364 
RURAL HOURS. 
feeling, or generous spirit, beams over the homely face. And 
then we know but too well, with the fatal knowledge of daily ex- 
perience, that yonder bright-eyed boy, by abusing the talent en- 
trusted to him, may fall with the evil-doers. We know that 
yonder cherub-faced girl may sink to the lowest degradation of 
corruption, unless she learn betimes to cherish womanly modesty, 
and fear of sin. And, thanks be to God, we know also, that 
the cold heart may learn to feel, the sullen temper may clear, the 
passionate may become cool, the wavering firm, by humbly taking 
to heart the lessons of wisdom, and earnestly, ceaselessly, seeking 
a blessing from their Maker and Redeemer. 
Some persons, in watching a party of children, have pleased 
themselves by drawing an im.aginary horoscope for each of the 
group ; adding a score or two of years to each young life, they 
parcel out honors, and wealth, and fame, and learning to some ; 
care, and trouble, and disappointment to others ; to these they 
giA'e distinction, to those obscurity ; appointing the different lots, 
perhaps, with as much judgment and impartiality as the Avorld 
will show in bestowing them at a later day. But I should care 
little to know which of those lads will count the highest number 
of thousands, I should not ask which will boast the readiest 
tongue, the sharpest wit, which will acquire the most learning, or 
which will fill the highest place. There is another question to 
be answered ; a question of deeper import to the individual him- 
self, and to his fellow- creatures. True, it does not involve either 
wealth, or honors, or fame ; but it is much more closely connected 
than either of these with individual happiness, and with the well- 
being of society. I would ask, rather, which of those boys now 
making trial of the powers with which their Maker has endowed 
