il, Joseph." Joseph made no reply. uk," said he, in continuation, "this is quite the thing for you." "Do other?" said Joe, 66 poor Miss have got such a regard for me, afraid she won't like it." "That robable," said Michael, "but will be very well satisfied, that escape poverty; for I do not ph, that you are capable of a wife at present; you have cient industry. But there is no by application to your business, something." This was holdtional hope, and though Mithe connexion by no means left this impression on Johat industry in his business his wishes. He however the human heart, to feel is and her daughter would tter to drop so very quiy feared correspondence, result: he therefore den old Mr. Jennings, and ur's conversation. charging God foolishly, whereas they are eating the fruit of their own way, and tasting that bitterness which unblessed schemes are sure to entail on artful, worldly minded persons. But here in a case of this sort, where the children of God would have been involved in the same ruin, He who ordereth the steps of the good man, He who keepeth his children as the apple of his eye, He who sitteth in the heavens, laughed them to scorn, and his mercy, not only for eternity but for time, followeth his people from generation to generation. Reader, pardon this digression. The remainder of Mrs. Kemp's letter contained only local intelligence which would interest none who are unacquainted with P. Joe would have given something to have heard the remainder, for he concluded that it contained some censure of his conduct, and some doubt of his prudence. Had Michael thought this, not a word would have been kept from him, but he put it in his pocket, and his head was full of contrivances for Joe's return to P——, and his heart swelled with gratitude to God who had made his way plain. As they walked back to the farm together, Michael observed, "I think this opening quite pro "Do "That "but vidential, Joseph." Joseph made no reply. "I think," said he, in continuation, "this opening is quite the thing for you. you, brother?" said Joe," poor Miss Jennings have got such a regard for me, that I'm afraid she won't like it.' is very probable," said Michael, her father will be very well satisfied, that she should escape poverty; for I do not think, Joseph, that you are capable of maintaining a wife at present; you have not sufficient industry. But there is no doubt, by application to your business, you may do something." This was holding out a rational hope, and though Michael thought the connexion by no means desirable, he left this impression on Joseph's mind, that industry in his business might promote his wishes. He however knew enough of the human heart, to feel sure Mrs. Jennings and her daughter would not permit the matter to drop so very quietly, and he greatly feared correspondence, and some foolish result: he therefore determined to call on old Mr. Jennings, and request half an hour's conversation. There was a favourite walk in the Brow Farm Garden which Michael always took when his heart was oppressed; it was skirted by a double row of filbert trees, and here did he walk and pray for direc chael, for he had not patience to listen to it." 66 No, Sir, they've got an eye to Mr. Joseph coming in half partner with you, and I heard it said, I don't know how true it is, that they thought to make quite a pretty thing of the Brow." The patience of Michael was now quite exhausted, and he said, "I really think the best thing I can do will be to send Joe home." "I think so, Sir," said Betty, "for that Richard Moss have done Mr. Joseph no good." Michael retired to his apartment, and poured out his heart in prayer before God, for counsel and direction. It was there he renewed his strength for his journey. It is worthy the observation of any person, who desires to profit by the providences of God, to note the small links in the great chain. Michael had settled in his own mind that Joseph should return to P——, but he had many reasons which deterred him from doing any thing rashly: he did not wish to hurt Joe's feelings, and still less did he wish to disappoint the hopes of his dear father and mother; and how to return this unpromising young man was the difficulty. It was not that Michael was unwilling to bear with him, but he really feared, that surrounded as he appeared to be by temptation, he would fall into some gross imprudence, and bring his |