26 THE FUnZE-BUSH. 



ficicnt to arm me atrainst the whole tlieory of 

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

 couragement lo parents to bring that blessed book 

 within the reach of their litile ones, from llie 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 

 perhaps suffering to myself. I have rarely shrunk 

 back from the enterprise. It has pleased God, in 

 }iis 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, tliat some who are far superior to me 

 in every spiritual gift and grace would pause at : 

 and I liave a criterion whereby to judge when it is 

 t ough the help of my Ciod liiat I overleap any 

 wall. Accomplishing it in my own strength, and 

 for my own gralificalion, I v.m sure lo carry off 

 cither b-nk'jn bones, or some sev'ere spraij: or con- 

 tusion ; obhginfT 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 ray 

 way rejoicing. 



