He speeds on swiftly, steadily, with canvas spread to the breeze, and finds himself anchored at last in quiet waters, waiting for the pilot to take him into port. The vessel lies peacefully upon the rippling waves, the air is scarcely moving, the sails flap lazily, and the scream of the sea-bird is exchanged for the softer melodies of birds nearer land, as they fly low with their song of welcome. The sails are now taken in, and the sailors are singing songs of home; the air is full of music, for the murmurs of the gentle waves, the light spray dashing slowly against the sides of the vessel, whose rocking lullaby is scarcely perceptible--all murmur harmonious notes to the hearts of the weary, home-sick mariners; the captain, assured that "all's well," goes below to dream of home, of clasping arms, warm kisses, and words of holy love. They have reached the latitude of a seaman's blessedness, "near home." Thus far, too, has Roland sailed upon the voyage of life; his bark has ridden safely through storm and calm, through rock and shoal, with the beacon light of faith and hope always shining bright above him, and looking thus steadily aloft, he, too, has reached the quiet waters of the "Beatitudes." He reads much in that sweet chapter of "the sermon on the mount," and, from the depths of a blissful experience, feels what Jesus means when he pronounces the word "blessed" upon the children of his love. "_Blessed_ are the poor in spirit, for theirs _is_ the kingdom of heaven." The poor before God--has he not realized the blessedness of that kingdom, which is joy, and peace, and love in the Holy Ghost? He loves to dwell separately on these beatitudes; as the miser lingers over the "unrighteous mammon," so Roland muses over his heavenly treasures, fearful lest one should fade away from the grasp of faith. "Blessed are the meek," says our dear Lord, "for they shall inherit the earth." The meek--those contented with their earthly lot, only anxious for the favor of God--they shall truly inherit the earth now with their spirit of contentment, and hereafter, in the days of millennial glory, when the saints shall truly possess the renovated earth--and with his spiritual growth hath not the Master blessed Roland in basket and in store? and even if he had not, would not the spirit of humble piety be to him a richer boon than the wealth of the Indies? He has reached these quiet waters, and dwells among the regions of the "Beatitudes." Is not Roland happy? and may not all who thus cast themselves upon the good providence of God, while steadily pursuing duty, be equally blessed? Jesus' words have meaning; let us prove their power. Roland is the same active, energetic, earnest man, rising daily in public estimation, while seeking only the favor of God. Days of deeper trial may yet come, but God in his wisdom chooses their time. While walking in the footsteps of Daniel, nought is needed but the discipline of Daniel.