and of the strong, ruddy young Fords, all so full of health and life
and joyous spirits, was strongly upon him when he dwelt so earnestly
upon the words: "Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth, and let thy heart
cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thy heart
and in the sight of thine eyes; but know thou, that for all these
things God will bring thee into judgment."

Then, reading part of the third chapter of the First Epistle of John,
he directed his hearers to the wonderful privileges provided for them,
so far transcending all mere temporal gifts--to the "love the Father
hath bestowed, that we should be called the sons of God,"--showing how
these privileges were to be grasped through faith in the love which
laid down life for us; and how that love, flowing into the heart, was
to purify the life by enabling us to do the things which are pleasing
in His sight.

The solemn, earnest words--few, but well chosen--seeming to come with
peculiar power after the day of joyous excitement, touched responsive
chords in the hearts of most of the young party, who looked earnest
and thoughtful; though who could tell whether the impression should be
an abiding one, or should pass away like the "early dew?" Lucy and
Bessie listened with real interest--the latter, especially, with much
more than she would have felt a few days before; and Mrs. Ford
silently renewed her good resolutions to seek to influence her family
to choose the "better part, which could not be taken away from them."

Lucy could not help glancing at Stella when the verses in the chapter
about want of compassion for the brother or sister in need were read;
but Stella looked placidly unconscious, and indeed her thoughts were
far away,--considering how she should best impress Marian Wood, on