the bending hills, and again in majesty retire to a loftier archway
of the fair blue Infinite, and glimmer and glow like a sea of glass.
Eloquent type of the face of that Father whose glory lights the
heavens, whose spirit breathes, and whose love abounds in every world.

The year had not been all sunlight or joy. Clouds had gathered and
dissolved, and disappointments now and then occurred to our manly
farmer, and called for more faith and courage. In the summer, the
rains were so frequent, and superfluous, his crops were damaged, and
the slopes on his fallows were cut into gullies, and swept of their
soil. Premature frosts had nipped his corn slightly, and his buckwheat
was not worth harvesting. A tolerable crop of wheat and other grains;
and a harvest of loves, and lights, and strengths, however, were
yielded him, to supply all his natural and spiritual needs, and the
Lord was praised for his gracious care.

Fabens was now advanced to years of more grave reflection, and every
object in Nature and Life addressed his mind with more suggestive and
serious words. His religious impressions were deepened; and his
religious sentiments, active and susceptible. He had studied a few
fine books, and transferred their wisdom to his heart; he had studied
Nature and Scripture; and he walked in light and peaceful ways. He
relied on God as the Infinite Friend; and never a cloud was brought
over the earth, whether of storm or grief, but he called to mind the
promise of the Father, "the bow shall be seen in the cloud."

A few frugal comforts were added to his stores, and though he labored
early and late at tasks that demanded strong arms and rusty raiment,
where a gentleman in straps and ruffles would have met mortifications
without number, still he was happy; and like the man of faith described
in the Scripture, he abounded in blessings.

His parents remained to bless him. His wife responded to all his
sympathies, and rendered his home a perennial joy. Clinton had been
told of his fourth bright birthday, and the gladness of life budded on
his heart, and bloomed on his face. Fanny unfolded the graces of
childhood as you have seen water-lilies unfold leaf after leaf. Fabens
tore himself away from his lambs at seven in the morning, and taking
his luncheon in a basket, he proceeded to a distant clearing to work
till night. At ten o'clock Clinton was presented a new coat and
trowsers, which his mother had just finished, and