Frederick's Gratitude. 59

help in trouble: therefore will not we fear,
though the earth be removed, and though the
mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.’
Whatever might be the result of affairs, he
felt assured that all would be for the best. If
disaster and ruin were to come, they would be
necessary afflictions for the purpose of trial and
correction to bring the sufferers nearer in heart
and mind to the Saviour. At last a letter arrived
—he knew the handwriting and postmark, He
glanced rapidly over the contents. It wasa kind,
yet business-like letter. Itdid not profess much,
but the writer came to the point at once: ‘I have
consulted my senior partners on the matter you
refer to; and although it is contrary to our usual
system of business, and we would only do it in
a case recommended by a friend like you, for
whom I have personally much esteem, we shall
be happy to do all in our power to assist the
worthy manufacturer whom you mention (you do
not give his name), to the utmost of our ability,
by furnishing him with suitable machinery, with
all the latest improvements, for the purpose of
enabling him to compete in the market with
other manufacturers. In writing this, of course I
take it for granted that your friend the manu-
facturer is, as you evidently believe him to be, a