HAVING brought the account of my dear daughter to that period of her life, when she became a constant inmate of our family; having her religious principles in some degree fixed, and her character formed; she may now be considered as our confidential associate, and the companion of all our social enjoyments and pleasures.

It has been our custom, for several years, to relieve the monotony of scholastic employments, as well as to relax the mind and refresh the spirits, to make an excursion, during two or three weeks in the summer, to some new scene. The first, in which our dear daughter accompanied us, was to Matlock. The anticipation of this pleasure had long afforded us an agreeable subject of conversation; and seemed to beguile the tedium which is apt to attend the customary routine of duty. It appears to me to be matter of thankfulness that Providence has placed, within our reach, so many simple and natural remedies against wearisomeness and exhaustion. The recollections of past

events, the little incidents of every returning day, and plans for future engagements, furnish an almost infinite variety for conversation; and ought to be reckoned among the many proofs of the Divine goodness, by which we are enabled daily to renew our strength, and cheerfully to discharge the important duties of life. There is neither philosophy nor religion in despising little things. Life is, in a great measure, made up of them; and it is only on great occasions, that extraordinary talents and attainments are called into action. Those, therefore, who refuse to take a part in conversation, unless some subject of importance be under discussion, act an unnatural, as well as an unsocial part; and exclude themselves from one of the cheapest and most abundant sources of rational enjoyment.

Various incidents occurred, on our way to Matlock, which were interesting to ourselves, particularly as it led us through the neighbourhood in which the greater part of my own youth had been spent: but as Matlock was the chief point of our destination,

so it was also the spot which excited in her the chief interest. On our arrival, in the cool of the evening, at the summit of the hill, which commands an extensive view over this romantic place, I shall not soon forget what amazement seized my beloved daughter at the scene before her. The precipitous descent, down which the carriage had to pass, seemed greatly to alarm her. The stupendous rocks, which projected their bold and barren fronts, whichever way she looked, presented such an aspect of terrific grandeur, as she had never before beheld: and filled her with such awe, as prevented her at first admiring, in other parts, the beautiful sides of the lofty hills, which are covered with a variety of trees and shrubs, and washed, at their base, by the streams of the Derwent, softening and adorning the scenery with indescribable beauty. When she recovered from the first impression, and had safely passed the frightful descent, her mind was exceedingly elated with the sublime and enchanting scenery around her and she hastened from one

:

events, the little incidents of every returning day, and plans for future engagements, furnish an almost infinite variety for conversation; and ought to be reckoned among the many proofs of the Divine goodness, by which we are enabled daily to renew our strength, and cheerfully to discharge the important duties of life. There is neither philosophy nor religion in despising little things. Life is, in a great measure, made up of them; and it is only on great occasions, that extraordinary talents and attainments are called into action. Those, therefore, who refuse to take a part in conversation, unless some subject of importance be under discussion, act an unnatural, as well as an unsocial part; and exclude themselves from one of the cheapest and most abundant sources of rational enjoyment.

Various incidents occurred, on our way to Matlock, which were interesting to ourselves, particularly as it led us through the neighbourhood in which the greater part of my own youth had been spent: but as Matlock was the chief point of our destination,

so it was also the spot which excited in her the chief interest. On our arrival, in the cool of the evening, at the summit of the hill, which commands an extensive view over this romantic place, I shall not soon forget what amazement seized my beloved daughter at the scene before her. The precipitous descent, down which the carriage had to pass, seemed greatly to alarm her. The stupendous rocks, which projected their bold and barren fronts, whichever way she looked, presented such an aspect of terrific grandeur, as she had never before beheld: and filled her with such awe, as prevented her at first admiring, in other parts, the beautiful sides of the lofty hills, which are covered with a variety of trees and shrubs, and washed, at their base, by the streams of the Derwent, softening and adorning the scenery with indescribable beauty. When she recovered from the first impression, and had safely passed the frightful descent, her mind was exceedingly elated with the sublime and enchanting scenery around her and she hastened from one