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was of an
independent spirit, somewhat taciturn; and, from his retiring,
contemplative spirit, by some was considered stern. But his life was so
entirely blameless, regulated as it was by the purifying and elevating
influence of Christianity, that many reverenced him as an "Israelite
indeed, in whom was no guile."
But Christians are by no means exempt from trials; indeed, the children
of God are called to pass through the sorest ordeals, and the Raymonds
had experienced many strokes of the chastening rod. When their
children were taken one after another, until only the last born remained,
they bowed submissively to this adverse visitation; and although for a
little while stunned in spirit, as was natural, they murmured not, but
were soon able to say with resignation, "The Lord gave, and the Lord
hath 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 of heaven. Well was it for the poor child that he had been thus
taught, for the time was at hand when he would require all the
Christian's armour to fit him for the great battle in which every one that
lives is called to contend. To some the strife is more severe than to
others; but to all, if they would win the goal successfully, a better

strength than their own is necessary, and to teach their child to rely
upon the all-sustaining arm, was the constant endeavour of these
faithful parents.
A few years passed by, and their earthly comforts were not diminished;
they still occupied the cottage their own hands had beautified, and
having won the affectionate esteem of their landlord, a good old baker,
he assured them that he would never raise their rent or suffer them to
leave it. Their son William had reached his eighth year, and was what
might be called a good boy; for, having no bad example, and being
naturally of a docile disposition, and for the most part obedient 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 intelligent blue
eyes that would be lifted up so lovingly to meet his gaze, he would
wish that he might be able to educate his boy; but almost at once he
would conquer the longing, and say to himself: "It is God who appoints
to every man his station, and I must not murmur because my child's lot
is destined to be a lowly one. There is danger in high places, and I
ought rather to rejoice that our poverty removes him far from the
temptation he would meet with in a more exalted station."
One evening, it was a dull and cloudy one near the close of December,
George Raymond came home seeming more than ordinarily cheerful,
greatly 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 he
finished his supper; "I have had plenty of work at seal engraving this
last fortnight; it seems my work has been approved in the city."
"We have always had enough for the supply of our daily wants,"
answered Margaret; "and we are told not to be too anxious about the
goods of this world."
"I am not very anxious," said Raymond; "at least not on my own

account; but sometimes I think if I should be called away, what would
become of you, Gretta, and little Will?"
"The Lord would provide for us, George, as he has ever done," was the
wife's reply; "he is ever faithful to his promise, and he has declared that
those who wait on him shall not want for any good thing."
"That is very true, Margaret; but we must use lawful means to provide
bread for our families," said Raymond; "but where is Will? I have not
seen him since I came in; neither did he come to meet