THE BEAUTIFUL LADDER. 
23 
Whatever, however, might have been the 
pleasing impressions made by the externals of 
this rustic dwelling-place, no one could remain 
long in free intercourse with its inmates with¬ 
out losing sight of these attractions in the su¬ 
perior charms of the social and intellectual life 
enjoyed. In the contentment realized by a 
moderate supply for real wants, the absence of 
luxuries was not felt or noticed; and if afflic¬ 
tions and pressing cares ever intruded into that 
cheerful circle, they were borne with a fortitude 
and resignation which prevented them from be¬ 
coming obtrusive and exciting a painful sympa¬ 
thy. There was no need to invent means for 
killing time, as every moment brought some 
useful and instructive employment. A well- 
ordered Christian family, they were in the true 
enjoyment of the life that now is, with the full 
expectation of the brighter realities of that 
which is to come; and were using the oppor¬ 
tunities of the present so that they might go to 
their treasures, and not from them, when the 
great change should come. 
Their religion, with the dwellers in Willow 
Brook Cottage, was not a sombre, joy-crushing 
system, but a vital force, which gave zest and 
