Should swift death this night o'ertake me, GOD'S CARE OF A GOOD MAN. OLIVER HEYWOOD was a Minister of the sever teenth century. His little stock of money was on quite gone; the family-provisions were consumed and Martha, a maid-servant who had lived in h family many years, and who often helped then could now lend no more from the little savings former days. Mr. Heywood still trusted that Go would provide: when he had nothing but the Divin promise to live upon, be said, "When cruse and barrel both are dry, We still will trust in God most High." When the children began to be impatient for wan of food, Mr. Heywood called his servant, and sai to her, "Martha, take a basket, and go to Halifax call upon Mr. N., the shopkeeper, in Northgate, an tell him, I desire him to lend me five shillings : if h will be kind enough to do it, buy us some cheese some bread, and such other little things as you know we most want. Be as quick as you can; for the poo children begin to be fretful for want of something to eat. Put on your hat and cloak, and the Lord give you good speed. Meantime we will offer up our requests to Him who feedeth the young raven when they cry, and who knows what we have need of before we ask Him." Martha observed her master's directions; but when she came near the house where she was ordered to beg for the loan of five shillings, through fear and bashfulness her heart failed her. At length Mr. N., standing at his shop-door, and seeing Martha in the street, called her to him, and said, "Are not you Mr. Heywood's servant?" She said, "Yes." He added, "I am glad to see you. Some friends at M-, have remitted to me five guineas for your master, and I was just thinking how I could contrive to send it." Martha burst into tears, and for some time could not speak. The wants of the family, their trust in Providence, the welltimed supply, and a variety of other ideas breaking in upon her mind at once, quite overpowered her. At length she told Mr. N. upon what errand she came, but that she had not courage to ask him to lend her poor master money. She made haste to procure the provisions, and, with a heart lightened of its burden, ran home to tell the success of her journey. Though she had not been long absent, the hungry family had often looked wistfully out at the window for her arrival. When she knocked at her master's door, which was kept locked and barred, for fear of constables and bailiffs, it was presently opened; and the joy to see her was as great as when a fleet of ships arrives, laden with provisions for the relief of a starving town, closely besieged by an enemy. The children danced round the maid, eager to look into the basket; the patient mother wiped her eyes; the father smiled, and said, "The Lord hath not orgotten to be gracious. His word is true from beginning "The young lions do lack and su hunger, but they that seek the Lord shall not w any good thing." Martha gave an account of little journey, as soon as tears of joy would per her; and all partook of the homely fare, with sweeter relish than the Roman nobles ever kne when thousands of pounds were spent to furnish meal. The spirit of persecution raged so warmly agai him, that this worthy man was under the necess of taking leave of his dear family, and going knew not whither. But the question was, how shou he be got ready for his journey. He had a hors but the little money that remained must be left the support of his family, for whom Mr. Heywo was much more concerned than for himself. O winter morning, when it was yet dark, the horse w saddled; and this good man, after bidding farew to his wife, and blessing his children in their beds, out, like Abraham, when he left his father's hous not knowing whither he went. He moved silent along in by-ways for some time, for fear of bein seen, till he had got out of the neighbourhoo Having not one farthing in his pocket to bear h travelling expenses, he committed himself to th protection of Providence. He determined at lengt to leave his horse at full liberty to go what wa it would, and thus travelled on for a great part the day, till both man and beast stood in grea need of refreshment. Towards evening, the hors bent its course to a farm-house, a little out of th road. Mr. Heywood called at the door, and a clean decent woman came out to inquire what he wanted. "I have reason,” said he, "to make an apology for giving you this trouble, being an entire stranger in these parts. My horse stands in need, as well as myself, of shelter and refreshment for the night: if you could any way make it convenient to furnish my horse with a little hay, and a stand under cover, and myself with a seat by your fireside, I ask no more." The good woman, a little surprised at his request, told him she would consult her husband. After a few minutes, they both came to the door, and Mr. Heywood repeated his request; but told them that he had no money to satisfy them for any trouble they might have on his account: yet he hoped God would reward them. They immediately desired him to alight: the master led the horse into the stable; and the mistress took the stranger into the house, invited him to sit down, stirred up the fire, and began to prepare him something to eat. Mr. Heywood told her that he was concerned to see her give herself so much trouble; that, being unable to make her any recompense, he did not request either a supper or a bed, but only that he might sit by the fireside till morning. The mistress assured him that for an act of hospitality she did not expect any reward; and that, though the fare her house would afford was but poor, he should be welcome to it; and therefore she hoped he would make himself easy. After supper they all sat down before the fire, and the master of the house desired to know of the stranger what countryman he was. “I was born,” said he, “in Lincolnshire; but I ha wife and family near Halifax." "That is a tow 66 66 said the farmer, "where I have been; and some y ago I had a little acquaintance with several pers there. Pray do you know Mr. S―, and Mr. Dand is old Mr. F. yet alive?" The stran gave suitable answers to these and many ot inquiries. At length the kind hostess asked h "if he knew anything of one Mr. Oliver Heywo who was formerly a Minister at some chapel not from Halifax, but was now, on some account other, forbidden to preach." The stranger repli There is a great deal of noise and talk about t man; some speak well, others say everything t is bad of him; for my own part, I can say little in favour." I believe," said the farmer, "he is of t sect which is everywhere spoken against; but, pr do you personally know him? and what is it th inclines you to form such a poor opinion of character?" "I do know something of him,” sa the stranger; "but if you please we will talk on son other subject." After keeping the farmer and h wife in suspense for some time, who were a litt uneasy at what he had said, he told them that was the poor outcast of whom they had made many kind inquiries. All was then surprise, an joy, and thankfulness, that a merciful Providenc had brought him under their roof. The master the house said, "Mr. Heywood, I am glad to se you here, having long had a sincere regard for yo from the favourable reports I have always heard you. The night is not far spent. I have a fe |