Page:Duty and Inclination 2.pdf/125

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DUTY AND INCLINATION.
123

capital, where a free and extensive circulation was given to them, being truly the good shepherd who fed his flocks: "The fire within me must not be stifled; the voice which says within me, Speak, must receive obedience. Woe unto me if I preach not the Gospel!"

By this daily practice, and life of usefulness, the Doctor alleviated the recollections of the past.

So regular had been his custom of visiting his obscure retreat, that whenever he failed to do so his constitution suffered. The invigorating influence of country air he found to be essential, and the preference was given to his hermitage, prizing it more than any other of his possessions, it having witnessed the first scenes of his nuptial happiness. Accident had caused him to discover it, whilst making a tour with his bride through Wales, when charmed by the enchanting aspect of the spot, he had been induced to purchase it, and add decorations such as greatly embellished its picturesque beauty.

In possession of ample property, it was not from motives of retrenchment he had quitted the frequented scenes of life; sequestration during the first months of marriage had been his choice, equally as that of his partner;—'tis then, in that early period of near association, dependent upon