ing, however much he might despise the exploded doctrine of non-resistance, that the covenanters, deprived as they were of the gentlemen of their party, who were mostly in prison, could make no head against their oppressors, supported by a strong military force. He counselled them to oppose patience and hope to the swords of their persecutors; assuring them, that God would at , length interfere in their behalf. And, above all, he comforted and sustained the minds of the poor, hunted, houseless peasantry, by often directing their hopes to the rewards of immortality. Nor did he destroy the effect of his teaching by his own example. The following conversation which happened one night in the forlorn cave, will shew how bravely the persecuted family bore their lot.

The night to which we have alluded was in the end of autumn. The minister, with his wife and children, were seated in the cave. A few embers burned on the floor, and half lighted the rude habitation,-the Ayr was heard murmuring down his pebbled bed,-the wind whistled in the mouth of the cave, blowing in the fallen leaf, that rustled about the floor,--and the lightning flashed, at intervals, its momentary gleam into the solitary abode.

"Do you remember, said Mary to her brother, "how fresh and beautiful these leaves were in summer?" lifting one that the wind rustled through the dwelling. "You remember how we watched them as they spread, and shaded the mouth of the cave?"

"They were very beautiful," said Andrew, and kept the wind out of the cave. But their season is past, and we will see them green no more."

"And what should that remind you of?" said Mrs. Bruce. "Should it not remind you of the transitory nature of all earthly things? We all do fade as a leaf: we are cut down, and wither

as the grass. But the leaf hangs on the twig

till autumn; and falls not till it is dried and withered with age. We, my dear children, may be cut off in the midst of our days. From disease we are never secure. But we may have soon to die by the hand of violence. Are you prepared, my dear children, to suffer all for Christ? Do you repine that you have been driven from your home, to seek shelter in such a place as this, for his sake?"

"I am as happy here," said Andrew, "as when we lived at the village. My father and you have

taught me to regard my duty to God as the end of my being; and I am resolved, trusting in his grace, to suffer the utmost, rather than violate it. I know he will give me strength to do what he may have appointed me."

"Yes," said Mary, who was no stranger to the Bible, "His grace shall be sufficient for us. I know what he says, "The Lord is nigh to all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. He also will hear their cry, and save them." "

"Yes," said Mrs. Bruce, while her husband shed a tear of joy, to hear his children talk thus; "yes, if you put no trust in yourselves, if you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, he will give you resolution and strength to suffer all for his sake. 'Whatsoever ye ask in my name,' says that Redeemer, who hath all power in heaven and in earth, 'Whatsoever ye ask in my name, you shall receive it.'"

"Happy are all those who trust in God," said Mr. Bruce, taking up the conversation, while he threw a glance of unspeakable satisfaction on his family. "Happy are all they, whatever be their external circumstances, whose God is the Lord. We have, it is true, been driven from the com

Our

As

forts of this world's prosperity; but we have, therefore, less to seduce us from the path of holiness. We are exposed to trials; but, through His blessing, they will prepare us the sooner for the enjoyment of his immediate presence. We are exposed to the winds of night; but our souls take shelter under the wings of the Most High. enemies are strong, and exceedingly mad against us; but He who is for us, is stronger than they who are against us. Those lightnings that flash athwart the night are the lightnings of God: they say unto him, Here we are; and, at his bidding, can lay the pride of the wicked in the dust. his power is omnipotent to protect you, my dear ones, so is his love infinite. It passeth all knowledge. We are lost in the contemplation of his astonishing love, manifested in our redemption through his Son. He hath given his well-beloved Son for us, vile and miserable sinners; and surely he will allow nothing really to hurt us. What, then, should we not rather do, than forsake our duty to him? Severer sufferings may be yet awaiting us, my dear ones. But let us always lay the grasp of our dependence on God; let us have our eye on the promised land, the dwelling of life and immortality; and let us suffer without a murmur.

O, my dear ones, in this trying time, may we all so believe, and so do, that we may find ourselves approved, when men shall be finally judged. If any thing should occur which may separate us, let us direct our steps to heaven, where we shall meet, to part no more. Our church is now driven to the wilderness. The blood of her people flows on the scaffold: their groanings are heard in the desert. But God hath not forsaken her, she shall yet shout for joy, and clap her hands for gladness of heart. We e may be gone, my dear ones, ere the day of her mourning end; but, by suffering cheerfully, we shall have done our part: we shall have our reward: and, when our church takes her sorrowful harp from the willow, and tunes it to the melody of joy in the peaceful temple, our memories shall not be forgotten."

When Mr. Bruce had thus spoken, he kneeled down with his family in the cave, and besought for them the blessing, even life that shall never end. And then you might have heard the psalm of praise mingling its holy melody with the blast of night.

Still, Religion, thou art happiness! Thou hast, indeed, trials appointed for thy followers; but thou comest in the strength of God, and leadest