first chapter of this book, and which was strictly and devoutly observed both night and morning. They then retired to rest, in that peace of God which passeth understanding, which the thoughtless world knoweth not, neither can give ;-a peace, compared with which the joys of the sensual man are but vanity and vexation of spirit; dazzling for a moment, like the glittering taper before the moth, ere it rushes headlong into the devouring flame, and dies in its heedless folly.

CHAPTER VII

It has been mentioned that, while the worthy proprietors of Derwent Cottage declined accepting invitations to the balls and gay parties at Stately Hall, they qualified their apparent indisposition to associate with their fashionable neighbours, by intimating the pleasure they should have in meeting them at dinner in a social way.

Consequently, about a month after the ball had taken place, a day was appointed for their dining with the Stately's; the invitation expressing that it would be quite a family party, as the Rev. Mr. Davies and his lady were the only persons, in addition, whom they expected to see.

The party accordingly met; and after the usual interchange of courtesies, and half an hour's preliminary conversation, sat down to dinner at six o'clock. The repast was served up with that hospitable variety, and elegance of style, which became the wealth and pretensions of the owners of the mansion; and was enlivened by those lighter topics of conversation which usually accompany a similar entertainment. When, however, the table-cloth was removed, the dessert placed on the table, and the servants had withdrawn, the tone of conversation took a more serious turn, as it was the intention of at least four of the party that it should do so; desirous as they

were to improve the opportunity to the best of their power and skill. This was almost immediately presented to them by a remark from Mr. Stately, that he had recently returned from London; and after noticing some of the novelties then exhibiting in the metropolis, and a few of the more prominent amusements, he alluded to the opera, where, he said, an extraordinary sensation had been made by the presence of three of the very finest singers, and some of the most exquisite dancers in Europe. 66 Such an attraction," he observed," he had never beheld during all his previous visits to the great city; nor had he ever witnessed such overflowing houses on any similar occasion. Drury Lane, and Covent Garden, were also very delightful spectacles, but the opera was the masterpiece of all that was enchanting."

"You have, no doubt," said Mr. Stately, looking inquiringly at his guests, "been present at all of them, and can bear testimony to the eulogy that I pass upon them."

"I must plead guilty to the fact," replied Mr. Davies ; I confess that I have seen them all, previously to my entering the Church, but never since; nor should I ever think of seeing them again were I to visit London a dozen times every year."

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"You surprise me," responded our host-confirming his words by the astonishment of his looks; for, in addition to the brilliant effect on the eye and the ear, you see around you the whole aristocracy of the country,-the noble, the wealthy, and the beautiful; from the sovereign down to the opulent merchant."

"That is all very true," rejoined Mr. Davies, " but we are told, that we are not to follow a multitude to do evil;'* and no rank whatever, not even royalty itself, can render that legitimate which the word of God has pronounced a sin."

"A sin do you call it?" replied the lord of the mansion; "this is being fastidious indeed. Why, I have been accustomed to regard the opera as one of the most exalted pleasures of life. Where can you possibly show me that it is a transgression of the divine commandment?"

"I almost fear," said the minister, "that having already excited your surprise, I may still further occasion your displeasure, by the answer I am bound to return to your question."

"Pray dismiss all apprehensions on that head," observed Mr. Stately, "since, whatever may be my own convictions, I never quarrel with people on the score of their opinions. My professional habits, and magisterial duties, ever call upon me to hear both sides of a question before I decide; to hold the balance even; and though, on the present subject, I feel convinced of the soundness of my views, yet I am curious to know what can be advanced on the opposite side. I argue, my dear sir, not for victory but for truth. I repeat, therefore, the question, where can you show me that it is a transgression of the divine commandment to frequent the opera, or, indeed, any other theatre ?"

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In the breach,” answered Mr. Davies, "of the third, fourth, and seventh commandments of the Deca

* Exod. xxiii. 2.

logue. I was almost going to add the sixth also; for, if the murder of the soul be a deeper sin than that of the body, then is a systematic play-goer guilty of the worst violation of the law."

"A sweeping proposition, truly," said our host. "But let us proceed to the evidence, and take the points in succession as you have classed them; and, first of all, where is the breach of the third commandment ?"

"The commandment in question," rejoined our clerical friend," is thus expressed: Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.' Now," he continued, "I need only call to your recollection the infraction of this law on the stage of a theatre, by the frequent ejaculations of the sacred name of the Deity, and that, sometimes, in the very coarsest and most irreverent manner; besides the most wanton and unrighteous appeals to his Omniscience; in order to make out my first charge, that the name of God is taken ‘in vain.' And, in immediate connexion with this circumstance, I may subjoin the awful mockeries of simulated prayer made to the Supreme Being, on bended knees and uplifted hands and eyes. This, my dear sir, is a fearful and daring hypocrisy,-an impious jesting with sacred things, which the unreal nature of the scene naturally produces. But the sin is not the less because the spectacle is but a show; for the name of the adorable Supreme is so holy, as never to be taken within the lips unless there be a corresponding sentiment within the heart; unless, when we appeal to