which has power to delight me even to rapture! it quiets all anxiety,
it carries me out of myself, I forget through it every calamity, even
the bitterest anguish.

"Now then, that thou hast heard me, tell me, hast _thou_ cause of
sorrow?"

"Alas," cried Cecilia, "this indeed is a Picture of Misery to make _my_
lot seem all happiness!"

"Art thou thus open to conviction?" cried he, mildly; "and dost thou
not fly the voice of truth! for truth and reproof are one."

"No, I would rather seek it; I feel myself wretched, however inadequate
may be the cause; I wish to be more resigned, and if you can instruct
me how, I shall thankfully attend to you."

"Oh yet uncorrupted creature!" cried he, "with joy will I be thy
monitor,--joy long untasted! Many have I wished to serve, all,
hitherto, have rejected my offices; too honest to flatter them, they
had not the fortitude to listen to me; too low to advance them, they
had not the virtue to bear with me. You alone have I yet found pure
enough not to fear inspection, and good enough to wish to be better.
Yet words alone will not content me; I must also have deeds. Nor will
your purse, however readily opened, suffice, you must give to me also
your time and your thoughts; for money sent by others, to others only
will afford relief; to enlighten your own cares, you must distribute it
yourself."

"You shall find me," said she, "a docile pupil, and most glad to be