through the winter's study.

Saying good-by to Pastor Bennet proved to be quite an undertaking. Austin
did not realize how he had learned to love this friend, nor all that his
pastor had been to him; but now, as he stood before him for the last time,
his lips trembled and his heart sank. Who would give him the advice and
council so needed by every young Christian? To whom should he go in times
of spiritual darkness and perplexity?

"Austin, you will have peculiar trials in your father's home, for you tell
me he is not only unsaved, but a drinking man also. If you settle it in
your heart to be a bold witness for Christ from the beginning, you will
have little trouble with discouragements from him. Be bold and determined
and keep your faith strong in God, and you will be able to meet the hardest
trials."

"Brother Bennet, Christ is needed in my father's house. I mean to do my
duty by the children, and if possible lead them to the Savior. I will
neither turn back nor give up, and by God's grace I shall be bold to speak
for Him when I ought. Pray for me that I may be able to prove myself a real
Christian."

"Another thing, Austin, seek out some spiritual people and meet with them
regularly. It is far more difficult to live a Christian life without the
encouragement of fellow travelers in the way."

"I promise to do that, and to get the children into Sunday-school as soon
as I can," replied the boy.

There was to Austin a great deal of satisfaction in the fact that he should