being like
myself, who has dared His power, and done numberless things which He is
said to prohibit. No, I feel that I am a wretched outcast sinner in His
sight, worthy only of punishment. He has for some time past been
pursuing me with His vengeance, and I see no reason why He should stop
till He has crushed me quite."

"Of course, my dear Alec, you are perfectly right in your estimation of
yourself, and right, too, with regard to God, if you judge Him as man
judges. His justice demands your punishment, but His love and mercy
would preserve you if you would accept the plan He has formed for saving
you and restoring you to that favour which you have justly lost. He
asks you to do what you have just done, to acknowledge yourself a
sinner, and now do what He demands besides, and throw yourself
unreservedly upon Him."

"Your system is a beautiful one, Donald, but I confess that I cannot
comprehend it," said Alec, with a groan, produced by the pain he was
suffering, then he added, in his old careless and somewhat sarcastic
tone, "Tell me, old fellow, is it thoroughly orthodox."

"It is according to God's word, and that I dare not dispute," answered
Donald. "And I will pray that His Holy Spirit will make it as clear to
your mind, and bring it home to your soul, as He has to mine. We will
not, however, talk further now, as it is important that you should get
some sleep. I will watch over you, and keep the fire burning, and I
hope that to-morrow we shall be able to resume our journey. Before you
sleep, dear friend, we will offer up a prayer for God's direction and
assistance."

"As you think fit," answered Alec, expressing no satisfaction at the
proposal.

Donald knelt and prayed, and then read a portion of God's Word. Alec
sat listening, but made no remark, though he pressed his friend's hand
when he had finished, and then lying down closed his eyes.

As Donald sat by the side of his friend he observed that though his
slumbers were troubled he appeared to sleep soundly. He had resolved to
carry him till he could get help, though he felt that the task was
almost beyond his strength; but he did not despair. He prayed for that
aid he so much needed, and felt sure that it would be sent in the way
God might judge best.

The faithful believer does not expect a miracle to be wrought in his
favour, but he knows that the Most High, who allows not a sparrow to
fall to the ground without knowing it, so orders and arr