went on, while a smile trembled on his lips, ’that a day will yet dawn when all Christian men shall agree so heartily as touching the deep and vital truths of their faith, that they may be content to differ as to the visible ceremonial garment that their faith may wear.  But that will not be in my day, Lucy, nor, I fear much, in thine.  Let us hope and pray for its coming; and let us rejoice meanwhile and give thanks for our safety here from the strife of tongues, for the peace and rest we are allowed to share in this corner of the earth; so far are we happy above many.’

And I am only too glad to obey his word, and to fare like a bird of the air that is fed by God’s daily bounty, without care for the morrow.  Nor will I trouble myself any more about this nice point of doctrine and that, laying on myself a burden that God never gave me.  Has He not given me His own peace; and with it more of earthly bliss than ever my heart dared hope for?  And were I even less happy in my lot, I ought all my life to praise Him for His hand over us for good, while we dwelt in that City of the Plague.  I have heard with infinite satisfaction, how, since this cold winter weather came on, the sickness is mightily abated, and men hope it is passing away.  But it hath swept off, say they, not less than a hundred thousand souls in one fatal year; and what were we, that we should escape?  It is all of the Lord’s goodness, and His pity to our rashness.