Let us enter the church. Something of more than usual interest seems to
pervade the large congregation there assembled. As we enter the church
we observe in one of the front pews an aged couple, whom we at once
recognize as Mr. and Mrs. Humphrey. They are now quite aged and feeble,
yet the countenance of each is cheerful and placid. Notwithstanding
their age they have made the journey of two hundred miles to be present
upon this occasion. For their beloved Earnest is this day to be set
apart to the Work of the Holy Ministry by the solemn service of
ordination.

When the services were closed, and Earnest came forward to accompany
his aged foster parents from the church, they felt themselves more than
rewarded for all the care they had bestowed upon the orphan boy; and
they might have said, as did Simeon of old,--

"Lord, now lettest thou thy servants depart in peace according to thy
word, for our eyes have seen thy salvation."

To the boys who may read this story I would say: As you value your own
well-being in time and eternity, avoid evil companions--for these have
worked the ruin of many a promising youth.

Should this little story be read by any who are mothers of families, it
is my hope that it may afford them encouragement to persevere in their
prayerful efforts, for the good of the immortal beings committed to
their care. The letter penned by the feeble hand of his dying mother,
under the divine blessing, saved Earnest Harwood from ruin. Let this
circumstance encourage you, never to grow weary nor discouraged in your
labours for the good of your children, and "ye shall in no wise lose
your reward."

THE END.

[Transcriber's note: Punctuation inconsistencies of the original have
been retained in this etext.]

End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Path of Duty, and Other Stories, by
H. S. Caswell

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