the Scriptures were read and commented on by the
respective readers. Ben was very glad to find that Tom took a great
interest in their services, and spoke on religious subjects in a tone
that he had never before done.

"Why, you see, Ben," said Tom, "on that awful night of the wreck I
thought that we were all going to be drowned, and when, after all, we
got on shore, I felt how merciful and kind God had been to save such a
wicked fellow as I was, instead of you, who was so much more fit to go
to Him. I was still very sorry for you, for your mother's sake, and I
knew father would be very sorry when he heard of it. I do not suppose
that those thoughts would have lasted very long; I am afraid not: but
then, Mr Manners spoke to me so kindly, that I felt what an ungrateful
wretch I should be if I didn't give my heart to so good and merciful a
God; and from that day to this I have been trying to do so. It is not
very easy, even among the few of our poor fellows remaining; but Mr
Manners says that I must pray for grace, and not trust to my own
strength, and that then, if I am sincere and not a hypocrite to myself,
that I should have every confidence of being supported and protected.
It is that thought, Ben, which gives me so much comfort. Otherwise I
should be very unhappy, and not at all sure that I should not be a
castaway after all."

"That is just the same thought that has made me always happy," remarked
Ben. "I know that God never casts out any who go to Him through Christ,
and trust to Him completely, and not to themselves, while they try to
love and serve Him as much as they can, though that is very little after
all I can't tell you, though, Tom, how glad I am to hear you speak so,
and I am sure that your father will be still more glad, if we ever find
the ship again, which I hope we may do."

"That's the very thing I am afraid of," said Tom. "I shall be very glad
indeed to see my father again; but when I get back among the other boys,
and into old ways again, I shall be apt to do just as before, and to
talk nonsense and play all my old tricks. I say, Ben, if we ever do get
back, you must help me! Won't you, there's a good fellow?"

Of course Ben promised Tom that he would help him as much as he could,
though he reminded him also that he must depend on himself in one sense,
though not on his own strength, for that effectual strength he could
alone obtain through the aid of the Holy Spirit.

The wind was li