The lawfulness of intermarriages between Protestants and Roman Catholics, scripturally considered-Description of the magnificent The argument on Popery continued, supported by published docu- ments of that church-Its awful idolatries and blasphemies-Ency- DOMESTIC MEMOIRS, &c. CHAPTER I. It was at the close of one of those lovely autumnal days that so often brighten over the face of September, that Mr. and Mrs. Gracelove, with their youthful and beautiful daughter Laura, then ten years of age, their two sons, and a younger daughter, found themselves seated before a cheerful fire in the picturesque cottage on the delightful banks of Derwentwater. Nothing could exceed the splendid landscape by which they were surrounded. The transparent lake, studded with its verdant islets, whose luxuriant foliage dipped its green leaves in the rippling waves; the majestic forms of the mountains that elevated their lofty summits to the clouds, encircling this valley of bright waters, while reflected on their shining surface; the white cottages and rural villas, scattered in various directions along B the base of the mountain range, with the foaming cascade rushing down the rugged heights-all combined to create a scene of grandeur and loveliness, that spoke to the heart as forcibly as it attracted and charmed the eye. It spoke of that great and glorious Being whose creative omnipotence originated all things; "who spake, and it was done; who commanded, and it stood fast;"* and whose beneficence in adorning this lower world with such varied and exquisite beauty, though the habitation of his rebellious creature man,-to cheer the penitent pilgrim on his way to the lost home of his happiness, -is as trancendently exhibited as the power that called the world into existence. Derwent Cottage-for such was the name given to the rural abode of Mr. and Mrs. Gracelove-was so judiciously situated as to command a full view of these beauties of nature. It was built on a gentle eminence overlooking the lake; with a flower-garden and shrubbery extending in front, and which opened on a terrace that sloped down to the water's edge, where a handsome boat belonging to the family was in constant readiness for a sailing or fishing excursion, when the weather was fine. The style of the cottage was an imitation of Swiss architecture, after the best design, and which harmonized most gracefully with the scenery around. But the principal charm that attracted the eye on viewing its exterior, in connexion with the garden and ornamental grounds, was the extreme care and neatness with which everything was arranged. The fresh and * Psalm xxxiii. 9. delicate colouring of the paint; the tasteful training of the honeysuckles and climbing rose-trees along the sides of the house; the newly-gravelled walks, and the well-weeded parterres of flowers, denoted a refinement of mind and manners in the owners of the establishment, which a subsequent knowledge more than justified. And, now, let us enter this picturesque dwelling, in which we have described the master and mistress, with their young family, seated around the domestic hearth. The room occupied by this interesting party was characterised by the elegant simplicity of its style and embellishment. There was nothing of vanity or pretension in its furniture or arrangement; nothing of finery or gaudy attraction to catch the eye; but while the quality of each article was of the best description, the fashion of it was modest and unassuming. It presented, in short, the chaste appearance which an apartment in such a cottage, and on the shores of such a lake, should present—the simple art within according with the simplicity of nature without. In addition to the usual assortment of chairs and tables, a pianoforte occupied a corner of the room; and on the opposite side was placed a well-stored book-case; while the few pictures that ornamented the walls represented, in well-executed oil-paintings and engravings, the prominent beauties of the adjacent lake. But the clock now struck ten, and in conformity with the christian custom of this well-regulated household, they prepared to close the evening with family worship. While Laura, therefore, rose for the purpose of bringing the Bibles, Mr. and Mrs. Gracelove and their three other children seated themselves at a round mahogany table that stood in the centre of the room; and their daughter having placed a copy of the sacred volume before each of them, and having rung the bell, two neatly-attired and modest-looking female servants, with the footman, entered the apartment and took their seats near the table. They also brought their Bibles with them, as they were required to join with the family in reading the portion of Scripture that formed the evening's meditation, each taking a verse in succession. The chapter selected was the 22nd of Proverbs; containing, among many excellent texts, one which had deeply interested the hearts of Mr. and Mrs. Gracelove from the birth of their first child; convinced, as they were, of the awful responsibility attaching to parents in the education of their offspring. It was the following-" Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old he will not depart from it.” The chapter being concluded, Mr. Gracelove made a few practical observations on the verse above cited; as it was his general practice to enforce and illustrate sometimes the whole of the portion read, at other times, only a single text. As being a man of fluent speech, guided by an excellent judgment and a pious mind, and well versed in the sacred Scriptures, he considered this familiar and popular mode better adapted to fix the attention of his auditors than reading an exposition from published |