William’s attention to his sick friend, and the ample testimony borne by that dying friend to his merits, rivetted the chain of affection, ever borne him by Mr. Stewart, more closely; and most truly did that good man often declare, that the “bread” he had “cast upon the waters” had been gathered, “after many days,” most abundantly.

Dear reader, would you wish to know what has become of the “Little Shoemaker?” Ours is, substantially, a true story; and now that we have brought him to blooming manhood, and the attainment of his early wishes, we will follow him through his successful career.  He is still living, and industrious, careful, and pious.  He has never relaxed that watchfulness enjoined by the blessed Saviour, and alike so necessary to the consistent walk of a professor of religion and the perfection of the Christian character.  Finding it harder to endure the glare of great prosperity than to dwell within the shadow of the cloud of poverty and sore affliction, he has ever cherished the same talisman which brought him through the deep waters.  Girded with the armour of truth, praying with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance, he has preserved a consistent course, maintaining his integrity in all things, and extending a helping hand to all who need his aid.  His motto is still, “Watch that you may pray, and pray that you may be safe;” and practising upon this teaching, he feels that dependence upon God alone is mighty to conquer.

And now, dear reader, has not his history fully proved, and his experience shown, that they that trust in the Lord “shall not be ashamed in the evil time;” for “the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord; he is their strength in the time of trouble?” He who raised the shepherd boy to the throne of Israel, and fed his faithful servant Elijah by the brook Cherith, will never leave nor forsake those who trust in him, and serve him truly.  He is the hearer of prayer, and will feed and care for all that call upon him aright.  “The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger; but they that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing.”  “Watch and pray,” is the injunction of our blessed Lord to all who would be his followers.  To each one he has given his proper work; and those who would be approved as true believers must honour the Lord in whatever duty they are called to perform; and this can only be done through assisting grace, which is found sufficient for all.  Wait, then, dear young reader, upon God; commit all thy ways to him, and thou shalt delight in the abundance of peace.

  “In patience ever wait and weep,
     Though mercy long delay;
   Firm hold upon His footstool keep,
     And trust him, though he slay.

   In these thy words, Thy will be done;
     So strengthen’d by his might,
   Thou, by his Spirit, through his Son,
     Shalt pray, and pray aright.”