said, »it is so singular a circumstance, to meet with one of
your age, that has not been induced, by idle curiosity, to visit any other
church than the one in which he has been educated, that I feel a strong
curiosity to know the history of a life so fortunately regulated. - Your
education must have been excellent; as indeed is evident from your manners and
language. Of which of the states are you a native, Mr. Edwards? for such, I
believe, was the name that you gave Judge Temple.«
    »Of this -«
    »Of this! I was at a loss to conjecture, from your dialect, which does not
partake, particularly, of the peculiarities of any country with which I am
acquainted. You have, then, resided much in the cities, for no other part of
this country is so fortunate, as to possess the constant enjoyment of our
excellent liturgy.«
    The young hunter smiled, as he listened to the divine, while he so clearly
betrayed from what part of the country he had come himself; but, for reasons,
probably, connected with his present situation, he made no answer.
    »I am delighted to meet with you, my young friend, for I think an ingenuous
mind, such as I doubt not yours must be, will exhibit all the advantages of a
settled doctrine and devout liturgy. You perceive how I was compelled to bend to
the humours of my hearers this evening. Good Mr. Jones wished me to read the
communion, and, in fact, all the morning service; but, happily, the canons do
not require this of an evening. It would have wearied a new congregation; but
to-morrow I propose administering the sacrament - do you commune, my young
friend?«
    »I believe not, sir,« returned the youth, with a little embarrassment, that
was not at all diminished by Miss Grant's pausing involuntarily, and turning her
eyes on him in surprise - »I fear that I am not qualified; I have never yet
approached the altar; neither would I wish to do it, while I find so much of the
world clinging to my heart.«
    »Each must judge for himself,« said Mr. Grant; »though I should think, that
a youth who had never been blown about by the wind of false doctrines, and who
has enjoyed the advantages of our liturgy for so many years, in its purity,
might safely come. Yet, sir, it is a solemn festival, which none should
celebrate,