is laborers.

"_I_ am not going to climb the hill to-day for a few crumbs," said one
dissatisfied toiler, as he sat by the roadside at noon-day, looking very
unhappy.

"Nor I!" "Nor I!" added a second and a third, until there was quite
a chorus of the dissatisfied.

The remainder went up as usual. A most tempting repast was before
them, of fruits and cake and refreshing wines, while the table was decked
with rare and fragrant flowers.

How glad was the good man to spread the bounties before them! for
well he knew of the murmurs which had gone out of their hearts for a
few days past. "Are they not all here?" he asked of those who had
ascended the hill, while a look of disappointment came over his face.

"Oh! let us go down and tell them what a nice feast is waiting," said
one of the group, as he gazed on the well-filled table.

"Nay, not so," answered the husbandman, in a gentle but commanding
tone. "My people should have faith in me, and know that I spread for
them all I can each day. My power, even like that of the Infinite, is
limited by conditions. It is not my pleasure ever to have them go
unrefreshed; but how much better for them, could they be content with
whatever comes each day, though sometimes meager. How it cheers me to
see those who have come in good courage and faith, _not_ knowing that the
feast was here. Eat and give thanks," he said; while a band played
some lively airs.

* * * * *

Shall we refuse to ascend each day the mount whereon dwells our
Father? Shall we, because some days no feast awaits us, linger in the
valley of doubt, and lose the bounties which his hand at other times has
ready for us? No: the faithful and believing will go up to the mount
each day, and take without murmur the morsel, or the fruits with
thanksgiving.

XIX.

THE LESSON OF THE STONE.

It was with feelings of satisfaction and pride that a builder looked
upon a large and costly edifice which, after much exertion, was just
completed. Long had the workmen toiled to place one stone upon another.
Many hours of thought had the designer spent in perfecting its
proportions, and a deep sense of relief came over him as he saw the
last stone deposited on the summit of the structure. Yet it was only to
be followed by one of pain; for, as he walked one evening to enjoy the
beautiful symmetry of his building, he heard words of contention and
strife among the various stones of which it wa