urning peace and prosperity. Wearied of the business of life, he did
not again enter into its affairs, but placing his money at interest in
safe hands, he lived retired on his estate.

It was also the decided choice of Theodore and Alida to reside in the
country. The calm and serene pleasures of retirement were particularly
interesting to both, and they were now supremely blest in each other's
society.

The parents of Theodore rejoiced at their present happiness, and took
upon themselves the necessary preparations for their nuptials, which
were to take place as soon as all was in readiness for this happy event.

No cross purposes stood ready to intervene, to disturb their repose or
interrupt their tranquillity. It was at that season when nature was
arrayed in her richest ornaments, and adorned with her sweetest
fragrance. Silk-winged breezes played amidst the flowers, and birds of
every description carolled their song in varying strains. The air was
clear and salubrious, and the scene enchanting.

And now, reader of sensibility, indulge the pleasing sensations of thy
bosom, at the approaching union of Theodore and Alida. To our hero and
heroine, the rural charms of the country furnished a source of pleasing
variety. Spring, with its verdant fields and flowery meads--summer, with
its embowering shades--the fertility of autumn, with its yellow
foliage--winter, with its hollow blasts and snowy mantle, all tended to
fill their bosoms with sensations of pleasing transition.

Their religious principles were the same. They were a constant
assistance to each other in the fulfilment of their pious duties, truly
endeavouring to follow the life of the Redeemer, who taught by his
example and practice, what he required of us. Assiduously cultivating
those innate Christian principles and perfections, best calculated to
promote the praise and glory of God, and whereby we may obtain the
everlasting favour of that ineffable Disposer of all things, in whom we
live, and move, and have our being.

But soon a mournful shade was thrown over their peaceful tranquillity
and happy anticipations; and manifest was their grief, when they
received the dreadful intelligence that Mr. More had committed suicide.
At the news of this rash and sinful action, they were thrown into an
abyss of sorrow, the painful remembrance of which, for a long time,
threw a dark and melancholy cloud over their felicity.

It is to be regretted that a spirit of reli