cts for study for days together. Every stream is a mine of
wealth; and as for the ocean the smallest portion affords objects the
study of which is inexhaustible. Depend upon it, that it would be worth
living for the sake of enjoying the study of natural history alone.
Then see what vast fields of interest does each branch of science
exhibit. The more I inquire into these matters, the more convinced I am
that life ought to be a very delightful state of existence, and that it
is our own fault if it is not so."

Thus Ernest gave expression to his opinions. He laid considerable
stress on mental occupation, but he did not altogether forget that man
is susceptible of a very considerable amount of physical enjoyment,
which he is too apt, through his own folly, to lose. It is not often
that lads of Ernest's age think as he did, nor is it often that those
who do have listeners so ready and eager to imbibe his opinions.

The signal was given, the boys fell into order, and marched off to
church. It is matter for thought, and solemn thought too, when one
feels that one is visiting a place of interest for the last time; but
there should be something peculiarly affecting when one kneels for the
last time in a place of worship where one has knelt for years, and
offered up our prayers and petitions, and sung our songs of praise, to
that great and good Being who is our life, our protector, our support,
united with many hundreds of our fellow-creatures. Perhaps with not one
of them may we ever kneel or pray again, but yet one and all of them we
shall meet at that great and awful day when we stand before the
judgment-seat of Heaven. How shall we all have been employing ourselves
in the meantime? What will then be our doom? How vain, how frivolous
will earthly ambition, wealth, or honours appear!

Such thoughts as these passed rapidly through Ernest's mind as he sat
and listened to the good, the kind, and faithful minister of the parish.

Ernest had many last things to do before he left school. He had to play
his last game of cricket, to climb the gymnastic pole for the last time,
to take a walk over his favourite downs, to pay many last visits to rich
and poor alike. John Hodge was not forgotten. The assistance given by
Ellis, and him, and Buttar helped the poor man along till his strength
returned, and once more, to his great satisfaction, he was able to
resume work. Ernest could not feel altogether sad: that would not ha