In a lonely part of the road he paused and listened, but no sound broke the stillness. Above him twinkled the silent stars; around him all nature lay hushed and still.
"God is here," he said; and lifting up his face to the sky, and clasping his hands together, he poured out his heart in thanksgiving.
"O God!" he said, "I thank Thee for all things; for the sorrow, and pain, and loss, for the darkness through which I have wandered, and for the burdens I have had to bear. Thou hast never forsaken me. Thou hast always been good. I thank Thee for bringing me here, and for the discipline of toil. And now that Thou hast lifted off the cloud that so long has darkened my life, help me to praise Thee, and love Thee more and more. I want to be good, and noble, and true. Help me, O Father, for Thy mercy's sake."
Benny slept but little that night. In the long silent hours he lived all his life over again, and wondered at the mercy of God.
[CHAPTER XXIII.]
The Question Settled.
Life's withered leaves grow green again and fresh with childhood's spring.
As I am welcomed back once more within its rainbow ring;
The past, with all its gathered charms, beckons me back in joy,
And loving hearts and open arms re-clasp me as a boy.
—Massey.
