Page:Village curate (2).pdf/14

 with a letter for Mr Benley-" The hand is unknown to me," said he. "It has a goodly outside," said the gaoler; "pray Heaven it prove not like the world, fair without, and foul within."

"Why, truly, friend," returned Dr Benley, "your satire upon the manners of mankind is not unreasonable. It is, I fear, the maxim of many of the present age, to conceal the depravity of the heart beneath the specious appearance of honesty. This, however," continued he, breaking the seal, "I think, bodes no harm; I will therefore inform myself of its contents."

"It is well," said he: "goodness is still extant; and innocence enjoys the guardian care of Providence. The contents of this letter will best explain my meaning-

--The enclosed notes, which I find, on inquiry, will cover the whole of your debts, wait acceptance. They are the gift of one on whom fortune has bestowed more than he can claim on the score of desert; and who anxiously hopes, while it restores to you those most enviable blessings, liberty and domestic happiness, he has left no clue by which a discovery of the donor may be effected."

Here the gaoler broke into a swearing fit of joy; the farmer could only express his pleasure with his looks, while the grateful pastor threw himself on his knees, and poured forth the grateful transports of his soul to the Giver of all Goodness.