"This would be no post of honor to me, gentlemen; there are others more private, more influential, that involve no sacrifice of principle; I have chosen such, and have the sweet approval of my conscience; I cannot barter that for any earthly good," and he laid his hand impressively upon his heart. "We honor your integrity, but it will not do in a world like ours--good-morning, sir." "Good-morning, gentlemen--God is wiser than man, and by his laws will I be governed." Edmund was disappointed at the result of this interview. "And so you rejected the offers that I spoke of, Roland; I think that you carry your high-flown notions too far--you might easily have accepted such a position, and not have compromised your principles in the least." "We differ in sentiment, Edmund; and the day will come, when you will agree with me--experience is a great teacher." "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." This beatitude spoke volumes to Roland that night, as he sank to quiet slumbers; for peace soon follows sacrifice. In the exercise of Christian principles, Roland was a happy, prosperous man, for wealth smiled upon him in the daily increase of his practice; and though he occupied no place of public trust, he was much more honored in the omission than in the gift. * * * * * * Madeline is now in New York, whither she has been called on important business. "Shall we take a sail this evening?" asked Roland. "Nothing would be more pleasant; let us go early, and return by moonlight." The sail on the quiet waters of the bay was one of those periods of heart communion which are among the purest joys of earthly intercourse. The world shut out; the low whispers of this evening hour, as they sat apart, indicated the deep feelings of each young heart. They sat watching the passing vessels, some sailing out, others coming in from the sea; craft of all kinds and sizes gliding by them so gently, all containing pilgrims on the waters of life. "Roland, do you ever think how much these little boats resemble the voyagers of mortality?" "Yes, Madeline, all bound to the ocean of eternity; we are sailing with them, dearest--it seems very sweet and peaceful--what a sad thought that so many may be speeding on the voyage which ends in a fearful wreck at last!" "How blessed are we, dear Roland, to feel that our little barks are guided by a gracious hand! for we know who steers them on so safely." "Do you realize the presence of that precious Saviour, Madeline? I have been lately studying the sermon on the mount; have you ever thought, dear, of the full meaning of the Saviour's word, 'blessed?'"