if in ordinary health, to rejoice in one's existence;
and in which the Christian is led irresistibly to join with the Psalmist
in praising God, "for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the
children of men."

Young Foster's thoughts ran for a considerable time in this latter
channel; for he was one of those youthful Christians whose love to our
Saviour does not easily grow cold. He was wont to read the Bible as if
he really believed it to be the Word of God, and acted in accordance
with its precepts with a degree of bold simplicity and trustfulness,
that made him a laughing-stock to some, and a subject of surprise and
admiration to others, of his companions and acquaintance. In short, he
was a Christian of a cheerful, straightforward stamp.

Yet Guy's course was not all sunshine, neither was his conduct
altogether immaculate. He was not exempt from the general rule, that
"through much tribulation" men shall enter into the Kingdom. As he
walked along, rejoicing in his existence and in the beauty of that
magnificent evening, a cloud would rise occasionally and call forth a
sigh, as he recollected the polite intimation of his uncle, that he had
extended his leave of absence _ad_ _infinitum_! He could not shut his
eyes to the fact that a brilliant mercantile career on which he had
recently entered, and on which he might naturally look as the course cut
out for him by Providence, was suddenly closed against him for ever. He
knew his uncle's temper too well to expect that he would relent, and he
felt that to retract a statement which he knew to be true, or to express
regret for having boldly told the truth as he had done, was out of the
question. Besides, he was well aware that such a course would not now
avail to restore him to his lost position. It remained, therefore,
that, being without influential friends, he must begin over again and
carve his own way in the world.

But what then? Was this not the lot of hundreds of thousands? Little
time had been lost; he was young, and strong, and hearty. God had
written, "Commit thy way unto the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall
bring it to pass." "Whatever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy
might, as unto the Lord, and not unto men." Under the influence of such
thoughts the clouds cleared away from Guy's brow, and he raised his
eyes, which for some minutes had been cast down, with a hopeful gaze to
the heavens.

There he soon became lost in admirati