“‘Unchangeable! venerable sir, _what_ is unchangeable? Is not the human mind, in our days, gradually but irresistibly marching onwards, from the darkness of ignorance to the broad daylight of liberty and knowledge? Is not this an age of new light?” “It may be so,” said the priest, “but if my creed be true, the last new light from _heaven_ came in the days of our SAVIOUR—any new light _since_ then, must, I fear, have a different origin!’ “The stranger did not seem disposed to pursue the conversation further, but, slightly touching his hat, took his leave. We also paid our parting respects to the pastor, and commenced our journey home. The stranger joined us before we had advanced far on our return, and certainly we found him a most intelligent and agreeable companion. He had seen much of foreign countries, and mentioned many circumstances with regard to them and their customs, which made a deep impression on my youthful imagination. He accompanied us to the door of our house, which was opened by my sister; and, much to my surprise, she received him with an expression of countenance, and a conscious blush on her cheek, which showed that it was not the first time that they had met. My curiosity was excited, and I resolved, if possible, to find out the stranger’s history and occupation.” CHAPTER IX. Would that our scrupulous sires had dared to leave Less scanty measure of those graceful rites And usages, whose due return invites A stir of mind too natural to deceive; Giving the Memory help when she would weave A crown of hope! I dread the boasted lights That all too often are but fiery blights, Killing the bud o’er which in vain we grieve. WORDSWORTH.