views, I suppose you admire his style of preaching. He really composes his sermons. I think his sermons, said Arnold, very masterly, very superior. He evidently thinks much and closely, and yet he abounds in the phraseology of Scripture ; and surely the language given by inspiration is most fit to be the vehicle of religious truth. I understand you, said Henry: if a man preach in what may be called a fine style, we are too apt to admire the scholar and to forget the divine. But a peculiar vocabulary, unless it be used with reflection and judgment, fetters the mind, and makes us more attentive to sounds than to ideas, to expressions than to real knowledge. Very just, said Arnold; but I am getting out of my depth. We plain men love plain things; and if we are wise, we love wise things. As to language, that of the Bible is neither abstract nor vulgar; it is simple and dignified; it is a standard and model in the discussion of sacred truth. I thank you, said Henry, for the free communication of your thoughts. At present we have, as they say, broken the ice as I am engaged to meet my father, I must now leave you, but I hope soon to repeat my visit. They separated with mutual feelings of esteem. Arnold was glad to see a young man of opulence so honestly and judiciously directing his mind to things of the greatest moment; and it required no great sagacity to observe, that such a man would soon become a character of no ordinary worth. Henry repeated to his father the particulars of the interview. What you have told me, says Osborne, corresponds with all that I have heard of Arnold, and with my own views of him. He is a good and sensible man; considering his education, he is very intelligent. He has talents, said Henry, fit for a superior rank in life. His ideas are solid; his language is correct. He brings to my mind the lines of a poet; Full many a gem of purest ray serene The impression made by this interview on the mind of Henry was strong, and led him to various reflections. Here, said he to himself, I see real worth; here I see dignity of thought, benevolence of heart, and integrity of conduct. Religion not only saves the soul from ruin, but it ennobles man while he is upon the earth. It makes him a rational and intelligent being. Cavil at religion as much as we choose, yet it must be admitted, that the most truly useful and ornamental members of society are to be found among the pious. I look forward with delight to another day, when I shall have a more extended conversation with this plain man. CHAP. XXVIII. THE FORCE OF EXAMPLE. Of the superiority of example to abstract reasoning much has been said by the teachers of morality. But however men may reason on the subject in the solitude of the closet, few are careful to improve the world by making themselves fit models for imitation. One who really acts a good part on the theatre of life, is far more valuable than a thousand who recommend what is right, but disregard their own instructions. Sentences may be wise, true, and profound; but they are only words, heard, approved, and easily forgotten but example is visible, and exercises a strong, imperceptible, and permanent influence. The moral change at the Hall had been marked with the greatest propriety. It was evident and palpable, and the effects of it were commented upon in different ways, according to the views and dispositions of individuals. The violent felt indignation; the more moderate only used the language of regret; and the indifferent readily allowed that all men had a right to please themselves. After the lapse of some time, when the character and conduct of the Osbornes were better understood, the change that had taken place was in general allowed to be beneficial. To the astonishment of many, the Osbornes were not found to be proud and censorious, harsh and morose, gloomy and unhappy, critical and severe, secluded and unkind: on the contrary, they were social, cheerful, and free; they visited without reluctance, and conversed with ease. Their religion was sound and practical, but it led to no formal debate or animated effusion. It was decided and vital, but it did not obtrude itself with unmeaning boldness. It was not a dress put on for the occasion, but it was one that was always worn with gracefulness. It was an abiding influence. True piety evinces itself by good works. Proper regulations, which soon became habitual, were adopted by the Osbornes: and as they were opulent, a due portion of their wealth was conscientiously employed in endeavouring to promote the spiritual and temporal welfare of the poor. They visited the abodes of the indigent; and, under the direction of the Rector, ample provision was made for the religious instruction of the ignorant. Osborne frequently gave serious advice to his tenants: he was heard with deference, and many attended at church with greater regularity. Henry and his sisters were especially attentive to the young: the Sunday school showed the effect of their exertions. In due time religion was dispassionately consi N dered in some families. It was no longer regarded as a thing merely fit for weak and vulgar minds. In some cases idle amusements were relinquished: some of the aged, and many of the young, found that there was a better and purer source of happiness than frivolity and gaiety. The moral and religious influence of the Squire in a parish cannot be small: it corrupts or ameliorates the district. If he be an efficient character, and throw his influence into the right scale, the advantage will be great. The profane may scoff and the gay may ridicule ; but the sober and sedate will follow the example of their social leader. The conduct of the Osbornes, together with the visible fruits of it, was peculiarly gratifying to the Rector. He was not left a solitary advocate of truth and morals. There was now a man of influence, who had always been esteemed for his wisdom and integrity, a pattern of sober, decided, and practical piety. His conduct was such as adorned religion; and those who did not admire his tenets, were compelled to acknowledge the excellence of his life. The thoughtless saw that religion is an effectual principle producing the greatest rectitude in conduct; and those who were rightly disposed saw in him an example that animated them in the cultivation of piety and virtue. The name of the Osbornes stood associated with every thing good and lovely: they were enthroned in the esteem and affection of many, |