 
and one quite old man has reformed, from 
reading a book which I sent him at aunt 
Emily's suggestion." 

"Bravo! and yet you fear that you have 
done no good ! Why, here are instances 
enough to keep your heart from fainting for 
a year to come. And then think how the 
seed may be germinating in foreign lands, 
which you have assisted in planting, and whose 
fruit you may never behold till it is gathered 
into the great storehouse above." 

"I hope so, indeed, uncle," replied Eegi- 
nald, very modestly; "I can get along with 
this part of my duty better than the rest, 
because I have so much aid, and not so much 
use for my private judgment. I know that 
the Church has every opportunity for ascer 
taining what missions are most useful, and 
that it is wrong for any that she has planted 
to languish for want of support. I, therefore, 



126 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

place that portion of my income which I have 
decided to devote to missions, entirely at the 
disposal of the excellent men who spend so 
much time, and thought, and prayer, in the 
promotion of this good work. I am afraid 
that if I allowed myself to single out any one 
mission, I should be guided by feeling, and 
be induced, by an eloquent report, to ex 
pend on some more favored missionary that 
which ought to cheer the spirits of one less 
gifted by nature." 

"Courage, my boy," exclaimed the Judge, 
delighted to see with what conscientious in 
terest his young ward studied his duty. "At 
your age, you could not have pursued a wiser 
course; but you must be careful that while 
the Church acts for you, she does not feel for 
you. You have neither given up your duty 
nor your interest in the matter, by placing it 
in such able hands. You must read with the 
greatest care all the reports of missionary 
labor, that you may know for what blessings 
it is our duty to pray. The possession of 
wealth does not liberate you from the em- 



SICKNESS IS SOMETIMES A TALENT. 127 

ployment of that other great instrument of 
usefulness, which every Christian is bound to 
use unceasingly, in the missionary cause. I 
mean prayer. He little appreciates his means 
of usefulness who sets the humble instrumen 
tality of wealth above that which reverently 
be it spoken can put in motion Omnipotence 
itself. " 

Horace sighed while his father spoke, for 
he felt conscious that he had considered him- 
elf almost powerless while he could wield an 
engine of such resistless force. He silently 
resolved the less he had to give to benevolent 
objects, the more fervently to pray that the 
offerings of others might be blessed. He had 
not yet learned to appreciate his own endow 
ments, or he would not have been tempted 
to envy Eeginald, since he possessed so large 
a share of that talent to which all others are, 
in measure, subservient Intellect. 



128 CONSECKATED TALENTS. 



CHAPTER IX. 



IT was the lovely month of May, and the 
scenery around Beulah was more beautiful than 
ever, the whole face of nature being clothed 
with the rich verdure of spring. 

Mary had been for some time able to ride 
out and enjoy the fresh air, which never 
seemed to her more delightful than now. She 
almost felt glad that she had been so ill, for 
returning health had given a relish to pleas 
ures which before she had scarcely appre 
ciated. And now she was to go once more 
to church, and return thanks for the mercy 
which had preserved her from death. 

When Mary entered the church, it seemed 
as if she had never realized before that it was' 
the house of God. She thought of heathen 
temples, in which there were some visible 
idols, of dwelling-places where friends were 



129 

ready in person to welcome her, or of a place 
of worship where pictures and images repre 
sented the indwelling Spirit. But here was 
an assembly of people gathered together be 
neath one roof, not to converse with each 
other, but to hold communion with some 
Great Being, who was believed to be really 
present in their very midst. 

Overwhelmed with the thought, that she 
had come in the immediate presence of that 
Creator in whose hands are the issues of life 
and death, Mary bowed her head in reverence 
and adoration. The little petition which from 
her childhood she had said on coming into 
church, though never before thoughtlessly 
spoken, was now uttered with deep awe. As 
a touching voluntary on the organ com 
menced the services, she felt so overcome 
with grateful emotion that her eyes filled 
with tears, and she could hardly help sobbing 
aloud. It was a relief to join in the Confes 
sion of sins, for to realize the presence of our 
Maker is to feel our own un worthiness and 
need of pardon. And when the words of 



130 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

Absolution were spoken, promising all forgive 
ness who asked it in Christ's name, and that 
prayer was uttered which must be heard by 
Him who gave it to His disciples, a calm 
peace succeeded to this tumultuous emotion. 

Then came the joyful Psalter, and on that 
day the Psalm was read in which was the 
appropriate exclamation : "I will offer to Thee 
the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call 
upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my 
vows unto the Lord, in the sight of all His 
people, in the courts of the Lord's house; 
even in the midst of thee, Jerusalem!'' 
And what Psalm does not contain expres 
sions suitable to the pouring out of a pious 
and thoughtful heart? 

Celia was so delighted at seeing her friend 
once more at her side in church, that invol 
untarily she joined in the anthem of praise 
that followed the reading of the Psalter. 
Mary almost started as she heard Celia's fine 
voice adding to the melody, and as she 
looked in her face to see what it could mean, 
she was struck with its altered devotional 



MAKY'S HAPPY SUNDAY. 131 

expression. They had had little time for 
religious conversation since her recovery, and 
Celia was always averse to talking of her own 
deeper feelings. Indeed, she carried her re 
serve so far, that she often veiled them with 
an appearance of levity, talking lightly when 
she felt so seriously. She had never forgotten 
Mary's remarks with regard to her music, 
and often wondered since why religious peo 
ple seemed to think so little of the duty of 
joining in this part of public worship. 

After returning from church, Mary said to 
Celia, 

"Why! you sing in church now; I am so 
glad of it, for there are so few people in the 
congregation that care any thing about music. 
It would be nice if you would take a Sun 
day-school class, for there is never any body 
there to set the tune, and it would help the 
children so much if they could learn a few 
hymns that we hear often in the service." 

"There are limits to all things, Mary," 
said Celia, with a half-pleased, half-provoked 
air; "I sang to-day, in church, because I 



132 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

could not help it, but it does not follow that 
I must needs keep a singing-school for all the 
urchins in the parish." 

"No, it does not follow, necessarily," re 
plied Mary, with great meekness, "but it will 
follow, I am almost sure, when you think 
about it. Mr. Leonard came here, -last week, 
to know if Eeginald or Horace would not 
take a class; and he asked if you had 
been confirmed, and if you would have any 
objection to teaching three or four little ones. 
Mother said she thought both the boys and 
yourself too young to begin teaching others; 
but Mr. Leonard reasoned with her a great 
while, to prove that your youth was no ob 
jection, if you were only better instructed than 
your scholars, and were earnest in your de 
sire to benefit them." 

"I think Mrs. Hastings might have left me 
to decide this matter for myself," said Celia, 
proudly; "mamma always let me have the 
direction of my own affairs, and I do not 
see why I am never consulted now." 

"But you were not at home, Celia," said 



MARY'S HAPPY SUNDAY. 133 

Mary, soothingly, "and mother did tell Mr. 
Leonard that you should judge for yourself 
in the matter, but she wished to have a long 
conversation with you previous to asking the 
question, and she has not had time for this 
since his visit." 

"Pray, what did she want to talk to me 
about?" asked Celia, in the same haughty 
tone. 

"I do not know," said Mary; adding, after 
a pause, "at least I am not sure." 

"But what do you think?" inquired Celia, 
impatiently. 

"I had rather not tell you now," was 
Mary's decided answer; and she immediately 
left the room, to avoid all further conversation. 

Celia laid aside her hat and shawl, and then 
threw herself in her rocking-chair, taking up 
her Bible, as was her wont at this hour on 
Sunday morning, and turning it over without 
being hardly conscious of what she was doing. 
She had continued thus musing for nearly 
half an hour when the door was opened by 
Mary, who only thrust her head in, saying, 



134 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

"Here is a note for you, Cclia," and ran 
down stairs without another word. 

Celia took up the little billet-doux, which 
Mary had dropped on the floor, and saw with 
surprise that it was in the handwriting of 
the latter. She hastily tore it open, and read 
with varying emotions the following words: 

"My own dear, nice, kind Celia, why will 
you be so ashamed of doing right? You 
always blush more when found feeling as you 
ought to do than if you had very naughty 
thoughts. The reason I could not tell you 
what mamma wanted to talk about, was be 
cause I saw you were half provoked at me for 
noticing that you sang in church, and I was 
afraid that you would say something that you 
would afterwards be sorry for. I hope you 
will think kindly of what I say. 

"When Mr. Leonard asked mother if you 
had been confirmed, she said, 'No.' And then 
he asked how old you were, and mother said, 
'Just sixteen.' He next inquired if mother 
thought you ever considered your duty in this 



MARY'S HAPPY SUNDAY. 135 

respect, and she told him that she had seen 
a great change in you lately, and she could not 
but hope that you were trying to fulfil your 
baptismal vows. He then said there was to 
be a Confirmation in July, and mother deter 
mined to talk to you about it. She would 
not have had this conversation about you 
before me, but I had returned from my ride 
very tired, and as I was lying on the sofa 
she did not like to disturb me. You'll for 
give me for listening, for I do love you so 
dearly, and am very anxious to know whether 
you are not willing to be confirmed. 

"While I was sick, I thought so often that 
I should be happier if I had only openly ac 
knowledged our Saviour before men, and now 
I do so wish I was old enough' to be con 
firmed in July; but mother says that as I am 
not yet fourteen, I had better wait another 
year. I am to try, though, and act just as 
if I had been, for you know, whether we 
acknowledge it or not, we are just as much 
bound to do it. 

"I am not preaching to you, dear Celia, 



136 CONSECKATED TALENTS. 

though I think you are beginning to look 
proud. I am only saying just what's in a 
heart that is very full of love for you. I 
have never been able to thank you for all 
your care of me while I was sick, for I felt 
something in my throat that almost choked 
me whenever I began to say any thing about 
it. But as I lay there, watching you while 
you would go about putting every thing in 
the very place where I liked to see it, and 
arranging the grapes and oranges Eeginald 
bought for me, so as to make them tempting, 
I wondered how I could ever repay your 
kindness. Then I thought that if I was 
weak myself, I had a very powerful Father, 
who was able to give you all that was ne 
cessary for happiness, and so I prayed that 
He would send His Spirit to make you His 
own child. To-day, when I saw your face 
had changed, I felt a sudden hope that God 
had answered my poor prayers, and, oh ! it 
made me so happy. 

"And now tell me, my dear, dear Celia, 
if you won't be confirmed ! Don't be ashamed 




PAGE 137. 



MARY'S HAPPY SUNDAY. 137 

of loving Christ; remember how He has said, 
that those who honor Him He will honor. 
You need not say a word about it to me 
when I come in, for I know you hate to 
talk about any thing that is very near your 
heart, but only just kiss me, and call me 
' Mary dear,' as you do when you are pleased, 
and I shall feel sure that you are not of 
fended with 

"Your loving friend, 

"MARY." 

A few moments after the perusal of this 
note there was a light step on the stairs, and 
then Mary glided into the room, and, putting 
her arms around Celia's neck, said, caressingly, 
"You are not angry with me, are you, darling?" 

"Angry! no, indeed!" was the reply, as 
Celia kissed the sweet lips that were raised 
to hers, and then bending her head over 
Mary, to conceal the tears that were fast fall 
ing from her dark eyes, she whispered, "dear 
Mary, I will think about it, and by and by 
I will tell you all that I feel." 



138 CONSECKATED TALENTS. 

And what was there in that little note 
which had so completely subdued her proud 
heart? The words were simple, but there 
was something so earnest and affectionate in 
its tone that it touched all her better feelings. 
And thus it was often the case, that Mary's 
frank simplicity achieved that for which others 
might labor in vain. Providence had given 
her quick tact and a pleasing manner, which 
made her a universal favorite even after she 
had lost the charm of beauty, and thus she 
was often able to bring others into those 
paths which to her were ever full of peace. 

A few days after this conversation Mrs. 
Hastings announced to the young people that 
she had a most unexpected pleasure in store 
for them. "The sweet wife of our pastor, 
Mrs. Leonard," she said, "called yesterday 
to see me, and begged that I would bring all 
the family to pass a day at the rectory. I 
proposed to take part of you on this occasion, 
and leave the rest to share another visit, but 
to this she would not consent, declaring that 
there was nothing she liked better than to 



MARY'S HAPPY SUNDAY. 139 

see her table surrounded with bright young 
faces, and that she would, on no account, hear 
of my leaving her young friends, Eeginald 
and Horace, at home." 

"Oh! delightful," exclaimed Mary; "won't 
it be nice, Celia?" 

"Yes, very," said Celia, in an absent tone 
of voice, for she was thinking of the probable 
chances of being addressed by Mr. Leonard, 
on the subject of Confirmation. If there was 
any thing she dreaded, it was to be talked to 
by a stranger upon such subjects. 

Mary, however, was too full of delight to 
notice her cold reply, and went on asking, 
eagerly, "When are we to go, mother? what 
day was named?" 

"Thursday, my dear, as your father cannot 
give the boys their lessons in mathematics 
that morning, so they will have more time 
for their other studies. We are to go in the 
carriage, about eleven o'clock, and they are 
to follow on horseback, with your father, 
about half-past one, so as to arrive in time 
for dinner." 



140 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

"That is better yet," said Horace. "I 
like what I have seen of Mrs. Leonard, but 
it is rather dull for us boys to go out to 
spend the whole day. Ladies have their 
work, but I always feel so foolish hanging 
round a parlor in the morning, with nothing 
to do." 

"You had better carry a stick to whittle,' 7 
remarked Celia, mischievously; "or you might 
take a paper-folder, and one of those huge 
documents of your father's, the leaves of which 
he wants cut by some of us this week." 

"Thank you," said Horace, in the same 
playful tone; "you might, perhaps, employ 
me in holding a skein of silk, if you had got 
through the last one that was wound ; or, if 
Mrs. Leonard was a notable knitter, there 
might be those huge knots of yarn to stretch 
my arms a little, and keep my hands out of 
mischief." 

"But, Horace," said Mary, very soberly, 
"you are not really in earnest in fearing a 
dull visit at the rectory? I thought you 
liked to go out with mamma!" 



MARY'S HAPPY SUNDAY. 141 

"And so I do, and with you too, my dear 
little sister, but one may sometimes feel very 
awkward with very pleasant people. I was 
only expressing my satisfaction with the very 
sensible arrangement which relieves me from 
all fear of stupidity." 

"I do not think you would have any thing 
of that kind to dread," interposed Mrs. Hast 
ings, "if you went to breakfast. I have re 
gretted, ever since Mr. Leonard took charge 
of the parish, that circumstances had prevented 
us from becoming better acquainted with his 
family. Mary was just taken sick when they 
arrived at Berkley, and since that time I 
have been so occupied that I have had no 
opportunity for cultivating an intimacy which 
I am sure would be productive of good to 
you all." , 

"Mother, has Mrs. Leonard any children 
besides those little girls that sit in their pew 
every Sunday?" 

"She has one dear little baby, I am told, 
but I have never seen it during the short 
calls that I have been able to pay at the 



142 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

rectory. But it is time for our lessons, so try- 
now and fix all your thoughts upon them, 
and then you may learn one or two to make 
up for your absence to-morrow." 

Judge Hastings entered at this moment, and 
commenced an examination in history, as was 
his custom occasionally, that he might know 
exactly what progress they were all making 
under the faithful instructions of his intelli 
gent lady. 



BERKLEY PARSONAGE. 143 



CHAPTER X. 

BERKLEY PARSONAGE. 

THE carriage had hardly stopped at the 
gate of the parsonage when its hospitable 
door was thrown open, and Mrs. Leonard ap 
peared to welcome her guests. 

"How much better she looks without a 
hat," whispered Mary to Celia while her 
mother was alighting, assisted by the cour 
teous rector himself. 

Mrs. Leonard was, indeed, a most attractive- 
looking person, and the affections of all young 
people were at once enlisted in her favor. 
Though she was commanding in size, there was 
nothing in her appearance to create awe, for 
her dark eyes were bright with intellect and 
feeling, and her sunny smile reached the in 
most recesses of every heart. Every child that 
she met in the street went on its way cheered 
by her cordial greeting, and the sick and the 



144 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

afflicted longed for her visits, as for the dawn 
of day. A life of prosperity had not hardened 
her heart, but, on the contrary, she seemed 
to feel that it was her especial duty to relieve 
those sufferings which in mercy she had been 
spared, and to diffuse the happiness that often 
had its source in her bright, elastic tempera 
ment, as well as the manifold blessings which 
had fallen to her lot. 

"Oh, what a charming little library 1" ex 
claimed Mary, as she examined the contents 
of a little book-case which stood in the corner 
of the pleasant parlor, while Mrs. Hastings 
paid a visit to the nursery. "I declare I 
should like to read every one of those books ; 
and only look here is the very collection of 
poetry father said he would order from En 
gland for us." 

" These are quite readable books," remarked 
Celia, as her eyes ran over the various titles; 
"but it seems to me they must have been at 
an auction, for there is not a single set which 
is not broken. They must have been bought 
at an auction, and that accounts for being 



BERKLEY PARSONAGE. 145 

such a variety ; for poor clergymen don't gen 
erally treat themselves to so much miscella 
neous reading." 

"Oh fie, Celia! What a funny way you 
have of talking! as if Mr. Leonard had no 
more sense than to go and bid off odd volumes 
at auction. Besides, he is not a poor clergy 
man, though he would be worthy of as much 
honor if he were, for it would only be the 
fault of the people he preached to, and not 
his own. I heard father telling mother that 
Mr. Leonard had property of his own, with 
which he did a great deal of good." 

"Yes, to himself, no doubt," said Celia, 
laughing, "in buying this nice library, for 
instance." 

"What selfish people you must have asso 
ciated with when you were little !" remarked 
Mary, who could not bear the slightest hint 
that any clergyman was not all he should 
be. "I know why Mr. Leonard bought such 
nice books, and why there are so many odd 
volumes. Didn't you see a little pale boy 
come up the step just as we were entering 



146 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

with a large pile of books in his hand? I 
heard Mrs. Leonard say to him as we were 
laying off our things in the hall, 'Have you 
read them all through, Charlie? Well, you 
must have a great appetite for reading. Eun 
in the parlor and choose some more for your 
self, and one or two for your sister, and come 
again when you want some more. By the 
time you have got through what we have 
now, there will be a new supply.' 

"And then I saw her slip a gold dollar 
into his hand, and say, 'Stop at the store, * 
Charlie, and choose a nice little blanket-shawl 
for Molly to wear to church. I meant to 
have done it myself; but I have company 
to-day, and cannot go out.' " 

"What dreadful eyes and ears you have 
got, Mary !" said Celia, playfully. " I declare 
when I have a house I shall not let such a 
little spy as you are come within the door." 

"But you know," said Mary, blushing, "that 
I only tell the good I see, and I do not even 
mention that, excepting where I can do jus 
tice to some body that is not appreciated." 



BERKLEY PARSONAGE. 147 

" Yes, or persuade me that these books 
were not bought at auction, which you were 
a little simpleton to think I really believed. 
You are an innocent little darling." 

Mary was right in believing that the library 
at the parsonage, like all its other luxuries, 
was bought as a means of usefulness. There 
was not a Sunday-school scholar, nor a sick 
old woman in the parish, who were not in the 
habit of sending thither whenever they wanted 
a book, and there were many of the thought 
less parishioners whose hearts were reached 
by means of works which conveyed through 
pleasing incidents the truths to which they 
would not have listened in any other form. 

"This is the only daughter I have at home," 
said Mrs. Leonard, as she entered with her 
baby in her arms. "Let me introduce you 
to Miss Lizzie Leonard. She must do the 
honors of the house till her sister's return 
from school. She can only say two words, 
4 pretty' and 'good,' but by putting these in 
right you may get up a conversation." 

"Dear little thing!" cried Mary, who was 



148 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

devoted to babies, as she ran to kiss the 
black-eyed little girl, who was laughing and 
crowing in all the delight of infancy. "Are 
you not the dearest, sweetest little baby that 
ever was ?" 

"Goody," lisped out little Lizzie, with a 
great deal of fuss and delight at her own 
achievement. 

"She wants to tell you, Mary," said Mrs. 
Leonard pleasantly, "that she considers her 
self as good as she is pretty. It is very true 
that we cannot say much for her humility." 

"I am afraid Celia don't take much to ba 
bies, so I must get the piano to talk to her. 
I never liked them myself when I was young. 
Will you play a little for me, dear? There 
are some of Helen's pieces, which are quite 
simple, for, you know, she is only a beginner; 
but I should like to hear how they ought to 
be played." 

Celia sometimes made a fuss before she 
would condescend to exert her musical talent, 
but she had seen enough to know that a lady 
of such frank, unpretending manners would 



BEKKLEY PARSONAGE. 149 

despise all affectation; so she seated herself 
at the piano at once, and played Helen's 
pieces one after the other in the most masterly 
manner. 

"Is it possible that you can play so well? 
I had no idea of it. There has a famous plan 
come into my head, which I will tell you. if 
you will excuse me a few moments." So 
saying, she ran and knocked at her husband's 
study door, eager, it was evident, to impart 
to him her new idea. 

That dear study ! To how many such com 
munications had it listened, and to what gen 
erous, self-sacrificing plans for the good of 
others and the diffusion of happiness ! Many 
a little plot had there been laid for accom 
plishing some benevolent end; and if Mrs. 
Leonard were the most conspicuous in carry 
ing them out, it was to the calmer judgment 
of the rector that they owed much of their 
success. 

"Now, Miss Celia, I am going to make a 
direct attack upon you," said Mrs. Leonard, 
in a very animated tone ; u so prepare to 



150 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

defend yourself, or rather to surrender at dis 
cretion. We are in want of an organist, and 
can procure no one for the salary that the 
church is able to give that can perform half 
as well as yourself. I am educating my little 
Helen for the place, but she is only nine 
years old, and will not be able for s0me time 
to master such an instrument. Now, won't 
you have pity upon our poor organ and draw 
some good music out of it? I declare no 
body has ever played on it, since we have 
been here, well enough to draw out half of 
its power." 

Mrs. Leonard had hit upon just the right 
way to manage Celia, for if any body wanted 
her to do any thing, they must come right 
out with it, for the least attempt at insinua 
tion set her directly in the opposition. 

"I would like to oblige you," she replied 
with uncommon politeness ; " but I know no 
thing of the organ, and my teacher does not 
give me lessons at present." 

"But practice is all that you need, and 
Helen's music-master would go over to the 



BERKLEY PARSONAGE. 151 

church with you any day, and tell you about 
the stops and pedals," persisted Mrs. Leonard. 
" Come, it is only twelve now, and the Judge 
will not be here for an hour. What do you 
say, Mrs. Hastings, to going over to the 
church right off, to try what can be done ?" 

Mrs. Leonard saw that Celia must be taken 
by storm while she was in a compliant mood, 
and had discernment enough to perceive that 
she would never give up any thing that she 
had thus undertaken, however much she might 
afterwards regret her hasty acquiescence in a 
proposed arrangement. 

The church key was obtained from the 
study, and Mrs. Leonard led the guests through 
the beautiful grounds of the parsonage to the 
little gate which separated them from the 
church. Mrs. Hastings paused to admire the 
beautiful roses and luxuriant vines, which in 
one season had grown so rapidly, and the ex 
treme neatness of the little grass borders sur 
rounding the flower-beds, which were clipped 
every morning by the active lady of the 
mansion's own hands, when she went out to 



152 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

gather the bouquets that ornamented her taste 
ful dwelling. 

As the party entered the church-yard they 
stepped more lightly, and their animated man 
ner changed insensibly to one more befitting 
a place set apart to such holy uses. The 
massive church door was unlocked in silence, 
and not a word was spoken as, passing 
through the body of the building, they ascend 
ed the stairs leading to the organ. 

Almost in a whisper Mrs. Leonard un 
locked the -fine instrument, and then placed 
herself behind it to blow the bellows, while 
Celia looked over the music-book for some 
tune with which she was acquainted and to 
read the directions for managing the stops. 
As her fingers fell accidentally on the keys, 
a deep sound reverberated through the empty 
church, and a strange solemnity seized her 
excitable mind. 

From the inanimate instrument before her 
she was to draw forth sounds of praise to 
Him who had gifted man with the skill to 
elicit from created matter a voice of melody. 



BERKLEY PARSONAGE. 153 

What was music? Again her fingers ran 
over the chords, as if to ascertain whence pro 
ceeded that strange sound, and again -.she 
almost shuddered as the clear, full notes 
swelled on the air. There was adoration in 
the very tones, and she felt that such an 
instrument should only be devoted to the 
holiest of purposes. 

Was there no lesson to be learned from this 
conviction? Her own deep, powerful voice 
could not only utter sounds of melodv, but 
words of praise ; and yet how frivolously had 
it hitherto been employed! Celia turned to 
the Te Deum, and with a reverend awe, 
which she had never before experienced, sang 
the opening words : " We praise Thee, God ; 
we acknowledge Thee to be the Lord. All 
the earth doth worship Thee, the Father ever 
lasting." 

Yes, she would consecrate her musical talent 
henceforth to the praise of God; and, more 
than this, she would publicly devote herself 
to His service. She did not now fear that 
Mr. Leonard would ask her about Confirma- 



154 CONSECKATED TALENTS. 

tion; but, on the contrary, determined to so 
licit an interview with him herself that very 
day, and ask how she could best prepare her 
self for receiving that holy rite. 

To any. one unacquainted with the power 
of music, this may seem strange; but Celia 
had been, from her birth, most peculiarly sus 
ceptible to its influence. She was, moreover, 
on this particular day, peculiarly alive to all 
good impressions, and there was something 
in the whole air of the parsonage which had 
made her insensibly feel that its inmates were 
all consecrated to their Maker. 

Mrs. Hastings, who had remained with Mary 
in the room adjoining the organ while Celia 
was making these experiments, saw by the 
countenance of her young friend that pow 
erful emotions were at work in her soul. She 
put her arm kindly within her own as they 
went out of the church door and walked 
silently back to the parsonage. She then en 
gaged Mrs. Leonard in conversation while 
Mary amused herself with the baby, and thus 
left her alone to pursue a train of reflections 






BERKLEY PARSONAGE. 155 

which, she was convinced, were of a profita 
ble nature. 

Celia quietly withdrew to a window where 
she stood looking towards the church, in 
wardly praying that she might have strength 
to carry out the resolution which had there 
been formed. 

Judge Hastings arrived just before the din 
ner-bell rang, apologizing for his tardiness on 
account of an unexpected engagement. Mr. 
Leonard was struck with the fine, intelligent 
countenances of the two boys, and equally so 
with their manly bearing. It is a ridiculous 
idea that refinement and principle are apt to 
make boys effeminate, for nothing is so well 
calculated to give them that independence of 
thought and action which always stamps itself 
upon their whole manner and appearance. 

Horace and Reginald were not, at first, as 
much pleased with their quiet, reserved host 
as with his more affable wife. It is true that 
the few remarks he made to them were kind 
and to the point, but duties of hospitality had 
evidently called him from those of a higher 



156 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

nature, from which he did not find it easy to 
abstract his mind. As the dinner-hour wore 
on, he became, however, more social, and at 
length became much interested in a discussion 
with the Judge in regard to some matters of 
vital importance to the Church's welfare. 

Horace, who had that quickness of percep 
tion which generally accompanies genius, con 
cluded at once that the manner which had 
at first inspired him with something like awe, 
did not arise from any deficiency in benevo 
lence, but was the result of natural reserve 
added to a deep and ever-present conviction 
of the solemn responsibility of his office. He 
might not, as a man, be as agreeable on this 
account; but, as a minister, it added much to 
his influence. Celia, who was particularly 
alive to any thing like levity in a clergyman, 
and quick to note inconsistency, was much 
impressed with the dignified demeanor of the, 
new rector, and felt strengthened in her deter 
mination of applying to him for counsel and 
guidance. In his most unguarded moments 
there was nothing passed his lips which would 



BERKLEY PAKSONAGE. 157 

make religious conversation immediately after 
wards seem out of place ; but, on the con 
trary, there was just enough of familiarity in 
his social demeanor to encourage confidence 
in applying for pastoral counsel and aid. He 
never forgot his clerical office, and therefore 
he always met, in return, with consideration 
and respect. 

As soon as dinner was over, Judge Hastings 
was obliged to excuse himself for a few hours, 
and Mr. Leonard, after remaining a few mo 
ments in the parlor with the ladies, withdrew 
also to his study. 

Reginald looked at Horace, as much as to 
say, "Now comes the tug of war;" but the 
fear of being awkwardly situated was in an 
instant quieted by Mrs. Leonard saying, in 
her peculiarly lively way, "Now, boys, I am 
going to set you to work. Do you see that 
great pile of books in the corner, and the big 
basket beside them? They are new volumes 
for the Sunday-school, which are to be covered, 
and then they are to have the name of the 
church and the number pasted inside. I am 



158 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

going to invite the young ladies to do the 
covering with some cambric that they will 
find in the basket, while you are writing the 
cards ready to be pasted in, and then you 
will find a bottle of gum-water in that same 
huge receptacle. 

Mrs. Leonard understood that one secret of 
putting people at ease was to give them em 
ployment. Celia and Mary drew up to the 
centre-table, and commenced cutting out the 
covers for the books, while Horace and Begi- 
nald tried the pens in the open desk which 
Mrs. Leonard laid before them. 

An hour passed away in this pleasant em 
ployment, and the young people were so busy 
with their work that they forgot that there 
were any older ones in the room, and con 
versed in the most unrestrained manner about 
the volumes on which they were employed. 
Celia, it is true, did not say as much as usual ; 
but Horace was very animated, for books 
were his perfect delight ; and as for Mary, 
occasionally she would get every little while 
so interested in looking into some new one she 



BERKLEY PARSONAGE. 159 

had never seen before, that she had to be re 
minded that her present business was only 
with its outside. 

The last volume was only just finished when 
Celia rose from the table with a determined 
air, and, approaching Mrs. Leonard, said quite 
firmly, "Is Mr. Leonard occupied? I should 
like to see him for a little while." 

Mrs. Hastings looked up in some surprise 
at this request; but Mrs. Leonard answered, 
as if it were quite a thing of course, 

"Certainly, dear, he will be at leisure to 
see you. Come with me to his study, where 
he likes best to receive his friends." 

Before Celia had time to be alarmed, she 
found herself sitting on the comfortable couch 
in the rector's study, and talking with that 
gentleman himself in the most confiding man 
ner. He had divined the object of her visit, 
and gently led the way to the subject, encour 
aging her she could hardly tell how, for he 
did not say much himself to tell him the rise 
and progress of that struggle with the powers 
of evil which had been taking place in her 



160 CONSECKATED TALENTS. 

mind ever since her arrival at Beulah. After 
this full statement of her feelings, Mr. Leonard 
gave it as his opinion that she should present 
herself for Confirmation, but still left it for 
her to decide the question by self-examina 
tion and prayer, sure that the result would 
be a decision in the affirmative. The inter 
view was terminated with a cordial shake of 
the hand, and so fervent a u God bless you," 
that it seemed to sink into the depths of 
Celia's soul, and was afterwards remembered 
by her as if it had been a benediction from 
heaven itself. 

When she returned, somewhat embarrassed, 
to the drawing-room, she found it deserted, 
for Mrs. Leonard had an instinctive tact in 
rendering others comfortable, and felt that, 
after such an interview, the young girl would 
need some time to compose her agitated mind. 
She therefore invited Mrs. Hastings and Mary 
to accompany her in a visit to a sick parish 
ioner, despatching Keginald and Horace, with 
the same freedom as if they had been her own 
sons, to the railroad in search of a package 



BERKLEY PARSONAGE. 161 

of Sunday-school books which had been ex 
pected in the morning. 

When the party returned, Celia was reading 
a little work recommended by Mr. Leonard, 
which she had found in the book-case, and 
the afternoon passed away without any allu 
sion to the cause of her seeking an inter 
view with the rector. 

When once again assembled at Beulah, after 
a pleasant ride home, Judge Hastings found 
it absolutely necessary to check the enthusias 
tic admiration of the young people for the 
family at the parsonage. 

"You cannot admire too much," he said, 
"the principles which actuate our excellent 
pastor and his agreeable wife ; but you bestow 
stronger praise on them both than it is right 
to lavish on mere mortals. They are both 
fallible; and, as perfect as they appear to 
you, in the sight of God they are weak and 
sinful beings, tempted, erring, and repenting 
as you yourselves must ever be. Love them 
as much as you will, my dear children, but 
there is a kind of way of speaking which 

14* 



162 CONSECKATED TALENTS. 

should be only used towards Him who is per 
fection." 

"But, father, may we not say it is good 
to be there?" asked Mary timidly. "I am 
sure I never felt so strongly the happiness 
that religion can bestow, though at home I 
have daily proof of its power." 

"Certainly, my child, you may attribute as 
much power to the spirit 'which actuates our 
kind friends as you please, for that is a sub 
ject on which there is no danger of extrava 
gance. I am glad, too, that you feel the 
influence of their society, for hospitality is 
with them a never-failing source of usefulness. 
I hardly believe that Mr. Leonard's preaching 
has done more good than the example set by 
his family to the many friends who have 
been welcomed to their roof. Some who have 
sad homes have spent the brightest hours of 
their life in his dwelling ; and many a gay 
relation who had never before been brought 
under the daily influence of practical godli 
ness, has been thus won to think of those 
things which are so lovely and of such good 



BERKLEY PARSONAGE. 163 

report. God grant that their light may long 
continue to shine. Our talents are great, and, 
if rightly used, they will shine as the stars in 
the firmament for ever and ever." 



164 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 



CHAPTER XL 

THE INVALUABLE NURSE. 

"WHAT will mamma say?" thought Celia, 
as she sat, alone in her room, reflecting upon 
the conversation which had taken place the 
day before at the rectory. She could not 
but think that it would be a trial to her 
worldly-minded parent to learn that the 
daughter who had been educated with the 
sole purpose of shining in society was, of her 
own accord, renouncing all the sinful pomps 
and vanities for which she had (from infancy) 
cultivated a taste. 

Her meditations were interrupted by hear 
ing her name called in a loud voice, and 
looking out of the window she saw Horace 
on horseback with a letter in his hand. 

"Come down quick. Celia," he cried, "for I 
am in a hurry, and here's a letter from your mo 
ther, which I have ridden post-haste to deliver." 




PAGE 164. 



THE INVALUABLE NURSE. 165 

Celia needed to hear no more, but flew 
down stairs and almost snatched the letter 
from Horace's hand, and with a hasty "thank 
you," flew upstairs back into her own apart 
ment. 

Why, after reaching its seclusion, did she 
pause as she was about to break the seal, 
while half-formed words like a prayer rose 
to her lips? The memory of the last letter 
received from the same hand flashed across 
her mind, with its lively account of gay fes 
tivities and its minute descriptions of scenes 
which it pained Celia to imagine. What 
happiness could she now expect from a simi 
lar disclosure of worldliness and folly? 

With a cheek flushed with these changing 
emotions Celia broke open the seal. The 
first words she read filled her mind with as 
tonishment and wonder, so entirely did they 
differ from any thing she had before seen 
from her mother's hand. 

"My dear daughter," began Mrs. Kogers, 
"I feel that I am utterly unworthy to claim 



166 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

as a child one whom I have treated with such 
shameful neglect. I shudder when I think 
that I have brought into the world an im 
mortal being, dedicated her to her Maker, 
and then done all in my power to make her 
forget His laws and will. 

"You will be surprised, Celia, at my 
writing thus, but I am like one rescued from 
sudden destruction. For the instrument, which 
by the grace of God has effected this change, 
I am indebted to Mrs. Hastings. Do you re 
member that she insisted on my taking a 
very nice sempstress of her own, named Mary, 
for my nurse, when I had sought in vain for 
some suitable person to fill that station. I 
remonstrated at the time against her making 
such a sacrifice, but she declared that it was 
most necessary that while an invalid and in 
a foreign land I should have some one about 
me in whom I could place implicit confidence, 
but that it mattered much less what person 
filled the place which Mary occupied in her 
family. 

" From the first moment that I saw this 



THE INVALUABLE NURSE. 167 

woman, there was something in her manner 
which pleased and at the same time annoyed 
me. She was never wanting in deference or 
at all presuming, but manifested at the same 
time such perfect self-respect, that I felt as if 
whenever I found fault with her I was inju 
ring myself. On board the steamer she attract 
ed the attention, not only of our own party, 
but of strangers, by her obliging ways and 
extreme efficiency and self-command during a 
storm which overtook us when near the En 
glish coast. She never neglected me for an 
instant, but often found time for paying little 
attentions to others, in the quiet manner of 
one discharging their bounden duty, for which 
they neither asked thanks nor reward. I ob 
served that she frequently took out a little 
volume from her pocket and read for a few 
minutes, and then put it back with the satis 
fied air of one who rises from a refreshing 
meal, and I also observed that her language 
and habits were much more refined than those 
of her station in general. I began to wonder 
why she did not feel ashamed of her position, 



168 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

and at last my curiosity to know the secret 
of her perfect contentment became so great, 
that I asked her one day if she never felt 
mortified at being in so humble a situation. 

"The expression of her reserved face told 
me at once that she perceived the rudeness 
of my remark, but she answered very com 
posedly, 'Oh, no! not in the least; I am 
happier than those who possess what are con 
sidered greater advantages.' 

"'That may be,' I said, but added, .'but 
for all that it must sometimes seem hard for a 
person of your intelligence to perform only 
the most menial omces, and feel that we were 
always looked down upon by those around 
us.' 

"'It would be hard to have such feelings/ 
she replied, with a quiet smile; 'but, happily, 
I have none of them. Since my divine Mas 
ter chose for Himself while on earth a hum 
ble position, it would be strange if I were to 
murmur at being placed in a similar one. 
He came in the form of a servant, and while 
I have daily access to the King of kings, I 



THE INVALUABLE NUKSE. 169 

cannot consider it a hardship if there are 
those of my fellow-mortals placed in positions 
which, if they have greater privileges, have 
also greater temptations.' 

" * What insufferable pride !' I exclaimed to 
myself, quite incapable at that time of under 
standing that a just appreciation of ourselves 
may be quite consistent with Christian hu 
mility. I did not go on with the conversation, 
but often afterwards imagined that there was 
more of pity than envy in the glance with 
which my peculiar nurse surveyed some of 
my most fashionable visitors. I was also un 
able to account for the perfect indifference 
with which Mary surveyed all the beautiful 
purchases that I made in London and Paris. 
Superb jewelry, rich dresses, and elegant fur 
niture never drew forth from her one expres 
sion of admiration. I saw that her indifference 
to these things was real, from her never 
putting on two or three pretty little articles of 
finery which were given her by the ladies of 
our travelling party. She seemed only to ac 
cept them to avoid giving offence, and in one 

15 



170 CONSECBATED TALENTS. 

instance exchanged quite a valuable brooch at 
a jeweller's for a small sum of money, which 
she gave to some mendicants who were per 
petually calling on me for aid. Irritated as 
rny pride certainly was at having a person 
constantly with me to whom I seemed to be 
more an object of pity than admiration, Mary 
was too invaluable a nurse to be renounced 
on this account, and every day I found myself 
becoming more dependent on her services. 

"The only privilege on which she insisted, 
was attendance on public worship while in 
Paris, and freedom on the Sabbath from all 
unnecessary labor. This was at first difficult 
for me to grant, as I had more company on 
that day than others; but as she was inflexi 
ble, I had to comply with the only condition 
on which I could retain her valuable services. 

"About four weeks since my illness sud 
denly increased to an alarming extent. My 
physician forbade my seeing any one but 
Mary, and gave her the most minute directions 
for the treatment of my singular disorder, 
which had rendered me exceedingly nervous 



THE INVALUABLE NUKSE. 171 

and melancholy. Nothing could induce her 
to deviate from these directions, and some of 
my friends were quite outraged because that 
no persuasions or inducements could prevail 
upon her to allow them to enter my apart 
ment. Thus shut up to her sole companion 
ship, I began to study more minutely than 
ever the singularity which had before at 
tracted my attention. On Sunday evening, 
being more restless than usual, and weary of 
my own faults, I asked Mary to read to me 
the third volume of a French novel, which I 
had commenced some time before, as she has 
already acquired such a knowledge of the 
language as to be quite intelligible. As she 
had finished the two preceding volumes with 
out hesitation, I could not at first account for 
the reluctance she seemed to feel in comply 
ing with my request, for I had forgotten what 
day it was, as there was nothing to mark the 
weeks in my present unvarying life. 

'She did not pointedly refuse, but said, in 
a tone of kindness, 'I have a book here 
which, though it might not amuse you as 



172 CONSECKATED TALENTS. 

much, madam, as the other may, will do more 
towards quieting your mind.' 

"'Pray, what is it?' said I, rising in bed, 
for I had always been curious to know to v 
what sort of literature Mary owed her intelli 
gence. 

'"It is an old book,' she answered, 'called 
"Baxter's Saints' Best," you no doubt have 
often heard of it.' 

"'Yes, yes,' I said, sinking back into a 
state of indifference; 'read it if you like. 
The title, "Best," is rather soothing, and if 
you will read in a monotonous tone, perhaps 
I may fall asleep.' 

"So saying, I closed my eyes, and Mary 
opened to the chapter upon the 'Excellencies 
of the Saints' Best.' I cannot describe the 
manner of her reading, so full was it of en 
thusiastic feeling. I could have fancied that 
she had received a letter from some dear 
friend with whom she wished to make me 
acquainted, from the warmth and earnestness 
with which she pronounced some of the more 
impressive sentences, and the anxious glances 



THE INVALUABLE NURSE. 173 

she cast towards me, to see if I were still 
awake. 

"As she read, some chord in memory was 
touched, and vibrated long to the stroke. My 
grandmother, one of the excellent of the earth, 
rose before me, seated in a low, cushioned 
chair, with a large volume on her lap, from 
which she was reading through her spectacles, 
taking them off occasionally to wipe her eyes, 
which filled with tears of glad anticipation. 
That was her favorite book! I remembered 
it now. And where was that saint? She had 
entered into that rest which remaineth for the 
people of God. The time since I stood by 
her death-bed seemed but a day, and yet it 
was twenty years. 

"And in twenty years more, I asked, 
where shall I be? Shall I have entered 
into that rest? Again I listened to Mary's 
reading, and the land that she described 
seemed to me a haven of bliss; but then 
came the torturing thought of my utter unfit- 
ness for such a state. 

" ' For whom,' I asked, in a sleepy tone, 

15* 



174 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

affecting a drowsiness which I did not feel, 
/is that place intended, of which you are 
reading ?' 

"Mary turned in silence to the chapter 
giving the l Character of those for whom that 
rest was prepared.' 

"I heard her to the end, and then said, 
hastily, 'Leave me, now; I have had enough. 7 
And then I was alone with my awakened con 
science, and all my sins and offences against 
God arrayed before me. 

" I will not describe to you, my dear Celia, 
the night that followed. May you never lay 
up for yourself, by years of thoughtlessness, 
such agony! It is over now, and, blessed be 
God, I have a hope that for me also there 
remaineth a rest. But think not, my beloved 
daughter, that late repentance can undo the 
work of years. The thought of my neglect 
ed duty of you is like a dagger in my 
heart. One of the best things which I have 
ever done for the good of your soul, was 
placing you in your present residence; but 
how can I hope that so short a time spent 



THE INVALUABLE NURSE. 175 

with Christian people will counteract the in 
fluence and example of years? 

"I remember, too, with pain, that from your 
childhood your besetting sin has been that 
pride which is the greatest enemy of God in 
the soul. Oh ! how I prayed that I might not 
be punished, by finding you still farther off 
from peace and happiness on my return. If 
you love me, Celia, spare me the bitterest of 
pangs that of self-reproach. And now, in 
your youth, struggle with this stubborn fault. 
Humbly solicit the aid of your heavenly 
Father, in returning to Him, and listen atten 
tively to the teachings of your kind friends. 
Oh! if you only knew how hard it is, when 
old, to conquer the simple habits of a life 
time, in youth you would listen to the voice of 
truth. I can say no more. Eead to Mrs. Hast 
ings what I have said, and tell her with how 
invaluable a friend she provided me in my 
faithful nurse. She will hardly believe that 
at first I resisted her influence from a fear of 
owing to a servant impressions which would 
have been more congenial to my nature to 



176 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

have received from some gifted and eminent 
divine. But that is all over now. As my 
plain-looking nurse moves about my room, I 
look upon her with more respect than I ever 
before bestowed upon mortal. She might well 
think her situation no disgrace, for she has 
used its advantages in the service of her Lord, 
and given to me a more convincing proof of 
the indifference to the world, which ought to 
distinguish all Christian people, than all with 
whom I have ever before met. I can never 
repay her, for she cares not for any gifts that 
are mine, and all that is worth possessing she 
already enjoys. And now, farewell, my child, 
till we meet. I feel that I must be with you 
as long as my days are spared, to undo, if 
possible, the evil that I have done. God 
forgive me, and bless you, my only child. 
"Your affectionate, 

"Though erring mother, 

"HELEN EOGERS." 

Poor Celia! how she wept as she read this 
penitent epistle ! The last stronghold of pride 



THE INVALUABLE NUESE. 177 

was subdued, and she gave up her whole 
heart to her gracious Saviour, who had thus 
removed the great obstacle which would have 
obstructed her Christian course. " Oh ! if she 
could only return in time for Confirmation," 
was the present wish of her heart. 

Mrs. Rogers did return just in season to 
present herself at the chancel, with her daugh 
ter, to receive this solemn rite. Oh ! what a 
holy bond was there formed between mother 
and child, and what strength was added to 
the early friendship of Mrs. Hastings by this 
new tie ! 

As Celia's fine voice was heard that day in 
the Confirmation hymn, there was that feel 
ing in its tone which was more acceptable 
worship than the sweetest melody. And 
when, on the ensuing Sunday, she drew forth 
from the organ its richest music, no love of 
display mingled with her devotion. She felt 
that it was a glorious privilege to surrender 
every faculty to Him who, for her sake, veiled 
the glory of Godhead in the form of humanity. 

It was also peculiarly observable, that as 



178 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

they walked down the aisle after the Com 
munion-service had concluded, both Mrs. 
Eogers and her daughter sought out the most 
humble of their acquaintances, and saluted 
them with a cordiality which showed that 
they felt no worldly position gave superiority 
in the house of God, where all were equally 
the servants of one gracious Lord. 

"I believe Miss Eogers is a real Christian 
now," said one of these persons, who judge 
of religion by the manner which its profess 
ors adopt towards themselves. "Did you see 
how kindly she shook hands with me?" 

This, it is true, is not a fair rule of judg 
ment; but with those in inferior stations, there 
is no such proof of Christian sincerity as 
Christian courtesy and humility. 



RESULTS. 179 



CHAPTER XII. 

RESULTS. 

Six years had passed since the circum 
stances narrated in the last chapter, and still 
the little circle at Beulah was unbroken. It 
is true that Mrs. Eogers had removed to a 
cottage in the neighborhood, but the two 
families were so closely united that they 
seemed but one. Now all were absorbed in 
an event of intense interest. This was no 
other than the embarkation of Horace Hast 
ings and Frederick Casey on a mission to a 
foreign land. 

From the morning on which Horace had 
imparted to Mr. Neville his desire to be pre 
pared for the clerical office, he had never 
varied in his determination to consecrate him 
self to that sacred profession. Every study 
had been pursued with a view to that end, 
and it was astonishing how much this single 



180 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

purpose had improved and perfected his nat 
ural gifts. 

When Mrs. Hastings heard that her son 
had determined to become a foreign mission 
ary, the brightest anticipation of her heart 
was fulfilled. She had always felt that his 
remarkable facility in acquiring languages, his 
untiring zeal in overcoming obstacles, his un 
common power in winning affection, and, more 
than all, his lofty and ardent piety, peculiarly 
fitted him for eminent success in missionary 
labors. She had viewed all these accomplish 
ments as the pious Jew of old might have 
looked upon the spotlessness of the lamb 
which he was about to offer in sacrifice, for 
they made him meet to be presented at the 
altar a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto 
the Lord. 

Oh! how can any Christian parent feel 
otherwise than joyful at having given to the 
Church another reaper for that harvest whose 
whiteness calls aloud for additional aid. It 
would seem as if each murmuring thought 
would be stilled by that terrible sentence, 



RESULTS. 181 

that "he that loveth son or daughter more 
than Me, is not worthy of Me." 

There was one other person who shared in 
the holy delight with which Judge Hastings 
and his wife looked forward to the ordination 
of their son. This was Mr. Malcolm, who, in 
parting from Frederick Casey, felt that he 
too was giving up one who seemed like his 
own child, at the call of a heavenly Father. 

The tie had long since been broken which 
Frederick had thought, in his earlier years, 
would prevent him from telling the desolate 
children of heathen lands of the orphan's God. 

Little Charlotte gladdened for a while the 
dwelling of her benefactor by her gentle en 
dearments, and then she too was transplanted 
to an everlasting home. Frederick gazed with 
cheerful composure upon the sweet little face, 
as it lay in its final resting-place, and thought 
as he kissed for the last time the pale lips 
of his only relative, that he was glad that 
she was safe in the bosom of her Saviour. 

Though now no playful voice welcomed 
him on his return from the labors of the day, 



182 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

and the little crib was empty, which at his 
own request was placed in his room at Mr. 
Malcolm's, there was still no despondency in 
his manner or heart. He knew his little sis 
ter was not his own, and he only thanked 
God that she had lived long enough after his 
mother's death to prevent him from sinking 
into discouragement and despair. He request 
ed that the vacant crib might remain in its 
accustomed place, and he used to kneel beside 
it, as he formerly did when his little sister 
was sweetly sleeping there, asking only such 
temporal blessings as were best for his soul's 
health, and concluding even his petitions for 
these with a fervent " Thy will be done." 

Eeginald could not at first reconcile him 
self to the idea of his beloved cousin's depart 
ure. They had been so long inseparable that 
he would not imagine their living apart. Of 
late years he had found Horace's counsel and 
advice of great assistance in the management 
and disposal of his property, and together 
they had planned and executed many excel 
lent schemes of benevolence. The account- 



RESULTS. 183 

book, which he had received on his sixteenth 
birth-day, had given him a lesson which he 
had never forgotten; and there might still 
be seen in his apartment each year one of the 
same kind, in which were registered many 
such expenditures of unrighteous mammon as 
could win for him friends in an everlasting 
habitation. The last entry was an investment 
of several thousands of dollars in a church 
building which was erecting on the spot that 
was to be the scene of the future labors of 
his cousin. 

For a long time Eeginald had been per 
plexed with a doubt whether it were not his 
duty to aid personally in so good a work ; 
but, on consulting his friend, Mr. Neville, 
that gentleman was decidedly of the opinion 
that his sphere of usefulness was the very 
one in which he was liow placed. His mind, 
though clear and strong, was not quick, and 
he had little skill in imparting knowledge. 
After several years of Sunday-school instruc 
tion, he came to the conclusion that the 
classification of teaching among those peculiar 



184 CONSECRATED TALENTS. 

gifts which were only possessed by more fa 
vored individuals, was founded on a deep 
knowledge of our nature and its capabilities. 
He therefore decided to let his cousin Horace 
exercise his peculiar talents in the vocation 
for which he seemed so exactly adapted, and 
for himself, still to adopt for his motto, "He 
that giveth, let him do it with simplicity ; he 
that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness.' 7 

There was one fact which reconciled Kegi- 
nald entirely to remaining in his native coun 
try, and this was the attachment of which he 
now felt conscious to our young friend, Celia 
Eogers. He looked forward to the day when 
their united efforts should be the means of 
extensive usefulness. Nor was he too san 
guine in his expectations, for Christians who 
view even the marriage relation as only an 
instrument for more fully discharging their 
holiest duty, may promise themselves much 
happiness even in this world of sorrow. 

Mary had no scheme of earthly bliss float 
ing through her mind, and turning away her 
thoughts from their beloved resting-place. To 



RESULTS. 185 

supply to her parents the place of her dear 
Horace as far as lay in her power, and to 
continue to diffuse joy around her by her 
sweet manners, calm cheerfulness, and warm 
piety, was a sufficient occupation to keep her 
mind from revelling in imaginary scenes of 
happiness. Yet it was not without a severe 
struggle that she prepared to say "farewell" 
to that brother who had been her strongest 
temptation to woman's most besetting sin 
idolatry of that which is merely human. 

The day appointed for the sailing of the 
Peace had arrived, for in this identical vessel 
Horace and Frederick were to sail for the 
home of their adoption. The supercargo of 
this vessel was no other than Ealph Sumer- 
ville, who had been as much influenced for 
good by Frederick's example as the kind 
forbearance and fatherly counsels of Mr. Mal 
colm. 

As Mrs. Hastings heard her son utter his 
solemn ordination vows, her heart throbbed 
with happiness and thanksgiving. What was 
it for her that if for a few years she should 



16* 



186 CONSECKATED TALENTS. 

see his face no more, if she might hope to 
behold it encircled with a diadem of brightness 
in the dwellings of celestial peace ! And 
when she heard Mary's voice joining calmly 
in the prayers which were repeated, she felt 
that her mission as a Christian mother had 
been in part fulfilled. She had given to the 
Church two members to assist in carrying on 
its warfare with the world, the flesh, and the 
devil, and they were going forth to conquer 
under the banner of their Lord. 

And what have we, who have been called 
by the same holy name, accomplished in this 
our mission? By example or by precept, by 
zeal or by meekness, have we yet won a sin 
gle soul to shine as a jewel in our immortal 
crown? By fightings within and wars with 
out, has one stronghold of Satan fallen, one 
enemy been subdued? And have we, who 
were bought with a price, ever entirely recog 
nized our consecration of soul and body to 
our Master's service? 

Where are our talents? At interest, or 
buried to a depth from which they will only 



RESULTS. 187 

be disinterred to our everlasting shame and 
confusion ? 

Wo to the members of Jikato* portion of 
Christ's holy Church, so holy in spirit and so 
abounding in precious privileges, as ours is, 
if they accomplish not the end for which 
these privileges were given ! " Unto whom 
soever much is given, of him shall be much 
required." 



THE END.