and enjoyment of man.

"Look there," he said to Captain Trench, as they plodded steadily along,
at the same time pointing to a break in a neighbouring cliff which
revealed the geological features of the land. "Do you see yonder beds
of rock of almost every colour in the rainbow? These are marble-beds,
and from the look of the parts that crop out I should say they are
extensive."

"But not of much use," returned the captain, "so long as men are content
to house themselves in huts of bark and skins."

"So might some short-sighted mortal among our own savage forefathers
have said long ago if the mineral wealth of Britain had been pointed out
to him," returned Paul. "Yet we have lived to see the Abbey of
Westminster and many other notable edifices arise in our land."

"Then you look forward to such-like rising in this land?" said the
captain, with something of a cynical smile.

"Well, not exactly, Master Trench; but our grandchildren may see them,
if men will only colonise the land and strive to develop its resources
on Christian principles."

"Such as--?" asked Trench.

"Such as the doing to others as one would have others do to one's-self,
and the enacting of equal laws for rich and poor."

"Then will Newfoundland _never_ be developed," said the captain
emphatically; "for history tells us that the bulk of men have never been
guided by such principles since the days of Adam."

"Since when were you enrolled among the prophets, Master Trench?"

"Since you uttered the previous sentence, Master Paul. I appeal to your
own knowledge of history."

"Nay, I question not your historical views, but your prophetical
statements, as to the fate of this island. Have you not heard of this
writing--that `the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth as the
waters cover the sea?' Does not that signify completeness in the spread
of knowledge? And when that comes to pass, will it bear no good fruit?
If not, why is it recorded as a blessed state of things to which we may
look forward, and towards which we may strive? I admit that the
wickedness of man may delay the desired end. Unjust laws, interference
with freedom of action, hatred of truth, may check progress here as it
has done elsewhere; but who can tell how soon the truth, as it is in
Jesus, may begin to operate, or how rapidly it may culminate?"

"You may be right, Master Paul; I know not. Anyhow I withdraw my claim
to be numbered with the prophets--all the mor