The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1855-05-18
MISCELLANY,
Cottage Conversation.

AS I journeycd late on summer evening,
meditating on the beauties of the prospect
around me, while they gradually faded from
my sight through the approach of darkness,
it grew suddenly quite gloomy, and black
cloud hanging over my head threatened
alcavy shower Of rain. The big drops began
to fall, and an open shed adjoining to a Ia
bourer's cottage offering me a sesaonable
shelter, l dismounted from my horse, and
found 1t large enough to protect him us
well as myself.
The circumstances reminded me of the
happy privilege of the believing sinner, who
finds refuge from the storm and blast of
the terrible ones in the love of his Redeem
err" which prepares him "a covert from
storm and from rain" Invent in unperceived: :
the door of the cottage was half open, and
heard the voice Of poor man, his wife,
and some children within.
was hesitating whether to 90 into the
house and make myself known, or to enjoy in
solitude meditation on the foregoing COM
parison, which my situation had brought to
my mind, when these words, spoken in a
calm and attectionate tone, struck me with
mingled pleasure and surprise, and deter
mined me not to interrupt the conversa-
ton -
"lndeed, wife, you are in the wrong. Rich
es would never make lis happier, so long
as the Lord sees it good we should be
poor SWELL" replied the wife, II can see
no harm in wishing for more money and
better living than we have at present. Other
people have risen in the world and why
should not we? There's neighbour SHARP
has done well for his family, and, for any
thing L can see, will be one of the richest
farmers i'll the parish if he lives; and
every body knows he was once as poor as
we are: while you and are labouring and
tolhng from morning to night, and can but
just get enough to fill our children's mouths,
and keep ourselves coarsely clothed, and
hardly that"
WIFE" answered the man, "having food
and raiment, let us Herewith be content.
And, IT it pleascs God that even these
thlngs should fall short, let us submit our
selves to God in patience and well-doine,
for ne gives us more than we deserve"
There now you are got to preaching
again" said the woman; ''you never give
me an answer, but you must always 20 to
your Bible to help you out"
"And where can 90 so we'll 2" replied
the husband: ''is it not Gods own word for
our instruction e. -
"Well, that may be, but. I don't like so
much Of itjp answered she.
3 'HAnd do not like so little of it as see
and hear from you," returned the mar. !.
ss.Nsy saWNshy that book, has taught me that it is
!; an honor and comfort to be a poor man
4 ana by'the blessing Of the spirit of God.
Z believe and feel It tosbe true. have
through mercy, always Been enabled to net
the bread OF shonest industry, and 80 have
you aud though our children feed on brown
bread, and We cannot afford To buv them
4 Eiins z, Clothes, Ike some Of our vain neirb.
bonn % pomper their. pride with; vet bless
ahe Lord, they are as healthy and clean AZ
any in the parish. Why then should Won
complaint Gddliness with coptentment ID
great gain" =
an; honous and q comfort to b, Door
man! What nonsense you talk! What
sort Of honour and comfort can that be? II
am q out of patience with you, man." the wife
sshaIply cried out. ~
u can prove il rsplieaghe. @
"Howi' returned lid pssfner in no yery
pleasant tone:of voice. y =: