I felt quite thankful that I was favoured with a correspondent of this description; the more so, as such characters were at this time very rare in the neighbourhood.

I have often wished that epistolary intercourse of this kind was more encouraged and practised among us.

I have the greatest reason to speak well of its effect, both on myself and others.

Communication by letter as well as by conversation with the pious poor, has often been the instrument of animating and reviving my own heart in the midst of duty, and of giving me the most profitable information for the general conduct of the ministerial office.
As soon as the letter was read, I inquired who was the bearer of it.
"He is waiting at the outside of the gate, sir," was the reply.
I went out to speak to him, and saw a venerable old man, whose long hoary hair and deeply-wrinkled countenance commanded more than common respect.
He was resting his arm upon the gate, and tears were streaming down his cheeks.

On my approach he made a low bow, and said: "Sir, I have brought you a letter from my daughter; but I fear you will think us very bold in asking you to take so much trouble." "By no means," I replied; "I shall be truly glad to oblige you and any of your family in this matter, provided it be quite agreeable to the minister of your parish." "Sir, he told me yesterday that he should be very glad if I could procure some gentleman to come and bury my poor child for him, as he lives five miles off, and has particular business on that day.