Mr. Palmer took this opportunity to describe all the amiable dispositions of youth, and to show how much of what is pleasing may appear before religion has yet taken entire possession of the mind; but he painted in glowing colours the beautiful consistency and harmony of character which must ensue after that happy change, when the Holy Spirit renews the heart and influences the life. It almost seemed to Harry and Laura as if Frank were visibly before their eyes, when Mr. Palmer spoke in eloquent terms of that humility which no praise could diminish--that benevolence which attended to the feelings, as well as the wants of others,--that affection which was ever ready to make any sacrifice for those he loved,--that docility which obeyed the call of duty on every occasion,--that meekness in the midst of provocation which could not be irritated,--that gentle firmness in maintaining the truths of the gospel, which no opposition could intimidate,--that cheerful submission to suffering which saw a hand of mercy in the darkest hour,--and that faith which was ever "forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,--pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." It seemed as if years had passed over the heads of Harry and Laura during the short period of their absence from home--that home where Frank had so anxiously desired to go! All was changed within and around them,--sorrow had filled their hearts, and no longer merry, thoughtless creatures, believing the world one scene of frolicsome enjoyment and careless ease; they had now witnessed its realities,--they had felt its trials,--they had experienced the importance of religion,--they had learned the frailty of all earthly joy,--and they had received, amidst tears and sorrows, the last injunction of a dying brother, to "call upon the Lord while He is near, and to seek Him while he may yet be found." "Uncle David," said Laura one day, several months after their return home, "Mrs. Crabtree first endeavoured to lead us aright by severity,--you and grandmama then tried what kindness could do, but nothing was effectual till now, when God Himself has laid His hand upon us. Oh! what a heavy stroke was necessary to bring me to my right mind, but now, while we weep many bitter tears, Harry and I often pray together that good may come out of evil, and that 'we who mourn so deeply, may find our best, our only comfort from above'." Unthinking, idle, wild, and young, I laugh'd, and talk'd, and danc'd, and sung; And proud of health, of frolic vain, Dream'd not of sorrow, care, or pain, Concluding in those hours of glee, That all the world was made for me. But when the days of trial came, When sorrow shook this trembling frame, When folly's gay pursuits were o'er, And I could dance or sing no more; It then occurr'd how sad 'twould be Were this world only made for me.