XXIV BIOGRAPHY OF THE EEV. GILBERT WHITE. 



keeping the body and mind employed, contributed to much 

 health and cheerfulness of spirits ; and, what still adds to his 

 happiness, have led him to the knowledge of a circle of 

 friends, whose intelligent communications will ever be consi- 

 dered a matter of singular satisfaction and improvement. 



I am indebted to one of my daughters for the following 

 short poetical summary of the Rev. Gilbert "White's amiable 

 character : 



He lived in solitude 'midst trees and flowers, 



Life's sunshine mingling with its passing showers ; 



No storms to startle, and few clouds to shade, 



The even path his Christian virtues made. 



Yet not alone he lived ! Soft voices near, 



With whisper'd sweetness, soothed the good man's ear ; 



He heard them murmuring through the distant trees, 



While, softly wafted on the summer breeze, 



The hum of insects and the song of birds 



Spoke to his heart in tones more sweet than words. 



Hun in those quiet shades the poor might bless, 

 Though few intruded on his loneliness ; 

 He fed the hungry, pitied the distress' d, 

 And smooth'd their path to everlasting rest. 

 Thus hearing Nature speak in every sound, 

 Goodness and love in all her works he found, 

 Sermons in stones and in the running brooks ; 

 ^Wisdom far wiser than in printed books, 

 And in the silence of his calm abode 

 *In nature's works he worshipp'd nature's God ! 



MATILDA HOUSTOUN. 



