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AMELIA

SADGROVE:

OR,

DECISION FOR TRUTH.

BY THE REV. WILLIAM FRITH, BOROUGH GREEN, KENT.
Author of "Communion of Saints."

IRFIELD HALL was situated in a delightful vale, with a range of hills sheltering it from the severity of the northern blast. It was surrounded by every kind of foliage that could render the seat of Esquire Sadgrove pleasant and delightful. Shrubs of every species, and from every clime, abundantly supplied, and artfully and tastefully disposed, rendered the pleasure grounds surrounding the Hall beautifully picturesque. In the centre of the widely-extended and semi-circular lawn, played a fountain, pouring into the air a pure, perennial stream, glistening in the sunbeams of the morn, and well supplied by a large reservoir on the adjacent hills. Arranged with exquisite skill, was an extensive parterre, well decked with flowers of every hue, and emitting a fragrance in the summer eventide that was truly inviting and entertaining. The lawn itself was soft and even as a carpet of emerald wool. The mansion was a fine specimen of English workmanship; the architecture was plain, but neat, chaste, and perfect; while the provisions for use and accommodation were equally visible with the plain and unpretending orna

ments.

Such is a short description of the residence of the Sadgrove family. Mr. and Mrs. Sadgrove were of a family somewhat "high," and decidedly favourable to what is called "High Church," which is a section of the Establishment adopting, more or less, the sentiments of Dr. Pusey, and disposed to conform in many things to the Church of Rome. They had a family of four children, of whom Amelia was the youngest. Amelia, therefore, was born of parents moving in the high circle of life; rocked in cradle which the "Babe of Bethlehem" was never honoured with; and brought up amid all the supplies of a rich and well-furnished home. She was the object of her mother's hopes, and cherished

with no small affection by her devoted parent. Every attention was paid to her wants, both while she was a speechless infant of swaddling clothes, as well as when she began to engage her loving mamma with her childish talk. She was the darling of the servants and, had she not been placed first under a most careful nurse, and afterwards under a very judicious governess, who endeavoured not only to train Amelia's mind in the lessons of mental education, but also in habits of virtue, she would have been "a spoiled child." This, however, as we have said, was obviated by the fortunate circumstances alluded to. The other members of the family, indeed, were rather jealous of the apparent favouritism manifested in the case of Amelia-a circumstance not unfrequent where there is undue partiality shewn by parents to one member of a family on account of some personal charm. And while Mr. Sadgrove was usually absent during the day in London, this uncomely feeling of jealousy was largely indulged, and poor little Amelia became the object of hate rather than affectionate love, by the other members of the family. Yet nothing could alter the immoderate fondness which Mrs. Sadgrove shewed to her youngest daughter. She could not but see that it was the fruitful source of frequent bickering, and was likely to grow in future years, if not arrested, to a cause of much grief to herself and Mr. Sadgrove.

Sarah, who was now ten years old, was a nice little girl, and making good progress in her lessons, and especially in her Bible history. Miss Hannah Brooks, her kind, intelligent, and pious governess, had trained her with fostering care, especially in Bible history. For, as she was a truly godly young person, of amiable manners, and good accomplishments, she had been taken into the service of the Sadgrove family, though great objections were raised against her because she was a Baptist Dissenter; still this was allowed to pass in consideration of her being such an accomplished governess. And truly she was, and Sarah Sadgrove was much attached to her. Yet this feeling of jealousy in her little breast against Amelia seemed indomitable.

George, too, who was but six years of age, was not without a kindred feeling, first excited, no doubt, in his young mind by an

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observation of the marked attention paid to Amelia, who was now nearly five years of age, by her mamma, on every occasion. Nor was Elizabeth, the eldest daughter, who was nearly eleven years, altogether free from that malignant feeling, that is "cruel as the grave." Frequently as she paced the lawn, and saw the little favorite being caressed by the too partial parent, her feelings of jealousy and resentment were kindled to a flame. And in this way the family of Mr. Sadgrave, even in childhood, was disordered. Nor was it a matter of stoical indifference to him, for though he was tinctured with "High Church," it was more perhaps from the influence of Mrs. Sadgrove, and the advice of the visiting clergyman, who was a true son of Pusey," than from a real conscientious regard for the Tractarian party. He was a man of great penetration, shrewdness. and perspicacity. all good men, whether they were of the National or Free Churches. Indeed there can be but little doubt but Mr. Sadgrove was "a good man," though tramelled with the influence of several parties whom he wished not to offend. Yet he had a serious regard for his children, and the discovery of this maternal weakness in Mrs. Sadgrove, and consequent baneful influence upon the other members of his family, afflicted him much. He, therefore, determined to place the infant of five years under the care of a nurse, who was an intimate friend of Miss Hannah Brooks, the governess, and a member of the same Church. This determination on the part of Mr. Sadgrove though singular and not without its influence upon Mr. Sadgrove's home comforts, yet it was effected, much at first to the annoyance of Mrs. Sadgrove. But, as the kind, thoughtful, and considerate father said, "It was ruining the child to allow it all the unrestrained indulgence of its fond but not too prudent mamma, and as he wished to train up his children in the way they should go,' he should place her for a time entirely under Miss Glover, a skilful and experienced nurse, and then it would be ready for the tuition of Miss Brooks." To this decision Mrs. Sadgrove made a great objection, observing that "They had already one Dissenter in the house, and she should not like to have another, especially an intimate friend of Miss Brooks, and a fellow member of the same Church.

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"Beside," said Mrs. Sadgrove," she is a Baptist. I abhor them, and should fear that they together might have some influence over the children, and especially dear little Amelia, who is so docile, quick, and ready to learn, and to believe what is told her."

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'Well," but observed Mr. Sadgrove, "we don't suppose either the nurse or the governess are going to make the children converts to their faith. And, as we know they are both well qualified persons, it is better, my dear, to place Amelia where we know she will be well taken care of; and I am sure there is no one in the parish to whom we could so safely commit the keeping of little Amelia."

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After some little conversation, Mrs. Sadgrove consented to the proposal of the wise and judicious father. The thing was accordingly accomplished, and Amelia was placed under the devoted and pious Miss Glover. And in the evening of the same day, after supper had been cleared, Mr. Sadgrove called together his servants. After reading one of Dr. Hawker's Evening portions, he knelt at the sofa, and offered prayer to HIM who "ever lives to make intercession for us. And how solemnly did he pray for the welfare of his family! How did he beseech Almighty God to bless, and enable those who had the charge of his children, to "train them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord!" Ah, and he did not forget to pray that the SPIRIT might give them a new life, that, "as they grew in years, so they might grow in grace." And having in holy, fervid language, that gave unmistakable evidence that his heart was an altar fire, implored a continuation of covenant blessings, they retired to rest under the roof of Firfield Hall.

(To be Continued.)

"The Earthen Vessel" for May, 1864, contains an article of great interest to all real Christians, entitled, "The FathersWhere are They?" being an account of the last hours of Mr. Thomas Worsley, minister. (Price 2d.)

London: Printed by ROBERT BANKS, 9, Crane-court, Fleet-street, E.C. Published by G. J. Stevenson, 54, Paternoster-row, E.C; sold by most Booksellers.-Price One Halfpenny.

VOL. XIV.

JUNE, 1864.

NO. 152.

THE PARSON'S POVERTY, HIS CHARITY AND REWARD.

T1

HERE is a monthly in New York called "The Christian," the editors have sent me a few numbers, and from one of them I select the following. It is the pleasing tale of Providence in the cause of a poor poverty-stricken pastor, who found himself and family one Saturday in a very desolate condition. He says:

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On Saturday morning, as I was sitting in my study, pondering the poverty of my condition, my_wife came in with her accustomed inquiry of "Well, Mr. Jones, what shall we have for dinner?" adding, we have not a grain of meal "-flour was out of the question-"nor a particle of meat of any kind in the house. Then the sugar is out, there is no butter, and in fact there is nothing to eat, and to-morrow is Sunday." So saying she quitted the room, leaving me in such a state of mind as may well be conceived, when I say that a solitary one dollar bank-note was the only money I had on earth, and no prospect whatever appeared of getting any until the accustomed weekly contribution should be paid into my hands. And what would a single dollar do at the prevailing high prices, towards feeding seven hungry mouths for two days? I saw no way of escape, and in the agony of spirit which may well be guessed, I lifted up my heart in supplication to Him who feedeth the ravens when they cry. And a singular answer to my prayer I seemed speedily to attain. ONE HALFPENNY.

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