The murmuring of the waves, as the tide ebbed or flowed, on the sand; their dashing against some more distant rocks, which were covered fantastically with sea-weed and shells; sea-birds floating in the air aloft, or occasionally screaming from their holes in the cliffs; the hum of human voices in the ships and boats, borne along the water: all these sounds served to promote, rather than interrupt, meditation.

They were soothingly blended together, and entered the ear in a kind of natural harmony.
In the quiet enjoyment of a scene like this, the lover of nature's beauties will easily find scope for spiritual illustration.
Here I sat and mused over the interesting character and circumstances of little Jane.

Here I prayed that God would effectually teach me those truths which I ought to teach her.
When I thought of her youth, I blushed to think how superior she was to what I well remember myself to have been at the same age; nay, how far my superior at that very time.

I earnestly desired to catch something of the spirit which appeared so lovely in her; for, simple, teachable, meek, humble yet earnest in her demeanour, she bore living marks of heavenly teaching.
"The Lord," thought I, "has called this little child, and set her in the midst of us, as a parable, a pattern, an emblem.

And he saith, 'Verily, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.' Oh that I may be humble as this little child!" I was thus led into a deep self-examination, and was severely exercised with fear and apprehension, whether I was myself a real partaker of those divine influences which I could so evidently discover in her.