Then we seemed shut out from the land of promise forever, and were in despair.

But he took his weeping, murmuring children by the hand, and led them gently into another path!" "Into a narrower way"-- Mr.Markland took up the words of his wife--"and sought by few; yet, it has already brought us into a pleasant region." "To speak in less ideal language," said Mrs.Markland, "we have been taught an all-important lesson.

It is this: That there is over each one of us an intimate providential care which ever has regard to our eternal good.

And the reason of our many and sad disappointments lies in the fact, that we seek only the gratification of natural life, in which are the very elements of dissatisfaction.

All mere natural life is selfish life; and natural ends gained only confirm this selfish life, and produce misery instead of happiness." "There is no rest," said Markland, "to the striving spirit that only seeks for the good of this world.