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UNEXPECTED AUDIENCE.

(From a Pastor's recollections.)

When first I settled as pastor in the parish, where I have now resided for so many years, it was my wont to go on foot to pay most of my parochial visits. Some of those visits were made at a considerable distance, but I did not enjoy them the less on that account; for I was then young and active, and preferred walking exercise to any other; and I remember how delightful those long walks used to appear of a fine spring morning, when I rose with the lark, and pursued my way through the green lanes and along the pleasant paths which lay across the fields; the early morning at that season has charms peculiar to itself, everything looks so fresh and bright, and seems to bear the very impress of gladness; the light gossamer, as it hangs from branch to branch, gemmed with dewdrops, which sparkle in the morning sun like diamonds; the wild violet, so elegant in its growth, and "the pale primrose" glinting forth on the green banks; while the air bears on its wings the most delicate of odours-the first offerings of the season; and the birds sing their songs and hop about merrily, in their happy companionship, among the branches. In later years, when I have been borne on such occasions by my trusty horse, or conveyed, as now, in my little four-wheeled carriage, I have often cast a longing look towards the intricate paths and wide fields which I used to tread.

and a little girl many years younger. By a sad accident poor Mansfield's leg had been broken, and he had fallen into an infirm state of health, and was utterly disabled for work; but his son laboured hard to support them all, and, by his skill as a carpenter and his steady industry, he was able not only to provide all that was necessary for the family, but to lay by a little, for a store. His workshop was close by the house, and there he might be seen, at the first dawn of day, busy with his tools, and whistling or singing some lightsome air as he went cheerfully about his work. The neighbours used to remark that John had a right to a light heart, for there was not a better or a fonder son through the length and breadth of the parish; they were indeed a happy family, blessed with affection and content. Little Nannie-a merry little elf-was the plaything among them; but John, as he well might, was the special darling. I loved to linger for awhile in his workshop, and to have a little chat with him as he worked. His mother would often saunter to the door and peep in, that she might indulge herself with one look at John, and then John would always hurry to place a chair for her, and invite her to his side with that natural politeness, which, always pleasing, is so lovely from a child to a parent. I often admired the lively tone which he gave to our chat when she was by, that he might have the pleasure of seeing her amused. Poor Mansfield, too, helped on by his crutch, would make his way to his son; and it was in

In those days I often bent my way through the tangled brakes and by the winding stream, to call on the inmates of the hamlet which overhangs its banks, but which I now ap-teresting to see the intense delight which he took proach by a less circuitous route, and in a less laborious manner. Among my first parochial visits in this direction, I often call to mind those which I made to a family of the name of Mansfield; I soon felt a great interest for those poor people, which has continued unabated for nearly half a century, for such among them as have been spared; and I frequently call to mind the worth of those who have been removed from the present scene; they won upon my regard not only by their many excellent qualities, but from the respect with which they at once treated me, which I know was not due to my time of life, as I was a young man when I came among them; nor was it owing to rank or fortune, for many in the neighbourhood possessed both in a much higher degree, and yet were not held in the same consideration. I felt that it was owing to my office, and the veneration which they had for it placed me in a very peculiar position with respect to them, and the circumstances which afterwards occurred drew still closer the sacred ties by which we were united. The family consisted of four-the father and mother, a son,

in his work, and to hear his many questions respecting it, to which John gave explanatory answers, which left an evident impression of his genius on the old man. "Sure," his mother would say, "the blessing of Heaven is on our John, for there is nothing he takes in hand that does not prosper. When he comes in of an evening from his work, he sits down by his poor sickly father, and pets him like a little child; and before we go to our rest at night, he often opens his bible, and reads out a chapter for us; and we all feel the better and rest the easier for hearing it from his kind voice." John was continually planning something to add to their means, and had himself built an addition of two rooms to their house, which he proposed to let. It was not long before he got a tenant for them, in a man who arrived in the neighbourhood for the purpose of setting up a day-school; he was a person of quiet and retired habits, seldom stirring out after the school broke up. When the vacation enabled him to shut up school for a short time, he took the opportunity of going to see his friends, who lived in a distant county,

"Is it all over with our John " said he, turning ghastly pale; "is it all over with our boy?"

As well as I could speak I told them that he had still some days to live.

"And so," said he, with that bitter composure which inevitable calamity sometimes brings, "they will hang my good and brave boy like a dog-and there is an end of us. Ah! sir, sir, it is hard to believe it; to think that we are never again to hold the hand that worked so hard for us-the hand that it was natural for us to think would close our poor eyes. Oh! sir, how can we bring ourselves to believe it? how can we think that the step for which we so often listened will never cross the threshold againhow can we think that the laugh, and the merry songs that so often delighted our very hearts, will never be heard any more within these walls! This poor woman-the poor mother", added he, gently laying his hand

ought to take her last leave; but she is loathe to leave me in such an extremity, for my life is wearing fast, fast away: grief can bring down the strongest to the grave, and why not one weak and worn as I am?"

A violent burst of agony from the poor woman was the only lament which she made: she looked mournfully in his face, and grasped his hand tightly in her own, as if she feared to lose him if she loosened her hold.

saying that he would be back in a month, when proached him was the bearer of still more bitter holidays were over, at which time he promised news. to pay the rent due for the rooms. The time that he had fixed for his return passed over, and week after week went by, and still he did | not come ; at length John gave up all hopes of his return, and he determined to have the rooms put in order, and to look out for another tenant. He broke open the doors, which the lodger had locked up before he went; and to his surprise found a crucible, and all the implements for coining; some base money was lying on the table, which John carelessly put in his pocket. In a few days after this, it chanced that a quantity of wood was stolen from a neighbouring mill, and a warrant was issued for searching all the houses in the hamlet. On entering the rooms vacated by the schoolmaster, the constables discovered the crucible and instruments for coining, an offence at that time severely punished. Suspicion immediately fell on John, and he was apprehended in the neighbour ing wood, where he had gone to fell some timber which he had purchased; he immediately be-on his wife's arm, "ought to see him once more, thought himself of the base coin which he had so heedlessly consigned to his pocket, and, dreading the trouble into which its discovery might bring him, hastily put it into his mouth, as the only way in which he could conceal it; but the action was noticed, the money found; and this circumstance, along with the fact of all the implements necessary for coining having been discovered in his room, was sufficient evidence against him, and considered quite conclusive of his guilt; he was taken to the assize town, put in gaol till his trial came on, when the circumstantial evidence was so strong, that a verdict of guilty was brought in against him, without any hesitation; and, indeed, the confidence in his innocence which his previous 'My own darling, my own darling," intercharacter and conduct might have warranted, rupted the poor woman, "if we could see him was sadly shaken in the minds of many of his (as if apostrophising her child) in his bed friends. However, for my part, I never doubted dying of some sickness sent by Providence, we his explanation of the matter, and therefore was could make up our minds to the parting; but not deprived of the greatest source of consola-oh! sir," added she, turning towards me, "to have tion which I could urge upon his afflicted parents. I had often gone to them while the trial was pending, and they, assured as they were of his innocence, could not bring themselves to think that it would not be clear to all the world; but the sad news did come he was found guilty and condemned to die. On hearing this melancholy intelligence I hurried to the poor afflicted couple; my heart grew heavier with every step I took, and though I was anxious to reach them as soon as possible, I involuntarily slackened my pace as I got nearer, and had to pause when I reached the door, to endeavour to gain some de"Ah! sir, it is much to think all that," said gree of composure before I entered. Poor old Mansfield lay stretched on the bed, quite over- Mansfield; "and our boy may be with us in a come by the shock and the grief. I moved happier place than this poor world; and yet we stealthily on, with that instinctive dread of break-would give our heart's blood to have him here ing in upon the grief which I held so sacred but for one hour-one little hour." which every one has felt. As I advanced Mansfield glared on me with an air of wildness. Alas! he thought in his agony that every one who ap

'Sir, sir," resumed Mansfield, "pardon us, and ask pardon for us, if we are flying in the face of Providence; but such a good child, such a comfort, such a credit! Ah! sir, it is hard to part with one like him."

his natural days cut short-to have his eyes close upon a world so pleasant to him! Oh! sir, it is hard to think it: my poor darling that I reared upon my knees, that used to follow me about as soon as he could use his little feet, in and out, from place to place, wherever I went. My poor darling that worked early and late for our sakes ever since he grew up. Ah! sir, our hearts be n't stone: they must break!"

I tried to speak a few words of comfort, and to raise their thoughts to a world where friends may hope to meet, never to be parted.

"My dear people,” said I, taking a hand of each, and letting my tears fall unrestrainedly on them, "my dear people, think how good

John was; how he strove to please God: how | returned in a few minutes, and, showing me into dutiful and tender he was !" I was obliged to stop, for the recollection of all the fondness which I had so often seen him bestow on them affected me deeply.

attention), 'I joined myself with them, and always tured to talk of his home, and to ask question having been of an ingenious turn, I was able to after question about his parents, which he had not be of much use in the business; I fixed on Mans- dared to trust himself to do before. A few hours field's lodgings, from their secluded situation, passed thus; it was, in truth, a scene of surpasswhere I might the more securely and uninterrupt-ing interest to me, the more particularly as I edly carry on the work. I brought the crucible and had been the happy instrument of averting his things necessary with me. I had hours to my- fate. self, when I worked hard, and struck off much money, which we passed here and there, and up and down through the country, no one suspecting us all the time. When my school broke up for holidays, I went home to see my own people, meaning to be back in a month. I left the crucible and some of the coins by it, carefully locked up in my bedroom, and took the key with me. A long fit of illness prevented my returning when I had intended; but, getting uneasy about the crucible and what I had left in the room, I set out before I had gathered sufficient strength for the journey. I was taken ill here, where I have been lying some days, as you see me, sir, at the very last ebb. I have heard all that has happened-I hope it is not too late-I hope the young man, the innocent young man, is still in life, and that with my dying breath I may save him." All this verifies what poor John Mansfield has asserted all through; and here, my dear sir, is the dying man's deposition; there is now but barely time to save the young

man."

I need scarcely say that, all things being found to corroborate my statement, a reprieve was of course granted, and I hastened from London to poor John Mansfield in his prison. I was truly astonished to see the self-possession and the fortitude of the excellent young man. His voice fal tered, indeed, when he spoke of his parents, and a few natural tears fell; but he was not long in resuming his composure, and he spoke of the closing scene, which was now, as he believed, so near, and of the hopes and bright anticipations which lay beyond it.

"John," said I, grasping his hand fervently, "you are not to leave us; a good Providence has watched over you-your innocence is no longer doubted-a reprieve is on its way, a release will follow, and before many hours you will be restored to your home. The being who had stood before me, undismayed, with the grave, as I may say, yawning before him, now that the sentence was reversed, and that he was restored almost miraculously to life, was fearfully overcome -every limb trembled, a ghastly paleness overspread his face, huge drops of perspiration burst out upon his brow, and he gasped for breath; I feared, though I had made some little delay in the communication, that it had, after all, been too sudden; and I, too, felt painfully agitated. But his colour came again, and he burst into tears, and, fervently clasping his hands, he exclaimed: "Thank God-thank God!" and fell upon his knees, and in silent prayer poured out the feelings of his heart; then he ven

When the hour came that, according to the prison rules, all strangers were to quit the gaol, John lost all self-command, he became like one nearly frantic, and, clinging wildly to me, declaring that I must not leave him, and exclaiming that if I went he knew he would be lost; it seemed that if I were to stir from his side, the happy vision would be dispelled beyond all hope of its being ever realized it was with the greatest difficulty that I soothed him into a more composed frame of mind; but I did succeed in calming him before I took my leave of him for the night. The order for his liberation came in the middle of the next day it would be a vain attempt to describe his rapture-he kissed my hands over and over again, he jumped, he laughed, he cried by turns. I really feared that his brain was turned; but he gradually became more composed. We travelled on towards the hamlet where his heart lay; the moon had just risen as we reached the stream, and was shining in all its calm lustre on the pure waters, as they glided along by the cottages. John's transports were renewed as each familiar object, that he had never expected to see again, met his view. I went in alone to break the news to his parents: the poor mother looked in my face to read there the disastrous news of John's execution; the old man wrung my hand without speaking.

Poor

"My dear good people," I began, breathless with agitation; butspeech utterly failed me, and I sank down, exhausted and overcome, into the nearest seat. When I could again speak I went on: "My dear good people, you have been patient and submissive to the will of God; he has looked with pity on your affliction"-I again felt choking, and was obliged to pause-" with great pity" I resumed, "and in his mercy he has seen fit to restore that which was lost; and, my dear good people, I have brought John back to you."

John was soon in the midst of them. The poor old man threw himself upon his breast, and gave way to a passionate burst of tears; the mother had fallen on her knees in humble thankfulness, and grasping John's hand, kissed it in wild ecstasy, while tears of joy fell fast. Little Nannie's joy was exhibited after a merrier fashion, for she danced round John with childish glee. As for me, I had taken my seat at the farthest end of the cottage, where I cried very heartily in all the joy of my heart. Having given them my parting benediction I left them to give expression to those feelings without the restraint which even my presence might have imposed.

GENEALOGY OF JEWELS.

Ima-shoulder, the mantle on the bosom, to confine the folds of the veil, and to fasten the sandal.

There is nothing new under the sun. gine not therefore, dear ladies, that your most cherished ornaments have the least novelty about them even if you can produce the newest fashioned necklace, bracelet, clasp, chain, or locket. From the beginning of the world women have always fixed their affections on these trifles; and you, also, in valuing them so highly, only follow the track made by thousands of the daughters of Eve who have gone before you. For instance, in the patriarchal tent, gold and gems were well known. Abraham's servant presented Rebecca with earrings and bracelets; Judith prepared for her fatal visit to Holofernes by taking off her sackcloth and adorning herself with jewels. The prophet, also, reproving the daughters of Israel with their vanity and love of finery, says: "In that day the Lord shall take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments, their networks, their crescent-shaped jewels, their chains, their bracelets, their spangled ornaments, and the pearls that overhang their brows."

The Romans wore jewels even during the republic. The ring among them was a sign of nobility. It is well known that, after the battle of Cannæs, three bushels were filled with the rings of the knights. As for the Roman ladies, their love for jewels amounted to infatuation. The riches of the world, the spoils of vanquished nations, flowed through their hands in every variety of decoration. Diadems sparkled in their black hair; their robes were brilliant with the starry gleam of jewels; their purple mantles were adorned with golden palm-leaves, and sometimes also with precious stones: rings glittered on their fingers, bracelets of gold and pearls encircled their arms, and they wore chains and necklaces with pendants. These latter were sometimes formed of coins or medallions.

Lollia Paulina, the reputed wife of Caligula, is said by Pliny to have appeared at a simple family repast, adorned with pearls and emeralds worth forty millions of sesterces. Her head, breast, arms, and fingers were loaded with the spoils of the provinces. Precious stones were sometimes chiselled into the form of a cup and used at table.

All the surrounding nations of Israel supplied the prophet Isaiah with examples of this pageantry. The Egyptian tombs disclose to light jewels as remarkable for cunning workmanship as for intrinsic value: the golden scarabæi, necklaces, rings, and bracelets, engraved, chiselled, or enamelled in a thousand different ways. The Roman matrons borrowed from the Cleopatra's famous pearl, and its fate, is remem- women of Gaul their blond tresses; from the bered by every one. The women of Nineveh, eastern women their mitres of gold tissue and Media, and Persia, lavished gold and pearls jewels, And the men themselves, when the upon their garments. The Grecian women, ac- empire was declining, gave themselves up to cording to Homer, were well acquainted with these frivolities. Heliogabalus appeared in pubour golden girdles, rich clasps, crescent-shaped lic with an embroidered tiara, and a flowing robe earrings, and bracelets, adorned with precious adorned with jewels. Incredible sums stones. All these figure in the toilet of Penelope. given for engraved stones, mounted as seals or Amongst the Grecian jewels the ring of Poly-rings; and the iron circlets of the Roman crates is the most celebrated. Omazis, king of Egypt, having heard Polycrates described as the most fortunate of men, sent him this caution: "Your prosperities fill me with alarm; for the jealous gods suffer not that any mortal should enjoy unchanging felicity, Endeavour to bring upon yourself some loss, or misfortune, to counterbalance the dangerous favours of the gods !"

The tyrant of Samos, struck by this advice, threw into the sea a ring on which he set great value. Some historians declare it to have been an emerald, adorned, by a skilful engraver, with a lyre surrounded with bees, Pliny asserts that it was one entire sardonyx. The ring in question, having been swallowed by a fish, made its appearance three days after on the king's dinner table!

The ladies of Athens sometimes wore a golden grasshopper in their hair; and stones, cunningly carved, formed an important part of their costume. They served to clasp the tunic upon the

were

knights were replaced by rings set with the most costly gems. There were rings for summer and rings for winter. The women had balls made of amber to rub between their hands, as it was imagined that the friction had an invigo rating effect. A few of the patrician families remained faithful, nevertheless, to the ancient customs, and wore no other than ornaments of iron.

The barbarians had a strong appreciation for this splendour which made such eloquent appeal to the eyes. The moveable huts, and tents of skins, belonging to the soldiers of Genseric and Attila, were filled with treasures. The Goths had obtained possession of no less than a hundred basins filled with gold, pearls, and diamonds-a plate of gold weighing five hundred pounds, and a table formed of one single eme rald, surrounded with three rows of pearls, and supported by massive golden feet inlaid with jewels.

Charlemagne succeeded in recovering some of