"I never had a bad morning," replied the man. "That is very singular; I wish you may always be as fortunate." "I was never unfortunate," said he. "I hope you may always be as happy," said the divine. "I am never unhappy," said the other. "I wish," said the divine, "that you would explain yourself a little." "That I will cheerfully do," said the other; "I said that I never had a bad morning, for every morning, even if I am pinched with hunger, I praise God. If it rains, or snows, or hails, whether the day is serene or tempestuous, I am still thankful to God, and therefore I never had a joyless morning. If I am miserable in outward circumstances, and despised, I still praise God; you wished that I might always be fortunate, but I cannot be unfortunate, because nothing befalls me but according to the will of God, and I believe that His will is always good, in whatever He does or permits to be done. You wished me always happy, but I cannot be unhappy, because my will is always resigned to the will of God." The divine, astonished at the man's answers, asked him whence he came. "I came from God," he replied. "Where did you find Him?" "Where I left the world." "Where did you leave God?" "With the pure in heart." "What are you?" "I am a king." "Where is your kingdom?" "It is within my bosom. I have learned to rule my appetites and passions, and that is better than to rule any kingdom in the world." "How were you brought into this happy condition?" "By secret prayer, spiritual meditation and union with God; nothing below God could satisfy my desires; I have found Him, and in Him I have found Peace and Rest." --_Old Magazine._ 1563 A PRAYER "FOR ABSENT RELATIVES AND FRIENDS." "Our Father, in Thy mercy Hear our anxious prayer: Keep our loved ones now far absent 'Neath Thy care." 1564 NO ROOF ON THE HOUSE. A laborer went to work for a wealthy farmer. It was regarded as something of a favor to be employed by him, as he was a prompt and liberal paymaster, and was look'd upon by his neighbors as a very superior farmer. The man remained with him only a few days. "I'm told you've left farmer P," said a neighbor. "Yes, I have," was the reply. "Was the work too hard for you?" "There was nothing to complain of on that score." "What then? Were the wages too low?" "No." "Why did you leave?" "There was no roof on the house!" And he went on his way, leaving the questioner to ponder on the strange answer he had given. The man's meaning may be found in the saying of an old writer, who affirms that a dwelling in which prayer is not offered up to God daily, is like a house without a roof, in which there cannot be either peace, safety, or comfort. --_Old Magazine._ 1565