be devoured with anxiety and
fears for myself and my dear ones."

"But as it is," her father said, gazing tenderly upon her, "you are able
to leave the future, for them and for yourself, in His kind, wise,
all-powerful hands, knowing that nothing can befall you without His
will, and that He will send no trial that shall not be for your good,
and none that He will not give you strength to endure?"

"Yes, that is it, papa; and oh, what rest it is! One feels so safe and
happy; so free from fear and care; like a little child whose loving
earthly father is holding it by the hand or in his strong, kind arms."

"And you have loved and trusted Him since you were a very little child,"
he remarked, half musingly.

"Yes, papa; I cannot remember when I did not; and could there be a
greater cause for gratitude?"

"No; such love and trust are worth more to the happy possessor than the
wealth of the universe. But there was a time when, though my little girl
had it, I was altogether ignorant of it, and marvelled greatly at her
love for God's word and her joy and peace in believing. I shall never
cease to bless God for giving me such a child."

"Nor I to thank Him for my dear father," she responded, putting her hand
into his, with the very same loving, confiding gesture she had been wont
to use in childhood's days.

His fingers closed over it, and he held it fast in a warm, loving grasp,
while they continued their talk concerning the things that lay nearest
their hearts--the love of the Master, His infinite perfection, the
interests of His kingdom, the many great and precious promises of His
word--thus renewing their strength and provoking one another to love and
to good works.

"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another; and the Lord
hearkened, and heard it; and a book of remembrance was written before
Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name.

"And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I
make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son
that serveth him."

Ere another week had rolled its round, events had occurred which tested
the sustaining power of their faith in God, and the joy of the Lord
proved to be indeed their strength, keeping their hearts from failing in
an hour of sore anxiety and distress.

The evening was bright with the radiance of a full moon and unusually
warm for the season; so pleasant was it out of doors that most of