182 THE PURPLE CROCUS. 



and loving spirit, induced a course of strict self- 

 denial, that he might minister to the temporal 

 wartfs of others. Many a little gift, both of money 

 and clothing, only came into his possession to be 

 immediately transferred to those who occupied his 

 anxious thoughts. Living in an alms-house, he 

 was rich in alms-deeds. Himself supported by 

 charity, his charitable works to others had no 

 bounds but those of his limited means. I knew 

 that he often shivered in the wintry blast, after 

 having assisted to clothe those who could not help 

 themselves : and I felt a pang, that was only to be 

 soothed by stedfastly looking to the inheritance 

 upon which I knew he was soon to "enter : had I 

 known that he would be with his Lord in so few 

 hours as actually did intervene, I should have ex- 

 perienced more immingled joy. 



I could not but feel greatly depressed, in com- 

 paring my own opportunities, and the use made of 

 them, with those of the aged pauper. I longed 

 for a portion of his self-denying zeal, in every 

 good work : and I realized, in a peculiar manner, 

 the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost, as mani- 

 fested in the poor of this world, rich in faith, and 

 heirs of the kingdom. In them, it shines out with 

 a lustre not to be mistaken — they are epistles of 

 Christ, known and read of all men. " Blessed are 

 ye, poor," was continually in my mind : and happy 

 it is, thought I, as I looked on my two compan 



