ns, and the frail nature of every
earthly tenure. "Their inward thought is, that their houses shall
continue for ever, and their dwelling-places to all generations: they
call their lands after their own names. Nevertheless, man being in
honour abideth not: he is like the beasts that perish. This their way is
their folly; yet their posterity approve their sayings. Like sheep they
are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and their beauty shall
consume in the grave from their dwelling" (Psal. xlix. 11-14).

As I advanced to the mansion, a pleasing kind of gloom overspread the
front: it was occasioned by the shade of trees, and gave a characteristic
effect to the ancient fabric. I instantly recollected that death had
very recently visited the house, and that one of its present inhabitants
was an affectionate mourner for a departed sister.

There is a solemnity in the thought of a recent death which will
associate itself with the very walls, from whence we are conscious that a
soul has just taken its flight to eternity.

After passing some time in conversation with the superiors of the family,
in the course of which I was much gratified by hearing of the unremitted
attention which the elder sister had paid to the younger during the
illness of the latter. I received likewise other testimonies of the
excellency of her general character and conduct in the house. I then
took leave, requesting permission to see her, agreeably to the promise I
had made at the funeral, not many days before.

I was shown into a parlour, where I found her alone. She was in deep
mourning. She had a calmness and serenity in her countenance, which
exceedingly struck me, and impressed some idea of those attainments which
a further acquaintance with her afterwards so much increased.

She spoke of her sister. I had the satisfaction of finding that she had
given very hopeful proofs of a change of heart before she died. The
prayers and earnest exhortations of Elizabeth had been blessed to a happy
effect. She described what had passed with such a mixture of sisterly
affection and pious dependence on the mercy of God to sinners, as
convinced me that her own heart was under the influence of "pure and
undefiled religion."

She requested leave occasionally to correspond with me on serious
subjects, stating that she needed much instruction. She hoped I would
pardon the liberty which she had taken by introducing herself to my
notice. She