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118
DUTY AND INCLINATION.

kened in the young people, "we cannot have all things according to our liking; fond as I am of that spot, I willingly forgo its pleasures: the ministerial duties in which I am engaged, and from which I do not wish to be freed, reconcile me to a town life. Those times that I escape to my hermitage, as I call it, a young clerical friend of mine officiates for me, much to my satisfaction, as well as that of my congregation. From some cause or other, mental it appears, his health has been much impaired of late; desirous to afford him the temporary advantage of breathing this wholesome air, I wished him to quit, for a time, his studies and his books, and to have accompanied me here this last visit; but not finding one competent to take upon himself his office, he declined. However, having at length satisfied himself in this respect, he intends shortly accepting my invitation. He is a young man of considerable parts, and so assiduous has he been to qualify himself for holy orders, that he has, indeed, too much neglected and impaired his constitution."

"The tranquillity of your hermitage, Doctor," said the General, "as also the pure soft breezes of this genial climate, may quite restore him."

"I hope so, truly," returned the Doctor; "my young friend is endeared to me more than I can