pel us in _certain_ directions, and God's will and glory were meant
to be our guide and aim. So the Scripture teaches, we think, in the
parable of the talents, and in the words, "_Whatsoever_ thy hand findeth
to do, do it with thy might;" and, "Whether, therefore, ye eat, or
drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."

Our great fault lies in not consulting God's plan of arrangement. How
often do we find that, in adopting certain lines of action, men consult
only the pecuniary or social advantage; ignoring powers, or want of
powers, and violating inclinations; and this even among professing
Christians; while, among the unbelieving, God's will and glory are not
thought of at all. And yet we wonder that so many well-laid plans
miscarry, that so many promising young men and women "come to grief!"
Forgetting that "the right man (or woman) in the right place" is an
essential element in thorough success.

But, to return to John Potter. His conscience was easy as to his duty
in becoming a lightkeeper, and the lighthouse was all that he could
wish, or had hoped for. There was no disturbance from without, for the
thick walls and solid foundation defied winds or waves to trouble him;
save only in the matter of smoke, which often had a strong tendency to
traverse the chimney in the wrong direction, but that was not worth
mentioning! John found, however, that _sin_ in the person of his mate
marred his peace and destroyed his equanimity.

Isaac Dorkin did not find the life so much to his taste as he had
expected. He became more grumpy than ever, and quarrelled with his
friend on the slightest provocation; insomuch that at last John found it
to be his wisest plan to let him alone. Sometimes, in consequence of
this pacific resolve, the two men would spend a whole month without
uttering a word to each other; the one in the sulks, the other waiting
until he should come out of them.

Their duties were light, but regular. During the day they found a
sufficiency of quiet occupation in cooking their food, cleaning. The
lighting apparatus--which consisted of a framework full of tallow
candles,--and in keeping the building clean and orderly. At night they
kept watch, each four hours at a time, while the other slept. While
watching, John read his Bible and several books which had been given to
him by Mr Rudyerd; or, in fine weather, paced round and round the
gallery, just outside the lantern, in profound meditation.