,illustration3 ,,mr4 ,,ewart ,,and ,,mark4 ,page #bb4 ,,the ,,young ,,pilgrim4 ,a ,tale ,,illustrative ,,of 8,,the ,,pilgrim',s ,,progress40 ,,by ,a4 ,l4 ,o4 ,e41 ,,author ,,of 8,,the ,,shepherd ,,of ,,bethlehem10 8,,the ,,silver ,,casket10 ,,etc4 ,,with ,,illustrations4 ,london3 ,t4 ,,nelson ,,and ,,sons1 ,,paternoster ,,row4 ,,edinburgh2 ,,and ,,new ,,york4 #ahhg4 ,preface4 ,it may perhaps be necessary to give a brief explanation of the object of this little work4 ,it has been written as a ,,child',s ,,companion ,,to ,,the ,,pilgrim',s ,,progress4 ,that invaluable work is frequently put into youthful hands long before the mind can unravel the deep allegory which it contains2 and thus its precious lessons are lost1 and it is only perused as an amusing tale4 ,i would offer my humble work as a kind of translation1 the term which was applied to it by a little boy to whom ,i was reading it in manuscript--a translation of ideas beyond youthful comprehension into the common language of daily life4 ,i would tell the child1 through the medium of a simple tale1 that ,bunyan's dream is a solemn reality1 that the feet of the young may tread the pilgrim's path1 and press on to the pilgrim's reward4 ,i earnestly wish that ,i had been able more completely to carry out the object set before me2 but difficulties have arisen from the very nature of my work4 ,i have been obliged to make mine a very free translation1 full both of imperfections and omissions4 ,this is more especially the case where subjects are treated of in the ,pilgrim's ,progress which concern the deeper experience of the soul4 ,of fearful inward struggles and temptations1 such as befell the author of that work1 the gloom and horrors of the ,valley of the ,shadow of ,death1 the little ones who early set out on pilgrimage usually know but little4 ,they find the stepping-stones across the ,slough of ,despond1 and are rarely seized by ,giant ,despair4 ,it would be worse than useless to represent the ,christian pilgrimage as more gloomy and painful than children are likely to find it4 ,there are other valuable parts of the ,pilgrim's ,progress1 such as the sojourn in the ,house ,beautiful1 which is believed by many to represent ,christian communion1 which could hardly be enlarged upon in a design like mine2 while the present altered appearance of ,vanity ,fair has compelled me to wander still further from my original1 if ,i would draw a picture that could be recognized at the present day1 and be useful to the rising generation4 ,such as it is1 ,i earnestly pray the ,lord of pilgrims to vouchsafe his blessing on my little work4 ,to point out to ,his dear children the holy guiding light which marks the strait gate and the narrow path of life1 and bid them ,god speed on their way1 is an office which ,i most earnestly desire1 yet of which ,i feel myself unworthy4 ,i may at least hope to lead my young readers to a nobler instructor1 to induce them to peruse with greater interest and deeper profit the pages of the ,pilgrim's ,progress1 and to apply to their own characters and their own lives the precious truths conveyed in that allegory4 ,a4 ,l4 ,o4 ,e4 ,contents4 ,i4 ,,the ,,pilgrim',s ,,call1 #ac ,,ii4 ,,difficulties ,,on ,,setting ,,out1 #be ,,iii4 ,,man',s ,,way ,,of ,,works1 #cc ,,iv4 ,,god',s ,,gift ,,of ,,grace1 #dd ,v4 ,a ,,glimpse ,,of ,,the ,,cross1 #eb ,,vi4 ,,the ,,pilgrim ,,in ,,his ,,home1 #fb ,,vii4 ,,the ,,arbour ,,on ,,the ,,hill1 #fh ,,viii4 ,,dangers1 ,,difficulties1 ,,and ,,doubts1 #gi ,,ix4 ,,the ,,armour ,,and ,,the ,,battle1 #ij ,x4 ,,shadow ,,and ,,sunshine1 #ajb ,,xi4 ,,the ,,touchstone ,,of ,,trial1 #aaa ,,xii4 ,,pilgrims ,,converse ,,by ,,the ,,way1 #abb ,,xiii4 ,,distant ,,glimpse ,,of ,,vanity ,,fair1 #acb ,,xiv4 ,,vexations ,,of ,,vanity ,,fair1 #adc ,,xv4 ,,citizens ,,of ,,vanity ,,fair1 #aea ,,xvi4 ,,new ,,and ,,old ,,companions1 #aei ,,xvii4 ,,life ,,in ,,the ,,great ,,city1 #afg ,,xviii4 ,,fogs ,,and ,,mists1 #aha ,,xix4 ,,disappointment1 #ahi ,,xx4 ,,the ,,perilous ,,mine1 #aig ,,xxi4 ,,green ,,pastures ,,and ,,still ,,waters1 #bjf ,,xxii4 ,a ,,few ,,steps ,,aside1 #bae ,,xxiii4 ,,regrets1 ,,but ,,not ,,despair1 #bcj ,,xxiv4 ,a ,,new ,,danger1 #bci ,,xxv4 ,,the ,,lake ,,among ,,the ,,rocks1 #bec ,,xxvi4 ,,coming ,,to ,,the ,,river1 #bfd ,,xxvii4 ,,the ,,close ,,of ,,the ,,pilgrimage1 #bga ,,xxviii4 ,,conclusion1 #bhj ,list of ,illustrations4 ,,mr4 ,,ewart ,,and ,,mark1 ,frontispiece ,,at ,,the ,,gate1 #ad ,,mark ,,and ,,his ,,mother1 #bi ,,herding ,,sheep1 #ci ,,at ,,the ,,church1 #eg ,,mark',s ,,kindness1 #fg ,,mark',s ,,indignation ,,at ,,deceit1 #gf ,,mark ,,restoring ,,the ,,lost ,,bible1 #hf ,,mark ,,discovered ,,by ,,lord ,,fontonore1 #aje ,,charles',s ,,struggle1 #aag ,,charles ,,and ,,his ,,mother',s ,,portrait1 #adj ,,clementina ,,at ,,the ,,piano1 #adi ,,returning ,,from ,,church1 #afb ,,the ,,parting ,,with ,,mr4 ,,ewart1 #afi ,,the ,,conversation ,,in ,,the ,,park1 #agi ,,dressed ,,for ,,the ,,ball1 #ahh ,,clementina ,,and ,,ernest1 #aib ,,charles ,,and ,,fitzwigram1 #bjd ,,mr4 ,,staines ,,and ,,the ,,tutor1 #bah ,,the ,,dismissal1 #bbh ,,the ,,confession ,,and ,,entreaty1 #bcc ,,the ,,new ,,tutor1 #bdb ,,the ,,apology1 #bea ,,the ,,rescue1 #bfj ,,jack ,,receiving ,,the ,,bible1 #bgf ,,the ,,welcome ,,box1 #bhd ,,the ,,new ,,book1 #bhe ,,the ,,young ,,pilgrim4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,,the ,,pilgrim',s ,,call4 8,i dreamed1 and1 behold1 ,i saw a man clothed with rags standing in a certain place1 with his face from his own house1 a book in his hand1 and a great burden upon his back40--,pilgrim's ,progress4 8,is this the way to the ruins of ,st4 ,frediswed's shrine80 said a clergyman to a boy of about twelve years of age1 who stood leaning against the gate of a field4 8,they are just here1 sir10 replied the peasant1 proceeding to open the gate4 8,just wait a moment10 cried a bright-haired boy who accompanied the clergyman2 8that is your way1 this is mine10 and he vaulted lightly over the gate4 8,so these are the famous ruins60 he exclaimed as he alighted on the opposite side2 8,i don't think much of them1 ,mr4 ,ewart4 ,a few yards of stone wall1 half covered with moss1 and an abundance of nettles is all ,i can see40 ,illustration3 ,,at ,,the ,,gate4 8,and yet this once was a famous resort for pilgrims40 8,pilgrims1--what were they80 inquired the boy4 8,in olden times1 when the ,romanist religion prevailed in ,england1 it was thought an act of piety to visit certain places that were considered particularly holy2 and those who undertook journeys for this purpose received the name of pilgrims4 ,many travelled thousands of miles to kneel at the tomb of our ,lord in ,jerusalem1 and those who could not go so far believed that by visiting certain famous shrines here1 they could win the pardon of their sins4 ,hundreds of misguided people1 in this strange1 superstitious hope1 visited the abbey by whose ruins we now stand2 and ,i have heard that a knight1 who had committed some great crime1 walked hither barefoot1 with a cross in his hand1 a distance of several leagues40 8,a knight barefoot6 how strange60 cried young ,lord ,fontonore2 8but then he believed that it would save him from his sins40 8,save him from his sins60 thought the peasant boy1 who1 with his full earnest eyes fixed upon ,mr4 ,ewart1 had been drinking in every word that he uttered2 8save him from his sins6 ,i should not have thought it strange had he crawled the whole way on his knees60 8,are there any pilgrims now80 inquired ,fontonore4 8,in ,romanist countries there are still many pilgrimages made by those who know not1 as we do1 the one only way by which sinners can be accounted righteous before a pure ,god4 ,but in one sense1 ,charles1 we all should be pilgrims1 travellers in the narrow path that leads to salvation1 passing on in our journey from earth to heaven1 with the cross not in our hands but in our hearts2 pilgrims1 not to the tomb of a crucified ,saviour1 but to the throne of that ,saviour in glory60 ,charles listened with reverence1 as he always did when his tutor spoke of religion1 but his attention was nothing compared to that of the peasant1 who for the first time listened to conversation on a subject which had lately been filling all his thoughts4 ,he longed to speak1 to ask questions of the clergyman1 but a feeling of awe kept him back2 he only hoped that the gentleman would continue to talk1 and felt vexed when he was interrupted by three children who ran up to the stranger to ask for alms4 8,begging is a bad trade1 my friends10 said ,mr4 ,ewart gravely1 8,i never like to encourage it in the young40 8,we're so hungry10 said the youngest of the party4 8,mother's dead1 and father's broke his leg60 cried another4 8,we want to get him a little food10 whined the third4 8,do you live near80 asked ,mr4 ,ewart4 8,yes sir1 very near40 8,i will go and see your father10 said the clergyman4 ,the little rogues1 who were accustomed to idle about the ruin to gain pence from visitors by a tale of pretended woe1 looked at each other in some perplexity at the offer1 for though they liked money well enough1 they were by no means prepared for a visit4 ,at last ,jack1 the eldest1 said with impudent assurance1 8,father's not there1 he's taken to the hospital1 there's only mother at home40 8,mother6 you said just now that your mother was dead40 8,i meant--0 stammered the boy1 quite taken by surprise2 but the clergyman would not suffer him to proceed4 8,do not add another untruth1 poor child1 to those which you have just uttered4 ,do you not know that there is ,one above the heavens who hears the words of your lips1 reads the thoughts of your hearts--,one who will judge1 and can punish80 ,ashamed and abashed1 the three children made a hasty retreat4 ,as soon as they were beyond sight and hearing of the strangers1 ,jack turned round and made a mocking face in their direction1 and ,madge exclaimed in an insolent tone1 8,we weren't going to stop for his sermon40 8,there's ,mark there that would take it in every word1 and thank him for it at the end10 said ,jack4 8,oh1 ,mark's so odd60 cried ,ben2 8he's never like anybody else4 ,no one would guess him for our brother60 ,these words were more true than ,ben's usually were1 for the bright-haired young noble himself scarcely offered a greater contrast to the ragged1 dirty children1 than they with their round rustic faces1 marked by little expression but stupidity on that of ,ben1 sullen obstinacy on ,madge's1 and forward impudence on ,jack's1 did to the expansive brow and deep thoughtful eye of the boy whom they had spoken of as ,mark4 8,yes10 said ,jack1 8he could never even pluck a wild-flower1 but he must be pulling it to bits to look at all its parts4 ,it was not enough to him that the stars shine to give us light1 he must prick out their places on an old bit of paper1 as if it mattered to him which way they were stuck4 ,but of all his fancies he's got the worst one now2 ,i think he's going quite crazed40 8,what's he taken into his head80 said ,madge4 8,you remember the bag which the lady dropped at the stile1 when she was going to the church by the wood80 ,madge nodded assent1 and her brother continued3 8,what fun we had in carrying off and opening that bag1 and dividing the things that were in it6 ,father had the best of the fun of it though1 for he took the purse with the money40 8,i know10 cried ,ben1 8and mother had the handkerchief with lace round the edge1 and ,e4 ,s4 marked in the corner4 ,we--more's the shame6--had nothing but some pence1 and the keys2 and ,mark1 as the biggest1 had the book40 8,ah6 the book60 cried ,jack2 8that's what has put him out of his wits60 8,no one grudged it him1 ,i'm sure10 said ,ben1 8precious little any of us would have made out of it4 ,but ,mark takes so to reading1 it's so odd2 and it sets him a thinking1 a thinking3 well1 ,i can't tell what folk like us have to do with reading and thinking60 8,nor ,i60 cried both ,madge and ,jack4 8,i shouldn't wonder10 said the latter1 as stretched on the grass he amused himself with shying stones at the sparrows1 8,i shouldn't wonder if his odd ways had something to do with that red mark on his shoulder60 8,what1 that strange mark1 like a cross1 which made us call him the ,red-cross ,knight1 after the ballad which mother used to sing us80 8,yes2 ,i never saw a mark like that afore1 either from blow or burn40 8,mother don't like to hear it talked of10 said ,madge4 8,well1 whatever has put all this nonsense into his head1 father will soon knock it out of him when he comes back60 cried ,jack4 8,he's left off begging1--he won't ask for a penny1 and he used to get more than we three together1 'cause ladies said he looked so interesting2 and he'll not so much as take an egg from a nest1--he's turned quite good for nothing60 ,leaving the three children to pursue their conversation1 we will return to him who was the subject of it4 ,that which had made them scoff had made him reflect1--he could not get rid of those solemn words1 8,there is ,one above the heavens who hears the words of your lips1 reads the thoughts of your hearts--,one who will judge1 and can punish60 ,they reminded him of what he had read in his book1 ,the soul that sinneth it shall die2 he knew himself to be a sinner1 and he trembled4 ,little dreaming what was passing in the mind of the peasant1 ,mr4 ,ewart examined the ruin without noticing him further1 and ,mark still leant on the gate1 a silent1 attentive listener4 8,i think1 ,charles10 said the tutor1 8that ,i should like to make a sketch of this spot1 ,i have brought my paint-box and drawing block with me1 and if ,i could only procure a little water--0 8,please may ,i bring you some1 sir80 said ,mark4 ,the offer was accepted1 and the boy went off at once1 still turning in his mind the conversation that had passed4 8#8,pilgrims in the narrow path that leadeth to salvation1'--,i wish that ,i knew what he meant4 ,is that a path only for holy men like him1 or can it be that it is open to me8 ,salvation6 that is safety1 safety from punishment1 safety from the anger of the terrible ,god4 ,oh1 what can ,i do to be saved60 ,in a few minutes ,mark returned with some fresh water which he brought in an old broken jar4 ,he set it down by the spot where ,mr4 ,ewart was seated4 8,thanks1 my good lad10 said the clergyman1 placing a silver piece in his hand4 8,good10 repeated ,mark to himself2 8he little knows to whom he is speaking40 8,it would be tedious to you1 ,charles1 to remain beside me while ,i am sketching10 said ,mr4 ,ewart2 8you will enjoy a little rambling about2 only return to me in an hour40 8,i will explore60 replied the young lord gaily2 8there is no saying what curiosities ,i may find to remind me of the pilgrims of former days40 ,and now the clergyman sat alone1 engaged with his paper and brush1 while ,mark watched him from a little distance1 and communed with his own heart4 8,he said that he knew the one1 only way by which sinners could be accounted righteous--righteous6 that must mean good--before a holy ,god6 ,he knows the way2 oh1 that he would tell it to me6 ,i have half a mind to go up to him now2 it would be a good time when he is all by himself40 ,mark made one step forward1 then paused4 8,i dare not1 he would think it so strange4 ,he could not understand what ,i feel4 ,he has never stolen1 nor told lies1 nor sworn2 he would despise a poor sinner like me4 ,and yet10 added the youth with a sigh1 8he would hardly sit there1 looking so quiet and happy1 if he knew how anxious a poor boy is to hear of the way of salvation1 which he says that he knows4 ,i will go nearer2 perhaps he may speak first40 ,mr4 ,ewart had begun a bold1 clever sketch1--stones and moss1 trees and grass were rapidly appearing on the paper1 but he wanted some living object to give interest to the picture4 ,naturally his eye fell upon ,mark1 in his tattered jacket and straw hat1 but he forgot his sketch as he looked closer at the boy1 and met his sad1 anxious gaze4 8,you are unhappy1 ,i fear10 he said1 laying down his pencil4 ,mark cast down his eyes1 and said nothing4 8,you are in need1 or you are ill1 or you are in want of a friend10 said the clergyman with kind sympathy in his manner4 8,oh1 sir1 it is not that--0 began ,mark1 and stopped4 8,come nearer to me1 and tell me frankly1 my boy1 what is weighing on your heart4 ,it is the duty1 it is the privilege of the minister of ,christ to speak comfort to those who require comfort40 8,can you tell me10 cried ,mark1 with a great effort1 8the way for sinners--to be saved80 8,the ,saviour is the ,way1 the ,truth1 and the ,life1 the ,gate by which alone we enter into salvation4 ,believe on the ,lord ,jesus ,christ and thou shalt be saved4 ,the just shall live by faith40 8,what is faith80 said ,mark1 gathering courage from the gentleness with which he was addressed4 8,faith is to believe all that the ,bible tells us of the ,lord1 ,his glory1 ,his goodness1 ,his death for our sins1 to believe all the promises made in ,his ,word1 to rest in them1 hope in them1 make them our stay1 and love ,him who first loved us4 ,have you a ,bible1 my friend80 8,i have40 8,and do you read it80 8,very often10 replied ,mark4 8,search the ,scriptures1 for they are the surest guide2 search them with faith and prayer1 and the ,lord will not leave you in darkness1 but guide you by his counsel here1 and afterward receive you to glory40 ,mr4 ,ewart did not touch his pencil again that day1 his sketch lay forgotten upon the grass4 ,he was giving his hour to a nobler employment1 the employment worthy of angels1 the employment which the ,son of ,god ,himself undertook upon earth4 ,he was seeking the sheep lost in the wilderness1 he was guiding a sinner to the truth4 8,i hope that ,i have not kept you waiting10 exclaimed ,charles1 as he came bounding back to his tutor2 8the carriage has come for us from the inn2 it looks as if we should have rain1 we must make haste home40 ,mr4 ,ewart1 who felt strongly interested in ,mark1 now asked him for his name and address1 and noted down both in his pocket-book4 ,he promised that1 if possible1 he would come soon and see him again4 8,keep to your good resolutions10 said the clergyman1 as he walked towards the carriage1 accompanied by ,charles2 8and remember that though the just shall live by faith1 it is such faith as must necessarily produce repentance1 love1 and a holy life40 ,mr4 ,ewart stepped into the carriage1 the young lord sprang in after him1 the servant closed the door and they drove off4 ,mark stood watching the splendid equipage as it rolled along the road1 till it was at last lost to his sight4 8,i am glad that ,i have seen him--,i am so glad that he spoke to me--,i will never forget what he said6 ,yes1 ,i will keep to my good resolutions2 from this hour ,i will be a pilgrim to heaven1 ,i will enter at once by the strait gate1 and walk in the narrow way that leadeth unto life60 ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,,difficulties ,,on ,,setting ,,out4 8,they drew nigh to a very miry slough1 that was in the midst of the plain2 and they being heedless1 did both fall suddenly into the bog4 ,the name of the slough was ,despond40--,pilgrim's ,progress4 ,evening had closed in with rain and storm1 and all the children had returned to the cottage of their mother4 ,a dirty1 uncomfortable abode it looked1 most unlike those beautiful little homes of the peasant which we see so often in dear old ,england1 with the ivy-covered porch1 and the clean-washed floor1 the kettle singing merrily above the cheerful fire1 the neat rows of plates ranged on the shelf1 the prints upon the wall1 and the large ,bible in the corner4 ,no2 this was a cheerless-looking place1 quite as much from idleness and neglect as from poverty4 ,the holes in the window were stuffed with rags1 the little garden in front held nothing but weeds1 the brick floor appeared as though it had never been clean1 and everything lay about in confusion4 ,an untidy-looking woman1 with her shoes down at heel1 and her hair hanging loose about her ears1 had placed the evening meal on the table2 and round it now sat the four children1 busy with their supper1 but not so busy as to prevent a constant buzz of talking from going on all the time that they ate4 8,i say1 ,mark10 cried ,jack1 8what did the parson pay you for listening to him for an hour80 8,how much did you get out of him80 said ,madge4 8,any money80 asked ,ann ,dowley1 looking up eagerly4 ,mark laid sixpence on the table4 8,i daresay that you might have got more10 said ,ben4 8,i did get more--but not money40 8,what1 food1 or clothes1 or--0 8,not food1 nor clothes1 but good words1 which were better to me than gold40 ,this announcement was received with a roar of laughter1 which did not1 however1 disconcert ,mark4 8,look you10 he said1 as soon as they were sufficiently quiet to hear him1 8look you if what ,i said be not true4 ,you only care for things that belong to this life1 but it is no more to be compared to the life that is to come than a candle to the sun1 or a leaf to the forest6 ,why1 where shall we all be a hundred years hence80 8,in our graves1 to be sure10 said ,ben4 8,that is only our bodies--our poor1 weak bodies2 but our souls1 that think1 and hope1 and fear1 where will they be then80 8,we don't want to look on so far10 observed ,jack4 8,but it may not be far10 exclaimed ,mark4 8,thousands of children die younger than we1 there are many1 many small graves in the churchyard2 death may be near to us1 it may be close at hand1 and where will our souls be then80 8,i don't know10 said ,madge2 8,i don't want to think10 subjoined her elder brother2 their mother only heaved a deep sigh4 8,is it not something10 continued ,mark1 8to hear of the way to a place where our souls may be happy when our bodies are dust8 ,is it not something to look forward to a glorious heaven1 where millions and millions of years may be spent amongst joys far greater than we can think1 and yet never bring us nearer to the end of our happiness and glory80 8,oh1 these are all dreams10 laughed ,jack1 8that come from reading in that book40 8,they are not dreams60 exclaimed ,mark1 with earnestness1 8they are more real than anything on earth4 ,everything is changing here1 nothing is sure2 flowers bloom one day and are withered the next2 now there is sunshine1 and now there is gloom2 you see a man strong and healthy1 and the next thing you hear of him perhaps is his death6 ,all things are changing and passing away1 just like a dream when we awake2 but heaven and its delights are sure1 quite sure2 the rocks may be moved--but it never can be changed2 the sun may be darkened--it is all bright for ever60 8,oh that we might reach it60 exclaimed ,ann ,dowley1 the tears rising into her eyes4 ,her sons looked at her in wonder1 for they had never known their mother utter such a sentence before4 ,to them ,mark's enthusiasm seemed folly and madness1 and they could not hide their surprise at the effect which it produced upon one so much older than themselves4 ,ann ,dowley had been brought up to better things1 and had received an education very superior to the station in which she had been placed by her marriage4 ,for many years she had been a servant in respectable families1 and though all was now changed--how miserably changed6--she could not forget much that she had once seen and heard4 ,she was not ignorant1 though low and coarse-minded1 and it was perhaps from this circumstance that her family were decidedly more intelligent than country children of their age usually are4 ,ann could read well1 but her only stock of books consisted of some dirty novels1 broken-backed and torn--she would have done well to have used them to light the fire4 ,she was one who had never cared much for religion1 who had not sought the ,creator in the days of her youth2 but she was unhappy now1 united to a husband whom she dreaded1 and could not respect--whose absence for a season was an actual relief2 she was poor1 and she doubly felt the sting of poverty from having once been accustomed to comfort--and ,mark's description of peace1 happiness1 and joy1 touched a chord in her heart that had been silent for long4 ,illustration3 ,,mark ,,and ,,his ,,mother4 8,you too desire to reach heaven60 cried ,mark1 with animation sparkling in his eyes2 8oh1 mother1 we will be pilgrims together1 struggle on together in the narrow way1 and be happy for ever and ever60 ,the three younger children1 who had no taste for conversation such as this1 having finished their meal slunk into the back room1 to gamble away farthings as they had learned to do from their father4 ,ann sat down by the fire opposite to ,mark1 a more gentle expression than usual upon her face1 and pushing back the hair from her brow1 listened1 leaning on her hand4 8,i will tell you1 mother1 what the clergyman told me--,i wish that ,i could remember every word4 ,he said that ,god would guide us by his counsel here1 and afterward receive us to glory4 ,and he spoke of that glory1 that dazzling1 endless glory6 ,oh1 mother1 how wretched and dark seems this earth when we think of the blessedness to come60 8,but that blessedness may not be for us10 said ,ann4 8,he said that it was for those who had faith1 who believed in the ,lord ,jesus ,christ40 8,i believe10 said the woman1 8,i never doubted the ,bible2 ,i used to read it when ,i was a child40 8,we will read mine together now1 mother40 8,and what more did the clergyman tell you80 8,he told me that the faith which brings us to heaven will be sure to produce--0 ,mark paused to recall the exact words--8repentance1 love1 and a holy life40 8,a holy life60 repeated ,ann1 slowly4 ,painful thoughts crossed her mind of many things constantly done that ought not to be done1 habits hard to be parted with as a right hand or a right eye2 holiness seemed something as far beyond her reach as the moon which was now rising in the cloudy sky2 she folded her hands with a gloomy smile1 and said1 8,if that be needful1 we may as well leave all these fine hopes to those who have some chance of winning what they wish60 8,the way is not shut to us40 8,i tell you that it is10 said the woman1 impatiently2 for the little gleam of hope that had dawned on her soul had given place to sullen despair4 8,to be holy you must be truthful and honest--we are placed in a situation where we cannot be truthful1 we cannot be honest1 we cannot serve ,god6 ,it is all very well for the rich and the happy2 the narrow way to them may be all strewed with flowers1 but to us it is closed--and for ever60 ,she clenched her hand with a gesture of despair4 8,but1 mother--0 8,talk no more10 she said1 rising from her seat2 8do you think that your father would stand having a saint for his wife1 or his son6 ,we have gone so far that we cannot turn back1 we cannot begin life again like children--never speak to me again on these matters60 and1 so saying1 ,ann quitted the room1 further than ever from the strait gate that leadeth unto life1 more determined to pursue her own unhappy career4 ,the heart of ,mark sank within him4 ,here was disappointment to the young pilgrim at the very outset3 fear1 doubt1 and difficulty enclosed him round1 and hope was but as a dim1 distant light before him4 ,but help seemed given to the lonely boy1 more lonely amid his unholy companions than if he had indeed stood by himself in the world4 ,he looked out on the pure1 pale moon in the heavens3 the dark clouds were driving across her path1 sometimes seeming to blot her from the sky2 then a faint1 hazy light would appear from behind them2 then a slender1 brilliant rim would be seen2 and at last the full orb would shine out in glory1 making even the clouds look bright6 8,see how these clouds chase each other1 and crowd round the moon1 as if they would block up her way60 thought ,mark4 8,they are like the trials before me now1 but bravely she keeps on her path through all and ,i must not--,i will not despair60 ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,,man',s ,,way ,,of ,,works4 8,now as ,christian was walking solitarily by himself1 he espied one afar off come crossing over the field to meet him2 and their hap was to meet just as they were crossing the way of each other4 ,the gentleman's name that met him was ,mr4 ,worldly ,wiseman40--,pilgrim's ,progress4 ,the bright morning dawned upon ,holyby1 the storm had spent itself during the night1 and nothing remained to mark that it had been but the greater freshness of the air1 clearness of the sky1 and the heavy moisture on the grass that sparkled in the sun4 ,as the young pilgrim sat under an elm-tree1 eating the crust which served him for a breakfast1 and meditating on the events and the resolutions of the last day1 ,farmer ,joyce came riding along the road1 mounted on a heavy horse which often did service in the plough1 and drew up as he reached the boy4 8,i say1 ,mark ,dowley10 he called in a loud1 hearty voice1 8you are just the lad ,i was looking for60 8,did you want me80 said ,mark1 raising his eyes4 8,do you know ,mr4 ,ewart80 cried the farmer2 and on ,mark's shaking his head1 continued1 8why1 he was talking to me about you yesterday--a clergyman1 a tall man with a stoop--he who is tutor to ,lord ,fontonore40 8,oh1 yes60 cried ,mark1 springing up1 8but ,i did not know his name4 ,what could he be saying of me80 8,he stopped at my farm on his drive home yesterday1 and asked me if ,i knew a lad called ,mark ,dowley1 and what sort of character he bore4 ,says ,i10 continued the farmer1 with a broad smile on his jovial face1 8,i know nothing against that boy in particular1 but he comes of a precious bad lot60 8,and what did he reply80 cried ,mark1 eagerly4 8,oh1 a great deal that ,i can't undertake to repeat1 about taking you out of temptation1 and putting you in an honest way2 so the upshot of it is that ,i agreed to give you a chance1 and employ you myself to take care of my sheep1 to see if anything respectable can be made of you40 8,how good in him--how kind60 exclaimed ,mark4 8,it seems that you got round him--that you found his weak side1 young rogue6 ,you had been talking to him of piety and repentance1 and wanting to get to heaven4 ,but ,i'll give you a word of advice1 my man1 better than twenty sermons4 ,you see ,i'm thriving and prosperous enough1 and well respected1 though ,i should not say so1 and ,i never wronged a man in my life4 ,if you would be the same1 just mind what ,i say1 keep the commandments1 do your duty1 work hard1 owe nothing1 and steer clear of the gin-shop1 and depend upon it you'll be happy now1 and be sure of heaven at the last40 8,mr4 ,ewart said that by faith--0 8,faith60 exclaimed the farmer1 not very reverently2 8don't trouble yourself with things quite above you--things which you cannot understand4 ,it is all very well for a parson like him--a very worthy man in his way1 ,i believe1 but with many odd1 fanciful notions4 ,my religion is a very simple one1 suited to a plain man like me2 ,i do what is right1 and ,i expect to be rewarded2 ,i go on in a straightforward1 honest1 industrious way1 and ,i feel safer than any talking and canting can make one4 ,now you mind what you have heard1 ,mark ,dowley1 and come up to my farm in an hour or two4 ,i hope ,i'll have a good account to give of you to the parson2 and the young lord1 he too seemed to take quite an interest in you40 8,did he80 said ,mark1 somewhat surprised4 8,yes1 it's odd enough1 with such riches as he has1 one would have thought that he had something else to think of than a beggar boy4 ,why1 he has as many thousands a-year as there are sheaves in that field60 8,he had a splendid carriage and horses40 8,carriage6 he might have ten for the matter of that4 ,they say he has the finest estate in the county of ,york2 but ,i can't stay here idling all day10 added the farmer2 8you come up to my place as ,i said1 and remember all you've heard to-day4 ,i have promised to give you a trial2 but mark me1 my lad1 if ,i catch you at any of your old practices1 that moment you leave my service4 ,so1 honesty is the best policy1 as the good old proverb says40 ,with that he struck his horse with the cudgel which he carried in his hand1 and went off at a slow1 heavy trot4 8,there is a great deal of sense in what he has said10 thought ,mark1 as he turned in the direction of ,anne's cottage to tell her of his new engagement4 8#8,keep the commandments1 work hard1 and steer clear of the gin-shop1 and you'll be sure of heaven at the last6' ,these are very plain directions any way1 and ,i'm resolved to follow them from this hour4 ,some of my difficulties seem clearing away2 by watching the sheep all the day long ,i shall be kept from a good many of my temptations4 ,i shall have less of the company of my brothers1 ,i shall earn my bread in an honest way1 and yet have plenty of time for thought4 #8,keep the commandments1' let me think what they are20 and he went over the ten in his mind1 as he learned them from his ,bible4 8,i think that ,i may manage to keep them pretty strictly1 but there are words in the ,word of ,god which will come to my thoughts4 ,a new commandment ,i give you1 that ye love one another3 and1 ,he that hateth his brother is a murderer2--how can ,i love those who dislike me8--'tis impossible2 ,i don't believe that any one could40 ,the first thing that met the eyes of ,mark on his entering the cottage put all his good resolutions to flight4 ,jack and ,ben were seated on the brick floor1 busy in patching up a small broken box1 and as they wanted something to cut up for a lid1 they had torn off the cover from his beautiful ,bible1 and thrown the book itself under the table6 ,mark darted forward with an oath--alas6 his lips had been too long accustomed to such language for the habit of using it to be easily broken1 though he never swore except when taken by surprise1 as in this instance4 ,he snatched up first the cover1 and then the book1 and with fiery indignation flashing in his eyes1 exclaimed1 8,i'll teach you how to treat my ,bible so60 8,your ,bible60 exclaimed ,ben1 with a mocking laugh2 8,mark thinks it no harm to steal a good book1 but it's desperate wicked to pull off its cover60 8,oh1 that's what the parson was teaching him60 cried ,jack4 ,provoked beyond endurance1 ,mark struck him4 8,so it's that you're after60 exclaimed ,jack1 springing up like a wild cat1 and repaying the blow with interest4 ,he was but little younger than ,mark1 and of much stronger make1 therefore at least his match in a struggle4 ,the boys were at once engaged in fierce fight1 while ,ben sat looking on at the unholy strife1 laughing1 and shouting1 and clapping his hands1 and hallooing to ,jack to 8give it him60 8,what are you about there1 you bad boys80 exclaimed ,ann1 running from the inner room at the noise of the scuffle4 ,jack had always been her favourite son1 and without waiting to know who had the right in the dispute1 she grasped ,mark by the hair1 threw him violently back1 and1 giving him a blow with her clenched hand1 cried1 8,get away with you1 sneaking coward that you are1 to fight a boy younger than yourself60 8,you always take his part1 but he'll live to be your torment yet60 exclaimed ,mark1 forgetting all else in the blind fury of his passion4 8,he'll do better than you1 with all your canting10 cried ,ann4 ,the words in a moment recalled ,mark to himself2 what had he been doing8 what had he been saying8 he1 the pilgrim to heaven2 he1 the servant of ,god6 ,with a bitterness of spirit more painful than any wrong which could have been inflicted upon him by another1 he took up the ,bible which had been dropped in the struggle1 and left the cottage without uttering a word4 ,illustration3 ,,herding ,,sheep4 ,mortifying were ,mark's reflections through that day1 as he sat tending his sheep4 8,keep the commandments60 he sadly murmured to himself2 8how many have ,i broken in five minutes6 ,i took ,god's name in vain--a terrible sin4 ,it is written1 ,above all things swear not4 ,i did not honour my mother1 ,i spoke insolently to her4 ,i broke the sixth commandment by hating my brother2 ,i struck him2 ,i felt as though ,i could have knocked him down and trampled upon him6 ,how can ,i reach heaven by keeping the commandments8 ,i could as well get up to those clouds by climbing a tree4 ,well1 but ,i'll try once again1 and not give up yet4 ,there is no one to provoke me1 no one to tempt me here2 ,i can be righteous at least when ,i am by myself40 ,so ,mark sat long1 and read in his ,bible1 mended it as well as he could1 and thought of ,mr4 ,ewart and his words4 ,presently his mind turned to ,lord ,fontonore1 the fair1 bright-haired boy who possessed so much wealth1 who was placed in a position so different from his own4 8,he must be a happy boy indeed60 thought ,mark1 8with food in abundance1 every want supplied1 not knowing what it is to wish for a pleasure and not have it at once supplied4 ,he must be out of the way of temptation too1 always under the eye of that kind1 holy man1 who never would give a rough word1 ,i am sure1 but would always be leading him right4 ,it is very hard that there are such differences in the world1 that good things are so very unevenly divided4 ,i wish that ,i had but one quarter of his wealth2 he could spare it1 no doubt1 and never feel the loss40 ,without thinking what he was doing1 ,mark turned over a leaf of the ,bible which lay open upon his knee4 ,thou shalt not covet1 were the first words that met his gaze2 ,mark sighed heavily1 and closed the book4 8,so1 even when ,i am alone1 ,i am sinning still2 coveting1 repining1 murmuring against ,god's will1 with no more power to stand upright for one hour than this weed which ,i have plucked up by the roots4 ,and yet the soul that sinneth it shall die4 ,i cannot get rid of these terrible words4 ,i will not think on this subject any more1 it only makes me more wretched than ,i was4 ,oh6 ,i never knew1 till ,i tried it to-day1 how hard1 how impossible it is to be righteous before a holy ,god60 ,so1 tempted to banish the thought of religion altogether from his mind1 because he felt the law to be too holy to be kept unbroken1 yet dreading the punishment for breaking it1 ,mark tried to turn his attention to other things4 ,he watched the sheep as they grazed1 plucked wild-flowers and examined them1 and amused himself as best he might4 ,the day was very hot1 there was little shade in the field1 and ,mark grew heated and thirsty4 ,he wished that there were a stream running through the meadow1 his mouth felt so parched and dry4 ,on one side of the field there was a brick wall1 dividing it from the garden belonging to ,farmer ,joyce4 ,on the top of this grew a bunch of wild wall-flower1 and ,mark1 who was particularly fond of flowers1 amused himself by devising means to reach it4 ,there was a small tree growing not very far from the spot1 by climbing which1 and swinging himself over on the wall1 he thought that he might succeed in obtaining the prize4 ,it would be difficult1 but ,mark rather liked difficulties of this sort1 and anything at that time seemed pleasanter than thinking4 ,after one or two unsuccessful attempts1 the boy found himself perched upon the wall2 but the flower within his reach was forgotten4 ,he looked down from his height on the garden below1 with its long lines of fruit-bushes1 now stripped and bare1 beds of onions1 rows of beans1 broad tracts of potatoes1 all the picture of neatness and order4 ,but what most attracted the eye of the boy was a splendid peach-tree1 growing on the wall just below him1 its boughs loaded with rich tempting fruit4 ,one large peach1 the deep red of whose downy covering showed it to be so ripe that one might wonder that it did not fall from the branch by its own weight1 lay just within reach of his hand4 ,the sight of that fruit1 that delicious fruit1 made ,mark feel more thirsty than ever4 ,he should have turned away1 he should have sprung from the wall2 but he lingered and looked1 and looking desired1 then stretched out his hand to grasp4 ,alas for his resolutions6 alas for his pilgrim zeal6 ,could so small a temptation have power to overcome them8 ,yet let the disadvantages of ,mark's education be remembered3 he had been brought up with those to whom robbing an orchard seemed rather a diversion than a sin4 ,his first ardour for virtue had been chilled by failure2 and who that has tried what he vainly attempted does not know the effect of that chill8 ,with a hesitating hand ,mark plucked the ripe peach2 he did not recollect that it was a similar sin which once plunged the whole earth into misery--that it was tasting forbidden fruit which brought sin and death into the world4 ,he raised it to his lips1 when a sudden shout from the field almost caused him to drop from the wall4 8,holloa there1 you young thief6 ,are you at it already8 ,robbing me the very first day6 ,come down1 or ,i'll bring you to the ground with a vengeance60 ,it was the angry voice of the farmer4 ,mark dropped from his height much faster than he had mounted1 and stood before his employer with his face flushed to crimson1 and too much ashamed to lift up his eyes4 8,get you gone10 continued the farmer1 8for a hypocrite and a rogue2 you need try none of your canting on me4 ,not one hour longer shall you remain in my employ2 you're on the high road to the gallows40 ,mark turned away in silence1 with an almost bursting heart1 and feelings that bordered on despair4 ,with what an account of himself was he to return to his home1 to meet the scoffs and jests which he had too well deserved8 ,what discredit would his conduct bring on his religion6 ,how his profane companions would triumph in his fall6 ,the kind and pitying clergyman would regard him as a hypocrite--would feel disappointed in him4 ,bitter was the thought4 ,all his firm resolves had snapped like thread in the flame1 and his hopes of winning heaven had vanished4 ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,,god',s ,,gift ,,of ,,grace4 8,ye cannot be justified by the works of the law2 for by the deeds of the law no man living can be rid of his burden40--,pilgrim's ,progress4 8,what ails you my young friend8--has anything painful happened80 said a kindly voice1 and a hand was gently laid upon the shoulder of ,mark1 who was lying on the grass amidst the ruins of the old ,abbey1 his face leaning on his arms1 and turned towards the earth1 while short convulsive sobs shook his frame4 8,oh1 sir60 exclaimed ,mark1 as a momentary glance enabled him to recognize ,mr4 ,ewart4 8,let me know the cause of your sorrow10 said the clergyman1 seating himself on a large stone beside him4 8,rise1 and speak to me with freedom40 ,mark rose1 but turned his glowing face aside2 he was ashamed to look at his companion4 8,sit down there10 said ,mr4 ,ewart1 feeling for the boy's evident confusion and distress2 8perhaps you are not yet aware that ,i have endeavoured to serve you--to procure you a situation with ,farmer ,joyce80 8,i have had it1 and lost it10 replied ,mark abruptly4 8,indeed1 ,i am sorry to hear that4 ,i trust that no fault has occasioned your removal40 8,i stole his fruit10 said ,mark1 determined at least to hide nothing from his benefactor2 8he turned me off1 and he called me a hypocrite4 ,i am bad enough10 continued the boy1 in an agitated tone2 8no one but myself knows how bad2 but ,i am not a hypocrite--,i am not60 8,god forbid60 said ,mr4 ,ewart2 8but how did all this happen80 8,i was thirsty1 it tempted me1 and ,i took it4 ,i broke all my resolutions1 and now he cast me off1 and you will cast me off1 and the pure holy ,god1 ,he will cast me off too6 ,i shall never be worthy of heaven60 8,did you think that you could ever be worthy of heaven80 said the clergyman1 and paused for a reply4 ,then receiving none from ,mark1 he continued--8,not you1 nor ,i1 nor the holiest man that ever lived1 ,one excepted1 who was not only man1 but ,god1 was ever worthy of the kingdom of heaven40 ,mark looked at him in silent surprise4 8,we are all sinners1 ,mark2 all polluted with guilt4 ,not one day passes in which our actions1 our words1 or our thoughts1 would not make us lose all title to eternal life4 ,the ,bible says1 #8,there is not one that doeth good1 no1 not one4' ,every living soul is included under sin40 8,how can this be80 said ,mark1 who had looked upon the speaker as one above all temptation or stain4 8,since ,adam1 our first parent1 sinned and fell1 all his children have been born into the world with a nature tainted and full of wickedness4 ,even as every object lifted up from the earth1 if unsupported1 will fall to the ground1 so we1 without ,god's grace1 naturally fall into sin40 8,then can no one go to heaven80 said ,mark4 8,blessed be ,god1 mercy has found a means by which even sinners can be saved6 ,sin is the burden which weighs us to the dust1 which prevents us from rising to glory4 ,the ,lord ,jesus came from heaven that ,he might free us from sin1 take our burden from us1 and bear it ,himself2 and so we have hope of salvation through ,him40 8,i wish that ,i understood this better10 said ,mark4 8,i will tell you what happened to a friend of my own1 which may help you to understand our position towards ,god1 and the reason of the hope that is in us4 ,i went some years ago with a wealthy nobleman to visit a prison at some distance4 ,many improvements have been made in prisons since then1 at that time they were indeed most fearful abodes4 ,in one damp dark cell1 small and confined1 where light scarcely struggled in through the narrow grating to show the horrors of the place1 where the moisture trickled down the green stained walls1 and the air felt heavy and unwholesome2 in this miserable den we found an unhappy prisoner1 who had been confined there for many weary years4 ,he had been placed there for a debt which he was unable to pay1 and he had no prospect of ever getting free4 ,can you see in this man's case no likeness to your own8 ,look on sin as a debt1 a heavy debt1 that you owe3 do you not feel that you have no power to pay it80 8,none10 replied ,mark gloomily2 8none40 8,i had the will to help the poor man10 continued ,mr4 ,ewart1 8but ,providence had not afforded me the means4 ,i had no more ability to set him free from prison than ,i have to rid you of the burden of your sin40 8,but the wealthy nobleman10 suggested ,mark4 8,he had both power and will4 ,he paid the debt at once1 and the prisoner was released4 ,never shall ,i forget the poor man's cry of delight1 as the heavy iron-studded door was thrown open for his passage1 and he bounded into the bright sunshine again60 8,and what became of him afterwards80 asked the boy4 8,he entered the service of his generous benefactor1 and became the most faithful1 the most attached of servants4 ,he remained in that place till he died2 he seemed to think that he could never do enough for him who had restored him to freedom40 8,where is the friend to pay my debt80 sighed ,mark4 8,it has been paid already10 said the clergyman4 8,paid6 ,oh1 when1 and by whom80 8,it was paid when the ,saviour died upon the cross--it was paid by the eternal ,son of ,god4 ,he entered for us the prison of this world1 ,he paid our debt with ,his own precious blood1 ,he opened the gates of eternal life2 through ,his merits1 for ,his sake1 we are pardoned and saved1 if we have faith1 true faith in that ,saviour60 8,this is wonderful10 said ,mark1 thoughtfully1 as though he could yet scarcely grasp the idea4 8,and this faith must produce a holy life2 but here is the place where ,i went wrong--,i thought men were saved because they were holy40 8,they are holy because they are saved6 ,here was indeed your mistake1 my friend4 ,the poor debtor was not set free because he had served his benefactor1 but he served him because he was set free6 ,a tree does not live because it has fruit1 however abundant that fruit may be2 but it produces fruit because it has life1 and good actions are the fruit of our faith60 8,but are we safe whether we be holy or not80 8,without holiness no man shall see the ,lord4 ,every tree that beareth not good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire40 8,but ,i feel as if ,i could not be holy10 cried ,mark4 8,i tried this day to walk straight on in the narrow path of obedience to ,god--,i tried1 but ,i miserably failed4 ,i gained nothing at all by trying40 8,you gained the knowledge of your own weakness1 my boy2 you will trust less to your resolutions in future1 and so ,god will bring good out of evil4 ,and now let me ask you one question1 ,mark ,dowley4 ,when you determined to set out on your ,christian pilgrimage1 did you pray for the help and guidance of ,god's ,spirit80 ,mark1 in a low voice1 answered1 8,no60 8,and can you wonder then that you failed8 could you have expected to succeed8 ,as well might you look for ripe fruit where the sun never shines1 or for green grass to spring where the dew never falls1 or for sails to be filled and the vessel move on when there is not a breath of air4 ,sun1 dew1 and wind are given by ,god alone1 and so is the ,holy ,spirit1 without which it is impossible to please ,him40 8,and how can ,i have the ,spirit80 said ,mark4 8,ask for it1 never doubting but that it shall be sent1 for this is the promise of the ,lord3 ,ask and ye shall receive1 seek and ye shall find1 knock and it shall be opened unto you4 ,if ye1 being evil1 know how to give good gifts unto your children1 how much more shall your ,father which is in heaven give the ,holy ,spirit to them that ask him80 8,and what will the ,spirit do for me80 8,strengthen you1 increase your courage and your faith1 make your heart pure and holy4 ,the fruit of the ,spirit is love1 joy1 peace1 long-suffering1 gentleness1 goodness1 faith1 meekness1 temperance4 ,having these you are rich indeed1 and may press on your way rejoicing to the kingdom of your ,father in heaven40 8,but how shall ,i pray80 exclaimed ,mark4 8,i am afraid to address the ,most ,high ,god1 poor miserable sinner that ,i am40 8,when the blessed ,saviour dwelt upon earth1 multitudes flocked around him4 ,the poor diseased leper fell at his feet1 he was not despised because he was unclean2 parents brought their children to the ,lord1 they were not sent away because they were feeble2 the thief asked for mercy on the cross1 he was not rejected because he was a sinner4 ,the same gentle ,saviour who listened to them is ready to listen to you2 the same merciful ,lord who granted their prayers is ready to give an answer to yours4 ,pour out your whole heart1 as you would to a friend2 tell ,him your wants1 your weakness1 your woe1 and you never will seek ,him in vain60 ,there was silence for a few minutes1 during which ,mark remained buried in deep1 earnest thought4 ,the clergyman silently lifted up his heart to heaven for a blessing upon the words that had been spoken2 then1 rising from his seat1 he said1 8,i do not give up all hope1 ,mark ,dowley1 of procuring a situation for you yet2 though1 of course1 after what has occurred1 ,i shall find it more difficult to do so4 ,and one word before we part4 ,you are now standing before the gate of mercy1 a helpless1 burdened1 but not hopeless sinner4 ,there is ,one ready1 ,one willing to open to you1 if you knock by sincere humble prayer4 ,go1 then1 without delay1 seek ye the ,lord while he may be found1 call ye upon him while he is near40 ,mark watched the receding figure of the clergyman with a heart too full to express thanks4 ,as soon as ,mr4 ,ewart was out of sight1 once more the boy threw himself down on the grass1 but no longer in a spirit of despair4 ,trying to realize the truth1 that he was indeed in the presence of the ,saviour of whom he had heard--that the same eye which regarded the penitent thief with compassion was now regarding him from heaven--he prayed1 with the energy of one whose all is at stake1 for pardon1 for grace1 for the ,spirit of ,god6 ,he rose with a feeling of comfort and relief1 though the burden on his heart was not yet removed4 ,he believed that the ,lord was gracious and long-suffering1 that ,jesus came into the world to save sinners2 he had knocked at the strait gate1 which gives entrance into life1 and mercy had opened it unto him6 ,,chapter ,v4 ,a ,,glimpse ,,of ,,the ,,cross4 8,upon that place stood a ,cross1 and a little below1 in the bottom1 a ,sepulchre4 ,so ,i saw in my dream1 that just as ,christian came up with the ,cross1 his burden loosed from off his shoulders1 and fell from off his back40--,pilgrim's ,progress4 8,well1 this has been a pretty end to your fine pilgrimage60 cried ,jack1 as ,mark1 resolved to tell the truth1 whatever it might cost him1 finished the account of his rupture with the farmer4 8,the end60 said ,mark2 8my pilgrimage is scarcely begun40 8,it's a sort of backward travelling1 ,i should say10 laughed ,jack4 8,you begin with quarrelling and stealing2 ,i wonder what you'll come to at last80 ,mark was naturally of a quick and ardent spirit1 only too ready to avenge insult1 whether with his tongue or his hand4 ,but at this moment his pride was subdued1 he felt less inclined for angry retort2 the young pilgrim was more on his guard2 his first fall had taught him to walk carefully4 ,without replying1 therefore1 to the taunt of ,jack1 or continuing the subject at all1 he turned to ,ann ,dowley1 and asked her if she could lend him a needle and thread4 8,what do you want with them80 asked ,ann4 8,why1 ,i am afraid that ,i shall be but a poor hand at the work1 but ,i thought that ,i might manage to patch up one or two of these great holes1 and make my dress look a little more respectable40 8,and why do you wish to look respectable80 asked ,madge1 glancing at him through the uncombed1 unwashed locks that hung loosely over her brow2 8we get more when we look ragged40 8,to-morrow is ,sunday10 ,mark briefly replied1 8and ,i am going to church40 8,to church60 exclaimed every other voice in the cottage1 in a tone of as much surprise as if he had said that he was going to prison4 ,except ,ann1 in better days1 not one of the party had ever crossed the threshold of a church4 8,well1 if ever60 exclaimed ,jack2 8why on earth do you go there80 8,i go because ,i think it right to do so1 and because ,i think that it will help me on my way40 8,and what will you do when you get there80 laughed ,ben4 8,i shall listen1 learn1 and pray40 ,ann1 who1 by dint of searching in a most disorderly box1 filled with a variety of odds and ends1 had drawn forth first thread and then needle1 stretched out her hand towards ,mark4 8,give me your jacket1 ,i will mend it10 said she4 8,oh1 thank you1 how kind60 he cried1 pulling it off1 pleased with an offer as unexpected as it was unusual4 8,i think10 said ,madge1 8that the shirt wants mending worse than the jacket2 under that hole on the shoulder ,i can see the red mark quite plainly40 8,be silent1 and don't talk nonsense60 cried ,ann1 impatiently4 ,the children glanced at each other1 and were silent4 8,are you going to the near church by the wood80 said ,ann4 8,no10 replied ,mark2 8,i have two reasons for going to ,marshdale1 though it is six or seven miles off4 ,i would rather not go where--where ,i am known2 and judging from the direction in which his carriage was driven1 ,i think that ,i should have a better chance at ,marshdale of hearing ,mr4 ,ewart40 8,hearing whom80 exclaimed ,ann1 almost dropping her work1 whilst the blood rushed up to her face4 8,mr4 ,ewart1 the clergyman who has been so kind1 the tutor to ,lord ,fontonore40 8,lord ,fontonore6 does he live here80 cried ,ann1 almost trembling with excitement as she spoke4 8,i do not know exactly where he lives4 ,i should think it some way off1 as the carriage was put up at the inn4 ,did you ever see the clergyman1 mother80 8,he used to visit at my last place10 replied ,ann1 looking distressed4 8,i think ,i've heard father talk about ,lord ,fontonore10 said ,madge4 8,no1 you never did10 cried ,ann1 abruptly4 8,but ,i'm sure of it10 muttered ,madge in a sullen tone4 8,if you know the clergyman1 that's good luck for us10 said ,ben4 8,i daresay that he'll give us money if we get up a good story about you2 only he's precious sharp at finding one out4 ,he wanted to pay us a visit40 8,don't bring him here2 for any sake don't bring him here60 exclaimed ,ann1 looking quite alarmed4 8,you don't know the mischief1 the ruin you would bring4 ,i never wish to set eyes upon that man40 8,i can imagine her feelings of pain10 thought ,mark1 8by my own to-day1 when ,i first saw the clergyman4 ,there is something in the very look of a good man which seems like a reproach to us when we are so different40 ,the next morning1 as ,mark was dressing for church1 he happily noticed1 before he put on his jacket1 the word ,pilgrim chalked in large letters upon the back4 8,this is a piece of ,jack's mischief10 he said to himself4 8,i am glad that it is something that can easily be set right--more glad still that ,i saw it in time4 ,i will take no notice of this piece of ill-nature4 ,i must learn to bear and forbear40 ,mark endured in silence the taunts and jests of the children on his setting out on his long walk to church4 ,he felt irritated and annoyed1 but he had prayed for patience2 and the consciousness that he was at least trying to do what was right seemed to give him a greater command over his temper4 ,he was heartily glad1 however1 when he got out of hearing of mocking words and bursts of laughter1 and soon had a sense even of pleasure as he walked over the sunny green fields4 ,at length ,marshdale church came in view4 ,an ancient building it was1 with a low1 ivy-covered tower1 and a small arched porch before the entrance4 ,it stood in a churchyard1 which was embosomed in trees1 and a large yew-tree1 that had stood for many an age1 threw its shadow over the lowly graves beneath4 ,a stream of people was slowly wending along the narrow gravel walk1 while the bell rang a summons to prayer4 ,there was the aged widow1 leaning on her crutch1 bending her feeble steps1 perhaps for the last time1 to the place where she had worshipped from a child2 there the hardy peasant1 in his clean smock-frock1 leading his rosy-cheeked boy2 and there walked the lady1 leaning on her husband's arm1 with a flock of little ones before her4 ,mark stood beneath the yew-tree1 half afraid to venture further1 watching the people as they went in4 ,there were some others standing there also1 perhaps waiting because a little early for the service1 perhaps only idling near that door which they did not mean to enter4 ,they were making observations on some one approaching4 8,what a fine boy he looks6 ,you might know him for a lord6 ,does he stay long in the neighbourhood80 8,only for a few weeks longer1 ,i believe2 he has a prodigious estate somewhere1 ,i hear1 and generally lives there with his uncle40 ,illustration3 ,,at ,,the ,,church4 ,as the speaker concluded1 young ,lord ,fontonore passed before them1 and his bright eye caught sight of ,mark ,dowley4 ,leaving the path which led to the door1 he was instantly at the side of the poor boy4 8,you are coming into church1 ,i hope80 said he earnestly2 then continued1 without stopping for a reply1 8,mr4 ,ewart is to preach2 you must not stay outside40 ,mark bowed his head1 and followed into the church4 ,how heavenly to the weary-hearted boy sounded the music of the hymn1 the many voices blended together in praise to the ,saviour4 ,god made him think of the harmony of heaven6 ,rude voices1 unkind looks1 quarrelling1 falsehood1 fierce temptations--all seemed to him shut out from that place1 and a feeling of peace stole over his spirit1 like a calm after a storm4 ,he sat in a retired corner of the church1 unnoticed and unobserved3 it was as though the weary pilgrim had paused on the hot1 dusty highway of life1 to bathe his bruised feet in some cooling stream1 and refresh himself by the wayside4 ,presently ,mr4 ,ewart ascended the pulpit with the ,word of ,god in his hand4 ,mark fixed his earnest eyes upon the face of the preacher1 and never removed them during the whole of the sermon4 ,his was deep1 solemn attention1 such as befits a child of earth when listening to a message from ,heaven4 ,the subject of the ,christian minister's address was the sin of ,god's people in the wilderness1 and the means by which mercy saved the guilty and dying4 ,he described the scene so vividly that ,mark could almost fancy that he saw ,israel's hosts encamping in the desert around the tabernacle1 over which hung a pillar of cloud1 denoting the ,lord's presence with his people4 ,god had freed them from bondage1 had saved them from their foes1 had guided them1 fed them1 blessed them above all nations1 and yet they rebelled and murmured against ,him4 ,again and again they had broken ,his law1 insulted ,his servant1 and doubted ,his love2 and at last the long-merited punishment came4 ,fiery serpents were sent into the camp1 serpents whose bite was death1 and the miserable sinners lay groaning and dying beneath the reptiles' venomous fangs4 8,and are such serpents not amongst us still80 said the preacher2 8is not sin the viper that clings to the soul1 and brings it to misery and death6 ,what ruins the drunkard's character and name1 brings poverty and shame to his door8 ,the fiery serpent of sin6 ,what brings destruction on the murderer and the thief8 ,the fiery serpent of sin6 ,what fixes its poison even in the young child1 what has wounded every soul that is born into the world8 ,the fiery serpent of sin60 ,then the minister proceeded to tell how1 at ,god's command1 ,moses raised on high a serpent made of brass1 and whoever had faith to look on that serpent1 recovered from his wound1 and was healed4 ,he described the trembling mothers of ,israel lifting their children on high to look on the type of salvation2 and the dying fixing upon it their dim1 failing eyes1 and finding life returning as they gazed6 8,and has no such remedy been found for man1 sinking under the punishment of sin8 ,thanks to redeeming love1 that remedy has been found2 for as ,moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness1 so hath the ,son of ,man been lifted up1 that whoso believeth in him should not perish1 but have everlasting life6 ,behold the ,saviour uplifted on the cross1 ,his brow crowned with thorns1 blood flowing from ,his side1 and the wounds in ,his pierced hands and feet6 ,why did ,he endure the torment and the shame1 rude blows from the hands that ,his own power had formed--fierce taunts from the lips to which ,he had given breath4 ,it was that ,he might redeem us from sin and from death--it was that the blessed ,jesus might have power to say1 ,look unto ,me and be ye saved1 all ends of the earth4 8,we were sentenced to misery1 sentenced to death2 the justice of ,god had pronounced the fearful words--,the soul that sinneth it shall die6 ,one came forward who knew no sin1 to bear the punishment due unto sin2 our sentence is blotted out by ,his blood2 the sword of justice has been sheathed in ,his breast2 and now there is no condemnation to them that are in ,christ ,jesus2 their ransom is paid1 their transgressions are forgiven for the sake of ,him who loved and gave ,himself for them4 ,oh1 come to the ,saviour1 ye weary and heavy laden--come to the ,saviour1 ye burdened with sin1 dread no longer the wrath of an offended ,god2 look to ,him and be ye saved1 all ye ends of the earth60 ,mark had entered that church thoughtful and anxious1 he left it with a heart overflowing with joy4 ,it was as though sudden light had flashed upon darkness2 he felt as the cripple must have felt when given sudden strength1 he sprang from the dust1 and went walking1 and leaping1 and praising ,god4 8,no condemnation60 he kept repeating to himself1 8no condemnation to the penitent sinner6 ,all washed away--all sin blotted out for ever by the blood of the crucified ,lord6 ,oh1 now can ,i understand that blessed verse in ,isaiah1 #8,though your sins be as scarlet1 they shall be white as snow2 though they be red like crimson1 they shall be as wool4' #8,praise the ,lord1 ,o my soul6 and all that is within me1 praise ,his holy name6'0 ,that hour was rich in blessings to the young pilgrim1 and as he walked towards home1 with a light step and lighter heart1 it was his delight to count them over4 ,he rejoiced in the free forgiveness of sins1 which now for the first time he fully realized4 ,he rejoiced that he might now appear before ,god1 not clothed in the rags of his own imperfect works1 but the spotless righteousness of his ,redeemer4 ,he rejoiced that the ,lord had sealed him for ,his own1 and given him sweet assurance of ,his pardon and ,his love4 ,oh1 who can rejoice as the ,christian rejoices when he looks to the cross and is healed6 ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,,the ,,pilgrim ,,in ,,his ,,home4 8,i saw then in my dream that he went on thus1 even until he came to the bottom1 where he saw1 a little out of the way1 three men fast asleep1 with fetters upon their heels40--,pilgrim's ,progress4 ,the poor despised boy returned hungry and tired to a home where he was certain to meet with unkindness1 where he knew that he would scarcely find the necessaries of life1 and yet he returned with feelings that a monarch might have envied4 ,the love of ,god was so shed abroad in his heart1 that the sunshine seemed brighter1 the earth looked more lovely2 he felt certain that his ,lord would provide for him here1 that every sorrow was leading to joy4 ,he thought of the happiness of the man once possessed1 when he sat clothed and in his right mind at the feet of the ,saviour3 it was there that the pilgrim was resting now1 it was there that he had laid his burden down4 ,the fruit of the ,spirit is peace and joy1 such joy as is the foretaste of heaven4 ,and the love of ,god must lead to love towards man4 ,mark could feel kindly towards all his fellow-creatures ,his fervent desire was to do them some good1 and let them share the happiness that he experienced4 ,he thought of the rude inmates of his home1 but without an emotion of anger2 in that first hour of joy for pardoned sin there seemed no room in his heart for anything but love and compassion for those who were still in their blindness4 ,as ,mark drew near to his cottage1 he came to a piece of ground overgrown with thistles1 which belonged to ,farmer ,joyce4 ,he was surprised to find there ,jack1 ,madge1 and ,ben pulling up the thistles most busily1 with an energy which they seldom showed in anything but begging4 8,come and work with us10 said ,ben2 8this ground must be all cleared to-day40 8,and why to-day80 said ,mark4 8,because ,farmer ,joyce told us this morning that when it was cleared he would give us half-a-crown40 8,you can work to-morrow40 8,ah1 but to-morrow is the fair-day1 and that is why we are so anxious for the money40 8,i will gladly rise early to help you to-morrow1 but this day1 ,ben1 we ought not to work4 ,the ,lord has commanded us to keep the ,sabbath holy1 and we never shall be losers by obeying ,him40 8,here's the pilgrim come to preach10 cried ,madge in a mocking tone4 8,i tell you what10 said ,jack1 stopping a moment in his work1 8you'd better mind your own business and be off2 ,i don't know what you have to do with us40 8,what ,i have to do with you60 exclaimed ,mark4 8,am ,i not your brother1 the son of your mother8 ,am ,i not ready and willing to help you1 and to rise early if ,i am ever so much tired80 ,there was such a bright1 kindly look on the pale1 weary face1 that even ,jack could not possibly be offended4 8,now1 just listen for a moment10 continued ,mark2 8suppose that as ,i was coming along ,i had spied under the bushes there a lion asleep that ,i knew would soon wake1 and prowl in search of his prey1 should ,i do right in going home and taking care of myself1 barring our door so that no lion could come in1 and never telling you of the danger at all80 ,madge glanced half-frightened towards the bushes1 but ,jack replied1 8,i should say that you were a cowardly fellow if you did40 8,what6 leave us to be torn in pieces1 and never give us warning of the lion80 cried ,ben4 8,i should be a cowardly fellow indeed1 and a most unfeeling brother4 ,and shall ,i not tell you of your danger1 when the ,evil ,one1 who is as a roaring lion1 is laying wait for your precious souls4 ,as long as you are in sin you are in danger4 ,oh1 that you would turn to ,god and be safe60 8,god will not punish poor children like us10 said ,madge1 8just for working a little when we are so poor40 8,the ,evil ,one whispers the very same thing to us as he did to ,eve1 #8,thou shalt not surely die2' but she found1 as we shall find1 that though ,god is merciful1 ,he is also just1 and keeps ,his word40 8,there will be time enough to trouble ourselves about these things10 said ,ben4 8,take care of yourself1 and leave us in peace60 exclaimed ,jack2 8we are not going to be taught by you60 and turning his back upon ,mark1 he began to work more vigorously than ever4 ,mark walked up to the cottage with a slow1 weary step1 silently praying for those who would not listen to him4 8,god can touch their hearts though ,i cannot10 thought he4 8,he who had mercy on me may have mercy on them40 ,never had the cottage looked more untidy or uncomfortable1 or ,ann's face worn an expression more gloomy and ill-tempered4 8,mother10 cried ,mark cheerfully1 8have you something to give me1 my long walk has made me so hungry80 8,we've had dinner long ago40 8,but have you nothing left for me80 8,you should have been here in proper time4 ,it's all gone40 ,exhausted in body1 and wounded by unkindness1 ,mark needed indeed the cordial of religion to prevent his spirit from sinking4 ,but he thought of his ,lord1 and his sufferings upon earth4 8,my ,saviour knew what it was to be weary and a-hungered--,he knew what it was to be despised and rejected4 ,if ,he drained the cup of sorrow1 shall ,i refuse to taste it6 ,if this trial were not good for me1 it would not be sent40 ,so ,mark sat down patiently in a corner of the room1 and thought over the sermon to cheer him4 ,his attention was soon attracted by ,ann's giving two or three heavy sighs1 as if she were in pain2 and looking up1 he saw a frown of suffering on her face1 as she bent down and touched her ankle with her hand4 8,have you hurt yourself1 dear mother80 said he4 8,yes2 ,i think that ,i sprained my ankle this morning4 ,dear me1 how it has swelled60 8,i am so sorry60 cried ,mark1 instantly rising4 8,you should put up your foot1 and not tire it by moving about4 ,there10 said he1 sitting down at her feet1 8rest it on my knee1 and ,i will rub it gently4 ,is it not more easy now80 ,ann only replied by a sigh1 but she let him go on1 and patiently he sat there1 chafing her ankle with his thin1 weary fingers4 ,he could scarcely prevent himself from falling asleep4 8,that is very comfortable10 said the woman at last2 8certainly it's more than any of the others would do for their mother2 they never so much as asked me how ,i did4 ,you're worth all the three1 ,mark10 she added bitterly1 8and little cause have you to show kindness to me4 ,just go to that cupboard--it hurts me to move--you'll find there some bread and cheese left40 ,illustration3 ,,mark',s ,,kindness4 ,mark joyfully obeyed1 and never was a feast more delicious than that humble meal4 ,never was a grace pronounced more from the depths of a grateful heart than that uttered by the poor peasant boy4 ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,,the ,,arbour ,,on ,,the ,,hill4 8,now1 about the midway to the top of the hill was a pleasant arbour made by the ,lord of the hill for the refreshment of weary travellers40--,pilgrim's ,progress4 ,several days passed with but few events to mark them4 ,mark did everything for ,ann to save her from exertion1 and under his care her ankle became better4 ,he also endeavoured to keep the cottage more tidy1 and clear the little garden from weeds1 remembering that 8cleanliness is next to godliness10 and that if any man will not work1 neither should he eat4 ,one morning ,madge burst into the cottage where ,mark and ,ann were sitting together4 8,he is coming60 she exclaimed in a breathless voice2 8he is coming--he is just at the gate60 8,who80 cried ,ann and ,mark at once4 8,the parson--the--0 8,not ,mr4 ,ewart60 exclaimed ,ann1 starting up in terror4 8,yes it is--the tall man dressed in black40 ,in a moment the woman rushed to the back room as fast as her ankle would let her4 8,i'll keep quiet here10 she said4 8,if he asks for me1 say that ,i have just gone to the miller's40 8,mother's precious afraid of a parson10 said ,madge1 as a low knock was heard at the door4 ,with pleasure ,mark opened to his benefactor4 8,good morning10 said ,mr4 ,ewart1 as he crossed the threshold4 8,i have not forgotten my promise to you1 my friend4 ,i hope that ,i have obtained a place for you as errand-boy to a grocer4 ,being myself only a temporary resident in these parts1 ,i do not know much of your future master1 except that he appears to keep a respectable shop1 and is very regular in attendance at church2 but ,i hear that he bears a high character4 ,mr4 ,lowe1 if you suit him1 agrees to give you board and lodging2 and if he finds you upon trial useful and active1 he will add a little salary at the end of the year40 8,i am very thankful to you1 sir10 said ,mark1 his eyes expressing much more than his lips could4 8,i trust that you never will have cause to be sorry for your kindness40 8,is your mother within80 said ,mr4 ,ewart4 ,mark bit his lip1 and knew not what to reply1 divided between fear of much displeasing his parent1 and that of telling a falsehood to his benefactor4 8,she's gone to the miller's10 said ,madge boldly4 ,but the clergyman turned away from the wicked little girl1 whose word he never thought of trusting1 and repeated his question to ,mark1 whose hesitation he could not avoid seeing4 8,she is within1 sir10 said the boy1 after a little pause2 then continued with a painful effort1 as he could not but feel that ,ann's conduct appeared rude and ungrateful to one whom above all men he was anxious to please2 8but she would rather not see you to-day40 8,very well1 ,i have seen you2 you will tell her what ,i have arranged40 ,mark ventured to glance at the speaker1 and saw1 with a feeling of relief1 that ,mr4 ,ewart's face did not look at all angry4 ,it was more than could be said for ,ann's1 as1 after the clergyman's departure1 she came out of her hiding-place again4 ,her face was flushed1 her manner excited2 and1 in a fit of ungovernable passion1 she twice struck the unresisting boy4 8,lord ,jesus1 this ,i suffer for thee60 thought ,mark2 and this reflection took the bitterness from the trial4 ,he was only thankful that he had been enabled to keep to the truth1 and not swerve from the narrow path4 ,on the following day ,mark went to his new master1 who lived in a neighbouring town4 ,he found out the shop of ,mr4 ,lowe without difficulty2 and there was something of comfort and respectability in the appearance of the establishment that was very encouraging to the boy4 ,to his unaccustomed eye the ranges of shining brown canisters1 each neatly labelled with its contents2 the white sugar-loaves1 with prices ticketed in the window2 the large cards1 with advertisements of sauces and soap1 and the ,malaga raisins1 spread temptingly to view1 spake of endless plenty and abundance4 ,mark carried a note which ,mr4 ,ewart had given to him1 and1 entering the shop1 placed it modestly on the counter before ,mr4 ,lowe4 ,the grocer was rather an elderly man1 with a bald head1 and mild expression of face4 ,he opened the note slowly1 then looked at ,mark over his spectacles1 read the contents1 then took another survey of the boy4 ,mark's heart beat fast1 he was so anxious not to be rejected4 8,so10 said ,mr4 ,lowe1 in a slow1 soft voice1 as if he measured every word that he spoke1 8so you are the lad that is to come here upon trial1 recommended by the ,reverend ,mr4 ,ewart4 ,he says that you've not been well brought up2 that's bad1 very bad--but that he hopes that your own principles are good4 ,mr4 ,ewart is a pious man1 a very zealous minister1 and ,i am glad to aid him in works of charity like this4 ,if you're pious1 all's right1 there's nothing like that2 ,i will have none about me but those who are decidedly pious60 ,mr4 ,lowe looked as though he expected a reply1 which puzzled ,mark exceedingly1 as he had no idea of turning piety to worldly advantage1 or professing religion to help him to a place4 ,he stood uneasily twisting his cap in his hand1 and was much relieved when1 a customer coming in1 ,lowe handed him over to his shopman4 ,radley1 the assistant1 was a neat-looking little man1 very precise and formal in his manner1 at least in the presence of his master4 ,there was certainly an occasional twinkle in his eye1 which made ,mark1 who was very observant1 suspect that he was rather fonder of fun than might beseem the shopman of the solemn ,mr4 ,lowe2 but his manner1 in general1 was a sort of copy of his master's1 and he borrowed his language and phrases4 ,and now1 fairly received into the service of the grocer1 ,mark seemed to have entered upon a life of comparative comfort4 ,mr4 ,lowe was neither tyrannical nor harsh1 nor was ,radley disposed to bully the errand-boy4 ,mark's obliging manner1 great intelligence1 and readiness to work1 made him rather a favourite with both1 and the common comforts of life which he now enjoyed appeared as luxuries to him4 8,i have been climbing a steep hill of difficulty10 thought he1 8and now ,i have reached a place of rest4 ,how good is the ,lord1 to provide for me thus1 with those who are his servants60 ,that those with whom ,mark lived were indeed ,god's servants1 he at first never thought of doubting4 ,was there not a missionary-box placed upon the counter--was not ,mr4 ,lowe ever speaking of religion--was he not foremost in every good work of charity--did he not most constantly attend church8 ,but there were several things which soon made the boy waver a little in his opinion4 ,he could not help observing that his employer took care to lose no grain of praise for anything that he did4 ,instead of his left hand not knowing the good deeds of his right1 it was no fault of his if all the world did not know them4 ,then1 his manner a little varied with the character of his customers4 ,with clergymen1 or with those whom he considered religious1 his voice became still softer1 his manner more meek4 ,mark could not help suspecting that he was not quite sincere4 ,the boy reproached himself1 however1 for daring to judge another1 and that one so much more advanced in the ,christian life than himself4 ,he thought that it must be his own inexperience in religion that made him doubt its reality in ,lowe4 ,thus a few weeks passed in comfort with ,mark2 but the pilgrim was making no progress4 ,it is not well for us to dwell amongst those whose profession is greater than their practice4 ,the fervour of ,mark's first love was a little cooled4 ,alas6 in weak1 infirm mortals1 such as we are1 how inclined is that fervour to cool6 ,there were no strong temptations to stir up the flame--no anxious fears to drive him to the mercy-seat--his prayers were perhaps more frequent1 but they were less deep and earnest4 ,mark was tempted to rest a little upon forms1 and think that all must be right1 because others approved4 ,the ,christian must not dream that he is only in danger whilst dwelling with the careless or profane4 ,the society of professors may be quite as dangerous1 by lulling his conscience to sleep4 ,he is less on his guard against inward foes1 less able to distinguish true religion in his heart1 from the natural desire to please1 and many of ,god's children on earth have found the arbour more dangerous than the hill6 ,not that ,mark did much with which he could reproach himself1 unless it were that he never sought an opportunity of going to see his mother4 ,he connected nothing but ideas of persecution and unkindness with his home4 ,he thought that by this time ,john ,dowley might have returned1 a man who had ever treated him with unnatural cruelty2 and to say the truth1 ,mark rather dreaded going again near the place4 ,i fear that my pilgrim is falling in the estimation of my reader2 but ,i am drawing no sinless model of perfection2 and1 perhaps1 if we closely examine our own hearts1 even after they have been enlightened by the ,spirit1 there may be something in our own experience which will remind us of this chapter of the life of the pilgrim4 ,i said that ,mark suspected a little the sincerity of the religious professions of his master4 ,this suspicion was painfully strengthened by an incident which occurred when he had been a few weeks under his roof4 ,one night1 after the shop had been closed1 and prayers said1 and ,mark had retired to his small attic1 he fancied that he heard a little noise down below1 and crept from his chamber to listen4 ,all was very still1 only the clock on the stairs seemed to tick twice as loudly as usual4 ,then again there was a slight sound1 apparently from the shop1 and ,mark wondered what1 at that hour1 it could be4 ,softly he crept down the creaking stair1 unwilling to disturb his master1 who had retired to rest rather earlier than usual1 happening to feel not very well4 ,mark reached the door which opened into the shop1 and there was no doubt left that somebody was within engaged in some occupation4 ,mark observed that the door1 though nearly closed1 was not shut1 a narrow line of light showed it to be a little ajar2 he pushed it very gently to widen the opening1 and within1 to his surprise1 saw ,radley4 8,who's there80 exclaimed the shopman2 8why1 ,mark1 is it you8 ,that's lucky1 you'll come and help me1 ,i daresay4 ,i am so sleepy to-night--but this must be done40 8,what are you doing80 said ,mark1 with a feeling of curiosity4 8,i'm mixing this with that1 as you see10 replied ,radley1 pointing to two heaps of what looked like coffee on the counter4 ,illustration3 ,,mark',s ,,indignation ,,at ,,deceit4 8,why should you mix them80 8,oh1 ask no questions1 and ,i'll tell you no stories60 said ,radley1 quite dropping his usual formal manner1 with a laughing look in his eye which startled the boy4 8,do you mean--is it possible--0 exclaimed ,mark1 his face flushing with indignation as he spoke1 8that you are mixing chicory with coffee in order to deceive our master's customers80 8,you are very green1 or you would know that it is constantly done40 8,it cannot be right10 said ,mark1 8to sell an article under a false name1 and get a false price for it too6 ,surely ,mr4 ,lowe does not know what you are doing60 8,oh1 you most simple of simpletons60 laughed ,radley2 8do you suppose that ,i am doing it for my own diversion1 to serve my pious master against his will80 8,you do it by his orders then80 8,of course ,i do40 8,i could never have believed that he could have been guilty of such a thing60 exclaimed ,mark1 more shocked and disgusted by the hypocrisy of ,lowe1 than by any of the open wickedness that he had ever witnessed4 8,and you1 ,radley1 how can your conscience let you do what is so wrong80 8,my conscience is my master's1 ,i only obey what he commands40 8,your conscience your master's6 ,oh no60 exclaimed ,mark2 8you will have to answer for yourself before ,god40 8,if ,i refused to do this ,i should have to leave the grocer's service40 8,better leave his service than the service of ,god40 8,i say1 young man10 replied ,radley1 still good-humouredly1 though with some appearance of scorn1 8mind your own business1 and leave me to mind mine4 ,when you carry the goods to the customers1 no one asks you whether the parcel holds tea or gooseberry leaves40 8,but can you endure to kneel down1 and repeat prayers to the ,almighty1 when you know--0 8,i tell you10 said ,radley1 as though he thought it a joke1 8my master's religion and mine is like the articles in this shop1 it is mixed4 ,but what matter8 it makes as good a show as any1 it serves our purpose1 and ,i really think that the world likes to be taken in4 ,we get on1 look respectable1 and thrive2 what can be better than that80 8,better to starve--better to struggle up hill all one's life1 beset with difficulties and trials40 8,we'll leave the starving to you1 if you like it2 and as for struggling up hill1 only fools do that1 if they can find an easier way round6 ,now go to your bed1 and rest quiet my lad1 and leave me and my conscience to settle our affairs together40 ,startled as from a dream1 ,mark returned to his attic1 disappointed1 disgusted1 and grieved4 8,can a blessing ever rest on this house80 thought he2 8can ,lowe ever1 even in this world1 be really a gainer by such awful hypocrisy and deceit8 ,oh1 ,i have been too little on my guard in this place1 ,i have been a drowsy pilgrim on the way--blessed be ,god that ,i am awakened before too late60 ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,,dangers1 ,,difficulties1 ,,and ,,doubts4 8,fear not the lions1 for they are chained1 and are placed there for trial of faith where it is2 and for the discovery of those that have none3 keep in the midst of the path1 and no hurt shall come unto thee40--,pilgrim's ,progress4 ,it was long before ,mark could get to sleep1 and he awoke almost before it was light4 ,he felt a heavy oppression which was new to him1 and rose to open the window4 ,the sky was now of that deep exquisite blue which it wears the hour before dawn2 the few stars that studded the heavens were growing pale at the approach of morning4 ,the street was perfectly quiet1 not a vehicle was moving about1 and the sleepy sound of a cock crowing at some distance was the only noise that broke the stillness4 8,i feel as though ,i could not rest10 said ,mark1 8the sun will rise before long2 ,i will dress myself and go out1 and have a quiet time before ,i am required to work4 ,i have been keeping too little watch over myself lately1 ,i have been too easily contented with the little knowledge to which ,i have attained4 ,oh1 what if ,i should have been deceiving myself all the time--if ,i have never entered the strait gate at all60 ,mark had lost for a time that sweet assurance which had afforded him such joy amidst trials4 ,putting his ,bible in his bosom that he might read it as he walked1 ,mark opened the door of his attic4 ,the instant that he did so he became sensible of a most powerful smell of fire1 and the next moment a volume of smoke came rolling up from below6 ,mark sprang down the staircase with anxious haste1 every step making him more certain of the fearful fact that the house of his master was on fire6 ,he rushed first to the sleeping apartment of ,radley1 then roused up the servant of the house1 and bidding her throw up the window and call loudly for assistance1 hurried to the bedroom of ,mr4 ,lowe4 ,startled from deep sleep1 hardly able to comprehend what had happened1 only with a terrible consciousness that it was something dreadful1 the wretched man rose from his pillow1 and was half dragged by ,mark from his apartment1 which being immediately over the place of the fire1 was becoming very hot1 and full of smoke4 ,such an awakening is terrible here--but oh1 what will it be to the hypocrite hereafter1 when the trumpet of the angel shall rouse him from his grave to behold a universe in flames6 ,assistance was speedily given2 the cry of 8fire60 brought crowds of neighbours around2 pails of water were passed from hand to hand1 and the fire-engine soon came rattling up the street4 ,the cries and shouts1 the crackling and roaring of the devouring element1 the suffocating dense clouds1 through which little could be seen but tongues of fierce flame1 now darting curling round the wood-work1 now streaming upwards and reddening the black canopy of smoke--the stifling heat1 the occasional glimpse of burning rafters1 which looked as if glowing red hot in the fire1 all formed a scene which time could never efface from the memory of those who beheld it6 ,half wild with terror1 anxiety1 and grief1 ,lowe pushed his way here and there through the crowd1 sometimes urging on the firemen1 sometimes trying to assist them1 sometimes standing still1 to witness in helpless misery the destruction of his property4 ,well might he look on in misery1 for that property was his all6 ,the hypocrite had not laid up his treasure in heaven1 and he now beheld1 consuming before his eyes1 that for which he had been daily bartering his soul6 ,before the sun had reached his mid-day height1 the fire had been entirely subdued4 ,the efforts of the firemen had prevented it from spreading1 but a charred and blackened shell of a house1 floors1 rafters1 windows1 all entirely destroyed1 alone remained of the habitation of ,lowe6 ,the unhappy man was offered shelter in the house of a sympathizing neighbour1 and thither ,mark went to see him4 ,he found him in a pitiable state1 his mind almost crushed by his misfortune1 yet still1 true to his character1 he professed submission to the decree of ,providence1 even while his excessive grief showed how little he felt it1 and intermixed his lamentations with various texts1 thereby edifying his neighbours1 perhaps1 but shocking one who knew him better than they did4 ,he received his errand-boy with great kindness4 8,one of the most bitter parts of my trial10 said the really kind-hearted though unprincipled man1 8is that my ruin will throw you and poor ,radley upon the world4 ,i suppose that you will return home directly40 8,i thought that ,i would go first to ,mr4 ,ewart1 and ask his advice40 8,i grieve to say that will no longer be in your power4 ,that excellent minister was to leave ,marshdale for ,yorkshire yesterday40 ,this piece of information fell like a heavy blow upon ,mark1 and his face showed how much he felt it4 8,then ,i must return to the cottage at once10 said he1 in a low tone4 8,i can understand your reluctance1 my boy1 to become a burden upon your poor parents40 ,there was not a particle of hypocrisy in ,mark2 he wanted no praise for motives which were not his4 8,i was not thinking about that10 said he4 8,ah6 ,i understand10 said ,lowe1 in his own peculiar tone2 8you feel being deprived of the spiritual advantages which you enjoyed while under my roof40 8,not exactly that10 replied ,mark1 hesitating and looking embarrassed1 for there was a mixture of this regret in his reluctance to return home1 though it was not his principal feeling4 ,the truth was1 that ,mark dreaded not so much the poverty and discomfort of ,ann's cottage--though he did not like that--as the positive cruelty which he would probably have to endure if he returned4 ,having for some time slipped his neck from the yoke1 he shrank exceedingly from having to bear it again4 ,a soldier who fights bravely on the battle-field1 if he leave it for a while till his blood cools and his wounds begin to stiffen and smart1 finds it a much greater trial of courage to return to his post than to stay there without ever quitting it4 ,but ,mark seemed to have no other resource1 and bidding a friendly farewell to his late master1 who1 whatever he was in the sight of ,heaven1 had ever been kind to him1 he walked slowly up the street4 ,the gloomy1 threatening clouds above him1 seemed like types of his darkened fate1 and the forerunners of a storm4 ,as he proceeded1 pondering over the difficulties of his position1 he was startled by the sight of a lady1 who was standing at a door at which she had just knocked4 ,mark had seen her but once before1 but her face was imprinted on a memory naturally good1 especially as the most important event of his life1 his repentance and turning to ,god1 was in some way connected with her4 ,she was the lady who had dropped the bag by the stile which contained ,mark's precious ,bible4 ,now1 it had often weighed upon the conscience of the boy1 that his dearest possession was not his by right2 and that if ever he met with its lawful owner1 common honesty bound him to restore it4 ,and yet1 to give that away which had been his life--to walk on in darkness1 without that light which had been his comfort and solace till now--,mark felt almost as though he could not do it1 and stood hesitating and arguing in his own mind till the lady entered the house1 and the door closed behind her4 8,she is rich1 she can buy many others10 whispered the ,tempter in his bosom4 8,she is certain to have supplied its loss long ago2 but you1 where will you find another8 ,you will lose all your religion with your ,bible1 and fall under the temptations which you will be certain to meet40 ,was not this mistrust of ,god's sustaining power8 8,and what disgrace10 added the ,tempter1 8will it be to own taking and using that which was not yours6 ,notwithstanding your care1 the book has been injured2 it is not worth returning to a lady4 ,she may question you about the other things in the bag--the purse1 the money1 the handkerchief with lace2 of course you cannot betray your family2 you will be looked upon1 perhaps punished1 as a thief60 ,these were the suggestions of a timorous spirit1 magnifying every danger by the way4 ,but against all this was the plain word of ,god1 ,thou shalt not steal4 ,to keep anything from its owner that might be restored1 was clearly to break the commandment4 ,so1 after a short inward prayer for the help which he so much needed1 with a heart so low1 and a frame so much exhausted by the excitement and fatigue of the morning1 that it would have been a relief to him to have sat down and cried1 ,mark gently rang the bell4 ,he felt embarrassed when the servant-maid opened the door1 and inquired what it was that he wanted4 ,but1 recovering himself1 he asked if he might speak with the lady who had just entered the house4 ,he said that he had something which he believed that she had lost2 and the servant1 without making any difficulty1 ushered him into the parlour4 ,a silver-haired old gentleman and the lady were there2 she had just opened a piano1 and was sitting down to play4 ,her face looked so gentle and bright that ,mark was somewhat reassured1 though most reluctant to part with his treasure4 8,what did you want with me1 my good boy10 said the lady1 turning round without quitting her seat1 her fingers resting on the silent notes of the instrument4 ,illustration3 ,,mark ,,restoring ,,the ,,lost ,,bible4 ,mark drew from his bosom the ,bible4 8,i believe1 ma'am1 that this is yours10 said he4 8,my long-lost ,bible60 exclaimed the lady1 rising with an expression of joy4 8,oh6 ,i never thought to see it again4 ,where could you have found it80 8,near a stile1 where you had dropped it as you went to church40 8,it was in my bag with other things2 have you anything else80 8,i have nothing else10 replied ,mark1 feeling very uneasy4 8,what is your name80 said the old gentleman1 looking up from his paper4 8,mark ,dowley1 sir10 answered the boy4 8,mark ,dowley6 ,ellen1 have we not heard that name before80 8,oh yes2 'tis the name of the boy in whom dear ,mr4 ,ewart was interested4 ,do you not remember his speaking about him80 8,i remember it perfectly well1 my dear2 it is easy to imagine what became of the other contents of the bag40 8,and where are you staying now80 said ,ellen1 with a look of interest2 8,i hope that you have a good situation40 8,i had a good situation last night1 but the fire that happened to-day burned down the house of my master1 and now ,i am abroad in the world40 ,ellen glided to her father1 and whispered something in his ear4 ,mark's heart beat very quickly1 he scarcely knew why2 but it was with a sensation of hope4 ,after a few minutes of conversation which he could not hear1 ,mr4 ,searle--for that was the gentleman's name--said aloud1 8,as you please1 my dear2 we certainly were looking out for such a boy4 ,we could take him with us to ,yorkshire2 there could be no difficulty about that40 8,would you like10 said ,ellen1 bending her kind eyes upon ,mark1 8to become one of our household1 to accompany us to ,silvermere8 ,your work would be light1 and your situation comfortable4 ,we live scarcely two miles from ,castle ,fontonore40 ,with a rebound of joy all the greater from the depth of his late depression1 ,mark eagerly accepted the offer4 ,profiting1 however1 by the remembrance of past regrets1 and desirous to be more faithful to his duty in future1 he added that he must first obtain the consent of his mother4 8,you are quite right1 my boy10 said ,mr4 ,searle1 kindly2 8let nothing ever come between you and your duty to a parent4 ,her will1 next to ,god's1 should be your law2 you never can do too much for her40 8,but it is not desirable to go till to-morrow10 said ,ellen2 8those heavy clouds have burst2 only see how it rains6 ,the poor boy looks quite knocked up already2 he could occupy the little room here to-night40 ,this arrangement was finally concluded upon1 and the weary but thankful boy again found a haven of rest4 ,a comfortable meal was set before him1 to which he was inclined to do full justice4 ,he enjoyed deep untroubled sleep that night1 and awoke in the morning refreshed and rejoicing4 ,how the difficulties that he feared had melted away before him6 ,how one painful effort made had brought its own rich reward6 ,,chapter ,,ix4 ,,the ,,armour ,,and ,,the ,,battle4 8,then did ,christian begin to be afraid1 and to cast in his mind whether to go back or to stand his ground40--,pilgrim's ,progress4 ,our ,pilgrim rose early1 with a heart full of hope4 ,he determined not to quit the house till he had seen ,mr4 ,searle or his daughter again1 and waited in the hall till they should come down4 ,mark's attention was at once riveted by what he had never seen before--a complete suit of armour hung against the wall2 and while he was looking at it1 and admiring its various parts1 the master of the house approached him unobserved4 8,that is a fine suit of armour10 said ,mr4 ,searle1 8such as was worn in the time of the ,crusades1 when warlike pilgrims went to the ,holy ,land4 ,perhaps you have never heard of such80 8,yes1 sir10 replied ,mark1 modestly4 8,there is the helmet1 you see1 to protect the head2 the mail to cover the body and breast2 the weighty sword1 and the pointed shield4 ,you observe the red cross upon it80 ,the looks of ,mark showed the interest that he took4 8,we're not done with fighting yet10 said the old gentleman1 in a quaint manner which was peculiar to him4 8,while our three old enemies--the world1 the flesh1 and the devil--are lying in ambush to attack us1 and the ,holy ,land which we hope to gain is before us1 we must be armed pilgrims1 ay1 and fighting pilgrims too60 8,pray go on1 sir10 said ,mark1 as the old gentleman stopped2 8,i so like to hear of these things40 8,you see that our ,leader has not sent us into battle unprovided4 ,we have the ,helmet of ,proof1 the ,hope of ,salvation1 to prevent sinful doubts from wounding the head4 ,then the ,breastplate of ,righteousness to guard us2 for we may be full of knowledge1 and quite correct in our belief1 but if we give way to wilful sin1 of what avail is the soundness of the head when the heart is pierced by the fiery dart8 ,nor must we neglect the ,girdle of ,truth1 nor the preparation of the ,gospel of ,peace for our feet40 8,that is a part of the armour which ,i do not understand10 said ,mark4 8,no8 ,long before you are as old as ,i1 ,i hope that you will experimentally understand it4 ,yet ,i should think that you had known already what it is to tread some of the rough ways of life40 ,mark heartily assented to this4 8,and every one knows the difference between walking with shoes and without them4 ,were ,i barefoot1 ,i should start if ,i trod on a thorn1 ,i should bleed if ,i struck against a sharp-edged stone2 and so it is with the people of this world who are not shod with the ,preparation of ,peace4 ,i have known the smallest thing worry and fret them2 they were as wretched from one small brier in their path1 as if it had been one labyrinth of thorns40 8,and are all ,christians safe from these little vexations80 8,i can't say that10 replied the old gentleman1 8,i can't say that4 ,there are many who cannot tread down small difficulties1 but go on their whole way to heaven shrinking and starting at the least of them4 ,but it strikes me that is because1 while they have put on all the rest of the armour of ,god1 they have neglected the sandals for the feet4 8,well1 to proceed with our description of the armoury of heaven--,we come next to the most wonderful1 the most powerful of weapons--the ,sword of the ,spirit1 which is the ,word of ,god4 ,now this flashed so bright1 and its edge was so sharp1 in the days of early ,christianity1 that many were its conquests in various parts of the world1 and old idolatry fell fast before it4 ,but when the great ,enemy found that it could not be withstood1 he devised a deep-laid scheme to destroy its effect1 and made a curious sheath1 all covered with jewels and gold2 and the name of this sheath was ,superstition4 ,in this1 for many ages1 was the ,word of ,god buried2 and though flashes of its brightness shone out here and there1 it was almost quite hidden from the eyes of the people1 till ,wickliffe1 and ,luther1 and many ,reformers beside--some yielding up their blood and their lives for the truth--drew it from its fatal scabbard1 clear and glittering again2 and it sent forth a flash at its unsheathing that was seen over almost all ,europe1 and enlightened the distant shores of the ,new ,world4 8,and now the last thing that we come to is the strong shield ,faith4 ,without this neither helmet nor breastplate could have power to resist the shafts of the ,enemy4 ,st4 ,peter threw it aside in a moment of fear1 and instantly his righteousness was pierced through and through4 ,and it is not only in battle that our faith is precious2 we pillow our head upon it when we rest1 and when we take water from the wells of salvation1 it is in the hollow of this shield alone that we can raise it to our thirsting lips40 ,ellen now came down-stairs1 with her ,bible in her hand2 that ,bible which ,mark had prized so dearly1 and parted with so very unwillingly4 8,i could not have the heart to deprive you of this10 said she2 8take it1 and keep it1 and may you ever find it to be your best comforter and guide40 ,with what grateful joy ,mark replaced the ,bible in his bosom1 and with what a courageous heart1 about an hour after1 he set forth to ask his mother's consent to remaining with ,mr4 ,searle6 ,he had very little doubt of obtaining it1 or he would hardly have advanced with such a light1 joyous step4 ,when he had quitted the town1 and found himself on the open plain1 he gave vent to his happy emotions in songs of praise4 ,we are commanded in everything to give thanks2 let us never forget to do so when all seems smiling around us2 no--and even when mists fall1 and tempests gather over our heads1 let us still remember in everything to give thanks4 ,how many thoughts were awakened in the ,pilgrim's mind1 as again he approached his home6 ,there was the stile where the ,bible had been found2 there the stone upon which he had sat to read it1 and felt such terror flash upon his mind at the words1 8,the soul that sinneth1 it shall die20 there was the piece of ground which the children had been weeding1 when he warned them1 but vainly1 to flee from the wrath to come4 ,there was not a thistle now left on the spot2 and as he looked at the earth1 all cleared and prepared for seed1 ,mark silently prayed that the grace of ,god might likewise so prepare and make ready the hearts of his own little sister and brothers4 ,he could see over the fields1 at a little distance1 the old ruin where he had first met ,mr4 ,ewart2 not a day had passed1 since that meeting1 in which ,mark had not prayed with grateful affection for him whose words had been such a blessing to his soul4 ,and now ,mark stood at the door of the cottage2 a loud1 coarse voice which he heard from within announced to him1 before he reached it1 that ,john ,dowley had returned4 ,there were other things to show that a change had taken place1 of which ,mark became aware as he entered the cottage4 ,a large pewter pot stood at the door1 a black bottle and dirty pack of cards appeared on the table1 a joint of meat was roasting before the fire1 and ,ann1 who started with surprise on seeing him1 wore a silk shawl and golden ear-rings4 ,john must have returned with his pockets full of money4 ,he was sitting at the table1 a short1 stout-built man1 with a louring expression in his bleared eye1 and a face flushed by intemperance2 no one who beheld them together would have imagined him to be the father of the pale1 thoughtful1 intellectual boy1 to whose greeting he returned no answer but something resembling a growl4 ,mark fancied that ,ann looked sorry to see him2 but that1 perhaps1 was no sign of unkindness4 ,jack1 ,madge1 and ,ben1 sprang eagerly forward1 full of news1 and of things to show him4 8,see1 ,mark1 what father has brought me60 8,we're getting so rich now60 8,look at my brooch and my bracelets60 ,such were the sort of exclamations which1 uttered all together1 took the place of any words of welcome4 ,mark1 in his secret heart1 thanked ,heaven that it was not his lot to remain in this place4 8,sit down1 ,mark10 said ,ann1 looking joyless1 notwithstanding her finery2 8and be silent1 you children1 will you8 ,one can't hear one's own voice1 in the midst of so much noise40 ,the children might not have obeyed their mother very readily1 had not a savage look from ,john seconded her words4 8,i thought that you had a good situation1 ,mark10 continued the woman2 8you've not been so foolish as to leave it80 8,you have not heard1 then1 of the fire which took place yesterday3 poor ,mr4 ,lowe has been burned out of house and home4 ,but a far better situation has been offered to me4 ,if you consent1 and if father approve1 ,i shall go to ,yorkshire next week1 with--0 8,yorkshire60 muttered ,john2 8and what's the gentleman's name80 8,searle2 he lives at a place called ,silvermere40 8,silvermere60 exclaimed both ,dowley and his wife at once4 ,anne added1 in a voice that was scarcely audible1 8,that's close to ,castle ,fontonore60 8,everything is arranged for me10 continued ,mark2 8but ,i thought that it would not be right to go so far without coming and asking your consent40 8,consent60 thundered ,dowley1 in a tone so loud that the cottage rang again1 and the astonished children shrank closer to each other in fear4 8,do you think that ,i ever would consent to your going there80 ,here was a blow so sudden1 so unexpected1 that it almost took away ,mark's breath4 ,recovering himself soon1 however1 he began1 8,i should be able to maintain myself1 perhaps even to assist--0 8,don't say one word more1 or--0 ,john uttered a horrible oath1 but left his hearers to imagine1 from his clenched hand and savage look1 what was the threat which he intended should follow4 8,at least10 said ,mark1 in an agitated voice1 8allow me to return and tell ,mr4 ,searle that you forbid me to go with him4 ,he would think me so ungrateful--0 8,what do ,i care what he thinks60 8,oh1 is it not enough10 cried ,mark1 in bitterness of spirit1 8that my way is barred1 that my hopes are ruined--0 he could not speak on1 his heart was too full4 8,if he isn't going to cry60 whispered ,jack4 8,a pretty pilgrim1 to be so soft60 murmured ,ben4 ,these mocking words roused the spirit of the persecuted boy1 but it was rather an earthly spirit of indignation than a spirit of endurance for the ,lord's sake4 8,let him go10 said ,anne1 8and tell the gentleman that he can't serve him2 he can just say that you've found something better for him40 8,he won't return if ,i once let him go40 8,yes1 he'll return2 won't you1 ,mark80 8,yes1 ,i will10 replied the boy1 with difficulty restraining his tears at even so slight a mark of kindness4 ,john gave ungracious permission rather by silence than words1 and ,mark left the cottage almost choking with his feelings4 ,it was a little time before he could regain sufficient composure even to look his difficulties in the face4 ,oh1 it is hard to go down into the deep ,valley of ,humiliation1 and few are those called upon suddenly to descend from their high hopes but meet with some slips by the way6 ,mark was tempted1 and this was a grievous temptation1 to doubt even ,god's goodness and mercy towards him4 ,why was he placed in a situation so painful1 why suddenly plunged back into that furnace of trial from which he had so lately been snatched8 ,it seemed to ,mark as if the ,almighty had forsaken him1 as if ,god had forgotten to be gracious1 and had left a poor mortal to be tempted beyond what he could bear6 ,the pilgrims to heaven must expect on their way thither to meet sometimes with trials like this4 ,the ,evil ,one whom they served in the days of their ignorance will not suffer a victim to escape him1 without making efforts--strong and subtle efforts too--to draw back the ransomed soul to his service4 ,he put rebellious thoughts into the mind of ,mark1 like so many fiery darts1 to make him chafe with an impatient and despairing spirit1 under the difficulty of obeying the fifth commandment2 and which of us dare say that in such an inward struggle we should have stood our ground better than he8 ,but ,mark had not been so lately warned and armed1 to make no fight against his ,enemy4 ,he had still power to lift up his heart in prayer2 to try to recall some precious promise on which to stay his sinking spirit4 8,lo1 ,i am with you alway1 even unto the end10 was the word from ,scripture with which he now met the ,enemy4 ,the ,saviour whom he loved was beside him here1 the ,saviour was witnessing his struggle with sin1 would help him1 would bless him1 if his faith failed not4 ,oh1 better that wretched abode with the presence of his ,lord1 than the stateliest palace without it6 ,could he who had been forgiven so much1 could he who had been promised so much1 faint in the moment of trial6 ,where should the soldier be but in the battle--what should a pilgrim do but bear his cross6 ,with thoughts like these poor ,mark was struggling for submission1 and resisting the suggestions of evil2 but the tempter had yet another shaft in his quiver1 and tried by arousing another passion to crush down the resistance of piety and conscience4 ,mark heard a quick step behind him1 felt a heavy hand on his shoulder1 and turning round beheld ,john ,dowley4 8,you walk fast10 said the man2 8,i could hardly overtake you4 ,you were going to the town1 were you not8 well1 ,i've a little job for you to do for me there40 ,mark signified how readily he would do it4 8,you see these two bright sovereigns10 said the man1 taking two yellow pieces from a heavily filled purse1 and putting them into the hand of the boy4 8,i want these changed--you understand me2 buy some trifle at two different shops--mark me1 two shops not too near each other2 and bring back the change in silver40 8,what trifles do you want80 said ,mark1 poising the coins upon his finger4 8,anything--gingerbread1 or sugar-plums1 if you like2 only see that the change is right40 ,mark struck the two pieces against one another2 he did so again1 as if not satisfied with the sound4 8,are you sure that these are good80 said he4 8,what does that matter to you8 put them in your pocket1 and do as ,i bid you40 8,forgive me10 replied the boy2 8but ,i dare not40 8,dare not6 ,i did not know that you were such a coward4 ,what are you afraid of--the police80 8,i fear doing wrong2 ,i fear offending my ,god4 ,oh1 father1 ,i cannot pass that money40 8,say that word again10 muttered ,dowley between his teeth1 raising a cudgel that he grasped in his hand4 8,ask anything else--anything that is not wrong6 ,i consented for you to give up my place4 ,i obeyed you1 though in sorrow and disappointment2 but this thing ,i may not1 cannot do1 even if refusing cost me my life60 8,then take the consequences60 exclaimed the man in a fury of passion1 seizing the unhappy boy with one hand1 while with the other he showered on him a torrent of blows4 ,mark winced beneath them1 struggled1 called out for assistance2 but neither fear nor torture made him lift a hand against his earthly oppressor1 or yield to the assault of the tempter within1 who urged him to procure mercy at the price of his conscience6 ,wearied at length with his barbarous labour1 ,dowley flung his bruised1 bleeding1 gasping victim into a dry ditch1 and muttering to himself that he had served him out at last1 walked with long1 hurried strides from the spot4 ,,chapter ,x4 ,,shadow ,,and ,,sunshine4 8,now at the end of this valley was another1 called the ,valley of the ,shadow of ,death40--,pilgrim's ,progress4 8,oh6 this is fearful6 this is more terrible than all60 muttered ,mark1 as he regained slowly the consciousness that he had half lost4 ,he attempted to raise himself1 but motion was torture4 ,he called out1 but no one answered to his cry2 he had been crossing the fields by a shorter path than the highroad1 and therefore was not in the direct line of any thoroughfare1 and might lie there for hours unnoticed4 ,mark felt as though the ,shadow of ,death were upon him2 his mind was too confused and dizzy for prayer2 it seemed to grasp nothing but the consciousness that something horrible had occurred4 ,for long he lay there1 half delirious with pain4 ,the ,pilgrim was passing through1 perhaps1 the darkest passage of his life4 ,how different was the fate of young ,lord ,fontonore1 as1 with his tutor seated beside him in his splendid carriage1 he rolled along the highroad towards the north6 8,i am so glad that yesterday's storm is over60 cried he4 8,there's nothing like travelling in an open carriage1 except when it pours as it did last night4 ,it raises one's spirits1 passing fast through the air1 when the horses dash on without touch from the whip2 and the air is so fresh1 and the sky so blue1 and every turn of the wheel brings us nearer to home60 8,then you are not sorry to return to the castle80 8,sorry6 oh no6 ,i am too fond of it1 too proud of it1 for that6 ,i shall be glad1 too1 to see the old faces again2 ,aunt ,matilda1 pretty ,clemmy1 my uncle1 and all4 ,i hope that ,i shall find my pony all right4 ,i shall enjoy a good gallop again6 ,oh1 ,i shall be delighted to see my own home with the drawbridge1 and the moat1 and the old yew hedge2 and the flag will wave on the tower1 ,i know1 on my return1 to welcome the little master back6 ,then we must go to see my tenants1 especially old ,widow ,grove2 ,i am impatient to take her the shell ornament which ,i have bought for her3 and my poor dear old friend who lives at the mill--what a welcome ,i shall have from him6 ,oh1 my tenants will not be sorry to have me amongst them again6 ,and yet10 rattled on the lively boy1 8,i have enjoyed myself exceedingly here4 ,how ,i delighted in our visit to that old ruin2 don't ,i see it there1 just beyond the fields8 ,now1 ,mr4 ,ewart1 ,i have something to remind me of everything but that2 just let me stop the coachman10 he continued1 drawing the check-string1 8and run off for one stone40 8,i think1 ,charles1 that we have a long journey before us2 it is hardly desirable to delay40 8,oh1 but ,i'll not be two minutes1 you'll see4 ,i'll be back again1 like the lightning60 and1 without waiting for the steps to be let down1 he sprang lightly out of the carriage4 8,heaven bless the dear boy60 inwardly prayed ,mr4 ,ewart1 as he saw the graceful form bounding away4 8,heaven bless him1 and make him a blessing to many6 ,a noble career seems to be before him1 and he has a kind1 a noble1 a generous heart1 which has already1 ,i trust1 been given to ,god4 ,but ,i fear for him1 the dangers of his position2 he will have so much to nourish pride2 and pride1 alas6 is his besetting sin4 ,his guardian1 and his aunt1 rather foster than check it2 and ,london1 to which he is to be taken in the winter1 will be full of snares to the young peer4 ,but why should ,i thus take anxious thought8 ,i earnestly strive to impress on his heart the truths of our holy religion4 ,he is willing to listen1 and ready to learn2 can ,i doubt that a blessing will rest on my prayerful efforts1 or that he who is ever a ,father to the orphan1 will guard my dear pupil in the hour of temptation80 ,the clergyman was suddenly arrested in his meditations by a loud call from ,lord ,fontonore1 who had reached the other end of the field2 and looking in that direction1 he saw the boy waving his hat1 and making impatient and excited gestures as if to entreat him to come to him4 ,convinced that no trifle thus moved his pupil1 ,mr4 ,ewart instantly descended from the carriage1 and ordering the man-servant to follow1 proceeded rapidly towards the spot4 ,illustration3 ,,mark ,,discovered ,,by ,,lord ,,fontonore4 8,oh1 sir6 oh1 ,mr4 ,ewart1 only look here60 exclaimed ,charles1 as soon as his tutor came within hearing4 8,poor ,mark ,dowley1 only see how they have treated him4 ,he is not dying--oh1 ,i trust that he is not dying60 8,help me to raise him10 said the minister quietly1 though his blood ran cold at the spectacle before him4 8,do you not think1 ,charles1 that you could find a little water80 ,the boy was off almost before the sentence was concluded4 8,jones1 we must draw off his jacket very gently1--softly1 you pain him2 we must examine his hurts40 ,with a hand gentle as a woman's1 ,mr4 ,ewart removed the garment from the half senseless sufferer1 to stanch the blood1 and ascertain the amount of his injuries4 ,but he had scarcely laid bare the poor bruised shoulders of the boy1 when he started with an expression of such extreme surprise that ,jones looked in wonder to see what could be its cause4 8,is it possible60 exclaimed the clergyman1 8can it be really so6 ,yes1 for the countenance confirms it1 so like the mother2 it struck me the first moment that ,i saw him6 ,and the woman--ah60 he cried1 pressing his hand on his forehead1 8,i remember she would not see me2 she dared not1 the base--the treacherous6 ,it must be so2 ,i see all now--but the motive1 what could be the motive60 8,please1 sir10 said ,jones1 touching his hat1 8shall ,i go to yonder cottage for assistance80 8,carry the boy to the carriage2--no1 ,i will bear him myself2 it is not the first time that he has been in my arms4 ,and listen1 ,jones1 say not a word of what we have found1 but seek out two or three stout labourers at once2 the police would be better1 but we must not lose time1 everything depends upon secrecy and despatch40 ,while the wondering servant went in search of the required aid1 ,mr4 ,ewart1 with feelings almost resembling those of a father1 after binding with his own handkerchief and neckcloth ,mark's most severe wounds1 gently carried him to where the carriage stood waiting4 ,once the poor boy unclosed his eyes1 and uttered an exclamation of pleasure on recognizing the clergyman1 but he seemed almost too feeble to speak4 ,mr4 ,ewart had scarcely reached the high road when he was joined by ,lord ,fontonore1 who1 flushed and panting in the eagerness of his haste1 brought some cold water in his cap4 8,go back with him1 ,charles1 to the house which we have just left1 and call upon the surgeon in your way4 ,oh1 be tender with him1 as if he were your brother60 the clergyman's voice trembled as he spoke4 8,and you--0 8,i have a sterner duty to perform1 but it is one of the utmost importance4 ,there1 support the poor fellow's head on your breast1 you see that the water has made him revive2 all will be right yet1 by the blessing of ,heaven60 ,as the carriage was turned round1 and driven rapidly towards ,marshdale1 ,jones came up with two powerful-looking ploughmen1 and almost at the same time ,mr4 ,searle1 who was walking along the road1 reached the spot where they were now standing together4 8,most opportunely met60 cried the minister1 grasping his hand2 8you are a magistrate1 you will go with us1 and lend sanction to our proceedings40 ,he drew the old gentleman aside1 and whispered rapidly a few sentences in his ear1 at which the watchful ,jones observed that ,mr4 ,searle looked surprised and shocked4 ,then1 turning towards the three1 8,follow me1 my men10 said ,mr4 ,ewart1 abruptly2 8a great crime has been committed1 we go to seize the criminals40 ,and without giving any further explanation1 he led them rapidly towards the cottage of ,dowley4 ,if ,dowley felt any remorse for the barbarous manner in which he had treated ,mark1 he was now occupied in drowning all memory and feeling in that fiery drink which ruins so many souls4 ,he had even filled the cups of his children with spirits1 and the cottage was a scene of wild1 unholy mirth1 such as might make the pure angels weep4 ,the sudden entrance of ,mr4 ,ewart without knock or previous warning1 a grave1 stern expression on that usually mild face1 startled the party as though he had been an apparition4 ,he fixed his piercing eye upon ,ann1 who shrank back and covered her face with her hands1 then turned it full upon ,dowley whose flushed face showed mingled emotions of anger and fear4 8,i think that ,i have seen you before10 said the clergyman2 8is not your name ,john ,lawless8 were you not once gamekeeper to ,lord ,fontonore80 8,that's not my name1 nor never was10 replied the man surlily2 8and ,i never heard of ,lord ,fontonore in my life40 8,what6 not from your wife there1 who was nurse in the family1 and intrusted with the charge of the eldest son80 8,i say1 what10 exclaimed the man1 starting up furiously1 8,i don't know what brings you here1 forcing yourself into a man's home without his leave2 you shall go out a little quicker than you came--0 8,ay1 but ,i shall not go alone10 replied ,mr4 ,ewart1 striking the table with his hand4 ,at the signal1 in rushed ,jones and the two countrymen1 followed by the magistrate2 and after a short but furious struggle1 they succeeded in securing their prisoner4 ,ann attempted to make her escape by the back-door2 ,mr4 ,ewart laid his hand upon her arm4 8,you are our prisoner also10 he said1 8unhappy woman6 nothing remains to you now but to make all the reparation in your power1 by a frank and full confession40 ,ann wrung her hands in despair4 8,what is to be done with the children80 said ,mr4 ,ewart to the magistrate1 looking round on the frightened1 miserable family4 8,their proper home is the workhouse--,i will see to them2 and these prisoners must be sent to the jail40 ,the clergyman gazed on the children with strong compassion4 8,we must consider if nothing better can be done for them10 thought he4 8,poor inheritors of misery in this world1 ,heaven grant that they may have been taken from evil influence in time to preserve them1 through ,god's grace1 from misery in that which is to come60 ,,chapter ,,xi4 ,,the ,,touchstone ,,of ,,trial4 8,looking forward1 he saw ,faithful before him upon his journey40--,pilgrim's ,progress4 ,a few hours afterwards1 as ,charles was sitting in his own room1 amusing himself with his pencil1 he was joined by his tutor1 who looked weary and pale1 as if suffering from exertion and excitement4 8,i hope that you have found out who beat the poor boy so cruelly1 and have given him up to justice10 exclaimed ,charles4 8,the man whom ,i suspect is in custody10 replied the clergyman1 sinking wearily down on a chair4 8,i find that ,mark is asleep2 'tis the best thing for him40 8,yes1 poor fellow1 he has been sleeping for the last hour4 ,the surgeon is to call again in the evening4 ,but you look exceedingly tired1 dear sir2 let me bring you a glass of wine40 8,no1 ,charles1 thank you2 it is not wine that ,i require4 ,i am full of anxious thought1 my dear boy40 ,and he passed his hand across his pale forehead4 8,anxious thought for ,mark80 inquired ,charles4 8,no2 rather anxious thought concerning you40 8,well1 that's odd10 said the boy1 looking at him with a surprised smile2 8you seemed pretty easy about me in the morning1 and ,i assure you that ,i have been most harmlessly employed since you were away1 first looking after ,mark1 and then drawing a plan of a church40 8,let me see it10 said the clergyman1 holding out his hand4 8,oh1 it is not finished1 so you must make allowance10 replied ,charles1 looking at his own performance1 however1 with no dissatisfied air4 8,i shall very probably make plenty of alterations and improvements1 as it will be more than nine years before ,i can carry out my plans2 but ,i've such a glorious design in my head--something that ,i will do when ,i come of age and have my own money60 ,charles was too much engrossed with his project to notice the grave1 almost sad1 expression on the features of his tutor2 so he ran on in his animated manner1-- 8,you know what a long way my village is from the church1 and how seldom the clergyman can visit my poor people4 ,well1 ,i am determined to build a church of my own1 a large1 handsome church1 with the sittings all free2 and you shall be the clergyman1 my own dear ,mr4 ,ewart1 and live in the ,castle with me all my life6 ,do you not approve of my plan80 added the boy1 looking into his face with a bright smile4 8,man proposes1 ,god disposes10 said ,mr4 ,ewart1 laying his hand affectionately upon the shoulder of his pupil4 ,charles felt disappointed4 8,i thought that you would have been so much pleased10 cried he2 8,i am sure that you wish me to try to serve the ,lord40 8,most assuredly10 replied the clergyman2 8but the ,lord himself will choose out the way in which we are to serve him4 ,do you remember the young man who came to our ,saviour1 and asked him what he should do to inherit eternal life80 8,ah6 the one who went away sorrowing1 because he had great possessions40 8,i have little doubt10 said ,mr4 ,ewart1 8that had he been commanded to build a place of worship1 or to give liberal alms1 he would at once have willingly complied40 8,but he was told to give up all6 ,do you know1 sir1 that it has often struck me that that was a command very hard to obey4 ,i am glad that in these days there is no need for such commands40 8,there is the same need now1 ,charles1 that there was then for a spirit of willing obedience4 ,we may not now be called upon to give up all1 but every ,christian must be ready to do so4 ,if there is anything on earth on which we fix our hearts1 so as to say1 ,i can yield to ,god anything but this1 that thing from that moment is an idol and a snare1 and we are breaking the second commandment40 ,charles was silent for a few moments1 thinking over his tutor's words1 till ,mr4 ,ewart began conversation on a different subject4 8,you must sometimes have heard speak of an infant brother of your own40 8,oh yes1 little ,ernest1 who was drowned three days before ,i was born1 whose marble monument ,i so constantly see in church--a lovely baby1 sleeping amongst water-lilies40 8,his monument is there1 but not his body40 8,no1 poor little one1 it never was found4 ,i have heard all about his death many a time3 how his careless nurse set him down to crawl on the grass1 and was either called away or fell asleep1 ,i forget which1 and the poor baby rolled into the river and was lost1 nothing of him being recovered but his little hat and plume1 which was found floating on the top of the water40 8,that was the story which was told at the time by one who shrank not from adding falsehood to cruelty40 8,and the nurse was half wild with grief1 and dared not wait till the return of her master1 who had gone to ,london with my poor mother on account of her health2 but she soon ran away1 no one knew whither1 and never could be traced any more40 8,she fled the place10 said ,mr4 ,ewart1 8with a man who became her husband--one who1 for his bad conduct1 had been dismissed by your father from the office of gamekeeper1 with a threat to send him into jail4 ,this wicked man never forgot or forgave the threat1 and tempted the wretched woman whom he made his wife to a crime1 in order to gratify his revenge4 ,the babe was not drowned1 but stolen4 ,after much ill-treatment and cruelty from the unprincipled pair1 who brought him up as their own son1 his true birth was at length providentially discovered by the clergyman who had baptized him more than twelve years before1 from a most singular mark on his shoulder40 8,you cannot mean ,mark60 exclaimed ,charles1 in extreme surprise4 8,i do mean ,mark2 the confession of ,ann has confirmed my suspicions4 ,i have not the shadow of a doubt that the boy is your brother40 ,it was strange to watch the various emotions fast succeeding one another on the handsome countenance of ,charles--astonishment1 interest1 doubt1 pity1 succeeded by a grave1 inquiring look1 as he said1 8,then1 if ,mark be my brother1 who is ,lord ,fontonore80 8,he is1 as the eldest son of your late father40 ,the face of ,charles fell4 8,then what am ,i80 said he4 8,charles ,hope2 the same as your uncle40 8,and the estate1 and the castle1 with its fine old hall1 and all the pictures1 everything that ,i have so prized and looked on as my own--are they all his80 8,everything is entailed on the eldest son40 8,and have ,i nothing80 exclaimed ,charles1 his manner becoming excited2 8what is to become of me1 then80 8,you will enter some profession1 my dear boy1 as your uncle did1 and earn your livelihood honourably1 ,i trust40 8,but ,i am only a boy2 how am ,i to be supported till then80 8,doubtless either something will be allowed from the property of your brother1 or your uncle will--0 8,oh1 ,i can't stand this60 exclaimed ,charles1 passionately1 springing from his seat1 and walking up and down the room in a state of excitement4 8,to be dependent--that is more than ,i can bear6 ,it is bad enough to be poor1 but to be dependent60 8,oh1 my almost son60 exclaimed the clergyman1 with emotion1 8does not this very excess of grief at its loss prove that what is taken away would have been a snare to you8 ,may you not reckon in another world amongst your chief mercies that which is now so painful to bear80 8,and all my schemes of usefulness1 too60 cried ,charles1 flinging himself down again upon his chair4 8,none can say what a career of usefulness may be before you yet4 ,you may more glorify ,god1 and more benefit man1 than had your efforts never been stimulated by the necessity for exertion40 8,if ,mark had been the younger brother1 it would have been far better2 he would have been more than contented1 and ,i--0 ,illustration3 ,,charles',s ,,struggle4 8,let us never1 ,charles10 said ,mr4 ,ewart1 laying his hand upon his shoulder1 8say that anything which man had no power to alter could be better than as the ,almighty ordained it4 ,could we see all that ,he sees1 past and future together2 could we know all that ,he knows1 both our powers and our interests1 we should not even wish such things other than as they are2 we should feel that whatever is1 is right40 ,but pride1 arrogance1 and love of worldly glory were speaking too loudly in the heart of ,charles to suffer him yet to listen quietly to the voice of truth4 8,i little thought when ,i found ,mark what ,i was bringing upon myself10 said he2 8and you1 sir10 he added1 bitterly1 8you have thought much more of your new friend than of your old40 ,unjust as was the reproach1 it wounded ,mr4 ,ewart4 8,what would you have had me do1 ,charles80 he said sadly1 but without anger4 8,gross wrong had been done1 ,i could set it right2 a much-injured boy had been long kept from his birth-right1 would you have had me join with his oppressors in depriving him of it80 ,charles was silent1 but felt ashamed of his own injustice4 8,at present you and ,i are alone in possession of the secret4 ,ann's confession was made only to me2 would you wish me1 were the matter in your own choice1 to hush up the affair1 let all things go on as before1 and leave you to enjoy--not enjoy1 but possess--the title and estate1 which is the right of a brother80 8,oh no2 ,i am not quite so wicked as that60 cried ,charles1 throwing himself into the arms of his friend1 and burying his face in his bosom4 8,forgive me6 oh1 forgive me my impatience and injustice6 ,you were right2 the things which it pains me so to part with1 ,i was not fit to keep4 ,they must have been my idols1 though ,i did not know it4 ,but this trial seems to have made me full of evil40 8,it has not made the evil1 it has only shown it to you1 my dear boy4 ,water often looks clear until it is stirred2 but the stirring does not cause the sand which arises1 it was there while the water looked purest40 8,this1 then1 is one of the uses of trial1 ,i suppose1 to make us know how wicked we are4 ,an hour ago ,i felt so good and so happy1 ,i thought the way to heaven so easy and delightful2 and in the very first difficulty that ,i met1 all my goodness melted away in a moment40 8,but now that you are recalled to yourself--now that you remember that as strangers and pilgrims upon earth1 we must not cling too closely to anything in a world through which we are but passing--,i trust that1 by ,god's help1 you will show how cheerfully a ,christian can submit to the will of his ,master4 ,you will not go away1 like the rich young man1 sorrowing1 but1 following the ,saviour through all life's changing scenes1 rejoice in the treasure laid up for you in heaven40 8,one thing ,i should like10 said ,charles1 his face brightening again1 8may ,i be the first to tell the news to ,mark8 ,if he is half as much delighted as ,i was vexed--,i should so like to see how he takes it60 8,most readily do ,i accede to your wish10 said ,mr4 ,ewart1 8but we must say nothing to excite him just now1 while he is so feverish2 and it is better that he should know nothing of the change until all is more decided and settled4 ,i am just going to write to your uncle40 8,my uncle60 said ,charles1 looking again rather grave2 8ah1 how astonished he will be1 and ,aunt ,matilda1 and ,clementina6 ,i wonder if it will make them feel differently towards me--if ,i shall lose many friends with my title40 8,there is one at least whom you will gain40 8,ah1 a brother6 ,i daresay that ,mark and ,i will love each other1 only ,i can never fancy him a lord40 ,charles almost laughed at the idea4 8,you must be to him what ,jonathan was to ,david4 ,one might have feared that the son of ,king ,saul1 who must naturally have once hoped to succeed to the throne of his father1 would have beheld with jealousy the shepherd boy who was chosen to rule in his stead4 ,yet between the two there was only confidence and love1 love which1 however much we may admire it in ,david1 appears tenfold more beautiful in his friend40 8,we must be like ,christian and ,faithful in the ,pilgrim's ,progress10 said ,charles1 now quite regaining his usual cheerfulness of manner4 8,he has been passing through the ,valley of the ,shadow of ,death1 and struggling under all manner of trials1 and now the way is growing smooth beneath his feet1 and he will have a brother to walk beside him4 ,he will teach me something of the ,valley of ,humility1 and ,i will tell him what ,i know of ,vanity ,fair4 ,i feel really ashamed of myself now--what a worldly1 self-seeking pilgrim ,i have been60 8,god be praised60 murmured the clergyman1 as he quitted the room2 8,god be praised1 who has supported and strengthened my dear pupil in the hour of his sore temptation40 ,,chapter ,,xii4 ,,pilgrim',s ,,converse ,,by ,,the ,,way4 8,i have sowed1 and you have reaped2 and the day is coming when #8both he that soweth and they that reap shall rejoice together3' that is1 if you hold out2 #8for in due season ye shall reap1 if ye faint not4'0--,pilgrim's ,progress4 ,a few days after1 as ,mr4 ,ewart entered the room in which ,mark1 or rather ,ernest1 as we must now call him1 was sitting in an armchair1 propped up by cushions1 and looking exceedingly pale1 ,charles1 who was looking over the back of the chair1 addressed his tutor playfully with the words1 8,i am so much disappointed1 ,mr4 ,ewart2 here's a young nobleman to whom ,i have been telling all sorts of good news1 and he looks as grave as a judge upon them all40 8,i feel so bewildered10 said ,ernest1 pressing his pale brow2 8,i think that it must all be a dream40 8,it is no dream10 said ,mr4 ,ewart1 seating himself by his side2 8all is true that your brother has told you40 8,brother60 exclaimed ,ernest1 fixing his moistened eyes upon ,charles1 8,oh1 my lord60 8,he is so wilful10 laughed ,charles2 8we shall never get him to sign himself ,fontonore40 8,i do not wish to be a lord10 said ,ernest1 gravely2 8,i am not fit to be a lord4 ,i know next to nothing4 ,i have hardly read a book but the ,bible4 ,oh1 do you be the nobleman1 and let me be your brother6 ,you shall have the fortune1 and the estates1 and all that--,i never could bear to deprive you of them60 8,you have no choice1 ,ernest10 said ,mr4 ,ewart2 8you can no more help being a noble than you can help being your father's son3 you cannot avoid receiving the ten talents2 your care now must be to make a right use of them4 ,both ,ann and ,lawless have publicly confessed40 8,i hope that they are not to suffer on account of me10 said ,ernest2 8especially my mo---- she whom ,i once thought my mother4 ,it would imbitter the whole of my life40 8,lawless is committed to trial for forgery 7a purse of base coin was found on his person72 ,ann1 for her conduct towards you4 ,i will try to do all in my power1 as it is your wish1 to make the sentence of the law fall lightly on the woman40 8,and my brothers80 said ,ernest4 8,what of me80 interrupted ,charles4 8,oh1 ,i see that you intend to disown me already10 he added1 playfully2 8you will neither believe nor acknowledge me1 so ,i shall leave you to the management of ,mr4 ,ewart10 and so saying he left the apartment4 8,i am going to ask what ,i fear you will think a strange question10 said ,ernest to the clergyman1 as soon as they were alone2 8,i know that ,i am to have a very large fortune1 but--but--shall ,i have any of it to spend as ,i like now80 8,you will doubtless have the same allowance that has been given to ,charles10 replied ,mr4 ,ewart1 naming the sum4 8,so much60 exclaimed ,ernest in surprise2 8and ,lord ,fontonore--,i mean my brother80 8,what he may receive will depend upon his uncle4 ,poor ,charles6 he has nothing of his own40 8,half of mine at least shall be his4 ,let him have it without knowing from whom it comes40 ,mr4 ,ewart smiled1 and pressed the boy's hand4 8,and those unhappy children with whom ,i have been brought up1 now separated from their parents1 and helpless and friendless--tell me1 sir1 what can ,i do for them80 8,there are some excellent charities in ,london1 where such are received1 brought up to an honest trade1 and instructed in the principles of religion4 ,but there is considerable expense in keeping children at such asylums1 unless they have been admitted by votes1 which in the present case would be very difficult to procure40 8,would the remaining half of my allowance be enough80 8,you would leave yourself nothing1 my dear boy4 ,i honour your motives and feelings1 but generosity must be tempered by prudence4 ,the little girl you might place at an asylum40 8,and the boys80 8,let me think what could be done with them4 ,it seems to me10 said the clergyman1 after a minute's consideration1 8that ,mr4 ,hope might allow them1 if such were really your desire1 to be brought up under the gardener at the castle40 8,that is an excellent plan60 cried ,ernest1 clapping his hands2 8there they would always be under your eye2 you would teach them also the narrow way to heaven60 8,there might be some objections to the plan10 said ,mr4 ,ewart1 reflecting2 8it might place you uncomfortably to have those near the castle who had known you in such a different position40 8,it will be good for me10 said ,ernest1 with animation4 8,if ,i ever am tempted to be lifted up with pride1 ,i shall have but to look at them and remember what ,i was2 and if anything can humble me1 that will4 ,will you kindly write to ,mr4 ,hope directly80 8,there is no need to do that10 replied the clergyman2 8,i have heard from him to-day1 and came now to tell you that it is his wish that as soon as you are equal to moving1 you and your brother should start at once for the castle40 8,oh1 ,i am ready for anything60 cried ,ernest2 8,i mean that ,i am ready to travel10 he added1 correcting himself1 8for my new situation ,i fear that ,i am not ready40 8,the two best introductions to any new sphere of life are--trust in ,god1 and mistrust of ourselves40 8,do you think that ,i shall have many dangers now1 ,i mean as a pilgrim80 asked ,ernest4 8,you will have dangers still1 though of a different kind4 ,your battle-field is changed1 but not your enemy4 ,the good seed in your heart was in peril before from the hot sun of trial beating upon it2 now ,god grant that the cares1 riches1 and pleasures of this world may not spring up as thorns to choke it6 ,your great refuge must be self-examination and prayer2 with these1 by ,god's grace1 you will safely walk still on the slippery high path before you40 8,i trust that nothing will make me forget that ,i am a pilgrim10 said ,ernest4 8,i will give you this book1 which ,i look upon as a valuable chart of the way you must tread10 replied ,mr4 ,ewart1 placing in the hand of ,ernest a copy of ,bunyan's ,pilgrim's ,progress4 8,in this book you will see the ,christian's path1 over part of which you yourself have travelled4 ,you will recognize some spots that are familiar to you1 some people with whom you have had to deal2 and you will see1 as if a curtain were drawn up before you1 much that you are likely to meet with in the future40 8,oh1 thanks6 this must indeed be a most wonderful book6 ,but ,i cannot understand how it can tell me about things that have happened or will happen to myself1 the paths of people through life are so many40 8,the paths of men are many--the ,christian has but one4 ,our circumstances1 indeed1 are very various2 to some the hill ,difficulty comes through bitter poverty1 to some from unkind relations1 to some from broken health4 ,some pass through the gloomy valley in sunshine1 and see but little of its horrors2 some are helped1 some hindered on their way to heaven by those amongst whom they live4 ,but there are certain points in the pilgrimage which every ,christian must know4 ,we all set out from the ,city of ,destruction--we are all by nature born in sin4 ,even children must flee from the wrath to come1 turning from--that is1 repenting of their unrighteousness4 ,even children must come to the one strait gate--faith in our ,lord ,jesus ,christ2 must knock by prayer1 and having once entered in1 must press on in the way leading unto life6 ,even children bear a burden of sin1 though the sooner they come to the cross of the ,saviour the lighter that burden must be2 but were it only the burden of one unholy word1 one sinful thought1 nothing but the blood of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ could take even that away6 ,even children are beset by spiritual foes--must1 if pilgrims1 know something of the battle within2 even children must wear the whole armour of ,god2 and to the youngest1 the weakest1 is offered the crown which the ,lord has prepared for them that love ,him60 8,what a wonderfully wise and learned man he must have been who wrote such a book as you say that this is60 8,it was written by a man who had very little learning except what he gained from the ,word of ,god itself4 ,the wisdom which he possessed came from above1 and the men of the world deemed it foolishness4 ,the author of that book was a tinker1 named ,bunyan1 a man who supported himself by the labour of his hands1 and who for twelve years1 only on account of his religion1 was confined in ,bedford jail40 8,were men put in prison for being religious80 exclaimed ,ernest1 in surprise4 8,at all times the world has been an enemy to holiness1 and religion has been liable to persecution2 but this persecution has at different times taken very different shapes4 ,the early ,christians were tortured1 beaten1 thrown to wild beasts1 till so many people had adopted their holy faith that the civilized world began to call itself ,christian4 ,then the ,evil ,one1 seeing that he could not put out the light1 heaped up a thousand superstitions around it1 so that sinners might be prevented from seeing it4 ,yet1 doubtless1 even through the dark ages1 as they are called1 ,god had always some faithful believers upon earth1 whom the world would hate because they were not of it2 and persecute1 though not always openly4 ,at length the time of the ,reformation arrived2 brave men and holy forced a way through the mass of superstitions which had hidden the precious light of truth2 and then1 indeed1 there was a fearful struggle1 and persecution bathed its sword in the blood of martyrs4 ,many were the stakes raised in ,england1 ,germany1 and ,france1 where saints yielded up their souls in the midst of flames4 ,but no persecution could tread out the light which ,god himself had kindled4 ,as blows upon gold but make it spread wider1 so the very efforts of the wicked to suppress the truth1 made it more extensively known40 8,and was it then that ,bunyan was imprisoned80 8,not then1 but more than a century after1 in the reign of an unworthy monarch1 ,charles ,,ii41 when the light which had shone so brightly was becoming obscured again by superstition and worldly policy4 ,bunyan was confined for preaching the ,word2 was separated from the family of whom he was the support4 ,that which most deeply wounded his heart was the helpless position of his poor blind child1 who so much needed the protecting care of a father40 8,and they imprisoned him for twelve years8 ,how cruel6 ,what a tedious1 weary trial it must have been to him60 8,god honoured the prisoner far above the prince2 ,he made the jail a nobler dwelling than a palace6 ,it was there that the despised and persecuted tinker composed his wonderful book4 ,bright1 holy thoughts were his pleasant companions4 ,while his worldly judges were passing through life1 surrounded by cares1 business1 and amusements1 seeing1 perhaps1 nothing beyond this fleeting scene1 the prisoner was tracing the ,pilgrim's ,progress1 copying from his own heart the ,pilgrim's feelings1 noting from his own life the ,pilgrim's trials1 and describing from his own hopes the ,pilgrim's reward4 ,and when his book was finished--when1 with humble faith1 he laid it as an offering before ,him who had given him the power to write it--how little could the despised ,bunyan have anticipated the honour which ,god would put upon that book6 ,it has been read by thousands and hundreds of thousands--generation after generation have delighted in it--the high and the low1 the rich and the poor1 all have welcomed the chart of the ,pilgrim4 ,it has been translated into many foreign tongues2 from east to west1 from north to south1 in all the four quarters of the globe1 it has directed sinners to the one strait gate1 and guided them along the one narrow path4 ,i believe10 added ,mr4 ,ewart1 laying his hand upon the volume1 8that next to the ,bible1 from which it is taken1 that this book has been the most widely circulated of any ever written2 and never shall we know1 till the last great day1 how many a saved and rejoicing spirit may trace its first step in the heavenward way to reading ,bunyan's ,pilgrim's ,progress40 ,,chapter ,,xiii4 ,,distant ,,glimpse ,,of ,,vanity ,,fair4 8,then ,i saw in my dream1 that when they were got out of the wilderness1 they presently saw a town before them1 and the name of that town is ,vanity40--,pilgrim's ,progress4 8,ah6 what a strange remembrance ,i shall always have of that old ruin60 exclaimed ,charles1 as again he drove past the well-known spot1 in a carriage with post-horses1 on his way to ,castle ,fontonore4 ,but this time he had another companion beside him2 ,ernest1 well wrapped up in cloak and furs--for the autumn was now advanced--was resting on the soft cushions of the luxurious vehicle4 8,what will your remembrances be1 compared to mine80 said ,ernest1 raising himself to look out1 and keeping his eyes fixed upon the gray pile until it was lost to his sight4 8,i went to pick up a stone as a keepsake1 and ,i found a brother60 cried ,charles4 8,how much ,i owe you60 said ,ernest1 fervently4 8,i make you an ill return by taking away what you thought your birth-right6 ,and you1 sir10 he added1 turning towards the clergyman1 8my debt to you ,i can never never repay2 but my heart's gratitude and love shall be yours as long as ,i breathe4 ,all the honours and riches that ,i possess ,i value as nothing1 compared with the blessing of having such a friend and such a brother40 ,this was the first time that ,ernest had been able to express so much2 for1 shy and retiring as he was by nature1 and rendered more so by the manner in which all the warm feelings of his heart had hitherto been chilled and repressed1 he had wrapped himself up in a cloak of reserve1 and had few words to show how deep were these feelings4 ,mr4 ,ewart saw that in the boy's present weak state he was easily agitated and excited1 and1 to change the subject of a conversation which made ,ernest's voice tremble with emotion1 asked him how he liked the book which he had given him4 8,i find it very interesting4 ,i should have thought it so1 if ,i had only read it as an amusing story2 but what you said about its showing us things that happen in our own lives1 has made it a thousand times more so4 ,i could enter into so many of the feelings of ,christian--his misery with his burden1 his delight when it rolled away4 ,i am almost sure that ,mr4 ,worldly ,wiseman once turned me aside1 and ,i fancy that ,i have even known a little of the ,slough of ,despond60 8,the earlier children go on pilgrimage1 the less they usually know of the misery of that slough4 ,as ,bunyan1 in his allegory1 beautifully represents1 there are stepping-stones across it all the way1 and the feet of ,christ's little ones usually find these1 so that many have reached the wicket-gate in safety1 without one stain of the slough on their garments40 8,what a mercy it was to ,christian to meet with ,evangelist6 ,sir1 you have been ,evangelist to me40 8,and ,i must be your ,faithful10 said ,charles1 smiling4 8,oh no6 for then ,i should lose you in ,vanity ,fair10 replied ,ernest1 looking fondly on his brother1 who was daily becoming dearer to his heart4 8,vanity ,fair is not at all like what it was when ,bunyan wrote10 said ,charles4 8,there is no danger of my being put in prison1 or stoned1 or burned1 because ,i may not like the ways of the place2 so you are not in the least likely to lose me in that manner1 and ,i may be your ,faithful and your ,hopeful both in one40 8,is ,vanity ,fair quite done away with now80 said ,ernest to ,mr4 ,ewart4 8,no1 my boy1 and never will be1 as long as the three grand tempters of the world1 the lust of the flesh1 the lust of the eye1 and the pride of life1 spread their attractive stalls to lure unwary pilgrims40 8,i am afraid that you will think me a very dull pupil10 said ,ernest2 8but ,i do not exactly understand who these tempters are of whom you speak40 8,the lust of the flesh is pleasure2 the lust of the eye1 covetousness2 the pride of life is that fatal pride1 whether of birth1 riches1 talent1 or beauty1 which is often viewed with indulgence by the world1 but which is particularly hateful to ,god40 8,but must all pleasure be sinful80 asked ,charles4 8,by no means4 ,some pleasure springs directly from religion4 ,of heavenly wisdom it is written in ,god's ,word1 ,her ways are ways of pleasantness1 and all her paths are peace4 ,and other pleasure may be hallowed by religion2 but it must be pleasure that has no connection with sin4 ,we may gather life's flowers1 but we must be careful that they are those which have not the trail of the serpent upon them40 8,is it wrong to enjoy the riches which ,god gives us80 asked ,ernest4 8,shall ,i sin if ,i look with joy on the noble estate and all the beautiful things which you tell me are mine80 8,god forbid10 replied the clergyman2 8hath ,he not given us all things richly to enjoy8 ,but we must use the world as not abusing it4 ,there is a test by which we can easily find out if riches are not clogging and delaying us in our heavenward path4 ,we must examine1 first1 if we receive them with gratitude1 as coming from ,god2 secondly1 if we are watchful to spend them to the glory of ,god2 thirdly1 if we are ready to resign them1 in obedience to ,god40 8,i think10 observed ,charles1 8that ,ernest will be less in danger from the pride of life than ,i was40 8,yes10 said ,ernest1 looking admiringly at his brother2 8because ,i shall have so very much less to be proud of40 8,i never meant that10 cried ,charles1 colouring2 8but ,i fancy that you have been so tried and subdued1 by suffering so much1 that you will never be so foolish and flighty as ,i2 you will not be so easily puffed up40 8,i am sure that ,i could not answer for myself10 replied ,ernest1 simply4 8,no2 and certainly you are very ignorant of the ways of ,vanity ,fair2 that's the part of your pilgrimage that you are coming to now40 8,surely not till ,i go to ,london4 ,i shall see nothing of it while we stay quietly studying at the castle40 8,little you know60 exclaimed ,charles1 laughing4 8,my good ,aunt ,matilda1 my pretty little cousin1 and perhaps my business-like uncle himself1 may introduce you--0 ,charles stopped1 for he caught his tutor's eye1 and its grave expression silenced him at once4 8,judge not1 that ye be not judged10 said the clergyman1 impressively4 8,there is nothing so little becoming a young pilgrim as passing unkind judgment on his elders40 8,i'm afraid that it's my besetting sin10 said ,charles1 8and one that it is very difficult to get rid of40 8,like many others1 ,i believe that it springs from pride10 observed his tutor4 8,when we are deeply sensible of our own imperfections1 we have more mercy to show1 or less attention to give to those of our neighbours and companions40 ,the journey to ,yorkshire took two days1 travelling by post being so much slower than by railway4 ,to ,ernest they were days of almost unmixed delight3 change of scene1 unaccustomed comforts1 the society of those whom he loved1 all the hopes which naturally gild the prospect of youth--all the brighter for being so new--filled his cup of enjoyment very full4 ,though his manner was not so lively as that of his brother1 it was easy to see that his happiness was not less4 ,we may be surprised that the bitter emotions which ,charles had entertained when he first knew of the loss of his title seemed so soon to have entirely disappeared4 ,but his was an open and generous heart--,ernest's sufferings had roused his pity--his brother's grateful affection had flattered his feelings--he was pleased with himself for his conquest over pride2 and perhaps nothing tends to make us more cheerful than this4 ,then there had been nothing to make him painfully aware of a change--his tutor's manner had been more kind than ever--,jones could never address him but as 8my lord0--,ernest seemed unwilling to consider himself even as his equal--all his comforts appeared the same as ever4 ,it was therefore with unaffected pleasure that1 as they approached near the ,castle ,fontonore1 ,charles pointed out the landmarks to his brother4 8,there now1 there's the lodge2 isn't it a beauty8 ,that's ,widow ,grove who is standing at the gate4 ,why1 there's quite a little crowd2 ,i knew that there would be one4 ,take off your cap1 ,ernest1 they are cheering for us4 ,did you ever see such magnificent timber in your life8 so glorious with the autumn tints still upon them6 ,that tree to the right is five hundred years old4 ,just look at the deer as they bound through that glade2 and now--yes--now you have a glimpse of the castle1 and there's the flag waving from the top of the tower4 ,is it not an inheritance worth having1 ,ernest8 ,does it not surpass your expectations80 8,it does1 it does2 ,i never saw1 never dreamed of anything so beautiful60 ,and now1 exciting no small stir amongst the tenants1 grooms1 stable-boys1 and others who on various pretexts were crowding the entrance1 the horses1 urged on to speed by the postilion1 dashed over the drawbridge1 through the arched gateway into the paved court-yard1 and stood chafed and foaming before the door1 where the ,hopes stood ready to receive the young master4 ,ernest had no time to gaze round on the romantic pile of building which surrounded him--the tower1 the mullioned windows1 the walls of massive stone1 almost covered with various kinds of creepers2 he was so anxious to have a sight of his new relations1 who appeared at the entrance to welcome them4 ,there was a rather stout gentleman1 whom1 from a family likeness to ,charles1 ,ernest at once set down for his uncle2 a tall1 good-looking lady1 in a superb silk dress that looked rich enough to stand upright by itself1 and whose very rustle seemed to speak of formidable dignity2 and a fairy-like young creature1 a little older than himself1 whom1 at the first glance1 ,ernest thought exceedingly pretty4 ,charles1 accustomed from infancy to be a person of importance1 sprang eagerly out of the carriage first1 almost before the horses had stopped4 ,he ran to his aunt4 8,where is ,lord ,fontonore80 said she1 passing him1 and advancing to the door of the carriage4 8,dear ,clemmy60 exclaimed ,charles1 taking his cousin's hand1 8how long it is since we have met60 ,she returned his press indeed1 but her eyes were not looking towards him2 she had not even a glance to give her old companion1 so eagerly was her gaze turned in another direction4 8,is this the reception that ,i meet with80 thought ,charles1 anger and disappointment boiling in his heart4 8,it was then the peer whom they flattered and caressed2 ,i am now only ,charles ,hope1 and ,i must be deserted for the first stranger who has a title20 and without attending to the greeting of his uncle1 or to that of the servants1 with whom he had always been a favourite1 ,charles hurried off impatiently to his own room4 ,illustration3 ,,charles ,,and ,,his ,,mother',s ,,portrait4 ,a beautiful room it was1 all hung round with pictures4 ,there was one which ,charles especially valued1 the portrait of his mother when she was a girl1 with deep1 thoughtful eyes1 so much like ,ernest's that ,charles wondered that he had not recognized the resemblance the first moment that he had seen his brother4 ,this picture had often exercised a soothing effect over the boy2 the thought of his gentle mother now in heaven drew his own affections thither2 the hope of meeting her there was so sweet1 the desire of being worthy of her so strong--for his mind had invested her with all the qualities of an angel--and the parent who had died before he could know his loss1 was the object of the deepest tenderness of the boy4 8,she1 at least1 is not changed--she looks always the same60 exclaimed ,charles1 clasping his hands1 and gazing upon the portrait till his eyes became dimmed with tears4 ,he was disturbed by a low knock at the door4 8,come in60 exclaimed ,charles in an impatient tone1 hastily dashing the moisture from his eyes4 ,it was the housekeeper who appeared at the door4 8,please1 my lord1 ,master ,charles1 ,i am sorry to disturb you1 but this room ,mrs4 ,hope desired to be prepared for ,lord ,fontonore2 the blue room has been made ready for you40 ,charles rushed out of the apartment without saying a word1 in a passion of anger and resentment4 ,the trial which he had seen but from a distance was now most keenly and bitterly felt4 ,he locked his door1 and paced backwards and forwards across the room1 wishing that he could shut out all sound of voices and tread of feet1 as he traced by it the progress of the party through the castle1 which his relations were now showing to its new possessor4 ,and thus he remained in his solitary misery1 while ,ernest painfully missed from his side one who was more to his affectionate heart than all the wealth of the world1 and with an uncomfortable consciousness of his every motion being watched by those who regarded him rather with curiosity than interest1 passed through long corridors1 and stately apartments1 which were expected to strike him with wonder4 8,he is not so vulgar or funny as ,i expected that he would be10 whispered ,clementina to some one beside her2 8but it makes me laugh to see him look so shy and uneasy1 as if he were half afraid to look at his own castle4 ,he certainly has a very interesting air1 but he is not half so handsome as ,charles40 ,,chapter ,,xiv4 ,,vexations ,,of ,,vanity ,,fair4 8,i wish to see no one60 exclaimed ,charles1 as again a knock was heard at his door4 8,will you not admit me80 said the voice of ,mr4 ,ewart4 ,in an instant the door was thrown open4 8,i did not know that it was you1 sir2 but ,i might have guessed who was the only being likely to come near me40 ,mr4 ,ewart saw in a moment by the face of his pupil1 as well as by the tone in which he spoke1 that he was struggling--no1 not struggling with1 but rather overcome by his passions2 and more grieved than displeased by the conduct of the boy1 he led him quietly to a sofa1 on which they both sat down together4 8,i am sorry10 said ,mr4 ,ewart1 8that you left us so soon2 your brother may be hurt by your absence40 8,oh1 he'll never miss me2 he has plenty to take up his attention4 ,aunt ,matilda will never let him out of her sight4 ,miss ,clemmy will deck herself out even finer than usual to do honour to the lord of the castle4 ,and of course he'll be taken by all the flattery and fuss2 he'll believe all the nonsense of that worldly set2 he'll be everything now1 and ,i shall be nothing1 because he happened to be born a year before me4 ,it's very hard10 he added bitterly2 8it's very hard40 8#8,it's very hard' is one of the ,evil ,one's favourite suggestions10 said ,mr4 ,ewart2 8its meaning was contained in the very first words which he ever uttered to a human ear4 ,he would have persuaded ,eve that it was very hard that she might not eat of every fruit in the garden2 and now1 surrounded as we are with manifold blessings1 it is his delight to point to the one thing denied1 and still whisper1 #8,it's very hard to be kept from that which you so much desire4'0 8,i cannot help feeling10 murmured ,charles2 8things are so different now from what they were40 8,did you ever expect them to remain the same8 ,did you suppose that your path would be always amongst flowers8 ,are you not forgetting that you are a stranger and a pilgrim--the follower of a ,master who was a man of sorrows80 ,charles sighed heavily1 and looked down4 8,how often have you repeated the lines-- #8,the greatest evil we can fear1 ,is to possess our portion here6' ,had you the power of choice1 would you enjoy that portion in this life1 were it even to bestow on you the crown of an emperor80 8,no10 replied ,charles1 with emphasis4 8,let me refer you to your favourite ,pilgrim's ,progress4 ,remember what ,christian beheld in the house of the ,interpreter--that which we constantly behold in daily life3 ,passion demanding his treasure at once2 ,patience waiting meekly for a treasure to come4 ,which was the richest in the end80 8,you must not imagine that it was the sight of the dear old castle1 and all that ,i have lost1 that has made me feel in this way10 exclaimed ,charles4 8,you saw how cheerful ,i was not an hour ago1 and ,i knew then that ,i was no longer ,lord ,fontonore40 8,yes2 you had seen your cross1 but you had not taken it up2 you had not felt its weight4 ,it is now that you must rouse up your courage40 8,what ,i feel10 exclaimed ,charles impetuously1 8is contempt for the mean1 heartless beings1 who were all kindness to me when ,i bore a title1 and now have turned round like weathercocks6 ,i do not believe that even you can defend them40 8,i think that you may judge them hardly4 ,you have too easily taken offence2 you have made no allowance for their natural curiosity to see the hero of so romantic a tale as ,ernest's4 ,would not you yourself have felt eager to meet him80 ,charles admitted that perhaps he might have done so4 8,you have taken ,passion and ,pride for your counsellors1 dear ,charles3 the one has blinded your eyes that you should not see the straight path2 the other would bind your feet that you should not pursue it4 ,and miserable counsellors have you found them both2 they have inflicted on your heart more pain than the loss of both title and estate40 8,what would you have me do80 said ,charles1 more quietly2 for he felt the truth of the last observation4 8,first1 ,i would have you endeavour to bring yourself to be content to be of little importance4 ,until your mind is in this state of submission1 you will be like one with a wound which is being perpetually rubbed4 8,secondly1 ,i would have you seek your earthly enjoyment rather in beholding that of others1 than in any pleasure that comes direct to yourself4 ,thus1 in one way1 ,fontonore will be yours still4 8,thirdly1 ,i would have you prayerfully on the watch against the slightest feeling of jealousy towards ,ernest4 ,never let your only brother think for one moment that you feel that he stands in your way40 8,oh1 ,mr4 ,ewart60 cried ,charles1 starting to his feet1 8how could you imagine such a thing80 8,it rests with you alone to prevent his thinking it1 and you have made a bad beginning to-day40 8,i will go to ,ernest at once10 said the boy1 8and help to show him over the place4 ,he shall never say--he shall never think that ,i am envious of his prosperity40 ,in truth1 on that first evening of his arrival in the castle1 ,ernest was not much to be envied4 ,he was uneasy about his brother--uncomfortable with his new companions2 one hearty grasp from the hand of ,charles1 or approving word from his tutor1 was worth all the smiles1 and courtesies1 and bows1 which he knew had nothing to do with the heart4 ,ernest felt himself out of his natural place1 and was constantly afraid of saying or doing something that would shock the polished grandees around him4 ,as far as speaking was concerned1 he was indeed tolerably safe1 for he scarcely opened his lips1 which made his companions set him down as dull and stupid2 but he had been accustomed for so short a time to the refinements of polished society1 and was so likely1 in his very anxiety to please1 to forget even the hints that he had received from ,mr4 ,ewart1 that there was certainly some little danger of his doing something 8shocking40 ,the presence of half-a-dozen footmen in gay liveries in the room1 was a disagreeable piece of state to the young lord2 so many eyes were turned upon him whenever he moved2 there were so many listeners if he uttered a word6 ,ernest made the serious mistake of eating fish with a knife4 ,the shocked look of his aunt made him sensible of his blunder1 and covered his face with blushes4 ,at another time1 ,clementina pressed her lace handkerchief over her lips1 to stifle her too evident inclination to titter1 at the peasant-bred peer helping her to something from the dish before him with his own spoon4 ,ernest was very glad when the dinner was over1 which had lasted1 indeed1 nearly twice as long as any of which he had ever partaken before4 ,illustration3 ,,clementina ,,at ,,the ,,piano4 ,after dinner1 ,clementina was desired by her mother to go to the piano and play4 ,she made so many excuses1 said that she was tired1 nervous1 out of practice1 that ,ernest1 little practised in the ways of ,vanity ,fair1 was inclined to beg that the young lady might be let off4 ,great would have been her mortification had he done so1 however--the girl was only refusing in order to be pressed2 the virtue of sincerity1 if she had ever possessed it1 had all been frittered away by folly4 ,she sat down to the instrument1 determined to be admired2 for admiration to her was as the very breath of life4 ,she played what might be called a very brilliant piece--full of shakes1 dashes1 and runs1 but with no melody at all4 ,ernest1 though fond of music1 thought it certainly not pretty1 and1 had he been more at his ease1 could hardly have helped laughing at the affected air of the young performer1 and the manner in which she threw up her hands1 and sometimes her eyes also1 in the slower movements of the piece4 ,every motion appeared to be studied3 self was never for a moment forgotten4 ,when the performance1 rather to ,ernest's relief1 was concluded1 with a satisfied look the stately mother turned to the young peer1 and asked him if that was not a beautiful piece4 8,rather10 replied ,ernest1 after a little hesitation1 as much vexed with himself for saying so much as ,clementina was at his saying so little4 ,charles1 who was standing near1 could not avoid laughing2 and ,ernest read in the eyes of ,mrs4 ,hope her unexpressed thought--8,i have no patience for this low1 ill-bred boor60 ,with a secret feeling of constraint1 mortification1 and disappointment1 poor ,ernest retired at night to his own room4 ,two maids were preparing it as he entered1 and he could not help overhearing the words of one of them1-- 8',tis a pity that ,master ,charles was not the eldest son40 8,i'm sure that ,i think so60 ,ernest exclaimed1 aloud1 to the no small surprise of the girl who had uttered the observation4 ,,chapter ,,xv4 ,,citizens ,,of ,,vanity ,,fair4 ,there was another matter that weighed upon the mind of ,ernest1 and was his first thought when he awoke in the morning4 ,it was the request which he was to make to his uncle concerning bringing ,jack and ,ben to the castle4 ,mr4 ,ewart had declined making the request for him1 and in this ,ernest thought his tutor for the first time unkind4 ,but ,ernest was mistaken1 as those usually are who judge others without entering into their feelings or position4 ,the truth was that ,mr4 ,ewart very well knew that no request made by him would be likely to be granted4 ,he was almost disliked by ,mr4 ,hope1 whose character presented a remarkable contrast to his own1 and who treated his nephews' tutor with bare civility1 though as well born and better educated than himself4 ,mr4 ,hope was what is called a man of the world--one who made business his sole ambition2 his worldliness1 his pride1 were in the sight of the ,eternal but--vanity6 ,ernest was beginning to more than waver in his wish to have the sons of ,lawless living so near him4 ,he felt since his arrival at ,fontonore1 more than he had ever done before1 how disagreeable their presence might be4 ,had ,ernest not been a sincere ,christian1 he would have tried as much as possible to banish from his mind all recollection of early days of humiliation and suffering1 and would have endeavoured to keep far away from himself all that could remind him of his peasant life4 ,but ,ernest felt that this would be throwing away the lessons which ,god had taught him at the cost of so much pain2 and that1 in failing to bring those whom he had once considered his brothers to a place where they might benefit from the same instructions that had been so much blessed to himself1 he might be neglecting the means of bringing them to ,god4 ,ernest therefore resolved to speak to his uncle1 much as he disliked doing so2 and he found an opportunity the very first morning1 as ,mr4 ,hope sat alone in the library engaged in reading the ,times4 8,did you want a book1 ,ernest80 said his uncle1 as the young nobleman stood hesitating and embarrassed before him4 8,you'll have to make up for lost time1 ,i suspect4 ,let's see1 how old are you now80 8,i was twelve last ,march10 replied ,ernest4 8,ah1 ,i remember--in your thirteenth year2 you should have made some progress by that age4 ,i suppose that your studies have been much neglected4 ,may ,i ask what books you have read80 8,the ,bible and ,pilgrim's ,progress10 answered the boy4 ,mr4 ,hope turned down the corners of his mouth with a contemptuous expression1 little dreaming that all the treasures of learning and wit which the most talented mind ever grasped are useless--worthless1 compared with the wisdom to be gathered from one sacred volume4 8,a puritanical library1 more select than comprehensive10 said the gentleman2 8you must apply yourself to something else in future4 ,you have a pretty long course of education before you ere you can be fit for the station which you hold--,latin1 ,greek1 ,french1 ,german1 mathematics1 algebra1 natural philosophy1 and a thousand other things1 indispensable for a nobleman--all to be mastered in the next few years40 ,ernest felt himself at the foot of a new mountain of difficulty1 with a humiliating sense of ignorance4 8,but you wished to say something to me10 resumed ,mr4 ,hope1 leaning back in his chair1 and laying down the paper with a formidable air of attention4 8,now for it60 thought ,ernest1 struggling against his shyness and his extreme disinclination to speak to his uncle4 8,sir10 said he aloud1 8,i am very anxious to do something for my bro---- the sons of ,lawless1 ,i mean1 with whom ,i passed the days of my childhood40 8,if ,i might advise1 you would never allude to those days40 ,ernest coloured1 yet encouraged himself by remembering that there is nothing but guilt which need cause us shame1 and that we should blush for no situation in which ,heaven has placed us4 8,i would wish1 if you consent1 to bring the boys here10 resumed he1 8and place them under care of the gardener40 8,an extraordinary wish10 replied ,mr4 ,hope1 taking snuff4 8,is it possible that this is really your desire80 8,i am most anxious for your leave to do it10 said ,ernest4 8,oh1 of course1 if you have no objection1 ,i can have none2 this is your own property1 and it is only reasonable that you should have a voice in choosing your dependants4 ,but all that ,i can say is1 that ,i believe that you'll repent it1 and the young rogues would be better in the poor-house40 ,ernest left his uncle's presence rather in spirits1 from having accomplished his object more easily than he had expected4 ,he cheerfully pursued his studies with ,charles1 under the tuition of ,mr4 ,ewart2 and the consideration which they showed--never laughing at his mistakes1 ever ready to help him to understand what was new to him--still further endeared them both to the boy4 ,after luncheon1 feeling a little more at his ease1 as ,mrs4 ,hope sat busy at her writing-desk1 and her husband was not in the room1 ,ernest amused himself with his pretty little cousin1 ,clementina1 in looking over a large volume of prints4 8,what a pity that she is so affected60 thought he2 8she would be so charming if she did not think herself so40 ,on a sudden ,ernest jumped up with an exclamation of pleasure1 as he saw from the window a little open carriage approaching through the park4 8,oh1 ,i'm so glad6--there are good1 kind ,mr4 and ,miss ,searle2 it will be such a pleasure to see them60 8,the old horrors60 exclaimed ,clementina1 leaning back on her cushions1 and lifting her hands in affected alarm4 8,the ,searles60 cried ,mrs4 ,hope1 looking up hastily4 8,we're not at home to them4 ,i'm surprised at their coming4 ,people like them never know their proper place4 ,i must request1 ,ernest10 she continued1 seeing him about to leave the room1 8that you'll not bring such company about the castle4 ,when you are of age1 of course1 you'll do what you please2 but while ,i and my daughter remain under this roof1 ,i must be careful not to expose her to vulgar society4 ,mr4 ,searle's father kept a shop in ,cheapside60 8,vulgar60 thought ,ernest1 8some of the excellent of the earth6 ,the ,lord's jewels1 at whose feet we may one day be thankful to be found6 ,is this castle too grand1 its inhabitants too good1 for those whose home will be heaven1 whose companions the angels80 ,mrs4 ,hope1 as the reader may have observed1 was a very proud woman1 one ready to worship rank1 whoever might possess it4 ,she was of rather low origin herself1 which was perhaps one reason why she always avowed herself most particular in regard to the company that she kept4 ,no virtue1 with her1 could weigh against a coronet2 she valued her acquaintance--for such characters have few friends--according to their position in society4 ,to be a companion of the nobility was her delight2 to become one of them was the object of her highest ambition4 ,for this she encouraged her husband's efforts for advancement1 and had been delighted to see him a ,member for ,parliament4 ,her own poor relations were1 of course1 kept at a distance2 no one bearing her maiden name of ,briggs had ever been known to cross the threshold of ,castle ,fontonore except her brother1 an attorney1 who once ventured in1 but was never even asked to break bread in the house1 and who left his sister's presence with a clouded brow1 and a determination never to trouble her again4 ,the proud worldly woman never reflected that in another state1 where the high and the low1 the great and the humble1 shall meet together1 her love of distinction1 her pride of display1 should appear as lighter than vanity4 ,what could be expected from the daughter of such a parent8 ,even a strong mind might have been ruined by the education which she received2 and ,clementina1 who was naturally of but slender intellect1 was quite spoiled by the society in which she was brought up4 ,at a fashionable school she had learned a few accomplishments1 and a great deal of folly3 admiration1 amusement1 excitement1 these were the three things upon which her whole heart was set2 all that she lived for was comprised in these three words4 ,the quiet serenity of a soul that rests on one unchanging object1 was of course never known to her4 ,the slightest incident was sufficient to raise her spirits to a wild height1 or sink them to the point of misery2 she was transported at an invitation to a ball1 wretched if a dressmaker failed her4 ,she was like a fluttering butterfly1 shining in its gay colours1 driven about by every breeze on its unsteady1 uncertain course4 ,but ,i wrong the insect in making the comparison4 ,the butterfly fills its allotted place in creation--it does all that its ,maker intended it to do2 while the frivolous1 silly1 selfish girl remains a blank1 or rather a blot1 in ,god's world1 when she who is called to the work and the destiny of angels makes that of a butterfly her deliberate choice4 ,it is just possible that some thoughtless girl1 whose education and character may resemble ,clementina's1 may in some vacant hour of leisure turn over the leaves of my little book4 ,oh1 that ,i had an angel's voice1 to rouse her to a sense of what she is and what she might be6 to make her feel that she is not her own1 but bought with a price1 such a price as the world could not have paid2--that a soul which must exist for ever and ever--that a soul for which a ,god bled1 agonized1 and died--is a thing too noble1 a thing too precious to be thrown away at ,vanity ,fair4 ,,chapter ,,xvi4 ,,new ,,and ,,old ,,companions4 ,the ,sabbath came1 ,god's holy day1 and the family attended a church which was at some little distance4 ,mr4 and ,mrs4 ,hope and their daughter1 the ladies arrayed in all the splendour of fashion1 went in state in the carriage1 with two footmen in attendance1 while the boys preferred walking over the fields with their tutor4 ,ernest1 as he entered the church1 drew the eyes of the whole congregation upon himself1 which made him more uncomfortable than ever4 8,am ,i not to escape even here from ,vanity ,fair80 thought he2 8cannot even these walls shut out the world60 ,straight in front of the seat which he occupied was a marble monument of singular beauty1 which naturally attracted his attention4 ,it represented the figure of a very lovely babe1 sleeping amongst water-lilies1 the attitude and countenance depicting the peaceful slumber of innocence4 ,below was an inscription1 which the boy read with strange emotion3-- ,,in ,,memory ,,of ,,ernest1 ,,eldest ,,son ,,of ,,the ,,first ,,lord ,,fontonore1 ,,who ,,was ,,accidentally ,,drowned ,,before ,,he ,,had ,,completed ,,the ,,first ,,year ,,of ,,his ,,age4 8',tis thus the snow-flake from the skies1 ,touching the sod1 dissolves and dies2 ,ere mists of earth can its whiteness stain1 ,raised by the sunbeams to heaven again4 8,though parted now on life's thorny way1 ',twere weak1 'twere cruel1 to wish his stay2 ,we must toil on through trials1 griefs1 alarms-- ,he was borne to the goal in his ,saviour's arms40 ,after service was over1 ,clementina took a fancy--for she was always governed by fancies--to walk home with her cousins instead of driving with her parents4 ,she therefore pursued the path across the fields with ,ernest1 whilst ,charles and his tutor walked a little way behind4 8,i was so much diverted at church10 said the young lady1 in the flippant manner which she mistook for wit1 8,i was so much diverted to see you looking so seriously at the inscription upon your own monument4 ,it was so funny1 ,i could hardly help bursting out laughing1 only that would have been very improper1 you know40 8,the inscription made me feel anything but inclined to laugh10 observed ,ernest4 8,well1 ,i would give the world10--had the world belonged to ,clementina1 she would have given it away ten times a-day1--8,i would give the world to know what you were thinking when you read those fine verses upon yourself40 8,i was thinking whether it would indeed have been happier for me to have died when ,i was a little one1 before ,i had known anything of the world and sin40 8,oh1 dear me6 those are the dreadful1 gloomy notions which you get from your horrid1 methodistical tutor40 8,clementina1 ,i will not hear him spoken of in that manner10 said ,ernest1 with a decision of tone which the young lady had never heard him make use of before4 ,she was either offended1 or thought it pretty to look so1 for stopping as they reached a very low stile1 she called to ,charles to help her over it4 ,she wished to vex ,ernest1 and raise a feeling of jealousy toward his brother2 but she was successful in neither of her designs1 as ,ernest very contentedly turned back to ,mr4 ,ewart1 and left the fair lady to pursue her walk with the companion whom she had chosen4 8,i am so sorry for you1 dear ,charles60 said ,clementina1 in a voice rather more affected than usual2 8it is so dreadful to be turned out of your right by a low1 vulgar creature like that40 8,but you see ,i don't think him either low or vulgar10 replied ,charles1 good humouredly4 8,he has high feelings1 and high principles2 and as for being vulgar1 a boy who thinks so much1 and upon such subjects as he does1 can never1 as ,mr4 ,ewart said to me once1 have a vulgar mind40 ,illustration3 ,,returning ,,from ,,church4 8,i find him intolerably dull10 said ,clementina4 8,i am sorry for it10 was her cousin's dry reply4 ,clementina was now offended with ,charles in his turn1 and had there been a third party less unmanageable than ,mr4 ,ewart1 she would doubtless have chosen him to accompany her1 in the delightful hope of annoying both her cousins4 ,the silly girl was almost unconsciously forming a plan to separate the brothers1 and make them jealous of each other1 by sometimes favouring the elder1 sometimes the younger1 so as to draw their whole attention towards herself4 ,you may think that it was some unkind and bitter feeling that made her wish thus to destroy their happiness and union1 and act the part of a tempter towards her companions2 but it was nothing but selfish vanity and folly--so that she was amused1 she cared not who suffered2 the power to give pain she considered as a triumph--it is reckoned so in ,vanity ,fair4 ,she turned round to see if ,ernest were watching her movements1 but was extremely provoked to find him so deeply engaged in serious conversation with the clergyman1 that her presence seemed altogether forgotten4 ,clementina had therefore no resource but to walk on with ,charles1 doing her best to put all the sermon out of his head1 by rattling on about her delight at the prospect of soon going to ,london1 her distress at its not being the gay season1 her conviction that young ladies ought to come out at fourteen1 how she was charmed at the prospect held out of a child's ball in ,grosvenor ,square1 but in despair at the dear countess not being in town6 ,such is the conversation of ,vanity ,fair4 ,in the afternoon ,mrs4 ,hope informed ,ernest of the intended move1 which circumstances had led her to make earlier than she had intended4 8,i propose remaining in ,london till after ,christmas10 she said2 8of course you and your brother will accompany us40 8,and ,mr4 ,ewart80 8,there is no room in our town house for him10 replied the lady1 who1 like her husband1 had little love for one1 the unworldliness of whose character seemed a silent reproach upon her own4 8,it would surely be a great pity that ,i should leave my studies10 said ,ernest2 8pray remember how much time ,i have lost already40 8,oh1 ,i've quite decided on your coming4 ,to acquire a fashionable air1 and the good breeding of the haut-ton1 is quite as indispensable as any book-learning40 ,the truth was that the lady had no idea of losing an opportunity of displaying to her acquaintance her nephew1 the young peer4 ,on the following evening ,charles came to his brother1 who was engaged in the dry study of a ,latin grammar1 to announce to him the arrival of ,jack and ,ben1 who had just been landed at the gardener's cottage4 8,i must go and see them at once10 said ,ernest1 rising4 8',tis late and cold2 ,i think that you might wait till to-morrow40 8,oh no2 they are strangers here1 poor boys1 they have none but me to bid them welcome40 8,then ,i'll go with you to see the meeting10 said ,charles1 taking down his cap from its peg4 ,there was something of awkwardness1 a little mixed with fear1 in the manner of ,ben1 as the young nobleman kindly held out his hand to him2 but ,jack had lost none of his own reckless1 impudent air1 and strangely did his voice remind ,ernest of former days as he called out1 as if still in his cottage on the common1 8,i say1 ,mark1 here's a fine change for you60 8,i don't believe that the boy knows how to blush10 whispered ,charles4 8,but ,i hope that you don't mean to keep us long here10 continued ,jack1 looking round rather contemptuously on the clean little dwelling4 8,what do you mean80 replied ,ernest2 8surely you prefer it to the poor-house60 8,why1 you don't think that ,i'll stand living in a cottage1 while my brother is in a castle6 ,that would be rather a good joke ,i should say40 8,he's no brother of yours10 cried ,charles1 angrily4 8,i'm as good as he any day10 muttered the boy1 glancing at ,ernest with mingled envy and dislike4 ,the young peer mastered his temper1 though it cost him an effort4 8,i have placed you10 said he1 8where one much wiser than either of us thinks that you will be best2 ,i hope that you will be comfortable1 and learn your work1 and never have real cause to regret coming here40 ,with these words ,ernest and ,charles quitted the cottage1 overhearing as they passed out ,ben's disappointed exclamation1 8,i thought he'd have made us gentlefolk too60 8,how hard it is to do good60 said ,ernest1 with a sigh of mortification1 when they had walked a few steps from the place4 8,i see the wisdom of ,mr4 ,ewart's doubts1 when he said that he believed that there might be objections to this plan40 8,well1 you've acted kindly1 and you'll have your reward10 observed ,charles4 8,not in the gratitude of these boys40 8,did you do it to purchase their gratitude80 asked his brother4 8,mr4 ,ewart says that some do good actions to buy praise1 and some to buy gratitude1 but both look for an earthly reward1 and1 therefore1 for one which can never be sure4 ,it is the cup of cold water given for the ,lord's sake which is remembered and rewarded above40 8,true10 replied ,ernest1 8and if we do good only in order to be loved1 the many1 many disappointments which we meet with1 will soon make us weary in well-doing4 ,that benevolence only will be steady and sure which comes from a wish to please that ,master in heaven who never can change or forget40 ,,chapter ,,xvii4 ,,life ,,in ,,the ,,great ,,city4 ,days and weeks passed1 but the instructions which he received seemed to make little impression on the obdurate spirit of ,jack1 who had one idea rooted in his mind1 which neither example nor exhortation was able to shake--that it was a sort of injustice to him for one who had once been his equal to be so rich while he remained so poor4 ,in vain both the folly and ingratitude of his conduct were shown to him2 a proud1 levelling spirit had taken possession of his heart1 which would neither bend in submission to ,heaven1 nor thankfulness to those who did him kindness4 ,would that this feeling were more uncommon in the dwellings of the humbler classes1 and that they to whom little of this world's goods have been given would remember that1 while the rich have duties towards the poor1 the poor have also duties towards the rich4 ,the annoyance which it caused ,ernest's sensitive spirit to be the object of envy and ingratitude1 and the necessity of being ever on his guard to avoid expressing anger1 or1 which is much harder1 feeling it1 made him rather rejoice when the day arrived for the family's removal to ,london4 ,he was impatient to see that wonderful place of which he had heard so much4 ,the winter1 also1 had come1 and the coldness of the weather made the prospect of a journey southwards very agreeable4 ,the boy's only regret was leaving ,mr4 ,ewart1 whom they regarded more as a parent than a tutor4 8,good-bye1 and ,heaven watch over you60 said the clergyman1 earnestly1 as he stood at the door to witness their departure4 ,charles pressed his tutor's hand warmly between both his own2 ,ernest threw himself into his arms4 8,you must not keep us1 boys2 we shall be late for the train10 called out ,mr4 ,hope from the carriage4 8,i can't conceive what makes them so fond of that man10 observed ,mrs4 ,hope in no amiable tone4 8,you will see more of ,vanity ,fair10 said the clergyman1 in a low voice2 8,i have but one word for you1--,watch and pray1 lest ye enter into temptation60 ,the next moment the carriage dashed across the court-yard2 ,mr4 ,ewart followed it through the arched gateway1 and stood on the drawbridge which crossed the moat1 watching till he could no longer see his dear pupils standing up in the carriage and waving to him4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,parting ,,with ,,mr4 ,,ewart4 ,a railway journey was a new thing to ,ernest1 and raised many thoughts in his mind as the train rushed rattling along the line1 sometimes raised on a causeway1 sometimes sunk in a cutting1 sometimes lost in the darkness of a tunnel2 yet1 whether above the surrounding country or below it1 whether in brightness or whether in gloom1 rushing on--on--on1 with wondrous speed1 towards the goal to which each hour brought it nearer4 8,i1 too1 have had my dark portions of the journey1 and now ,heaven has been pleased to raise me10 thought ,ernest1 8and the sunshine is bright around me4 ,but when ,i arrive at the end of my journey1 how little ,i shall care whether it was long or short1 through gloom or light1 uncomfortable or pleasant1 it will be enough if it has taken me to my home60 ,and now let us see our young pilgrims settled in ,london--in that wonderful assemblage of all that is noblest and all that is basest in the world2 the abode of the greatest wealth and the most abject poverty2 the seat of learning1 arts1 science1 crime1 misery1 and ignorance2 the city which contains at once perhaps more good and more evil than any other spot on the face of the globe4 ,ernest found his expectations more than realized as regards its size2 there seemed no end to the wilderness of brick houses--street crossing street to form a mighty labyrinth which both astonishes and confuses the mind4 ,the unceasing roll of carriages and stream of passers-by2 the variety of vehicles of all kinds and shapes2 the innumerable shops2 the stately public buildings1 churches1 hospitals1 schools1 and places of amusement--all had the charm of novelty to the young noble1 and fresh impressions were made upon his mind every hour4 ,then came a round of all the diversions which ,london could offer at that period of the year4 ,days and nights1 also1 were crowded with amusements2 and ,ernest1 at first in a whirl of pleasure1 soon began to experience the weariness of a life devoted to gaiety4 ,his mind felt clogged with the multitude of new ideas2 his head ached from confinement in crowded rooms2 his rest was broken in upon2 he became almost knocked up by excitement1 more tired than he had ever before been made by labour1 without the satisfaction of gaining anything by his fatigue4 ,he began to long for the quiet of ,fontonore again1 and to exchange the bustle of gaiety into which he was plunged1 for calm study and the society of ,mr4 ,ewart4 ,and how fared the spiritual health of the pilgrim8--was he making progress towards heaven1 or falling back8 ,ernest had entered ,london forewarned and forearmed2 circumstances1 not choice1 were leading him through the very midst of ,vanity ,fair1 but he was walking as a pilgrim still4 ,he had made a prayerful resolution from the very beginning1 to devote the first hour of each morning to ,god4 ,sloth1 increased by weariness1 often tempted him to break this resolution on the cold wintry mornings1 and suggested many an excuse for self-indulgence4 ,but ,ernest knew that he stood upon dangerous ground1 and kept resolute to his purpose2 and that quiet hour for communion with his own heart1 for self-examination1 reading of the ,scripture1 and prayer1 was his great safeguard amidst the numerous temptations which encompassed him in his new path of life4 ,things which1 only seen in the torch-glare of worldly excitement1 must always have appeared in false colours1 reviewed in the pure light of morning lost much of their dangerous attractions4 ,i cannot too earnestly recommend to all1 whether young or old1 in high or low estate1 thus to give their first hours to ,god4 ,the family assembled so late for breakfast1 that ,ernest found that1 by a little self-denial1 he might not only have time for devotion1 but also for study in the morning4 ,he was exceedingly anxious to cultivate his mind2 he felt his deficiencies very painful1 and he was sometimes even tempted to encroach on his 8holy hour10 as he called it1 to have more time for improving his intellect4 ,this is a temptation which probably some of my readers have known1 and which is all the more dangerous because it does not shock the conscience so much as other ways of passing the time4 ,but still ,ernest kept as free as he could from any earthly occupation the precious little space where1 apart from the world1 he could collect his strength and renew his good resolutions4 ,the only member of the family who gave him the least assistance in treading the heavenward way was his brother2 and often did ,ernest think of the wisdom and mercy of the ,saviour in sending ,his disciples by two and two into the world4 ,the characters of the boys were in some points very unlike1 but there was one hope1 one guiding principle1 in both1 and perhaps the very difference in their dispositions made them more able to support one another4 ,ernest was more shy and diffident than his brother1 but had a deeper knowledge of his own heart4 ,charles had learned more1 but ,ernest had reflected more2 ,charles was in more danger from love of the world1 ,ernest from shrinking too much from its ridicule4 ,where ,hope was impatient1 ,fontonore had learned to wait3 their early life had been passed in different schools--one the child of luxury1 the other of want2 one tried by pleasure1 the other by suffering2 but both had passed through the strait wicket-gate2 both were united in sincere love to the ,saviour2 both were anxious to struggle against their besetting sins1 and to press onward to the prize set before them4 ,would that we were ever as ready to help one another in the narrow path as these two young ,christian pilgrims6 ,if1 instead of acting1 as we too often do1 the part either of tempters or tormentors1 we employed all the influence which friendship and relationship give us to draw our companions nearer to heaven1 what a blessing would rest on our intercourse below6 ,how much would it resemble that which we hope to enjoy above6 ,one thing which the inexperienced ,ernest soon discovered was1 that money disappeared very rapidly in ,london4 ,that which at first had seemed to him an inexhaustible fortune1 appeared almost as though it melted away in his hand4 ,one of his first cares on entering the capital was to procure a most beautiful ,bible1 and send it1 with a grateful letter1 to ,miss ,searle4 ,this was at once a pleasure and a relief to his heart1 for it had been burdened--not with a sense of owing kindness1 for that is painful only to the proud spirit1 but the feeling that he might appear ungrateful1 and that those who had been his friends in adversity might think that in his prosperity he had forgotten them4 ,then there were so many necessary things to be purchased--so many tempting books to be desired1 for ,ernest delighted in reading--so many charities which he wished to aid--so many objects of pity that he yearned to relieve1 that the youthful nobleman's once heavy purse soon became very empty4 ,ernest had been some time in ,london before he went to visit ,madge1 in the asylum in which he was supporting her4 ,he reproached himself with the delay2 but1 in truth1 the conduct of her brothers had so disheartened him1 that it was as a duty1 and no pleasure1 that he went there at all4 ,charles1 as usual1 was his companion1 and his only one2 for visiting charities was little in the way either of his uncle or his proud wife1 though ,mrs4 ,hope had once held a stall at a grand ,fancy fair1 which was patronized by duchesses and countesses4 ,as for ,clementina1 she would never have dreamed of going2 she had a vague connection in her mind between poverty and dirt1 and thought it dreadful if a child of the lower classes ventured to approach within two yards of her4 ,many a tear had the young lady shed over a novel3 for heroes and heroines she had ready sympathy2 she considered that sentiment and feeling give an added charm to beauty2 but common every-day sufferings had in them nothing 8interesting40 ,she could be touched by the sorrow of a princess1 but the real wants of a ragged child were quite beneath her regard4 ,ernest was agreeably surprised in the asylum4 ,everything so neat1 so perfectly clean2 such an appearance of respectability in the matron1 of health and good discipline amongst the children4 ,poor little ,madge1 also1 was so much delighted to see a face that she knew1 after being only surrounded by strangers1 that ,ernest felt vexed with himself for not visiting her sooner1 and emptied his purse of its last half-crown to place in the hand of the child4 ,this still further opened the heart of ,madge1 and she talked to him almost as freely as if she had still regarded him as her brother1 though without the insolent familiarity which was so repulsive in ,jack4 ,she showed ,ernest a letter which she had received from her unhappy mother1 who had been sentenced to transportation1 though for a shorter period than her husband1 on account of being specially recommended to mercy4 ,ernest had1 through ,mr4 ,ewart1 provided ,ann with some little comforts2 and to this1 in her letter1 she gratefully alluded1 though his kindness1 she wrote1 only made her feel more wretched1 when she remembered how cruelly she had wronged him4 ,she implored her daughter to shun the temptations which had led her astray1 especially the love of dress1 the beginning of all her errors and her misery--the vanity which had laid her open to flattery1 and had made her take the first step in that downward course which had led her to prison and a convict-ship4 ,there was deep remorse expressed in the letter1 which gave ,ernest hopes that the poor prodigal might yet repent and find mercy2 but its tone of cheerless gloom showed but too well that the mire of the ,slough of ,despond was clinging to the unhappy one still4 ,perfectly satisfied with ,mr4 ,ewart's choice of a home for the more than orphan girl1 ,ernest quitted the asylum with his brother1 thankful that an opportunity had been granted him of repaying evil with good4 ,he was enabled to provide for three children1 whose parents had inflicted on him deep injuries1 and from whom he had received1 during the years of childhood1 unkindness which had imbittered his life4 ,it is easier to forgive one great wrong than a long course of petty provocations2 and when both are united to rouse the spirit of revenge1 nothing but grace given to us from ,heaven can make us forgive as we have been forgiven4 ,as the brothers passed a bookseller's shop1 on their way home1 ,charles paused to look at a volume in the window4 8,oh1 ,ernest10 he exclaimed1 8look what a beautiful copy is there of that work which ,mr4 ,ewart so much wished to see6 ,do let us buy it for him1 as a ,new-,year's gift1 to take back with us to ,fontonore4 ,my funds are rather low2 but if we join purses1 we shall easily make out the sum together40 8,i really cannot10 replied ,ernest1 looking wistfully at the beautiful book4 8,oh1 but you must6 ,you know10 said ,charles1 lowering his voice to a whisper1 8that ,mr4 ,ewart never procures these indulgences for himself4 ,i believe1 from what ,i heard my uncle say1 that he entirely supports an aged mother4 ,i never knew him spend an unnecessary shilling on himself40 8,perhaps the book is in our library10 suggested ,ernest4 8,it is not2 it was his hunting all over it for the work that made me know how much he wished to have it4 ,i wonder1 ,ernest10 added ,charles1 with a little temper1 8that one rolling in wealth like you should make such a fuss about a few shillings40 8,i am not rolling in wealth at present10 answered ,ernest1 rather vexed at his brother's tone2 8,i have not a shilling left in my purse40 8,then you must have been wondrously extravagant4 ,why1 even ,i1 on my half-allowance1 have managed to keep a little silver1 and ,i was never famous for economy40 ,ernest made no reply4 8,we had better go on10 said ,charles4 ,they walked on for some time in silence4 8,i am afraid that ,i spoke rudely to you just now2 will you forgive me80 said ,hope1 at last4 8,oh1 do not talk about forgiveness10 replied ,ernest1 cheerfully4 8,i think that ,i could forgive you anything2 and one should never take offence at a word40 8,i ought to have remembered10 observed ,charles1 8that the child whom we have just seen is a great expense to you2 and yet you seem to spend so little1 that ,i hardly fancied that you could have got through the allowance of a whole quarter4 ,do you not receive the same sum that ,i used to have when ,i imagined myself to be ,lord ,fontonore80 8,no10 replied his brother1 and immediately changed the conversation4 ,they walked on for some distance1 talking on other matters1 when1 as they were passing through one of the parks1 ,charles stopped1 as if some thought had suddenly crossed his mind4 8,ernest10 said he1 laying his hand on his brother's arm1 8just answer me one question3 ,how is it that you do not receive the same allowance that ,i did80 ,receiving no answer1 he continued1 8,is it possible that you are dividing yours with me80 ,ernest smiled4 8,i am not bound to answer questions10 said he4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,conversation ,,in ,,the ,,park4 8,oh1 ,i see it all6 generous1 noble-hearted brother6 ,and you suffered me to accuse you in my own mind of meanness--almost to reproach you to your face for it--while all the time it was your money that ,i have been spending1 and you never even let me know my obligation60 8,obligation is not a word for brothers10 replied ,ernest2 8what ,i have is yours2 what you spend ,i enjoy2 let us always have a common purse between us40 8,no1 that must never be60 exclaimed ,charles2 8you have burdens enough upon your hands already4 ,my uncle must supply me40 8,do not deprive your brother of his privilege10 said ,ernest1 who had seen enough of ,mr4 ,hope by this time to know that it would be galling to ,charles to be in any way dependent upon him4 8,you will hurt me if you deny me this favour2 ,i shall think that you do not care for me1 ,charley40 ,it was the first time that ,ernest had ever used this familiar and endearing name to his brother4 ,there was something in his tone1 as he pronounced it1 and in his manner1 as he threw his arm round ,charles1 that raised a glow of affection in the heart of the boy1 warmer than he had ever known before4 ,both felt the strength of that holy beautiful tie by which the members of every family should be united4 ,children of the same parents on earth1 children of the same ,father in heaven2 with one common home both below and above--one path to tread and one goal to reach--how is it that pride and envy can ever disunite the hearts which ,god himself would join together8 ,,chapter ,,xviii4 ,,fogs ,,and ,,mists4 ,one evening1 after the family had been more than a month in ,london1 ,ernest sat alone in the drawing-room with his book4 ,mr4 and ,mrs4 ,hope were absent at a dinner party1 which the lady was to leave early1 in order to call for the young people1 to take them to the long-expected ball in ,grosvenor ,square4 ,clementina had been up-stairs for more than an hour1 engaged in what was to her one of the most interesting occupations of life--decking out her little person in all the extravagance of fashion4 ,ernest sat by the window1 not that the light by which he read was in any way derived from anything outside it2 but it amused him to glance up occasionally from his page and look out upon what was to him a novel sight--a regular yellow ,london fog4 ,of the long line of lamps which stretched down the street1 only the two or three nearest were visible at all1 and they looked like dim stars surrounded by a haze4 ,loud shouts1 sometimes mixed with laughter1 were occasionally heard from foot-passengers wishing to give notice of their presence4 ,now two lights1 like a pair of eyes1 would slowly approach1 marking where a carriage moved on its dangerous way2 then torches carried past would throw a strange red glare on the fog1 scarcely sufficient to show who bore them4 8,we see something like this in life10 said ,ernest to himself4 8,i think that fog is the common weather of ,vanity ,fair4 ,let me see in how many points ,i can find a resemblance between nature's mists and those raised by #8the world4' ,both come not from heaven1 but belong to things below2 both shut out the pure light of day--make us in danger of falling--in danger of striking against others--hardly able to tell friend from foe4 ,yet people seem particularly merry in both1 as if the very risk were a pleasure4 ,they light those glaring torches1 and walk cheerfully on1 though they can see neither sun1 moon1 nor stars4 ,who would wish to pass all his life in a fog8 ,yet some choose to live and die amidst the mists of ,vanity ,fair40 8,reading1 moralizing1 reflecting10 said ,charles1 in his own lively manner1 as he entered the room4 8,who would take you for a young nobleman going to a ball8 ,it will be your last for a long time1 ,i suspect2 for ,parliament1 ,i hear1 is dissolved1 and if so1 there will be a new election1 and back we must fly to ,fontonore40 8,i am not sorry for it10 replied ,ernest4 8,nor ,i10 said ,charles1 more gravely4 8,i am afraid that this is a dangerous sort of life for me4 ,you never seem to be in the same peril as myself2 ,i suppose because you are a better pilgrim40 8,oh no60 exclaimed ,ernest2 8you cannot look into my heart2 but every one knows his own temptations best4 ,the truth is1 that ,i cannot enjoy society so much1 because ,i always feel that ,i am not sufficiently educated1 and am in constant fear of exposing myself1 and being laughed at4 ,there is no possible merit in this40 8,no2 if that is all your protection from worldliness1 ,i should call it a very poor one40 8,yes2 for if it protects me on the one side1 it exposes me to danger on the other4 ,do you know1 ,charles1 that nothing astonishes me so much in myself1 as the cowardice that ,i find that ,i possess40 8,you manage well1 for no one finds it out but yourself40 8,i must care for the world1 or ,i should not fear its ridicule4 ,i was always thought rather courageous before ,i became a peer2 ,i know that ,i used to speak out truth pretty boldly in our cottage2 but there is nothing that ,i dread so much as the quiet sarcastic smile on well-bred lips4 ,i sometimes fancy10 he added1 laughing1 8that ,i should mind it less if there were any chance of its being followed by a blow40 8,well1 this much ,i can say for you1 ,ernest--,i have never yet seen this fear draw you one step from the narrow path40 8,i could not say as much for myself1 dear brother4 ,the world is a dangerous place40 8,which would you call the principal temptations of ,vanity ,fair80 said ,charles4 8,temptations to be insincere1 ill-natured1 and forgetful of ,god40 8,oh1 you have not numbered half4 ,think of all the extravagance1 vanity1 love of show1 love of fashion1 love of dress1 love of trifles of all sorts40 8,which do not make us happy10 added ,ernest4 8,happy6 no4 ,they remind me of the beautiful enchanted money in the ,eastern tale1 which a man put so carefully by1 and which he found1 a short time after1 all turned into leaves4 ,have you seen ,clemmy on this evening of the ball1 which she has been looking forward to for so long with such pleasure80 8,no2 is she in very high spirits80 8,she is quite miserable1 poor girl4 ,i daresay that she would cry heartily1 did she not know that red eyes are not becoming40 8,what is vexing her so much80 8,she has three terrible troubles1 which she knows not how to bear4 ,firstly1 she fears that ,aunt ,matilda may not find her way in the fog1 so may never call to take us to the ball2 secondly1 she fears that even if we should reach ,grosvenor ,square1 we should find the rooms empty on such a night as this1 and there would be few to admire her and her new dress2 and1 thirdly1 she is afraid that her pearl ornaments will not come in time2 and this is her worst misery of all40 8,have they not arrived yet80 8,no2 ,clemmy has been in a fidget about them all day1 starting at the sound of every bell with a cry of1 #8,oh1 ,i hope that's the jeweller at last8' ,and since she went up to dress1 ,mrs4 ,clayton has been sent down three times at least to see if the ornaments have come2 and as she has had always to return with the same unsatisfactory answer1 ,clemmy is doubtless by this time in a state of grief which might make her an object of pity to any beggar in the street40 8,poor ,clemmy60 murmured ,ernest1 with real compassion in his tone4 8,you do not pity her1 surely1 for being unhappy at such trifles80 8,i pity her because such trifles can make her unhappy4 ,charles1 do you know that my conscience is not quite easy about our cousin80 8,your conscience6 ,you have nothing to do with her folly40 8,we have a good deal to do with one another4 ,i see more of her than of any one but yourself2 she is one of my nearest relations2 and yet ,i have never tried in any way to help her on in the right path40 8,i do not believe that she is in it10 replied ,charles4 8,she is constantly trying to play us off against each other2 nothing would delight her so much as to make us quarrel1 all to gratify her selfish vanity40 8,if she is not in the right path1 in which must she be8 ,where will she find herself if she remains as she is80 8,we cannot help her wanderings2 they are no fault of ours40 8,oh1 ,charles1 we must not act in the spirit of those words1 #8,am ,i my brother's keeper8' ,we who meet her so often must have some influence for evil or good2 and think of the rapture of meeting in heaven with one whom we had been the means of helping to reach it60 8,i can hardly fancy any delight greater10 said ,charles2 8but ,i do not know anything that we could do for ,clemmy4 ,it is foolish in me1 but when ,i look at her1 and watch her affected manner1 and hear her trifling talk1 ,i never can realize to myself that she has a soul at all40 8,yet she has one just as precious as our own40 8,i know that1 but ,i cannot feel it2 she seems just like a pretty plaything1 made to be dressed up1 admired--or laughed at40 8,would that she could be raised to something nobler1 something better60 8,i do not believe that we can raise her4 ,she only thinks me provoking1 and you tiresome4 ,she never would listen to ,mr4 ,ewart1 and ,i do believe only goes to church to show off the fashions4 ,i do not see what we could do for her40 8,we can pray1 dear ,charles1 we can pray earnestly2 if we have not done so before1 we have neglected a duty40 8,my neglect has been greater than yours10 said his brother1 8since we have been together for so many years4 ,i have thought it enough if ,i were not led to folly by her society2 ,i never dreamed that ,i had any other responsibility about her40 8,but now--0 8,now ,i feel that ,i have been wrong4 ,i remember1 ,ernest1 that ,faithful roused some to become pilgrims even in ,vanity ,fair2 ,hopeful himself was one of them4 ,perhaps poor ,clemmy--0 8,here she comes2 ,i hear the rustle of her silk down the stairs40 8,have not the pearls been sent yet8 ,oh1 dear1 how vexatious60 exclaimed the young lady on entering the room1 most elegantly dressed4 ,she seated herself in an affected attitude on the sofa1 with a very melancholy expression on her face1 as she played with her feather-tipped fan4 8,i do believe they are10 cried ,charles1 as a loud ring was heard at the outer bell4 ,illustration3 ,,dressed ,,for ,,the ,,ball4 ,clementina sprang up eagerly1 and hurried to the door--so eagerly1 so impatiently1 that her little feet tripped1 and she fell with some violence to the ground6 ,,chapter ,,xix4 ,,disappointment4 8,you are not hurt1 ,i hope10 exclaimed both cousins1 hastening to ,clementina's assistance1 and raising her2 for1 in her ball-dress1 she was more helpless than ever4 8,she is hurt1 ,i fear10 cried ,ernest1 as he saw red drops trickling from her brow1 and falling on her lace dress4 8,oh1 ,charles1 do call ,mrs4 ,clayton directly40 ,the lady's maid was instantly summoned1 and the hurts of the trembling1 sobbing1 almost hysterical ,clementina examined4 ,she had received rather a deep cut on the forehead1 and a little contusion under the eye4 ,there was nothing to alarm1 but much to disfigure4 ,charles proposed sending at once for the doctor1 but this the young lady would not hear of3 she had some vague1 terrible idea1 of wounds being sewn up1 and much preferred the mild surgery of ,mrs4 ,clayton4 ,in the midst of the confusion occasioned by the accident1 two lamps were seen to stop before the door1 and the thundering double rap which succeeded announced the return of ,mrs4 ,hope4 ,the servant who came to say that his mistress was waiting1 laid at the same time a box on the table3 it contained the much-wished-for pearls4 8,i had better go down and tell what has happened10 said ,charles1 quitting the drawing-room4 ,in two or three minutes he returned with ,mrs4 ,hope4 8,my darling child6 my sweet ,clemmy6 what a sad business this is6 ,how could it have happened8 ,why1 you look as though you had been to the wars6 you will never be able to go to the ball40 ,clementina leaned her head on the sofa1 and sobbed piteously4 8,dear me6 ,i hope1 ,clayton1 that you have put on the plaster carefully4 ,i only dread her being marked for life10 said the mother4 ,the poor girl's grief became more violent4 8,you must compose yourself1 my dear2 you will make yourself ill4 ,a fall is a great shock to the nerves40 ,ernest had left the room as the lady entered1 and now silently offered to his cousin's trembling hand a glass of sal volatile and water4 8,you had better go to bed at once10 said ,mrs4 ,hope4 8',tis such a pity2 all ready dressed for the ball6 ,i must go1 for ,i could not disappoint ,lady ,fitzwigram1 and ,i believe that the ,duchess is to be there4 ,clayton will take excellent care of you1 ,i am sure4 ,come1 ,ernest and ,charles1 ,i see that you are ready40 8,and ,i am to be left all alone1 and on this night1 just when ,i expected to be so happy60 sobbed ,clementina4 8,i should like to stay with her1 ,i should indeed10 said ,ernest to his aunt2 8,i hope that you will not object to my doing so40 8,why1 what will ,lady ,fitzwigram say80 8,she will not care2 she has never seen me but once4 ,you will be so kind as to make my excuses40 8,well1 it is very considerate of you1 certainly4 ,i don't know what to say10 replied ,mrs4 ,hope1 very well pleased to be able to tell a fashionable circle that ,lord ,fontonore had stayed behind because her daughter could not come4 ,so the matter was soon decided2 the carriage moved off slowly with ,mrs4 ,hope and ,charles1 and ,ernest and his weeping cousin were left behind1 to spend the rest of the evening quietly together4 ,never before had ,clementina found her cousin half so agreeable as now4 ,he was so gentle1 so considerate1 so ready to sympathize with her1 that she began suddenly quite to change her opinion of him1 and think the young peer a very delightful companion4 ,she had hitherto been rather provoked at his indifference towards her2 now1 as she had little idea of the nature of ,christian courtesy1 she attributed all his kindness to admiration4 ,she thought that the white bandage across her brow might have an 8interesting0 effect2 and ,ernest's gentle consideration would have lost half its power to please1 had ,clementina been aware that it would have been equally shown to one in a humbler class of life of the age of forty instead of fourteen4 ,as she reclined on the sofa1 and ,ernest sat beside her1 it was a great comfort to her to be able to pour out her complaints to him4 8,there never was anything so unfortunate10 said she2 8you can't imagine what it is to have such a disappointment40 ,illustration3 ,,clementina ,,and ,,ernest4 8,i think that ,i can1 ,clementina1 for ,i was once most bitterly disappointed myself40 8,oh1 but you are such a sober creature1 such a philosopher4 ,i daresay that you scarcely gave it a thought40 8,on the contrary1 ,i felt myself almost overwhelmed4 ,i could hardly speak1 ,i could hardly keep from tears40 8,you60 exclaimed ,clementina in surprise4 8,i thought10 continued ,ernest1 8that there was no one on earth so unhappy as ,i--that all happiness in this world was gone40 8,what could have made you so wretched80 cried the girl1 her curiosity so much roused that her own troubles were for the moment forgotten4 8,i had lost what ,i greatly desired40 8,and what could that have been1 ,ernest80 8,a situation so much below my real rank1 that ,i smile now to think that ,i could ever have wished for it4 ,had no difficulties been in my way1 had ,i had what ,i desired1 ,i probably never should have possessed my birth-right4 ,how glad ,i am now of what so much distressed me then60 8,and what was it you were so miserable at losing80 8,a place in the service of ,mr4 ,searle40 8,you don't say so60 exclaimed ,clementina1 opening her eyes to their widest extent4 8,that was below you indeed2 what an escape you made60 8,perhaps nothing that ever happened to me caused me more pain40 8,oh6 that was because you did not know what you really were1 or you would have looked a good deal higher40 8,now1 ,clemmy1 it seems to me that this is the very reason why you are so unhappy this evening40 8,what6 that ,i do not know what ,i really am8 what can you mean60 exclaimed the girl1 yet more astonished than before4 8,if you discovered that you were a king's daughter1 would you fret for a ball1 or care for a blow80 8,really1 ,ernest10 cried ,clementina1 half curious1 half inclined to think him jesting1 though he did not look so1 8,i wish you would speak so that ,i could understand you40 8,i wish you to look higher1 dear cousin2 you set your thoughts and your hopes too low1 on things far more beneath your real station and privileges than the office of a servant was beneath mine4 ,are you not the child of the ,king of kings2 is not a mansion in heaven offered to you2 may not the white robes and golden crown be preparing for you now2 and yet you seem as though you knew not of the bliss set before you--you are content to be a servant80 8,to whom80 interrupted ,clementina4 8,to the world2 and oh1 my cousin1 the world is a bad master6 you have tasted this night what wages it can give2 ,god grant that you know not much more of their bitterness hereafter40 8,why1 ,fontonore1 what is the matter8 why do you speak so80 cried ,clementina1 looking half frightened at her cousin's earnest face2 for it cost him no small effort to address her thus1 and he warmed with his own words as they flowed on4 8,i speak thus because ,i long to see you happy1 really happy4 ,now you are only1 as it were1 blowing bubbles of pleasure3 you touch them and they break1 and are gone for ever4 ,oh1 let us seek that which is lasting and sure--that which will be ours when these frail bodies are dust40 8,it is very unkind in you to talk of such things to me when ,i am weak and nervous1 it makes one so horribly gloomy40 8,does it make one gloomy to hear of sins being pardoned2 does it make one gloomy to hear of a ,father in heaven2 to know that treasures are laid up for us where neither moth nor rust can corrupt1 where happiness is as lasting as it is perfect4 ,did it make me gloomy to hear that ,i had a rich inheritance80 8,oh1 that was quite a different thing60 cried ,clementina1 8from becoming one of your pious saints4 ,you talk to me now only about happiness in religion1 but ,i know very well all the lectures upon holiness1 and unworldliness1 and repentance that will follow40 8,still my comparison holds10 pursued the young peer1 8for ,i have not yet entered into full possession of my estate2 ,i have yet many a difficult lesson to learn1 nor can ,i spend but a portion of what is my own40 8,you have a good deal of enjoyment in the meantime40 8,i have1 ,clementina1 and in this1 most of all1 may my position be compared to a ,christian's4 ,he has great enjoyment1 pure1 present enjoyment1 a beginning of his pleasures even here4 ,does not the ,bible command us to rejoice without ceasing8--who can rejoice if the ,christian does not8 ,yes10 continued ,ernest1 his eyes sparkling with animation1 8how very1 very happy those must be who have gone a long way on their pilgrimage1 when ,i1 who am only struggling at the entrance1 can say that ,i have found no pleasure to equal it6 ,oh1 ,clementina6 my joy when ,i heard that ,i was raised from being a poor peasant1 forced to toil for my bread1 to become one of the nobles of the land--the joy which ,i felt then was as nothing compared to my delight when ,i first felt assured that my sins were forgiven me40 ,clementina made no reply1 and soon after expressed her wish to retire to rest4 ,those who have never known the happiness of religion find it difficult to believe that it really bestows any4 ,a blind man cannot understand the beauty of light1 nor the man deaf from his birth the delight of music4 ,yet music and light are around us still1 and such to the soul is 8the joy of the ,lord40 8,perhaps some day she may reflect over what has passed10 thought ,ernest1 as he bade his cousin a courteous good-night2 8and at least one thing is left that ,i can do for her still--,i will never cease to pray40 ,,chapter ,,xx4 ,,the ,,perilous ,,mine4 8,now at the further side of that plain was a little hill1 called ,lucre1 and in that hill a silver mine40--,pilgrim's ,progress4 ,next morning ,charles came down to breakfast late1 after his party4 ,clementina did not make her appearance at all4 ,in answer to ,ernest's question1 as to whether he had enjoyed himself1 ,charles answered quickly1 8,very much indeed20 and added1 that he was going to meet the ,fitzwigrams again that day1 at the house of a mutual friend4 8,i am sorry that you are to be absent another evening from me10 said ,ernest2 and as soon as breakfast was concluded he drew ,charles aside4 8,i wonder at your caring to be so much with the ,fitzwigrams10 said he2 8of all our worldly acquaintance they seem to me the most worldly40 8,there's charity for you60 laughed ,charles4 8,i do not wish to be uncharitable1 or to judge any one10 said ,ernest2 8but ,i love you too well to be indifferent as to the friendships that you form4 ,your whole happiness through life may depend upon your choice40 8,well1 ,i grant you that they are citizens of ,vanity ,fair2 but they are very pleasant people for all that40 8,let us remember1 ,charles1 the test which ,mr4 ,ewart recommended to us1 when we are selecting our friends4 #8,before you are intimate with any one1' he said1 #8consider whether theirs is the society which you would wish to enjoy throughout eternity4'0 8,that is a very serious test1 indeed2 few friendships in the world would stand it4 ,but don't make yourself uneasy about me1 ,ernest4 ,as we are to be off for ,yorkshire on ,new ,year's day1 ,i shall not have time to draw too close with these ,fitzwigrams before we leave40 8,you are not going out80 said ,ernest1 as ,charles walked towards the stand in the hall on which were placed the gentlemen's hats4 8,yes2 ,i'm going to buy that book for ,mr4 ,ewart4 ,i only hope that ,i may not find it sold40 8,but ,i thought that you said yesterday that you had not the money for it80 8,yesterday ,i had not1 but to-day ,i have4 ,i had then silver in my purse1 now ,i have gold60 8,have you received anything1 then1 from our uncle80 8,from him6 ,oh1 no6 ,do you think that he has a thought to spare from the dissolution of the ,parliament1 the prospects of the ministry1 the progress of the canvass1 and all that sort of thing80 said ,charles1 imitating the pompous manner of ,mr4 ,hope4 8,i wish10 said ,ernest1 8,i wish that you would tell me where and how you obtained that money4 ,i need hardly say to you1 dear ,charles1 that it is no mean curiosity that makes me ask40 8,well1 if you will have the truth of it1 ,i won it last night at the card-table1 at ,lady ,fitzwigram's4 ,there1 don't look so grave2 ,i've committed no crime2 the money is honestly mine40 8,i cannot but look grave10 replied ,fontonore4 8,oh1 ,charles1 if you had but seen what ,i have seen of gambling6 ,it gave me a feeling of pain1 when at ,holyby1 ,ann's poor boys used to play at pitch and toss1 and gamble for halfpence2 for ,i beheld in their father how such amusements might end4 ,the love of play1 which is the love of gold in one of its most fatal forms1 is what first brought ,lawless to guilt and ruin4 ,it grew upon him1 stronger and stronger1 a habit that could not be broken1 till ,i have known him desperately stake his last shilling1 with his hungry children around him wanting bread1 to gratify this miserable passion2 nay1 gamble away the very blanket in which his sick little one was wrapped60 8,but ,i do not lose2 ,i gain40 8,whoever gains1 some one must lose2 you either receive or inflict a loss40 8,i care little about the money10 cried ,charles2 8it is the feeling of excitement that ,i enjoy40 8,and it is in this very feeling that the danger lies4 ,there need be no sin in simply playing a game4 ,i have heard that good ,mr4 ,searle likes his quiet whist1 and no doubt he enjoys it with an easy conscience2 but when it is not in the game1 but in the gambling1 that the pleasure is found--when the interest is excited1 not by exercise of skill1 but by the chance of a lucky deal--oh1 ,charles1 is it not a kind of intoxication which the young ,pilgrim especially is bound to shun80 8,there is a sort of intoxication in all sorts of worldly excitement1 ,i think10 observed ,charles4 8,the expectation of a ball intoxicates my cousin2 the chances of an election1 her father2 great heroes are intoxicated by a desire for conquest4 ,what was ,napoleon but a mighty gambler80 8,yes10 subjoined ,ernest2 8one who played for kingdoms1 and gambled away crown1 liberty1 and all40 8,well1 to me there is something great and animating in the idea of putting it #8to the touch1 to gain or lose it all4'0 8,if that be your feeling1 ,charles10 exclaimed ,fontonore1 8you are one who should never touch a card4 ,there is the fuel ready in your heart4 ,oh1 beware of letting a spark fall upon it6 ,how can you pray not to be led into temptation1 without mocking the great ,being whom you address1 if you1 with your eyes open1 seek the company and the amusements which you know in themselves to be temptation8 ,you would be as one who1 because the day was fair and the water inviting1 would venture in a boat close to a dangerous whirlpool1 and1 while he felt the strong current drawing him in1 would content himself with praying for some wind from heaven to save him from the peril into which he had thrown himself40 8,the difference here10 observed ,charles1 8is1 that ,i can stop when ,i like40 8,every gambler begins by thinking that he can stop when he likes1 till he finds that habit and passion are too strong to be mastered4 ,oh1 ,charley6 my ,charley60 continued ,ernest1 with emotion1 8much as ,i love you1 my own only brother1 ,i had rather lose you--rather see you laid in your grave1 than living the life of a gambler60 8,you shall never see me a gambler1--,i mean1 ,god helping me10 replied ,charles1 touched and gratified by his brother's anxiety2 8,i will give up play after this evening40 8,do not go this evening2 it is playing on the brink of temptation40 8,would you have me break an engagement80 8,you can write1 and make your excuse4 ,to-morrow is ,christmas day1 when we should especially remember the mercy that opened to us the gate of salvation1 and our duties as pilgrims and soldiers of the ,cross4 ,you would not spend this evening amongst those whom you yourself call citizens of ,vanity ,fair80 8,i will not write1 then2 ,i will call--it is more courteous40 8,more dangerous40 8,i see that you have little trust in me10 said ,charles1 but without any emotion of anger4 8,perhaps1 ,ernest1 you know me better than ,i do myself3 but ,i think that in this case ,i only do right to go2 therefore it is not wilfully throwing myself into temptation40 ,charles found ,aleck ,fitzwigram at the house of ,leo ,chamberlain1 his friend1 and after shaking hands with them both1 told them that he had come to say that circumstances would prevent his joining them that evening4 8,then you'll come to-morrow--no1 we dine out then1 and the day after there's the theatre2 but on ,saturday1 at any rate1 we shall expect you here2 you know that you must give us our revenge40 ,charles took the piece of gold out of his waistcoat pocket1 and laid it upon the table4 8,you will need no revenge10 said he1 smiling4 8,hope1 what do mean by that8 ,this is some jest of yours6 ,you don't want us to think that you are not going to play with us again80 8,i wish you to think the truth40 8,who on earth has put this absurdity into your head80 ,charles would have liked far better if he could have said that no one had put a fear of gambling into his head1 but that it was the result of his own reflections on the subject2 for one of the causes of our so seldom benefiting by the experience of others1 is the pride of the human heart1 which hates the idea of being led4 ,but1 in the present case1 no other truthful answer could be given1 and ,charles replied1 8,my brother has made me think differently upon this subject from what ,i did before40 8,your brother--,fontonore6 ,well1 this is the best joke that ever ,i heard in my life6 ,you1 who have lived from your birth with those who know what life is1 to allow yourself to be led by a boy who passed all his early years with tinkers1 or ploughmen1 or thieves2 who is ignorant of all that a gentleman should know1 and prudently avoids opening his lips for fear of speaking bad grammar60 ,charles felt more inclined to be angry than to laugh4 ,the arrow fell lightly as regarded his brother's conversation2 for whether it was from natural delicacy of mind1 or ,ernest's more than common acquaintance with the pure language of ,scripture1 his speech was never coarse1 and occasionally1 when he overcame his reserve1 flowed on in unstudied eloquence1 unusual in one so young4 ,charles was indignant at the unfeeling allusion to the trials of ,ernest's early life4 8,you forget that you speak of my brother10 said he4 8,he has given you good cause to remember that he is your brother1 and your elder brother too10 said ,fitzwigram1 with a sneer4 8,but ,i should have thought it enough for him to have had my name1 my fortune1 and my estate1 without letting him put my judgment also in his pocket1 and not leave me even a will of my own60 ,illustration3 ,,charles ,,and ,,fitzwigram4 ,the blood of young ,hope mounted to his forehead4 ,he was beset again by the same enemy1 ,shame1 who clung to ,faithful in the ,valley of ,humiliation4 ,to the ,pilgrim that valley was not yet passed1 that enemy was not yet conquered4 ,but ,charles remembered the words of ,faithful1 which had made a strong impression on his mind3 8,shame1 depart6 thou art an enemy to my salvation4 ,shall ,i entertain thee against my sovereign ,lord8 ,how shall ,i then look ,him in the face at ,his coming80 ,with a brave resolve to grapple with his own enemy within1 as well as to stand the ridicule of tempters without1 ,charles replied1 that if he adopted the principles of his brother1 he should gain from him far more than he had lost2 and bidding a cool farewell to his late companions1 he quitted the house more truly a victor than many a hero who has written his title to glory in the blood of his fellow-creatures4 ,,chapter ,,xxi4 ,,green ,,pastures ,,and ,,still ,,waters4 8,i saw then that they went on their way to a pleasant river1 which ,david the king called #8the river of ,god1' but ,john #8the river of the water of life4'0--,pilgrim's ,progress4 ,in various manners was the succeeding day passed by the different members of ,mr4 ,hope's household4 ,he himself was absent till dinner-time1 busy in holding consultations with parliamentary friends4 ,why should he remember that on that day a ,saviour was born into the world8 ,he never considered that he needed one6 ,lady ,fitzwigram called in her carriage for ,mrs4 ,hope1 to drive her to a distant church to hear some very famous preacher4 ,arrayed in all the pomp of ,vanity ,fair1 her mind full of the world1 its follies1 its ambition1 the lady departed to kneel in the house of ,god1 and call herself a miserable sinner6 ,clementina would have accompanied her mother1 but for the disfigurement of her face4 ,till the bruise had disappeared1 and the cut become healed1 she could not endure to let herself be seen4 ,so she shut herself up in the drawing-room1 with her feet on the fender1 listening sadly to the cheerful chime of 8the church-going bell10 which brought no thought of joy to her heart4 ,ernest came into the room1 ,christmas sunshine on his face4 ,he had not seen his cousin that morning until now4 8,a happy ,christmas to you1 ,clemmy1 and a joyful ,new-year40 ,no look of pleasure on her part responded to the greeting2 but she gave the usual answer--8,i wish the same to you40 8,thank you4 ,a happy ,christmas6 ,i have it4 ,the new year6--ah6 how strange it is to think all that a new year may bring60 8,the new year can bring to you nothing so good as the old one has done10 said ,clementina4 8,this year has brought much to me indeed10 replied ,ernest1 thoughtfully4 8,the ,bible--my first knowledge of ,mr4 ,ewart--my brother40 8,oh1 your estate1 your title60 exclaimed ,clementina4 8,the new year can raise you no higher40 8,only in one way1 perhaps40 8,and what is that way80 ,ernest did not hear the question of the young lady2 his thoughts had wandered to the white marble monument in the church near ,fontonore4 ,when we stand on the verge of a new year1 and look on the curtain which hides from us the mysterious future1 what reflecting mind but considers the possibility that the opening year may to him be the last8 ,to the ,christian ,pilgrim alone that thought brings no feeling of gloom4 8,are you going to church with us1 cousin80 said ,ernest1 rousing himself from his meditations4 8,you had only to look at me to answer your own question10 replied the young lady1 pettishly4 8,what could take me to church1 with my forehead plastered up and such a yellow mark under my eye80 ,ernest could not help thinking that if she went to church to worship ,god1 and not to be seen of man1 there was nothing to keep her away now4 ,but to have expressed his thoughts aloud would have been only to irritate2 and the ,christian who would lead another to the ,lord must be cautious to avoid giving unnecessary offence4 ,there is a time when it is our duty to speak1 and a time when it is our wisdom to be silent4 ,ernest left the room1 and in a few minutes returned with his own copy of the ,pilgrim's ,progress in his hand4 ,he made no observation1 but he laid it near his cousin1 and then quitted the house with a secret prayer that the poor girl1 to whom religion was as yet but a name1 might be led to read1 and be guided to understand it4 ,as the brothers returned from church arm in arm1 ,ernest felt more than usual joy and peace shed over his spirit3 while all was winter without1 all was summer within4 ,it was one of those hours which ,christians sometimes meet with in their pilgrimage1 perhaps as a foretaste of the bliss that awaits them1 when their path appears so bright1 and heaven so near1 that they feel as though earth's mists were already left behind1 and can scarcely believe that they can ever wander again from the way which they find so delightful4 ,they could then lay down their lives with pleasure for their ,lord4 ,life is happiness to them1 for in it they may serve ,him2 and death no object of terror or doubt1 for they know that it can but bring them to ,him4 ,bless the ,lord1 ,o my soul2 while ,i live will ,i praise ,him1 is in the thoughts1 and not unfrequently on the lips also3 for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh1 and the heavenly joy which fills all the spirit will sometimes overflow in words4 8,o ,charley1 how joyous the angels' song sounded to-day6 #8,glory to ,god in the highest2 on earth peace1 good-will toward men4' ,what wonder and delight must have filled the hearts of the shepherds when first they listened to that song60 8,and the angels1 it must have made even angels happier to have carried such a message to the world40 8,i have sometimes thought10 said ,ernest1 8that if an angel from heaven were to live upon this earth1 and to be permitted to choose what station he would fill1 he would ask1--not to be a conqueror1 not to be a king1 not even to be one of the geniuses whose discoveries astonish the world1 but to be one who might constantly be proclaiming to all the good tidings of a ,saviour's coming1 repeating continually that song of heaven1 #8,glory to ,god1 good-will toward men6'0 8,he would be a clergyman1 or a missionary1 then40 8,that is what ,i should most of all wish to be10 said ,ernest1 8if ,i only could be worthy of such an honour40 8,why1 you are a lord40 8,were ,i a prince1 what nobler office could ,i have than to follow in the steps of the apostles and the martyrs--nay1 the steps of the ,saviour himself8 ,to sow seeds that would blossom in eternity6 to be a shepherd over the ,lord's dear flock6 ,oh1 ,charles1 can we ever realize the full extent of that promise1 ,they that turn many to righteousness1 shall shine as the stars for ever and ever60 8,i feel afraid to be a clergyman10 said ,charles1 gravely4 8,my uncle spoke to me about it yesterday3 he said that the church might be the best opening for me in life1 and that it was time for me to think of a profession4 ,but1 ,ernest1 there was something that went against my feelings in thinking of it in that light40 8,i am sure that you were right1 my brother4 ,how could one dare to become the minister of ,god from any other motive than the desire to serve ,him1 and proclaim ,his message to dying sinners around us80 8,i was afraid that you would blame me4 ,i thought that you would urge me to devote myself to the service of the ministry40 8,not unless your service were that of the heart2 then indeed ,i should rejoice at your choice4 ,but what are your own wishes for yourself80 8,i have always had rather a fancy for being a soldier4 ,the danger and excitement of the life attracts me4 ,i should like to be just such a warrior as ,great-heart1 who fought and conquered ,giant ,despair40 8,i thought10 observed ,ernest1 smiling1 8that ,great-heart was intended to represent a minister1 and not a soldier40 8,do you really think so80 said ,charles4 8,only consider his office1 and the nature of his exploits4 ,was he not sent to guide feeble pilgrims1 and lead them to the heavenly city8 ,did not his words cheer and help them on the way8 ,did he not show them the spring at which they drank and were refreshed1 and fight the giant ,maul1 who led young pilgrims into error8 ,remember his own account of himself1 when he said1 #8,i am a servant of the ,god of heaven3 my business is to persuade sinners to repentance4' ,surely this is a description of a minister of the gospel40 8,it never struck me so before40 8,if you love difficulties10 continued ,ernest1 8who has greater to overcome than a conscientious clergyman8 ,he has the world to oppose him1 ,satan to oppose him1 his own sinful nature1 like a traitor within the gates4 ,he is appointed a commander in the army of the ,lord40 8,and a missionary is the leader of a forlorn hope10 interrupted ,charles4 8,not forlorn10 exclaimed ,ernest2 8his hope is sure3 if faithful1 he is certain of both victory and life40 8,i believe1 after all10 said ,charles1 8that a clergyman's is the noblest1 as well as the most anxious of professions4 ,but even did ,i wish it to be mine1 the question remains--,could ,i ever be worthy of it80 8,ah1 that is my difficulty too10 cried ,ernest2 8and yet10 he added hopefully1 8,i cannot but think that ,he who first gave us a love for the work1 would also give us strength to perform it40 ,by this time the brothers had reached home4 ,ernest found the drawing-room empty4 ,a novel lay on the table near which ,clementina had been sitting1 but the ,pilgrim's ,progress had evidently been moved from the place where her cousin had left it4 ,he remained1 like many others who try to do good1 in uncertainty as to whether his endeavours had been fruitless2 but with the sweet assurance that whether successful or not1 the smallest attempt to serve others1 for the sake of the ,lord1 would never be forgotten by ,him4 ,in another week the family returned to ,fontonore1 whither ,mr4 ,hope had preceded them by a few days in order to carry on his canvass4 ,if the castle was beautiful at the end of autumn1 when ,ernest first saw his birth-place1 not less striking was its appearance now4 ,the red globe of the winter's sun seemed to rest upon the battlements1 gleaming faintly on the arched windows crusted with hoar frost4 ,every twig on the creepers that mantled the walls1 every leaf on the evergreens that adorned the entrance1 was covered with white glistening crystals1 like the work of a fairy enchantress4 ,on the bridge on which ,mr4 ,ewart had stood to see the boys depart1 he again appeared to welcome them back2 and nothing gave so much pleasure to their hearts as his warm1 affectionate greeting4 ,ernest found everything much as he had left it4 ,ben appeared1 indeed1 to have somewhat improved under the careful instruction which he had received2 but ,jack was the same forward1 reckless boy1 dead to every feeling of gratitude or shame4 ,he was noted in the castle for mischief-making2 his word was never to be depended upon2 he seemed to have inherited his father's love for gambling2 but perhaps the most painful feature in his character was his undisguised dislike of his young benefactor4 8,i should almost recommend10 said ,mr4 ,ewart1 when speaking on the subject to his pupil1 8that some other situation should be found for this unhappy boy1 where he might be under severer control1 and less in a position to give annoyance40 8,it would certainly be a great relief to me10 replied ,ernest4 8,he might be apprenticed to some trade40 8,that would cause some expense10 observed ,ernest4 8,true1 but your uncle--0 8,oh1 ,i never would trouble my uncle upon the subject4 ,my own quarter's allowance is now due1 but ,i have spent it already in my mind4 ,you know my little project for a school here3 both ,jack and ,ben would attend that every day4 ,oh1 we must give him a little longer trial2 ,i cannot afford any changes at present without sacrificing things more important40 8,but the irritation to yourself10 exclaimed ,charles1 who was present2 8the constant annoyance and worry caused by such a creature as that60 8,these are the little vexations that are sent to try our patience and forbearance10 replied ,ernest4 8,if we seek to bear them with a pilgrim's spirit1 perhaps we may discover in another world that we have owed more to our enemies than to our friends40 ,,chapter ,,xxii4 ,a ,,few ,,steps ,,aside4 8,now1 a little before them1 there was on the left hand of the road a meadow1 and a stile to go over into it1 and that meadow is called ,by-path meadow40--,pilgrim's ,progress4 ,oh1 the interest and the excitement of an election6 ,how little we consider1 when we glance over a dry list of the members of the ,house of ,commons1 all the efforts and sacrifices that have been made1 the anxiety1 heartburnings1 sleepless nights1 exhausting days1 that have been endured to place a single name on that list6 ,not only the castle1 but all the neighbourhood1 was in a ferment1 for this was to be a hotly contested election4 ,for some years ,mr4 ,hope had quietly sat as member for the adjacent town of ,allborough2 but it was now known that he must have a desperate struggle for his place--a wealthy1 popular man1 had come forward to oppose him3 ,mr4 ,stacey was the supporter of a very popular measure1 and though the truth was scarcely acknowledged at ,fontonore1 the chances in favour of the pink were considered equal to those in favour of the blue4 ,nothing was talked of at the castle1 scarcely anything thought of1 but the election4 ,mr4 ,hope exerted himself as if his life depended upon success2 his lady was1 if possible1 more anxious than himself1 she was so proud of being the wife of an ,m4,p41 she thought that it added so much to her dignity in society4 ,even ,clementina employed her delicate fingers with a little more energy than she usually thought 8refined10 to make up cockades of blue satin ribbon4 ,she wished the colours had been reversed1 8as pink is so much more becoming20 but as her complexion had never been consulted in the choice1 she made up her mind to appear in blue4 ,the boys naturally caught the infection of the time4 ,charles was wild for the ,blues1 and accompanied his uncle very often on his canvassing rounds4 ,he felt ready to knock down any one who dared express a doubt of ,mr4 ,hope's success4 ,and though ,ernest had suffered too much1 and had reflected too much1 to be quite so violent in his emotions1 besides wanting even the smattering of politics which his brother had naturally picked up1 he also took his part with interest in the proceedings1 and watched with almost as much pleasure the erection of the polling-booth1 covered with gaudy placards of red and blue1 on which 8,,hope ,,for ,,ever60 and 8,,vote ,,for ,,stacey60 appeared in large1 staring letters1 as he did the conversion of a barn into a little school which he was preparing for the cottagers around4 ,sometimes1 indeed1 the thought would cross the mind of the boy1 as he looked on excited faces1 and listened to animated conversation on the all-engrossing theme1--8,how strange it is that so much more interest is taken in the things of this life than in what regards another6 ,it is as though pilgrims to the celestial city should exert all their efforts1 strain every nerve1 to gain possession of some hillock by the way60 ,the day before the election was one of those mild bright days which sometimes occur in the midst of winter1 like a little green oasis in a desert1 to remind us of the spring which is to come4 ,the air felt almost balmy and warm1 and ,mr4 ,ewart and his two pupils walked out to enjoy the sweet sunshine in the park4 ,there was a rustic chair beneath one of the fine old trees1 on which the clergyman sat down1 while the boys1 on the other and more sheltered side of the huge tree1 amused themselves with gathering and examining some peculiar moss4 ,mr4 ,ewart had scarcely taken his seat when a step was heard on the dry withered leaves with which the turf was thickly strewn4 ,a rough-looking man approached and touched his hat2 ,mr4 ,ewart recognized the butcher who supplied the castle1 and in his usual courteous manner1 wished ,mr4 ,staines good morning4 ,the tradesman replied to the salutation1 but stood lingering as if he had something to say1 and yet felt difficulty in beginning the conversation4 ,illustration3 ,,mr4 ,,staines ,,and ,,the ,,tutor4 8,did you wish to speak to me80 said ,mr4 ,ewart1 observing his hesitation4 8,why1 sir1 ,i have been wishing very much to say a word to you about to-morrow's election40 8,you must be aware10 replied the clergyman1 8that ,i make it my rule to take no part in politics40 8,i wished to consult you1 sir1--0 8,i must decline giving advice on these subjects40 8,but1 sir1 it is a matter of conscience60 8,if so1 then ,i am ready to hear you40 8,as you of course know1 sir10 said the butcher1 rubbing his head1 8,mr4 ,hope expects me to give him my vote4 ,i have the custom of the castle here1 and that's a great matter for a man like me4 ,but you see1 sir10--he stopped and scraped the ground with his foot1 then1 as the clergyman waited patiently for the rest of his speech1 continued with a good deal of embarrassment1--8you see ,i think all the other way from ,mr4 ,hope1 and ,i did promise to vote for ,mr4 ,stacey40 8,then what brings you now to me8 ,you cannot be ignorant that in my position as tutor to ,lord ,fontonore1 this is a most delicate affair for me to interfere in40 8,i know it1 ,i know it1 sir10 said the tradesman1 lowering his voice2 8but ,i have never received from any person in the world the advice that ,i have received from you4 ,a man needs good counsel1 you see1 at a pass like this1 when one is afraid of going against a customer on the one hand1 and--and--conscience upon the other40 8,conscience before interest always10 said ,mr4 ,ewart4 8,you don't mean that ,i should vote against ,mr4 ,hope80 cried the butcher1 who perhaps secretly wished that the tutor of the candidate's nephews might find some means of relieving his scruples1 or take on himself the responsibility of silencing them at once4 8,do ever what is right1 and leave the event to a higher hand10 replied the clergyman1 rising to conclude so annoying an interview1 and motioning to the tradesman to leave him4 8,my uncle would not thank you for your counsel10 said ,charles1 coming forward as soon as the voter had departed4 8,i hope that he may never know of it10 subjoined ,ernest2 8he would be wounded in his tenderest point40 8,i much regret that ,i was consulted10 said ,mr4 ,ewart1 gravely2 8but1 being so1 ,i do not see what other answer ,i could have given40 8,oh1 you did right1 as you always do60 exclaimed ,charles2 8but ,i hope that that vote may not lose us the election--it would be almost enough to drive one wild40 99 99 99 99 99 ,there was a sudden change in the weather before the next morning dawned3 the snow was falling fast1 mantling the earth with white2 the sky was of one dull gray2 the wind shrieked through the leafless branches4 ,it was a day when it might have been imagined that no one would have willingly quitted a warm hearth to face the inclemency of the weather2 yet no one in ,castle ,fontonore seemed to regard either frost1 wind1 or snow4 ,there were banners flying1 bands playing1 crowds gathering1 the tramp of horses1 and the noise of shouting4 ,the snow that fell so soft and white became hardened and brown beneath the hurried tread of many feet4 ,to the poll1 from the poll--on horseback1 on foot--eager messengers crossed each other1 to rouse wavering partisans to exertion1 or carry tidings to eager listeners4 ,the candidates had been proposed1 their speeches had been made2 all that now remained was for the voters to hasten to the poll4 ,great was the excitement in the castle when1 at the end of the first hour1 the statement of numbers was brought in4 ,mrs4 ,hope stood flushed and panting with anxiety1 and looked half surprised1 half mortified1 to hear that her husband was but thirteen ahead of his opponent4 ,the next hour his success appeared yet more doubtful--the thirteen had diminished to seven4 ,then again ,mr4 ,hope's majority rose2 and his lady1 as if assured of triumph1 glanced proudly around and repeated for the hundredth time her assertion that she had never for a moment doubted of victory4 ,ernest and ,charles rode on their ponies amidst the gathered crowds4 ,every cheer that rose as the ,lord of ,fontonore and his bright-haired young brother appeared1 with large blue cockades on their breasts1 seemed a pledge of the success of their uncle4 ,at length the eventful moment for the close of the poll drew near4 ,mrs4 ,hope could hardly endure to await the result in the castle2 but such was the desire of her husband4 ,restlessly she paced up and down the hall1 starting at every sound1 watching with breathless anxiety for news from the polling-place4 ,not that she would admit that she had the slightest fear of defeat4 ,it was impossible that ,mr4 ,hope could fail of election1 with his connections1 his talents1 his standing3 she only wondered at the audacity of his opponent1 and stopped repeatedly1 in her impatient walk to and fro1 to desire ,ernest to write down the name of some titled friend to whom she must write by the very first post1 to communicate the news of her triumph4 8,hark6 that's the sound of a horse's quick tramp10 exclaimed ,ernest1 starting to his feet4 8,that's ,charles1 ,i am sure4 ,he brings tidings40 ,the next moment the hoofs clattered through the archway1 and the rider flung himself off the saddle1 even before the panting animal stopped at the door4 ,mrs4 ,hope and ,ernest hurried to meet him2 but the eager question died on the lips of the lady1 as she saw the expression on her nephew's face4 8,lost6 all lost60 exclaimed ,charles1 almost stamping with impatience2 8lost by a minority of one60 8,impossible6 ,it cannot be60 cried ,mrs4 ,hope4 8,there must be some mistake1 or some treachery40 ,but no2 there was neither treachery nor mistake4 ,every new-comer confirmed the tidings1 and ,ernest had an opportunity of again witnessing how heavily disappointment falls on the citizens of ,vanity ,fair4 ,would that the citizens of a more glorious place lived so far above the world that its trials should never have power to drag them down to the level of its slaves6 ,are the trifles which so often ruffle our tempers and depress our spirits worth such anxious thought from those who profess that their hearts and their treasures are above8 ,mr4 ,hope's disappointment1 anger1 and irritation knew no bounds4 ,he was ill able to afford the expense of a contested election4 ,he had spared no trouble1 no exertion1 no cost2 and to lose it after all1 and by a minority of one1 was more than the worldly man could endure4 ,mr4 ,hope talked over the events of the day with his wife in the evening2 ,ernest and ,charles sitting at a little distance1 with the chess-table before them1 but too much interested in the conversation to attend to their game4 ,their uncle spoke in a rapid and excited manner1 accusing this person of bribery and that of perjury1 and declaring that he would demand a scrutiny4 8,i say1 ,ernest10 whispered ,charles1 in a very low voice1 bending towards his brother1 so that no one else should hear him1 8,i would not for ten thousand pounds that our uncle should know of ,mr4 ,ewart's conversation with the butcher40 8,nor ,i10 replied ,ernest1 in the same tone4 8,what do you think would happen if he did80 8,mr4 ,ewart would be dismissed at once from the castle4 ,i know that ,uncle ,hope would be glad of an opportunity to do this4 ,i am certain that he dislikes our friend1 and so does ,aunt ,matilda40 8,oh1 ,i hope and trust that he never may know it60 exclaimed ,ernest1 startled at the idea of such a misfortune--one of the greatest1 he felt1 which could befall him1 for his affection towards his tutor was deep and sincere4 8,i am afraid10 said ,charles1 still whispering1 8that my uncle will hear something about the affair4 ,he is aware that ,staines was the last man to vote1 and that he turned the scale against him3 and ,jones told us that the butcher had been seen yesterday in our park2 and my uncle1 who was very angry indeed1 declared that he would sift the matter to the bottom40 8,you make me very uneasy10 said ,ernest4 8,what should we say if we were questioned8 ,you know that we overheard all40 8,i wish that we had been anywhere else10 cried ,charles2 8but ,i had no idea that the man had come about anything secret4 ,what should we say if we were questioned80 8,we could not betray our friend4 ,oh1 ,charles1 if he were to leave us1 how could we ever stand firm against all the temptations which we should be certain to meet80 8,who would help you to carry out your plans of usefulness80 8,who would be our guide in our pilgrimage80 8,and it might be ruin to ,mr4 ,ewart to be sent away4 ,you know that he supports his aged mother4 ,his voice is not strong enough for severe clerical duty2 he might never be able to get a church40 8,i would do anything to prevent such a misfortune happening10 cried ,ernest4 8,anything8 ,would you tell an untruth80 8,in such a case as this1 ,i hardly think that it would be wrong80 ,charles looked very doubtfully at his brother4 8,why1 consider1 ,charles1 all the evil that might follow if my uncle knew the truth--evil to us1 to all around us1 to our dear friend himself4 ,nothing should make us swerve from strict candour where only our own interests are concerned2 but when a good man may be ruined--0 ,here the conversation was suddenly broken off by ,mr4 ,hope's turning towards them1 and exclaiming1 in a loud tone1-- 8,and there's something which you may help me to clear up1 young gentlemen4 ,i have heard a rumour--a very strange rumour1 one that it is scarcely possible to credit--that that fellow ,staines was hanging about the park yesterday1 and had a consultation with ,mr4 ,ewart1 who advised him to vote against me4 ,were you with your tutor at the time80 8,we were with ,mr4 ,ewart all the afternoon10 replied ,ernest1 his heart throbbing very fast4 8,we never left him10 added ,charles1 as his uncle glanced towards him4 8,and do you know nothing of this pretended interview1 which may have been--which probably is--nothing but a malicious calumny1 a fable8 ,was there any such conversation held in your presence8--a thing almost impossible to conceive40 8,no1 sir2 there was none10 replied ,ernest1 in a low tone4 8,none10 repeated ,charles1 looking down and blushing4 ,mr4 ,hope surveyed them both with a piercing eye4 ,how uneasy they felt under his glance6 ,he questioned them no more1 however1 but turned round again towards the fire1 and was soon engaged once more in animated conversation with his wife4 8,have we done right80 whispered ,charles to his brother4 8,i don't exactly know4 ,i hope so1 for we acted from a good motive4 ,we could not have spoken out1 and ruined our friend4 ,i am sure that ,god will not severely judge an act of kindness and gratitude40 ,ah6 vain confidence1 how many have you led astray6 who judge of the ,almighty by their own false ideas1 instead of ,his pure unerring ,word6 ,where do we find in the ,bible that any sin1 committed from any motive whatsoever1 finds indulgence from the ,god of holiness and truth8 8,i do not feel quite easy10 murmured ,charles4 8,nor ,i4 ,yet ,i hope that we have not really wandered from the way4 ,i hardly see what else we could have done40 ,the servants now brought in tea and coffee4 ,clementina1 looking tired and out of spirits1 came into the drawing-room1 and was almost immediately followed by ,mr4 ,ewart4 8,mr4 ,ewart10 exclaimed ,mr4 ,hope1 stopping suddenly in what he was saying on perceiving the entrance of the clergyman1 and addressing him in a sharp1 stern1 decided manner1 8allow me to ask you one question40 ,the tutor silently bowed4 8,did you1 or did you not1 converse yesterday in the park with the butcher ,staines80 8,i did do so10 replied ,mr4 ,ewart1 without hesitation4 ,ernest bit his lip1 till he almost brought blood4 8,did you1 or did you not1 advise him to vote against me80 continued ,mr4 ,hope1 in a tone of suppressed fury4 8,i advised him to vote according to his conscience40 8,and you advised these two boys to speak according to their conscience60 exclaimed ,mr4 ,hope1 in a voice that made the room ring4 8,you1 the instructor of youth--you1 the pattern of strict morality--you have taught your pupils to be hypocrites and liars2 you have corrupted their unsuspicious minds--0 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,dismissal4 8,sir10 said ,mr4 ,ewart1 with dignity2 but ,mr4 ,hope was too furious to listen4 8,i say that you have corrupted them--ruined their principles4 ,your conduct to me ,i could pass over2 but ,i cannot leave my nephews one day longer in the hands of one who would teach them to be hypocrites4 ,you leave the castle to-morrow1 sir1--0 8,oh1 uncle6--,mr4 ,hope60 cried ,ernest and ,charles1 springing forward1 8,mr4 ,ewart knew nothing of it2 it was we--it was ,i40 8,there is no use speaking10 cried the indignant candidate4 8,from your conduct1 ,i must judge of the instructions which you have received4 ,two of my family to be guilty of deliberate falsehood6--,sir10 he continued1 turning towards ,mr4 ,ewart1 8you have heard my unalterable decision4 ,you quit the castle to-morrow40 ,mr4 ,ewart bowed gravely1 and retired to his own apartment1 followed by the almost heart-broken boys4 ,,chapter ,,xxiii4 ,,regrets1 ,,but ,,not ,,despair4 8,i have a key in my bosom1 called ,promise1 that will1 ,i am persuaded open any lock in ,doubting ,castle40--,pilgrim's ,progress4 8,what has occurred8 what could your uncle mean by speaking of deliberate falsehood80 said ,mr4 ,ewart1 as soon as the three were alone in his room1 and the door closed behind them4 ,ernest was too much agitated to speak4 ,charles told in a few words all that had happened1 omitting nothing but his brother's greater share in the fault4 ,mr4 ,ewart listened with a look of distress on his countenance1 which cut both the boys to the soul4 8,we meant well10 said ,charles in conclusion1 8but everything has turned out ill40 8,you should rather say10 observed the clergyman1 in a mild but sad tone1 8that you meant well1 but that you acted ill40 8,and you must suffer for our fault10 exclaimed ,ernest1 in bitter grief4 8,what ,i suffer from most is the thought of your fault40 8,but that it should be laid at your door1 you who have never taught us anything but what is right--oh6 it is such cruelty1 such injustice--0 8,hush10 said the tutor1 laying his hand upon ,ernest's1 8not a word must you utter against your guardian2 and remember that he had grounds for his indignation40 ,ernest leant both his arms upon the table1 and bending down his forehead upon them1 wept in silence4 8,if you leave us on account of this10 cried ,charles1 with emotion1 8we shall never be happy again40 8,not so10 said ,mr4 ,ewart1 soothingly2 8though the ,christian is commanded to repent1 he is forbidden to despair4 ,experience is precious1 though it may cost us dear3 it will be worth even the sorrow which you are feeling now1 if this lesson is deeply imprinted on your soul1 ,never do evil that good may come40 8,in no case80 inquired ,charles4 8,in no case10 replied the clergyman4--8,we show want of faith in the power of the ,almighty1 if we imagine that ,he needs one sin to work ,his own good purposes4 ,we can never expect a blessing on disobedience40 8,what ,i cannot endure10 exclaimed ,ernest1 raising his head1 8is to think what the world will say4 ,i know the colouring that my uncle will put upon the affair--how my aunt will talk to her fashionable friends4 ,she will speak of the danger of evil influence1 of her anxiety for her dear nephews1 and the shock which it had been to her to find what principles had been instilled into their minds4 ,oh1 ,mr4 ,ewart1 best1 dearest friend1 we have injured you indeed--we have brought disgrace upon your spotless character60 8,god knows my innocence in regard to you10 replied the clergyman2 8to ,him ,i commit my cause4 ,to be the object of unjust accusation has often been the appointed trial of ,his servants4 ,he can make even this affliction work for their good4 ,and now1 my dear boys1 leave me4 ,i have letters to write1 little preparations to make1 and ,i need a brief space for reflection40 8,do you forgive us80 said ,charles1 pressing his tutor's hand with a mixture of affection and respect4 8,forgive you6 you have erred but through kindness towards me4 ,i have nothing to forgive1 dear ,charles40 ,ernest rushed from the room without uttering a word4 ,charles followed him through the long corridor1 down the broad oaken staircase1 to the drawing-room1 in which the family was still assembled4 ,ernest came to confess1 to plead1 to entreat2 and he pleaded1 he entreated1 with the fervent eloquence of one who thinks his whole happiness at stake4 ,mr4 ,hope listened with a rigid1 unmoved look2 his lady1 who sat at her desk1 observed1 with an unpleasant smile1 that the reverend gentleman had been evidently working upon the feelings of his pupils4 ,she interrupted ,ernest's most passionate appeal1 by telling that she was at that moment engaged in writing to her friend1 ,lady ,fitzwigram1 about a very superior tutor1 of whom she had spoken to her when in ,london4 8,if ,mr4 ,sligo should be still disengaged10 observed the lady1 8this affair may prove really a fortunate occurrence40 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,confession ,,and ,,entreaty4 ,fontonore and ,charles left the room in despair4 ,bitterly reproaching themselves for having wandered from the right path1 they retired to the chamber of the former1 where they both remained for the remainder of the night1 for companionship in sorrow was their only consolation in this time of bitter distress4 8,it was ,i who led you into this trouble10 cried ,ernest4 8,i have been your tempter1 your false guide2 all that has happened has been owing to me6 ,how could ,i ever dare to call myself a pilgrim1 after all that has happened1 after all the lessons which ,i have received1 to fall away thus1 and disgrace my profession6 ,will not ,clementina look upon me as a hypocrite4 ,i could speak to her of the joy of the ,lord1 of the pleasures of devotion1 of the glories of heaven6 ,ah1 how different will she think my actions to my words6 ,she may even place my errors to the account of my religion2 my sin will be a stumbling-block in her way40 8,ernest1 brother1 you must not give way thus4 ,to fall once may not be to fall for ever4 ,god is merciful and ready to forgive2 it is foolish1 it is wrong to despair40 ,poor ,charles endeavoured to give comfort1 which he much needed himself2 yet his grief was not so deep as his brother's4 ,ernest felt more strongly1 what every ,christian should feel1 that he who has confessed religion openly before men should1 above all others1 be watchful over his own conduct4 ,the world is ready1 is eager to find faults in such2 to excuse its own errors by those of ,god's children2 to accuse of inconsistency1 and even of hypocrisy1 those who profess to live by a higher standard4 ,alas1 the sins and failings of sincere ,christians have done more injury to the cause of the religion which they love than all the open attacks of its enemies6 ,ernest was also1 perhaps1 the most warmly attached to his tutor4 ,mr4 ,ewart had been his friend at a time when he had no other3 it was through him that he had discovered his right to an earthly title2 it was through him that he had learned to hope for a heavenly one2 and to have been the means of inflicting deep injury on his benefactor wrung the spirit of the boy with anguish1 even greater than the pang of parting with his friend4 ,long after ,charles1 weary and sad1 had dropped asleep1 ,ernest lay awake1 revolving bitter thoughts in his mind1 almost too miserable even to pray4 ,never in the course of his whole life of trial had he passed so wretched a night4 ,the envied ,lord of ,fontonore1 in his magnificent castle1 surrounded by all that could minister to his ease1 was more wretched than ,mark ,dowley had been in his cottage1 hungry1 despised1 and persecuted4 ,such are the pangs of a wounded conscience--such the misery of a backsliding professor6 ,ernest fell asleep at last1 worn out by the conflict in his own mind1 and awoke in the morning with a weight on his heart which painfully oppressed1 even before he was sufficiently roused to remember what it was that had caused it4 ,mr4 ,ewart did not appear at breakfast1 and neither of the boys could taste the meal4 ,the sound in the court-yard of the wheels of the carriage which was to take their tutor away1 and the sight of the neat black trunk1 labelled and corded1 placed ready by the door in the hall1 made their hearts feel almost ready to burst4 ,the family of ,mr4 ,hope avoided being present1 but a number of the servants assembled to witness the departure of one who was respected by all4 ,even ,jack and ,ben were seen loitering on the drawbridge2 and ,lord ,fontonore could not help remarking that the former surveyed him with a look of even greater insolence than was his wont2 but poor ,ernest was too much humbled1 too much depressed1 to be roused to any feeling of anger4 ,mr4 ,ewart came forth1 looking pale and thoughtful1 but he smiled as soon as he saw his late pupils1 and held out a hand to each4 ,he bade a kind farewell to the numerous attendants1 with a word of advice or encouragement to some4 ,there were aprons lifted to tearful eyes1 saddened looks1 and murmured blessings1 as the clergyman passed through the assembled throng to where the carriage was waiting4 ,the boys grasped his hands1 and kept them within their own1 reluctant to unloose that last1 firm clasp4 ,he gave them his earnest1 solemn blessing1 and bade them put their trust in ,him who would never leave or forsake them4 8,shall we ever meet again80 faltered ,ernest4 8,i hope so--,i believe so10 replied ,mr4 ,ewart1 cheerfully4 8,this very morning ,i received a kind invitation from ,mr4 ,searle4 ,if ,i see no other opening before me1 ,i may possibly visit ,silvermere early in the spring2 and if so--0 8,oh1 if you were at the other end of the world1 we should find some means of meeting10 exclaimed ,charles4 8,there is one comfort which we may always make our own1 when parting from those whom we love10 said the clergyman1 struggling to keep down his emotions2 8all pilgrims travelling the same road come to the same rest at last2 though circumstances and distance may divide them here1 they may look forward in sure hope to a meeting in heaven40 ,and he was really gone6--the friend whom ,ernest had loved1 the guide whom he had followed1 the stay upon which he had leaned--all was like a painful1 bewildering dream4 ,again the young peer hastened to his chamber1 threw himself on his bed1 and vainly sought for the relief of tears4 ,he was roused by feeling an arm thrown round his neck1 and looking up1 saw ,charles1 whose flushed face and reddened eyes bore evident traces of weeping4 8,leave me1 ,charley10 he cried2 8the sight of your sorrow only makes mine harder to bear4 ,we can never1 never bring back the past4 ,we can never recall the friend whom we have lost4 ,i feel almost in despair40 ,charles uttered no reply4 ,perhaps he could hardly have trusted his voice to make one2 but he laid his open ,bible on the pillow before ,ernest1 and silently pointed to the words in ,jeremiah3 8,return1 ye backsliding children1 and ,i will heal your backslidings4 ,behold1 we come unto ,thee1 for ,thou art the ,lord our ,god40 8,oh1 ,charley60 said ,ernest1 with emotion1 8this is the second time that you have opened the door of hope to your brother60 8,when did ,i ever do so before80 8,when a poor desolate boy stood beneath a yew-tree1 and watched crowds going into the church which he was almost afraid to enter4 ,you came to him then1 and said a few simple words1 which roused and encouraged at that time2 and often since1 when ,i have felt low and fearful1 ,i have repeated those words to myself1 #8,you must not stay outside4' ,i have thought of these words as applying to the gate of mercy open to all4 ,oh1 ,charley6 what a good1 what a generous brother you have been to me6 ,many in your place would have hated and despised me1 taunted me with my ignorance and with my early life2 but you1 even at a time when ,i have done you great wrong1 when ,i have deprived you of your friend1 even led you into sin1 you come to comfort and to cheer me2--ever faithful1 ever hopeful1 ever dear60 ,,chapter ,,xxiv4 ,a ,,new ,,danger4 8,beware of the flatterer4 ,as is the saying of the wise man1 so we have found it this day1 #8,a man that flattereth his neighbour1 spreadeth a net for his feet' 7,prov4 xxix4 #e740--,pilgrim's ,progress4 ,it was some time before ,ernest could regain his usual cheerfulness2 constant occupation was what1 perhaps1 had the most effect in restoring it4 ,not only did he turn with ardour to his studies1 bending all the powers of a most intelligent mind to master the difficulties of learning1 but he was never idle in his hours of leisure2 and so well employed his time1 that ,charles once observed1 with a smile1 that the sands in his hour-glass were all of gold6 ,we are commanded to let our light so shine before men1 that they may see our good works1 and glorify our ,father which is in heaven4 ,the light of the young ,lord of ,fontonore shone brightly1 enlightening some and cheering many4 ,until his little school could be finished1 he assembled the poor children in an outhouse of the castle1 and not only contributed1 almost beyond his power1 to pay the salary of a schoolmaster1 but himself assisted in the task of tuition1 and spoke to the little ones with such heart-fervour of the duties of a pilgrim and the love of the ,saviour1 that the cottagers said that the children never learned so much as when the young lord himself was their teacher4 ,ernest was often to be seen beneath the widow's lowly roof3 he would carry to the sick poor little comforts from his own table1 and none knew how often he went without pleasures to himself1 that he might afford to help those who needed his assistance4 ,large as was his allowance1 his charity so drained it that self appeared almost forgotten2 and the ,lord of ,fontonore was scarcely ever known to purchase anything for his own gratification4 ,it was his habit1 his privilege1 his delight1 to lay his treasures at the feet of his ,lord2 and thus1 though the possessor of great wealth1 the pilgrim pressed on1 unclogged and unburdened by it4 ,nor1 in attending to the wants of the poor1 did ,ernest neglect his home duties4 ,the affection between him and his brother was a source of happiness to both1 and appeared to grow stronger every day2 and ,ernest sometimes ventured to hope that he might in time exert a slight influence even on the frivolous mind of ,clementina4 ,she was1 quite unconsciously to herself1 less inclined to utter words of folly or ill-nature when in the presence of her cousin1 and felt the quiet glance of his eye a greater restraint than a serious reproof from another4 ,at a time when she suffered from weakness in her eyes1 ,ernest1 busy as he was1 seemed always to find time to read to her and amuse her3 the book was sometimes her choice1 but more often his2 and he gradually led the weak1 worldly girl1 to take some interest in his favourite ,pilgrim4 ,it may well be imagined that ,ernest became exceedingly beloved in the castle4 ,his uncle1 indeed1 called him an enthusiast1 and ,mrs4 ,hope complained that he was too much of a missionary2 but what she would have ridiculed in any one else1 she had great indulgence for in a peer4 ,there was but one being1 of all those who lived at ,fontonore1 who seemed rooted in dislike towards the young lord2 and that was the envious1 insolent ,jack ,lawless1 whom no benefits softened1 no kindnesses won4 ,i must not omit to mention the arrival of ,mr4 ,sligo1 the new tutor1 who came to ,fontonore about ten days after the departure of ,mr4 ,ewart4 ,seldom has a new instructor been introduced to his pupils under greater disadvantages as regards their feelings4 8,i am certain that ,i shall dislike him10 said ,charles to his brother the evening before ,mr4 ,sligo made his appearance4 8,it will seem to me as though he usurped the place of my friend40 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,new ,,tutor4 8,i confess that ,i feel a prejudice against any tutor recommended by ,lady ,fitzwigram4 ,but then such a prejudice may be neither kind nor just3 he never taught in her family1 therefore has nothing to do with any of the faults of her sons4 ,we must meet ,mr4 ,sligo in a fair1 candid spirit4 ,mr4 ,ewart would have been the first to tell us to treat our new tutor as we would wish to be treated in his position ourselves40 ,mr4 ,sligo proved quite a different kind of person from what his pupils had expected4 ,instead of a proud1 opinionative scholar1 bearing the stamp of one familiar with the haut-ton--a walking peerage1 a follower of the world and its fashions--they beheld a mild-looking1 delicate little man1 with a manner quick but gentle1 who spoke in low1 soft tones1 with an almost timid air1 as if afraid of giving offence4 ,to such a person it was impossible for a generous spirit to be unkind4 ,the brothers did all in their power to put him at his ease2 and they were flattered by the grateful deferential manner1 in which he received the smallest attention4 ,mr4 ,sligo was soon found to be not only an intelligent tutor1 but a very agreeable companion4 ,he was ready for anything1 either business or play2 could do anything1 from setting a drawing for ,charles to assisting in the construction of the school3 he entered with pleasure into every project1 especially such as had charity for their object1 listened to pious sentiments with an approving smile1 and delighted in helping forward every good work4 ,with such a companion1 with such occupations and such encouragements1 was not our pilgrim almost at the gate of heaven8 ,had ,ernest been an angel1 free from human frailty1 perhaps it might have been so with him now4 ,never had he walked onwards with a firmer step1 never had he been such a blessing to others1 never had he kept his lips more pure1 nor been more watchful over every action2 and yet he was1 perhaps1 in more danger of falling than when passing through ,vanity ,fair6 ,to a mind like his1 the society of a worldly companion might have been less dangerous than that of ,mr4 ,sligo4 ,and why so8 ,his tutor never taught him evil1 never set him an evil example4 ,but there was silent flattery in his admiring look1 the attention with which he listened1 the heartiness with which he approved4 ,with all his quickness of perception1 there was one thing which he seemed to lack--the power of discovering a fault in his pupil4 ,ernest had endured1 without injury1 the flattery of the world--he attributed it all to his title4 ,the praises of ,charles had nothing dangerous in them--he set them down to a brother's partiality2 but it was something new to him to be admired for the very qualities for which1 a few months before1 he had suffered persecution2 it was something delightful to be looked up to by so many1 and viewed as a model of ,christian benevolence6 ,we may wonder that1 after his last sad fall1 ,ernest could have entertained a thought of spiritual pride2 but our enemy is ever watchful and insidious and human nature infirm4 ,we do not willingly dwell upon what gives us pain2 and often1 too often1 deceive our own hearts from the pleasure which it gives us to be thus deceived4 ,ernest had often remarked1 that the worldly are constantly engaged in raising pedestals on which to elevate self2 he had seen the ambitious build his of popular applause2--such was ,mr4 ,hope's1 and it had crumbled into dust4 ,the proud woman had raised herself by fashion1 the vain beauty by the admiration of society4 ,but while ,ernest could thus observe the failings of others1 he would have been startled and alarmed indeed had he known that he was now raising such a pedestal himself6 ,his very prayers1 his alms1 his good works1 were turned into a stumbling-block in his path2 whatever exalts self1 stands between us and the ,saviour1 and we are never safe but when our pride lies humbled in the dust before ,him4 ,i would especially direct the attention of my reader to this last most subtle device of ,satan to keep back the pilgrim from heaven4 ,as ,god draws good out of evil1 ,satan draws evil out of good1 and sometimes makes us deem ourselves most near the celestial city when we are actually turning our faces from it4 ,the most experienced pilgrims may be taken in this snare2 the most zealous1 the most devoted ,christians are perhaps in the greatest danger from it4 ,we are so ready to forget when the mirror shines brightly1 that it is in itself but dust and ashes1 borrowing all its radiance from heaven4 ,the tender leaves were now beginning to appear on the shrubs1 and the dark branches of the trees were spangled with the light green buds which told the approach of spring4 ,the crocus lifted its golden cup from the sod1 and the snow-drop trembled on its slender stem4 ,on the day when ,ernest would complete his thirteenth year1 his school-house was to be opened for the first time4 ,a number of friends were asked to be present on the occasion1--,mr4 ,searle1 his daughter1 and a son from college amongst the rest1 ,ernest's often-expressed wish having at length overcome the reluctance of his aunt to invite them4 ,there was to be a band and a collation in honour of the occasion2 and the children were abroad early in the sunny morning to gather flowers to decorate the school-room4 ,the spirits of the young ,lord ,fontonore rose high1 there was so much to gratify and elate him4 ,never had he more admired his beautiful home1 or more rejoiced in the power to do good4 ,mr4 ,sligo had written an ode to celebrate the day1 in which flattery was so delicately mingled with truth1 that it could hardly fail to gratify and please4 ,one by one the company assembled1 each with a kind wish or well-turned compliment4 ,ernest was of course the hero of the day2 and as everything in the school-house was now prepared1 the tide of silk and velvet1 feathers and lace1 moved on towards the little edifice4 ,the school children lined the path on either side1 in clean frocks1 with nosegays of wild-flowers in their hands1 their ruddy little faces beaming with pleasure at the thought of their expected feast4 ,passing between the lines1 with feelings of natural pleasure1 perhaps not quite unmingled with pride1 ,lord ,fontonore1 accompanied by his guests1 proceeded to the door1 which he unlocked and threw open4 ,in a few minutes the school-room was filled4 ,it had been decorated with a good deal of taste by the school children under ,mr4 ,sligo's direction1 and ,charles had fastened two blue banners above the entrance4 ,there were books for school use judiciously selected1 maps on a large scale hung round the room2 but every eye in the gay assembly was at once directed to a large black board hung over the fire-place4 ,this was designed for the use of classes in arithmetic1 as sums or figures could be chalked upon it of a size to be seen by the whole school4 ,but it was neither sum nor diagram upon it now that drew the attention of every one present1 but a coarse sketch1 evidently chalked by an untutored hand1 though not wanting in spirit or fun1 of a boy sitting astride on the top of a wall1 with a gigantic peach in his grasp2 and as the picture might not be understood by all1 beneath it was written1 in a round schoolboy hand1 legible from the furthest end of the room1 8,the pious ,lord ,fontonore robbing ,farmer ,joyce40 ,ernest was taken by surprise1 when quite off his guard2 insulted and exposed in the very hour of his triumph1 and he needed not the sight of ,jack's insolent face at the door to tell him by whom4 ,a few months before1 he would have struck the boy to the earth2 now the feelings of the ,christian1 perhaps the dignity of the noble1 prevented any such violent display of his anger2 but he clinched his hand1 and with an expression of fierceness in his flashing eye1 which no one present but the offender himself had ever seen on his countenance before1 ,ernest exclaimed in a voice of fury1 8,insolent liar1 this is your work60 ,a scene of brief confusion ensued4 ,mr4 ,sligo sprang to the obnoxious board1 and in a few moments every trace of the sketch was removed2 but the impression which it had left on the spectators was not so readily taken away4 8,this comes of bringing up such a wolf's cub60 exclaimed ,mrs4 ,hope4 8,what an extraordinary piece of impertinence10 said the baronet1 on whose arm she leaned4 8,surely10 he added1 in a lower tone1 8such a story had never any foundation in truth40 ,some recommended a severe thrashing to the offender1 some that he should at once be turned adrift on the world4 ,ernest felt the whole subject intolerably painful2 annoyed as he was at ,jack1 he was more annoyed at himself for having been overcome by sudden passion4 ,charles1 with the quick eye of affection1 read his wish in his look2 and springing on the table to raise himself above the throng1 he began an extempore questioning of the children1 conducting his examination with so much spirit and fun as quite to change the current of general conversation4 ,but though the disagreeable subject was dropped and apparently forgotten1 the school-room duly admired1 and the children's progress applauded1 every word of praise and compliment now fell flat upon the ear of ,fontonore4 ,the discipline had been bitter1 but it was just what he had required4 ,a veil had been suddenly drawn from his eyes2 he had been thrown from his pedestal of pride4 ,he had been reminded of what he had been1 what he had done1 and shown what he still continued to be--a weak1 infirm child of dust1 subject to passion and sin1 having nothing whereof he could boast4 8,i was not only angry10 thought ,ernest to himself1 8but uncandid4 ,i gave an impression to all who heard me that ,i denied that of which ,i was accused4 ,he who but declared unpleasant truth1 in my passion ,i called a liar4 ,oh6 how greatly have ,i of late been deceiving myself when believing my conduct to be more consistent than that of others4 ,one thing1 however1 remains to be done4 ,i can yet make some amends2 and ,i will do so1 whatever it may cost my feelings1 however it may wound my pride40 ,as he showed his guests over the castle and grounds1 ,fontonore was remarkably silent and absent4 ,charles wondered to himself that the insolence of a boy should have such an effect upon his brother2 but he did not guess what deeper feelings were stirring in the breast of the pilgrim4 ,at last ,ernest1 as if in reply to some question from ,clementina1 whose sound had fallen upon his ear1 but whose sense he had not taken in1 proposed that they should all go and see the children at their feast on the lawn4 8,i should have thought that we had had enough of those children10 said ,clementina1 with affectation4 8,i cannot conceive the pleasure of watching them eating1 and our presence can be nothing but a restraint40 ,towards the lawn1 however1 the whole party moved1 where a long table had been laid out by ,ernest's desire1 well furnished with a comfortable meal4 ,sounds little befitting a scene of mirth were heard as the visitors approached4 ,the schoolmaster1 who presided at the top of the table1 was in an angry indignant voice denying to ,jack the right of sitting at it1 after openly insulting the provider of the feast4 ,the general feeling of the children ran in the same current2 some were loudly calling out1 8,shame1 shame1 turn him out60 ,but ,lawless1 with his own insolent self-assurance1 appeared inclined to defy them all4 ,at the appearance of ,fontonore and the ladies there was a sudden silence1 and all the party at the feast turned towards him to decide the disputed question4 ,ernest walked firmly up to the head of the table1 very pale1 for what he had resolved to do went sorely against human nature2 and few efforts are so painful as to trample down pride1 and humble ourselves in the sight of the world4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,apology4 8,let him sit down10 said ,ernest to the schoolmaster4 ,the children silently made room for their companion4 8,jack ,lawless10 continued the peer1 turning towards the boy1 and speaking rapidly1 whilst he could not raise his own eyes from the ground1 8,i regret that ,i unjustly called you a liar2 ,i recall the word now before all who heard it40 ,nothing can describe the astonishment of the whole assembly as they listened to this apology from the young lord4 8,brave boy1 well done6 ,he's a soldier that will not flinch60 muttered old ,mr4 ,searle1 with cordial approbation4 8,he must be wild10 exclaimed ,mrs4 ,hope1 8to expose himself so before a company like this6 ,to acknowledge such a fact6 ,why1 ,i would rather have died than have disgraced myself so before the world60 ,the lady1 however experienced in the concerns of this life1 in spiritual things was more ignorant than a child1 or she would have known that disgrace is in the commission of a fault1 but never in the frank avowal of it4 ,,chapter ,,xxv4 ,,the ,,lake ,,among ,,the ,,rocks4 8,now ,i saw in my dream1 that by this time the pilgrims were entering into the country of ,beulah40--,pilgrim's ,progress4 ,the painful incident recorded in the last chapter had been to ,ernest one of the most instructive events of his life1 and the young lord felt that it was so4 ,he recognized the parental care of his heavenly ,father1 in openly rebuking his pride2 and was now so well aware of the peculiar dangers that attended his position1 and how much they were increased by the weak indulgence of his preceptor1 that he heard almost without regret1 on the following day1 that having come into some property by the will of a relative1 ,mr4 ,sligo was about to resign his present charge4 ,oh1 how gladly would ,fontonore have recalled his first friend1 him whose love was too sincere for flattery6 ,this1 however1 was a thing quite beyond his hopes1 and the boys tried to content themselves with the thought that they might soon have the pleasure of seeing their late tutor4 ,mr4 ,searle had told ,ernest1 when he met him at the castle1 that he expected ,mr4 ,ewart on a visit2 and though the young peer knew that the clergyman would not come to ,fontonore1 as such a step might be displeasing to his uncle1 he determined to go over himself to ,silvermere1 as soon as he should hear that his friend had arrived there4 ,one bright1 lovely spring morning1 with this idea on his mind1 ,ernest sauntered forth in the direction of ,mr4 ,searle's house4 ,very beautiful was the scenery which lay between--so beautiful that the spot was often visited by strangers1 who came from many miles round to see it4 ,a small lake1 so small that we might better term it a pool1 lay embosomed in high rocks1 that hung over it as though to look at their rough crags reflected in its mirror4 ,from this beautiful little piece of water1 sleeping in their dark shadow1 was fed a rapid stream1 that1 rushing onward1 as if weary of its tranquil repose1 made its way for some short distance through an opening in the rocks1 and then flinging aloft showers of spray1 fell with a bold leap over some lower crags into a wider lake in the valley below4 ,there was a wooden bridge over this stream1 some way above the cascade1 and on this bridge ,ernest had often delighted to take his station1 where1 on the right hand1 he could see the quiet upper lake1 so carefully sheltered and guarded from the wind by the tall rocks that towered around it2 on the left1 the wider sheet which lay outspread far below to receive the rivulet which flowed beneath his feet4 ,it was a lovely spot1 and a favourite haunt of one who loved to look up through nature unto nature's ,god4 ,ernest thought of the current of human life as he watched the waters bursting forth from the secluded1 shady pool1 rolling for some brief minutes through a narrow1 darkened chasm2 then1 as they emerged into the sunny light1 plunging with a deep and sudden fall to mix and lose themselves in the brighter waters that lay glittering in the vale4 ,it was some time now since ,ernest had visited this scene1 and this morning he felt inclined to bend his steps thither4 ,he feared that his constant round of occupations--his studies1 even his charitable pursuits--had made him of late too much neglect that quiet communing with ,god and his own heart1 which should be a pilgrim's privilege and delight4 ,ernest1 therefore1 did not ask even ,charles to accompany him2 peaceful meditation on the highest subjects that can engage the mind is best enjoyed1 is perhaps only enjoyed1 in solitude and seclusion4 ,ernest was tranquilly1 but deeply happy4 ,his discovery of his infirmity had served rather to humble than to depress him4 ,if he had less confidence now in himself1 he had more than ever in his ,saviour2 and what sweet security came with the thought that it was on no arm of flesh that he rested6 ,he who had loved him would love to the end4 ,this ,god is our ,god for ever and ever1 ,he will be our guide unto death4 ,with holy and happy thoughts for his companions1 ,fontonore wandered to the little bridge4 ,it struck him1 before he set his foot upon it1 that it looked decayed and injured by the weather4 ,he stooped down to examine the rough timber1 between the chinks of which he could see the stream flowing darkly and rapidly by4 ,a very brief survey strengthened his suspicion that the bridge was in a dangerous state4 8,i will not attempt to cross it10 said ,ernest to himself1 8though it is the nearest way to ,silvermere4 ,i must speak to ,mr4 ,searle1 and have it repaired4 ,i think that the property belongs to him4 ,the long winter has made the wood decay2 and yet1 from a little distance1 it looks safe and beautiful as ever4 ,to rest our hopes of heaven upon our works1 however fair in man's eyes they might appear1 would be like trusting our safety to that frail timber1 and first learning our danger by our fall40 ,before he quitted the spot1 ,ernest wished to climb to the top of the highest crag that rose above the cataract1 as he from thence would command a view over ,silvermere3 perhaps he might even see ,mr4 ,ewart in the distance4 ,the path which led to the height was very narrow and winding1 encumbered with thicket and difficult of access1 but the prospect from the summit more than repaid all the trouble of the ascent4 ,an expanse of beautiful country spread around3 here cattle were grazing in hedge-bordered fields of emerald velvet spangled with buttercups and daisies2 there stretched woods1 clad in the light garb of spring1 whence the note of the cuckoo rose musical and soft2 hills1 blue in the distance1 were seen to the north2 and pretty hamlets1 or farm-houses1 embosomed in trees1 with a little church spire pointing towards heaven1 gave the interest of life to the scene4 ,ernest looked down from his lofty crag1 clothed with shrubs and wild rock-creepers almost to its summit1 upon the fair prospect below4 ,the ,castle of ,fontonore looked so small in the distance that it was almost hidden from view by a hovel that stood on a hill between4 ,the banner on the flag-staff seemed a mere blue speck which the eye could hardly distinguish4 8',tis thus10 thought its possessor1 8that1 from the heights of heaven1 we may look down upon what we most prize below4 ,how small will our honours appear to us then6 how little all that here we most valued60 ,he gazed down on the churchyard1 which was not far from the rocks1 and thought how glorious a scene would that quiet green spot present1 when the seeds there sown in corruption should spring forth into life1 and the ,lord come to gather in the harvest of ,his redeemed4 ,presently ,ernest saw beneath him some one approaching the bridge4 ,his elevation1 though considerable1 was not so great but that he recognized the face and figure of ,jack ,lawless4 ,it would take some time to reach him by descending the path4 ,ernest adopted a shorter way of warning him of danger1 and1 leaning over the crag1 shouted loudly and repeatedly1 8,do not try the bridge2 it is not safe60 ,jack could not help hearing the voice1 and looked up2--his only reply was his own audacious smile4 ,ernest had warned him before of dangers of another kind3 he had disregarded the warning then1 he disregarded it now4 ,as if he wished to show that he despised any caution given to him by one whom he hated1 or1 perhaps1 led only by the foolish daring of a boy1 he set his foot upon the rotten plank1 and the next moment was precipitated into the water6 ,ernest heard the sharp cry1 saw the sudden fall2 he knew that the wretched boy could not swim1 and that in a few moments he must be hurried over the cataract1 and dashed to pieces on the rocks below6 ,ernest never paused to consider how slight was the chance of saving him--how great that of losing his own life in the attempt2 still less did he stop to recollect that the miserable ,lawless was one who had treated him with insult and hate2 he only saw that a fellow-creature was perishing before him1 on the brink of destruction1 and unprepared6 ,if he descended by the path1 his aid must come too late3 ,ernest took a shorter and more perilous way4 ,springing from the edge of the crag1 swinging himself down by the shrubs that grew on the rock1 clinging1 leaping1 clambering1 falling1 he descended from the height as never human being had descended before4 ,twice he dashed himself against the crags in his desperate descent2 a thrill of sharp agony shot across his frame1 but now it was impossible to stop4 ,down he plunged into the water1 almost at the head of the fall1 at the moment that the current was carrying ,lawless over the edge4 ,the left hand of ,ernest still grasped the bough of a willow which he had caught as he first struck the stream2 the right1 hastily extended1 grasped the hair of the drowning boy1 and held him back from the fatal brink4 ,but the fearful effort could not last1 though it was an effort for life4 ,ernest felt both his strength and his senses failing him--the exhausted fingers must relax their clasp--both must perish6 ,no6 no6 there is a loud shout heard--help is near1 an eager hand is stretched out to save--a firm hold is laid on the arm of ,fontonore--he is dragged to the shore in a senseless state1 his livid hand still unconsciously wreathed in the locks of the boy whom he has saved6 8,thank ,god6 oh1 thank ,god60 exclaimed ,mr4 ,ewart1 as he laid the two boys side by side on the turf1 dripping1 ghastly1 insensible1 but living still4 ,he hastened for the aid which was speedily afforded4 ,ernest and ,lawless were removed to the nearest cottage1 where every means was used to restore them4 ,a messenger was hastily despatched for a doctor1 but before he arrived both of the sufferers had sufficiently recovered to be taken back to the castle4 ,lawless felt no further effect from his accident than a slight chill and a sense of exhaustion2 but it was far otherwise with his youthful preserver1 who had sustained very severe injury in his dangerous descent1 and who awoke to consciousness in a state of such suffering as excited alarm in the minds of his friends4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,rescue4 ,the doctor arrived after some delay1 and examined the injured boy1 who shrank from his touch in uncontrollable pain4 ,dr4 ,mansell looked grave1 and drew ,mr4 ,hope aside4 8,i should wish1 for my own satisfaction10 he said1 8that other advice should be called in4 ,the case is1 ,i fear1 of a serious nature--could not a messenger be despatched upon horseback at once to bring ,dr4 ,ashby80 a surgeon of great eminence1 who resided in a town at some distance4 8,one shall be sent directly10 replied ,mr4 ,hope4 8,you do not apprehend any danger80 he added1 speaking in a low1 earnest tone4 8,we will say nothing till ,dr4 ,ashby's opinion is given4 ,i hope that there is no cause for alarm20 but the manner of the medical man contradicted his words4 ,intense was the anxiety with which ,charles and ,mr4 ,ewart awaited the coming of the surgeon4 ,how many1 alas1 have known that terrible period of waiting for the arrival of the doctor1 when minutes seem lengthening into hours--for the life of a loved one is at stake6 ,charles was in such a state of feverish excitement1 that ,mr4 ,hope positively forbade his entering the apartment where the poor sufferer lay4 ,long before any one else could hear them1 he caught the sound of carriage-wheels1 and was ready at the bridge to receive the surgeon1 whose lips would decide the fate of his brother4 ,dr4 ,ashby was a stout1 bald-headed man1 with a quick1 penetrating eye1 and a manner which inspired confidence2 decided1 without being harsh4 ,charles could hardly have been prevented from following him into ,ernest's room1 in which ,mr4 ,ewart and ,dr4 ,mansell now were1 but ,mrs4 ,hope kept him back with the words1 8,stay here in the corridor1 ,charles2 the sight of your agitated face would be enough to kill him at once40 ,she entered in1 and closed the door gently behind her4 ,how long1 oh1 how long appeared the interval6 ,with what different feelings ,charles now stood at the door of that room which he had once entered in such grief and resentment on the day of his return from ,marshdale6 ,he then hated the sounds which showed him where his brother was moving through the castle2 now his ear was painfully strained to catch any accent of that brother's voice3 he was then almost inclined to murmur at the loss of the broad lands which he had once possessed2 now1 had they been his1 he would have given them all to have had ,ernest by his side once more4 ,at length the door opened1 and the two doctors came out1 followed by ,mrs4 ,hope4 ,charles looked the question which his voice could not utter--his aunt laid her finger upon her lips4 8,they will consult together in another room10 she whispered2 8wait here1 and ,i will bring you the result40 ,with a sickening heart ,charles leaned back on the wall opposite the door of ,ernest's apartment3 he tried to pray1 but his mind could scarcely form a prayer--the suspense seemed to paralyze all its energies4 ,after the lapse of some minutes1 he heard the rustle of his aunt's dress again3 she came close to him1 laid her hand on his shoulder1 and in a low voice uttered but one sentence3 8,charles1 you will be ,lord of ,fontonore60 ,,chapter ,,xxvi4 ,,coming ,,to ,,the ,,river4 8,now ,i further saw1 that between them and the gate was a river40--,pilgrim's ,progress 8,well1 as you please1 but ,i would not do so10 said ,mr4 ,hope1 in conversation with ,mr4 ,ewart in the saloon4 8,the doctors gave no hope1 and ,i think that in such cases it is only right--it is only kind to let the patient know his danger40 8,your ideas are different to mine3 the shock of being told that you are dying is enough to put out the last spark of life40 8,not to one who has the faith of ,ernest40 8,you would then only hide the truth from a bad man80 8,i would hide it from none2 ,i would act towards others as ,i should wish them to act towards me4 ,it is cruel to conceal their state from the dying2 to send them into the presence of their ,maker unwarned1 perhaps unprepared40 8,well1 you must break the truth to ,ernest yourself1 ,i will not undertake to do it4 ,you know his feelings better than ,i do1 ,i never could understand them at all40 ,bowed down with affliction1 yet with sufficient self-command to be calm and composed in his manner1 ,mr4 ,ewart approached the bed-side of ,ernest4 8,what do the doctors say of me80 asked ,fontonore4 8,they say that the injuries which you have received are very severe40 8,i thought so--,i suffer so much pain4 ,i daresay that it will be long before ,i quite recover4 ,but you see10 he added1 with a faint smile1 8good comes out of evil in this case4 ,i took advantage of the privilege of illness1 and the claim which your having saved me has given you1 and asked my uncle a favour which he could not refuse me2 nor will you1 ,i am sure1 dear ,mr4 ,ewart3 you will be tutor at ,fontonore again60 ,the clergyman pressed in silence the feverish hand held out to him2 he could not at that moment reply4 8,we shall be so happy1 if ,i only get well6 ,you do not know how we have missed you6 ,you will--will you not8--be the pilgrim's guide again60 8,you have come to a part of your journey1 my beloved pupil1 in which ,god can alone be your guide40 ,he felt that the deep eyes of ,ernest were riveted upon him2 he could not endure to meet their inquiring gaze4 ,shading his own with his hand1 he continued3 8,when ,christian had passed through the land of ,beulah1 and drew near to the celestial city1 he saw a river flowing before him--0 8,the river of death60 murmured ,ernest1 and for some moments there was profound silence in the room4 ,it was first broken by the voice of the sufferer4 8,is there no chance of my recovery80 8,i fear none10 faltered the clergyman4 8,and how long do the doctors think that this will last80 8,not many days10 replied ,mr4 ,ewart1 in a tone scarcely audible4 ,again there was a long solemn silence4 8,i thank you for telling me this10 said ,ernest at last4 8,i little thought that ,i was so near the end of my pilgrimage--that ,i was so very near my rest4 ,i have often wondered10 he added faintly1 8how ,i should meet this hour--whether in joy1 or in trouble and fear4 ,i feel little of either just now--perhaps because ,i am weak and in pain--but a quiet trust in my ,saviour1 because1 however sinful ,i have been1 ,i know1 ,i feel that ,i love ,him60 ,there are many lying on a sick-bed1 who could hardly give a reason for the hope that is in them--whose feeble minds have scarcely power to grasp the simplest text--to whom it would be impossible to review their past lives2 but who can yet rest calmly and securely on the thought1 8,lord1 ,thou knowest all things2 ,thou knowest that ,i love ,thee60 ,after a while1 the sufferer spoke again4 8,where is ,charley8 ,why is he not with me80 8,it was feared that his grief might agitate you40 8,poor dear ,charley60 said ,ernest with tenderness2 8it will be a pleasure to him now to think that we always have loved one another4 ,but ,i should greatly like to see him2 ,i have so much to say to him before we part40 8,i will call him10 said ,mr4 ,ewart1 rising4 ,he found poor ,charles weeping at the door4 8,you must command yourself1 dear boy1 for his sake4 ,ernest has asked to see you40 ,charles dashed the drops from his eyes1 and made a strong effort to be calm1 though the convulsive quivering of his lip showed the intensity of his feelings4 ,with noiseless step he glided to the bed-side3 his brother received him with a faint smile4 8,heaven orders all things well1 ,charley10 he whispered2 8,i always felt that you were better fitted than ,i to be the ,lord of ,fontonore4 ,the time which we have spent together will seem to you soon like a strange dream that is past2 but you will not forget me1 ,charley1 mine own brother--you will not forget me80 ,charles hid his face in his hands4 8,and you will be kind to some for my sake4 ,poor ,madge6 you will not desert her1 nor turn away ,ben and ,jack80 8,i shall never endure the sight of that boy60 exclaimed ,charles1 in an agitated voice4 8,he has given you nothing but torment1 and now has cost a life ten million times more precious than his own40 8,he may have been saved for better things1 and then my life will have been well bestowed40 ,mr4 ,ewart left the two brothers alone together1 and with a slow1 sad step1 proceeded along the corridor1 proposing to visit the gardener's cottage1 to which ,jack had now returned4 ,he met ,clementina on the staircase4 8,oh1 ,mr4 ,ewart1 is it possible--is he really dying80 exclaimed the young lady in unaffected sorrow3 8so young1 and with everything to make life sweet2 it is really too dreadful to think of6 ,does he know the doctor's opinion80 8,he knows all1 and is perfectly tranquil40 8,what wonderful strength of mind60 8,the ,,lord is his strength10 replied the clergyman1 and passed on4 ,many an anxious inquiry after the young lord had ,mr4 ,ewart to answer from different members of the household1 before he reached the gardener's cottage4 ,he was desirous to know what effect his own deliverance and ,ernest's danger would have upon the mind of young ,lawless4 ,he did not see ,jack as he entered the cottage1 and asked the gardener's wife where he was4 8,oh1 he's there on the bed1 sir1 with his face to the wall4 ,he's never moved1 nor spoken1 nor tasted a morsel1 since he heard that the young lord lay a-dying4 ,i can't get him to answer a question2 he lies there as still as a stone4 ,i can't say if he feels it or not1 he has such a strange sullen way40 ,mr4 ,ewart seated himself close to the boy1 who appeared to take no notice of his presence4 8,you are not suffering1 ,i hope1 from your fall8 ,yours has been a wonderful preservation2 but for the generous courage of ,lord ,fontonore1 you would have been now before the judgment-seat of ,god40 ,lawless gave no sign that he heard him4 8,i have just quitted his sick-room10 continued the clergyman4 8,he is quite calm in the prospect of death1 for his life has for long been one preparation for it4 ,the last words that ,i heard him utter were of you2--he was recommending you to the kindness of his brother40 ,lawless convulsively clutched his pillow4 8,he said10 added ,mr4 ,ewart1 8that if you were but saved for better things1 his life would have been well bestowed40 ,jack suddenly half raised himself upon his bed1 then dashed himself down again with frantic violence4 8,i can't bear this10 he cried1 in a choking voice4 8,i wish he would hate me1 abuse me1 trample upon me2 anything would be better than this60 ,yes1 under all the deep crust of selfishness1 malice1 and pride1 lay a spring of feeling1 in the depths of that unconverted heart4 ,that spring had been reached1 the deep buried waters gushed forth1 and the clergyman left the cottage with a faint but precious hope that his loved pupil had not suffered in vain4 ,,chapter ,,xxvii4 ,,the ,,close ,,of ,,the ,,pilgrimage4 8,the foundation upon which the city was framed was higher than the clouds2 they therefore went up through the regions of the air1 sweetly talking as they went1 being comforted because they safely got over the river1 and had such glorious companions to attend them40--,pilgrim's ,progress4 ,it would be unnecessary1 as well as painful1 to mark every step of the progress of the young ,pilgrim through the last stage of his earthly journey4 ,he had no mental doubts or gloom2 his mind was calm and unclouded1 sometimes so vividly realizing the joy set before him that bodily pain seemed almost forgotten4 ,often he appeared buried in thought1 as though his spirit were already holding converse with things unseen1 before quitting the frail suffering body4 8,charles10 said he one night to his brother1 who sat bathing his temples with vinegar and water1 8how gently and lovingly the picture of my mother seems to look on me now4 ,perhaps she is waiting to welcome me on the blissful shore1 where there is no more parting and pain4 ,you will lay me in the vault beside her40 ,charles breathed a heavy sigh4 8,i have been thinking of that monument10 continued ,ernest1 8so strangely prepared for the living4 ,but the lines upon it could never suit me now--#8the mists of earth' have long since stained #8the snow-flake4'0 8,it is more spotless than ever10 whispered ,charles3 8is it not written1 ,though your sins be as scarlet1 they shall be as white as snow2 though they be red like crimson1 they shall be as wool80 8,yes10 murmured the sufferer2 8,jesus can present sinners faultless before the presence of his ,father4 ,he has loved us1 and washed us in ,his own precious blood4 ,this is all my hope40 ,after a short silence1 he continued--8,my eyes are heavy with long waking1 dear ,charley4 ,i wish that ,i could hear you sing to me once more2 ,i feel as though it would soothe this dull pain40 8,i do not think that ,i could sing now40 8,not one little hymn--my favourite hymn8 ,but if the effort pains you1 do not try40 ,but ,charles did try1 though with unsteady voice1 whose tones sounded strange to himself4 ,in the quiet night1 with no listener near but one sufferer on earth1 and the happy angels above1 he sang this simple evening hymn3-- ,,hymn4 ,after labour1 how sweet is rest6 ,gently the weary eyelids close2 ,as the infant sleeps on its mother's breast1 ,the child of ,god may in peace repose4 ,whether we sleep1 or whether we wake1 ,we are ,his who gave ,his life for our sake4 ,he to whom darkness is as light1 ,tenderly guards ,his slumbering sheep2 ,the ,shepherd watches ,his flock by night1 ,the feeble lambs ,he will safely keep4 ,whether we sleep1 or whether we wake1 ,we are ,his who gave ,his life for our sake4 ,death's night comes2 it may now be near3 ,lord1 if our hopes are fixed on ,thee1 ,oh1 how calm will that sleep appear6 ,oh1 how sweet will the waking be6 ,whether we sleep1 or whether we wake1 ,we are ,his who gave ,his life for our sake4 ,the eyes of ,ernest gradually closed ere the hymn was ended2 he lay still in deep slumbers2 ,charles almost trembled lest that slumber should be death4 99 99 99 99 99 8,i have bidden farewell to ,ben2 ,i must see his brother also4 ,dying words have sometimes weight--he may listen to me now4 ,please raise me higher on my pillow1 and call in ,jack to see me40 ,such were the words of ,ernest1 on awaking one morning more free from pain than he had been since his fall4 8,the interview will not be too much for you1 ,ernest80 said ,mr4 ,ewart1 anxiously4 8,oh1 no2 nothing can hurt me now4 ,i feel as though nothing could agitate me again4 ,have you seen my cousin lately80 he added4 8,yes2 only this morning4 ,she feels this trial much40 8,does she80 exclaimed ,ernest1 a look of animation and pleasure lighting up his deep sunken eye4 8,oh1 tell ,clementina that she must come to me too4 ,my heart is so full of thoughts--if ,i only could utter them6 ,would that ,i had the tongue of an angel1 but for this one day--before ,i am silenced by death60 8,lawless is at the door1 as you wished10 said ,charles4 8,pray1 then1 leave us alone together for a few minutes1 and then return with ,clementina1 dear brother1 if she is not afraid to come near a death-bed2 it will be a new and a strange scene to her40 ,jack stood at the door1 as if fearful to come in1 like the sinner who dreads that he is beyond reach of hope4 ,he could hardly believe himself to be an object of deep interest to one whom he had so cruelly wronged and insulted1 for there was nothing in his own corrupted heart to lead him to understand free mercy and goodness4 ,there was something painfully oppressive to the boy in the aspect of that darkened room1 coming out1 as he did1 from the bright sunshine4 ,the noiseless manner in which ,mr4 ,ewart and ,charles quitted the apartment2 the solemn stillness that pervaded the place2 the look of the little table beside the bed1 covered with things that reminded of illness and pain2 the appearance of the sufferer himself1 almost as colourless as the pillow upon which he lay2 the lines of death written on his calm1 pale features1 so that even a child could not mistake them--all struck a chill to the heart of ,lawless4 ,he almost felt as though he were ,ernest's murderer4 8,come nearer10 said ,fontonore1 faintly2 8my time is short2 ,i wish to speak to you a few words before ,i die40 8,you must not--shall not1 die for me60 exclaimed the boy1 in stifled tones of anguish1 as he knelt beside the bed4 8,think not of me now2--,i would tell you--if ,god grant me strength--,i would tell you of ,one who has died indeed for sinners--for you--for me4 ,for those who have insulted ,him1 and despised ,his warnings--for those who have hardened their hearts against ,his mercy2 even for such the ,son of ,god stooped to die4 ,oh1 can you resist a love such as this80 ,the once proud1 insolent boy was sobbing aloud4 8,see1 here is my ,bible1 my precious ,bible2 ,i am going where even that will be needed no more4 ,i give it to you--keep it as a remembrance of me4 ,will you promise me to read it1 for my sake80 8,for your sake10 groaned ,lawless1 8,i would do anything6 ,i can never1 never forget what you have done and suffered for me40 ,illustration3 ,,jack ,,receiving ,,the ,,bible4 8,oh1 rather remember what the ,high and ,holy ,one has done and suffered for us both4 ,your heart is touched with feeling for me2 you are grateful towards a poor worm of earth1 and can you remain hardened and rebellious towards the merciful ,saviour1 who is now stretching out ,his arms to call you to ,himself4 ,who is so ready to receive you1 so ready to forgive1 as ,he who has sacrificed ,his life1 that you may live60 ,the boy could make no reply2 but the dying words then heard were branded on his soul1 never to be forgotten while memory should endure4 99 99 99 99 99 8,come in1 dear ,clemmy2 it is very kind in you to visit the sick-room10 murmured ,ernest4 ,followed by ,charles and ,mr4 ,ewart1 ,clementina entered1 mingled pity1 fear1 and awe on her face4 ,fontonore held out to his cousin his white1 emaciated hand4 8,you will be better soon1 ,i trust10 faltered the young lady4 8,yes2 ,i shall be with ,christ1 which is far better40 8,but it is terrible to leave all--so early--it seems so cruel6 ,ernest1 you are too young for--for death60 8,too young for happiness1 my cousin8 ,do you remember our conversation in ,london2 how ,i told you that none could be happy as the ,christian1 that there is no pleasure equal to what religion can give8 ,i thought it then10 he cried1 his voice strengthening1 his eye kindling as he spoke2 8,i thought it then1 ,clementina1 but ,i know it now6 ,what is it to me that ,i bear the title of a peer1 that this castle is mine1 that men call me great--,i must leave all1 perhaps before the sun sets2 ,i must leave all1 and yet my whole soul is full of joy--joy beyond all that earth can ever bestow4 ,i am passing through the river1 but it does not overflow me2 beneath are the everlasting arms--before me are the glories of the eternal city1 where ,i shall see ,him whom not seeing ,i have loved60 ,there was a radiance upon the dying countenance that seemed not of earth but heaven4 ,clementina looked upon ,ernest1 wondering2 and for the first time felt the littleness of the world1 and the vanity of all that it can give4 8,where is my ,pilgrim's ,progress80 continued ,fontonore1 more faintly4 8,cousin1 ,i have reserved it for you4 ,when this frail body is laid in the grave1 then read it1 and think of one weak ,pilgrim who trod the path to the ,celestial ,city with feeble steps1 too often1 alas6 turning aside from the way2 yet on whom the ,lord of ,pilgrims had great mercy1 whom the ,saviour guided by ,his counsel here--and afterward--received--into glory60 ,ernest sank back on his pillow exhausted4 ,a change came over his features2 there was breathless silence in the room4 8,he is going60 murmured ,mr4 ,ewart1 clasping his hands4 ,ernest unclosed his eyes1 fixed a long last look of inexpressible love on his brother2 then1 turning it towards the clergyman1 faintly uttered the single word 8,pray60 ,at once all sank on their knees1 every distinction forgotten in that solemn hour4 ,the heir of a peerage--the vain child of fashion1 bent side by side with the convict's son6 ,mr4 ,ewart's voice was raised in prayer3 he commended the parting spirit to his ,saviour1 while ,fontonore's upward gaze1 and the motion of his silent lips1 showed that he heard and joined in the prayer4 ,presently that motion ceased--the light faded from that eye1 the silver cord was gently unloosed2 but the smile which still lingered on the features of the dead seemed an earnest of the bliss of the freed1 rejoicing spirit1 safely landed on the shores of ,eternity4 ,,chapter ,,xxviii4 ,,conclusion4 ,it may not1 perhaps1 be uninteresting to the reader to trace a little of the future career of those whom ,ernest left behind him in the world4 ,charles1 of course1 inherited the title and estate of his brother1 and1 increasing in piety and virtue as he increased in years1 became an ornament to the high station in which he was placed1 and a blessing to the people amongst whom he dwelt4 ,he carried out all ,ernest's projects of charity with zeal2 and when1 on attaining the age of twenty-one1 the management of his own estate came into his hands1 he erected the church upon his grounds which he had designed so long before1 and often listened within its walls to the words of truth from the lips of his early preceptor4 ,for ,madge and ,ben ,charles procured respectable situations1 and would have done the same for their brother2 but the wish of the boy was to be a soldier1 and accordingly1 when old enough1 he enlisted4 ,blunt and rough as he remained1 the conduct of the youth showed the power of ,christianity even in a hard1 rugged nature4 ,the life of ,ernest had not been thrown away1 nor had his prayers been unheard4 ,after many years of service in his own country1 ,lawless embarked with his regiment for the ,crimea1 and was present at the engagement of the ,alma4 ,as he rushed on1 one of the foremost in the action1 he received a musket-ball on his chest1 and fell1 as his comrades believed1 never to rise more4 ,how was it that he sprang again from the ground1 uninjured and undismayed8 ,the ,russian ball had struck him1 indeed1 but had found a bloodless resting-place--it had lodged in the ,bible which he carried in his breast1 the dying gift of ,ernest of ,fontonore6 ,mr4 ,hope sank under an attack of apoplexy1 a few years after the death of his nephew4 ,the man of the world was called away in the midst of his business1 his schemes of ambition1 at the time that he had attained the object of his hopes1 by being elected member for ,allborough4 ,the expenses of his canvass1 and residence in town1 and the extravagance in which his wife had indulged1 had ruined a fortune which had never been a large one2 and ,mrs4 ,hope had the misery1 intolerable to her proud spirit1 of passing the rest of her days a dependant on the generosity of her nephew4 ,truly might she say1 in reviewing her past life1 8,vanity of vanities1 all is vanity60 ,and what was the fate of the pretty1 affected ,clementina1 the butterfly hovering over the blossoms of pleasure8 ,let us pass over the space of nearly twenty years1 and behold the vain young beauty as she appears now that the first silver lines begin to streak her auburn hair1 and all the gay visions of her youth have faded for ever4 ,let us enter unseen that low parsonage house1 from which comes the merry sound of youthful voices4 ,the snow on the ground1 the chill in the air1 the red firelight flickering so cheerfully through the diamond-paned window overhung with ivy1 all tell that the season is winter4 ,the room in which we find ourselves seems all too small for the party of happy1 noisy children assembled within it4 ,this is the first day of the new year1 and a merry day it is to the family in ,oakdale parsonage4 ,unfailing is the arrival of the welcome box1 which at this season finds its way from ,fontonore1 and every one is present to witness its opening1 from the ruddy schoolboy1 home for the holidays1 to the little infant in arms4 ,even the pale-faced pastor himself has laid aside his book and closed his desk1 to join in the innocent mirth of his children3 you might know him1 by the likeness which he bears to her1 to be the brother of ,ellen ,searle4 ,but who is the thin1 careworn-looking mother1 who appears in the centre of the merry group8 ,is it possible to recognize in that quiet parson's wife1 in her simple cap1 and her plain woollen dress1 the once gay ,clementina8 ,what a wondrous change has been wrought by change of circumstances--or rather1 by religious principles and domestic affection6 ,clementina's home is now her world1 and the wants of her large family1 and the claims of the poor1 leave little margin for show4 ,yet there is a cheerfulness in her tone1 and a sweetness in her smile1 which in earlier days neither had possessed2 the merry voices of her children1 her husband's kind words1 and the blessings of the humble members of his flock1 far more than make up to her for the now half-forgotten flatteries and follies of ,vanity ,fair4 ,to the eldest boy the post of honour is committed4 ,he draws out parcel after parcel from the depths of the box1 and calling out aloud the name labelled upon each1 gives it to its eager proprietor4 8,mamma1 this is for you10 and a square1 flat parcel1 was placed in the hands of ,clementina ,searle4 ,it contained two small framed paintings by ,charles1 to adorn the bare walls of her humble little home4 ,perhaps there was something in the subject of those drawings which recalled thoughts of former days1 for the lady's eyes grew moist as she looked upon them4 ,the one represented a mossy ruin1 gray with age1 and near it a rustic gate1 on which leaned a youthful pilgrim4 ,a staff was in his hand1 a burden on his back1 and he was looking upwards1 with an anxious eye1 on the cloudy1 lowering sky above him4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,welcome ,,box4 ,the other represented a clear broad river1 glittering in the rays of the setting sun4 ,beyond it were banks clothed with verdure and beauty1 with a rich1 red glow over all1 and the openings between the wreaths of golden clouds seemed to give glimpses of brighter glories beyond4 ,the same pilgrim appeared1 one foot still in the stream1 the other on the beautiful shore2 his face could not be seen1 but the sunny beams shone like a halo round his head2 the burden was gone1 and instead of the staff his hand grasped the conqueror's palm4 8,how fondly he is remembered yet10 thought ,clementina2 8the brother's love seems but to strengthen with time40 ,she was interrupted by the voice of her son ,ernest4 8,mamma1 see what a beautiful book ,mr4 ,ewart has sent me6 ,it looks like an old friend in a new dress1 for ,i am sure that it is just the same as the one that you read to us on ,sundays1 only that mine is so prettily bound and illustrated1 so ,i like it much better than yours40 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,new ,,book4 8,no binding could add to the value of mine10 replied the mother1 with a gentle sigh2 8it was given to me by a dear friend now in heaven1 who was the first to teach me from its pages the way to the ,celestial ,city4 ,in the life and death of that young servant of ,god1 early called to his endless rest1 but not until his work was done1 ,i find pictures of the scenes described in that book--they are to me ,,illustrations ,,of ,,the ,,pilgrim',s ,,progress60 ,and now1 dear ,reader1 you who have traced with me the steps of the ,young ,pilgrim1 through the various stages of his mortal life1 suffer one word from your friend ere we part4 ,do you know anything of the pilgrimage of which you have here read8 ,i ask not1 ,have you walked soberly through ,vanity ,fair1 keeping yourself unspotted from the world8--if you have struggled with ,apollyon1 and been conqueror in the fight1 or passed with a firm and unflinching step through the ,valley of the ,shadow of ,death8 ,but have you stood beneath the cross of the ,saviour1 and found its power to remove the burden of sin8 ,have you ever even felt that sin is a burden1 and knocked earnestly at the gate of ,mercy8 ,or are you yet dwelling in the ,city of ,destruction1 thinking1 caring nothing for the things belonging to your peace1 laughing at the idea of a pilgrimage to ,heaven1 or putting it off for a more convenient season8 ,oh1 for the sake of your own immortal soul1 awake to your danger ere it be too late6 ,the wicket-gate of ,mercy is still opened to prayer2 the blood which flowed from the cross still can wash away sin2 the ,holy ,spirit is still willing to guide your steps on the narrow way1 up the ,hill of ,difficulty1 down the ,valley of ,humiliation1 through sunshine and darkness1 through life and through death--to the eternal mansions prepared for you in ,heaven6