diligent at school, while my circumstances were limited. But, as
money grew more plentiful, and I gave them a larger house to live
in, and richer clothes to wear, they wearied of their useful
employments, and neglected their studies. Pride grew apace, and
vanity walked hand in hand with pride. They were less considerate of
one another, and less loving to their parents. If I attempted to
restrain their fondness for dress, or check their extravagance, they
grew sullen, or used unfilial language. Like their father, they
could not bear prosperity. But all is changed now. Misfortune has
restored them to a better state of mind. They emulate each other in
service at home; their minds dwell on useful things; they are tender
of their mother and considerate of their father. Home is a sweeter
place to us all than it has been for a long time."

"And so what the world calls misfortune has proved a blessing."

"Yes. In permitting my feet to stumble; in letting me fall from the
height I had obtained, God dealt with me and mine in infinite love.
We give false names to things. We call that good which only
represents good, which is of the heart and life, and not in external
possessions. He has taken from me the effigy that He may give me the
good itself."

"If all men could find like you," I said, "a sweet kernel at the
centre of misfortune's bitter nut."

"All men may find it if they will," he answered, "for the sweet
kernel is there."

How few find it! Nay, reader, if you say this, your observation is