eir prayers, and to see them put to bed. When she
re-entered the room, Dr Morgan had not returned. Dr Morgan's
prolonged absence did not create any alarm. He was a Doctor of
Divinity, but he had also, in his younger days, devoted much time to the
study of medicine and surgery, so that he was qualified to become a
regular practitioner. However, he had taken orders in the Church of
England, but he never regretted the time he had spent in walking the
hospitals, for, biding his time, he had now a means of access, which he
otherwise might have lacked, to even the most hardened and profligate.
Those who would not have called him in as a Christian minister to advise
them regarding their souls, were thankful to get him to attend to the
ailments of their bodies. Once in a house he never left it without
making himself beloved and respected by its inmates, and insuring for
himself, and for his glad tidings, a favourable reception. Although he
was not looked upon as a popular preacher, it was observed that wherever
he went there was a marked change in the religious conduct of the
people.

Such was Dr Morgan. His great difficulty was to give that
superintendence to the education of his children which he felt they
required, without at the same time neglecting the multifarious duties of
his position. His parishioners gained what his family lost. But the
strict discipline by which he endeavoured to make amends for the want of
that constant watchfulness so important in training the youthful mind
did not answer the same purpose. Yet after all he could do, he knew
that he must fail altogether, had he not gone daily, constantly, to the
Throne of Grace for strength and wisdom for himself, and for protection
and guidance for those committed to his charge.

Mrs Morgan had returned to the sitting-room; the elder children had put
down their books. It was bed-time. They always waited for family
prayers. When the Doctor was absent Mrs Morgan or Charles read them,
but as he was momentarily expected, his wife and son were unwilling to
usurp his office. At length the hall-door bell rang. It was the
Doctor. He appeared unusually sad and serious. The family assembled.
His voice, generally so firm, trembled as he prayed.

When he rose from his knees, shading his eyes with his hand, he said,
after he had given them his blessing--

"Go to bed immediately, and be up betimes, for I wish you to breakfast
an hour earlier than usual, and