[CHAPTER X.]
SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT.
THERE could be no doubt that Guy Falconer possessed genius for painting, and that an ardent love of what men call "Nature" inspired its direction, and ruled his taste. His efforts indicated a peculiar style of his own, and his friends were advised to leave it unbiased and unrestricted in its developments, until it should appear into what school of study, for detail and experience, it might most suitably be directed.
With the free air of the country around him, his health improved, his form grew strong and manly, and his character began to manifest a vigour and decision which rendered his associations of the highest importance.
His mother and Mr. Herbert had sought to lay a good foundation of Christian principles, and if Guy should go wrong, it would never be from ignorance of right. But they knew that only the Holy Spirit of God could implant love of the right, and guide to useful issues the quick perceptions and firm will which they had prayerfully striven to rescue from idle waste and natural selfishness.
Without cramping the gaiety of youth, his studies had been solid and strengthening; what he knew at all, he knew well, and if he ventured an opinion, it came from no shallow surface, but from a mine of thought in which it had been carefully shaped, though more for soundness than for ornament, and sometimes, perhaps, was also more sincere than polite.
Mr. Herbert claimed a stated portion of his time for real hard work in the study, in preparation for a college course which Mr. Hazelwood particularly desired him to pass through, and then Guy was free to enjoy his companionship with the field of vision round him.
And then the morning mist, and evening sunset, the haze on distant hills, the clouds and sky in storm and calm, the moonbeam on the river, the foliage of park and wood, deer and cattle, ivied tower and village cot, by turns caught the artist's eye, and supplied studies for his pencil.
Thanks to the influences which had hitherto shielded his life, Guy had learned much of the Creator from His own written Record, and manifestation in His Son Jesus Christ, before doing homage to "His eternal power and Godhead" in "the things that are made;" and when, feeling the meagerness of human language to express his wondering appreciation, the sweet words of Divine inspiration came suitably to his aid, and the Psalmist of Israel had tuned the lyre to which believing hearts through successive ages should chant their songs of praise.