Providence Leads Us Through the Wilderness
By Whyte Melville
PROVIDENCE leads us like children through the wilderness, by many a devious track toward our home. Joy brightens the path for one, and he walks on thankfully and happily in its rosy light. Grief takes another by the hand, and clutching him in her stern grip, points with wasted arm along the narrow way. What matter for so short a distance how we reach the goal? Brother! help me with my knapsack the while I guide thy feebler steps, and share with thee the crumbs in my homely wallet. Let us assist rather than hinder one another. Yonder where the lights are twinkling is a welcome for us all. Dark is the night, and sore the weary feet, and rough the way. Cheer up! toil on! we shall get there at last.—Whyte Melville.