Christian life -- Juvenile fiction; Conversion -- Christianity -- Juvenile fiction
As I approached the village where the good old Dairyman dwelt, I observed
him in a little field, driving his cows before him towards a yard and
hovel which adjoined his cottage. I advanced very near him without his
observing me, for his sight was dim. On my calling out to him, he
started at the sound of my voice, but with much gladness of heart
welcomed me, saying, "Bless your heart, sir, I am very glad you are come;
we have looked for you every day this week."
The cottage-door opened, and the daughter came out, followed by her aged
and infirm mother. The sight of me naturally brought to recollection the
grave at which we had before met. Tears of affection mingled with the
smile of satisfaction with which I was received by these worthy
cottagers. I dismounted, and was conducted through a neat little garden,
part of which was shaded by two large overspreading elm trees, to the
house. Decency and order were manifest within and without. No excuse
was made here, on the score of poverty, for confusion and uncleanliness
in the disposal of their little household. Everything wore the aspect of
neatness and propriety. On each side of the fire-place stood an old
oaken chair, where the venerable parents rested their weary limbs after
the day's labour was over. On a shelf in one corner lay two Bibles, with
a few religious books and tracts. The little room had two windows; a
lovely prospect of hills, woods, and fields appeared through one; the
other was more than half obscured by the branches of a vine which was
trained across it; between its leaves the sun shone, and cast a cheerful
light over the whole place.
"This," thought I, "is a fit residence for piety, peace, and contentment.
May I learn a fresh lesson for advancement in each, through the blessing
of God, on this visit!"
"Sir," said the daughter, "we are not worthy that you should come under
our roof. We take it very kind that you should travel so far to see us."
"My Master," I replied, "came a great deal farther to visit us poor
sinners. He left the bosom of his Father, laid aside his glory, and came
down to this lower world on a visit of mercy and love; and ought not we,
if we profess to follow Him, to bear each other's infirmities, and go
about doing good as He did?"
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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