with his negro slaves, where he had been superintending the work. He ordered Pompey to take the Dominie's horse and put him in the stable and give him a half skipple of wheat, (skipple is a Dutch measure containing three pecks.) Mr. Van Benschoten politely invited Mr. Vannist and Rebekah into the house, and after the customary salutations and inquiring the news at Poughkeepsie, Mrs. Van Benschoten set to work preparing dinner for their guests. Mr. Vannist had frequently stopped at Mr. Van Benschoten's when on his way to Fishkill to preach, and he knew the hospitality that he always received at his house, and when he lectured at New Hackensack, he often made his home there. A good substantial dinner was prepared, and the Dominie and Rebekah, with the family, were soon seated at the table, and after Mr. Vannist invoking the divine blessing, they partook of the bountiful supply that had been set before them.

After dinner, Mr. Vannist and Rebekah remained one hour at Mr. Van Benschoten's, who were members of his church. He gave a short exhortation before leaving, to his family, who had gathered in the room, including the negro slaves, and then Mr. Vannist said that he would be obliged to leave, as he wished to reach Col. John Brinckerhoff's before night. Pompey was ordered to saddle his horse and lead him to the house, and then taking leave of Mr. and Mrs. Van Benschoten, thanking them for their kindness, they left for Col. John Brinckerhoff's. The day was wearing away, and as they ascended the high rolling ridge now known as Mt. Hope, a half mile south of Myers' Corners, the scenery was of more than ordinary

beauty. The sun was receding to the western horizon, and the song birds were warbling on the tree tops, making the air ring with their melody. The valleys on the east of the Hudson was the foreground of the picture; in the centre, like a beautiful panorama, lay the noble river; beyond, for some twenty miles, the valleys extended to the base of the Shawangunk mountains, whose blue tops reached the furtherest limits of the landscape. The checkered shadows of the declining sun reflected over the scene. Conversation had lagged for some time, and Rebekah, who was getting fatigued with her journey, Jay half reclining on his shoulder. The day was moderately warm, and the balmy breezes were sifting her clustering curls, occasionally sweeping his face, who made no effort to push them aside. But they jogged slowly along, and before sunset they reached Col. John Brinckerhoff's, now the residence of Alfred White. The house is the same which Col. Brinckerhoff then occupied. The Colonel was expecting Dominie Vannist, as it was the Sabbath when he was to preach at Fishkill, and he often remained with him, particularly when night overtook him before reaching Fishkill Village. The Colonel told Cæsar to take his horse, and Mr. Vannist and Rebekah were ushered into the parlor, where Rebekah was introduced to Mrs. Brinckerhoff and family, who soon spread a bountiful table, knowing that Rebekah must be tired traveling on horseback, exposed to a warm sun through the day. Soon they were all seated at the table, and after Mr. Vannist asking the blessing, their wants were supplied and the kind attention that Rebekah received at

Col. Brinckerhoff's made her feel very much at home. They spent a very pleasant evening with the Colonel and family. After tea they all took a walk to the large creek, which was but a little way from the house, and spent an hour sailing down the stream which broke through the forests that lined its banks. The silvery moonbeams reflected over the water at the splash of the oars, which were handled dexterously by Mr. Vannist. Martha Jane Brinckerhoff and Rebekah, who accompanied Mr. Vannist in the boat, admired his skill in gliding it so swiftly over the water.

Returning home after such pleasant recreation, which was very much enjoyed by Rebekah and Martha Jane, the time for retiring soon arrived. Col. Brinckerhoff gathered his family and slaves together in the parlor, and then the Dominie opened the large Dutch Bible, which lay on the stand, and read the twenty-third Psalm, and after making a few remarks on the Psalmist, his faith in God, and that He would sustain him when passing through the dark valley of the shadow of death, fearing no evil, for his rod and staff they comforted him, so all who put trust in the Saviour could feel as David did when he penned this Psalm, and death would present to us no terrors, if we placed our firm reliance in Him who died to save such sinners as we are. He then closed with prayer; and all retired for the night. Mr. Vannist, after retiring to his room, seated himself in his chair for some time in deep meditation. He at length opened his satchel, which he always carried with him, and taking his manuscript out, commenced examining his sermon, which he had to deliver to his congregation at Fish

kill on the morrow. In looking over it he thought if he had the time he could improve it. He had spent hours with Rebekah, which he thought he ought to have devoted to his studies, and he felt that he had neglected his duty to his God and to his people. He was an embassador of Christ, and his mission was to labor for the salvation of his guilty fellow men, but, thought he, have I not been instrumental in bringing many to the Saviour; has not my ministry been successful, and through the instrumentality of my preaching have not souls been converted? Such thoughts seemed to thrill the very fibres of his soul, and he felt encouraged to work with more zeal than ever. Hastily looking over his manuscript and making some alterations, he laid it aside, and after closet devotions, he sought to refresh himself with sleep, but this was denied him. He was fatigued with his day's journey, yet he had no disposition to sleep. His God, his labors on the Sabbath, and the object of his affections, came rushing through his mind. He had not as yet offered her his hand and heart, but the love that he cherished for her penetrated his inmost soul, and no finite love could compare with that for his beloved Rebekah.

The nights in the months of June are the shortest of the year, and Mr. Vannist had scarce got asleep ere the east was again streaked with the broad crimson of the dawn, and over the blazing hills the morning sun was again pouring his rays upon a regenerated world, and it was not seven o'clock when he was awakened by a loud rap at his door, and a voice from without saying that breakfast would be ready in a quarter of an hour. Mr. Vannist hastily commenced dressing

himself, and in less time than specified his toilet was all adjusted, and he then made his appearance in the parlor, where the Colonel and his family were sitting. The Colonel then invited his guests to breakfast, and Rebekah was ushered into the room by Martha Jane, who seated her at the table by the side of Mr. Vannist. After giving thanks to the giver of all good for his protecting care through the night and refreshing sleep, the Dominie gave each one a verse in Scripture to repeat in turn, while they were at breakfast, commencing with himself. His was Psalms, forty-second chapter, fifth verse, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul, and why art thou disquieted in me; hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance." Col. Brinckerhoff's turn came next, and the Dominie asked him if he could think of a passage of Scripture, who said yes: "If any man serve me, let him follow me, and where I am there shall also my servant be. If any man serve me, him will my

Father honor." Mrs. Brinckerhoff was asked next if she could think of a passage of Scripture, who replied in the affirmative, and hers was very appropriate; and then he asked Martha Jane if she could repeat a verse, who said, "Be kindly affectioned one to another, with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another.” And last of all he asked Rebekah if she knew a passage, who replied, "And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife, and they twain shall be one flesh. What, therefore, God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." What Mr. Vannist's thoughts were after hearing this passage of Scripture from Rebekah, was known only to him