e, and it holds the littlest babe, and
the littlest bird and flower, in an infinite Father's heart!"

He pronounced the benediction, and the audience went their way to
rejoice in the light that seemed sent down from heaven.

He gave another message in Summerfield, and departed on another call of
his mission. His visit to the Lake Country was an era in the life of
Matthew Fabens. His views and illustrations suggested new trains of
thought and reflection; but they only confirmed his faith in Christ's
doctrine of Providence, and opened his ear to loftier and more
melodious notes of that infinite harmony, in which he believed the
universe of God was bound. Mrs. Fabens had joys that flowing tears
expressed, and Fanny was not an unsympathizing hearer.

XVIII.

THE SECOND MEETING AND ITS FRUITS.

In his second sermon, the Minister set forth one or two practical views
of Christianity, and dwelt upon them with an earnest soul, and a happy
selection of illustrations from the Scriptures. He cited incidents
from history also; and appealed to his audience with such persuasive
eloquence, he left a deep impression on their minds and hearts.

Fabens had before thought of those things, and endeavored to rule his
conduct by such a spirit. He had studied the example of Joseph with
his brethren; of Elisha with the Assyrians, of David with Saul, of
Christ with his enemies, of Schuyler with Burgoyne, and Washington with
the Tory. In numberless instances of his life, the power of such
examples had been exhibited in his private conduct, and in his
decisions as a magistrate.

Still his faith in the power of kindness as applied to the vicious and
criminal, was not so strong or perfect as he would desire. Some cases
of offence there were, in the treatment of which, for a good effect
upon others, he held doubted the success of that principle. The
teachings of God, he confessed, had a lesson to strengthen that faith.
All his own little errors had been treated with kindness from Heaven.
True, he had always been miserable as often as he had sinned; but then
the gracious rains were not withheld, nor the kind sunlight
extinguished; nor the harvests blighted, nor the bloom of woods, nor
the fragrance of flowers denied, because he had been sinful and
unthankful. God had chastened him in kindness; and he loved virtue all
the more, and increased in the ardors of devotion. He prayed for more
faith in the power of benevolent principle