they underwent, the one which has received eighty facets would have thought itself very unhappy, and would have envied the fate of the other, which, having received but eight, had undergone but a tenth part of its sufferings. Nevertheless, the operation being over, it is done for ever: the difference between the two stones always remains strongly marked; that which has suffered but little, is entirely eclipsed by the other, which alone is held in estimation, and attracts attention. May not this serve to explain the saying of our Saviour, whose words always bear some reference to eternity: 'Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.' Blessed, whether we contemplate them apart, or in comparison with those who have not passed through so many trials. Oh! that we were always able to cast ourselves into his arms, . like little children -to draw near unto him, like helpless lambs and ever to ask of him, patience, resignation, an entire surrender to his will, faith, trust, and a heartfelt obedience to the commands which he gives to those who are willing to be his disciples. The Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces.' Isaiah xxv. 8."

Mrs. Oberlin's death was deeply felt among the poor people of the Ban de la Roche; for,

although less active and energetic than her husband, she had always evinced the liveliest interest in their concerns, sought to administer to their wants, both secular and spiritual, and to assuage their griefs.

Her loss was in some degree supplied to her own family by a pious orphan, named Louisa Schepler, who had already lived eight years in - Oberlin's service, and who now undertook the management of his household and the care of his children.

She was at this time twenty-three years of age; a sensible, pleasing-looking young woman, of mild and gentle manners, habited in the costume of the peasants of the country. She had been a kind of helper in the village of Waldbach, and long one of its most active and zealous conductrices; but her health was beginning to be impaired by the severe colds she took in the snows. This circumstance did not, however, lessen her usefulness; and no sooner had she accepted the station of housekeeper to the "Cher Papa," than, refusing offers of marriage, she took the resolution of devoting herself to his service, and would never accept any salary, but lived in his family rather as a friend than a servant. What her few wants required she asked for nothing more; and on some occa

sions, when Oberlin endeavoured, through indirect channels, to put money into her hands, she conjecturing the source from whence it came uniformly returned it.

The following note, dated "Waldbach, First of the New Year, 1793," addressed by Louisa to her benefactor, is a sweet little proof of her disinterested and grateful affection.

"Dear and beloved Papa,

"Permit me, at the commencement of the new year, to request a favor which I have long desired. As I am now really independent, that is to say, as I have no longer my father nor his debts to attend to, I beseech you, dear papa, not to refuse me the favor of making me your adopted daughter. Do not, I entreat you, give me any more wages; for as you treat me like your child in every other respect, I earnestly wish you to do so in this particular also. Little is needful for the support of my body. My shoes, and stockings, and sabots, (wooden shoes,) will cost something, but when I want them I can ask you for them, as a child applies to its father.

"Oh! I entreat you, dear papa, grant me this favor, and condescend to regard me as your most tenderly attached daughter.

"LOUISA SCHEPLER."

The humble request was acceded to, and Louisa was ever afterwards considered as one of Oberlin's own children.

I shall here introduce the following interesting letter,* because it presents so lively a picture of the domestic happiness enjoyed under the good pastor's roof at Waldbach, and of the mode of proceeding there, at this period. It is dated March 11, 1793.

During the space of nearly thirty years, in which M. Oberlin has been Christian pastor of this canton, he has completely changed it. The language is, from an unintelligible patois, altered into pure French; the manners of the people, without degenerating, are civilized; and ignorance is banished without injuring the simplicity of their character. Many of the women belonging to his parishes, trained for the purpose under his paternal care and instruction, (and called conductrices,) assist him in his occupations. They teach reading, writing, and the elements of geography, in the different villages where they reside; and through their medium the children are instructed in many necessary things

* Translated from the journal of a French gentleman (or clergyman), who was so much pleased with a visit he made to the Ban de la Roche, in 1793, as to publish an account of it in a German Magazine, printed at Tubingen.

but above all, have the seeds of religion and morality sown in their hearts. The excellence of these schools is so well established and appreciated, that girls of the middle ranks are sent to him from distant parts, and the title of a scholar of Pastor Oberlin, is no less than a testimonial of piety, cleverness, and gentle manners. His countenance is open, affectionate, and friendly, and bears a strong impress of benevolence. His conversation is easy, flowing, and full of imagination,* yet always adapted to the capacity of those to whom he is speaking. In the evening we accompanied him a league on his way back to Waldbach. We had a wooded hill to ascend; the sun was just setting, and it was a beautiful evening. 'What sweet thoughts and pious sentiments you have uttered, during this interesting walk,' said M. Oberlin, in a tone of confidence ; for he considered us as friends to religion, and servants of God. Our hearts were indeed in unison; and he related to us the circumstances of his past life, and spoke of his views and ideas,

* "Although Oberlin narrated with the vivacity of a painter," says Mr. Heisch, who knew him intimately, "he was extremely strict as to facts, and in all his investigations paid the utmost regard to integrity and truth."