LEAVING HOME. en gs

“A stout heart, Robert!” I seemed to hear my father
- gay; and all his wise and encouraging words came up
to my remembrance with a reawakening power. “Let

me put my hand to the plough, and look not back. I

will make up my mind to do what is before me cheer-
fully.” . is

And I rose up from the side of the trough with a
compressed lip and a courageous heart.- I hope I offered
a sincere prayer to the Giver of all good, that He would

give me grace and strength to do His will.

“O happy house! whose little ones are given
Early to Thee, in faith and prayer,— ©
To Thee, their Friend, who from the heights of heavens

Guard’st them with more than mother’s care.

O happy house! where little voices
Their glad hosannas love to raise,

And childhood’s lisping tongue rejoices
To bring new songs of love and praise.

‘© happy house! and happy servitude!
Where all alike one Master own ;
Where daily duty, in Thy strength pursued,

Is never hard nor toilsome known;

Where each one serves Thee, meek-and lowly,
Whatever Thine appointment be,

Till common tasks seem great and holy,
When they are done as unto Thee.”