His wish was granted; his effort was over, and his child could now
behold the beauties which had so long thrilled his own soul.

Thus does our Heavenly Father call us upward; and when he sees
that we will not leave the common view for grander scenes, and will not
listen to his voice, however beseeching, he makes all dark and drear
below, that we may be led to ascend higher, where the day-beams are
longer, the view more extended, and the air more rarified and pure.




VIII.

THE OAK.


An old and experienced gardener had been watching a tree for many
days, whose branches and foliage did not seem to repay him for his
care. "I see," he said, a little sadly; "the roots are not striking deep
enough: they must have a firmer hold in the earth, and only the wind
and the fierce blast will do it."

It was now sunset, and the faithful gardener put away his tools, closed
the garden gates, and went into his cottage. Soon a mass of dark clouds
began to gather on the horizon. "I am sorry to use such harsh means,"
he said, waving his hand in the direction of the wind clouds; "but the
tree needs to be more firmly rooted, and naught but a violent wind will
aid it."