Watch-Work-Wait / Or, The Orphan's Victory

of all tourists, for it seems to occupy the very place in which a painter or a lover of the picturesque would have chosen to place it. Its inhab

e a quiet little world within itself. None of the gross vices always to be found in large communities were practised there. On the Sabbath-day, when its only bell sent its voice distinctly over the valley, the

rs-by from the extreme neatness and order, those sure attendants of the pious poor, which reigned around it. In winter it looked snug beneath its

that modest roof, most truly illustrating the truth, that the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose na

ned here at once. This he never acquired, but he found something better; for although in an out-of-the-way place he could not expect to grow rich by his trade, he found a great treasure in his pious wife, and e

ere well calculated to foster, he often found his business of watchmaking irksome. Although frugal, industrious, and possessing much skill as a seal engrav

ng, contemplative spirit, by some was considered stern. But his life was so entirely blameless, regulated as it was by the

h taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord." But turning toward the one left, it may easily be supposed that for him they entertained a most anxious love. Nevertheless, no undue indulgences were granted because he was the only one and the last. They knew their duty as Christian parents too well for that, and spared no pains, both by precept and example, to instruct him in the lore that putteth to shame all worldly wisdom, and which only could fit him for the trials of earth or the joys

and gentle, there was little occasion for fault-finding. To the anxious father the thought had often occurred, "What is to be his future lot-in what line of business is he to be brought up?" and he mostly concluded he could never bear a separation from this boy, who was as the very apple of his eye; he would teach him his own trade, which, although by no means a profitable, was at least a respectable one, and would furnish a livelihood. There were times when, looking into the int

atly to the delight of his good Margaret, who did not like to see him too thoughtful. "Times seem to grow better, wife," he said, after h

aily wants," answered Margaret; "and we are told n

y own account; but sometimes I think if I should be calle

he wife's reply; "he is ever faithful to his promise, and he has de

bread for our families," said Raymond; "but where is Will? I have no

ther's knee, and, without speaking, looked up into his face with an expression of more than ordinary meaning. Slight and delicately made, he was easily raised t

come at Raymond's call, he returned almost immediately with two or three half-sheets of paper in his hand. "I have been drawing," said the

e what you have here;-a table, a chair, ah yes, and a house with tre

hard to be so disappointed: he expected praise, and now, if he had not received censure, certainly not the slightest approval was accorded. Accustomed, however, not to question, but submit, the

in such a serious light, they must remember that this was almost, if not altogether, his first sorrow; and we are far from believ

k the divine blessing before retiring, he knelt down beside his little bed, and prayed that if he had done wrong in drawing without asking his father's leave, he might be forgiven. His childish petition, uttered in the full confidence that it would be heard, brought

ympathized with William. Raymond, however, was the most distressed of all, and that, too, because he felt that a father's pride must be sacrificed at the shrine of what he regarded as a father's duty; and he experienced a severe pang, as, on surveying the child's sketches, he dared not say one word in praise of them, although his very heart boun

so sure you would be delighted; and although he knew where your pencils are kept, he never on

e as they are, evince very extraordinary talent, but I should sin were I to encourage him to pursue such a work. I know too well how absorbing it is; how hard it is, when one's mind is filled with pictures of the grand and beautiful, to work at

aret; "I now understand a

nly child grow up an honest man, diligent in his calling, whatever it may be. My first wish is, that my boy may be a Christian: it will never trouble me that he must work ha

id Margaret, "I cannot bear t

am harsh in this case, as he cannot fathom my motive; and how often do we judge hardly of the dealings of our kind heavenly Father when he thwarts us in some favourite wish, or smiles not on our undertaking. Be assured that only those who commit their way unto the Lord are safe; and as I bear my boy daily upon my heart to the throne of grace, and offer up the prayer of faith in the name of Him who hath promised to hear, so truly am I assured that all that befalls us wi