26 THE FURZE-BUSH. 



ncient to arm me against the whole theory of 

 luck. I notice this with gratitude ; and as an en- 

 couragement to parents to bring that blessed book 

 within the reach of their little ones, from the first 

 dawning of their infant faculties. 



It was not, therefore, in a gambling spirit that I 

 applied the adage : — to venture something, where 

 the object was to be gained according to the turn- 

 ing up of a card, or the random decision of a lot, I 

 felt to be foolish, before I knew it to be wicked ; 

 but when any desirable thing was placed within 

 my grasp, the attainment of which I might honest- 

 ly compass, at the expense of some loss, or 

 rjerhaps suffering to myself, I have rarely shrunk 

 back from the enterprise. It has pleased God, in 

 his great mercy, so far to sanctify this feature of 

 my natural character, that I am able, through 

 prayer, to attempt things, where his glory alone is 

 concerned, that some who are far superior to me 

 in every spiritual gift and grace would pause at . 

 and I have a criterion whereby to judge when it is 

 through the help of my God that I overleap any 

 wall. Accomplishing it in my own strength, and 

 for my own gratification, I am sure to carry off 

 either broken bones, or some severe sprain or con- 

 tusion ; obliging me to limp for a long while after : 

 but when the power of faith has alone wrought 

 the achievement, I alight unharmed, and go on my 

 way rejoicing. 



