secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Such were these three sisters; and this sketch, drawn from distinct and affectionate recollection, is published as a tribute to their memory, and to the praise of the glory of that grace which made them what they were upon earth, and what they now are in Heaven.

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A HOLY PAIR.

THE "short and simple annals of the poor" is the beautiful expression by which a poet has characterized their humble course and scanty memorial. But while the life of many of them exhibits nothing but their toils and their privations, there are some of them whose eminence in piety, whose cheerful contentment, and religious usefulness surround them with respect while living, and render their memory revered when they are no more. They are like the plant whose fragrance delights the senses in spite of all that overshadows or environs it.

The persons to whom this sketch refers, were of this description. It sometimes happens, that

the piety of a husband is marred as to its comfort, and impeded in its exercises by the bad temper and conduct of his partner, and that a religious wife has met with the scorn and the abuse of an impious and profligate husband; but the pair of whom I write were, in every point of view, equally yoked, and were, like Zacharias and Elizabeth, Aquila and Priscillacouples exhibited to respect and imitation in the sacred history-both righteous before God, and walked in all the ordinances and commandments of the Lord blameless.

I never heard of the husband having mentioned the time of his conversion. Christians were not, in his day, accustomed to speak with minuteness and freedom on this topic; but, from various circumstances, it was obvious that he had been early pious. He attended, in his youth, on the ministry of the Rev. Thomas Wardrope of Bathgate, who, after a short, but very bright course in the church, was called, in the prime of his days, to enter into the joy of his Lord. His heart melted while he spoke of his pleasing and earnest mode of preaching, and of his early removal. On the sacramental

solemnities at that place,

during his ministry,

he delighted to dwell. While the votaries of pleasure look back with disgust on the scene of

excess, and those of ambition on that of vain pomp, the pious recal, with unabated satisfaction, the hours in which they went, with the multitude, to the house of God, on the solemn holy days. The Rev. Dr Webster of Edinburgh used to assist on these occasions. He retained a lively impression of his ready, solemn, and melting eloquence, in addressing communicants at the Lord's table. The name of this great man will go down to posterity as the founder of the widow's fund in the Church of Scotland; and, though not a stone tells where he lies, the widow and the fatherless will record his singular ingenuity, his benevolent zeal, and unwearied activity in their cause. But those who enjoyed his ministry have attested how brightly he shone in preaching the gospel, and in leading the devotions. of his people. I have heard it stated by a competent judge, that his consecration prayer at the Lord's supper was marked by a solemnity, a fervour, and a pathos, which he had never seen equalled. These are interesting traces of the labours of a great man, and they may stir up ministers to apply their powers and feelings with more earnestness in the performance of those parts of holy service, in which some are formal in their language, cold in their manner, or unsuitable in their topics. What is it that hal

lows the memory of a minister in the hearts of the people? It is not his ability in argument, or his skill in criticism, the splendour of his style, or the gracefulness of his gestures, but his prayers to God which were dictated by the inspiration of piety, and his addresses to men which glowed with the fervours of zeal and compassion.

I have heard him mention two discourses on the Saturday before the communion, at that place, in which he had felt a very deep interest, and from which he derived much profit. The subject of the first was, "In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and in him shall they glory;" and that of the second was these words, "By the which will we are sanctified by the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." Mr Wardrope, in giving a few exhortations before the dismission, alluded to the blood and water that flowed from our Lord's side, and, in a very striking manner, pointed them out as intimating the merit of his righteousness to justify, and of his grace to sanctify the soul; and made some happy references to the topics of discourse, and to the beautiful connexion and harmony betwixt doctrine and prac tice, privilege and duty. In various societies, these days of preparation are discarded; and

where they are retained, such exhortations are falling into disuse. And we plead not for either as at all essential to the ordinance; but good men have felt them very useful in strengthening their faith, and in exciting their devotion; and if indifference prevails as to them in any quarters, it is as much owing to the ministers as to the people, and it is easy to discern worldly mindedness under the affectation of a regard for New Testament simplicity. Where ministers are zealous the people will be earnest, and what God hath blessed he can bless.

Edward was a man singularly mild and tranquil. Amidst all the fluctuations of his lot, he was not merely resigned but happy. His wife was an excellent woman, of great simplicity of manners, and of a very tender spirit, and she had seasons of terror and dejection by which her faith was tried. In one of these seasons that text was remarkably useful to her "The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his." Soon after her deliverance, this passage was read out by her minister, as the subject of discourse, and it made her heart thrill with joy. On another occasion, when she had brought her child with her to the house of God, and sat down with him at one of the doors, that his prattle might

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