ledge, he loved to see the practice as well as the theory of things, and he would often, by some ingenious but simple contrivance, improve on the best theory, saying, "What is best administered is best."

At the termination of his apprenticeship he returned to the family circle at Compton, and to the pleasant intercourse of the beloved sisters and brothers. And now a fresh source of hallowed associations opened before his loving and gentle mind, and for many years this united band of brothers and sisters enjoyed all the pleasures of exalted friendship which a grown-up family of refined and intellectual tastes can possess. Of noble bearing and handsome features and courteous manner, and their influence unitedly exerted on the right side, the brothers became a power of good in the district; whilst the fond sisters, who were as attractive in person as they were loving and gentle in disposition, laboured equally for the same holy cause amongst the villagers and all around. Their hospitable abode was known far and wide to have a welcome for all who came, and open house was kept for itinerant preacher,* missionary, passing visitor, or traveller.

Ministering Friends, travelling through the country, knew where to find a house to rest awhile, or a guide, stalwart and trustworthy, to convey them to other meetings, or to travel as companion, which the young men often did for days together; and deputations of the Bible, and religious societies of all kinds, whether Friends or not, were alike welcomed beneath their unostentatious roof, and sped onward in their journey. Often the visits of literary and cultivated guests

* Many of these worthy men in the West of England laboured hard for their Master's cause with the scantiest remuneration. To one valued man more especially, whose income was £30 per annum, out of which he had to find a horse for the longer distances, a regular dinner twice a week at Thomas Thompson's table, was a longed-for refreshment, in every sense of the word.

would enliven the routine of country life by bringing tidings of the outer world to those who, in this retired spot, had yet a full appreciation of all that was good and great and lovely outside it.

The family taste for poetry was kept alive, not only by the reading of, and by largely committing to memory, the writings of Milton, Cowper, and Wordsworth (the latter of whom was even then a special favourite), but also by the frequent circulation of original and manuscript poetry by their friends or themselves. Occasionally a fresh volume by the "great unknown" (as Sir Walter Scott was then called), or some other literary or scientific work fresh from the press, found its way to the secluded village through one or other of their literary visitors; and there were many far and near who could fully appreciate the refined and intellectual atmosphere that surrounded the attractive inmates of the Compton household. Visits from the Waring, Ball, and Fox families are especially spoken of as times of great enjoyment to all, the lovely scenery affording opportunities for healthy enjoyment, in addition to the home attractions of the hospitable fireside; some of the greatest pleasures of the young people seem to have consisted in showing to their admiring visitors every spot of interest or beauty in the neighbourhood.

Much, however, as they delighted in the occasional blessings of cultivated society, a still greater pleasure and satisfaction existed in aiding the poor and needy around them; and here the sound judgment and kindness of heart of Edward Thompson was early called into requisition. From his fondness for medical science he had acquired much sound practical knowledge of medicine, and as no doctor resided within some miles of the village, his advice was constantly sought, and as readily given, and his room became a practical free dispensary for the sick and ailing. In

many cases of severe accident his services were most valuable, pending the arrival of the doctor from a distance, and afterwards in careful dressing and watching; so that more than one limb and many lives were, apparently, saved through his close attention and persistent efforts night and day on behalf of his grateful patients.

His kindness in entering into the affairs of his humble neighbours became proverbial, and it was known that" Master Edward" had always a ready ear and a willing hand to aid them. More than one family was left to his care by their dying parents, whom he had the satisfaction of seeing grow up useful and respected in their station, and who to this day cherish his memory with warm affection.

At the first starting of the British and Foreign Bible Society an association was formed at Compton, of which the Thompson family were the promoters and staunch upholders. Edward, then a young man, was one of the first collectors, going weekly from cottage to cottage to collect the small weekly payments for the purchase of Bibles and Testaments, which at that time were very scantily possessed by the poor villagers. He was also at this time engaged, with other members of the family, in First-day school teaching, and was the chief instrument in the erection of the British school, at Compton, which he continued ever afterwards to support, and which still remains as a record of his persevering efforts, at that early period, in the cause of National undenominational Education.

W. C. WESTLAKE.

(To be concluded in next Number.)

"There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. . "Let us labour therefore to enter into that Rest."

Heb. iv. 9, 11.

THERE remains, then, still a Rest;-
Up weary heart, cast off thy care!
Thou sighest here in bonds unblest,

And clouds shut out thy sunlight fair:
Behold amidst the throne a Lamb doth stand,
Waiting to feed thee at His own right hand;
Cast off thy burden, hasten to be blest;

Soon, soon, the weary strife will cease, Soon the dread conflict end in peace, And thou shalt enter thine eternal rest.

This holy rest that God hath made,
This rest that knows no end,

Was destined for us ere the hills were weighed,
By our Almighty Friend:

Therefore the Holy One the cross did bear
That we this crown of glorious rest might wear,
And now He calls to us with yearning voice:
Ye weary wanderers, come, Oh! come,
Delay not from your Father's home,
Come, and in all My boundless love rejoice!

Let him that heareth also say,
To all the heavy-laden, Come!
Pass not so sadly on your way,

Are ye not pilgrims travelling home,
Have ye not borne the heat and toil of day!
Then hearken what the Blessed One doth say:
I, even I, will be your place of rest!

Ye are My flock, My children dear; Your angry foes ye need not fear, Only have faith, and be for ever blest!

There, in our Heavenly Father's land,
What joyful songs will ring,

When, for the toil-worn pilgrim band,
Garments of praise they bring!

Sorrow and sighing, pain, decay, and death,
No more will breathe on us their poison-breath.
The gracious Lamb of God we then shall see
He to stillest streams will lead us,

And in quiet pastures feed us,

Nor pen nor tongue can tell the glory that shall be.

Hunger and thirst will pain no more,
Nor scorch the summer sun,
The Lamb upon that blessed shore,
Is light and shade in one;

Himself will wipe His children's tears away,
And for their groping faith give perfect day;
There long-tried love an endless joy shall crown,

There spring shall fade not nor grow sere, And the long Sabbath of the eternal year Shall dawn, and never more its sun go down.

Trust in this word ye weary ones,
There still remains for you a rest;
Swiftly your sand of life outruns,

Lean ye upon your Saviours breast.
Oh for strong wings to leave this darkling earth,
And reach those regions of celestial birth;
A glorious host awaiteth us on high :

My soul thy songs upraise,

Of triumph and of praise,

Thy rest-year of redemption draweth nigh!

(From the German of J. S. Kunth.)

ERICA.