PIETY. 389
Travelling ought to advance the growth of piety. Especially do those, who, in visiting foreign regions, leave behind the objects of their warmest attachment, find the separation a deep and perpetual discipline. Amid the outward semblance of joy, it acts secretly as a balance-check to all exultation of vanity. There may be gayety through the day, but at night-fall comes the homesickness. Who can say, amid his most earnest and fortunate pursuits, whether the hue of the tomb may not be spread over some face dearer than life itself. Then comes an intensity of prayer before unknown. Risks, perils, uncertainty of their fate, from whom so many leagues of fathomless ocean divide from view, drive to a stronger faith, a deeper humility, a more self-abandoning dependence on the Rock of Ages.
Thus, amid the gains of the reflecting traveller, may be numbered that which is above all price>a more ad hesive and tranquil trust in the " God of our salvation, who is the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of those who are afar off upon the sea."
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