,illustration3 ,,gideon',s ,,night ,,attack ,,on ,,the ,,midianites ,page #bcf4 ,illustration ,,the ,,triumph ,,over ,,midian4 ,by ,a4 ,l4 ,o4 ,e4 ,author of 8,the ,shepherd of ,bethlehem10 8,exiles in ,babylon10 8,rescued from ,egypt10 c4 ,illustration ,,london3 ,t4 ,,nelson ,,and ,,sons1 ,,paternoster ,,row2 ,,edinburgh2 ,,and ,,new ,,york4 #ahgd4 ,illustration3 ,,preface ,in attempting to illustrate the history of the victory of ,gideon1 ,i am conscious that ,i am entering on well-trodden ground4 ,others have gathered the lessons and examined the types with which that portion of the ,scripture-field is so richly studded4 ,i lay claim to little originality of thought on the subject which ,i have chosen4 ,a humble task has been mine2 that of endeavouring to show that the same faith by which heroes of old out of weakness were made strong1 waxed valiant in fight1 turned to flight the armies of the aliens1 is still1 as the gift of ,god's grace1 bestowed on the lowliest ,christian4 ,writing1 as ,i have done1 under the depressing influence of domestic sorrow1 and the languor of weak health1 ,i feel how very imperfectly ,i have executed my task2 but ,i humbly commend my little work to ,him who despiseth not the feeble1 and whose blessing on the humblest instrument can make it effectual in ,his service4 ,a4 ,l4 ,o4 ,e4 ,illustration ,illustration3 ,,contents ,i4 ,,the ,,return1 #i ,,ii4 ,,broken ,,bubbles1 #ai ,,iii4 ,,lecture ,i4--,,midianites ,,in ,,possession1 #ci ,,iv4 ,,the ,,little ,,maid1 #di ,v4 ,,the ,,death-,,bed ,,message1 #fb ,,vi4 ,,lecture ,,ii4--,,faith ,,in ,,the ,,promise1 #gf ,,vii4 ,a ,,sermon ,,by ,,the ,,fireside1 #he ,,viii4 ,,the ,,sister',s ,,visit1 #if ,,ix4 ,,lecture ,,iii4--,,faith ,,in ,,obedience1 #aab ,x4 ,,opening ,,the ,,casket1 #abb ,,xi4 ,,tidings1 #acc ,,xii4 ,,lecture ,,iv4--,,faith ,,in ,,trial1 #ade ,,xiii4 ,a ,,promise1 #aed ,,xiv4 ,,suspicions1 #afi ,,xv4 ,,evil ,,tongues1 #ahc ,,xvi4 ,,lecture ,v4--,,faith ,,confirmed1 #aif ,,xvii4 ,,disclosure1 #bjc ,,xviii4 ,,mercy ,,and ,,self-,,denial1 #bad ,,xix4 ,,refreshment1 #bbg ,,xx4 ,,lecture ,,vi4--,,faith ,,victorious1 #bce ,,xxi4 ,,bondage1 #bdc ,,xxii4 ,,the ,,night1 #beb ,,xxiii4 ,a ,,sister',s ,,voice1 #bei ,,xxiv4 ,a ,,triumph1 #bgg ,,xxv4 ,,lecture ,,vii4--,,faith ,,crowned1 #bhh ,,xxvi4 ,,conclusion1 #bih ,illustration ,illustration ,,the ,,triumph ,,over ,,midian4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,,the ,,return4 8,home1 once more at home60 how joyful sounded the exclamation from the lips of ,edith ,lestrange1 and how brightly sparkled her eyes as she uttered it1 as1 with a step light as a fawn's1 she revisited each spot which five years' absence had only made more dear4 ,with joyous impatience she ascended the broad oaken staircase of ,castle ,lestrange1 to flit like a fairy from room to room1 lingering longest in the old nursery1 where she had known childhood's pleasures1 with not a few of its sorrows--and the playroom1 in which her toys were still stored4 ,there was the doll that had been to her as a companion1 to which the lonely little heiress had whispered many a trouble2 the pretty picture-books1 the miniature tea-things of delicate china1 that had been such sources of amusement4 ,it was a pleasure to ,edith1 from recollections of 8auld lang syne10 to touch and handle these childish treasures1 though at the age of eleven she deemed herself no longer a child4 ,then to the newly-returned traveller how great were the delights of the garden and the park1--the one bright with the flowers of spring1 the other donning its light green robe1 while in the sheltered mossy dells fragrance of violets filled the air4 ,edith almost wondered that the light-footed deer should bound away on her approach3 her heart felt so full of joy and kindness1 that it seemed strange that any living creature should fear her4 ,the heiress of ,lestrange took pleasure in visiting the cottage of her father's steward1 where the familiar faces of ,holdich and his wife were as the faces of old friends1 bright with hearty welcome4 ,her canary1 cared for by ,mrs4 ,holdich during her absence1 was tamer than ever1 and its quivering notes of delight seemed to its youthful mistress an echo of the music of happiness which sounded within her own soul4 ,for ,edith did not return to the castle of her ancestors as she had left it five years before--a feeble1 fragile invalid4 ,she no longer painfully dragged her weary limbs along1 with languor oppressing her spirits2 springing and elastic was the step which now bounded over the mossy turf4 ,the cheeks that had been almost as colourless as the snowdrop1 had now a faint dawn of colour upon them1 like that on the opening buds of the apple-blossom4 ,edith was still a delicate plant1 like an exotic reared in a hot-house1 but an exotic skilfully tended1 expanding its petals in healthful life4 8,oh1 how true it is that there is no place like home60 exclaimed ,edith1 as she sauntered up the broad avenue1 with sunshine on her path1 and the blue cloud-flecked sky smiling above her4 ,the observation was addressed to her cousin1 ,isa ,gritton1 who was spending a day at the ,castle1 a short time after the return of ,sir ,digby ,lestrange and his daughter4 ,isa was a young lady whose age might be about two or three and twenty1 and who might therefore have scarcely been deemed a suitable companion for one so youthful as ,edith1 had not the little heiress possessed a mind so early matured by the discipline of trial that she was scarcely regarded as a child by those who intimately knew her4 ,isa ,gritton was a tall and graceful girl1 with auburn hair1 and eyes like those of the gazelle--large1 soft1 and expressive3 mirroring each passing emotion1 whether it were that of mirth and gladness1 or1 as was now the case1 a shadow of painful thought4 8,do you not feel with me10 said ,edith1 8that there is a charm in the very name of home80 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,cousins4 8,i did so once10 replied ,isa1 with a sigh2 8but for the last two years1 since the loss of my dear father1 ,i cannot be said to have had a real home40 8,but you have one now1 dear ,isa10 said ,edith2 8and oh1 how glad ,i am that your brother chose to build one at ,wildwaste1 so near us4 ,why1 even ,i--who never perform great feats in the walking line--will be able to manage the distance on foot2 it is barely a mile1 ,i hear4 ,i dare say that ,mr4 ,gritton kindly chose the site of his house there on purpose that you might be near your uncle and cousin4 ,to meet you often1 very often1 will be such a pleasure to me2 ,i shall feel as if ,i had at last what ,i have so often longed for1 a sister to share all my sorrows and joys4 ,i will soon return your visit1 and you shall show me your brother's new house4 ,has he not built a charming retreat1 with a pretty garden and shrubbery round it80 ,isa ,gritton laughed3 but there was a little bitterness in the laugh4 8,tastes differ10 she replied2 8and ,gaspar having been his own architect1 he doubtless admires his work4 ,but my ideal of beauty is hardly realized by a house that looks as if a geni had transplanted it bodily from one of the smaller streets of ,london1 in all the newness of yellowish brick as yet undarkened by soot1 and had dropped it on the edge of a morass--not a tree within half a mile of it--where it stands staring out of its blindless windows as if wondering how it came there1 with nothing to remind it of ,london but the great soap manufactory1 which is the most conspicuous object in the view1 the smoke of which might do duty for that of a whole street in the city40 8,how could ,mr4 ,gritton build such a house1 and in such a place60 exclaimed ,edith in surprise2 8,i could not fancy you in a home that was not pretty and picturesque4 ,i have no clear remembrance of ,wildwaste save as a wide flat common sprinkled with gorse1 for ,i seldom or never visited the hamlet when ,i was a little child40 8,you will scarcely care to visit it often now1 except out of compassion for me10 said ,isa1 smiling4 8,mr4 ,eardley tells me1 however1 that ,wildwaste1 bad as it is1 is greatly improved from what it was some years ago1 when it had nothing in the shape of a school40 8,mr4 ,eardley--then you know him80 cried ,edith1 brightening at the mention of the pastor whom she reverenced and loved4 8,yes10 replied ,isa2 8though1 ,wildwaste not being in the parish of ,axe1 we do not belong to his flock4 ,mr4 ,eardley had heard1 through your steward's wife1 ,i believe1 that we wanted a girl to help in the house4 ,he called to recommend to us a young protege of his own1 a black-eyed gipsy-looking little creature1 who blushes scarlet when she is spoken to1 and seems to be afraid of the sound of her own voice4 ,i think1 however1 that with a little training ,lottie ,stone will suit us very well40 8,do you not like ,mr4 ,eardley80 said ,edith1 looking as if assured that the answer must be in the affirmative4 8,very much2 ,i wish that he were our clergyman instead of ,mr4 ,bull1 who must be nearly eighty years old1 and who--but ,i don't think it well to criticize preachers40 8,we attend the service at ,axe--we drive there1 for it is much too far off for a walk10 said ,edith ,lestrange4 8,you shall come with us every ,sunday--that is to say10 she added1 with a little hesitation1 8if you don't mind leaving your brother4 ,papa does not like more than three in the carriage40 8,perhaps ,i ought not to leave ,gaspar10 said ,isa1 gravely2 and she added1 but not aloud1 8if ,i were not with him1 ,i fear that he would not go to a place of worship at all4--,no1 ,edith10 she said to her cousin1 8,i am afraid that ,i cannot accompany you to ,axe on ,sundays1 but ,i have promised ,mr4 ,eardley to bring ,lottie twice a week to the little cottage-lectures which he gives in the dwelling of ,holdich the steward40 8,then we shall always meet there10 observed ,edith4 8,i have such a sweet remembrance of those cottage-meetings1 though ,i was such a little girl when ,i went to them that of course ,i could not understand all that ,i heard4 ,i felt as if there were such peace1 and holiness1 and ,christian kindness in that quiet home-church1 where young and old1 and rich and poor1 gathered to hear ,god's truth1 and pray and praise together4 ,and ,holdich himself is such a good man10 continued ,edith warmly3 8it is not merely that he does not mind openly confessing his religion--whatever people may think of it--but that he lives up to what he professes4 ,papa went on the ,continent1 you know1 rather in haste1 and there had been a little confusion in his affairs1 and no time to set them right4 ,papa was always so generous1 and those about him had abused his confidence so sadly40 8,yes1 ,i heard something of that10 observed ,isa1 who1 like the rest of the world1 was aware that ,sir ,digby's ostentatious extravagance had plunged him into pecuniary difficulties1 and that change of air for his invalid child1 though the ostensible1 had not been the only cause of his retreat4 8,but ,holdich has brought everything into such beautiful order10 continued ,edith1--8he has quite surprised papa by the way in which he has managed the estate4 ,he has cared for his master's interests as much1 ,i think more than if they had been his own4 ,papa used to suspect people who had the name of being very pious1 but he said this morning at breakfast1 #8,a man like my steward1 who brings his ,christianity into his daily dealings1 does more to convince infidels of the real power of faith than all the learned books that ever were written4' ,i treasured up the words to repeat them to ,holdich's wife4 ,i think that she and her husband are the happiest people that ,i know1 and especially now that their son is doing so well as a schoolmaster under ,mr4 ,eardley40 8,the subject of the new series of cottage-lectures is to be ,gideon's ,triumph over ,midian10 observed ,isa4 8,and the first is to begin at seven this evening10 said ,edith4 8,papa has given me leave to be always present--at least when the weather is fine2 and some of our servants will go too4 ,they are not all able to get to church on ,sundays1 for ,axe is five miles from the ,castle40 ,the cousins1 slowly sauntering up the avenue1 had now reached a grassy mound at the end of it1 on which a tall weather-cock stood1 and which might be ascended by a flight of marble steps4 ,having mounted these steps1 a very extensive and beautiful prospect lay before ,isa and ,edith1 while a rural seat invited them to rest and enjoy it4 8,i have looked upon many lovely views in ,italy10 observed ,edith1 as her eye wandered with delight over the scene2 8but1 to my mind1 there is none to compare with this4 ,i always missed that dear little spire seen in the distance yonder1 where ,i knew that ,sunday after ,sunday the real truth was preached in my own native tongue by a servant of ,god4 ,it always seems to me with ,mr4 ,eardley as if he were like the disciples1 who went to their ,master and had their directions in the morning straight from ,his lips2 and that in the evening1 when his labour was over1 he would go and #8tell ,jesus' all that he had done1 and all that he had tried to do--receive the ,lord's smile and ,his blessing1 and then lie down to rest at ,his feet40 8,it seems so with some clergymen10 said ,isa4 8,when they feed the people with the bread of the ,word1 we feel that they have just taken it from the hands of the ,lord--that ,he has given thanks1 and blessed1 and broken it2 so that we look from the servant to the ,master1 and realize that the ministry of the gospel is hallowed service indeed40 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,,broken ,,bubbles4 8,so you especially enjoyed your stay at ,florence10 said ,isa1 after the conversation had taken a less serious turn4 8,i was very happy there2 it was so beautiful1 and we knew such very nice people4 ,i should have liked to have stayed there much longer40 8,and why did you not remain there80 asked ,isa4 8,did not ,sir ,digby enjoy ,florence too80 8,very much indeed1 until--until a lady came to stay there who spoilt all his pleasure in the place40 8,how was that80 said ,isa4 8,why1 the lady was witty2 at least people said so2 but if her kind of talking was wit1 ,i wish that there were no such thing in the world4 ,all her delight seemed to be to gossip and make her friends merry2 and so long as they laughed1 she did not much mind what they laughed at4 ,you see10 continued ,edith in a confidential tone1 8her mother had lived in the ,castle1 and she talked a great deal about that4 ,now1 of course1 it was quite right and noble in papa to let strangers come here while we were away--and there had been difficulties1 as you know--but he did not like its being talked about to every one40 ,isa could easily comprehend that her proud uncle had been very sensitive on the subject of the letting of his ancestral mansion4 8,and then10 pursued ,edith1 8she mixed up what was true with what was not true2 and how could strangers tell whether she spoke in jest or in earnest8 ,she said that papa had been harsh and violent to his servants2 and that was shamefully false60 exclaimed the girl1 with a flush of indignation on the face usually so gentle and calm--8he had been only too indulgent and trustful4 ,in short1 this lady made ,florence so unpleasant by her gossip1 that papa could bear it no longer4 ,he said that he would never willingly be for a day in the same city with ,cora ,madden40 8,cora ,madden60 repeated ,isa1 with a little start2 and ,edith1 who had been looking up at her cousin1 saw with surprise a stern1 gloomy expression pass over her countenance like a shadow4 8,do you know ,miss ,madden80 inquired the baronet's daughter4 8,do ,i know her80 repeated ,isa slowly1 with her hazel eyes bent on the ground4 ,then suddenly she raised them1 as she uttered the abrupt question1 8,edith1 do you know what it is to hate80 8,hate8 no1 not exactly10 replied the gentle girl2 8but there are some persons whom ,i do not like at all--some with whom ,i feel angry at times4 ,i was angry with ,miss ,madden one day when she was laughing at ,mr4 ,eardley1 and mimicking his manner4 ,i thought her doing so was so silly1 so wrong4 ,besides1 rudeness to one's friends tries one's patience a great deal more than unkindness to one's self40 8,cora reminds me of the description of the wicked in the ,psalms10 observed ,isa--8#8,they shoot out their arrows1 even bitter words4' ,she cares little where the darts alight1 or how deep they may pierce40 ,edith1 who had a very tender conscience1 was very doubtful whether such an application of a text from ,scripture was consistent with ,christian charity4 ,without venturing1 however1 to reprove1 she merely observed in her gentle tone1 8,i am sorry that ,i spoke of ,cora at all4 ,it was breaking a rule which ,i had made40 8,what is your rule80 asked ,isa4 8,never to speak of those whom ,i cannot like1 except to ,god10 replied ,edith4 8,and what do you say of them to ,god80 8,oh1 if ,i speak of them to ,god1 ,i must speak for them10 answered little ,edith2 8,i dare not do anything else1 for the ,lord has told us to love our enemies1 and we could not bring malice into our prayers40 8,yours is a good rule1 darling10 said ,isa1 and she turned to imprint a kiss on the forehead of her cousin4 8,let us speak no more of ,cora ,madden1 and may ,god help us to obey the most difficult command contained in all the ,bible60 ,to explain why the command appeared such a hard one to the young maiden--why the very name of ,cora called up bitter remembrances to her mind--it is needful that ,i should let the reader know something of the previous history of ,isa ,gritton4 ,like her cousin ,edith1 ,isa had early lost her mother1 and had been the only daughter in her father's home2 but otherwise there had been little resemblance between the early childhood of the two4 ,edith1 a crippled1 suffering invalid1 had been the unmurmuring victim of nursery oppression2 and in her splendid mansion had had more to endure than many of the children of the poor4 ,isa1 on the contrary1 fondly tended by a devoted nurse1 herself strong1 vigorous1 and full of spirits1 had found her childhood flow pleasantly past1 like a stream dimpling in sunshine and bordered with flowers4 ,isa had scarcely known what it was to feel weary1 sick1 or sad4 ,her father called her his little lark1 made only to sing and to soar4 ,she was beloved by all who knew the bright1 playful child1 and her affectionate nature disposed her to love all in return4 ,the religion which was carefully instilled into ,isa partook of the joyful character of her mind4 ,isa was troubled by no doubts and few fears4 ,the thoughts of heaven and bliss which were suggested to her1 were congenial to the spirit of the child4 ,isa looked forward to the joys of ,paradise without letting imagination dwell either on the dark valley or 8the narrow stream40 ,her idea of death was simply a peaceful removal to a yet brighter and happier home4 ,there were some spiritual dangers attending this existence of ease and joy4 ,the very sweetness of ,isa's disposition dimmed her perception of inward corruption4 ,if she was tempted to make an idol of self1 it was an idol so fair that she scarcely recognized it as one4 ,sometimes1 indeed1 ,isa's conscience would accuse her of vanity as she lingered before her mirror1 surveying with girlish pleasure the smiling image within it1 or recalled words of fond admiration1 or committed some little extravagance in regard to dress1 for ,isa at that time had a weakness for dress4 ,but the accusation was made in a whisper so soft1 that it scarcely disturbed her serenity4 ,it affected her conduct1 however2 for on the day when ,isa first received a regular allowance of her own1 she made on her knees a resolution which never was broken--not to spend money on the adornment of her person without devoting an equal sum to the relief of the poor4 ,thus early the love of ,god combated the love of the world2 a bridle was placed upon vanity1 which was still but a bridle of flowers2 for ,isa felt as much pleasure in helping the poor as in wearing a new robe1 or in clasping the jewelled bracelet round her soft white arm4 ,isa's brightness of spirit did not pass away with childhood2 it rather increased1 as the bud expands into the perfect flower4 ,but in life's school ,providence has appointed various teachers1 and few of ,god's children pass many years upon earth without coming under the discipline of disappointment1 bereavement1 and care4 ,isa was to know all three4 ,the first came to her when the blooming girl felt herself at the very summit of earthly bliss1 when a halo of happiness was thrown around every object near her4 ,isa believed herself to be the most blest of women in being beloved by ,lionel ,madden4 ,young and inexperienced as she was1 ,isa's fancy invested her hero with every noble and sterling quality2 she believed all that she desired1 and the bright bubbles blown by hope glittered with all the prismatic tints of the rainbow4 ,the bubble suddenly broke6 ,lionel became cold1 alienated1 shortly after the arrival of his sister1 who seemed to have taken an instinctive dislike to ,isa4 ,what had been said against her ,isa never exactly knew2 but whatever poisoned shaft had destroyed her hopes1 she knew that it came from the quiver of ,cora4 ,what marvel if bitter1 resentful feelings arose towards the author of her deep1 though hidden1 anguish8 ,as ,isa's gaiety was suddenly changed into gloom1 so her kindly loving nature for awhile seemed altered into one sternly vindictive4 ,like ,satan intruding in a paradise of peace1 and blighting its flowers by his presence1 hatred1 and even a lurking desire for vengeance1 suddenly arose in a soul which had previously appeared to be formed only for happiness and love4 ,illustration3 ,,changed ,,affection4 ,but had ,cora really injured ,isa8 ,nay2 the malicious enemy had done more to shield the young maiden from misfortune than her most tender friend could have done4 ,cruel may be the hand which tears to pieces the half-formed nest which a bird is building on a hedge by the wayside1 but it is well for the bird if it be thus constrained to choose a higher and safer bough4 ,lionel was unworthy of the affection of a faithful1 confiding young heart4 ,it was well for ,isa that her bubble was broken1 that her cherished hopes were scattered to the winds4 ,she did not think so1 she could not feel so2 even ,lionel's very worldly marriage1 which took place a few months afterwards1 did not fully open her eyes to this truth4 ,isa deemed all that was unworthy in the conduct of young ,madden the result of the influence of his sister2 and regarded ,cora not only as her own evil genius1 but that of the man whom she had loved4 ,startled and alarmed by the fierce passions which1 for the first time1 struggled for the possession of her heart1 ,isa looked upon ,cora as the cause not only of misery1 but of sin also4 ,isa's self-knowledge was deepened by trial1 but it was a self-knowledge that mortified and pained her4 ,she found that she was far from what she had hoped to become1 from what the world believed her to be2 she was no calm angel soaring above earth and its trials1 but a weak tempted woman1 who found it hard not to murmur1 and almost impossible truly to forgive4 ,and yet ,cora had been but an instrument in a higher ,hand1 and to ,isa an instrument for good4 ,we may praise ,god in another world even more for the malice of our bitter enemies1 than for the tender love of our friends4 ,jacob's paternal affection would have shielded his best-beloved son from every touch of misfortune2 but it was the hatred of ,joseph's brethren1 the malice of his false accuser1 that led him--through the pit and the prison--to exaltation and to honour4 ,satan himself became1 through ,god's over-ruling goodness1 an instrument of blessing to ,job2 his cruel assaults led to deeper experience in the man whom he sought to destroy1 more close communion with ,god1 and doubtless more exalted blessedness hereafter4 ,no enemy1 human or infernal1 has power to do us aught but good1 except by leading us into sin4 ,could we realize this1 our wounded hearts might find it less difficult to forgive the wrongs which are 8blessings in disguise40 ,not a year after the stroke of disappointment had fallen upon ,isa1 she had to endure that of sudden bereavement4 ,a few--very few--days of anxious watching by a parent's sick-bed1 and ,isa found herself fatherless as well as motherless in the world4 ,very heavy lay the burden of loneliness upon the young orphan's heart4 ,it is true that ,isa had a half-brother yet living1 but ,gaspar was many years older than herself1 and ,isa had seen very little of him1 as the greater part of his life had been passed in ,jamaica4 ,still the affections of ,isa clung fondly around the nearest relative left for her to love1 especially as she knew her brother to be in broken health2 and she resolved that to watch over him and minister to his comfort should be the object thenceforth of an existence from which all the brightness appeared to have departed4 ,even with thoughts of ,gaspar1 however1 were linked associations of mystery and pain4 ,isa had never imparted to any one a care which to her young spirit was more oppressive than sorrow itself4 ,she had never told how1 when the shadow of approaching dissolution lay on her father1 when the delirium of fever had passed away1 he had fixed his glazing eyes upon his daughter1 at that midnight hour the sole watcher beside him4 ,the dying man had seemed anxious to disburden himself of something that weighed on his mind2 he struggled to speak1 but his parched lips could scarcely frame articulate words4 ,isa strained her ear to catch the almost inaudible accents1 bending down so low that she could feel the dying man's breath on her cheek4 ,a few scattered sentences were gathered1 deeply imprinted on her memory by the solemnity of the time when they were uttered4 8,gaspar--you will be with him--something wrong--the ,orissa--not her money lost--he should deal fairly by that orphan--tell him from me--0 ,but whatever was the message intended1 death silenced the lips that would have sent it1 and ,isa was left to ponder painfully over what could be 8wrong10 and how ,gaspar could have not 8dealt fairly0 by an orphan1 at least in the opinion of his father4 ,the remembrance of these dying words1 the dread of some painful explanation with ,gaspar1 alone threw a damp upon the earnest desire with which ,isa looked forward to her only brother's return to ,england4 ,her affectionate spirit yearned for the sympathy of one bound to her by the tie of blood1 and she longed once more to possess a settled home4 ,about a year after ,mr4 ,gritton's death1 ,gaspar arrived from ,jamaica4 ,isa was at the time residing with a friend in ,london1 and her brother took a lodging near her4 ,being a good deal occupied with business during the day1 and too much an invalid to venture out in the evening1 ,gaspar did not see much of his sister1--far less than ,isa desired4 ,her brother's manner towards her was gentle and courteous1 his kindness won her gratitude1 his broken health her sympathy4 ,isa wished to devote herself to the care of her brother1 but he preferred delaying the time when they should reside together in a settled home1 until he should have built a house into which he could receive his young sister4 ,during this period spent in ,london1 ,isa either found no opportunity of speaking to ,gaspar on the subject of their father's mysterious message1 or she put off making the effort till a more quiet season1 when her brother might have recovered his health4 ,she could not bear to risk exciting him when he was so delicate1 or offending him when he was so kind4 ,isa gladly availed herself of any excuse to delay the performance of a duty from which she intuitively shrank4 ,isa felt grateful to her half-brother for selecting as the place of their future residence a spot near ,castle ,lestrange4 ,she had paid many a delightful visit to her uncle's lordly mansion1 both before and after the death of his wife1 and she deemed it a proof of ,gaspar's considerate affection for herself1 that he should purchase a site for his house but a mile from the dwelling of those who were her relatives1 but not his own4 ,isa could have wished1 indeed1 that it had not been on the ,wildwaste side of the ,castle1 as memory recalled a flat expanse of common surrounding a miserable hamlet1 and an unsightly manufactory2 but she had not visited her uncle's home for nearly six years1 and many changes might have taken place during that period4 ,isa also encouraged herself with the thought that a little paradise might stand even in the midst of a barren heath1 like an oasis in a desert2 and that as ,gaspar had chosen to build a house instead of buying one1 it was evident that his was a taste which could not be satisfied by any ordinary attractions in a dwelling4 ,during the time when ,gaspar was building1 ,isa never once saw her brother4 ,he took a lodging above the single shop in ,wildwaste1 that he might superintend operations4 ,he kept a sharp eye over the workmen who were brought from ,london1 not suffering them1 it was said1 to mix with the cottagers around1 or spend their evenings at the small county inn4 ,there was no doubt that ,gaspar ,gritton was eccentric1 and ,isa was aware of the fact2 but she was disposed to look at her only brother in the most favourable light1 and persuaded herself that she rather liked a dash of eccentricity in a character2 it redeemed it from being commonplace4 ,isa was very impatient for the completion of her new home1 and would1 if permitted1 have entered it before it was sufficiently dry to be a safe residence for her4 ,buoyant hope had again sprung up within her young heart1 long cast down1 but not crushed by affliction4 ,life might yet have joys in store for the bright girl4 ,isa would be1 as she thought1 everything to her brother2 his nurse1 companion1 and friend4 ,she would make his home a fairy dwelling1 where everything on which the eye might rest should be graceful and pretty4 ,isa knew that her brother had sufficient means to procure every comfort2 and though her own patrimony was but slender1 she hoped1 dispensing ,gaspar's alms1 to become a benefactress to all the poor around them4 ,again the fairy bubble was glittering before ,isa1 and if its colours were now less splendid1 and it rose to less lofty a height still the emblem of earthly hope was not without its beauty and brightness4 ,it was on a day in ,march that ,isa joined her brother4 ,she had enjoyed her journey by train2 the sunshine had been brilliant1 her companions agreeable1 and her mind was full of pleasant expectation4 ,isa's pleasure was damped by the little disappointment of not finding ,gaspar ready to welcome her at the station4 ,it was with a sensation of loneliness that she took her seat in a hired open conveyance to be driven to ,wildwaste ,lodge4 ,the sunshine was now overclouded1 a fierce north-east wind was blowing1 from the chilling effects of which the young lady from ,london tried to protect herself in vain4 ,the horse was lame1 the drive seemed long4 8,are we far from ,wildwaste ,lodge80 asked ,isa at last of the driver1 as they skirted a dreary common of which she fancied that she could recognize some of the features4 8,that be's the house10 replied the man1 pointing with his whip towards a narrow three-storied dwelling1 looking staringly new1 without sheltering shrubbery or even hedge1 with no blinds to the windows1 no porch to the door1 nothing that could redeem its aspect from absolute vulgarity4 ,could this be the rural retreat to which ,isa had given the name of home6 ,illustration3 ,,isa',s ,,arrival ,,at ,,wildwaste4 ,disheartened and chilled felt ,isa as her conveyance passed through the wretched hamlet1 where groups of untidy women and barefooted children stood staring at the unwonted apparition of anything in the shape of a carriage4 ,she scarcely liked to look again at the house1 as the lame horse stopped at the dark green door4 ,gaspar did not come forth to welcome her2 he dared not face the cutting wind which had chilled his sister to the heart4 ,cold and numbed after her journey1 ,isa--when a deaf elderly woman had answered the knock--descended from the conveyance2 herself saw her boxes carried into the narrow hall by the driver1 paid the man and dismissed him1 and then hastened into the parlour1 where she found her brother4 ,his reception1 though not uncourteous1 was by no means calculated to dispel the chill which had fallen on the spirits of ,isa4 ,gaspar was so full of his own complaints that he had scarcely leisure to observe that his sister was tired and cold4 ,after conversing with him for a while1 ,isa arose to explore the other apartments of the house4 ,she suppressed a little sigh of disappointment as she ascended the uncarpeted stair4 ,the interior of ,wildwaste ,lodge was1 if possible1 more unattractive than its outward appearance4 ,gaspar had reserved the ground-floor for himself1 and no one had a right to complain if in his own peculiar domain he preferred simplicity to ornament1 and neglected the little elegancies which ,isa deemed almost essential to comfort4 ,but ,isa was deeply mortified when she entered her own apartments1 which were immediately over those of her brother1 and found them furnished with a regard to economy which amounted to actual penuriousness4 ,a few chairs1 not one of which matched another1 and which seemed to have been chosen at haphazard out of some broker's shop2 a table of painted wood1 one of the legs of which did not touch the uncarpeted floor2 and a shelf to serve as a bookcase3 these formed the entire furniture of the young lady's boudoir4 ,there was not so much as a curtain to the window4 ,isa1 weary and chilled after her journey1 felt inclined to sit down and cry from mortification and disappointment4 ,little joy could she anticipate from a life to be passed with one who from the first showed such disregard for her pleasure and comfort4 ,isa's misgivings were painfully realized4 ,there are some persons who are pleasing in society1 agreeable when only met on casual occasions1 with whom it is very annoying to be brought into closer contact4 ,it is trying to the temper to transact business with them1 still more trying to dwell under the same roof4 ,the character of such persons seems to be made up of angles1 that on every side chafe and annoy4 ,a graphic writer#a has humorously described them as unpruned trees4 8,little odd habits1 the rudiments of worse habits1 need every now and then to be cut off and corrected4 ,we should all grow very singular1 ridiculous1 and unamiable creatures1 but for the pruning we have got from hands kind and unkind1 from our earliest days4444 ,perhaps you have known a man who has lived for forty years alone2 and you know what odd shoots he had sent out2 what strange traits and habits he had acquired2 what singular little ways he had got into4 ,there had been no one at home to prune him1 and the little shoots of eccentricity1 of vanity1 of vain self-estimation1 that might have easily been cut off when they were green and soft1 have now grown into rigidity40 ,mr4 ,gritton1 from living much alone1 had become a man of this kind4 ,the most unsightly branch on the unpruned tree was that of penuriousness4 ,isa had had little opportunity of knowing her brother's infirmity until1 when she became a resident in his house1 it affected her daily1 her hourly1 comfort4 ,herself generous and open-handed1 fond of having the conveniences and elegancies of life around her1 yet esteeming as the greatest of luxuries the power of giving freely to others1 ,isa could not understand1 far less sympathize with1 the love of money for money's sake1 which was the leading characteristic of ,gaspar4 ,it seemed to her so grovelling1 so mean1 that ,isa had to struggle against emotions not only of irritation but of contempt4 ,she was also deeply wounded to find that ,gaspar's affection for his only sister was so subordinate to his avarice4 ,the young lady1 accustomed to luxury and refinement1 had the utmost difficulty in persuading her brother even to allow her to find an assistant to the ill-tempered elderly woman whom he had engaged as a general servant4 ,though ,isa succeeded in gaining her point1 ,mr4 ,gritton would only give such wages as would be accepted by none but an inexperienced girl like ,lottie ,stone4 ,the efforts which it cost ,isa to carry out even this small domestic arrangement made her aware of another unpleasant fact--that ,gaspar had a peevish1 irritable temper1 more trying to one residing constantly with him than a passionate one would have been4 ,the dying charge of her father lay now like an oppressive weight upon the heart of poor ,isa3 her new insight into the character of ,gaspar gave to their parent's words a more forcible meaning1 and she dreaded more and more the idea of being compelled by a sense of duty to open the subject to her brother4 ,the first weeks of ,isa's residence at her dreary home would have been weeks of positive misery1 but for the cheering prospect of the speedy return of her uncle and cousin1 and the comfort which she derived from the visits of the pastor of ,axe1 whose fatherly interest in her young servant had first led his steps to her dwelling4 ,smiling ,april came at last2 and with it--more welcome to ,isa than the nightingale's song--,edith ,lestrange returned to the ,castle4 ,it was now arranged that ,isa should pass with her cousin a portion of each of those days on which an evening lecture should be held at the steward's cottage1 and return to ,wildwaste in the baronet's carriage at night4 ,it was something to ,isa to be thus sure of at least two pleasant days in the week2 though the contrast between the refined elegance of ,edith's home and the dreary discomfort of her own1 increased the sense of bitterness in the soul of ,isa4 ,but that sense of bitterness seemed for a time to pass away1 and domestic trials to be forgotten1 when the cousins entered together the flower-covered porch of the dwelling of ,holdich1 to unite with their poorer brethren in the simple cottage service4 ,edith's heart was overflowing with thankful delight at being permitted again to worship in that place where some of her earliest impressions of religion had been received4 ,isa felt that here at least the carking cares of life might be shut out3 she might lift up her soul1 as in happier days1 unto her ,father in heaven4 ,the subject chosen by ,mr4 ,eardley was the history of the triumph of ,gideon1 the hero and saint1 over the hosts of ,midian4 ,it was his object in this1 as in former courses of lectures1#b to draw simple practical lessons from the narratives contained in the ,word of ,god2 and as such lessons are required by us all1 ,i shall weave the brief addresses of the clergyman1 though in separate chapters1 into the web of my story4 #a ,vide 8,autumn ,holidays of a ,country ,parson40 #b ,vide 8,the ,shepherd of ,bethlehem10 8,exiles in ,babylon10 and 8,rescued from ,egypt40 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,,lecture ,i4--,,midianites ,,in ,,possession4 ,for forty years after ,deborah had celebrated the triumph over ,sisera in her glorious song1 the land of ,israel had had rest4 ,this period of tranquillity receives such brief mention in the ,scriptures1 that we are in danger of forgetting for how long a time ,god granted the blessing of peace4 ,and thus is it in our own lives1 my brethren3 times of trouble stand out1 as it were1 like rugged crags1 shutting out from memory's view the vines and the fig-trees1 the olive-yards1 the green pastures and still waters1 with which our gracious ,god for long may have blessed us4 ,seven years of trouble to ,israel succeeded the forty years of repose3 not causeless trouble--such is never known in the experience either of ,israelite or of ,christian4 ,but we do not always search out the actual cause of affliction4 ,with ,god's ancient people the punishment was clearly traced to the sin4 ,when the ,midianites1 like a swarm of locusts1 came up against them1 destroying and wasting1 driving the inhabitants of the land to hide in dens of the mountains1 strongholds1 and caves1 it was because the stain of idolatry lay upon ,israel2 and mercy1 to save the sinners1 required that justice should chastise the sin4 ,the ,midianites1 who were thus made an instrument of punishment to ,israel1 were1 like themselves1 descendants of ,abraham1 but by his union with ,keturah4 ,when ,moses guided ,god's people towards ,canaan1 the ,midianites drew down vengeance on themselves by their too successful efforts to lead ,israel into sin4 ,then perished the wicked prophet ,balaam amongst the enemies of ,god's people4 ,but ,midian1 though punished1 had not been destroyed2 and now1 after the lapse of nearly two hundred years1 we find it a very powerful nation1 against whose numerous hordes the ,israelites seem to have made no attempt to defend their homes--so completely was the warlike spirit crushed in the descendants of those who had triumphed under ,moses and ,joshua when they fought the battles of the ,lord4 ,when the ,israelites were in trouble1 then they cried aloud to the ,god of their fathers1 and ,he heard and answered their prayer3 not yet by sending a deliverer--the sense of sin must be deepened before the judgment be removed4 ,a prophet was sent to the people1 with a message1 not of promise1 but of reproof3 8,thus saith the ,lord ,god of ,israel1 ,i brought you up from ,egypt1 and brought you forth from the land of bondage1 and ,i delivered you out of the hand of the ,egyptians1 and out of the hand of all that oppressed you1 and drave them out from before you1 and gave you their land4 ,and ,i said unto you1 ,i am the ,lord your ,god2 fear not the gods of the ,amorites in whose land ye dwell3 but ye have not obeyed ,my voice40 ,the great and glorious deliverance of ,israel from ,egypt we may regard as a type of the redemption of ,christ's ,church from the dominion of ,satan--the triumph achieved once and for ever by the mysterious sufferings of our ,saviour1 ,his sacrifice offered upon the ,cross4 ,this is the central truth of the ,christian religion4 ,but though ,egyptian darkness be left behind--though ,christians be received into the enjoyment of privileges purchased by the death of their ,lord--their backslidings1 like those of ,israel1 often draw upon them heavy troubles1 resembling the devouring hordes of ,midian4 ,i am not1 my brethren1 speaking of the afflictions and bereavements which are the common lot of all4 ,during the forty years of blessed peace1 sickness and sorrow must have been known in homes of ,israel1 and faithful servants of ,god have wept over new-made graves4 ,such trials are crosses appointed by a heavenly ,father--crosses which each and all must take up at some period of life1 if life be not early cut short4 ,but ,i am speaking of troubles directly or indirectly brought on us by our sins3 the ,midianites who destroy our peace1 and bring upon us miseries from which more earnest faith1 more perfect obedience1 might have preserved us4 ,we are accustomed to speak of this life as 8a vale of tears20 but let us search and examine whether the valley owe not the greater part of its desolation and gloom to foes to our peace whom we might have kept out1 and over whom faith may yet give us a victory glorious as that of ,gideon4 ,to explain my meaning more clearly1 let me draw your attention to a few of what we may call chiefs--leaders of hordes of troubles1 ,midianites in the heart1 that trample down our happiness and destroy our comfort in life4 ,i shall mention four names but too familiar--,disappointment1 ,discontent1 ,dissension1 ,distrust4 ,let us see whether the sufferings which they inflict are not more severe and perpetual than those brought upon us by what are called visitations of ,providence2 whether many griefs which we term 8crosses0 are not rather burdens laid upon us by enemies to the soul1 to whose yoke we should never have stooped4 ,the first ,midianite chief whom ,i shall bring before you is ,disappointment--the intruder who cuts down the green crop of hope1 and leaves a famine in the soul4 ,whence is it that even the ,christian is constantly subject to disappointment8 ,is it not from habitual disobedience to the divine command1 ,set your affections upon things above1 not on things beneath8 ,we eagerly fix our heart on some worldly object--ambition1 pleasure1 or gain3 like children1 we build our houses of delight on the sand within reach of the tide1 which must sooner or later sweep them away1 and then sit down and weep when the flood rolls over the spot which we had unwisely chosen4 ,let each of us who in the bitterness of disappointment has mournfully repeated the words of the ,preacher1 ,vanity of vanities1 all is vanity1 see whether the idol in the heart has not been the cause of the ,midianites' invasion2 and whether that faith which builds on the ,rock of ,ages1 beyond the reach of desolation or decay1 may not yet overcome the power of disappointment to harass the soul4 ,hopes fixed upon ,christ know not disappointment2 treasures laid up in heaven can never be lost2 ties formed by faith endure throughout eternity2 the less our joys are of the earth1 earthy1 the less danger there is that the spoiler can ever wrest them away from our grasp4 ,and whence cometh ,discontent1 who robs his slave of all his peace8--for peace and discontent cannot abide in the same soul4 ,can he who says to his most bountiful ,god1 not only with his lips but from his heart1 8,i am unworthy of the least of ,thy mercies10 ever know discontent8 ,must not the peevish1 envious1 rebellious spirit be ever kept far from his gates8 ,we should deem so2 and yet1 ,christian brethren1 do we practically find that it is so8 ,are we not too often inclined to compare our lot with that of others1 and1 if not openly1 yet secretly1 repine1 as if ,providence had done us a wrong8 ,no true servant of ,christ can desire to have his portion here2 and yet does not the inheritor of heaven too frequently murmur because not all the good things of earth are showered upon him in addition8 ,how different his spirit from that of the apostle6 ,he who had suffered the loss of all things1 yet could affirm1 ,i have learned in whatsoever state ,i am1 therewith to be content4 ,had we also learned this lesson1 we should find it less impracticable to obey his command1 ,rejoice in the ,lord alway2 and again ,i say unto you1 rejoice4 8,you have not your due10 were the words which ,i once heard a wife address to a husband who had been deprived of some advantage which she considered to have been his right4 8,nay1 ,god be praised that ,i have not my due10 he replied4 8,what is my due as a sinner before ,god8 what is my due from a world which ,i have renounced for ,his sake8 ,had ,i chosen my portion in this life1 then only might ,i complain of not receiving my due60 ,here was a man whom discontent could not rob of his heritage of peace4 ,to pass on to ,dissension1 the third enemy to our happiness1 who invades many a home1 and makes goodly dwellings miserable abodes1--to what shall we trace his invasion8 ,is it not written in ,scripture1 ,by pride cometh contention8--would not the soft answer that turneth away wrath often prove as a strong bar to keep him from entering our habitations8 ,but here ,i must guard myself from being misunderstood4 ,it is possible that dissension may come where the fault lies on one side alone4 ,the ,christian may be--not unfrequently is--called to brave opposition1 and draw upon himself the anger of men by defending the truth1 or taking up the cause of the oppressed4 ,the command1 ,live peaceably with all men1 is qualified by if it be possible2 for in some cases it is not possible to preserve harmony without giving up principle4 ,under such circumstances the sacrifice of peace is a sacrifice for ,god1 and the cross is one which is borne for ,his sake4 ,but in the majority of cases dissension follows on the footsteps of pride1 and is the leader of malice1 hatred1 and all uncharitableness4 ,then1 indeed1 is he the true ,midianite who pours gall into the very springs of enjoyment1 who casts his venomed arrows on every side1 and maketh a wilderness of that which might have been as the ,garden of ,eden4 ,better a dinner of herbs where love is1 than a stalled ox and hatred therewith4 ,could we1 through the grace of ,god's ,spirit1 purge from our souls all malice1 all bitterness and wrath--could we love one another as ,christ hath loved us1 what heart-burnings1 what heart-achings might be spared1 and how often would the brightness of heaven appear to be reflected even upon earth6 ,disappointment1 ,discontent1 and ,dissension have1 as we have seen1 much to do with the train of sorrows which have given to ,god's fair world the name of 8a vale of tears40 ,but ,i believe that the most dangerous enemy of all to our peace1 the one who has most often pressed his iron yoke on the hearts of my hearers1 is the fourth whose name ,i have mentioned1 ,distrust of the love and wisdom of ,god4 ,this assertion may cause surprise in those who are unconscious of a doubt2 but examine yourselves closely1 my brethren1 observe what has most often clouded your brows1 saddened your spirits1 drawn the deep sigh from your hearts4 ,has it been regrets for the past8 ,has it been the trials of the present8 ,has it not rather been care for the future1 fears of what the morrow might bring8 ,would not perfect obedience to the injunction of our blessed ,redeemer1 ,take no thought for the morrow1 sweep away at once more than half of the troubles that weigh on our souls8 ,and why take thought for the morrow8 ,we too often appear to forget that the future lies in the hand of ,one 8too wise to err1 too good to be unkind40 ,we act as if we could not1 or would not1 believe that all things work together for good to them that love ,god3 we are needlessly restless1 anxious1 unhappy1 and exclaim in our trouble1 8,how heavy a rod the ,lord lays upon me60 ,nay1 poor weak unbelieving heart1 thou art smitten less by the rod of thy ,father1 than by the scourge of the ,midianite within4 ,if faith could drive out mistrust1 if thou couldst in deed and in truth cast thy cares upon ,him who careth for thee1 then--even here--might ,god give thee beauty for ashes1 the oil of joy for mourning1 the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness4 ,perfect trust would bring perfect submission1 and the peace that passeth understanding4 ,gideon1 the future deliverer of ,israel1 first appears before us in ,scripture engaged in threshing corn beside the wine-press in order to hide it from the rapacious ,midianites who held possession of the land4 ,from the necessity of concealment he cannot employ1 after the custom of the ,east1 his father's oxen to trample out the wheat2 he must himself wield the flail with the strength of his own right arm4 ,gideon is employed in a task of lowly toil1 unconscious at first of the presence of the heavenly ,being who has descended to earth1 and who is now beside him under the shadow of the oak at ,ophrah4 ,and here for the present we will pause1 and defer till our next meeting the consideration of ,god's merciful promise to ,gideon1 and the effect which it produced on his soul4 ,if we regard ,faith under the emblem of a tree1 we have hitherto viewed it as such tree may appear in winter1 when there is not a blossom on the bough or a leaf on the spray4 ,there is no outward evidence of life2 and though we hope that spring will draw up the sap1 and clothe the bare branches with beauty1 we see no present sign of the change4 ,such may have been the state of ,gideon's faith when he thought on the sufferings of his miserable country4 ,the flail of the ,lord was upon it1 but we know from the result that it was not to crush--not to destroy the wheat1 but to separate the chaff from the grain1 and so render the latter more fit for reception into the garner of the ,lord4 ,illustration3 ,,gideon ,,threshing ,,corn4 ,illustration ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,,the ,,little ,,maid4 8,good-bye1 ,isa dearest1 we shall often--very often meet10 were the parting words of ,edith that night4 ,wrapped up warmly for protection from the cold air1 ,isa descended the steps beneath the lofty portico of the ,castle1 and entered the luxurious carriage which her uncle had placed at her command4 ,as she sank on the soft cushions1 a dreary1 aching sensation came over her heart2 she felt as if she were leaving brightness1 happiness1 beauty behind her1 and going to an abode of trial--almost privation--which she could hardly regard as a home4 8,it is wrong1 very wrong in me to feel thus10 ,isa murmured to herself4 8,if visits to the ,castle make me discontented1 the fewer they are the better2 but it seems to me that my only happy time now will be the time spent with ,edith4 ,i have nothing at the ,castle to wear my spirits1 or chafe my temper1 my cousin is so sweet1 my uncle so kind1--when under their roof ,i seem to be able to shut out disappointment and care4 ,ah6 that word disappointment1 it reminds me of the cottage-lecture which ,i heard this evening4 ,are the ,midianites in possession of my heart8 ,are my crosses--what ,i have deemed crosses--rather burdens laid upon me by enemies1 under whose yoke ,i should never have stooped80 ,as the carriage rolled on through the darkness1 ,isa pursued the train of her reflections4 ,disappointment1 ,discontent1 ,dissension1 ,distrust1 the ,midianites in the soul--was she now harbouring them in her own8 ,isa could not bear to let her mind dwell long upon the first2 even now1 after the lapse of years1 when she had had too good cause to believe that the idol which she had raised in her heart had been of clay1 ,isa dare hardly own to herself that ,lionel had been unworthy of her love1 and that his love had not been enduring1 because it had contained no element of immortality4 ,shrinking from close self-examination on a subject so tender1 ,isa passed on to that of ,discontent2 painfully aware as she was that that spirit was struggling within her breast1 that she was tempted to regard her present lot with emotions of bitterness amounting almost to rebellion4 8,saints have been content in poverty1 serene in suffering1 joyful in tribulation1--they have made even dungeon-walls echo to their hymns of praise10 thought ,isa1 8and here am ,i1 with youth1 health1 competence1 kind friends1 blessings unnumbered and undeserved1--here am ,i1 cast down1 irritable1 murmuring1 and depressed1 because ,i dwell in a house which does not suit my taste1 but which is a thousand times more comfortable than those inhabited by most of my poor fellow-creatures4 ,i am annoyed at a little petulance from an invalid brother1 while many1 better than myself1 have to endure harshness amounting to cruelty1 hatred1 persecution1 and scorn4 ,how have ,i merited that my trials should be so much lighter than theirs8 ,have ,i any cause to murmur8 have ,i any right to complain8 ,is it well that ,i should compare my lot with that of the few1 instead of that of the many1 and give place to ungrateful discontent instead of thanking ,god that ,he has bestowed upon me so much more than my due8 ,why should my thoughts dwell on ,edith's happiness instead of on the misery that ,i see yet nearer to me in the squalid homes of ,wildwaste8 ,i must go more amongst the poor2 yes1 in so doing ,i shall not only obey ,god's command1 but find weapons against the intrusion of sinful discontent4 8,dissension6 ,i can scarcely say that there is that in my home1 though there is1 ,i fear1 but little of true affection2 and words of impatience and looks of coldness make life's road seem very rough60 ,the simile was probably suggested to ,isa's mind by the jolting motion of the carriage1 for the smooth gravel drive through the baronet's grounds was now exchanged for the rough road across the common1 which was seldom traversed except by the carts1 which had left deep ruts in the boggy soil4 8,but what was the cause of that intensely bitter feeling which arose to-day--which always arises in my mind at the bare mention of ,cora ,madden8 ,why should the remembrance of her be sufficient to drive away the holiest and happiest thoughts8 ,surely the ,midianites are within1 hatred1 malice--nay1 ,i almost fear the spirit of revenge6 ,i sometimes feel such an intense--such an unholy longing for retribution to come upon that woman1 that she should taste some of the bitterness of the cup of misery which she has caused me to drink6 ,and are such longings consistent with ,christianity8 do they not arise from the influence of the spirit of evil8 ,while such emotions are harboured in my heart1 can there ever be peace within8 ,god help me1 for my strength is as weakness against such a ,midianite as this6 8,and ,distrust0--here ,isa's meditations were suddenly brought to a close by her arrival at ,wildwaste ,lodge4 ,the loud1 authoritative knock which broke in such an unusual manner the stillness which had pervaded that dull tenement brought ,lottie ,stone running in haste to the door4 ,she was a shy1 black-eyed little maiden1 who looked up in timid awe at ,sir ,digby's tall footman in his splendid livery1 but greeted her young mistress with a smile of rustic simplicity4 8,has your master gone to rest yet80 asked ,isa4 8,not yet2 he's a-waiting for you in the study40 ,isa entered her brother's almost unfurnished apartment4 ,one dull candle threw faint light on bare walls1 and a table and chairs that would have looked shabby in a farm-house4 ,on one of the latter 7there were but three7 was seated ,gaspar ,gritton4 ,he was a man still in the prime of life1 but the sallow complexion and stoop consequent on protracted ill health1 made him look several years older than he in reality was4 ,gaspar had been rather handsome in youth1 and still his features1 though contracted1 were good2 but his eye was dull1 and the whole expression of his face unpleasing3 it was marked by dissatisfaction and peevishness1 and more so than usual as ,isa entered his study4 8,i wish that you would tell those fellows not to startle one by such thundering raps10 said the invalid brother4 8,i am sorry that the knock disturbed you2 its loudness was certainly disproportioned to the occasion10 replied ,isa1 good-humouredly1 as she seated herself by her brother2 8,i will tell ,john to announce my return in a more modest manner next time40 8,i don't know why you should come in a carriage at all4 ,you might have walked home with ,lottie and ,mrs4 ,bolder after the meeting was over2 the night is perfectly fine4 ,i expected you before half-past eight1 and now it is almost eleven40 ,gaspar took a pinch of snuff to soothe his aggrieved feelings1 this being the sole luxury in which he habitually indulged2 his doing so happened unfortunately to be particularly disagreeable to ,isa4 8,my uncle kindly wished me to stay the evening with himself and ,edith1 and to pass every day on which lectures are given with them at the ,castle10 said ,isa4 8,gadding--always gadding2 girls are never satisfied at home10 observed ,gaspar with a sneer4 ,isa felt irritated and inclined to make a retort1 but she suppressed the words on her tongue1 and replied as cheerfully as she could1-- 8,you cannot wonder at my liking to meet with some of my nearest relations2 and were ,i to see absolutely nothing beyond our ,wildwaste domain1 ,i might grow as antiquated and whimsical as ,robinson ,crusoe himself4 ,but ,i fear that you have passed but a dull evening without ,isa to sing or read to you1 ,gaspar40 ,the ungracious brother made no reply2 he only applied again to his little brown box4 8,sir ,digby asked me if you would not join his circle10 continued ,isa2 8but ,i told him that you did not yet venture to expose yourself to the night air4 ,was ,i right8 ,you will1 of course1 call upon him some morning2 you will find him a pleasant acquaintance40 8,i am not hunting after acquaintances2 ,i've neither health nor spirits for society10 replied ,gaspar1 rising languidly from his chair2 8and as for these grandees of the ,castle1 ,i should not find them much in my line1 however much they may be in yours40 ,the brother and sister1 after a cold 8,good-night10 retired to their several apartments1 ,isa asking herself as she ascended the chilly staircase whether it were his fault or her own that she was disappointed in ,gaspar4 ,she found her little servant ,lottie awaiting her in her room1 ready to perform the offices of lady's-maid1 in which the young rustic took great pride and pleasure4 ,lottie ,stone was a source of amusement as well as of interest to ,isa2 in her simplicity and ignorance she was so utterly unlike any of her class whom the lady had met with before4 ,the girl1 painfully shy before strangers1 had a naive frankness with her young mistress1 which was almost like the confidence of a child4 ,isa by no means discouraged this confidence1 which gave her much influence over the young being placed under her care4 ,the rustic knew little of manners1 and was once detected in the act of snuffing the candle with her fingers4 ,isa in vain tried to teach her to understand the thermometer by which the valetudinarian regulated the heat of his room1 and seemed to have no idea of the difference between hot weather and cold4 ,gaspar used angrily to declare that ,lottie was certain to leave the window open whenever a sharp east wind was blowing4 ,in defiance of etiquette1 if anything playful were said at table1 ,lottie ,stone was certain to laugh2 and she would stand1 dish in hand1 to listen to a lively anecdote related by ,isa to her brother1 quite oblivious of the fact that the viands were growing cold4 ,gently and smilingly ,isa corrected the mistakes of the inexperienced ,lottie1 and tried to soften down the displeasure of ,mr4 ,gritton1 who was far less disposed to show indulgence4 ,much might be excused1 she would observe1 in a girl so perfectly honest and truthful3 the grain of the wood was so good1 that it was worth taking the trouble to work it1 and the polish would be added in time4 ,isa encouraged ,lottie to open her heart to her without reserve3 but for this kindly intercourse between mistress and maid1 the life of the young girl would have had little of brightness1 as ,hannah1 the only other servant1 was both ill-tempered and deaf4 8,miss ,isa0 was all in all to ,lottie1 looked up to1 beloved and obeyed with affectionate devotion4 ,lottie's happiest time was the half-hour spent at night with her mistress2 for while she brushed ,isa's long silky tresses1 the lady entered into conversation with her4 ,when ,miss ,gritton first trusted her beautiful hair into ,lottie's inexperienced hands1 she had something to suffer as well as to teach2 but pains and patience had their usual effect1 and it was only when the little maid was speaking of something of special interest that she tried the philosophy of her kind young mistress4 ,illustration3 ,,isa ,,and ,,lottie ,,stone4 8,so you were at the lecture to-night1 ,lottie4 ,i hope that you were attentive to all that the clergyman said40 8,i did try to be so1 ,miss ,isa2 there were things as ,i couldn't make out2 but ,mrs4 ,bolder and me1 we was talking it over all the way home1 and was looking for the ,midianites in the heart40 8,and did you find any80 asked ,isa4 8,mrs4 ,bolder1 she was a-saying that it's very hard to keep out distrust when things go so contrary in life4 ,she has a deal of trouble1 has ,mrs4 ,bolder1 now that her husband's laid up and crippled with rheumatics1 and she's all the work of the shop upon her2 it's a'most too much for her1 she says4 ,she can't help wondering why ,god should send such sickness and pain to her husband1 who was al'ays a good1 steady-going man1 and a tea-totaller10--,lottie uttered the word almost with reverence2 8if he'd been given to drink it would have been different1 you know40 ,the saddened tone of ,lottie as she uttered the last sentence reminded ,isa of what ,mr4 ,eardley had told her of the early trials of this more than orphan girl4 ,a brutal father1 addicted to intemperance1 had made the hovel in which ,lottie had passed the first years of her life1 a den of poverty and woe4 ,then this father1 unworthy of the name1 had absconded1 deserting an unhappy wife and two children1 the elder of whom1 a boy1 from physical infirmities and dulness of mind1 was yet more helpless than the poor little girl4 ,mr4 ,eardley had been for years the earthly protector of the family2 he had procured employment for ,deborah ,stone1 had had her children taught in his school1 had1 as we know1 found a place for ,lottie as soon as she was able to take one1 and had often put such work in the way of her brother as the poor lad was not incapacitated from performing4 8,and did you find the ,midianite ,distrust in your own soul also80 asked ,isa4 ,the mournful tone of ,lottie changed to a cheerful one as she made reply1 8,oh6 as mother says1 who's to trust ,god if we don't1 when ,he has helped us through such a many troubles1 and given us such kind friends8 ,only--just--sometimes10 she added more slowly1 8when ,i thinks of poor father1 then a feeling will come2 but ,i s'pose it's wrong--,god is so good60 and she sighed4 ,isa perceived that the shadow of the poor girl's great trial lay on her young heart still4 8,you can always pray for your father1 ,lottie40 8,i do1 ,miss ,isa1 ,i do1 morning and evening1 and so does mother2 and surely ,god will hear60 cried the girl1 brightening up at the thought4 8,he knows where bees father1 though we don't2 and maybe ,he will bring him back to us at last40 ,there was something touching to ,isa in the clinging affection of the young creature towards a parent whom she could not honour1 and whom she had so little cause to love4 8,and did you find any ,discontent lurking within80 inquired the lady1 returning to the point of conversation from which she had diverged4 8,discontent60 repeated ,lottie1 opening her black eyes wide at the question2 8,o ,miss ,isa1 how could ,i--with meat every day1 and a whole sovereign every quarter8 ,that would be ungrateful indeed6 ,ah6 if you knew how we lived here at ,wildwaste when ,i was little1 in the cottage that's been pulled down--close by the #8,jolly ,gardener' it was1 where the school is a-standing now6 ,we've been half the day--mother1 brother1 and ,i--without breaking a bit of bread2 and we might have been the other half too10 added ,lottie1 naively1 8had not ,mrs4 ,holdich been so kind1 and the tall gentleman from the ,castle1 bless him6 he brought us nice things from his own table under his cloak40 8,do you speak of ,mr4 ,madden80 asked ,isa1 with a little tremulousness in her tone4 8,yes2 the best1 the kindest gentleman as ever lived--barring ,mr4 ,eardley10 said ,lottie1 warmly4 8,he was al'ays teaching the children good1 and looking arter the poor40 8,lionel ,madden10 murmured ,isa1 dreamily2 it was the first time for years that that name had passed her lips4 8,oh no1 not he60 exclaimed ,lottie1 in a tone more emphatic than her hearer liked1 for it conveyed more distinctly than words that ,lionel was one of the last persons likely to play the philanthropist in the manner described4 8,it was not he1 but his brother4 ,mr4 ,lionel6 he never gave to nobody1 nor did nothing for nobody as ever ,i heard of2 only10 added the girl1 with a little laugh1 8he switched my brother over the head with his riding-whip once1 to make him stand out of his way40 ,isa did not care to keep up the conversation2 she took up an elegantly-bound book which lay on her toilette-table1 to convey a hint of silence to her little maid-servant4 ,the volume was a collection of sacred poetry1 and the lady's eyes rested long and thoughtfully upon the well-known verse on which their gaze first fell as she opened the book4 ,it appeared like a comment on what she had heard that evening on the subject of ,disappointment4 8,good when ,he gives1 supremely good1 ,nor less when ,he denies2 ,e'en trials from ,his sovereign hand ,are blessings in disguise40 ,so1 whether she acknowledged the fact or not1 had it been in ,god's dealings with ,isa ,gritton4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,v4 ,,the ,,death-,,bed ,,message4 ,isa awoke on the following morning with a feeling of oppression on her heart1 a vague impression that something had been neglected which ought to have been done1 and she connected that something with the lecture which she had heard on the preceding day4 ,several minutes passed1 however1 before she could trace back the links of thought to the actual cause of her uneasiness1 as it lay out of the general course of reflection suggested by the subject of the lecture4 ,then ,isa recalled the words which at the time that she heard them had painfully reminded her of a death-bed scene1 perhaps the saddest recollection left on a mind which had had of late much experience of sorrow4 8,the ,christian may be called to draw upon himself the anger of men by defending the truth1 or upholding the cause of the oppressed40 8,it is more than two years10 reflected ,isa1 8since ,i received a sacred charge from the dying lips of my dear father2 and that charge ,i have never obeyed4 ,for more than two years may an orphan have been suffering wrong on account of my brother1 and during all this time ,i have let the sin rest on his soul4 ,i first put off an explanation till ,i should meet him2 then1 when we met1 ,i shrank from doing my duty4 ,i quieted conscience with every kind of frivolous excuse2 he was too delicate1 too sensitive1 too busy1 it would be better to delay speaking till we should be alone together in some peaceful home4 ,we have been alone together1 we have passed hours1 days1 weeks in each other's society1 with nothing to hinder me from speaking1 except my own cowardly dislike of saying what might probably offend4 ,surely cowardice like this is another ,midianite in possession1 and ,i shall never know real peace till ,i have wrestled it down4 ,whenever the remembrance of that charge comes over my mind1 it is like a cloud darkening the sunshine1 and throwing a chill around4 ,god help me to fulfil at length a neglected duty6 ,i will speak to ,gaspar before this day has passed over40 ,to some strong natures there might have appeared little that was formidable in the task before her1 but to ,isa it was peculiarly painful4 ,brought up as an only daughter1 tenderly nurtured from her cradle1 she had hardly known what it was to have to encounter even a grave look or a hasty word1--,isa had never learned to endure hardness4 ,fond of pleasing1 both from natural kindliness of heart and love of approbation1 ,isa never willingly gave offence2 with her to inflict pain was to suffer it4 ,isa delighted in deeds of kindness and works of beneficence2 to comfort the sorrowing1 or rejoice with the happy was congenial to her womanly spirit2 but to restrain1 rebuke1 oppose--the sterner duties which are sometimes assigned to the most gentle of the sex in the battle-field of life--cost ,isa an effort which can only be appreciated by those of a disposition like her own4 ,isa's heart throbbed uneasily with the feeling that the explanation so long dreaded1 so long put off1 was at hand1 as she sat in the apartment which she called her boudoir1 but which was always used as a breakfast-room4 ,the bronze urn was hissing on the table1 on which was spread a somewhat meagre repast4 ,awaiting her brother1 who was late1 ,isa placed herself by the window1 and gazed forth on the prospect before her4 ,there was little to charm in that prospect1 even on a bright spring day4 ,a tract of common spread in front1 dotted with golden patches of blossoming furze2 but the picturesqueness of heath land was marred by the low-lying hamlet which was the foreground of the landscape4 ,the cottages1 or rather hovels of ,wildwaste1 wore an appearance of squalor and decay1 which was not softened by the charm which moss and lichen and clustering ivy can throw around even ruins4 ,they appeared rather falling to pieces because originally ill-built1 than because they were ancient4 ,the only tenement at ,wildwaste which looked in perfect repair1 and with some pretension to beauty1 was the neat little school-house1 erected by a ,madden1 but not1 as ,isa had soon learned from ,lottie1 either by ,lionel or by ,cora4 8,how pleasant10 mused ,isa1 as she watched the little clusters of cottage children entering the low-browed porch--8how pleasant to leave behind such a memorial of a passing visit to a place as that young ,arthur has left60 and as she thought of her brother1 with his ample means yet penurious disposition1 she felt painfully how far better it is to possess the heart to give than the money4 ,the soap manufactory1 lying a little to the right of the prospect1 a huge unsightly square-windowed pile of brick and mortar1 was a yet more conspicuous object than the hamlet of ,wildwaste4 ,it stood not two hundred yards from ,isa's home1 so that when the wind blew from that quarter she dared not open the windows to let in the breezes1 so polluted were they by smoke and evil scent4 ,the only redeeming feature in the landscape seen from the lodge was the park which skirted the road beyond the common1 the beautiful park above whose light leafy screen rose the gray turrets of ,castle ,lestrange4 ,there1 indeed1 beauty and peace might dwell2 thence no ruder sound would be heard than the cuckoo's note or the nightingale's song4 ,isa's eyes1 overlooking nearer and less pleasing objects1 constantly wandered to those verdant woods1 those lofty picturesque towers4 ,gaspar entered the sitting-room with a complaint on his lips against 8treacherous weather0 on that clear ,april morn1 for he was never weary of contrasting the climate of ,england with that of ,jamaica1 much to the disadvantage of the former1 though the heat of the latter seemed to have dried up and withered his frame4 ,he seated himself at the table1 and began cutting the stale loaf 7bread at the lodge was always stale71 but interrupted himself with the observation1 8,how one misses the papers of a morning6 ,isa1 ,i wish you'd ask your uncle1 the baronet1 to send over the ,times every day40 8,i should hardly like to ask that favour10 replied ,isa1 leaving the window1 and joining her brother at the breakfast-table4 8,and why not80 inquired ,gaspar peevishly2 8are you afraid of robbing the servant's hall80 8,no10 said ,isa1 as she occupied herself with the tea-caddy2 8but my uncle would naturally think that we might take in a paper for ourselves1 instead of putting him to the inconvenience of sending a mile every morning40 8,i'm not the idiot to throw away my money on what may be had for the asking2 you have so much foolish pride10 muttered ,mr4 ,gritton4 8,i feel myself out of the world where ,i can't get a glimpse of the money-market or the shipping report40 ,that word 8shipping0 served as a cue to ,isa4 ,while sitting by the window she had been revolving in her mind how she should introduce the subject of her father's dying message to ,gaspar4 ,isa was convinced that her long silence had been sinful1 and having 8screwed up her courage to the sticking point10 was on the watch for an opportunity of saying what she had determined should be said4 ,too anxious to make some commencement to be able to do so without the appearance of effort1 ,isa abruptly remarked1 in a tone that betrayed a little nervousness1 8,is not your interest in the shipping chiefly on account of the ,orissa80 8,the ,orissa80 repeated ,mr4 ,gritton in accents of surprise2 8why1 all the world knows that she foundered nigh four years ago1 passengers saved1 cargo lost1 and the greater part uninsured40 8,had you anything to do with the vessel80 asked ,isa1 timidly feeling her way4 ,gaspar looked a little embarrassed by the question4 8,yes--no10 he replied1 almost with a stammer4 8,i might have had a stake in that vessel--,i thought of having--'twas lucky ,i had not2 there had been such a run for certain goods in the ,west ,indian market1 that the cargo was expected to bring double its value4 ,but--but you know nothing and care nothing about matters of business10 he added1 stretching out his hand for the cup of tea which his sister had poured out4 8,has the post brought any letters this morning80 ,isa did not suffer the current of conversation to be thus abruptly turned4 ,merely shaking her head in reply to the question1 she nerved herself to go one step further4 8,who was the orphan whose property was in some way or other connected with the ,orissa80 8,orphan6 what do you mean8 ,who on earth talked to you about an orphan80 ,isa felt--for she dared not look up--that her brother's eyes were keenly scrutinising her face4 8,better have the whole truth out at once10 thought poor ,isa1 who1 in her nervousness1 was emptying the milk-jug into the tea-pot4 8,the fact is1 dear ,gaspar10 she said1 speaking with rapidity and a sensation of breathlessness1 8,i have been anxious for a long time to talk to you about some words uttered by our beloved father a very1 very short time before we lost him4 ,when he was almost too ill to speak1 he said0--,isa pressed her forehead as if to collect her thoughts--8he said1 #8,gaspar--you will be with him--the ,orissa--not her money lost--tell him from me2' the dear lips had not power to finish the sentence40 8,did my father say anything more than these words80 asked ,gaspar1 who saw from the quivering of ,isa's lashes and the trembling of her lip that she at least attached some importance to the fragmentary message4 ,isa pressed her hands very tightly together2 she could hardly articulate the broken sentences--8,he said1 #8something wrong--he should deal fairly by that orphan'--,i can remember no more40 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,conversation ,,at ,,breakfast4 ,gaspar rose abruptly from his seat and walked to the window4 ,isa felt the brief silence which followed almost unendurable1 and yet was thankful that she had been enabled to speak out the whole truth at last4 ,after a few seconds ,gaspar returned to his seat1 and with a rapid--,isa fancied a slightly tremulous utterance--thus addressed his sister3-- 8,isa1 your ears deceived you--your memory is at fault--or--or there was a wandering of mind at the last4 ,you shall know exactly how the case lies4 ,a young lady1 known to my father and myself1 had some thousands of pounds which she wished to invest1 four years ago1 during my short visit to ,england4 ,my father was consulted on the business4 ,there was a sudden demand for a particular kind of goods in the ,west ,indies2 money invested in them might double itself if no time were lost2 the girl was eager to increase her property--natural enough1--,i was employed in making the arrangement--ship went down--goods uninsured--she had staked her property1 and lost it4 ,this was no fault of mine2 you might blame the captain or the crew1 or the winds and the waves2 ,i was never blamed by ,cora ,madden herself40 8,cora ,madden60 ejaculated ,isa4 8,you know the whole truth now10 said ,gaspar2 8let us never come on the subject again40 ,isa felt bewildered by the sudden disclosure of the name of the orphan in whom she had taken such painful interest2 so much so1 that she could hardly tell at that time whether the explanation of ,gaspar were satisfactory or not to her mind4 ,when the name of ,cora was uttered1 ,isa's surprise had made her for a moment look full in the face of her brother1 and that face--which had been almost ghastly--had become suffused with a colour which she had never before seen upon it1 and the eyes of ,gaspar had instantly sunk beneath the gaze of her own4 ,isa hardly noticed this in the excitement of the instant1 but it afterwards often recurred to her mind1 with an ever-strengthening persuasion that her brother had not told her all4 ,the subject of the death-bed message was dropped1 but ,isa felt during the remainder of that morning that her brother's nerves had been shaken1 and that his spirits were utterly out of tune2 and she could not but refer this to its natural cause--the conversation at breakfast4 ,nothing pleased ,mr4 ,gritton3 the tea was bitter1 cold1 undrinkable2 the room full of draughts2 ,lottie a useless idiot1 and ,mr4 ,eardley little better for having ever recommended her4 ,isa came in for her full share of peevish reproach1 almost more difficult to be borne than angry rebuke4 ,it was a great relief to the young lady when her companion at length quitted her boudoir to go down to his accounts1 though ,isa well knew that these accounts would afford a new cause of grievance1 and that all her care to manage household affairs with strict economy would not prevent pettish remarks on the extravagance of the ,saturday bills4 8,i shall not be able to endure this kind of life long10 murmured ,isa to herself1 as she returned from ordering dinner1 having had to encounter the ill-temper of ,hannah1 who1 while her master inveighed against reckless extravagance1 complained on the other hand that there were 8some ladies as think that their servants can live upon nothing40 8,i was never made to bear all this constant fret and worry10 sighed the discouraged ,isa2 8this perpetual effort to please1 without the possibility of succeeding in doing so40 ,isa was1 like so many others1 tempted to think that the post in which ,providence had placed her was not the one that suited her2 that she would do better1 be better in another4 ,disappointment1 discontent1 distrust1 had not been driven forth from her heart4 ,again ,isa seated herself by the window which commanded a view of the towers of ,lestrange1 feeling disinclined to settle to any occupation1 to take up her work1 or to finish her book4 ,a visit from ,edith made a delightful break on the dreary solitude of ,isa4 8,i have come with a message from papa1 dear ,isa10 cried the baronet's daughter1 after an affectionate greeting had passed between the cousins2 8he has charged me to carry you back captive with me to the ,castle1 to remain there as long as we can make our prisoner happy4 ,oh1 don't make resistance--lay down your arms and surrender at once60 ,the pleading eyes seconded well the playful petition of the lips4 ,a prisoner6 nay1 to ,isa the invitation came like an offer of freedom to one in irksome bondage4 ,her countenance lighted up with pleasure4 8,i should gladly surrender to so generous a foe10 she replied1 8only--my brother--0 8,he will let me carry you off1 ,i am sure that he will10 cried ,edith4 8,i will go and ask him10 said ,isa1 hastily rising and quitting the room4 ,edith1 left thus alone1 looked around the boudoir of her cousin with mingled pity and surprise4 8,poor ,isa1 is this her abode8 so small1 so wretchedly furnished1 so dreary and bare4 ,and what a view from the window60 added the heiress1 as she sauntered up to the casement2 8the very look of those tumble-down cottages would make one miserable2 and as for that hideous manufactory1 it would spoil the fairest landscape in the world4 ,no wonder that ,isa was not able to echo my words when ,i said1 #8,there is no place like home4'0 ,isa soon returned with her brother's permission for her to accompany her cousin1 a permission which he could hardly have withheld4 ,edith knew not how ungraciously it had been accorded1 how bitterly ,gaspar had remarked1 8,i knew that you would never care to stay quietly here with an invalid brother40 8,had he been like a brother to me10 was ,isa's mental comment when she quitted the room1 8no pleasure would have drawn me from his side40 ,nevertheless ,mr4 ,gritton's observation gave pain to his sister1 and so did the distressed look on the face of ,lottie1 when hastily summoned to help her young mistress in her preparations for quitting the ,lodge4 8,o ,miss ,isa1 ,i hope you'll not be long away2 we'll be just lost without you20 and ,isa saw that moisture rose in ,lottie's black eyes4 ,isa returned with ,edith to the ,castle1 where she was graciously received by her stately uncle4 ,two beautiful rooms1 exquisitely furnished1 one opening into the other1 had been assigned to her2 none in the ,castle commanded a more beautiful prospect4 ,swiftly the hours rolled by amidst varied occupations4 ,cheerful was the afternoon saunter in the park with ,edith1 and the little dinner-party in the evening1 when ,isa met with congenial society4 ,pleasant on the following morning was the drive to the distant church1 and very refreshing to the spirit the sacred service1 conducted with none of the lifeless formality which cast such a chill over ,isa's devotion in the church which she had attended with ,gaspar4 ,delightful was the evening converse with ,edith2 converse on high and holy themes4 ,then1 on the ,monday morning1 ,isa much enjoyed visiting with her sweet young cousin some of the dwellings of ,sir ,digby's poorer tenants1 bearing little delicacies to invalids from the baronet's luxurious table4 ,all these employments were in themselves innocent and good1 and to ,isa would have afforded unmixed gratification1 but for a feeling which would intrude itself on her mind1 that she was where she liked to be rather than where she ought to be--that even her holiest pleasures were rather of her own taking than of ,god's bestowing4 ,whenever ,gaspar or ,wildwaste were mentioned1 a slightly uncomfortable sensation was experienced by ,isa4 ,well she knew that her presence was more needed in the dreary ,lodge than in the stately ,castle2 more by the peevish invalid than by the happy young girl2 a brother1 an only brother1 had a stronger claim on her care than a cousin4 ,isa suspected1 though she cared not to search for confirmation of the suspicion1 that ,self-indulgence was another ,midianite in possession of her soul4 ,so passed the time till ,tuesday brought the little meeting in the cottage of ,holdich1 which the cousins attended4 ,the first face which ,isa caught sight of on entering the crowded room was that of her maid1 ,lottie ,stone1 beaming with an expression of honest pleasure at seeing her mistress again4 ,isa and ,edith were a little late in joining the meeting1 the former had therefore no opportunity of speaking to ,lottie till the lecture and prayers were over4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,,lecture ,,ii4--,,faith ,,in ,,the ,,promise4 ,we left ,gideon at his lowly task1 threshing corn by the wine-press to bide it from the ,midianites4 ,the ,israelite lifted up his eyes1 and1 behold1 ,one stood before him1 clothed in human form1 and yet nor man nor angel2 for from the words which ,he afterwards uttered1 such as no created being dare have breathed1 we recognize in ,him the eternal ,son of ,god4 ,as the ,lord appeared to ,abraham in the plains of ,mamre1 to ,jacob by the ford of ,jabbok1 to ,moses on the height of ,sinai1 so appeared ,he now to ,gideon beneath the oak-tree of ,ophrah4 ,unconscious of the divinity of his ,guest1 ,gideon still appears to have received with reverence the greeting of the mysterious stranger1 as though aware that ,he came as a messenger from the ,most ,high4 8,the ,lord is with thee1 thou mighty man of valour60 was the salutation of the ,holy ,one to the son of a despised and persecuted race4 8,oh my ,lord10 exclaimed ,gideon1 8if the ,lord be with us1 why then is all this befallen us8 and where be all the miracles which our fathers told of1 saying1 ,did not the ,lord bring us up from ,egypt8 ,but now the ,lord hath forsaken us1 and delivered us into the hand of the ,midianites40 ,how often must such thoughts have passed through the mind of ,gideon before they thus found vent in words4 ,faith1 sorely tried by present trouble1 was trying to draw from memories of the past hope for the future4 ,god1 who had crushed the pride of ,pharaoh1 and led ,his people forth from ,egyptian bondage1 would ,he not now save and avenge8 ,there had been miracles of old2 such mercies as had been experienced by the fathers1 might they not also be reserved for the children8 ,was the ,lord's arm shortened that it could not save2 was ,he unmindful of the groans of ,his people8 ,oh1 why had ,he forsaken ,israel1 and given ,his heritage unto reproach8 8,and the ,lord looked upon ,gideon1 and said1 ,go in this thy might1 and thou shalt save ,israel from the hand of the ,midianites3 have ,i not sent thee80 ,let us dwell for a few moments on the words1 ,the ,lord looked upon ,gideon4 ,thrice in the ,scriptures do we read of a look from ,him who beholdeth all things in heaven and earth4 ,in one sense the omniscient ,god is for ever gazing down upon ,his creation2 from ,him ocean depths are no hiding-place1 and midnight darkness no screen4 ,the eyes of the ,lord are in every place1 beholding the evil and the good4 ,but on some special occasions ,god's glance has in a peculiar way been directed upon man1 as the sunbeams that shine on all may be concentrated in the focus of a burning-glass to kindle or to destroy4 ,the ,lord looked from the pillar of cloud upon the ,egyptians1 and they were troubled--they felt ,god's wrath in that gaze2 the ,lord looked upon ,gideon1 and in that glance was new courage and strength2 the ,lord looked upon ,peter1 and beneath that gaze of divine compassion and love his heart was broken and melted1 and fast flowed his penitential tears4 ,have we ever known the power of that look in our hearts1 to crush our sins1 to encourage our faith1 to bring us in deep contrition to the feet of our merciful ,lord8 ,gideon1 like ,moses before him1 seems to have shrunk from the post of high honour to which he was called by ,god2 like ,moses1 he thought of his own unfitness instead of the almighty power of ,him who can employ--and often does employ--feeble instruments to accomplish the most noble and difficult works4 8,oh my ,lord10 he cried1 8wherewith shall ,i save ,israel8 ,behold1 my family is poor in ,manasseh1 and ,i am the least in my father's house40 ,before honour is humility2 had ,gideon been great or wise in his own eyes1 we may well believe that ,god would have passed him by1 to choose one of a lowlier spirit to be the leader of ,israel's hosts4 8,surely ,i will be with thee10 said the ,lord1 8and thou shalt smite the ,midianites as one man40 ,still ,gideon appears to have hesitated2 perhaps a doubt lingered on his mind as to the nature of ,him who spake as having authority1 but who as yet had wrought no miracle to prove his divine commission4 8,if now ,i have found grace in ,thy sight10 said ,gideon1 8then show me a sign that ,thou talkest with me4 ,depart not hence1 ,i pray ,thee1 until ,i come unto ,thee1 and bring forth my present1 and set it before ,thee40 ,and the ,holy ,one said1 8,i will tarry till thou come again40 ,then--like his father ,abraham1 glad to entertain the heavenly ,guest--,gideon made ready a feast4 ,he prepared a kid1 and unleavened cakes1 and brought them forth to the ,lord1 who had graciously awaited his return under the oak of ,ophrah--a spot which became as a temple consecrated by ,his divine presence4 ,the ,holy ,one bade ,gideon lay the food on the rock1 and pour out the broth4 ,what man designed for a feast1 ,god would receive as a sacrifice4 ,with the end of the staff which was in ,his hand the sacred ,guest touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes1 and the stone on which they lay became as an altar4 ,fire arose from the rock and consumed the offering of ,gideon1 and the divine ,being--who had thus accepted as ,god what was presented to ,him as man--vanished out of the sight of ,his servant4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,sacrifice4 ,the first emotion of the astonished ,gideon seems to have been that of terror4 8,alas6 ,o ,lord ,god10 he exclaimed1 8because ,i have seen an angel of the ,lord face to face40 ,a gracious promise of love came in answer to that cry of fear2 we know not whether the divine voice sounded in the mortal's ear1 or but spoke with mysterious power in his soul4 ,the ,lord said unto ,gideon1 8,peace be unto thee1 fear not2 thou shalt not die40 ,then1 in that holy spot where the ,lord had deigned to appear in human guise1 ,gideon built an altar1 and called it ,jehovah shallum1 which is1 ,the ,lord send peace4 ,and now1 beloved friends1 let us apply to our hearts the lessons contained in this portion of the history of ,gideon4 ,hath not the ,lord appeared unto us with a promise of help and deliverance1 if we in ,his might will struggle against the enemies within8 ,he comes to us not only in the house of prayer1 not only in seasons of holy communion1 but when we1 like ,gideon1 are following the common occupations of life4 ,his eye is fixed upon us in tender compassion1 and ,his message to the lowly ,christian entering on the battle-field of life is this3 ,go in this thy might3 have ,i not sent thee8 ,i will be with thee4 ,let us glean from the ,scriptures some promises of this blessing of the ,lord's peculiar presence with ,his people4 ,to those obeying ,his command to preach the gospel amongst all nations1 how precious through centuries of toil and peril has been the gracious assurance3 ,lo1 ,i am with you alway1 even unto the end of the world4 ,to those almost sinking under the heavy trials of life1 how full of comfort is the promise3 ,fear thou not2 for ,i am with thee3 be not dismayed2 for ,i am thy ,god4 ,i will strengthen thee2 yea1 ,i will help thee2 yea1 ,i will uphold thee with the right hand of ,my righteousness4 ,through life1 even unto the grave1 the power of that promise extends1 so that the ,christian can add in lowly trust3 ,yea1 though ,i walk through the valley of the shadow of death1 ,i will fear no evil3 for ,thou art with me4 ,but who are they who can thus take to themselves the precious promises of ,christ8 ,they who have come to ,him in lowly faith2 or rather1 they to whom the ,lord hath come in the power of redeeming love4 ,in the history of ,gideon we see a type of the ,lord's dealings with ,his people4 ,he is found of them that sought ,him not2 ,he comes to the sorrowful1 the oppressed1 the tempted1 and offers to them the free deliverance which ,his mercy alone can bestow4 ,we have nothing to give the sacred ,guest but the offering of a sin-stained heart1 a heart wholly unworthy of ,his acceptance1 till ,he touch it1 as ,he touched the offering of ,gideon1 and the flame of divine love is kindled1 and the sacrifice of a broken and contrite heart becomes acceptable unto the ,lord4 ,then1 like ,gideon1 may we raise our altar with grateful thanksgiving2 and1 while preparing for the struggle with indwelling sin1 feel assured that the ,lord will 8send peace40 ,we are also reminded1 by this transient visit of the ,son of ,god to the world1 of ,his longer sojourn with the children of ,israel1 when for more than thirty-three years the ,redeemer waited on earth till the bitter cup should be filled to the brim--till the great ,sacrifice should be offered--and then ascended to ,his ,father in heaven1 thereby granting additional proof of ,his divinity to ,his adoring people4 8,the ,lord send peace10 was the name given by ,gideon to his altar1 and our ,lord's words on the night before ,his crucifixion sound like a response to that name3 ,peace ,i leave with you1 my peace ,i give unto you3 not as the world giveth1 give ,i unto you4 ,let not your heart be troubled1 neither let it be afraid4 ,but what is the promised peace8 ,to ,gideon his heavenly ,visitor had spoken of conflict3 8,go in this thy might2 thou shalt smite the ,midianites as one man40 ,in this command to ,gideon1 my brethren1 we hear our ,master's charge to ourselves1 and learn what it is that can give us strength to obey that charge4 ,the ,christian is promised peace1 but it is such as may be realized to some degree even in the midst of conflict2 and it is that peace which1 after conflict1 in its perfection crowneth victory4 ,the ,midianites within must be conquered1 and the might which conquers is from ,god4 ,if disappointment blight our hopes1 discontent fret our spirits1 dissension mar our peace1 distrust shrink from expected trials1 we must yet lift up our eyes unto the hills from whence cometh our help--we must yet ask1 and we shall receive1 the grace which can supply all our need1 and enable us to rise above the infirmities of the flesh1 the weakness of our fallen nature4 ,let us trust fearlessly1 let us trust alone in the might of our ,lord4 ,as long as we remain in presumptuous self-confidence1 the ,midianites rest in possession2 when we cast ourselves in earnest prayer at the feet of the ,saviour1 ,he maketh us more than conquerors4 ,we contemplated ,faith1 when last we met here1 as the tree which in winter stands bare of foliage1 black and leafless1 yet with life within it4 ,with ,gideon now that tree had felt the warm breath of spring--the ,lord had looked upon it1 and the living sap had risen under the beams of the ,sun of ,righteousness2 the green leaves of hope were budding on the boughs4 ,gideon had not as yet conquered his foes1 but the ,lord had promised that he should do so1 and the expectation of triumph was before him4 ,christian brethren1 let us also rejoice in help1 and so gird ourselves up for the struggle before us1 taking as the motto on our banner1 ,go in this thy might1 and as the cordial to our weak fainting hearts the promise1 ,i will be with thee4 ,illustration ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,a ,,sermon ,,by ,,the ,,fireside4 ,isa stopped to speak a few words to ,lottie after the short service was ended4 8,o ,miss ,isa1 ,i do hope you won't be away long10 cried the young girl1 looking up into the face of her mistress with a pleading expression2 8we do miss you so sadly60 8,is my brother better80 asked ,isa4 8,master shuts himself up a deal in his room1 and don't care to be disturbed1 and seems worried like--he do10 replied ,lottie with rustic simplicity1 and in a tone from which ,isa too readily gathered that neither ,gaspar's spirits nor his temper had improved since her departure4 8,o ,miss ,isa1 ,i wish you'd come back60 8,tell my brother that1 without fail1 ,i'll come and see him to-morrow40 8,and stay with him80 asked ,lottie1 anxiously4 ,isa hesitated for a moment1 but she could not bring herself to say 8,yes40 ,there was to be on the following evening another of those delightful little parties at the ,castle1 at which ,isa anticipated that she would enjoy one of the sweetest and purest of pleasures1 that of converse with the intellectual1 the refined1 and the good--converse that gratifies at once the mind and the heart4 ,isa was little disposed to exchange such pleasure for a dull1 cheerless evening at the ,lodge1 spent beside a peevish valetudinarian1 who would neither appreciate nor thank her for the sacrifice4 ,no2 she would make a compromise with conscience2 she would give the morning to her brother1 and doubly enjoy the evening from the consciousness of having performed an irksome duty4 ,isa sent by ,lottie a message to her brother1 and then1 only half satisfied with herself1 returned with ,edith to the ,castle4 ,lottie walked silently for a little time beside ,mrs4 ,bolder1 the grocer's wife1 who was always the young girl's companion to and from the evening meeting4 ,lottie broke the silence by a sigh4 8,oh1 but the house has grown dull and lonesome60 she murmured4 8,half of the pleasure of going to the lecture was to talk it over after1 and have the hard things explained40 8,you don't find old ,hannah much of a companion1 ,i suppose40 8,hannah60 repeated ,lottie dolefully2 8she never speaks to me but to chide2 nor does master1 for the matter of that4 ,oh1 how ,i does miss dear mother and brother6 there's no one near me as cares for me1 now that ,miss ,isa's away4 ,i'm afeard that the ,midianite ,discontent is creeping in after all40 ,poor ,lottie1 with her warm1 impulsive1 affectionate nature1 found even the 8meat every day1 and a sovereign a quarter10 insufficient to brighten her solitary lot4 8,we ought to have learned this evening how to get rid of the ,midianite10 observed quiet ,mrs4 ,bolder1 but in a melancholy tone1 for she herself was oppressed with cares1 and had by nature little spirit to struggle against them4 8,yes10 said ,lottie more cheerfully2 8,i will be with thee1 that is a wonderful word6 ,i will repeat it over and over to myself1 when ,i lie down1 and when ,i get up1 and when ,i'm about my work4 ,we should never feel lonesome or sad when the dear ,lord says1 ,i will be with thee3 with us all through our lives2 and then when the time comes for us to die1 we know that we shall be with ,him40 ,the same promise which strengthened a warrior of old for heroic deeds1 cheered and encouraged a little servant maid in her path of humble toil4 ,lottie trod more lightly on her way when she thought of ,gideon and his heavenly ,guest4 ,mrs4 ,bolder1 after she had parted from ,lottie1 turned towards the single shop in the hamlet of ,wildwaste1 which was kept by herself and her husband4 ,the shutters were up1 so she saw no light1 but the door was upon the latch1 and she entered through the shop into the little back-parlour where ,tychicus ,bolder1 seated by the fire1 was awaiting his wife's return from the meeting4 ,sadly poor ,miriam looked on what she called 8the wreck of such a fine man60 ,over the hard-featured1 smoke-dried looking face of ,bolder1 wrinkled with many a line traced by care and pain1 hung the white hair1 streaked here and there with iron gray4 ,his beard had grown long1 and lay on his sunken chest2 his back was bowed1 his knees drawn up1 as he sat with his feet on the fender1 with a black shawl of his wife's wrapped round his rheumatic frame4 ,bolder could not turn his head without pain2 but he bade his wife shut the door1 come and sit beside him1 and tell him all about the parson's lecture4 8,oh1 how different it was in the days when it was you that went1 and you that had the telling--you who can talk like a parson yourself60 sighed ,mrs4 ,bolder1 as she stirred the fire1 which was getting low1 as ,bolder had no power to stir it himself4 8,wife10 said ,bolder solemnly1 8you've been to a lecture1 and ,i dare say a good one1 for ,i think more of ,mr4 ,eardley now than ,i did in old times2 but ,i've had my sermon too1 as ,i sat here by the fire1 and my preacher was one as spoke with more power than ,mr4 ,eardley1 or any other parson under the sun60 ,illustration3 ,,mr4 ,,and ,,mrs4 ,,bolder4 8,why1 who can have been here80 exclaimed ,mrs4 ,bolder1 glancing towards the door4 8,sit down1 wife1 and ,i'll tell you all10 said ,tychicus ,bolder4 8,when you had gone out1 and ,i was left alone with my pain--0 8,i'm sure ,i'd gladly have stayed with you10 interrupted ,miriam2 8,i went because you told me to go40 8,i know it--,i know it--,i sent you4 ,well1 as ,i sat here alone with my pain1 ,i began turning over in my mind what you'd told me of the last lecture1 of the ,midianites in possession4 ,ay1 thinks ,i1 ,i have them all here1 every one of the four4 ,there's ,disappointment2 for wasn't ,i a thriving man1 and looking to get up higher and higher in the world--leave this place and take a larger business in ,axe--till this sickness came1 and pulled me back1 and made it hard enough to struggle on here60 ,mrs4 ,bolder mournfully shook her head4 8,and isn't there ,discontent2 for it has often seemed as if the pain1 and the weakness1 and the helplessness were a'most more than man could bear60 8,i'm sure that no man could bear them more--0 ,miriam stopped in the midst of her sentence1 less from a doubt as to its perfect truth than because she saw that her husband did not wish to be interrupted2 so she relapsed into her usual position--that of a listener4 8,there's ,dissension1 for ,i feel ready to quarrel with all the world2 and ,distrust1 for ,i can't bring myself to think that ,i've not been hardly dealt with4 ,now if1 as the parson said1 all these enemies are most like to come1 like the ,midianites1 to a soul where there's been an idol set up1 where was the idol in mine8 ,you see1 wife1 pain and loneliness set an old man thinking40 8,you never had an idol10 said the wife2 8in the midst of such a drunken1 disorderly1 quarrelsome set as we have here in ,wildwaste1 you took the pledge1 and kept it too--never a drop of the poison wetted your lips2 there's not many a man would have kept steady1 standing all alone as you did4 ,and then you didn't worship ,mammon2 no man can say of you that your money was not honestly earned--every penny that you took in40 8,bating a few overcharges10 muttered ,bolder2 8on the whole1 ,i did keep my hands pretty clean40 8,and you was so religious1 too2 knew your ,bible so well1 could have done for a preacher yourself4 ,if a parson made a mistake1 or wasn't quite sound in the doctrine1 you was the man who could set him right2 you was such a judge of a sermon60 8,i thought myself so10 said ,bolder4 8,i can't make out the reason why ,god sends you all these troubles10 pursued the admiring wife1 8unless it be as ,he let them come to ,job1 'cause he was better than any one else1 and ,god wanted to try his patience40 8,now1 wife1 it's all very well that you should think this10 said ,bolder1 in his peculiar tone of decision1 8,i was ready enough to think it myself2 but when ,i came this evening to turn the matter over as ,i sat here alone1 ,i could not look at things just in the same light as before4 ,i found this soul of mine all full of what the parson calls ,midianites2 ,i had not noticed one of 'em when ,i was in health and prosperity1 but when troubles came1 then came they1 like the birds of prey round a sick sheep as it lies in the field4 ,then ,i set to thinking what idol ,i could have set up when all things seemed going well with me2--no1 don't interrupt me1 ,miriam--,i was certain there had been something wrong4 ,and then an old anecdote came into my mind1 which ,i'd heard many years back1 but which ,i'd never really understood--,i mean with my heart1 not my head4 ,it was about a young parson who was talking on religion to an old pious ploughman as they walked together in a field4 ,says the parson1 #8,the hardest thing is to deny sinful self4' #8,nay1 sir1' said the ploughman1 #8the hardest thing1 ,i take it1 is to deny righteous self4' ,why1 here1 thinks ,i1 is the key to the whole matter4 ,here have ,i been living in ,wildwaste1 counting myself an example to all the people around1 thanking ,god1 like the ,pharisee1 that ,i was a deal better than other men1 sitting in judgment even at church1 setting up a great idol of self4 ,and so ,god has let the enemies come in1 just to show me that ,i am not the saint that ,i took myself for1 just to set me crying to ,him for help1 to bring me to say1 what else ,i had never said1 ,i abhor myself1 and repent in dust and ashes40 ,mrs4 ,bolder1 who had been accustomed to look up to her husband as a kind of infallible pope in his home1 one whose wisdom should never be doubted1 whose opinions should never be disputed1 could not at once alter her long-cherished ideas1 but only ventured to express dissent by a little mournful shake of the head4 8,i was always ready enough to judge others10 continued ,bolder1 8but it was a new thing for me to judge myself4 ,i was quick enough to see ,god's justice in punishing other men1 but when the rod came upon myself1 then his dealings seemed hard4 ,i could almost exult when the publican's house was burned and he ruined1 or when the poor guilty wretch was smothered in the bog2--that was righteous vengeance1 said ,i4 ,but when my own comfort was touched1 when trouble came to my home1 ,i could neither see mercy nor justice1 and fierce1 rebellious1 unbelieving thoughts swept1 like the ,midianites1 right over my soul40 8,mr4 ,bolder10 said the anxious wife 7she never ventured to address him by his ,christian name71 8,i shall never like to leave you so long again1 for ,i'm sure and certain that being alone is bad for your spirits40 8,wife1 ,i was no more alone than ,gideon was when the angel came to him under the oak4 ,i told you that a powerful preacher had been here1 and ,i told you nought but the truth4 ,the ,lord has been preaching to this proud heart2 and if you wish to know the text1 it was this1 ,unless ye be converted1 and become as little children1 ye shall in no wise enter the kingdom of heaven4 ,there be many mansions there1 but not one for the self-righteous ,pharisee4 ,i had thought myself a long way on the road to heaven1 and ,i found ,i'd to go back every step of the way1 and begin at the beginning4 ,if it had not been for what ,god has shown me1 through sickness and trouble1 of the evil lurking in my heart1 ,i might have gone on blind and self-confident to the last1 and never have had my eyes opened at all--till the terrible ,day of ,judgment40 ,it is doubtful whether ,tychicus ,bolder's words convinced his wife1 but at least they silenced her1 and she could feel that the change which had passed over the proud1 opinionative man was a change for the better2 he was more patient and resigned under suffering1 and far less disposed to pass a sweeping sentence of condemnation on all his neighbours in ,wildwaste4 ,when ,bolder began to judge himself1 he became less ready to judge others2 humility and charity are twin-sisters1 and constantly walk hand-in-hand4 ,tychicus himself regarded that evening of quiet heart-searching as a crisis in his life2 the ,lord had visited his soul1 and had left a blessing and a promise behind4 ,and is not this the history of many a human heart8 ,the great enemy1 ever on the watch to destroy1 forms temptations of the very virtues of men1 leading them1 as it were1 to make a raft of their own honesty1 temperance1 respectability1 alms-giving1 so that1 trusting on that to stem the flood1 they may not seek refuge in the only ,ark that can bear them to a heavenly shore4 ,the ,almighty1 on the other hand1 making all things to work together for the good of ,his people1 even their very failures and imperfections1 shows them the hollowness and rottenness of all on which they rested1 that they may not trust their soul's safety to anything but the merits and mercies of ,christ4 ,praise1 even from the lips of his heavenly ,master1 seems to have led ,st4 ,peter into presumption1 so that the ,blessed art thou had soon to be followed by the ,get thee behind me1 ,satan2 while through the guilt of a three-fold denial the apostle was led1 by ,god's grace1 to earnest repentance1 distrust of himself1 and more fervent love to his pardoning ,lord4 ,thus ,god still enables a ,david to slay ,goliath with his own sword4 ,but for the visitation of the ,midianites1 grievous and evil as it was in itself1 ,gideon would perhaps never have been blessed with the visit of the angel of the ,lord4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,,the ,,sister',s ,,visit4 ,isa did not fail to keep her promise4 ,finding that ,mrs4 ,holdich was about to visit ,wildwaste on the following morning1 ,isa availed herself of her escort2 for the people of the hamlet were so rough1 that the young lady disliked crossing the common alone4 ,rebekah ,holdich carried with her a remedy for rheumatism1 which she hoped might relieve the sufferings of ,bolder4 ,the steward's wife was the general doctress of the neighbourhood2 to her1 as to their natural friend1 came all who had sorrow or sickness in their homes1 just as any labourer in difficulty or distress was sure to seek the advice and help of her husband4 ,isa ,gritton entered into conversation with ,rebekah1 who was a woman of education and refinement beyond what might be expected from one in her station of life4 8,i find10 observed ,isa1 8that you were the first friend of my little maid ,lottie1 that it was you who taught her to read1 and first led her to think of her soul1 or rather to know that she had such a thing as a soul40 8,i was very sorry for the poor little child2 she had a most wretched home10 replied ,mrs4 ,holdich4 8,is it true that her father was of such a very violent temper80 8,so violent when he had been drinking10 said ,rebekah1 8that ,i have seen the poor child disfigured for weeks from blows received from her father2 and as for her unhappy mother1 there is not a doubt that she would have been actually killed by ,abner ,stone in one of his drunken fits1 had not ,mr4 ,madden nobly saved her life at the peril of his own4 ,the ruffian was going to dash out her brains with a poker40 8,and ,mr4 ,lionel came forward----0 8,oh1 not ,mr4 ,lionel10 said ,mrs4 ,holdich with a smile2 8,i am not aware that he ever entered a cottage2 it was his younger brother1 who is now labouring for ,god in the ,holy ,land1 he who built the pretty school-house at ,wildwaste1 who saved poor ,deborah's life4 ,the beautiful carvings from ,bethlehem which you saw in our cottage were sent to me by him40 8,what has become of ,lottie's father80 asked ,isa1 after having walked on for some minutes in silence4 8,no one knows10 replied ,rebekah4 8,abner ,stone suddenly disappeared from this part of the country1 after a gentleman had been found lying on the road1 having been knocked off his horse by a highwayman4 ,it is more than suspected that ,stone did the deed1 but fled on hearing some one come up to the spot40 8,it is strange10 observed ,isa1 8that ,lottie could speak with tenderness of such a parent2 her eyes filled with tears when she expressed her hopes that ,god would one day bring him back40 8,her mother will never hear a word spoken against him10 said ,rebekah4 8,poor ,deborah ,stone is a true1 faithful wife1 and ,i believe prays night and day for the return of a husband whom she has loved through such trials as few but herself could have borne4 ,i cannot help thinking10 pursued the steward's gentle wife1 8that there must have been some good even in ,abner when he was sober2 it is the fatal habit of drinking which makes a savage even of a kind-hearted man40 8,lottie was looking sad yesterday evening at the lecture10 observed ,isa4 8,maybe the poor child frets after her mother and brother1--they were never separated before2 they have clung together through sorrow and hardship1 and ,lottie may feel lonely at first away from her home1 though it is but a poor one40 8,it is not easy to arrange for the family to meet10 said ,isa4 8,mrs4 ,stone has to earn her own living1 and ,axe is at least six miles from ,wildwaste40 8,i hope that you will not mind my mentioning it1 ,miss ,gritton10 said ,rebekah1 in a deferential tone1 8but our little open cart is going on ,saturday to ,axe to bring our ,ned to pass the ,sunday with us10--,mrs4 ,holdich's eye brightened as she spoke of the expected visit from her son--8and if ,lottie could be spared1 ,i am sure that she would be most welcome to a place in it1 to go and see her poor mother40 8,a good and kind thought10 replied ,isa4 8,she might stay over ,sunday at ,axe1 and return in the baker's cart on the following morning40 8,if you could kindly spare her10 repeated ,mrs4 ,holdich1 almost as much pleased at the prospect of the lonely ,deborah having the comfort of a visit from her child1 as in the expectation of welcoming her own4 8,leave of absence will be easily given10 observed ,isa1 8especially as ,i am not living at ,wildwaste at present2 so the services of our little maid are less required1 as she was engaged upon my account40 ,mrs4 ,holdich turned towards the shop of ,bolder1 after accompanying ,miss ,gritton to the door of the new brick tenement1 which appeared to ,isa yet more bare and destitute either of beauty or comfort every time that she returned from the wood-girdled ,castle of ,lestrange4 ,lottie was waiting at the open door to receive her mistress1 having been eagerly on the watch for her return4 8,would you like to go home to your mother1 ,lottie80 said ,isa4 ,instead of the sparkle of delight which ,isa expected to call up in the black eyes of her little maid1 an anxious look of inquiry filled them4 8,o ,miss ,isa6 ,i know ,i bees awkward1 ,i did break another saucer last night--but--but won't you give me a little longer trial80 ,isa was amused at the confession1 made with evident effort1 for the blood rushed to the face of the simple girl as she spoke4 8,i had no thought of sending you away1 ,lottie10 said the young mistress1 kindly2 8but if you would like to pass a couple of days with your mother1 ,mrs4 ,holdich will give you a seat in her cart which is going on ,saturday to ,axe40 ,it was pleasant to ,isa to see the sudden transition to joy on the countenance of her little servant2 ,lottie clapped her hands like a child to whom a holiday is promised4 ,with a heart warmed by the sight of the innocent happiness which she had given1 ,isa ,gritton opened the door of her brother's study1 and entered the dull apartment with a light step and radiant smile1 like one whose presence could make 8sunshine in a shady place40 ,gaspar was seated by a fireless grate2 though shivering with chilliness1 he would not indulge in a fire in ,april4 ,he certainly looked even more sickly than usual1 and ,isa felt her cheerfulness damped at once as1 without rising1 her brother held out two cold fingers to her1 with the dry observation1 8,so you can actually leave the delights of the ,castle for an hour1 to see if your brother be dead or alive60 8,nay1 dear ,gaspar10 said ,isa1 expostulatingly1 as she seated herself by his side1 8if ,i thought that you needed my society--that ,i could be a real comfort to you--0 she stopped short1 being too candid to make empty professions1 and not having made up her mind how far she could truthfully go4 8,i don't care for words1 ,i like deeds10 observed ,gaspar1 coldly2 8women always can talk40 ,the fresh1 bright colour which ,isa had brought in from her walk over the common1 deepened a little on her cheek1 but she had resolved to be patient and cheerful1 and let her visit give nothing but pleasure4 ,though it might be scarcely necessary to tell ,gaspar that she had given a holiday to her young maid1 it occurred to ,isa that it might be well to show him the deference of asking his consent4 8,lottie would be very glad to see her mother10 observed ,isa after a short silence2 8she is a poor1 shy little bird1 that has never before left the nest2 ,mrs4 ,holdich has arranged to make all easy for her going on ,saturday to ,axe1 if you'll kindly give her leave for two days40 8,i shall do no such thing10 replied ,gaspar1 peevishly2 8,i don't give a girl wages for going to see her mother40 ,isa was a little annoyed1 but without betraying that she felt so1 observed1 8,i am sure that ,hannah would manage nicely without her for so short a time4 ,you know1 ,gaspar1 that you yourself thought a second servant unnecessary here40 8,i do so still10 said ,mr4 ,gritton1 taking a pinch of snuff2 8but as long as ,i keep two1 ,i'll have the services for which ,i pay40 8,but1 ,gaspar1 ,i hope that this time--as a personal favour to myself--you will graciously grant leave of absence4 ,i have given ,lottie hopes1 or rather permission to go to her mother2 it would vex me were she to be disappointed40 ,lottie herself had just opened the door1 having come to ask ,miss ,isa if she would not take some refreshment after her walk4 ,she caught ,isa's last sentence1 and stood with her hand on the door-handle1 quite innocent of any intention of eavesdropping1 but too anxious to hear her master's answer to think of anything else4 8,oh1 you've given permission1 have you6 then ,i don't see why you should take the trouble of asking mine10 said ,gaspar1 ungraciously4 8,let her go1 it is nothing to me2 ,i don't care if she stay away altogether1 an awkward1 clumsy gipsy-girl1 not worth the salt that she eats40 ,lottie retreated1 closing the door behind her1 and ran hastily up-stairs to indulge in a good hearty cry4 ,isa saw the poor girl retiring1 and was annoyed at the mortification so needlessly inflicted on a warm young heart4 ,illustration3 ,,lottie',s ,,grief4 ,gaspar having1 though so uncourteously1 yielded the point in question1 his sister changed the subject of conversation4 ,she drew from her bag a copy of the ,times4 8,i did not forget your wishes1 ,gaspar2 but my uncle would be glad to have the paper back1 as he has the ,times bound at the end of the year40 ,gaspar took the periodical without thanks1 and prepared himself for the enjoyment of its perusal by a copious pinch of snuff1 scattering the brown powder as he did so over the printed sheet4 ,isa knew that the baronet was very particular about his papers1 and mentally resolved never again to ask for a loan of the ,times4 ,gaspar pushed his chair round towards the light1 and settled himself to read1 taking no further notice of ,isa1 who sat undecided whether to remain or to leave him to the occupation which he evidently found more interesting than her society4 ,isa had stored her memory with little anecdotes and small scraps of news which she thought might amuse the recluse1 but ,gaspar showed no wish to enter into conversation4 ,his sister thought with regret of the time when they used to meet in ,london under the roof of a friend1 when her brother had appeared to her to be all courtesy and kindness4 8,does he love me less because he knows me better80 was the disheartening thought which crossed her mind4 ,mr4 ,gritton read for some minutes in silence1 and ,isa was thinking of rising to depart1 when1 looking over his newspaper1 her brother suddenly addressed her4 8,isa1 have you ever met that woman80 8,i do not know of whom you are speaking10 answered ,isa4 8,cora ,madden1 of course10 said ,gaspar4 8,i repeat--have you ever met her80 8,yes2 several times1 years ago10 replied his sister4 8,and did you ever speak to her2 did you come upon the subject of--of--what we were speaking about the other morning80 8,certainly not10 answered ,isa2 8,i have never seen her since my loss2 of our dear father's last words ,i have spoken to no one but yourself2 ,i was not even aware of the name of the orphan to whom he referred40 ,gaspar fixed on his sister a gaze so keen and suspicious that it aroused in her bosom an emotion of indignation4 8,were you intimate with her1 or with any of the ,maddens80 he inquired1 in the tone of a lawyer cross-questioning a witness4 ,isa shrank as if his rough hand had touched a scarcely healed wound4 8,i was never intimate with ,cora10 she replied2 8it seemed to me that she disliked me1 but ,i never knew till now that she had any cause to do so40 8,she had no cause--none--none10 said ,gaspar1 almost stuttering in the eagerness of his denial4 8,i told you and ,i tell you again1 that you utterly mistook the meaning of that message from my father4 ,i could not help the ship going down--,i had always dealt fairly by ,miss ,madden40 ,there are occasions when something in the manner of a speaker serves not only to neutralize the force of his words1 but actually to impress on the hearer a strong contradiction of the meaning intended4 ,such was the case with ,gaspar's4 ,isa had had a suspicion that her brother had wronged ,cora in some pecuniary matter1 but his manner of denying it changed suspicion into conviction1 and it kindled her indignation to believe that he was now adding falsehood to fraud4 ,the very air of the room grew oppressive to ,isa1 the presence of ,gaspar was painful1 and when ,mr4 ,gritton1 after his stammered-forth declaration1 became again absorbed in the ,times1 making the rustling paper a screen between himself and his sister1 ,isa rose1 unwilling to prolong so unpleasant a visit4 ,the parting between brother and sister was cold and constrained2 ,gaspar saw that he had not satisfied ,isa1 and mingled resentment1 fear1 and shame1 struggled together in his breast4 ,isa gave a long-drawn sigh of relief when she found herself again in the open air1 and could turn her back upon ,wildwaste ,lodge4 8,i am certain that wrong has been done10 thought ,isa1 as she slowly bent her steps towards ,bolder's dwelling1 8but it is not for me to repair it4 ,cora has been sent poverty1 doubtless1 as a well-merited chastisement2 let me banish the subject from my mind4 ,but why is it that my interest in the orphan's cause has so much cooled since ,i have learned that orphan's name8 ,why is it that even with my distress and shame on account of my unhappy brother there is mingled--dare ,i own it--something that resembles a feeling of gratified revenge6 ,here1 indeed1 is a ,midianite in the soul6 ,cora is the only being upon earth whom ,i regard with actual aversion1 but ,i knew not till now how such aversion could warp my sense of justice--of right6 ,oh6 what revelations ,god makes to us of the evil lurking within our own hearts1 which the world had not suspected1 which we had never suspected ourselves60 ,to ,isa's self-reproach was added another emotion as painful1--the fear that duty might call for some effort on her part to set right what was wrong1 to work on the conscience of her brother1 to try to induce him to retrace his steps if he had wandered from the path of rectitude4 ,isa trembled at the very thought of what might lie before her2 never previously had duty worn to her an aspect so repulsive4 ,isa knew that she ought to endeavour1 by self-denying kindness1 to strengthen her influence over ,gaspar2 that it should be one of the chief objects of her life to win his confidence and his love2 instead of doing this1 she could not help perceiving with mortification that1 since coming to ,wildwaste1 she had been steadily losing ground in the affections of her brother4 ,he thought her selfish1 worldly1 indifferent to his comfort4 ,could it be that she was indeed so8 ,were her most pure and innocent earthly enjoyments becoming a snare to her soul8 ,such distressing reflections kept ,isa very silent as she retraced her steps towards ,castle ,lestrange by the side of ,rebekah ,holdich4 ,the steward's wife had too much delicacy to intrude conversation where she saw that it would not be welcome2 she perceived that the short visit to the ,lodge had had the effect of damping the spirits of ,miss ,gritton4 ,rebekah's own heart1 on the contrary1 was filled with gladness1 on account of the change which she had found in one who had once appeared to her hard and unimpressionable as granite4 ,tychicus had ever seemed to ,rebekah an opinionative1 self-righteous man1 and though she had pitied his sufferings1 and had done what she could to relieve them1 her compassion for the invalid had not been strengthened by personal regard4 ,but on this day ,rebekah had found ,tychicus softened1 humbled1 subdued4 ,she had heard him for the first time own that it had been good for him to be afflicted1 for he had learned more of himself and of his ,saviour in trouble than he had ever known in prosperous days4 ,the furnace was doing its work2 and while ,mrs4 ,bolder plaintively lamented that her husband must be 8down in heart1 to do himself such injustice10 her friend was secretly rejoicing that the ,pharisee as well as the publican may be led to cry1 8,god be merciful to me a sinner60 8,i remember10 thought ,rebekah1 8what ,mr4 ,eardley once said to my boy when he stood watching a caterpillar spinning a very beautiful cocoon4 #8,god sets that little creature a task to do1 and diligently and skilfully he does it2 and so ,god gives us good works to perform in ,his name and for ,his sake4 ,but were the insect to remain satisfied for ever in the silken ball which he is weaving1 it would become not his home but his tomb4 ,no2 forcing a way through it1 and not resting in it1 will the winged creature reach sunshine and air4 ,he must leave his own works behind1 if he would shine in freedom and joy4 ,and so it is with the ,christian4 ,if he rest in his own works1 whatever they may be1 he is dead to ,god and lost to glory2 he is making of what he may deem virtues a barrier between himself and his ,saviour4' ,yes10 mused ,rebekah2 8,god be praised that poor ,bolder is making his way through the silken web2 he is feeling the need of other righteousness than his own40 ,as soon as ,isa arrived at the ,castle1 she tried to put away all remembrance of her painful visit to ,wildwaste1 but it haunted her during the greater part of the day4 ,in the evening1 however1 when a circle of friends gathered around ,sir ,digby's hospitable board1 her efforts were more successful4 ,isa was naturally formed both to attract in society and to enjoy it2 she delighted in 8the feast of reason and the flow of soul20 her spirits had the elasticity of youth1 and as she sat at the head of her uncle's table1 with everything that could please and gratify around her1 ,isa felt that life might still become to her a bright and joyous thing4 ,her soul was as a well-tuned harp1 giving out cheerful and harmonious music1 till a few sentences overheard of the conversation between two of the guests jarred on her as if a discordant string had been suddenly touched1 and brought the shadow of past trial over the brightness of present enjoyment4 8,you know ,lionel ,madden1 then80 8,a little2 his wife ,i have known for the last thirty years4 ,i hear that their union is by no means a happy one2 but what else could be expected when she married only for the sake of a handsome face1 and he for that of a handsome fortune80 8,they say that ,miss ,madden made the match40 8,she certainly did10 was the reply4 8,cora had lost almost all her own money in some unlucky investment1 so was resolved that her brother at least should keep a carriage4 ,but in the case of the ,maddens the driving fell to the share of the ladies1 and the bride found that1 as two suns cannot shine in one orbit1 so two sisters-in-law cannot yield one whip1 and poor ,cora was1 metaphorically speaking1 very speedily left on the road40 ,isa felt her cheeks glow at this incidental mention of those whose fates had been so closely linked with her own1 and1 perhaps to cover her emotion1 said in a very low voice to ,mr4 ,eardley1 who was seated beside her1 8,do you not count the light gossip which sports with the characters and concerns of the absent1 amongst #8the ,midianites in the soul'80 8,i should count as such everything that mars the charity or spirituality of ,christians10 replied the clergyman4 8,such things are1 indeed1 like ,midian1 a great host2 not one giant foe to be overcome once and for ever1 but a legion that incessantly harass1 whether in the circles of society1 or in the sacred central point of home40 ,the last word recalled to ,isa's mind the image of an invalid brother1 left in dull loneliness2 and a slight scarcely audible sigh1 told of a secret emotion of self-reproach and misgiving4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,ix4 ,on ,friday evening ,mr4 ,eardley1 in the cottage of ,holdich1 went on with the history which he had chosen as his theme4 ,,lecture ,,iii4--,,faith ,,in ,,obedience4 ,we are to-day to examine faith in a further state of development4 ,if only the green leaves of hope appear1 if--as with the barren fig-tree in the parable--there be no fruit1 or promise of fruit1 hope itself becomes but self-deception4 ,why call ye ,me ,lord1 ,lord1 and do not the things which ,i say8 asked the ,saviour2 ,if ye love ,me1 keep ,my commandments4 ,faith must blossom into obedience1 as we see the fruit-trees in our orchards now bursting into brightness and beauty4 ,yes2 obedience is the blossom1 and the essence of its fragrance1 self-denial4 ,in heaven obedience is ever a source of delight2 but in a world of sin like this1 it must1 sooner or later1 involve a sacrifice of the human will to the divine4 ,sweet to our ,lord is the fragrance which rises like incense when the lips of his servant--tempted and tried--can echo the words once breathed from ,his own to ,his ,father in heaven1 ,not as ,i will1 but as ,thou wilt4 ,gideon had received a promise from the ,lord3 it was linked1 as ,god's promises ever are1 with a command4 ,that night the ,lord thus spake to the son of ,joash3 8,take thy father's young bullock1 even the second bullock of seven years old1 and throw down the altar of ,baal that thy father hath1 and cut down the grove that is by it2 and build an altar unto the ,lord thy ,god upon the top of this rock1 in the ordered place1 and take the second bullock1 and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down40 ,many difficulties lay in the way of the execution of such a command1 and obedience to it must be fraught with great danger4 ,we should not have marvelled had we found that ,gideon had pleaded to be spared a part at least of the painful task assigned him4 ,he was not of the tribe to which pertained the service of the sanctuary2 he had1 under ordinary circumstances1 no right to offer such a sacrifice to ,god4 ,his own father was an idolater3 was it for ,gideon to destroy what a parent had set up1 to draw down upon himself1 as might be expected1 the severe displeasure of that parent1 and perhaps involve ,joash in the peril to which he himself would be certainly exposed8 ,then--as ,gideon might have anxiously reflected--as it would be impossible for him by the strength of his single right hand to cut down a grove1 destroy an altar1 and build another as ,god had commanded1 where was he to find comrades trusty enough and bold enough to help in the perilous work8 ,gideon is not represented in the sacred narrative as a man likely to rush heedlessly upon an enterprise of difficulty and danger1 and such thoughts as ,i have suggested are likely to have passed through his mind4 ,they would have led many in his place to frame excuses1 or at least to interpose delays4 ,but we hear not of ,gideon doing either4 ,a direct command had been given2 simple1 unquestioning obedience followed4 ,gideon took ten men of his servants1 and did as the ,lord had said unto him4 ,conscious of danger to be apprehended1 not only from the ,midianites and the men of his own city1 but even from the household of his father1 the son of ,joash chose the night-time to accomplish his task4 ,under the cover of darkness1 when other eyes were closed in sleep1 ,gideon and his companions felled the trees of the grove1 cast down the altar of ,baal1 and raised another to ,israel's ,god4 ,they led thither the appointed sacrifice1 slew the bullock1 and set fire to the wood1 from whence the smoke of the burnt-offering rose towards heaven4 ,that was a busy1 an eventful1 and must have been an anxious night to ,gideon4 ,by so decisive an act1 he had indeed drawn the sword and thrown the scabbard away4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,altar ,,raised4 ,the deed was done1 the match was laid to the train1 and ,gideon must have awaited in anxious expectation the explosion which was certain to follow4 ,the morning's light revealed the work of the night2 the idolatrous men of the city beheld the altar of ,baal laid low in the dust1 and from mouth to mouth passed the question1 8,who hath done this thing80 ,if ,gideon had entertained any hope of concealment1 that hope was a brief one2 either one of his comrades had turned informer1 or some lurking spy had witnessed his act1 or1 as seems more probable1 he had already won such a character for uncompromising fidelity to his ,god1 that suspicion instantly fixed upon him as the man who had dared to cut down the grove1 and destroy the idol-altar4 8,gideon1 the son of ,joash1 hath done this thing40 ,then rose the furious cry for blood from the enraged worshippers of ,baal4 ,they demanded the life of the man who had dared to insult their god4 ,the ,almighty raised up a protector for ,gideon4 ,it was the altar of an idolatrous father which he had cast down1 and we might have expected the fury of ,joash to have been turned against him2 but the hearts of all men are in the hand of the ,lord1 and we find ,joash suddenly in the character of a defender of his son's bold act4 ,many a prayer may have risen from the depth of ,gideon's soul when he beheld his father1 a descendant of ,abraham1 debasing himself by worshipping ,baal4 ,his own noble deed seems to have had the effect of opening the eyes of his parent to the folly of bowing down to an idol that could not protect his shrine from insult4 ,with spirit and courage ,joash faced those who would have sacrificed to vengeance the life of his son4 8,will ye plead for ,baal80 he cried2 8will ye save him8 ,he that will plead for him1 let him be put to death whilst it is yet morning2 if he be a god1 let him plead for himself1 because one hath cast down his altar60 and ,joash called ,gideon ,jerubbaal1 8let ,baal plead10 in mockery of the false god to whom he himself had once bowed down4 ,we are not directly told what was the effect of ,joash's speech on the men of his city1 ,abiezer1 but we can easily gather what it was from the recorded fact that on ,gideon's blowing a trumpet they were the first to rally around him2 they who had demanded his blood now acknowledged him as their leader4 ,a spirit of patriotism appears to have been suddenly roused in ,israel1 and the people1 in throwing off the bonds of superstition and idolatry1 rose also to shake off the fetters of their earthly oppressors4 ,messengers were sent by ,gideon throughout ,manasseh1 and to ,asher1 ,zebulon1 and ,naphtali4 ,from the slopes of ,hermon and ,tabor1 from the shores of the ,lake of ,gennesareth1 from the banks of the ,jordan1 from that northern portion of ,canaan in which1 in after times1 the ,saviour spent the years of ,his boyhood1 hastened the liberators of ,israel at the call of their ,heaven-appointed chief4 ,nor was the enemy idle4 ,the ,midianites1 the ,amalekites1 and the children of the ,east gathered together1 and pitched in the valley of ,jezreel4 ,that valley and the country adjacent are full of historical associations of deep interest4 ,jezreel appears to have been in the centre of the great plain of ,esdraelon1 or ,megiddo1 which is bounded on the north by the mountains of ,galilee1 on the south by those of ,samaria1 and in which flow the water of ,kishon1 8that ancient river0 which swept away ,sisera's hosts4 ,well might the triumphant song of ,deborah here recur to ,gideon1 to brace up his soul for the coming conflict4 ,he saw around him the warriors of ,zebulon and ,naphtali1 the tribes who1 under ,barak1 jeoparded their lives unto the death in the high places of the field4 ,joash himself may have been one of the heroes who had willingly offered themselves to oppose the might of ,sisera1 and may have heard from the lips of the prophetess the strain of triumph which closed with the words1 ,so let all ,thine enemies perish1 ,o ,lord3 but let them that love ,him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might4 ,and now we behold the young ,manassite1 who was so lately threshing corn alone by the wine-press to hide it1 a general at the head of an army of thirty-two thousand men4 ,such success1 such a blessing had followed on faith shown in obedience6 ,and here let us leave ,gideon1 and apply to ourselves the lesson conveyed in his marvellous story4 ,every command of our heavenly ,master1 my brethren1 is as a treasure-casket1 to be opened by the key of obedience grasped in the hand of faith4 ,the casket may to our eyes look hard and repulsive1 the tempter may seek to persuade us that we shall either find it empty1 or filled with bitterest gall4 ,but wait on the ,lord1 and keep ,his way1 and ,he shall exalt thee4 ,the blessing of the ,lord it maketh rich1 and ,he addeth no sorrow with it4 ,look at ,noah1 employed during a hundred and twenty years1 amidst the mocking and scorn of a most wicked generation1 in building an enormous ark in obedience to ,god's command4 ,what did he find at last in it to reward his labour of patience1 his obedience of faith4 ,present deliverance from death for himself and his family1 and the sceptre of a renovated world6 ,remember ,abraham and his anguish when he received the mysterious command to sacrifice his son--the son whom he tenderly loved4 ,did not the tempter urge him in that awful hour to cast away his obedience1 to turn from a command which to human nature appeared so hard8 ,the hand of faith might tremble1 but it refused not the awful task2 and what lay enclosed within the dreaded command8 ,a treasure compared to which earth's crowns are but baubles1 and all its riches dust4 ,the promise of a ,saviour to spring from ,abraham's line1 in whom all the families of the earth should be blessed6 ,we also have before us commands enclosing blessings reserved for those to whom grace is given to obey ,god's will through the power of faith4 ,in the difficult task appointed for ,gideon we may trace an emblem of that set before every individual who bears the name of ,christian4 ,there is first the altar of ,baal to be thrown down2 self must be dethroned from its shrine1 the heart's idolatry must be renounced2 and who can say that to yield up self-will is not as difficult a duty as that which ,gideon performed on that eventful night at ,ophrah8 ,there is also the grove to be cut down1 a type of those things lawful and even beautiful in themselves1 but which become to us snares if they stand in the way of duty1 if they hide from us heaven's light4 ,god hath given to us all things richly to enjoy2 but if the gifts make us forget the ,giver1 if they cause us to neglect appointed duties1 they are as the goodly trees by the altar of ,baal1 whose wood was to be used as fuel1 and not reserved for shade4 ,thirdly1 there is the altar to be raised1 the appointed sacrifice to be offered4 ,i need scarcely remind you1 my friends1 that in this sacrifice there is nothing of atonement--the blood of ,christ1 and that alone1 has power to cleanse from sin1 or to reconcile the sinner to ,god2 yet is the ,christian permitted1 yea1 commanded1 to offer himself a living sacrifice1 holy1 acceptable unto ,god4 ,as ,gideon was not of the priestly tribe1 and yet was given special grace to perform the priestly office1 so the ,lord deigns to make of ,his ransomed servants a royal priesthood as well as a peculiar people4 ,christ's sacrifice was the ,sacrifice of ,atonement2 the sacrifice of ,his saints is that of thanksgiving4 ,the offering of a free heart will ,i give ,thee1 ,o ,lord1 and praise ,thy name4 ,to each one amongst us to whom a present ,saviour has been revealed by faith1 the word of the ,lord hath come as to the son of ,joash4 ,we may have rejoiced in the promise1 but have we obeyed the command8 ,let us be honest with ourselves1 my brethren2 if the altar of ,baal be yet standing1 can we hope to drive the ,midianites out of the land8 ,faith1 if real1 must appear in obedience2 show me thy faith without thy works1 and ,i will show thee my faith by my works1 saith the inspired apostle4 ,i commend the subject to your earnest attention4 ,let each search and try his own heart1 and compare his life with the law of his ,god4 ,let each remember that even every thought must be brought captive to the obedience of ,christ1 through the aid of the ,holy ,spirit1 without whom we can do nothing pleasing to the ,lord4 ,i cannot better close our meditation on this subject than by repeating the words of our ,redeemer in ,his ,sermon on the ,mount3--,whosoever heareth these sayings of ,mine1 and doeth them1 ,i will liken him unto a wise man1 which built his house upon a rock3 and the rain descended1 and the floods came1 and the winds blew1 and beat upon that house2 and it fell not3 for it was founded upon a rock4 ,and every one that heareth these sayings of ,mine1 and doeth them not1 shall be likened unto a foolish man1 which built his house upon the sand3 and the rain descended1 and the floods came1 and the winds blew1 and beat upon that house2 and it fell3 and great was the fall of it4 ,illustration ,,chapter ,x4 ,,opening ,,the ,,casket4 ,after the close of the service1 ,isa1 as before1 spoke to her little black-eyed maid1 and inquired after the health of ,gaspar4 8,master has caught cold in his eyes1 and he says it's east wind1 and shuts himself up4 ,he can't read1 nor write1 and he seems very dull-like10 said ,lottie1 whose own sunburnt face was bright with the anticipated holiday before her4 ,isa sent a message to ,mr4 ,gritton1 and after exchanging a few words with ,henry ,eardley1 left the cottage with ,edith ,lestrange4 ,the little heiress thought her cousin unusually silent as they walked back to the ,castle4 8,edith1 dear10 said ,isa at last1 8,i am going to return to ,wildwaste to-morrow40 8,not to stay there1 ,i hope10 cried ,edith4 8,yes1 to stay there10 replied ,isa1 suppressing a sigh4 8,i feel that poor ,gaspar needs me2 ,i think that my right place is home40 8,perhaps it is10 said ,edith1 reluctantly4 ,unwilling as she was to part with her cousin1 ,edith's own views were clear on the subject2 the nearest relation had the nearest claim--nothing would have induced her to leave her own father when he needed the comfort of her presence4 ,edith thought it wrong to try to prevent ,isa from doing what she would have thought it right to do in her place4 ,the baronet was not1 however1 so forbearing4 ,when his niece announced to him her intention of leaving the ,castle on the following day1 he playfully but strongly opposed her resolution4 ,sir ,digby justly considered that ,isa's companionship was both a pleasure and an advantage to his child1 while her lively conversation and intelligence made it also agreeable to himself4 ,sir ,digby felt that his graceful niece was an ornament to his ,castle1 and would fain have ignored altogether her connection with 8a low man retired from business1 who had disfigured the neighbourhood by sticking up on the heath a cockney villa1 which only wanted a swinging sign to be mistaken for a newly built public-house40 8,having you safe here in ward in this our ,castle1 we shall certainly not let our prisoner go1 save on parole to return within two hours10 said the baronet2 8,edith1 ,i commit the charge of our captive to you40 8,but what if ,i am a warder not to be trusted80 asked ,edith1 with a smile2 8what if ,i connive at the captive's escape80 8,seriously1 ,isa10 said ,sir ,digby1 8you cannot think of going back so soon to that--that damp and not very cheerful locality20 the baronet did not know how to designate the dwelling itself by any term combining courtesy with truth4 8,indeed1 ,i must return to my brother10 said ,isa4 8,you will stay over ,sunday1 at least4 ,i have an idea--,i believe that you like attending the service at ,axe40 ,how greatly ,isa enjoyed the ,sundays spent with the ,lestranges the baronet knew not4 ,the devotional spirit which breathed through the church service was refreshing and reviving to her soul4 ,to ,mr4 ,eardley ,isa looked up as the most faithful of pastors and the holiest of men2 she met him not unfrequently at the ,castle1 and the deeper the knowledge that the young maiden gained of the sterling qualities of his character1 the more she wondered that her eyes had ever been dazzled by unsubstantial tinsel1 and the more grateful she felt to ,god for having preserved her from the effects of her own folly4 ,isa would probably have yielded to the temptation to 8stay over ,sunday10 but for the reflections which the story of ,gideon had suggested to her mind4 ,the grove1 emblem of things in themselves lawful and desirable1 which become snares when they stand in the way of duty1 might not ,isa find its counterpart in the pleasures of ,castle ,lestrange8 ,isa thought of the throwing down of self-will1 the sacrifice of inclination1 and so resisted the kind pressing of her uncle1 and the more powerful pleading of her own wishes4 ,edith ordered the carriage on the following morning to take her cousin to ,wildwaste2 she would herself accompany her thither4 ,isa would have liked to have asked her young companion to stay and spend the day at the ,lodge1 to brighten its dulness with her society2 but in ,gaspar's nervous and irritable state1 ,isa feared that a visitor might annoy him1 especially on a ,saturday morning1 which was always given to accounts4 ,edith1 with instinctive delicacy1 removed any difficulty on the part of her cousin1 by saying that she would not this time remain to pay her visit1 but drive on beyond ,wild waste to return the call of some neighbouring family4 8,while ,i am at ,wildwaste1 however1 ,i should like just to look into the little school10 said ,edith1 as she and her cousin were driving from ,castle ,lestrange4 8,i have been into it two or three times10 observed ,isa1--8,i mean into the room in which ,mrs4 ,collins teaches the girls2 ,i have never yet ventured amongst the boys--the young savages who look so ragged and wild40 8,oh6 they are polished gentlemen compared to what they were when ,mr4 ,arthur first took them in hand2 so ,mrs4 ,holdich has told me10 laughed ,edith4 8,they were like a pack of wild dogs1 delighting to torment and worry every creature unfortunate enough to come within their reach1 from poor little unfledged sparrows to ,mrs4 ,stone's son1 whom they actually hunted into fits60 8,and ,mr4 ,arthur found some one to bring them into a little better order40 8,nay1 he set about taming them himself2 he used to go every morning to play schoolmaster2 the ragged little urchins thought it a grand thing to be taught by a gentleman like him4 ,how good does constantly come out of what we call evil60 cried ,edith4 8,papa did so much dislike letting the dear old ,castle to strangers2 but if he had not done so1 ,wildwaste would never have had the blessing of an ,arthur ,madden40 8,he must have had a kind1 generous spirit10 observed ,isa rather dreamily1 for every reference to the ,madden family sent her thoughts back strangely to the past4 8,a brave1 noble spirit10 cried ,edith2 8for ,i have heard that he stood so alone in his labours2 instead of his family encouraging and helping him1 he was laughed at and opposed--at least by his elder brother and sister4 ,they would1 ,i fancy1 as soon have thought of going steadily to work as #8hands' in that great soap-manufactory1 amongst all the smoke and horrible scent1 as of teaching dirty1 ragged little #8roughs' their ,a ,b ,c in a shed6 ,i cannot imagine ,cora ,madden touching one of the ,wildwaste children with the point of her parasol2 and from what one hears of her brother ,lionel--but ,i am getting into evil-speaking10 said ,edith interrupting herself4 8,there is the pretty little school-house1 which it must have been such a pleasure to design and build4 ,papa says that when ,arthur ,madden returns to ,england he will certainly ask him to pay a visit to the ,castle1 for such public spirit ought to be countenanced4 ,but ,i dare say that ,mr4 ,madden wants no praise--no honour from man--that he serves his heavenly ,master in the spirit expressed in my favourite verses20 and in her soft1 almost childish accents1 ,edith repeated ,bonar's beautiful lines1-- 8,up and away like the dew of the morning1 ,soaring from earth to its home in the sun2 ,so let me steal away gently and lovingly1 ,only remembered by what ,i have done4 8,my name1 and my place1 and my tomb all forgotten1 ,the brief race of life well and patiently run2 ,so let me pass away peacefully1 silently1 ,only remembered by what ,i have done40 ,before ,edith had concluded the verses1 the carriage had stopped at the entrance to the little school-house1 on the side appropriated to the girls4 8,the hive seems to be empty10 observed ,isa1 as she alighted4 8,i thought that work was always going on at this hour1 but ,i hear no hum of voices from within40 ,a feeble wail was the only audible sound4 ,after tapping gently at the door1 ,isa entered1 followed by her cousin1 into the neat little school-room1 which usually presented a scene of cheerful industry4 ,its only occupants were1 however1 the schoolmistress and the babe which she rocked in her arms4 ,the poor woman looked haggard and pale from a sleepless night1 her face bore the stamp of anxious care1 and vainly she attempted to soothe the little sufferer1 that seemed from its wasted appearance not to have many more days to live4 ,mrs4 ,collins rose on the entrance of the ladies1 still continuing to rock her sick babe4 8,pray do not rise1 ,mrs4 ,collins2 ,i fear that your dear child is very poorly10 said ,isa1 looking with gentle sympathy on the suffering infant4 ,the schoolmistress sank down again on her seat1 and drew a heavy sigh as she answered1 8,the doctor thinks ,i shall lose her3 ,i did not close an eye all last night3 ,i really could not hold the school this morning3 it is the first time that ever ,i sent the children away1 but ,mrs4 ,bolder has taken charge of even my own little boys--,i could not bear the noise for poor baby40 ,mrs4 ,collins spoke apologetically1 as one who fears that she is neglecting a duty4 ,isa's expression of sympathy encouraged her to proceed3 8,i am afraid that ,i shall have to tell the girls not to come to-morrow3 my husband cannot undertake them as well as the boys1 for neither of the rooms would hold all together40 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,visit ,,to ,,wildwaste ,,school4 8,have you to teach on ,sundays as well as on week-days80 asked ,edith4 8,only for an hour before morning service1 and another in the afternoon1 ,miss ,lestrange4 ,i'm sorry to give it up even for one ,sunday1 for few of the children ever see the inside of a church2 and but for the school1 as ,mr4 ,bolder used to say1 they would grow up like heathen40 ,mrs4 ,collins was still rocking the baby1 that1 to her great relief1 was at length dropping asleep in her arms4 8,shall ,i come to-morrow and take your class80 asked ,isa4 8,i have had little experience in tuition1 but ,i could read to the girls1 teach them hymns1 and question them out of the ,bible1 while you sit quietly upstairs nursing your poor little child40 ,the look of gratitude in the eyes of the anxious mother said more than her words1 as she eagerly accepted the young lady's offer4 8,and ,i will see if there is not something that ,i can send to do the dear baby good10 said ,edith1 resolved to drive back and consult ,mrs4 ,holdich on the subject4 ,the cousins left the school-room with a pleasant consciousness that they had lightened a heavy burden4 ,to ,isa1 especially1 the feeling was sweet4 ,what she had heard of the labours of ,arthur ,madden had raised the thought in her mind1 8,oh1 that ,i could go and do likewise2 that ,i too could leave a blessing behind1 and be #8remembered by what ,i had done6'0 ,at once a door of usefulness was opened before her4 ,why should she not every ,sunday relieve the hard-worked schoolmistress1 and let the weary mother enjoy amidst her children what would then be a ,sabbath indeed8 ,isa had for a few weeks taught a ,bible-class in ,london2 she liked the work1 it gave interest to life1 it took away the sense of weariness and emptiness which will sometimes creep over the spirit even of the lovely and young4 ,isa knew the task of tuition would be far lighter to her than it had been to the young man whose example was before her3 she would go where she would be welcomed1 amongst children already trained to some degree of order3 she would have no opposition or ridicule to fear2 for ,gaspar1 so long as she made no demands on her purse1 was contented to let his sister do very much as she pleased4 ,that brief visit to the school-room had to ,isa changed greatly the aspect of life at ,wildwaste4 ,her ,sundays at least would not be joyless2 she was permitted to do the ,lord's work1 she might hope for ,his presence and blessing4 ,she had made a sacrifice of inclination by returning to ,wildwaste1 and she was beginning to see that even in that dreary place ,god might give her rich cause for rejoicing4 8,yes2 ,i shall be happier even here1 trying to please my heavenly ,master1 than at ,castle ,lestrange1 with the feeling ever arising that ,i am seeking to please self alone40 ,it was this thought that made ,isa ,gritton bear patiently the dull monotony of the home to which she had returned1 and the wayward fretfulness of him whose society now replaced that in which she had found such delight4 ,though ,gaspar's temper was more than usually trying1 not once did a peevish tone betray irritation1 not once did a frown furrow ,isa's fair brow4 ,for hours1 on the evening after her return1 ,isa sat reading aloud to her brother a work upon commercial statistics1 in which she herself took not a shadow of interest4 ,certainly her mind wandered much from the book1 and when at length she wearily closed it1 ,isa could not have recalled a single sentence which it contained4 ,but she had been serving an invalid brother and not pleasing herself2 and if this duty was less attractive than that of feeding the ,saviour's lambs1 it was equally that which ,he had assigned her1 and it was fulfilled for ,his sake4 ,mankind applaud great acts of munificence1 costly offerings presented like those of ,solomon in open day1 in the sight of all2 but by far the greater number of the sacrifices which ,god accepts are made1 as it were1 like ,gideon's1 in the night-time1 in the obscurity of domestic life1 where no praise is looked for from man4 ,there is deep truth in the well-known lines of ,keble1-- 8,the trivial round1 the common task1 ,afford us all we ought to ask-- ,room to deny ourselves1 a road ,to lead us daily nearer ,god40 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xi4 ,,tidings4 ,early on the ,saturday afternoon ,lottie ,stone1 with her little bundle in her hand1 tripped lightly over the common towards the cottage of ,holdich1 which lay embosomed within the woods of ,lestrange4 ,she was on her way to her parent's home1 and pleasure winged her steps4 ,there are few joys more keen and pure than those experienced by a young girl1 like ,lottie1 returning to the family whom she loves1 after her first absence4 ,what though ,mrs4 ,stone's dwelling-place was but a single room over a shop1 with a tiny attic chamber for her son2 to ,lottie there was still a charm in the word 8home10 for love and peace abode there4 ,she clapped her hands for joy as the open cart in which she was seated rattled down the narrow paved street of ,axe1 and she caught sight of the ungainly figure of her only brother standing before the shop4 ,out sprang ,lottie almost before the horse was pulled up1 and in another minute she was locked in the arms of her mother4 ,how much had ,lottie to tell2 how fast she talked1 how merrily she laughed1 as she sat at her mother's little deal table spread with unusual dainties--buttered muffins1 and toast1 and water-cresses from the stream4 ,the washerwoman had 8cleared up and made all tidy0 for the reception of her daughter2 and her son had decked the homely room with bunches of cowslips and daffodils4 ,deborah's care-worn brow seemed less deeply wrinkled1 and her thin anxious face often relaxed into a smile1 as her merry child talked over her first eventful month of service1 playfully describing what at the time of occurrence had seemed to her anything but sources of mirth1--her own petty troubles and ignorant blunders4 ,lottie's hearers drew from her recital that ,hannah was a somewhat formidable task-mistress1 that 8,master0 was not very easily pleased1 that crockery at the ,lodge had a peculiar tendency to slip out of clumsy fingers1 but that 8,miss ,isa0 was the kindest of mistresses1 and that a smile from her seemed to smooth every difficulty away4 8,bless your dear heart1 how your poor father would have liked to have heard you60 exclaimed ,deborah ,stone1 as the merry girl at length stopped to take breath4 ,for the loyal heart of the deserted wife remained true in its allegiance4 ,perhaps memory had softened the past1 perhaps it overleaped the years of bitter suffering on the one side and tyranny on the other1 and ,deborah only thought of her husband as what he had been in the days of his wooing4 ,however that might be1 conjugal affection remained firm and bright like its pledge1 the circlet on the wrinkled bony finger1 the sole piece of gold which its owner possessed1 and which no strain of poverty would ever induce her to part with4 ,when ,deborah knelt down in the evening to offer her simple little prayer with her children1 very fervent was her supplication for one absent but never forgotten3 where ,abner was she knew not1 what ,abner was she had proved by bitter experience1 but still1 8true as the needle to the pole10 the hopes and affections of the injured woman still pointed towards her lost husband4 ,sunday was an especially happy day to ,lottie1 it was such a pleasure to go to what she deemed her own church1 hear her own pastor1 meet again with her own companions in the ,sunday school which she used to attend4 ,she was only disappointed when the baronet's carriage drew up to the church-porch1 not to see in it the bright fair face of her dear young mistress4 8,a letter for you1 mother10 said ,mrs4 ,stone's son1 as he entered on the ,monday morning the little room in which ,lottie1 humming a lively air1 was helping her parent to clear away the remains of their early breakfast4 ,as ,mrs4 ,stone's receiving a letter of any kind was a quite unprecedented occurrence1 ,lottie turned with some curiosity to see what the missive could contain4 ,it had come by a cross-country post1 for her brother pointed to the stamp-mark upon it1 8,southampton40 8,a letter for me8--why1 who would write60 exclaimed ,deborah1 gazing with a look rather of anxiety than of curiosity on the address1 8,to ,d4 ,stone1 ,wildwast10 traced in a straggling1 hardly legible hand1 with 8,try ,axe0 written below by the postmaster1 showing that her correspondent could not be aware that--years ago--she had changed her abode4 ,it was no wonder that ,deborah did not recognize that rude handwriting1 as she had seen it but once before1 when1 in the parish register1 she had scrawled her own signature beneath that of her newly-wedded husband4 8,o mother1 do open it60 cried ,lottie2 8who knows whether it mayn't bring us news of poor father40 ,it was the same thought that had made the hand of ,deborah tremble as she had taken the letter from her son4 ,she tore open the envelope1 and with anxious eyes glanced at the signature at the end of its enclosure4 8,it is--yes--oh6 the ,lord is merciful60 exclaimed the poor wife1 with something like a sob4 ,long experience of hardship and sorrow had so strengthened her nature to endure1 that it was very seldom that ,deborah gave any expression to outward emotion2 but no one could have looked at her at that moment and not have read in every line of her countenance that the depths of her soul were stirred1 that the few scarcely audible words which escaped her lips came from the inmost recesses of a heart where sorrow had so long fixed its abode1 that when joy came it startled and overpowered1 like the visit of an angel4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,letter4 8,mother1 read more2 oh6 read every word60 cried ,lottie1 whose only emotions seemed those of hope and delight2 while her brother looked bewildered and scarcely able to comprehend that that piece of paper1 blotted and soiled1 on which his mother's tears were falling1 actually contained the writing of his father4 ,it was some little time before the trembling1 excited woman could1 with the help of her children1 make out the scrawl1 which read as follows3-- ,,ancor ,,inn1 ,,sutamton4 ,,dear ,,wife1--,i landed here last month4 ,i bin vry ill #f weeks2 i bin in det1 an cant git away till i pais1 so send me five punds afor thusday in a letter1 or i shall git in gret trubel2 don't tell no one abuit me1 most of all not mister ,erdly1 cause id be had up for that scrape--mind don't tell no one1 but send mony quick2 i hop to be a beter husband an father2 it was all along of the drink2 so no more fum yur loving ,,abner ,,stone4 8,five pounds--how can ,i send him five pounds--,i've not five shillings in the world60 cried ,deborah1 glancing around her1 as if to see whether any article in that scantily furnished room could1 if sold or pawned1 bring anything like such a sum1 the fifth part of which she had never possessed at one time since her marriage4 8,five pounds60 repeated her son dreamily1 as he slowly moved his fingers one after the other1 apparently to aid his dull brain in making some mental calculation4 8,we must send1 oh6 we must send the money60 cried ,lottie1 clasping her hands4 8,dear ,mr4 ,eardley might--0 8,i couldn't ask him for another penny10 exclaimed ,deborah1 8he has done so much already1 and he has so many alooking to him2 and then your father forbids me to tell him a word40 8,if only ,mr4 ,arthur were in ,england10 sighed ,lottie4 8,you earns wages10 said her brother abruptly1 as if he had suddenly lighted on some fountain of wealth4 8,my quarter's wages won't be due till next ,june10 replied ,lottie4 8,could your master do anything80 suggested ,deborah2 8it is said about here that he's rich40 ,lottie shook her head with a very significant expression4 8,he may have plenty of money10 she said slowly1 8but ,i'm sure he don't like to part with it2 there's nothing to be got out of he40 8,here's the baker's cart come for you1 ,lottie10 cried her brother1 who had sauntered up to the window4 ,lottie hurriedly snatched up her bonnet and shawl4 8,i mustn't keep him2 but oh6 mother1 if ,i could only think of any way to help father--0 a loud summons shouted from below cut her short in the middle of her sentence1 and quickened her movements4 8,pray1 child1 pray2 ,god ,almighty will show us some way30 there was scarcely time for the parting kiss and blessing2 ,lottie hurried down into the street barely soon enough to prevent her impatient escort from driving away without her4 ,very different were the feelings of the young servant girl on her drive from ,axe1 from those with which1 two days before1 she had entered the quaint little town4 ,she replied at random to the jesting observations of the baker's boy1 she seemed unable to understand the meaning of the words that fell on her ear1 for her mind was so full of conflicting emotions that outer things could make no impression upon it4 ,lottie scarcely knew whether she was happy or unhappy1 whether her inclination was to laugh or to cry4 ,her prayers had been answered--her lost father was found2 here indeed was joy and cause for thanksgiving3 but he was ill1 in debt1 needed money1 and where was that money to be procured8 8,i would work my fingers to the bone60 muttered ,lottie to herself1 as the cart rolled lightly along the dusty high road1 8but no working would bring more than the one pound due in ,june20 and thoughts of the new boots which would then be absolutely needed would intrude on the little maid's mind4 8,i can't go about ,mr4 ,gritton's house barefoot2 and then he says that ,i am to pay for all that ,i break1 and1 oh6 the things will slip out of my hands6 ,would my dear young lady help me8 but ,i must not tell even her that ,i want money for my poor sick father4 ,shall ,i say that mother's in trouble for rent80 ,the honest soul of ,lottie recoiled from the artful suggestion of the ,tempter1 and she shook her head so emphatically in reply to it1 that the baker's boy1 who had been watching with amusement her earnest look of thought and her moving lips1 burst out into a laugh which startled her into a consciousness that she was not alone4 8,i say1 ,lottie ,stone1 what did you see in that thorn bush to make you shake your head at it so fiercely80 cried the lad4 8,i was only a-thinking10 replied ,lottie4 8,a penny for your thoughts10 said her companion4 ,but the answer was such a heavy sigh1 that the good-humoured lad saw that the little maiden was in no mood for jesting1 and as she turned her head sorrowfully away1 he left her in peace to pursue her reflections4 ,it was perhaps well for ,lottie that she had not much time for meditation after her arrival at the ,lodge4 ,hard work has served to relieve many an anxious heart1 and ,hannah took care that her little assistant should have her share1 and much more than her share1 of the labour of the house4 ,lottie ,stone had to pay by double work for her two days' holiday at ,axe4 ,yet while she washed1 and scrubbed1 and tidied the rooms1 the thoughts of the poor young girl were constantly recurring to her father1 and she was revolving the difficult problem how it would be possible to procure five pounds to send to her father before ,thursday4 ,while ,lottie was laying the cloth for dinner1 she could not help hearing the conversation going on between her master and his sister1 relative to one of the children of ,isa's ,sunday class4 8,i am certain that she is consumptive1 and that ,wildwaste is too damp for the poor little thing4 ,i hear that the doctor has said that her only chance is to go to the hospital at ,bournemouth40 8,i've no faith in doctors10 said ,gaspar1 applying to his snuff-box4 8,if ,i myself had the means of sending her10 pursued ,isa1 8,i would never trouble you on the subject2 but the expenses will be heavy1 and my purse is light1 and--0 8,it will always be light if you go picking up every case that comes before you4 ,you may throw away your money if you choose1 but ,i shall certainly not throw away mine20 and1 rising1 ,gaspar walked to the window1 to put an end to the conversation4 ,the words which she had heard fell like cold vapour upon the heart of ,lottie4 8,my poor dear mistress1 though she is a lady1 has a light purse2 she cannot do what she wishes2 she is obliged to beg her brother for money1 and he refuses to give it4 ,ah1 there is no use in my asking help from her6 ,she has the will to do good1 but not the power2 master has the power1 but not the will4 ,people say as how he is rich2 it don't look like it1 when he's so angry at the candles being used so fast4 ,i'm sure if ,i were rich--20 and here the little maid's thoughts flowed on fast in a channel into which they had often wandered before--how much good she would do if she were rich--how much she wished that she had plenty of money--how strange it was that some should be rolling in wealth1 while others had scarcely bread enough to satisfy hunger4 ,there are many through whose minds1 as through ,lottie's1 such a current of reflection is wont to run2 but the little servant-maid suspected that there was danger in giving it free course4 8,i do believe that ,mr4 ,eardley would say--could he know of what ,i am thinking--that ,i am letting those ,midianites1 ,discontent and ,distrust1 into my foolish little heart4 ,it do seem as if ,i was beginning to think everything wrong in ,god's world1 'cause ,i can't do what ,i want for father4 ,if ,i can't ask ,miss ,isa to help me1 is there not ,one above whom ,i can ask1 and who has both the power and the will to do me good8 ,i needn't be hiding nothing from ,god2 ,he knows all already4 ,he has made poor father give up the drink1 and has brought him back to ,england1 and has helped him over his sickness1 and now ,he can set him free from his debt4 ,i must pray very hard1 and pray in faith1 and pray without fainting1 and sure the answer will come at last40 ,and so1 while she pursued her household labours1 as well as when she knelt by her bed-side at night2 when the duster or the broom was in her hand1 as well as when her ,bible lay open before her1 the simple-minded ,lottie lifted up her heart to her ,father in heaven1 and found comfort and hope in resting her cares upon ,him4 ,on the evening of the following day1 ,lottie accompanied her mistress to the meeting at the cottage of ,holdich4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xii4 ,,lecture ,,iv4--,,faith ,,in ,,trial4 ,a very remarkable trial was now to test the faith of ,gideon4 ,we left him in the proud position of the leader of an army of thirty-two thousand men2 and we can imagine how the heart of the patriot would swell with thankfulness and joy1 as the prospect of delivering his country by their means brightened before him1--how he would welcome the arrival of each brave band1 and count up the increasing number of his forces4 ,further encouragement was given to ,gideon by miraculous signs vouchsafed to him by ,god in answer to prayer4 8,if ,thou wilt save ,israel by my hand as ,thou hast said1 behold10 cried ,gideon1 8,i will put a fleece of wool in the floor2 and if the dew be on the fleece only1 and it be dry upon all the earth beside1 then shall ,i know that ,thou wilt save ,israel by mine hand1 as ,thou hast said40 ,early on the morrow the chieftain arose1 and sought the fleece where he had laid it4 ,he found it heavy with moisture1 though the ground lay dry around it2 and ,gideon wrung out from the dripping wool a bowlful of water4 ,yet ,gideon ventured to beseech ,god to grant a reversal of this miraculous sign1 in further confirmation of his faith3 8,let not ,thine anger be hot against me1 and ,i will speak but this once3 let me prove1 ,i pray ,thee1 but this once with the fleece4 ,let it now be dry only upon the fleece1 and upon all the ground let there be dew40 ,even as ,gideon had prayed1 so was the sign vouchsafed2 the soft dew lay on the earth around1 while the fleece remained dry4 ,it has been remarked that in the fleece of ,gideon we may see not only a sign1 but also a type of ,israel1 the chosen people of ,god4 ,the living water of divine truth1 the dew of a peculiar blessing1 rested upon the children of ,abraham when the rest of the world was as a dry and thirsty land4 ,now--alas for those who rejected1 who still reject their ,messiah6--the sign is reversed4 ,as a dry fleece the ,jews remain in the midst of ,christian nations1 a marvel to the world2 the dew which falls so richly around them rests not on them as a people4 ,oh1 may ,god hasten the time when the ,jews also shall receive the water of life2 when they shall look on ,him whom they pierced2 and when ,god shall make use of them as ,his chosen instruments for the conversion of the heathen6 ,looking forward to that blessed time1 ,st4 ,paul--himself a ,jew--exclaims1 ,what shall the receiving of them be but life from the dead8 ,let us pray then1 my brethren1 for the dew of grace to fall upon the dry fleece1 that ,jerusalem1 the city of the great ,king1 may once more become the joy of the earth4 ,gideon1 strengthened by signs from heaven1 and surrounded by the hosts of ,israel1 might now fearlessly and confidently await the conflict with ,midian2 but he was not only to do ,god's work1 but to do it in ,god's appointed way4 ,not by might1 nor by power1 but by ,my ,spirit1 saith the ,lord of hosts4 ,the ,lord thus spake unto ,gideon3 8,the people that are with thee are too many for ,me to give the ,midianites into their hands1 lest ,israel vaunt themselves against ,me1 saying1 ,mine own hand hath saved me4 ,now1 therefore1 go to1 proclaim in the ears of the people1 saying1 ,whosoever is fearful and afraid1 let him return and depart early from ,mount ,gilead40 ,in making such proclamation1 ,gideon was obeying a command given through ,moses 7,deut4 xx4 #h71 though it is possible that he might have omitted to do so without the special direction from above4 ,startling was the effect of the proclamation1 and it needed strong faith in ,gideon not to falter when the force of ,israel began to melt away like a snow-ball1 till more than two-thirds of the whole number had deserted the camp4 ,truly many had been called1 but few were chosen4 ,where were those who had so readily obeyed the call of the trumpet1 and quitted their homes for the field of war8 ,of how many might it be said1 ,being harnessed and carrying bows1 they turned back in the day of battle4 ,they were not to share the glory2 they had faltered in the moment of trial4 ,oh1 brethren1 may it never be so with us6 ,may the fear of man1 which bringeth a snare1 never make us shrink back from the duty before us4 ,what must have been the shame of those who had come to the gathering of the hosts of ,israel1 and who had then departed without striking one blow1 when the rocks and mountains rang with the shouts of their conquering brethren1 and the victory in which they might once have shared was won without them6 ,no man having put his hand to the plough 7or1 to the sword71 and looking back1 is fit for the kingdom of heaven4 ,the force under ,gideon had now dwindled from thirty-two thousand to ten thousand men4 ,human wisdom would have deemed these all too few to oppose the multitudes of ,midian encamped in the valley before them2 but not so judged the ,god of hosts4 ,the ,lord said unto ,gideon1 8,the people are yet too many2 bring them down unto the water1 and ,i will try them for thee there3 and it shall be1 that of whom ,i say unto thee1 ,this shall go with thee1 the same shall go with thee2 and of whomsoever ,i say unto thee1 ,this shall not go with thee1 the same shall not go40 ,gideon1 in obedience to the command1 brought down his forces unto the water1 leaving the selection of the chosen band of heroes unto ,him who readeth the thoughts of the heart4 ,doubtless the ,israelites were thirsty from their long march in the heat of that sultry clime2 by far the greater number threw themselves on their knees by the water1 stooping down eagerly to drink2 three hundred only lapped from their hands the cooling draught4 ,and the ,lord said unto ,gideon1 8,by the three hundred men that lapped will ,i save you1 and deliver the ,midianites into thine hand2 and let all the other people go every man unto his place40 ,illustration3 ,,gideon',s ,,army ,,drinking ,,at ,,the ,,brook4 ,mysterious command1 and yet was it instantly obeyed4 ,gideon dismissed the greater part of his forces1 not to their homes1 but to their tents4 ,they had yet their appointed part to take2 they would complete the victory2 they would follow up the pursuit4 ,it is not given to all to be foremost in peril or in fame4 ,some are called to do great things1 to suffer great things for ,god2 others have a humbler part to perform3 they have to follow up the successes of their brethren2 not to shine conspicuously as ,christian heroes1 but to do their duty steadily as ,christian men4 ,it is very possible that some bold spirits amongst ,gideon's ten thousand may have been tempted to repine at being excluded from the glorious privilege of those who were to bear the brunt1 and win the highest renown4 ,and now the zealous servant of ,christ1 kept back by sickness or some other dispensation from active usefulness for his ,lord1 finds it hard to realize the truth1 8,they also serve who only stand and wait40 ,he fain would be in the scene of action2 he fain would join in the glorious strife4 ,must he look on while others labour8 must he stand still while others fight8 ,my brethren1 the place which our great ,leader assigns to us is the right place1 however humbling it may be to our pride4 ,the submission of those who retired to their tents may have been as acceptable to ,god as the courage of those who remained to perform the perilous duty before them4 ,the truth which is especially brought to our notice in this remarkable portion of the story of ,gideon1 is the necessity that ,god should be given the glory of every high and holy work which ,he enables ,his people to perform4 ,israel was not to say1 8,mine own hand hath saved me40 ,weak instruments were purposely chosen1 that the honour of success might pertain unto ,god1 and not man4 ,and how often has the same lesson been taught in the history of the ,church6 ,not the mighty1 not the noble or the learned were appointed at the first to proclaim the gospel of salvation4 ,when the lowly and illiterate1 when fishermen from ,galilee were chosen as leaders of the hosts of the ,lord1 who could not but own that their success was due to the power of the ,spirit8 ,it is right that we should employ all lawful means to further ,god's work1 but let us beware that we rest not in means2 let us especially beware that we use no means that are not sanctified by ,his blessing4 ,had the ten thousand valiant men been led forward by ,gideon against the foe1 what would their number1 what would their courage1 what would their zeal have availed8 ,doubtless shameful defeat would have followed presumptuous self-confidence1 and he who had rested on an arm of flesh have found that he had leaned on a broken reed4 ,christians are now not unfrequently placed in a position which may remind us of that of ,gideon1 when he found his forces melting away in the face of a formidable foe4 ,in the midst of active labours for ,god1 one is smitten down by sickness1 his work is still to be done--the power to do it seems taken away4 ,another1 active in works of charity1 suddenly loses the means of which he has made such liberal use1 his resources dwindle like the army of ,gideon1 and he is tempted to cry1 8,o ,lord1 wherefore hast ,thou crippled my usefulness8 what ,i had1 was it not devoted to ,thy service80 ,my brethren1 if the blessing of ,god be left behind1 we may rest trustfully in the assurance that ,he will care for ,his own work4 ,he can make a few victorious over the many4 ,his blessing on a cruse of oil and a handful of meal made them a surer source of supply than the granaries of the wealthy4 ,god hath not forsaken1 ,he would only humble and prove ,his servants1 and teach them through trials of faith to look for success only to ,him4 ,were it not for our past experience that flowers must fade to make way for fruit1 how sad would be the sight of the fading blossoms on a tree--the petals strewed in the dust1 their brilliant beauty departed6 ,but we know that what is more precious is left behind2 that on the bough remains the green germ of the fruit which shall renew the beauty of the tree1 and give to it a value beyond what it possessed in the smiling days of spring4 ,so see we faith in trial4 ,outward advantages may be taken away1 sweet hopes may fall and wither1 but if the fruit-tree be thriving and deep-rooted1 harvest glory is yet to come4 ,job--stripped of property1 children1 health--might lament the day of his birth1 and believe that his season of active usefulness was departed for ever2 but through his very trials and losses he passed to greater glory and joy1 and has become a fruitful source of blessing to the ,church of ,god through many generations4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xiii4 ,a ,,promise4 8,i am sure that ,mr4 ,eardley was thinking of ,mr4 ,arthur ,madden this evening when he spoke of active labourers for ,god being smitten down by sickness10 observed ,rebekah ,holdich to her husband1 after the little congregation had dispersed from the cottage4 8,mr4 ,arthur--,i hope there's nothing the matter with him60 said ,holdich1 with a look of concern on his manly countenance4 8,the last news was that he had been ordained at ,jerusalem40 8,but ,i grieve to say that worse tidings came this morning to ,mr4 ,eardley in a letter from ,mr4 ,arthur's youngest sister1 who has been nursing him in a dangerous illness4 ,the doctors say that the climate does not agree with his health2 he was ordered to ,england directly--he and his sister were to start by the very next steamer40 8,it will be a real pleasure to see them again10 observed ,holdich4 ,he was a man rather of deeds than words1 so the simple sentence expressed a great deal more than it would have done from the lips of another4 8,but ,mr4 ,arthur may never arrive1 he may sink by the way10 faltered ,rebekah1 who was of a disposition naturally tender1 and not very hopeful4 8,wife1 he is in ,god's hands10 said ,holdich2 8sick or well1 on sea or on land--he will be given what is best for him40 8,ah10 thought ,rebekah1 8my husband is always one to see behind the fading blossoms the germ of the fruit4 ,his is a faith that can bear wind and storm2 he can trust not only himself1 but 7what ,i find so much harder to do7 those whom he loves1 to his ,god40 ,mrs4 ,bolder1 as usual1 carried back to her suffering husband an account of the cottage-lecture4 8,there's a word of comfort for me10 observed ,bolder2 8maybe ,i'm like one of these nine thousand seven hundred ,israelites sent back to their tents4 ,they were not to be trusted to gain the victory1 lest they should boast that their own strength had won it4 ,god kept them in the background to keep them humble2 but they were not rejected--no6 ,nor is many a poor sinner like me1 though shut up from active work--we shall yet be allowed to join in the shout1 ,thanks be to ,god who giveth us the victory through our ,lord ,jesus ,christ40 ,lottie ,stone had returned to the ,lodge that evening with a very heavy heart4 ,her mind was far less occupied with the lecture than with the tidings which she had heard of the dangerous illness of one of her earliest benefactors4 ,already perplexed and distressed as she was on account of her father1 this new trouble had come on the little maid as a shock4 ,the words in which ,mrs4 ,bolder had communicated the news to her1 8,have you heard that ,mr4 ,arthur ,madden is dying at ,jerusalem80 had struck like a knell on her heart4 ,already that young tender heart was bleeding from home anxieties and troubles of which ,lottie could not speak even to the kind mistress for whose counsel and sympathy she yearned1 and now this second blow seemed almost crushing4 ,her father in difficulties1 out of which she could not help him1 returning after the absence of years to his country1 but sick1 tied down by debt1 unable to reach those who loved him2 and now the generous friend of the family dying in a far-distant land--thoughts of all this were a most oppressive burden of sorrow to ,lottie4 ,her mind was so full of its troubles that she was more than usually awkward and inattentive in service4 ,she was unpunctual in bringing in tea1 the milk-jug was empty1 the plates forgotten1 the water had never been boiling4 ,isa was a little displeased1 ,mr4 ,gritton was angry1 and his peevish chiding increased the confusion of poor ,lottie ,stone4 ,in her nervous haste in removing the tea-tray she knocked over a letter-weigher which had lain upon ,gaspar's table4 ,it fell with a clatter which made the invalid start1 and the various weights were scattered hither and thither1 some on the boards1 some on the piece of brown drugget which covered the centre of the apartment4 8,the girl must have been drinking60 exclaimed ,gaspar angrily1 while poor ,lottie went down on her knees to gather up the weights4 ,isa1 pitying her confusion1 said1 in order to draw away the attention of ,gaspar1 8,i have not yet told you of ,edith's kindness2 she has promised to send my poor consumptive girl to ,bournemouth40 8,i feel no interest in the matter10 replied ,mr4 ,gritton2 8,i wish that1 instead of hunting up cases outside the house1 you would manage to keep a little better order within it40 ,lottie rose from her knees after her search1 and timidly placed the weigher on the mantel-piece4 ,she had recovered all the weights belonging to it but one1 the smallest of the set1 and that1 in the dim light thrown by the solitary candle on the table1 she had not been able to find4 ,lottie was nervously afraid lest her master should examine the small machine and find it imperfect4 8,i will hunt for the little round thing in the morning1 when no one is watching me10 thought ,lottie1 8and ,i'll never rest then till ,i find it40 ,the letter-weigher was the only elegant article which ,gaspar's study contained2 it had been a birth-day gift from his sister1 and had particularly attracted the admiration of ,lottie1 who1 in her simplicity1 had taken the gilded ornament for gold4 ,the loss of the little weight was to the young maid a sensible addition to her heavier troubles4 8,if ,i can't find that little gold bit1 what on earth shall ,i do80 thought ,lottie1 with the fear before her mind of having to replace an article of value unknown2 8,i dare say that it is worth half a sovereign1 and master may say that the whole thing is spoiled by its loss4 ,how shall ,i ever pay for it out of my wages1 and just at a time when ,i would do anything to win more money for father8 ,i'll get up early1 so early to-morrow1 and search every cranny in that room before any one else is about in the house40 ,lottie ,stone could hardly sleep that night from the many anxious thoughts which haunted her brain4 ,she arose before dawn to hunt for the weight1 crept out of her little chamber1 and softly descended the stairs to the study4 ,she opened the shutters1 but the stars were glimmering yet in the deep blue sky1 there was not sufficient light for her need4 ,lottie lighted a candle and began her search1 under the table1 the chairs1 the fender1 in every likely and unlikely place she hunted1 but 8the little gold bit0 was not to be found4 8,i'll move the table right to the wall1 and pull up the drugget1 maybe it has rolled under there10 said ,lottie to herself1 exerting all her strength to move the deal table1 with ,gaspar's heavy desk upon it1 to the other side of the room4 ,to draw up the drugget was an easier task1 and scarcely had it been removed when1 stuck between two of the boards which had been covered by the cloth1 ,lottie to her great relief caught sight of the bright little weight4 ,she ran up to the spot1 and tried to pick up the weight1 but a foot had trodden on it and pressed it in firmly4 ,lottie pulled harder1 and to her extreme surprise found that in moving the weight she also moved one of the planks between which it was jammed1 while a previously imperceptible line crossed the breadth of three of them4 ,accident had discovered to ,lottie a most carefully concealed trap-door in the floor1 in the spot which was usually covered both by the drugget and the table4 ,with some little trouble ,lottie managed to raise it1 and with wondering curiosity she peered down1 still on her knees1 into the dark vault below1 into which there was a means of descent by a ladder4 ,stories that had been current in the hamlet then recurred to the mind of ,lottie1 stories of the caution and mystery used in the building of ,wildwaste ,lodge4 ,she had never heard that there were cellars beneath it1 and a concealed trap-door would be a strange kind of opening into one intended to contain only wine4 ,as ,lottie bent over the dark recess1 candle in hand1 the little gilded weight which she had recovered slipped from her hold1 and fell down into the vault below4 ,it was needful again to search for it1 and perhaps the young girl was not sorry for an excuse to explore a little further4 ,slowly and softly ,lottie descended the ladder1 carrying the candle in her hand4 ,when she had reached the bottom1 she found herself in a brick-built vault2 the air felt damp and chill1 moisture stains gleamed faintly on the walls4 ,on the further side was a door1 close to which the little weight had rolled4 ,lottie went and picked it up1 and then pressed her hand against the door2 it was not locked1 but slightly ajar1 and yielded to her pressure4 ,lottie could not resist the temptation of entering the inner vault4 ,it had brick walls and floor like the first1 but was not1 like the first1 perfectly empty4 ,there were low shelves1 on which was ranged all the family plate which ,mr4 ,gritton had inherited from his father1 silver candlesticks1 salvers1 and tureens1 with curious old coins in cases1 all looking dull and tarnished4 ,there were also yellow canvas bags ranged in order4 ,lottie put down her candle1 and1 by a strong impulse of curiosity1 raised one3 it was very heavy in proportion to its size2 she loosened the string round the mouth and glanced in--it was full of golden sovereigns6 ,the black eyes of ,lottie dilated--she could scarcely breathe--the hand which held the canvas bag trembled4 ,the foolish young daughter of ,eve had by her indiscreet curiosity put herself into a position of sore temptation1 she had given the ,enemy an advantage2 he who had dared to breathe his deadly whisper in ,eden1 was present to tempt in that dark deep vault4 8,what a world of wealth is buried here1 wealth useless to its owner1 useless to all the world6 ,a few yellow pieces from one of those canvas bags would never be missed1 while they would bring help to a long-lost father1 bring him back to his home1 fill the heart of a mother with delight40 ,nay1 even the impious suggestion followed3 8,this discovery has not been made by chance4 ,providence has guided you here to give you the means of helping your parents in the time of their greatest need40 ,well was it then for the tempted girl that prayer had become so habitual that she intuitively turned to her ,god for guidance1 as a child might turn to a parent4 ,then her pastor's words recurred to her memory1 8,let us especially beware that we use no means that are not sanctified by ,god's blessing40 ,it was ,lottie's duty1 indeed1 to make every effort for her parents1 but ,god's work must be only done in ,god's way4 ,his blessing could not rest on ill-gotten gold1 and without that blessing what could come but misery and shame8 ,lottie's faith was in trial2 she was called on to abstain from following the only course by which it seemed possible for her to rescue her father4 ,it was not by low covetousness1 but by the strong warm affections of the heart that the ,tempter was seeking to draw the simple child into guilt4 ,it was a short1 a painful struggle1 and then faith rose victorious4 8,oh1 no6 how can ,i do this thing1 and sin against ,god60 exclaimed ,lottie aloud1 and not trusting herself to look again at the bags of treasure1 she turned suddenly round--and confronted her master6 ,lottie started violently at the unexpected meeting with ,gaspar2 she then stood as if spell-bound1 with her black eyes rivetted on his2 she seemed to have no power to withdraw them1 no power to utter another word4 ,the sight of ,mr4 ,gritton's sallow1 shrunken countenance1 looking to her corpse-like in that dimly-lighted vault1 exercised on the girl a kind of fascination1 such as that which is attributed to the serpent's gaze4 ,illustration3 ,,an ,,unexpected ,,meeting4 ,gaspar had been roused from sleep by the sounds made by ,lottie in the search for the gilded weight4 ,he never enjoyed the deep refreshing slumber of a mind at rest2 the miser was haunted by the fears that are natural to one whose treasure is on earth1 where thieves may break through and steal4 ,alarmed by the noise which he heard at an hour so unusually early1 ,gaspar had risen and partially dressed1 his anxiety being increased by the recollection that he had forgotten to lock the door of the inner vault when last he had visited it1 as he frequently did1 in the night-time4 ,it was an infirmity of ,gaspar1 perhaps originating in the shock caused to him by the loss of the ,orissa1 to feel that his money was never so safe as when immediately under his eye2 it was a satisfaction to the slave of ,mammon to sleep over his buried treasure4 ,mr4 ,gritton was1 however1 nervously sensitive to the danger of keeping large sums of money in an unguarded dwelling1 especially in such a lawless neighbourhood as that of ,wildwaste4 ,he must hide from all the knowledge of the existence of hoards which would tempt the burglar4 ,with this view ,gaspar had caused vaults to be constructed with a special view to concealment3 no one in ,wildwaste knew of their existence4 ,mr4 ,gritton did what he could to appear before men as a gentleman of very narrow means2 and though he had not succeeded in this1 he had until now perfectly preserved the secret of a treasure kept under his house4 ,it was with annoyance and alarm that ,gaspar now found his secret discovered4 ,he could not doubt the honesty of ,lottie1 whose words he had just overheard2 he was relieved to find that his vault had been entered by no more formidable intruder2 but he anxiously revolved the means of preventing the discovery from spreading further1 and stood sternly regarding the trembling girl for what appeared to her a fearfully long time4 8,you have taken nothing80 he asked at length2 to ,lottie his voice sounded hollow and terrible1 breaking the painful silence4 8,oh1 no1 sir--you can search me--,i never thought--20 the girl checked herself in the midst of her sentence--8no1 ,i mustn't say that1 for ,i was tempted2 but it was for my father40 8,i never heard that you had a father living10 said ,gaspar4 8,he is living1 and in great distress1 at ,southampton40 8,hear me1 girl10 said the master sternly4 8,i believe--,i know that you are honest1 but ,i have no means of knowing that you are discreet2 after what has happened ,i cannot suffer you to stay for one hour longer in this house40 ,seeing that ,lottie looked aghast at this summary dismissal1 ,gaspar added more gently1 8,i am going to exact from you a most solemn promise that you will never utter to any being a word of what you have seen this day1 or of the cause of your being thus hastily dismissed from my service40 8,i must tell my mother10 faltered ,lottie1 8or she will think that ,i have done something wrong2 ,i never hide nothing from her40 8,you must not tell your mother1 nor your lady1 nor any one10 said ,gaspar4 8,i will make it worth your while to keep silence40 8,i don't think that ,i could keep it10 said poor ,lottie4 ,mr4 ,gritton laid his hand on one of the canvas bags1 unloosed it1 and took out five pieces of gold4 8,see here1 ,lottie ,stone10 he said sternly2 8if you will not make a solemn promise to tell no one1 ,i will at once give you up to justice as a person found lurking1 at a strange hour and under suspicious circumstances1 in a place where treasure is kept40 ,he marked that ,lottie's rosy cheek blanched at the threat1 and went on1 8,if you will pledge yourself to the strictest secrecy1 you shall take home these five golden sovereigns2 and if in the course of a year ,i find that nothing has transpired either of the cause of your leaving1 or of the existence of these vaults1 ,i will give you five sovereigns more40 ,a flash of joy beamed on the countenance of ,lottie4 ,so intense was her desire to possess the very sum which her master offered to place in her hands1 that to obtain it she would have been ready to sacrifice anything but her conscience4 8,o sir60 she exclaimed1 8,i will--,i do promise4 ,i will never say one word about this place1 or what ,i have seen1 or why you send me away--,i will rather die than speak60 8,you promise before ,god80 said ,gaspar solemnly1 before he placed the money in the hand of the excited girl4 8,i do1 ,i do60 exclaimed ,lottie1 and her fingers closed over the gold4 ,she felt that she had saved her father4 8,now go up1 pack your bundle1 and be off10 said ,gaspar2 8and never set foot in ,wildwaste again2 and remember that guilt lies on your soul if you keep not your promise to the letter40 8,may ,i not stay till ,i can bid good-bye to dear ,miss ,isa80 pleaded ,lottie4 8,you may not stay an hour2 ,i do not choose that you should see her2 take your money and your clothes and be gone4 ,leave the candle2 ,i will stay behind to make sure that all is right--and to lock the door10 added ,gritton1 under his breath2 8,i will not neglect that precaution again40 ,lottie1 tightly grasping her dearly-won treasure1 mounted the ladder1 and re-entered the study through the trap-door4 ,she hastily replaced the little weight on its gilded stand1 and then ran upstairs to make her brief preparations for quitting ,wildwaste for ever4 ,lottie soon put up her bundle1 for her earthly possessions were few1 and with it in her hand descended the staircase4 ,tears gushed from her eyes as she reached the door of ,isa's chamber2 ,lottie could not help lingering there for a minute to breathe a prayer for the young mistress so dearly beloved4 8,oh6 shall ,i never serve her again1 never listen to her sweet kind voice1 never comb out her long soft hair6 ,what will she say of me1 what will she think of me--will she not call me the most ungrateful girl in the world80 ,lottie's heart swelled at the idea1 and it was with a low stifled sob that she turned away from the door4 ,she found her master in the hall1 himself unfastening the bolts of the outer door4 ,mr4 ,gritton was impatient to have the girl out of the house1 and beyond the temptation of communicating with any one in the hamlet4 8,your father is in ,southampton--you had better join him there10 observed ,gaspar4 8,remember your solemn promise of silence made in the sight of ,heaven40 ,lottie turned as she crossed the threshold1 8,o sir--pray--at least--let my dear mistress know that--0 ,gaspar would not listen1 he closed the door in her face1 and ,lottie found herself alone with her bundle and her gold in the chill crisp air of early morning4 ,a dim line of red in the east showed where the sun would shortly rise1 but as ,lottie hastened through the hamlet there was not the sound of a human voice to break the stillness2 ,wildwaste was still asleep2 in the great manufactory the busy hum of labour had not yet begun4 ,but on the common1 where the night dews lay heavy on fern and furze-bush1 the lark1 an early riser1 was already mounting on quivering wing1 and pouring out his song of joy to greet the advancing morn4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xiv4 ,,suspicions4 ,lottie had proceeded more than half of her way to ,axe before her mind could realize her strange position1 and the difficulties in which it must involve her4 ,her first thought had been of her father1 her next of her young mistress2 but every step that ,lottie now took seemed to open to her a new complication of troubles4 ,she had lost her place1 and how could she expect to find a new one while she was utterly unable to explain why she had so suddenly left the last8 ,what should she say to ,mr4 ,eardley1 who had taken such fatherly care to provide for her welfare8 ,poor ,lottie became so utterly perplexed by her troubles1 her first secret weighed on her frank honest nature as such an intolerable chain1 that she could hardly think of physical weariness or discomfort1 though the distance to ,axe was long to be traversed by a fasting girl2 and ere ,lottie came in sight of the quaint little town1 a shower which wet her clothes through and through4 ,the world was beginning to show signs of being astir as ,lottie entered the ,high ,street of ,axe2 tradesmen's boys were taking down their shutters1 the milkmaid was passing with her pails2 the rain had ceased1 and the clear morning sun was gleaming on the windows of the houses4 8,why1 ,lottie ,stone1 what ever brings you here at this 'ere hour of the day80 exclaimed ,mrs4 ,green1 the cobbler's stout wife1 over whose little shop ,deborah had her lodging4 ,lottie muttered something1 she knew not what1 as she hurried through the shop4 ,she ran up the steep dark staircase1 and entered the room of her mother1 whom she found in bonnet and shawl1 with an old carpet-bag in her hand1 as if about to set out on a journey4 ,deborah started at the unexpected entrance of her daughter1 all wet with the rain1 and flushed with excitement and the fatigue of a long1 weary walk4 8,o mother1 here1 here's for father60 exclaimed ,lottie1 eagerly holding out the five sovereigns which ,mr4 ,gritton had given her4 8,it is from ,god60 cried ,deborah2 8,he has sent it--praise be to ,his goodness6 ,lottie1 ,i've scarce a minute to tell you of it1 for ,i must be off to catch the train1 but ,i'm a-going to ,southampton myself40 8,to ,southampton60 echoed ,lottie in surprise4 8,yes2 there was another letter yesterday1 not from my poor ,abner1 but from his landlord3 your father's worse again--very ill2 ,i've been a-borrowing1 and begging1 and scraping1 and ,i've just got money enough for the journey2 but these here five pounds have come as a blessing from ,heaven6 ,mrs4 ,green has promised to do the ironing1 and to tidy up things while ,i'm away--0 8,she need do nothing2 ,i'm here1 ,i've left my place10 said ,lottie4 8,left your place60 exclaimed ,deborah1 dropping on the table the five gold pieces which her daughter had brought4 8,left your place60 repeated ,mrs4 ,green1 who had followed ,lottie up the stairs1 and who now turned a very inquisitive look on the money which had so unexpectedly and unaccountably been added to her neighbour's little store4 ,mrs4 ,stone had no time for questioning1 though ,lottie's few words had laid a fresh burden of care on her grief-worn spirit4 ,on ,mrs4 ,green's informing her that 8she'd better be off sharp1 or she'd miss the train10 ,deborah caught up her money and her carpet-bag1 bade a hurried good-bye to her daughter and her son1 and hastened off to the station4 ,mrs4 ,green remained in the little room1 determined1 as she said to herself1 8to get to the bottom of the business40 8,i say1 ,lottie10 she observed to the weary girl1 who was taking off her wet bonnet and cloak1 8was it you as brought them 'ere sovereigns to your mother80 8,yes10 said the unsuspicious ,lottie1 wishing heartily that the stout landlady would go and leave her to rest and collect her thoughts4 8,you've hardly earned 'em yet as wages1 ,i take it40 ,the shrewd1 sharp1 questioning look of the woman put the young girl on her guard4 8,how did you manage to get them1 eh80 pursued ,mrs4 ,green1 peering into the face of ,lottie with an expression of suspicion which covered that face in a moment with a scarlet flush of indignation4 8,i can't tell you--what is it to you8--,i got them honestly1 you may be sure of that10 stammered forth ,lottie1 as she pushed back the black hair from her heated cheeks4 8,did your master give 'em to you8 he's not the kind of man for that sort of thing1 or the world does him injustice40 8,mrs4 ,green1 would you be so kind as to leave us for a little10 said ,lottie desperately2 8,i am very1 very1 very tired1 and--20 she knew not how to finish her sentence4 ,the cobbler's wife did not seem in the least inclined to go4 ,she shook her head gravely1 looked hard at the girl1 and then shook her head again4 8,better be open at once1 ,lottie ,stone1 you know ,i'm your friend2 ,i know all about your father1 poor man6 ,if you've been a bit tempted1 and--0 ,illustration3 ,,lottie ,,and ,,mrs4 ,,green4 8,the money is honestly mine--every penny of it--how dare you say such things80 exclaimed the indignant girl4 8,well1 then1 you've only to tell the simple truth how you came by it2 there's nothing to flare up about10 said ,mrs4 ,green1 putting her stout arms akimbo4 8,i'm not going to tell nothing2 ,i want to be left quiet10 cried ,lottie1 who felt much inclined to burst into a passion of tears2 while her simple brother looked on in surprise1 rubbing his shock of hair1 as he was wont to do when perplexed4 ,a third time ,mrs4 ,green shook her head2 solemnly1 ominously she shook it4 8,well10 she muttered1 8if girls will behave like that1 after all the schooling1 and praying1 and preaching1 and--20 the rest of the observation was unheard by the ,stones1 as their landlady had left the room as she uttered it1 slamming the door behind her4 ,lottie knew by her manner that the cobbler's wife was offended2 and was convinced that within an hour the story of the five sovereigns would be spread all over ,axe1 as was already that of ,abner's arrival at ,southampton1 ,deborah1 in her efforts to procure money for her journey1 having found it impossible to obey her husband's injunction of secrecy4 8,lottie1 how did you get all that money80 asked her brother1 as soon as ,mrs4 ,green's heavy clumping step was heard descending the stair4 8,oh1 don't you be a-worritting me too1 ,steady60 exclaimed ,lottie1 calling the lad by a name which ,arthur ,madden had given to him in the class1 and which had clung to him1 from its appropriateness1 till it had almost superseded his own4 ,steady was not wont to 8worrit0 any one1 and least of all the sister to whose brighter intelligence he had habitually looked up through his clouded boyhood1 and whom he heartily loved4 ,he was easily silenced1 but not easily relieved4 ,he sat down by the casement to his usual occupation of cutting pegs1 but ever and anon a heavy sigh came from the poor youth's breast4 8,you're troubled about father80 asked ,lottie1 who was laying out the rough-dried linen which she was about to iron for her mother4 8,i warn't a-thinking of father1 but of that money10 replied the lad1 in his slow1 measured drawl3 he had difficulty in putting even the most simple thought into words4 8,steady1 surely you know me1 you can trust me60 cried ,lottie1 with a swelling heart4 8,i does trust you10 said the lad emphatically1 8but other folk won't20 and with another sigh he relapsed into silence4 ,very sadly ,lottie pursued her occupation of ironing4 8,oh10 thought she1 8,i wish that ,i could smooth away all these difficulties1 as ,i press down the creases out of this linen6 ,father ill--,mr4 ,arthur dying--mother away--and then this dreadful1 dreadful promise6 ,oh1 that ,i never had made it60 8,here's ,mr4 ,eardley a-coming10 said young ,stone1 looking out of the window4 ,for the first time the sound of her pastor's name was unwelcome to ,lottie1 for the first time in her life she dreaded an interview with the clergyman4 ,what could she say to him1 how explain to him what must appear so mysterious and strange8 ,mr4 ,eardley crossed the road1 and did not1 as ,lottie earnestly hoped1 pass the door of the cobbler's shop4 ,she heard his foot on the stair1 his tap at the door of the room4 ,lottie laid down her iron1 courtesied on the entrance of the clergyman1 and remained with her eyes fixed on the ground1 her fingers nervously twitching the linen which lay on the table beside her4 ,she was not sufficiently collected to think of offering her pastor a chair4 8,lottie1 ,i am sorry to hear that you have left your place10 said ,mr4 ,eardley4 8,you seemed to be so happy and contented when ,i spoke to you last ,sunday1 that ,i hoped that you would remain for many years at the ,lodge1 and become in time a valuable servant40 ,mr4 ,eardley's address was fatherly and kind1 but ,lottie's only reply was in the big tears which rolled slowly down her flushed cheeks4 8,come1 my child1 speak frankly to one who has your true welfare at heart4 ,did you displease your lady8 or had you some little difference with your fellow-servant80 ,mr4 ,eardley paused for an answer1 but no answer came4 8,o ,lottie1 speak out60 cried her brother1 who had a child-like faith in the wisdom as well as the kindness of their pastor4 ,mr4 ,eardley was both perplexed and distressed by the strange reserve shown by one whose disposition he had hitherto found clear as daylight4 ,he had heard in an exaggerated form the story of the money which ,lottie had brought from ,wildwaste1 and very painful suspicions began to arise in his mind4 ,yet the clergyman shrank at first from saying a word that might appear like a charge of dishonesty against one whose character had hitherto been without a stain4 8,what did your lady say to your leaving her80 8,nothing10 was trembling upon the lips of the girl1 but ,lottie pressed them together1 and kept silent4 ,she was aware that if by answering questions she were led into telling anything1 she would gradually be drawn into telling all2 it was only by preserving silence that she could possibly preserve the secret which she had solemnly promised to keep4 8,lottie1 why don't you speak80 cried ,steady in real distress4 8,miss ,gritton appears to be so gentle and kind10 pursued the clergyman4 8,she's an angel6 ,i'd die for her60 interrupted ,lottie1 fairly breaking down1 and bursting into a fit of loud sobbing4 8,do you not think that1 if you have displeased her1 she might be persuaded to overlook a fault1 and take you back80 suggested ,mr4 ,eardley1 glad that at least the girl's obstinate silence was broken4 8,i can't go back60 sobbed ,lottie4 8,and wherefore not80 inquired ,mr4 ,eardley4 8,lottie1 do1 do speak10 pleaded her brother4 ,the poor girl was in bitter distress4 ,a false idea of honour has led many a duellist to face the fire of an enemy1 but never did the most nervous spirit more shrink from such an ordeal than did that of the little servant-maid from that which she now had to pass through4 ,influenced by the highest sense of honour--conscientious respect for a promise--,lottie stood the mark of questions1 each of which seemed to strike her in the tenderest part4 ,she had more than filial reverence for her pastor3 to stand well in his favour1 to do credit to his care1 had been one of the highest objects of her ambition2 to grieve1 displease1 disappoint him1 was misery to which she could hardly have believed it possible that she should ever be exposed4 ,mr4 ,eardley1 on his part1 found the interview very painful4 ,he had regarded ,lottie ,stone as one of the most promising girls under his pastoral charge2 she was so simple-minded1 affectionate1 and pious2 he could have trusted her with money uncounted2 were she to prove ungrateful and unworthy1 in whom could he henceforth trust8 ,the clergyman was very patient and tender1 but he was also very faithful4 ,for more than an hour he stood in that little room1 plying the silent1 miserable girl with questions that put her to the torture1 appealing to her reason1 her affections1 her conscience2 exhorting1 reproving1 entreating--doing all that lay in his power to overcome her inexplicable reserve4 ,mr ,eardley saw that ,lottie's character1 that most precious of earthly possessions1 was at stake2 that if she continued silent1 a merciless world would believe the worst4 ,he explained this again and again2 and ,lottie1 in anguish of soul1 felt how true was every word which he uttered4 ,and yet1 had she not promised before ,god8 was it not better to endure suspicions than to incur sin8 ,not all the efforts of her pastor1 backed by the entreaties of her simple-hearted brother1 could force the poor girl from the position to which conscience had fastened her1 like a baited creature fixed to the stake4 ,at length1 disappointed and disheartened1 ,mr4 ,eardley took his leave1 promising1 however1 soon to return4 ,lottie wrung her hands in silent misery as she heard the door close behind him4 8,there10 she thought1 8goes the kindest1 most generous of friends1 wearied out at last1 and thinking me an ungrateful and wicked girl4 ,oh1 ,i could have borne anything better than this60 ,lottie was not to have even a breathing-space of relief4 ,not five minutes after the departure of ,mr4 ,eardley1 the baronet's carriage drove up to the door of the cobbler's shop1 with ,isa and her cousin within4 ,its approach was announced to ,lottie by her brother's exclamation1 8,here comes your mistress a-looking arter ye now60 8,i think all this will drive me mad60 cried ,lottie1 pressing both her hands to her burning temples4 ,isa had been much surprised1 and even alarmed1 on being informed by ,hannah at an early hour that morning that 8that there girl ,lottie0 had 8run away without saying a word to nobody2 taken her bundle1 and gone clean off40 ,isa could in no way account for the sudden departure of her young servant1 except by imagining that she had taken offence at something1 and that perhaps something wild and gipsy-like in her nature corresponded with her somewhat gipsy-like appearance4 8,to go without saying a word to me1 kind and indulgent as ,i ever have been1 seems so strange1 so ungrateful10 observed ,isa to her brother1 when she mentioned to him at breakfast a fact of which he had had much earlier notice than herself4 8,no accounting for the vagaries of a raw1 untutored village rustic10 observed ,gaspar1 applying to his snuff-box2 and he was ungenerous enough to add1 in order to cover his own confusion1 8,you had better count up the spoons40 8,i could answer for ,lottie's honesty10 said ,isa4 ,so could ,gaspar ,gritton1 for he had seen it put to the proof2 he had seen the 8raw1 untutored village rustic0 withstand a temptation under which he1 an educated man1 calling himself a gentleman1 had basely succumbed4 ,but ,gaspar felt himself placed in a position of difficulty4 ,he would probably have at once told his sister all the circumstances connected with ,lottie's dismissal1 had it not been for ,isa's having spoken to him on the subject of the ,orissa4 ,gaspar shrank from avowing to one who1 as he knew1 suspected his honesty1 that he actually had a large sum of money concealed in a vault4 8,what could have induced the girl to take such a step80 said ,isa1 following the current of her own thoughts4 8,hannah is as much in the dark as ourselves40 8,really10 observed ,gaspar peevishly1 8the subject is not worth the trouble of considering4 ,such an insignificant cipher may go1 or stay1 or hang herself2 it matters not the turn of a straw to us40 ,a feeling of indignation swelled the heart of ,isa1 and it cost her an effort to give it no outward expression4 ,isa was not one of those who regard the humbler members of a household as mere pieces of furniture1 to be discarded when faulty1 or neglected when worn out1 without a thought or a care4 ,she looked upon them as fellow-,christians and fellow-immortals1 over whom the position of master or mistress gives an influence for which an account must one day be rendered4 ,added to this1 ,lottie's simplicity1 warmth of heart1 and the knowledge of her early trials1 had engaged in her behalf the kindly interest of her young mistress4 ,isa's anxiety on account of her run-away servant was not only a matter of conscience1 but a matter of feeling also4 ,after some minutes of silence1 ,isa exclaimed1 as if she had suddenly found a clue for which she had been searching1 8,it must have been your words to her yesterday evening40 8,what words do you mean80 asked ,gaspar4 8,you said that she must have been drinking4 ,such a sentence1 though lightly spoken1 would wound her deeply1 for she would think it an allusion to the well-known vice of her father1 whom1 poor child1 she loves so dearly40 8,really10 observed ,mr4 ,gritton1 with a short1 harsh laugh1 8we must be careful now-a-days where we blow thistle-down1 lest it should wound some sensitive maid-of-all-work60 ,he was not sorry that ,isa should suggest some cause for ,lottie's sudden flight that was remote from the real one4 8,i cannot rest till ,i know all1 and have seen the poor girl10 thought ,isa2 8,i will go over to the ,castle at once1 and ask ,edith to take me in the carriage to ,axe40 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xv4 ,,evil ,,tongues4 8,i will not go in with you1 ,isa dear10 said ,edith1 as the carriage approached the little country town4 8,lottie will speak to you more freely if no one is by4 ,i hope that we shall be able to carry back with us to ,wildwaste your runaway little gipsy maid40 8,i am sure that we shall10 replied ,isa4 8,lottie is an affectionate girl1 and loves me4 ,i must chide her a little1 but gently2 she is one with whom a short reproof will go a long way40 8,and all your scourges are made of feathers1 like those in the fairy-tale10 said ,edith with a smile1 as the carriage rolled up to the door of ,mrs4 ,green's shop4 ,courteously declining the guidance of the cobbler's stout wife1 ,isa lightly ascended the stair to the lodging above4 ,she entertained not the slightest doubt of succeeding in bringing back her truant2 her only subject of consideration was how far reproof should be blended with kindness4 ,lottie's strange conduct had given her mistress just cause of offence2 it must not be overlooked1 though in ,isa's heart it was already forgiven4 ,the lady tapped at the door1 and entered the room where ,lottie stood trembling4 ,her face was buried in her hands2 but ,isa could see the red burning flush on her neck4 ,the girl's attitude was so expressive of humiliation and grief1 that her gentle mistress forgot at once all her intended rebuke4 8,my poor ,lottie1 what has happened80 ,there was nothing but kindness and sympathy in the voice which uttered the question4 ,the tears trickled through ,lottie's brown fingers2 but she did not remove her hands or raise her head4 8,what has happened80 repeated ,isa1 addressing herself to the lad1 who had risen from his seat on the entrance of the lady4 ,steady tugged hard at the button of his jacket2 his nostrils dilated2 he looked first to one side and then to the other1 an image of dull perplexity4 ,he jerked out the answer1 8,she won't tell no one20 and then1 unable to bear another interview like that which had just passed between his sister and ,mr4 ,eardley1 the poor lad shuffled hastily out of the room4 ,isa went up to ,lottie ,stone1 and gently laid her hand on her shoulder4 8,if you have had anything to pain and distress you1 open your heart to me4 ,i am not angry with you1 ,lottie1 though you did wrong to leave the house without giving notice4 ,i am willing to take you back if you tell me frankly the cause of your going40 8,i can't tell10 replied ,lottie in a choking voice4 ,illustration3 ,,miss ,,isa ,,questions ,,lottie4 8,something that was said distressed you1 perhaps4 ,was it what your master spoke about drinking1 when you threw down the weights last evening80 ,isa's question suddenly opened for the young maid a little door of escape4 ,the lady had found out a cause for ,lottie's strange conduct when she herself could give none4 ,would there be any harm in leaving ,miss ,gritton to think1 and to lead others to think1 that the whole strange affair had arisen from a burst of passionate feeling1 caused by an accusation which had been both unjust and cruel8 ,a disingenuous girl would have gladly availed herself of the lady's mistaken view1 and have left her to form her own conclusions from it4 ,but ,lottie had the straightforward simplicity of one in whose spirit there is no guile4 ,she shook her head on ,isa's repeating her question1 and her mistress remained more perplexed than ever4 ,isa felt1 as ,mr4 ,eardley had felt1 surprised1 discouraged1 and at length a little displeased4 ,lottie would neither apologize1 nor explain1 nor consent to go back to her place4 ,no sentence could be wrung from her lips but a repetition of 8,i can't tell10 8,i can never go back20 and yet her manner expressed fervent1 grateful affection towards her young mistress4 ,isa was convinced that the girl's obstinate reserve was not that of indifference or of pride4 8,lottie1 you quite grieve me10 said ,isa at length1 as she turned to depart1 lingering at the open door with her fingers on the handle1 to give the girl an opportunity of calling her back4 ,lottie clutched her own black hair with both her hands1 and tore it1 as if physical pain could relieve the anguish of her heart4 ,she turned suddenly away to the window1 to escape as far as she could from the presence of her lady4 ,edith1 waiting in the carriage below1 chanced to glance up at the moment1 and caught sight of a young face clouded with an expression of such misery as she had never seen on a countenance before4 ,in the meantime1 ,mr4 ,eardley1 having resolved1 if possible1 to clear up the mystery1 and at least ascertain whether poor ,lottie were not unjustly accused of dishonesty1 walked over to ,wildwaste ,lodge4 ,he was much disappointed at not finding ,miss ,gritton at home1 but asked for an interview with her brother4 8,master ain't very well1 he don't see visitors10 said ,hannah1 who1 grumbling at being left to do all the work of the house1 had come out from the kitchen smoothing her soiled apron and pulling down her tucked-up sleeves4 8,i have walked from ,axe1 being anxious to speak on a matter of some importance10 said the heated and weary clergyman4 8,pray1 ask ,mr4 ,gritton to have the kindness to see me but for five minutes40 ,ushered into the study1 ,mr4 ,eardley almost immediately entered on the object of his visit4 ,gaspar was embarrassed2 he had not contemplated the difficulties which must arise from ,lottie's faithful adherence to her promise4 8,really1 sir1 ,i can't be answerable for--,i can't be expected to know anything about the doings of a girl like ,lottie40 ,gaspar took a large pinch of snuff to cover his embarrassment4 8,but what ,i am most anxious to ascertain is this3 has anything been missed here1 is there the slightest cause to suspect the young girl of dishonesty80 ,gaspar could not meet the gaze of the clear eyes that were fixed upon him4 8,no2 she's no thief2 she's awkward1 ignorant1 but honest--yes1 perfectly honest40 ,the words were spoken as if with effort1 and again ,gaspar had recourse to his snuff-box4 8,that is a great relief to me2 that is what ,i wanted to ascertain4 ,i thank you1 ,mr4 ,gritton10 said the clergyman1 rising2 8,i need not longer intrude on your time40 ,as ,mr4 ,eardley was about to depart1 ,isa returned from her fruitless expedition to ,axe4 ,to her the presence of the vicar was ever welcome1 and more than usually so at the present moment4 ,she eagerly related to him all that had happened1 as far as her knowledge extended1 emphatically confirming ,gaspar's testimony as to the perfect honesty of poor ,lottie4 ,the interview did not last as long as either ,henry ,eardley or ,isa would have wished1 as ,hannah came clattering in with the tray to prepare for early dinner4 ,it would have been an act of common courtesy to have asked the weary minister to stop and partake of the meal4 ,isa glanced at her brother1 without whose assent she dared not give the invitation which was upon her lips1 but ,gaspar did not choose to understand the look2 hospitality was foreign to his nature1 and to his sister's mortification he suffered the tired guest to depart unrefreshed4 ,henry ,eardley left the ,lodge with a joyous feeling of a more complicated nature than would have arisen only from satisfaction at having been relieved of painful doubts in regard to a member of his flock4 ,his thoughts were by no means absorbed by the case of ,lottie1 though he went out of his way to let it be known in the cottage of ,holdich1 and in various dwellings in ,axe1 that the young maid had not been dismissed for any fault1 and that she had taken nothing with her that was not honestly her own4 ,mr4 ,eardley did what he could to clear the character of ,lottie from the imputation resting upon it2 but it is as easy to force back an overflowing river into its usual channel as to stay the flood of calumny when once it has spread far and wide4 ,the vicar could not throw light on the mystery of ,lottie's hasty flight from ,wildwaste1 or her possession of a considerable sum of money for which she would not account4 8,folk may talk till they're black in the face10 said ,mrs4 ,green to her neighbour the baker1 8but they can't talk away them five bright sovereigns as ,i seed with these eyes4 ,girls can't make gold pieces out of old tea-leaves2 and if any one gave 'em to her1 why don't she say so at once80 ,young ,stone returned to his lodging that evening with a black eye and a great swelling on his brow4 8,o ,steady1 you have had one of your falls60 exclaimed ,lottie1 with affectionate sympathy4 ,the lad's face was working with suppressed emotion4 ,he sat down heavily1 and passed his hand through his mass of shaggy light hair before he replied in his slow1 peculiar drawl1-- 8,bat ,maule says--says he--you took fifteen pounds from your master's desk1 and he was a-goin' to send you to jail1 only ,miss ,isa begged and prayed1 and so he let you off40 ,it was a long speech for the lad to utter2 his drawled-out words fell on ,lottie's ear like the drip1 drip of water1 which is said at length to produce madness in the victim on whose head it descends4 8,and what did you say80 exclaimed the miserable ,lottie1 starting up from her seat4 8,i didn't say nothing1 ,i knocked him down10 replied ,steady2 8but he did the like by me40 ,the lad pressed his rag of a handkerchief against his bruised and swollen forehead--the stain of blood was upon it4 8,hurt for me60 moaned ,lottie1 whose courage was beginning to give way under her complicated trials4 8,i wish you'd clear up about that money10 her brother went on1 8'cause ,i can't knock down all them folk as talk1 and ,i can't stand hearing 'em call you a thief40 ,lottie went up to the lad1 threw her arms round his neck1 and sobbed on his shoulder4 8,don't take on so--don't take on so10 said poor weak-witted ,steady1 almost beginning himself to cry in his rough sympathy with his sister4 8,i trust you1 ,lottie1 you ain't no thief2 but why--why won't you clear up80 ,and still that painful silence had to be maintained1 that cruel promise had to be kept4 ,a hundred times was ,lottie on the point of breaking it1 but simple faith kept her firm in temptation4 ,to break her word would be to disobey her ,lord2 it was better to suffer than to sin4 8,but oh60 thought ,lottie1 8it's a blessing that mother is away2 how could ,i have kept any secret from her60 ,poor ,steady's rude championship of his sister had been worse than useless2 it only1 as was the case with any violent excitement1 brought on one of his sudden attacks1 which1 though very brief in duration1 were always distressing1 and very painful to witness4 ,sleep1 however1 soon removed from the afflicted lad all consciousness of earthly trouble2 but for ,lottie there was no rest throughout all the night4 ,she heard the church-clock strike every hour as she lay on her pallet-bed1 almost too wretched even for tears4 8,but oh10 thought the poor girl1 8it's such a comfort that there is ,one who knows all2 ,he knows that ,i did no wrong1 except--except in letting curiosity lead me on1 and touching that bag of gold1 and thinking those wicked1 covetous thoughts4 ,but ,he has forgiven me--,i feel that ,he has1 though ,he lets me suffer for my folly4 ,it seems as if all my friends and my comforts were being a-taken from me together4 ,mother away--father ill--,mr4 ,eardley and my dear lady vexed and displeased--all my neighbours turning against me--even poor ,steady scarcely knowing what to think of me1 though he will never desert me4 ,it is just as ,mr4 ,eardley said in his lecture1 all my blossoms are falling from the tree40 ,the idea linked itself on to others connected with ,gideon when his faith was in trial1 when1 just before the struggle with the foe1 he was constrained to deprive himself of the help of those on whose support he had counted4 8,it must have seemed strange and hard to him10 mused ,lottie1 8to have had the greater part of his friends sent from him1 with all these fierce enemies gathering in front4 ,now it seems as if my ,midianites were getting stronger than ever1 and ,i more helpless against them4 ,there's dreadful ,disappointment1 and worse than ,discontent1 and ,i seem at ,dissension with all my neighbours1 though ,i never willingly did them wrong2 and as for ,distrust1 'tis just crushing me down1 for ,i can't see any way out of my troubles1 and it looks as if the ,lord had forsaken me4 ,and now those of whom ,i would have said1 #8,they will always comfort and care for me and trust me1' are those who cause me most grief and pain4 ,they are still good1 patient1 and kind2 yet ,i have1 as it were1 to send them from me1 and struggle with temptation alone4 ,but ,god gave victory to ,gideon in a way that man would not have thought of4 ,it was not to make him really weaker that he was deprived of his friends2 ,i suppose that it was to make him rest more entirely on ,god4 ,perhaps that is why a poor child like me is left so desolate now4 ,i look to this side1 and to that side1 and no one seems able to help me2 and then1 when there's hope nowhere else1 ,i look up straight to my ,god4 ,i should like to hear more of what happened to ,gideon4 ,i think that ,i could walk to ,mrs4 ,holdich's cottage on ,friday with ,steady1 who goes whenever he can4 ,it would be dreadful1 indeed1 to face all the people2 do they not look upon me as a thief6 ,and yet10 said the poor girl1 half aloud1 raising herself on her elbow1 as the first morning ray glimmered through her casement1 8,i should like to show to all that ,i am not ashamed1 that ,i dare show my face before my accusers4 ,i should like ,mr4 ,eardley to see that ,i prize his holy words--for1 oh6 ,i need them--,i need the comfort and strength which only religion can give4 ,it would be a pleasure1 too1 to look on the face of my sweet young mistress2 ,i would not speak to her--oh1 no--but ,i do so long to see her2 and ,i would quietly slip away as soon as the prayer was done40 ,the resolution thus taken seemed to calm the mind of ,lottie1 or perhaps ,nature at last was claiming her rights1 and sorrow of mind gave way to overpowering weariness of body4 ,deeply and peacefully the young girl slept1 with her hands folded as if in prayer4 ,lottie rose with a brave spirit1 though a heavy heart2 she was resolved to seek comfort in a clear conscience toward man and a humble confidence in her ,god1 however painful might be the struggle before her4 ,lottie did not sit down in idle sorrow1 though she shrank from quitting her lodging2 for wherever she went she would have to encounter suspicious looks and cruel taunts4 ,the young maid read her chapter1 and said her prayers with her brother1 and after giving him his simple breakfast1 set resolutely to work to prepare1 as she said1 for her parents' return4 ,the room was thoroughly washed and scrubbed--even the window-panes cleaned2 and when the little place had been made the picture of neatness1 ,lottie turned to mending her brother's garments1 in which many a darn and many a patch showed the skill of her busy fingers4 ,the most trying event of the day to ,lottie was a second long interview with her pastor2 but she again resisted the almost overpowering temptation to pour out her whole heart to him1 and to tell him all that had happened4 ,it was a satisfaction to find that ,mr4 ,eardley had no suspicion of her honesty1 notwithstanding the mystery regarding the money2 and that ,miss ,gritton had never doubted that honesty for a moment4 ,lottie saw that the clergyman was now rather perplexed than displeased by her reserve2 and when1 with her honest eyes looking full into his1 she assured him that if he knew all he would not blame her silence1 it was a relief to the poor child to feel that he had not lost faith in her word4 ,friday brought no tidings from ,southampton4 ,lottie felt keenly 8the sickening pang of hope deferred10 and she had now but little occupation wherewith to fill up the tedious hours4 ,the day passed slowly and wearily1 till it was time to start for the cottage-meeting4 ,glad was ,lottie to leave ,axe1 though only for a space so brief2 the cottage of ,holdich was connected in her mind only with thoughts of holiness and peace1 and she was thankful to be permitted still to kneel as a worshipper there4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xvi4 ,,lecture ,v4--,,faith ,,confirmed4 ,the ,lord is mindful of ,his own1 ,he remembereth ,his people4 ,he may1 indeed1 permit faith to be put to sharp trial1 but ,his love supports ,his servant through it4 ,if1 as in the case of ,gideon1 ,god removeth earthly friends2 if ,he take from us the prop of human aid1 ,he can supply other props1 and even from the enemy's camp4 ,when friends are silent1 encouragement can come from the lips of a foe4 ,a ,balaam1 eager to curse1 has been made an instrument to bless4 ,strong as was the faith of ,gideon1 we cannot wonder if a feeling of misgiving arose in his mind when he looked on the handful of men to which his force had been reduced4 ,how was it possible that they should meet the shock of battle with the multitudes of ,midian8 ,they were brave and resolute men1 they would follow him to the death2 would it not be indeed to the death2 had he not been selecting victims for slaughter rather than warriors for conquest8 ,we must conclude that some such thoughts as these troubled the spirit of ,gideon1 from the very circumstance of ,god's finding it needful thus to strengthen his faith3 8,arise1 get thee down unto the host2 for ,i have delivered it into thine hand10 said the ,lord4 8,but if thou fear to go down1 go thou with ,phurah thy servant down to the host3 and thou shalt hear what they say2 and afterward shall thine hands be strengthened to go down unto the host40 ,it could not have been personal fear that weighed upon the soul of ,gideon2 his anxious care must have been for the safety of others1 for the success of the effort to free his country1 or formidable would have appeared the adventure which he was called to undertake almost alone4 ,but ,gideon appears to have had no hesitation or fear in trusting his own life to ,god's providential care4 ,we picture to ourselves the leader1 with his single attendant1 silently treading the path towards the enemy's camp1 lighted by the glimmering stars in the dark blue midnight sky4 ,how wide spreads the camp of ,amalek and ,midian1 how innumerable seem the dark tents within which are slumbering foes1 8like grasshoppers for multitude10 with their camels tethered around1 8as the sand by the sea-side for multitude60 ,nor are all amongst the host sleeping3 ,gideon hears the sound of voices in converse as he approaches the tents4 ,the man of ,god stands still1 as conscious that what he will hear will be a message from ,god to himself4 ,illustration3 ,,gideon ,,listening4 8,behold1 ,i dreamed a dream10 said one of the ,midianites to his companion1 little guessing on whose ear his words would fall2 8and1 lo1 a cake of barley bread tumbled into the host of ,midian1 and came unto a tent1 and smote it that it fell1 and overturned it1 that the tent lay along4 8,and his fellow answered and said1 ,this is nothing else1 save the sword of ,gideon the son of ,joash1 a man of ,israel3 for into his hand hath ,god delivered ,midian1 and all the host40 ,the message from the ,lord had been given1 and ,gideon required no more4 ,there1 close to the unconscious enemy1 he worshipped2 then returning with renewed faith and hope to the warriors of ,israel1 he cried1 8,arise1 for the ,lord hath delivered into your hand the host of ,midian60 ,brethren1 are we to look for such encouragements now8 ,the age of miracles1 it may be said1 is past2 we must rest upon what has already been revealed1 nor seek for wonders and signs to encourage our feeble faith4 ,yet1 without interrupting the course of nature1 ,god has ,his own way of giving strength to the weak and joy to the sorrowful4 ,an instance of this1 which occurred during the fearful ,indian ,mutiny1 suggests itself to my mind4 ,two ladies and a child were prisoners in the power of the cruel enemy1 who had destroyed the brother of one of them by blowing him from a gun4 ,great must have been the anguish of mind1 the fears of these captive ladies--they were encompassed1 as it were1 by the hosts of ,midian2 could faith endure the fiery trial8 ,the child fell sick1 medicine was asked for1 and the captors gave it wrapped up in a soiled piece of paper4 ,who would have guessed that through the enemy of our name and of our faith would be sent medicine not only for the body but the soul8 ,with wondering joy the ladies discovered that the scrap of paper was a leaf torn from an ,english ,bible1 and containing such a portion of ,scripture as was most exactly suited for their comfort and refreshment4 ,with what emotions must the poor prisoners have received such a message from ,god as this1 conveyed through the enemy's hand3 ,i1 even ,i1 am ,he that comforteth you3 who art thou1 that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die1 and of the son of man which shall be made as grass2 and forgettest the ,lord thy ,maker1 that hath stretched forth the heavens1 and laid the foundations of the earth2 and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor1 as if he were ready to destroy8 and where is the fury of the oppressor8 ,the captive exile hasteneth that he may be loosed1 and that he should not die in the pit1 nor that his bread should fail 7,isa4 li4 #ab-ae74 ,doubtless these captive ,englishwomen received those blessed verses as a promise from ,god1 even as ,gideon did the ,midianite's relation of his dream1 and in their dreary prison bowed their heads and worshipped4 ,the ladies were delivered from the fury of the oppressor2 the captive exiles were loosed2 and surely with them1 as with ,gideon1 would faith be confirmed1 not only for the present time of peril1 but through all the succeeding years of life4 ,when we regard faith1 as we have been doing during this course of brief lectures1 under the emblem of a fruit tree1 we must remember that it is no standard rearing itself aloft in the pride of its strength1 but a plant in itself but feeble1 which must lean on the ,rock of ,ages2 which1 even when its branches are fullest of swelling fruit1 needs the props1 the supports which ,god's grace only can give4 ,without these supports how the branches would lie low on the earth1 their fruit be defiled with its dust6 ,how constantly in the history of ,god's people do we find strong consolation given at the moment when faith is most ready to fail6 ,to ,jacob1 a lonely1 benighted wanderer1 is sent a bright beam of heaven4 ,does he fear to encounter an angry brother8 the angel of the ,lord meets him and blesses4 ,joshua1 ere commencing an arduous campaign1 receives the promise1 ,i will not fail thee1 nor forsake thee4 ,to ,david comes the assurance of his final triumph from the lips of the very enemy engaged in hunting for his life3 ,i know well that thou shalt surely be king1 and that the kingdom of ,israel shall be established in thine hand4 ,but ,i need not multiply instances of which the ,scripture records are so full2 now1 as when ,he dwelt upon earth1 our gracious ,saviour says to the anxious1 afflicted spirit1 ,be not afraid1 only believe2 and to ,his disciples entering on the conflict with sore temptation1 ,let not your hearts be troubled2 ye believe in ,god1 believe also in ,me4 ,rest1 therefore1 ye afflicted servants of ,god1 on the promises made by your heavenly ,master4 ,the night of trouble may be around you1 enemies may be before you1 difficulties may press you from without1 temptation assail you from within2 but this is no proof that ,god has forsaken you4 ,are you looking to ,him1 trusting in ,him2 are you ready1 like ,gideon1 to go forth in ,his strength to fight ,his battle against every besetting sin8 ,then fear not1 for ,he is on your side2 heaviness endureth for a night1 but joy cometh in the morning2 nay1 more1 the ,lord giveth songs in the night1 even before the darkness passeth away the tried one1 like ,gideon1 may worship ,god and rejoice4 ,the believer goes from strength to strength1 even as day by day on the bough the fruit ripens and swells towards perfection4 ,there is a growth in grace1 an increase in love and in submission1 which is visible even to the world4 ,the salvation of the righteous is of the ,lord3 ,he is their strength in the time of trouble4 ,and the ,lord shall help them1 and deliver them3 ,he shall deliver them from the wicked1 and save them1 because they trust in ,him4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xvii4 ,,disclosure4 8,i am certain10 reflected ,isa ,gritton1 as she retired to rest on that night1 8that ,lottie ,stone bears a clear conscience1 whatever her reason for silence may be4 ,how her poor face1 worn and anxious as it looked at first1 brightened when she heard of the support which ,god gives to the faith of ,his people in time of need4 ,i wish that ,i had had an opportunity of speaking to her after the service was ended1 but when ,i rose from my knees and looked for her1 she was gone4 ,i trust her--yes1 ,i will trust her4 ,is there not a certain degree of faith which ,christians should extend one to another1 as it is the property of charity that it thinketh no evil80 ,lottie and her strange conduct had been much on the mind of ,isa1 and when she came to breakfast on the following morning it was with the intention of proposing again to drive over to ,axe for a second interview with her truant little maid4 ,but thoughts of ,lottie were driven away for the time by a subject of closer personal interest4 ,when ,isa entered the breakfast-room a little later than usual1 she found ,gaspar there already1 pacing up and down the apartment with a letter in his hand1 which had come by the early post4 ,he looked restless1 excited1 and angry1 and ,isa saw that no light cause of annoyance disturbed him1 before he broke forth with the angry question1 8,is this your doing1 ,isa2 have ,i to thank you for this80 and thrust into the hand of his sister the note which he had just received4 ,the epistle did not look at all formidable2 it was brief1 written on tinted paper1 and in a lady's handwriting4 ,it was no formal law document1 yet had it been read with much the same emotions as a summons to the bar of justice might have been4 ,with anxiety1 mingled with interest1 ,miss ,gritton read as follows3-- ,,london1 ,may #a4 ,,sir1--,i have just received information which has greatly surprised me1 to the effect that the #djjj which ,i had been led to believe had been invested in property lost in the ,orissa was actually invested in the cargo of the ,st4 ,christopher1 which safely arrived at its destination1 and1 as ,i am given to understand1 realized a profit of fifty per cent4 ,i shall place the affair in the hands of my lawyer unless ,i receive a satisfactory explanation from yourself4 ,as a personal interview is desirable1 ,i shall go immediately to ,axe1 which is1 ,i understand1 in your neighbourhood1 and either appoint an hour for meeting you at the hotel1 or1 as ,i am acquainted with your sister1 call on ,miss ,gritton and see you in her presence4--,i have the honour to be1 c41 ,,cora ,,madden4 8,gaspar1 ,i had nothing to do with this2 ,cora has learned nothing from me10 said ,isa1 as she returned the note to her brother4 ,he looked at her with a keen1 suspicious gaze2 but she met it with that frank1 open glance which carries conviction of truthfulness even to the sceptical mind4 ,gaspar pressed his hand to his brow1 which was furrowed with deep lines of perplexity and care4 8,it must have been through the captain10 he muttered to himself2 8and yet ,i thought--but no matter1 she's on the scent now1 wherever she took it up4 ,isa1 you must stand by me10 nervously added ,mr4 ,gritton2 8you must help me through this difficulty40 8,how can ,i help you8--,i do not fully understand even the nature of the difficulty10 said ,isa4 ,she paused to give her brother an opportunity for explanation1 but he only had recourse to his snuff-box4 ,isa pressed him no further2 she had a painful conviction1 as she looked upon her unhappy brother1 that he was unable to give any explanation which would satisfy her own sense of honour4 ,illustration3 ,,gaspar',s ,,alarm4 ,the state of the case may be briefly laid before the reader4 ,gaspar had already invested largely himself in the cargo of the ,orissa1 when he had received directions in regard to the money of ,miss ,madden4 ,unwilling that her interests should clash with his own1 the ,orissa being the fastest sailer on the line1 and the hope of large profits depending much on being first in the market1 ,gaspar had placed the property of his client in the ,st4 ,christopher1 intending to apprise the lady that he had been unable to ship in the vessel which had first started4 ,while yet in the ,channel1 the ,orissa had foundered in a storm1 with ,gaspar's investment in her hold4 ,the loss of so much property had been a great shock to one whose soul was bent upon gain2 ,gaspar had been overwhelmed by the unexpected misfortune1 when the ,tempter had suggested to him a means by which the loss might actually be converted into profit4 ,few knowing anything of the circumstances of ,cora's investment1 still fewer having any interest in the subject1 it might be possible1 by an exercise of craft1 to make it appear that the lady's property had been in the ,orissa1 and that ,gaspar's own had been embarked in the ship which had safely arrived4 ,gaspar had at first shrunk from the wicked suggestion4 ,though he was not a very scrupulous man1 there was yet a sufficient sense of honour left within his breast to make him aware of the enormity of the crime to which he was tempted4 ,but the love of money is the root of all evil1 and with ,gaspar it had become an absorbing passion2 he was also proud of the possession of that miserable cunning which some deem cleverness1 but which is foolishness indeed in the sight of a holy ,god4 ,conscience and a feeling of honour1--these were the barriers which1 for a short time1 had resisted the pressure of strong temptation2 for ,gaspar had a conscience1 though by covetousness long-indulged its power had been greatly weakened4 ,but the barriers had given way1 and ,gaspar having once grasped unlawful gain1 and added to his stores the gold which rightfully belonged to another1 soon experienced the natural consequence of yielding to sin4 ,his heart had become hardened1 his nature debased1 and he had fallen more and more completely under the dominion of the vice of covetousness which he had once suffered to subdue him4 ,a hard and merciless task-master he had found it6 ,while haunted with a perpetual dread of disgrace1 and fear of losing his ill-gotten wealth1 ,gaspar could not enjoy it4 ,he was poor in the midst of riches1 miserable in the possession of that for which he had sold his conscience4 ,notwithstanding every precaution1 ,gaspar's secret had oozed out1 and fears of exposure--ruin--shame--rose up before him like phantoms4 8,she may be here this very day10 were the first words from the miserable man which broke the oppressive silence4 8,isa1 you must not quit the house--you must remain beside me--you know ,miss ,madden1 and may influence her mind40 8,i influence ,cora60 exclaimed ,isa2 8,i know her1 indeed--perhaps too well--but ours was never the intimacy of friendship60 ,the young lady spoke with some emotion1 for every recollection connected with ,cora was bitter4 ,it is true that ,isa no longer regarded her separation from ,lionel as a misfortune4 ,since she had come so near to the place of his former sojourn1 light had been thrown on his character which had revealed something of its selfishness and hollowness1 and upon the young maiden purer hopes were dawning than even those of first love2 but still1 of all beings upon earth1 ,cora ,madden was the one whom ,isa regarded with most fear and aversion4 ,she looked upon ,cora as an impersonification of malice2 as a dangerous woman2 the bearer of the apple of discord2 one who delighted to turn into ridicule all whose standard of duty was higher than her own4 ,isa had struggled to keep down the feelings of restraint which swelled in her heart1 and1 like ,edith1 never to speak of her enemy save to her ,god2 she had tried to banish ,cora even from her memory2 but now it appeared that she might be brought into close contact with ,miss ,madden1 and in a way most painful4 ,isa could not close her eyes to the fact that her brother stood in a humiliating position1 and innocent as she herself was1 she must yet share his humiliation4 ,she must see scorn--just scorn--on that haughty lip whose sneer had already stung her like a scorpion2 she might have to ask indulgence from one to whom she could with difficulty accord forgiveness4 ,all ,isa's natural pride rose up in arms against this4 ,why should she endure the shame when innocent of the guilt8 ,let ,gaspar abide the consequences of his own conduct1 whatever that conduct might have been2 she would leave him to make what explanation1 arrange what compromise he could2 she would go to the ,castle1 where no word of reproach1 no glance of scorn would ever reach her1 where she would be welcomed by relatives whose behaviour had never brought a blush to her cheek4 ,this was ,isa's thought for a moment1 but it was instantly put aside as selfish1 ungenerous1 unkind4 ,her brother1 at this time of all others1 had need of her sympathy1 counsel1 and support4 ,she might help him to struggle not only against outward difficulties1 but the inward enemies--the ,midianites--that had brought him into this strait--that had struck at his honour1 and destroyed his peace4 ,might not the disclosure which had covered him with shame be a means of loosening his fetters8 ,the social worship of the preceding evening1 the prayers which she had heard uttered by one whom1 of all men1 she most honoured1 had braced the spirit of ,isa4 ,the whole history of ,gideon was to her as a commentary on the text1 ,be strong in the ,lord1 and in the power of ,his might4 ,she would1 in her maiden meekness1 stand at the post where ,god had placed her1 stand against the spiritual foes of her soul2 she would not sink under disappointment1 yield to discontent1 or harbour distrust of her ,lord4 ,she would ask for strength1 and look for strength1 and believe that strength would be given4 ,isa's first struggle was against the feeling of contempt inspired by the conduct of ,gaspar4 ,if it were wrong to desert her brother1 was it not also wrong to despise him2 and yet how closely did her very pity seem to be allied with scorn6 ,now that for the first time ,gaspar turned to her for sympathy1 he must find it2 not sympathy with his wretched grasping at gain1 but with him in the pain and perplexity into which that grasping had brought him4 ,mr4 ,gritton was in a miserable state of indecision1 and ,isa was the sole confidante of his troubles2 as she already knew so much1 he almost unconsciously let her know all4 ,now he clung to the hope that what ,cora suspected she would find it impossible to prove1 that he might safely abide even the issue of a lawsuit3 then all his thoughts were turned towards a compromise which might save his honour without too far trenching on his interests2 much might be done in a personal interview2 an inexperienced woman might easily be induced to compound for the restoration of part of her property1 by yielding up her claim to the residue4 ,after long1 restless pacing up and down the room1 revolving various plans and expedients1 ,gaspar threw himself on a chair by his sister1 and nervously opened to her his views1 concluding by saying in an embarrassed tone1 8,you will explain--you will soften--you will induce ,miss ,madden to listen to reason40 8,gaspar1 dear ,gaspar1 suffer me to speak freely and openly to you10 said ,isa1 whose mind had been as actively engaged as that of her brother as she had sat silent by the casement1 with her untouched work lying on her knee4 8,when we have gone out of the straight way1 surely1 surely our first care should be to retrace our steps2 if any wrong has been done1 should it not be set right without further delay80 8,i want your help1 and not your advice10 muttered ,gaspar4 8,yet hear me10 said ,isa earnestly1 for she felt that something more precious than her brother's interests1 more dear than even his reputation1 was at stake4 8,i know that you have been unhappy--,i have seen it2 your better1 your nobler nature1 has been oppressed by a burden which--which you may now throw off and for ever4 ,oh1 deal frankly and fairly by ,cora ,madden6 ,give her what is her due1 principal and interest1 even to the utmost farthing3 poverty is no evil1 want itself is no evil1 compared with the gnawing consciousness of possessing that which cannot have ,god's blessing upon it40 ,gaspar pressed his thin bloodless lips together1 as if suppressing a groan4 ,he felt his sister's fervent appeal--it found an echo in his own conscience2 but he was not yet prepared to throw down his idol1 to burst from the yoke which galled4 ,mr4 ,gritton rose hastily1 without replying1 and resumed his restless walk4 ,isa could but guess the nature of the struggle going on within1 and silently pray that ,god might strengthen the faith of the tempted one1 and give victory to the right4 ,if not the most painful1 that was certainly one of the most tedious days that had ever been passed by ,isa ,gritton4 ,gaspar was irritable1 nervous1 wretched2 vacillating as a pendulum1 never in the same mind for twenty minutes together4 ,he appeared to be constantly on the watch2 never left the house1 stood often gazing forth from the window1 and nervously started at every unusual sound4 ,there seemed to ,isa to be a spell on the hands of her watch1 they moved so slowly2 she could not pursue her accustomed occupations1 for ,gaspar was unwilling to have her out of his sight1 and was perpetually interrupting her with snatches of conversation4 ,but the long day closed at last--closed in mist and rain2 a dull white fog blotted out the landscape1 and ere the hour of sunset1 twilight closed in4 ,isa tried to beguile the evening by reading aloud1 but even the work on commercial statistics entirely failed to interest ,gaspar4 ,his mind was abstracted1 his ear painfully on the strain for other sounds than those of his sister's melodious voice4 ,glad was ,isa when the hour at length arrived when she could retire1 and prepare herself1 by devotional reading1 prayer1 and then rest1 for whatever the morrow might bring4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xviii4 ,,mercy ,,and ,,self-,,denial4 ,the ,sabbath morning rose clear and bright1 ,nature looking all the fairer for the tears which she had shed on the previous night4 ,as ,isa ,gritton was completing her toilet1 ,hannah brought in a note4 ,isa instantly recognized the handwriting2 and as this missive had evidently not passed through the post1 but been brought by a messenger1 the young lady1 with some anxiety1 broke open the envelope and read its contents3-- ,saturday ,evening4 ,,dear ,,miss ,,gritton1--,i was on the way to ,axe1 but felt so ill with feverish headache that ,i could not proceed beyond this wretched little inn 7the ,black ,bear71 which1 as ,i hear1 is not ten minutes' walk from your house4 ,could you come over and see me8--,yours1 ,,cora ,,madden4 8,who brought this80 inquired ,isa of ,hannah4 8,mrs4 ,taylor1 the landlady of the #8,black ,bear4' ,she's a-waiting below1 and she says that she wants to see you partic'lar40 ,isa hastened down-stairs1 and found in the hall the landlady of the roadside public-house1 which had been dignified with the name of an inn on the strength of the single guest-chamber which it held above the tap-room4 ,cora ,madden must have felt ill indeed before she accepted such shelter4 ,the landlady was a woman of a coarse and vulgar stamp1 deeply pitted with small-pox1 and with a strong scent of spirits about her4 ,isa felt repugnance at the idea of paying a visit at her house4 8,the lady writ that last night10 said ,mrs4 ,taylor1 not waiting to be questioned1 but speaking loud and fast and without a pause2 8but it warn't convenient to send it over1 for ,tom hadn't come in1 and ,jim hadn't just his legs2 and 'twas lucky ,i didn't1 'cause we did not know what it was1 and now it's all come out red as fire40 8,what has come out8 what do you mean80 asked ,miss ,gritton4 8,the small-pox1 miss2 quite full out--not a place on her face where you could lay a sixpenny bit4 ,it's very unlucky it's in my house1 but the chay put up in the stables last night1 and the man's a-going to put the horse to--0 8,stop60 exclaimed ,isa2 8let me understand you4 ,do you mean to tell me that ,miss ,madden is lying ill of small-pox in your house80 8,but won't stop there long--couldn't think of it4 ,i've six children1 and ,i nigh died of small-pox myself these thirty years back1 so ,i know what it be2 and it's a great shame1 it is1 to come a-sickening in the midst of a family1 and get an inn the name of being infected4 ,but she's a-going at once back to ,portal1 or on to ,axe1 afore she's an hour older40 8,a moment--listen60 cried ,isa1 interrupting with difficulty the loud incoherent rattle of the landlady2 8are you going to send away a lady ill of the small-pox1 without so much as knowing where she can find a place of shelter80 8,i guess there be lodgings to be had somewhere2 if not at one place at another2 they'll drive about till they find 'un2 she can't stay with me3 ,i've a large family1 and thirty years back come ,michaelmas ,i--0 ,isa ,gritton pressed her hand to her forehead1 trying to collect her thoughts1 distracted by the vociferous talking4 ,a new difficulty had1 most unexpectedly1 risen before her2 a sudden emergency1 and--as something seemed to whisper within--a call for the exercise of ,christian mercy towards one whom she had regarded as a foe4 ,the sound of ,mrs4 ,taylor's loud voice drew ,gaspar ,gritton out of his room4 8,who is here8 is anything the matter80 he cried4 8,it cant be expected that ,i should turn my house into an hospital1 and frighten away customers and--0 ,mrs4 ,taylor would have pursued her remarks had she had any listener1 but ,isa1 anxious and troubled in countenance1 had drawn her brother into the study4 8,gaspar1 ,cora is at the #8,black ,bear1' ill with small-pox4 ,the landlady is going to send her away at once to find a shelter where she may4 ,oh1 were the complaint anything but small-pox1 it would seem but common charity to offer her a refuge here60 8,and lay her under obligation2 ay1 ay1 ,i see--lay her under deepest obligation--,i see1 ,i see2 the best thing that could possibly be done60 cried ,gaspar4 ,isa was startled at her brother's eagerness2 her words had been the intuitive expression of the feelings of a generous spirit1 but she had not seriously contemplated bringing a small-pox patient into her home4 ,gaspar saw his sister's cheek turn pale1 and became aware that the step proposed must be attended not only with great personal inconvenience1 but serious hazard to his young and beautiful sister4 ,unlike her brother1 ,isa had never yet had the malady1 and regarded it with considerable dread4 ,it was not only the peril to life1 and the minor risk of permanent disfigurement1 which made ,isa shrink from exposing herself to infection1 but the quarantine to which she must be subjected while nursing a patient in small-pox would be1 especially at this time1 a very serious trial4 ,it would be like a sudden calling back of winter when the blossoms of spring were opening to sweetest fragrance and brightest beauty4 ,even the dull comfortless days at ,wildwaste had been gemmed with some moments of such exquisite happiness as had almost served to brighten the whole2 and now must the door be closed against even ,edith and ,henry ,eardley1 because it had been opened to receive ,cora ,madden8 ,gaspar read strong repugnance to the sacrifice in the expressive countenance of his sister4 8,no1 no10 he said2 8you might take the infection4 ,miss ,madden must try her chance somewhere else40 8,let me consider for a few moments1 ,gaspar4 ,detain the woman1 ,i must ask counsel ere ,i decide20 and ,isa hurriedly sought her own room1 to sink on her knees and implore guidance and light on the tangled path opening before her4 ,there were a few words which ,isa had heard from the lips of the vicar of ,axe1 which she had laid up in her heart for a time of perplexity like this3--8,when you are in doubt as to what course to pursue1 when reason appears to be lost in a mist1 and you cannot clearly discern the narrow path of duty1 ask conscience two simple questions1--#8,were my ,lord in visible presence here1 what would ,he bid me do8 what may ,i venture to believe that ,he would have done in my place8' ,such questions1 honestly put1 and in a spirit of prayer1 will draw forth such a reply as will clear off the mist1 and be as the voice saying1 ,this is the way1 walk ye in it1 when ye turn to the right hand or to the left40 ,isa obeyed the direction now2 bending her head over her clasped hands1 with the prayer1 8,oh1 guide me1 ,lord1 by ,thy counsel60 she asked conscience the two simple questions4 ,familiar words of ,scripture recurred to her mind1--,whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you1 do ye also so unto them4 ,what would she desire if1 like ,cora1 she were ill1 desolate1 and alone1 driven from the shelter even of a miserable wayside inn1 and sent to seek from house to house a place in which to lay--perchance a dying head8 ,and what would have been the conduct of the ,merciful ,one towards such a sufferer1 however erring1 however guilty8 ,would ,he have paused to consider whether she were a foe or a friend8 ,christ pleased not ,himself1 and ,he hath left an example that we should follow ,his steps4 ,isa rose from her knees1 and calling the servant1 whom she heard spreading the breakfast in the adjoining apartment1 she at once gave orders for preparing for the reception of a lady ill of small-pox4 ,isa would give up her own sleeping-room to ,cora1 and have ,lottie's little pallet-bed placed in the boudoir for herself4 ,leaving ,hannah wondering and grumbling1 ,isa returned to her brother and informed him of her decision4 ,gaspar1 glad that it was such as might further his own selfish interests1 sent off ,mrs4 ,taylor to make arrangements for ,cora's removal to ,wildwaste ,lodge4 ,isa had won another silent victory over the ,midianites within1 over ,selfishness1 ,vanity1 and ,fear4 ,one sacrifice had given her strength for another4 ,under the influence of that faith which worketh by love1 ,isa made every preparation for the comfort of ,cora that she could have made for that of a cherished sister1 giving her own efforts to make up for the shortness of time and the incapacity or unwillingness of her servant4 ,not more than half an hour elapsed before a chaise drove up to the door1 where ,isa ,gritton stood ready to welcome ,cora ,madden4 ,the driver feared to help out the invalid1 who--swathed in blankets1 a miserable1 disfigured object--would have been forced to descend without aid1 and drag her tottering limbs into the house1 had not ,isa's hands been stretched out to support--had not ,isa's slight arm been thrown gently around her4 ,cora crossed the threshold1 and feebly walked up the staircase1 resting upon the woman whose peace she for a time had blighted1 whose prospects she had done her utmost to destroy6 ,self-denying kindness may be shown to a friend from natural affection--to a stranger from intuitive pity2 but when shown to a bitter enemy1 it is one of the strongest proofs that the love of ,christ which constraineth hath been shed abroad in the heart4 8,you are indeed a good ,samaritan2 ,god will bless you for it60 murmured ,cora1 as she sank upon her comfortable bed1 while ,isa gently beat up the pillow to support the aching head of her guest4 ,never had a blessing from any other lips gone so warm to the heart of ,isa2 it was a blessing wrung1 as it were1 from an enemy2 it was as the encouraging word heard by ,gideon on the night when he stood in the camp of the foe4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,arrival ,,of ,,miss ,,madden ,gaspar had sent from the hamlet a messenger for a doctor4 ,he came before noon1 and pronounced that ,miss ,madden had not been injured by her removal1 and that with care she was likely to do well4 ,he prescribed absolute quietness1 and forbade her speaking much on any subject1 especially such as might excite her4 ,but it was easier for the doctor to give the order than it was for ,isa to enforce it4 ,her patient little merited the name4 ,cora was eager to speak on business2 and ,isa could scarcely soothe her into silence by entreating that she would wait a few days1 and that then she might have an interview with ,mr4 ,gritton himself4 ,gaspar had made the unusual effort of walking over to the steward's cottage1 to speak to ,mr4 ,holdich about a nurse to assist his sister4 ,rebekah at once volunteered to go herself1 if her husband's consent were obtained1 and to ,isa's great relief appeared at the ,lodge just as the doctor quitted it4 ,not only were her experience and willing help a great comfort to the young lady1 but the presence of a gentle1 pious woman1 sympathizing and kind1 was a real pleasure to ,isa4 ,much cheerful converse they had together in the boudoir1 with the door open between it and the room in which ,cora lay sleeping4 ,rebekah had many a pleasant anecdote to relate to an attentive hearer1 of ,edith and of one dearer than ,edith4 ,never had ,isa listened to tale of romance with half the interest with which she did now to the account of the difficulties which had to be overcome1 and the efforts to be made by the vicar of ,axe1 to introduce a knowledge of vital religion into that remote and benighted part of his parish which surrounded ,castle ,lestrange4 ,the tidings of ,cora's illness and its nature was not long in reaching the little country town of ,axe4 ,mrs4 ,green stood at the door of her shop on the ,monday morning1 exchanging gossip with her neighbour the baker4 8,if ever there was a parson like ours60 she observed4 8,always at work1 ,sundays and week-days2 and as anxious about his folk as if they were all his children4 ,he was here again1 not an hour ago1 to look after that little thief upstairs2 but ,i chanced to say to him1 #8,i s'pose you've heard1 sir1 as ,miss ,madden's lying sick of small-pox at ,wildwaste ,lodge8' and he looked as if he'd heard sudden of the death of his father1 and repeated1 #8,small-pox--,wildwaste ,lodge6' as if the words was a knell40 8,i dare say ,mr4 ,eardley's sorry for the poor lady2 she was his parishioner some years ago when the ,maddens lived at the ,castle40 8,he must have taken an uncommon interest in her10 said ,mrs4 ,green with a smile1 8for he forgot all about what he'd come for1 and was off for the ,lodge like a shot4 ,he's not one to be afeard of infection2 he sat up all night with poor ,bramley1 when he was a-dying of the fever4 ,maybe he thinks that if ,miss ,madden's in a bad way1 she might like to have a word with a parson40 8,she was one of the worldly and gay10 observed the baker1 shaking his head4 8,i don't believe that she and ,mr4 ,eardley had ever much to say to one another2 but she's the sister of his friend ,mr4 ,arthur1 and the vicar may care for her for his sake40 ,had the duty of spiritual visitation been all that had led ,henry ,eardley to bend his rapid steps towards ,wildwaste1 he must have returned to ,axe disappointed4 ,cora had passed a favourable night1 and suffered little but from the extreme irritation caused by her malady4 ,when ,isa softly glided to her side1 and whispered that the clergyman had called to inquire for her1 and to know whether she had any wish to see him1 ,cora replied with a characteristic sneer1 8,i'm not dying2 and if ,i were1 ,i would send for the undertaker as soon as the parson40 ,and yet it was with no feeling of disappointment that ,henry ,eardley went on his homeward way4 ,he turned from the dull1 unsightly brick building on the common1 as one loath to leave the earthly paradise in which has been passed a golden hour of life4 ,his interview with ,isa had indeed been but brief1 but it was one which left memories behind which would remain fragrant in his soul to the close of his mortal existence4 8,priceless jewel enclosed in yon dull casket60 said ,henry ,eardley to himself1 turning to give a parting glance at ,isa's home4 8,may ,heaven watch over that precious one's life1 and shield her from the danger to which her noble1 unselfish devotion has exposed her40 ,that prayer welled up from the depths of the vicar's soul4 ,it was for one of whom he for the first time dared to let himself think as possibly the future partner of all his joys and his sorrows1 his guardian angel1 his treasure4 ,henry ,eardley had been fascinated by ,isa when meeting her at the ,castle2 but a painful misgiving had rested on his mind as to whether she1 the bright ornament of society1 flattered and admired1 were suited for1 or could ever endure the life of lowly active usefulness which that of a vicar's wife should be4 ,from the time when he had first given himself to the ministry1 ,mr4 ,eardley had made a firm resolve1 that should he ever ask a woman in marriage1 she should be one who would be his helper1 and not his hinderer1 in doing his ,master's work4 ,a pastor and his wife should be as the two hands of a watch--the one moving in a larger circle and with more visible activity than the other1 but both fixed on the same centre1 both moved by the same spring1 united in the same work1 and pointing to the same truth4 ,with this conviction on his mind1 ,henry ,eardley had almost resolved to shun the society of the baronet's niece as a dangerous pleasure2 such a bird of paradise1 he thought1 would never brook the lowly perch1 the secluded nest4 ,but when he saw ,isa pale from watching by the sick-bed of a comparative stranger1 for whom the beauteous had risked the loss of beauty1 and the youthful that of life1 all such misgivings passed for ever away4 ,henry ,eardley felt that if he dare but aspire to the hand of ,isa ,gritton1 even were the malady which she had braved to rob her of all her loveliness1 he would be of all men on earth the most blessed4 ,that which the maiden had feared would divide her from him whose regard she most valued1 was but as a golden link to bind them together for ever4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xix4 ,,refreshment4 8,better go back1 ,lottie2 ye were dead tired last time10 said ,steady to his sister on the evening of the next lecture1 as she sat down by the road-side to rest1 on her way to the steward's cottage4 8,i was not half so tired as my heart felt afore ,i went to the meeting10 replied ,lottie4 8,thought ,i1 if ,i don't get some help with this burden of trouble1 ,i'll just lie down and die4 ,all the people looking so strangely at me1 and speaking so cruelly of me--no news from mother--no news of poor father--and now my dear young mistress nursing a lady in the small-pox1 and ,i away6 ,oh1 if she catches it60 ,lottie started up as if the idea had inspired her with fresh energy1 8,i will go and nurse her2 nothing shall stay me2 she shall see that ,i ain't ungrateful40 8,maybe she won't catch it10 observed ,steady4 8,i pray ,god with all my heart and soul that she may not60 cried ,lottie4 8,i should like10 she continued1 more quietly1 as she plodded along the dusty highroad with her brother--8,i should like to have nursed ,miss ,madden1 not 'cause ,i care for her1 but for the sake of her brother1 ,mr4 ,arthur40 8,he was the best friend as ever we had10 observed ,steady4 8,he taught us about heaven--he helped us in trouble--he worked so hard to put out the fire when the flames were a'most catching our cottage4 ,and to think of his lying dying far1 far away in ,jerusalem60 ,the black eyes of ,lottie ,stone were brimming over with tears4 8,mind--you'll be run over60 exclaimed ,steady1 suddenly pulling his sister to one side1 out of the way of an open carriage which was coming up rapidly behind them4 ,the ,stones had been walking in the centre of the road4 ,full as she was of her own mournful thoughts1 ,lottie did not even look at the carriage as it whirled past2 but she was startled by a voice from it suddenly exclaiming1 8,stop1 coachman1 stop6 ,yes2 that is ,lottie ,stone1 with her brother60 ,lottie uttered a low cry of delight as she glanced up and recognized the face--emaciated1 indeed1 and very pale--of the benefactor of her family1 as he bent smiling from the carriage to greet those whom he had not seen for years4 ,arthur ,madden and his sister ,lina had a few hours before arrived at ,axe1 having hastened thither immediately upon reaching ,england1 from hearing tidings of the illness of ,cora4 ,they had been relieved from anxiety on her account by ,mr4 ,eardley1 from whom they learned that the invalid was in a fair way to recover4 ,medical men had strictly forbidden ,arthur to expose himself in his weakened state to any hazard of infection2 and ,lina1 his devoted nurse1 was thankful not to be obliged to leave him1 as the clergyman informed her how tenderly ,cora was watched over by ,isa ,gritton4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,recognition4 ,arthur and ,lina had taken up their quarters at a quiet hotel at ,axe4 ,a message from the former to the vicar had brought ,mr4 ,eardley instantly to see them4 ,with hearty joy and fervent thanksgiving1 ,henry wrung the thin hand of his friend4 8,the accounts of you had been so alarming that ,i had hardly ventured to hope to see your face again in this world60 cried the vicar4 8,the voyage did me much good2 and the sight of dear familiar faces will do me much more10 said ,arthur4 8,i long to be again amongst my old pupils at ,wildwaste1 and to meet with honest ,holdich once more4 ,do you still hold your little week-day services in that honey-suckle-mantled cottage1 which is connected in my mind with some of its pleasant recollections80 8,i hold one there this evening10 replied ,mr4 ,eardley4 8,then we will go to it10 cried ,arthur ,madden2 8it will so remind us of auld lang syne4 ,nay1 no remonstrance1 ,lina10 he added gaily1 as he read an objection in the face of his anxious young nurse2 8it will not tire me1 it will not give me a chill2 it will make me feel ten years younger to find myself amongst my poor friends again3 and ,i should like our first meeting to be in that place1 where we used to worship together4 ,i will ring and order an open carriage to be here early enough to give us half an hour for greetings before the service begins2 at least1 if it be not inconvenient for you to start so soon10 said ,arthur1 addressing himself to the vicar1 8for you must come with us in the carriage1 and tell us on the way the thousand things which ,i wish to hear of ,wildwaste and its people40 ,there is nothing so healthful as happiness4 ,the keen enjoyment which ,arthur felt in returning to the place where he had first laboured for ,god1 where he had first realized what a blessed thing it is to win souls for ,christ1 was as a powerful tonic to his enfeebled constitution4 ,never had his eye looked brighter1 or his voice sounded more cheerful1 than during that drive from ,axe1 as he recognized familiar landmarks1 and questioned his friend1 ,mr4 ,eardley1 as to the fortunes of those whom he had known before quitting ,england4 8,i remember that ,wildwaste is not in your parish4 ,has it the same aged minister still80 8,yes2 but ,i hear that ,mr4 ,bull is about to resign his cure4 ,he is now unable to perform even the shortest service40 8,i hope and trust that an earnest1 hard-working man may be put in his place10 said ,arthur4 8,god grant it60 was the vicar's response4 8,and old ,tychicus ,bolder1 the teetotaller10 inquired young ,madden after a pause2 8does he still declaim as fiercely as ever against the evils of ,wildwaste80 8,the rod of affliction has been heavy on poor ,bolder4 ,he suffered so greatly from rheumatism last winter that it was feared that he might altogether lose the use of his limbs2 but he has rallied wonderfully during the last few days1 and he expressed a hope1 when ,i last saw him1 that he would be able to get to church again in the summer40 8,he seemed to me10 observed ,lina ,madden1 8one of the most proud1 uncharitable1 and self-righteous men that ,i ever had met with2 but ,i suppose that we shall see him much changed40 8,he is much changed indeed10 replied ,mr4 ,eardley2 8for to poor ,bolder suffering has not been sent in vain4 ,he used to look around him for subjects of censure1 now he has learned to look within2 and what he did before to be honoured of men1 he does now for the sake of his ,god4 ,human nature regards sickness and pain as enemies2 but it is through such enemies that a message of love and mercy has come to ,bolder40 8,and little ,lottie ,stone1 my first acquaintance in ,wildwaste1 how fares she80 asked ,arthur ,madden4 8,methinks ,i see her now1 in my mind's eye1 the gipsy-like child1 with her earnest black eyes1 wrapped up in the old scarlet cloak1 and--why1 surely1 there is ,lottie herself60 he exclaimed1 and calling to the coachman to stop1 ,arthur ,madden1 as we have already seen1 greeted the young ,stones with pleasure1 which was more than reciprocated by them4 ,with the young hope is buoyant1 and the sense of happiness keen4 ,the sight of her benefactor living1 convalescent1 looking bright and kind as ever1 seemed to ,lottie's warm young heart an earnest that1 like her late anxiety upon his account1 all her other troubles would soon pass away4 ,her mother would come back--her father would live to be a blessing and comfort in his home--her own character would be fully cleared--,miss ,gritton and her dear pastor would smile upon her again--and ,heaven would guard her sweet lady from taking the infection of the fever4 ,mr4 ,eardley looked on that beaming young face1 and his reflection was much the same as that of ,isa had been1 8,there is no sense of guilt weighing on the conscience of that child2 truth and innocence are written upon every feature40 8,if you1 too1 are going to the lecture1 ,lottie1 we'll spare you the long walk10 said the smiling ,lina4 8,yes2 up with you1 ,lottie1 beside the coachman10 cried ,arthur4 8,steady will follow2 ,i'll be bound he'll be in time4 ,i never knew him late at my class2 he was one on whom ,i could always depend40 ,the few words of kindly praise called up a grin of pleasure on the sun-burned face of the dull-witted but true-hearted lad1 who went plodding on his lonely way almost as happy as his sister4 ,the rapid motion of the vehicle on which she was mounted was very exhilarating to ,lottie4 ,she felt herself metaphorically1 as well as literally1 lifted on high from the dust1 relieved from oppressive weariness1 given rest and enjoyment while at the same time borne swiftly onwards4 ,when the carriage stopped at the honey-suckle covered porch1 ,lottie sprang down from her lofty seat light as a squirrel4 ,she had no fear now of encountering cold looks1 suspicious glances1 as groups from the neighbourhood dropped into the meeting4 ,every eye was fixed upon ,arthur ,madden2 no one seemed to have a thought but for him and his sister1 so lately arrived from the ,holy ,land4 ,lottie missed1 indeed1 amongst the throng her young mistress and ,rebekah ,holdich1 who were both absent from fear of conveying infection2 but her prayers for them both rose now with a feeling of joyous confidence1 to which the poor girl had been a stranger since making that promise of silence to ,gaspar1 which had been the source of such pain and distress4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xx4 ,,lecture ,,vi4--,,faith ,,victorious4 ,we are to contemplate this evening1 my friends1 in one of the most marvellous triumphs ever granted to faith1 a most striking emblem of the victory of the gospel over the opposition of earth and hell4 ,we will first consider the historical narrative before us3 then see how in it is prefigured the success attending the preaching of the apostles and disciples of our ,lord2 and1 finally1 draw encouragement for ourselves in our conflict against the ,midianites in our own souls4 ,gideon1 after returning to his camp1 made immediate preparations for a night attack upon the foe4 ,but these preparations were of a nature to cause surprise amongst his three hundred devoted men4 ,they were not to string the bow or to grasp the keen sword2 they were to go forth into the midst of the armed multitudes of ,midian as sheep amongst wolves1 without--as it seems--either weapons of offence or armour for protection6 ,gideon divided his little band into three companies1 and he put a trumpet into every man's hand1 with an empty pitcher1 and a lamp was placed within each pitcher4 ,and the leader said to his followers3 8,look on me1 and do likewise3 and1 behold1 when ,i come to the outside of the camp1 it shall be that1 as ,i do1 so shall ye do4 ,when ,i blow with a trumpet1 ,i and all that are with me1 then blow ye the trumpets also on every side of all the camp1 and say1 ,the sword of the ,lord and of ,gideon60 ,so ,gideon1 and the three hundred men that were with him1 came unto the outside of the camp in the beginning of the middle night watch1 and they blew the trumpets1 and brake the pitchers that were in their hands4 ,loud and terrible was the sound that thus startled the hosts of ,midian from their slumbers on that eventful night--the blare of the trumpets1 the crash of the vessels1 while suddenly the glare of a hundred waving torches lit up the darkness6 ,from this side and that side the sound is echoed1 the flash is reflected1 while loud bursts the shout that strikes terror into the ,midianites' souls1--8,the sword of the ,lord and of ,gideon60 ,smitten with panic1 confused by the noise1 dazzled by the glare1 the multitudes of ,midian are but embarrassed by their own numbers1 they cannot distinguish friend from foe1--they snatch up their weapons1 indeed1 and use them with frantic vigour1 but every man's hand is turned against his own fellow--warriors strike right and left1 but their fierce blows fall on their own companions in arms6 ,one wild instinct to save life by flight possesses all that vast host2 men rush hither and thither with frantic speed1 careless of trampling over the corpses of countrymen1 comrades1 brothers6 ,the chosen three hundred1 the 8forlorn hope0 of ,israel1 had thus1 through the power of ,israel's ,god1 discomfited and put to flight the armies of the aliens2 but their brethren were to join in the pursuit4 ,warriors gathered out of ,naphtali1 ,asher1 and ,manasseh1 and pressed hard on the flying foe4 ,gideon despatched messengers throughout all ,ephraim1 calling on the men of that neighbouring tribe to seize on the fords of ,jordan1 to intercept the flight of the ,midianites over the river4 ,his directions were obeyed2 the warlike ,ephraimites joined in the effort to free their country from the foe2 they pursued ,midian1 and brought the heads of two of its princes1 ,oreb and ,zeeb1 to ,gideon on the other side of the ,jordan4 ,in the marvellous success granted to the efforts of a handful of men who1 strong in faith1 though armed only with trumpets to sound1 and torches to display1 we see most clearly foreshadowed the triumph of the gospel in the days of the apostles and their immediate followers4 ,the whole world lay in wickedness1 shrouded in deep moral darkness1 like the hosts of ,midian in night1 when the ,saviour came down unto ,his own1 to be despised and rejected of men4 ,satan appeared to hold the human race under a yoke which no effort could break4 ,rome1 that towered supreme amongst the nations1 that held in subjection even the chosen land of ,israel1 was wholly given to idolatry4 ,incense offered to false gods rose from unnumbered shrines1 benighted myriads worshipped vain idols in blind superstition4 ,and what was the force chosen by ,god to oppose1 to discomfit the powers of earth and of hell1 to overthrow heathen altars1 to raise the banner of the ,cross against ,satan and his hosts1 against the kings and princes of this world8 ,a little band of apostles and disciples--a few fishermen and their companions--mostly poor1 mostly unlearned1 were to engage in this the most mighty struggle which the world had ever known6 ,not as the followers of ,mohammed1 with the sword to sweep their enemies from the earth2 the early ,christians had1 as it were1 like ,gideon's men1 their torches and their trumpets4 ,the trumpet1 symbol of preaching1--the loud clear declaration of the glorious truth that salvation is offered freely to men through the blood of an incarnate ,god4 ,if the trumpet give an uncertain sound1 who shall prepare himself to the battle8 saith the ,apostle ,paul1 who himself gave a blast1 the echo of which still resoundeth throughout the world6 ,and the torches which these early ,christians displayed were the examples of their pure and devoted lives--shining through1 dispelling the darkness around them1 according to the word of their ,lord1 ,let your light so shine before men1 that they may see your good works1 and glorify your ,father which is in heaven4 ,but the treasure was borne in earthly vessels1 and those vessels were broken and shattered1 that the light might more clearly be seen4 8,the blood of martyrs was the seed of the ,church40 ,all the apostles1 with the single exception of ,st4 ,john1 who was persecuted and banished1 died a violent death for the sake of the gospel4 ,but their lights did not perish with them3 no2 they were lifted on high to shine in glory1 enlightening generation after generation1 with a brilliance which shall never pass away4 ,thus was it that our religion triumphed over the enemy by the flash of the torch and the blast of the trumpet4 ,the victory of ,gideon was as a rehearsal of the infinitely more glorious triumph of the gospel of ,christ4 ,and now1 dear brethren1 to apply to our consciences the lesson before us1 let us examine into the work of faith and the power of faith in our own souls4 ,what do we know of conflict1 what do we know of victory over the ,midianites in our hearts1 even our own besetting sins8 ,have we left those sins quietly in possession to degrade and enslave our souls1 or have we sought to fight the good fight8 ,if we have attempted to throw off the enemy's yoke1 how have we prepared ourselves for the battle8 ,our own good resolutions1 our trust in our own strength1 our pride of conscious virtue1 these may have been as the forces that gathered at first around ,gideon1 but not to those are the victory given4 ,the triumph must be that1 not of human strength1 but of ,god-bestowed faith4 ,it was when ,st4 ,paul1 struggling with inward corruption1 exclaimed1 ,o wretched man that ,i am1 who shall deliver me from the body of this death8 that he was enabled to add1 ,thanks be to ,god which giveth us the victory through our ,lord ,jesus ,christ6 ,again1 the weapons with which we assault the enemy in his camp may find their emblems in the torches and trumpets carried by ,gideon's band4 ,there is the loud alarm of conscience1 sounding clear and distinct in the soul1 giving no uncertain sound4 ,there are the precepts and promises of ,scripture1 scattering the darkness around--,thy ,word is a lamp unto my feet1 and a light unto my path2 while often painful dispensations1 the shattering of human joys1 the crash of the earthen vessels1 make that ,word to shine to us with a brilliance unknown in the days of our joy4 ,but instead of the shout of ,gideon1 the ,christian's voice is raised in prayer4 ,it is the cry to the ,lord for help that puts the ,destroyer to flight4 ,thus may we discomfit our spiritual foes1 more than conquerors through ,him that loved us1-- 8,his grace our strength1 our guide ,his word2 ,our aim1 the glory of the ,lord60 ,how was it with the patriarch ,abraham when his faith had to endure one of the severest conflicts recorded in ,scripture1--when he was commanded to offer up the son whom he loved8 ,dark was the night around him1 his natural affections were enlisted on the enemy's side2 but conscience sounded the call to obedience1 while faith firmly grasped the promise1 ,in ,isaac shall thy seed be called3 so dashing down1 as the earthen vessels were dashed1 any doubts or misgivings that would have obscured the light of that promise1 ,abraham triumphed because he believed1 and received the reward of his faith4 ,in such an instance as this1 to return to the simile of the tree1 we see the ripe fruits of faith4 ,the sun of ,god's grace has shone so brightly1 the dew of ,his ,spirit has rested so fully upon it1 that we behold it at length in all its sweetness1 richness1 and beauty4 ,christian brethren1 be content with nothing short of this4 ,we see too many with whom it appears as if their graces never would ripen4 ,there is a crudeness1 a hardness about their religion1 which1 if it do not make us doubt its nature1 at least takes from it all its charm4 ,faith cannot be fully developed where the softness of humility1 the sweetness of charity1 are unknown4 ,it is of the man who not only yields obedience to the commandments1 but delights in the law of the ,lord1 that it is written1 ,he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water1 that bringeth forth his fruit in his season2 his leaf also shall not wither2 and whatsoever he doeth it shall prosper4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xxi4 ,,bondage4 8,look at them out of the window6 no1 indeed6 ,if they are so anxious to see their sister after a four years' separation1 let them come to her in her chamber of sickness10 was ,cora's reply to an affectionate message from the newly-arrived travellers conveyed to her through ,isa4 8,since strangers are not afraid of infection10 she continued with a sneer1 8it shows that the danger may be braved even by those who have not1 like ,arthur ,madden1 a reputation for heroic self-devotion40 8,still the bitterness--still the satire3 can trial and sickness teach her nothing80 thought ,isa1 as she left the room to send1 in softened form1 the ungracious message of ,cora to her brother and sister1 who were waiting in front of the house which they were forbidden to enter4 ,isa had already explained to ,cora how great would be to ,arthur the useless risk of a meeting1 she had therefore felt it unnecessary to reply to a sarcasm which was at once so ungenerous and unjust4 ,cora1 against the remonstrances of her gentle nurses1 had insisted on rising and dressing4 ,she was impatient of all restraint1 and opposition only made her irritable4 ,the first moment that she found herself alone1 she walked up to the toilette-table and looked into the glass4 ,for several minutes ,cora remained motionless1 mutely staring into the too faithful mirror1 as if the frightful image which it contained had the transfixing power of the ,gorgon2 then she slowly turned from it1 with her soul overflowing with bitterness4 ,miss ,madden had possessed a certain share of good looks1 which her vanity had magnified into beauty2 now all had passed for ever away4 ,time1 indeed1 would remove much of the disfigurement which made a once handsome countenance hideous1 but ,cora knew too well that in her case time would never entirely efface the marks left by the small-pox4 ,perhaps no woman in ,cora's position would have been insensible to a trial such as this1 but to one who had sought all her happiness from the world1 to whom its smile had been sunshine1 the trial was well-nigh intolerable4 ,the loss of her personal attractions was to ,cora a greater affliction than that of her property had been4 ,therefore was it that the heart of ,cora was as a well of bitterness1 full to the brim and overflowing in rebellion against ,god1 and malice against her happier fellow-creatures4 ,and was there no gratitude towards the generous girl who had not only drawn1 as it were1 a sponge over the record of injuries past1 but at the cost of a painful sacrifice had acted the part of a sister towards her8 ,did no feeling of tenderness arise in the bosom of ,cora when she looked on the bright lovely face which might so soon1 for her sake1 be marred like her own8 ,it might have been so1 even with ,cora ,madden1 had she not chosen to regard the conduct of ,isa1 as well as that of ,gaspar1 as the result of interested calculation4 8,they knew well enough10 she muttered to herself1 8that once under their roof they had me at an advantage4 ,isa lavishes attentions on me as men pour water on gunpowder1 when they fear to be shattered by its explosion4 ,it was folly in me to consent to receive such hypocritical kindness2 ,i wish that ,i had driven at once to ,axe4 ,but ,i have the wit to penetrate their designs1 and the spirit to defeat them40 ,with this impression on her mind1 ,cora1 on ,isa's re-entering her apartment1 at once addressed her in a tone of formal politeness1-- 8,i shall also have to trouble you1 ,miss ,gritton1 with a message to your brother4 ,as soon as ,i have sufficient strength to go downstairs1 ,i shall request an interview with ,mr4 ,gritton1 that we may come to an understanding on the unpleasant subject which ,i mentioned to him in my note4 ,doubtless10 continued ,cora with a sarcastic smile1 8he will be glad of an opportunity of showing me with what a tender regard for my interests he1 as my agent1 always has acted40 ,isa could make no reply2 she did not trust herself even to look at the countenance of ,cora1 but at once quitted the room to convey the message to her brother4 ,scarcely had the door closed behind her when the attention of ,cora was attracted by the sound of loud cheers rising from the direction of the little school which had been built by ,arthur in ,wildwaste1 the manly voices of workmen blending with the shriller huzzas of the young4 8,what can the idle villagers be shouting for80 said ,cora to herself as she approached the window1 and1 concealing herself behind the muslin curtain1 looked down on the scene below4 ,she saw the whole population of ,wildwaste--men1 women1 and children--gathered around an open carriage to welcome back the benefactor of all4 ,even old ,bolder1 forgetful of his infirmities1 had dragged himself into the sunshine1 to greet with hearty joy the friend of the poor4 ,cora caught a glimpse of the face of her brother1 beaming with pure happiness1 as he bent forward to recognize familiar faces in the crowd4 ,cora turned away with an expression of scorn on her lip1 but a pang of envy at her heart4 ,to whom would her presence bring joy8 from whom could she look for welcome1 either in this world or in the next8 ,she had dwelt1 like her brother1 near ,wildwaste2 she had enjoyed the same opportunities as ,arthur of instructing the ignorant and feeding the hungry4 ,he had helped the poor--she had despised them2 he had found his happiness in doing his ,master's will--she had sought hers in following her own4 ,light is sown for the righteous1 and gladness for the upright in heart2 but on all that ,cora had most prized was the mournful sentence inscribed1 ,vanity of vanities1 all is vanity4 ,malice1 worldliness1 and pride now tormented the soul of ,cora2 these spiritual foes had come to her first as the ,midianites to ,israel in the time of ,moses1 not to alarm but to seduce4 ,she had welcomed and harboured the tempters till they remained as masters and tyrants within3 she now felt their yoke to be galling indeed4 ,the spirit of ,gaspar ,gritton was also acutely sensible at this time of the degradation of its bondage4 ,the idea of the approaching interview with ,miss ,madden oppressed him with a humiliating feeling of fear4 ,nor was ,gaspar free from care on the account of his sister4 ,isa's gentleness and unselfishness had had their natural effect in thawing that cold ungenial heart1 and an undefined terror arose in it that he might1 by pursuing his own interests1 have sacrificed the life of the only being on earth whom he loved4 8,isa1 you do not feel ill80 said ,gaspar that evening to his sister1 whom he had been for some time watching in anxious silence4 ,isa was sitting in the study1 apparently engaged in reading1 but it was long since she had turned the page2 her head was leaning on her hand1 a vivid colour was on her cheek1 but her appearance denoted languor and weariness1 and1 when ,gaspar spoke1 her large soft eyes had heavily closed1 as if for slumber4 8,no1 not exactly ill10 replied ,isa1 with a languid smile2 8,i have but a little headache1 and feel as if ,i wanted rest40 8,god grant that you have not taken the infection60 8,i was just thinking that if ,i should take it--and it is very possible that ,i may do so--it would be well for me to speak a few words to you before we are separated by illness or--or that in which illness might end40 ,isa had been silently praying for courage to make one effort more--it might be the last--to persuade her unhappy brother to act a just and honourable part4 8,i have told you our father's last commands1 oh1 let me join to them a sister's entreaties4 ,gaspar1 act towards ,cora ,madden as you will wish that you had acted when you both stand before the judgment-seat of ,god40 ,isa spoke with emotion1 and the feverish flush on her cheek grew brighter than before4 8,what would you have me do80 asked ,gaspar1 in a low1 agitated voice4 8,what conscience bids1 what ,god's ,word directs10 replied ,isa1--8make restitution40 ,gaspar rose and strode once or twice up and down the apartment with his hands behind him2 his brow furrowed with an anxious frown4 ,presently he stopped short before his sister1 whose soul was rising in silent supplication for her tempted brother4 8,isa1 you ask too much4 ,to refund that money would be to acknowledge that it never ought to have been mine40 8,but how will you then dare to meet face to face with one whom1 ,i fear1 you have wronged80 8,i'll not meet ,cora ,madden--,i'll leave this place--,i'll go abroad60 said ,gaspar hurriedly1 giving voice to a thought which had often recurred to his mind4 8,and leave me80 cried ,isa reproachfully4 8,you will be with relations who care for you2 you will be in the ,castle1 or--20 ,gaspar stopped short1 for a terrible thought flashed across him as he looked at the drooping form of his sister1 that she might find a yet safer resting-place from sorrow and disgrace in the grave4 ,illustration3 ,,isa',s ,,last ,,appeal ,,to ,,her ,,brother4 ,startled by the idea1 as by a spectre1 ,gaspar insisted on ,isa's at once retiring to seek the rest which she needed4 ,she lingered1 from the feeling that she might not be able to rise in the morning2 that the languor and pain which she felt might be signs that the fatal fever was already in her veins4 ,isa could not leave ,gaspar without one more appeal to the tempted one1 whom--a secret foreboding voice seemed to whisper--she was now for the last time addressing4 ,isa returned back from the door to the spot where her brother was seated1 softly laid her hand on his shoulder1 pressed her feverish lips on his brow1 and then murmured1 8,o ,gaspar1 fly not from duty6 ,whither can we go without having ,god and our conscience still beside us80 ,after uttering this last warning1 she hastily quitted the room4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xxii4 ,,the ,,night4 8,o my ,lord1 do ,thou direct and bless us4 ,i cast all my cares upon ,thee40 ,it was with this prayer in her heart that ,isa laid her aching head on her pillow on that night4 ,cares had thickened around her3 the danger of disease1 disfigurement1 perhaps an early death1 was looming before her1 yet ,isa was not unhappy4 ,though scarcely able to frame a connected prayer1 never had the maiden approached the mercy-seat with more childlike confidence than she did now4 ,as the ,christian goes from strength to strength1 ,isa's late victory over malice1 resentment1 and self-will1 had left a sweet sense of repose in the love and the wisdom of ,god4 ,isa had risked her happiness for the sake of conscience2 or rather1 she had placed her happiness in the hands of her ,lord1 where she felt it to be safer than in her own4 ,he would guard her from sickness1 suffering1 and sorrow1 or bless her in the midst of them all4 ,god had given her--of this ,isa now felt a sweet assurance--the heart of one whose affection to her outweighed the world4 ,even if it were ,god's will that she should not again on earth meet her ,henry1 the union of those who are one in ,christ is not for this life alone4 ,isa1 and him whom she loved1 had alike given themselves unreservedly to their ,lord3 in life or in death they were ,his1 and no really good thing would their heavenly ,father withhold from ,his children4 ,isa's faith had greatly ripened during the last few days4 ,she felt the sunshine on her soul--she felt the refreshing dew of ,god's grace2 and a mellowed sweetness was the result--while peace mantled her soul like the soft down on the peach1 from whose surface the drops from the bursting thunder-cloud trickle harmlessly away4 ,very different was it with the unhappy ,gaspar4 ,little rest was to be his during that night4 ,he was in an agony of irresolution3 ,isa's words had not been without their effect4 ,sometimes he resolved to meet ,cora with an open confession1 and throw himself on her generosity to shield his character from reproach1 while he made all the reparation in his power for the injury which he had done her4 ,then stronger than ever came the impulse to fly the country4 ,he had enough of property on the premises to enable him to live in comfort in some part of ,europe where his antecedents would be unknown4 ,if he could not keep his plunder in ,england from the grasp of the law1 he would bear it thence1 beyond reach of loss or of shame4 ,but would he be beyond the avenging arm of ,divine ,justice8 ,might not that arm be raised at that very moment to smite him in the person of his sister2 to make her--the pure1 the innocent1 the generous--a victim for the crime of her brother8 ,the sound of footsteps in the sick-room above him made ,gaspar restless and uneasy3 prognostications of evil disturbed him4 ,when he fell at length into a state of slumber1 through his dreams sounded the measured toll of the death-bell3 a funeral seemed moving slowly before him1 the black plumes of the hearse nodding over the white-bordered pall4 ,gaspar awoke with a start of terror1 raised himself on his elbow1 and gazed around him4 ,to his disordered fancy1 it seemed as if the light1 which was always kept in his chamber at night1 were burning blue2 the shadows which it cast on ceiling and wall took strange shapes1 which appalled him1 he knew not why4 ,the dimly-seen portrait of his father above the mantelpiece seemed to ,gaspar to look on him with stern and threatening eyes3 as he gazed1 he could fancy that they moved1 and1 wild as he knew the fancy to be1 the idea made him strangely shiver4 ,hark6 was there not a moving of bolts and bars in the study adjoining1 and a stealthy footstep heard on the creaking floor8 ,had ,gaspar's secret been betrayed8 ,attracted by rich hoards of plunder1 were robbers entering the house8 ,mr4 ,gritton strained his ear and listened2 till at length1 unable longer to endure uncertainty1 he started up from his couch and opened the door which divided his sleeping-room from the study4 ,all there was perfectly dark1 perfectly still3 if there had been any sound1 it must have been but caused by the night wind shaking the shutters or moaning under the door4 ,gaspar could not1 however1 return to his bed3 he dressed1 and1 as he did so1 marvelled to find his fingers trembling as if from palsied age4 ,taking his candle to light him1 ,gaspar then proceeded to the vault which contained his treasure4 ,he had perhaps no very definite purpose in visiting it1 except that of removing a small sum required for household expenses2 yet there was a floating idea in his mind of ascertaining how large a sum in gold he could convey away packed in so small a space as not to excite suspicion4 ,lottie's accidental discovery of the vault had made her master more than usually on his guard against betraying his secret to others4 ,he therefore carefully closed the trap-door behind him before descending the ladder1 and as carefully closed the door which divided the outer vault from the inner1 when he had entered the latter1 the treasure-cave of his wealth4 ,illustration3 ,,gaspar ,,amongst ,,his ,,treasures4 ,there stood the miser1 in the midst of his hoards of silver and gold--a lonely1 miserable man4 ,those bags heavy with coin1 won at the price of conscience and honour1 had no more power to give peace to his soul than their hard1 cold contents could afford nourishment to his frame4 ,the place felt damp1 the air oppressive4 ,a deathly chill came over ,gaspar ,gritton4 ,he had strange difficulty in unfastening the string round one of his canvas bags4 ,his fingers shook violently as he did so3 he overthrew the heavy bag1 and had a dull perception that money was clinking and falling and rolling around him in every direction4 ,gaspar stooped with a vague intention of picking it up1 but was utterly unable to find or even to see the coin2 and equally impossible was it for him to regain his former standing posture4 ,a strange numbness came over the unhappy man3 thought and feeling were alike suspended1 and he lay for hours in a senseless state on the damp1 brick-paved floor1 besprinkled with gold4 ,some degree of consciousness returned at last2 but it was that strange consciousness which may exist in a trance of catalepsy1 such as that which now enchained the faculties of ,gaspar ,gritton4 ,he lay as one dead1 in the position in which he had fallen1 unable to stir a muscle or to utter a sound--unable to give the smallest outward sign of life4 ,and yet the mind was awake1 alive to the horrors of his situation4 ,gaspar was buried in the midst of his treasures1 in the living grave which he had so carefully prepared1 so jealously concealed4 ,men would search for him1 and never find him4 ,but would they even search8 ,gaspar recalled with anguish the intention of sudden flight which he had expressed to his sister4 ,she who cared for him--she who loved him--she who1 under other circumstances1 would never have rested until she had found him--would naturally conclude from his own words that he had fled from fear of exposure1 and would not even make an attempt to discover the place of his retreat4 ,it would never be discovered till perhaps ages hence1 when the edifice above had crumbled away--the foundations might be dug up1 and a nameless skeleton found surrounded by heaps of money and treasures of silver plate4 ,gaspar had meditated flying from duty1 and stern judgment had arrested him on the threshold4 ,in the gloomy1 silent vault the sinner was left alone with ,god and his conscience4 ,the candle which ,gaspar had brought with him burned down1 flickered in the socket1 went out4 ,all was darkness1 all silence1 all horror6 ,it was as if the fearful sentence had already been passed upon him who had been enslaved by the love of money1--,your gold and silver is cankered1 and the rust of them shall be a witness against you1 and shall eat your flesh as it were fire2 ye have heaped treasure together for the last days4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xxiii4 ,a ,,sister',s ,,voice4 ,lottie had not been alarmed by not hearing from her mother1 well knowing that1 though ,mrs4 ,stone was able to read1 she had never penned a letter in the course of her life4 ,lottie talked cheerfully and hopefully to ,steady on the evening following that on which the last meeting had been held1 as they sat together by the little window after the work of the day was over4 8,now that ,mr4 ,arthur has come back1 it do seem as if everything were a-brightening10 said she4 8,he's getting over his sickness wonderful1 and ,i don't believe as father's was ever half so bad4 ,father will be a-coming home too2 and ,mr4 ,arthur will speak a word for him--,i'm sure that he will--and get him work at the factory again1 or maybe at the ,castle4 ,mother won't need to work so hard1 and we'll have a nice little cottage of our own1 and not have to live in a lodging over a shop40 ,brightly glowed the reflection of the setting sun on the windows of the opposite side of the street2 and ,lottie's black eyes1 as she gazed on it1 seemed to have caught the cheerful gleam4 ,but even as she looked1 the sun sank below the western horizon1 the ruddy light gradually faded away1 and the gray hue of twilight succeeded4 8,there be mother60 suddenly exclaimed young ,stone1 rising quickly from his seat1 as with weary step a lonely woman turned the corner of the street1 bending as if under a heavy burden of years or sorrow1 and never once lifting her drooping eyes towards her home as she approached it4 8,mother--alone6 ,oh1 where--where has she left father80 exclaimed ,lottie1 starting up and running to meet her4 ,deborah found the door open1 and ,lottie there with a look of eager inquiry on her face4 ,but no word was uttered2 for the sight of her mother's countenance1 and the scraps of shabby mourning which she wore1 took from the young1 warm-hearted girl all power of speech4 ,she followed ,deborah upstairs1 thankful that ,mrs4 ,green chanced to be at the moment out of the way4 8,how's father80 asked the son1 who had met his mother on the staircase4 ,deborah made no reply1 but entered the room1 sank wearily on a chair1 and buried her face in her hands4 ,she was a woman who seldom wept2 but now her whole frame shook with convulsive sobs4 ,lottie knelt down beside her1 looking up with anxious grief and fear into her mother's face4 ,she could with difficulty catch the meaning of ,mrs4 ,stone's scarcely articulate words3 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,mother',s ,,return4 8,thank ,god1 at least ,i was in time to see him1 to be with him1 at the last60 ,then the widow raised her head1 stretched out her arms1 and drew sobbing to her heart her two fatherless children4 ,yes1 the long-cherished dream of hope was over2 the erring husband--forgiven1 loved1 and watched for--had returned to his native shore to die4 ,stone had seen his injured wife1 and breathed his last sigh in her arms4 ,had he died a penitent8 ,deborah fondly clung to the hope2 and when she had a little regained her composure1 repeated to her children again and again every faintly-breathed sentence from the lips of the dying man that could possibly be deemed an expression of penitence or an utterance of prayer4 ,who could have borne to have quenched her hope1 or who would dare to say that the daily supplication of wife and children for a wandering sinner had not been answered at last8 ,as ,deborah had hardly had one hour's uninterrupted sleep during the preceding week1 she was almost overpowered by physical weariness as well as by mental distress2 and ,lottie had little difficulty in persuading her to go to bed at once4 ,this was the poor widow's only place of refuge from the intrusion of her neighbours2 for no sooner was it noised through ,axe that ,mrs4 ,stone had returned home after attending the death-bed of her husband1 than some impelled by sympathy1 some by mere curiosity1 visited her humble lodging1 tormenting the weeping ,lottie with questions1 or well-meant attempts at offering consolation4 ,she was thankful to close the door at last upon all1 and with a very heavy heart prepare to go herself to rest4 8,shall we have just a bit of a prayer together1 ,steady1 as we always have80 said the poor girl1 with a faltering voice4 ,it had been the habit of the brother and sister thus to pray1 from the time when they had knelt as children together in their cottage home at ,wildwaste1 perhaps to be startled from their knees by the noisy entrance of a parent reeling home from the ale-house4 ,steady was very quiet1 almost stolid2 he had had no outburst of sorrow on hearing of the death of his father2 perhaps those miserable days at ,wildwaste had left deeper memories on a mind more slow to receive or to part with impressions2 he had certainly never been buoyed up with the same joyous hopes as his sister had been1 and was therefore less sensitive to disappointment4 ,the lad knelt down without reply1 leaving1 as usual1 to ,lottie the uttering of the simple prayer1 to which he was wont to add the closing ,amen4 8,pray ,god bless and keep dear--20 ,lottie could go no further4 ,alas6 who has not felt how the first omission of a dear familiar name in prayer brings vividly to the soul of the mourner the reality of that separation1 which1 as regards this world1 is softened by no hope4 ,lottie could only sob1 while her brother1 slowly and very briefly1 concluded the little prayer4 ,lottie rose on the morrow with the feeling that there was a great blank in her life2 and yet it was not in the nature of things that she should sorrow as long and as deeply for such a parent as ,abner had been1 as for one who had faithfully fulfilled the duties of husband and father4 ,she resolved to devote herself more than ever to her mother2 and was almost glad1 for her sake1 that she herself had been obliged to leave ,wildwaste4 ,the return of ,arthur and ,lina ,madden from ,palestine had diverted the attention of gossips from the subject of ,lottie's mysterious sovereigns1 and as it was widely known that she had been seen on the box of a carriage in which not only ,arthur but ,mr4 ,eardley had been seated1 slander itself was forced to own that 8the gentlefolk1 anyways1 seemed to know as how ,lottie had come honestly by that money2 though 'twas a pity1 it was1 that she made such a mystery about it40 ,in the afternoon the unwelcome step of ,mrs4 ,green was heard on the stair4 ,it was her third visit on that day to the widow's little room1 as she had twice before bustled up 8just to see if she could do nothing for the poor soul10 as she said1 but in reality to pick up scraps of gossip to retail to the baker's sisters and the linen-draper's wife4 ,this time1 however1 ,mrs4 ,green came up eager to impart news rather than to hear it4 ,unceremoniously seating herself in the darkened room of sorrow in which were the newly-made widow and her fatherless girl1 she said to ,lottie1 who was preparing the simple afternoon meal1 8,i say1 ,lottie ,stone1 ,i think that there new house at ,wildwaste is somehow bewitched6 ,here's you a-running away from it1 you can't or you won't say why2 and now there's its own master suddenly disappeared1 and no one knows what's become of him40 8,disappeared60 echoed ,lottie1 in surprise4 8,ay2 no one's seen nothing of him since last night1 and all ,wildwaste's in a commotion4 ,he'd been to bed1 too1 that was clear2 and no one saw him leave the house in the morning2 and ,hannah says that she could take her oath that the chain was up on the house-door when she went to it at seven4 ,but ,mr4 ,gritton's not in the ,lodge2 it's been searched from top to bottom40 8,he's been lost in the bog--like that miserable ,dan ,ford10 said ,deborah1 gloomily4 8,no1 not that10 replied ,mrs4 ,green2 8the bog's not in a dangerous state just now2 we've had so much hot sunshine1 that you might ride a horse across the common from one end to the other40 8,is my dear lady much frightened about her brother80 asked ,lottie1 who had been listening with breathless interest4 8,not half so much frightened as one might expect1 ,hannah says2 nor half so much surprised at his disappearing4 ,it seems as if she'd a notion where he has gone1 though she does not choose to tell what she knows4 ,but ,miss ,gritton ain't very well1 they says2 depend on't1 she's in for the fever4 ,there's nothing in the world so catching as small-pox40 ,lottie's heart sank within her4 8,mrs4 ,bolder thinks10 continued ,mrs4 ,green1 8that ,mr4 ,gritton has just gone off to ,lunnon to be out of the way of infection2 but it's odd enough that he should have gone away without his hat1 for that's hanging up in the hall2 and its odder still that he should have been pulling about the furniture like a madman4 ,hannah told ,mrs4 ,bolder1 though she did not say a word of it to trouble ,miss ,gritton1 that she found the study in strange disorder--the table pulled out of its place1 the very drugget rolled up60 ,lottie was hardly able to stifle the sudden exclamation which rose to her lips4 ,having unburdened herself of her news1 ,mrs4 ,green suddenly remembered that her kettle would be boiling over1 and bustled out of the room4 ,lottie waited impatiently for a few seconds1 till she was certain that the landlady was out of hearing1 and then with energy exclaimed1 8,mother1 mother1 ,i must be off to ,wildwaste2 ,i'm sure and certain ,i'm wanted40 8,i'm sorry you ever left your good place there1 ,lottie2 maybe they would not take you back now10 said ,deborah sadly4 ,as ,lottie had had the small-pox in her childhood1 her mother did not fear her catching the complaint4 8,whether they will take me back or not1 mother1 ,i must go10 said ,lottie emphatically2 8master's lost--maybe ,i'll find him60 and hurriedly1 as if every moment were precious1 she took down from their peg her straw-bonnet and cloak4 8,it's getting on in the day1 my child1 and a walk to ,wildwaste is a deal too long for you now4 ,to-morrow ,i'll get the baker to take you in his cart--at least a good bit of the way40 ,lottie clasped her hands with a look of anxious entreaty4 8,don't stay me1 mother1 don't stay me4 ,if ,wildwaste were twice as far off1 ,i'd walk all the same4 ,i can't stop till to-morrow2 ,i should not close an eye all the night60 ,deborah had never before known her young daughter's mind so resolutely bent upon any course2 she saw that some very urgent motive indeed was drawing ,lottie towards ,wildwaste4 ,she believed this motive to be affection towards her young mistress1 and gave up opposing the wishes of her child2 only insisting on her taking with her a small bundle of clothes1 and refreshing herself by a cup of tea before she started4 ,in less than a quarter of an hour ,lottie was hastening on her way towards ,wildwaste4 8,it's all clear to me10 murmured the girl to herself1 as she rapidly walked along the street2 8master has gone down into that dismal place to look after his money1 and somehow he has locked himself in and cannot get out2 and no one thinks of looking for him there2 and so he'll be starved to death1 or maybe go right mad in that horrible vault4 ,hannah is hard of hearing--if he called ever so loud she'd never hear him in the kitchen2 and my lady is upstairs1 so his voice would never reach her4 ,it makes one's blood cold to think of his trying to get help1 and shouting and calling1 and never a soul going near him6 ,i must go and tell those who are searching where to look40 ,lottie had been walking very fast1 but she slackened her pace as a difficulty occurred to her mind4 8,but ,i must not tell any one of that vault--no1 not even ,miss ,isa2 have ,i not solemnly promised to keep the secret8 ,i must go down myself all alone to that gloomy place4 ,but what if master should be hiding there on purpose2 or if some one should come on a sudden and find me down there amongst all the silver and gold1 might ,i not be taken for a thief8 ,i have suffered so much already1 ,i could not abide any more of these cruel suspicions2 and maybe ,i'd be sent to prison this time1 and that would break mother's heart altogether40 ,the simple girl was so much startled by the images of terror called up by her excited fancy1 that for a moment she felt inclined to turn back4 8,suppose ,i tell ,miss ,isa--only ,miss ,isa2 that would keep my character clear2 and it cannot do harm for her to know where her own brother hoards all his money4 ,but that promise--that fatal promise6 ,what would the ,lord have me to do8 ,it is so miserable to be able to ask advice of no one1 not even of my own dear mother6 ,i seem going right into the darkness--but then1 as ,mr4 ,eardley would say1 ,i've the trumpet of conscience1 and the light of the ,word1 and the ,lord ,himself will guide me1 and make me triumph over all difficulties1 if ,i put my firm trust in ,him4 ,it seems so wonderful that the glorious ,king of ,heaven should think of or care for a poor ignorant child like me60 ,the shades of evening were gathering around her before the weary ,lottie trod the well-known path over the common that led to ,wildwaste ,lodge4 ,she looked up anxiously at the windows as she approached the house2 she was uneasy regarding the health of her dear young mistress4 ,when ,hannah1 after tedious delay1 answered ,lottie's timid ring at the door-bell1 her first anxious question was1 8,oh1 tell me1 how is ,miss ,isa80 ,lottie had to repeat it1 for the old servant seemed more deaf1 as well as more ill-tempered than usual4 8,she has a headache--natural enough1 turning herself into a sick-nurse for a stranger as gives more trouble than thanks4 ,and she's a worritting after master1 who has disappeared1 no one knows how4 ,but what brings you back1 like a bad halfpenny1 ,lottie80 added the peevish old woman2 8you chose to take yourself off without warning1 leaving all the work of the house on my hands1 and now you may just keep away--there's no one as wants you here60 and ,hannah almost shut the door in the face of the girl4 8,let me in--for just this night--oh1 let me in4 ,i've walked all the six miles from ,axe2 ,i can't go back in the dark all alone60 pleaded ,lottie1 whose brow and lip were moist with toil-drops1 and who felt the absolute necessity of searching the vault without the delay of another hour4 8,hannah1 ,i'll work like a slave2 ,i'll do anything that you bid me2 just speak a word for me to my mistress1 pray her to let me stop1 at least--at least till the morning40 8,how can ,i be worritting ,miss ,isa1 with asking any-think for the like of you10 said ,hannah ungraciously1 opening the door1 however1 a little wider1 so as to give admittance to ,lottie4 8,you may go there into the kitchen--everything there wants cleaning and looking arter1 for not a minute have ,i had to myself this blessed day1 what with the fetching and carrying upstairs1 downstairs1 and all the stir about master1 which has turned the house upside down4 ,there--you get water from the pump1 and fill the kettle1 and wash up the plates1 while ,i go up with the medicine2 there's ,miss ,madden's bell ringing like mad60 ,lottie retired to the kitchen1 but neither to rest nor to work4 ,after listening for a few moments to the slow step of the old servant as she mounted the stairs1 grumbling at every step1 the girl seized her opportunity1 and darted into the study4 ,the table had not been drawn back to its place1 the brown drugget lay as ,gaspar had left it2 but though ,lottie knew the situation of the trap-door in the floor1 she could not at once discover it1 either owing to the opening being so well concealed1 or from her own nervous haste causing confusion in her mind4 ,having at last1 rather by feeling than by sight1 found the portion of the planks that could be moved1 ,lottie lifted the trap-door and again timidly gazed down into the darkness below4 ,before she ventured to descend she paused and listened1 to make certain that ,hannah was still upstairs4 ,she heard the woman's heavy step in the room above1 and then1 feeling that every minute was precious1 ,lottie hastily descended the ladder4 ,not having brought a light with her1 and the vault being utterly dark1 the girl had to grope to find the handle of that inner door which ,gaspar had closed1 but not locked1 behind him4 ,lottie pressed against the door1 but felt that something within resisted her efforts to push it open4 ,she used more strength1 pressing with knee and shoulder2 the resisting body1 whatever it might be1 yielded a little under her efforts4 ,there was an opening sufficiently wide to admit the girl's hand4 ,lottie sank on her knees1 and put down her hand in order to feel what was the nature of the obstruction which the darkness prevented her from seeing1 and uttered a shriek of horror upon touching a clammy human face6 ,a frightful conviction flashed on her mind that her master had been murdered for his money1 and that it was his corpse which lay within the vault4 8,oh1 they've killed him60 she exclaimed aloud in accents of terror1 starting to her feet1 as she uttered the exclamation of fear4 8,killed whom8--in mercy speak60 cried the agonized voice of ,isa from above4 ,miss ,gritton had chanced to enter the study in search of some papers1 and was with astonishment bending over the open trap-door1 when she caught the sound of the terrible words from below4 ,isa could scarcely see the top rounds of the ladder1 so obscure had the twilight become2 she knew not whither it might lead1 or what horrors might lie at the bottom1 yet she hesitated not for one instant1 and almost before the sound of her terrified question had died away1 she was at the side of ,lottie in the utter darkness of the vault4 8,master has been murdered60 gasped the young maid4 ,gaspar could hear her exclamation distinctly1 but was unable to speak a word in reply4 8,gaspar--,o my brother60 cried ,isa1 in a tone of piercing distress4 ,that cry from the lips of a sister broke the spell of the strange trance with which ,gaspar ,gritton had been bound4 ,during all the long hours of his terrible imprisonment he had been unable to stir or to make the least sound2 and though he was conscious of ,lottie's presence when she touched him1 and could hear her voice1 he had still remained as it were dead1 helpless as a corpse in his living grave4 ,but to ,isa's call1 to his inexpressible relief1 ,gaspar was able to answer2 the hitherto paralyzed limbs stirred with life1 and with a murmured 8,god be praised60 he awoke from what appeared to him like a dream of unutterable horror4 ,illustration3 ,,found ,,in ,,the ,,vault4 ,but ,gaspar's powers were in a very feeble state2 he was unable at first even to move far enough from the door which divided him from his sister for it to be opened sufficiently wide to admit of her passing through4 8,oh1 for a light60 exclaimed ,isa2 then hearing ,hannah's step in the study above1 she called out loudly1 8,bring light--help--quick1 quick--your master's dying down here in the vault60 ,some minutes of terrible anxiety followed2 ,isa dreaded to see what light might reveal1 for the idea of murder1 first suggested by ,lottie1 was uppermost in her mind4 ,hannah had rushed towards the hamlet to summon aid2 ,isa sent ,lottie up the ladder for a light2 the girl had hardly procured it when the hall of the ,lodge was filled with a party of workmen1 whom ,hannah's loud call for assistance had brought to the house4 ,by the help of the men's strong arms1 ,mr4 ,gritton was carried up from his gloomy prison-vault1 and laid on his bed4 ,thankful indeed was ,isa to find that her brother was unwounded1 and apparently unhurt1 though in a very weak and nervous condition4 ,she neither questioned him1 nor suffered him to be questioned1 but she marked the glances of surprise and suspicion exchanged between the workmen1 who had seen what they were never designed to see1 and learned what they were never intended to know4 ,gaspar's secret was a secret no longer1 except as regarded his way of acquiring the hoards of treasure1 of which an exaggerated account spread through all the hamlet before the morning4 ,having thanked1 rewarded1 and dismissed the workmen1 ,isa sat for hours watching by her brother1 and listening to a confession from his lips which filled her heart with mingled grief1 shame1 thankfulness1 and hope4 ,there are some men whom judgments only harden--a thunderbolt might shatter1 but it never would melt them--,gaspar's nature resembled not such4 ,he felt on that solemn night much as ,dives might have felt had his tortured spirit received a reprieve1 and been permitted once more to dwell upon earth4 ,he had been given a glimpse1 as if by the lurid light of the devouring flame1 of the utter worthlessness of all for which man would exchange his immortal soul4 ,the impression might become weakened by time1 but upon that night it was strong4 ,gaspar unburdened his soul to his sister2 he told her all1 even to ,lottie's discovery of the treasure1 and besought ,isa's counsel in the difficult strait into which his covetousness had brought him4 ,confession--reparation6 ,from these ,gaspar shrank1 as the patient from the knife of the surgeon4 ,could no milder remedy be found1 could there be no compromise with conscience8 ,isa dared suggest none1 though she would have given all that she possessed on earth to save her brother from the bitter humiliation of acknowledging to ,cora ,madden the base fraud which he had committed4 ,the strength of ,isa's faith and obedience was brought to painful proof on that night4 ,if she had yielded but a point1 if she had counselled delay1 if she had administered an opiate to the tortured conscience of her brother1 as all her tender woman's nature1 ay1 and all her woman's pride1 pleaded for her to do1 ,gaspar would1 like ,felix1 have put off the hated duty for a more convenient season1 and the precious moment for action would have passed away for ever4 ,but ,isa had the fear of ,god before her eyes2 she had a keen perception that this was a crisis in the spiritual life of her brother1 that his soul's interests for eternity might hang on the result of his decision on that night4 ,her voice had aroused him from the death-like stupor of the body1 her voice was to be also the means of quickening the lethargic soul4 ,the whisper of delay in his case could but be the breathing of the enemy who would lure him to destruction4 ,isa reminded ,gaspar of the resolution of ,zaccheus1 when he had received the ,lord into his home and his heart3 it was not 8,i will give10 but ,i give2 it was not 8,i will restore10 but ,i restore4 ,gaspar was irresolute1 undecided1 but his good angel was beside him to help his weak nature in the great mental conflict4 ,it was almost midnight before that trying interview ended1 and the brother and sister separated1 the one to sink into a troubled slumber1 the other to return to the chamber of ,cora1 intrusted by ,gaspar with the responsible and most painful charge of making for him that humiliating confession which he himself had not the courage to make4 ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xxiv4 ,a ,,triumph4 ,with a very slow step1 aching heart1 and knees that trembled beneath her1 ,isa reascended the staircase4 ,one apparently insuperable difficulty had been overcome1--,gaspar had consented to make full reparation4 ,isa could feel thankful for this2 but she had now a breathing-space for consideration1 and with inexpressible repugnance she now recoiled from the task set before her4 ,it had been hard to banish from her heart resentful emotions in regard to ,cora2 it had been hard to ,isa to receive an enemy into her home1 to tend her as a sister1 to risk health and life in her service4 ,but there had been nothing to wound pride in all this2 on the contrary1 ,isa had stood in the elevated position of a benefactress1 as one enjoying the noblest kind of revenge by repaying injuries with kindness4 ,the consciousness of this had brought a feeling of gratification4 ,but her position was painfully altered now4 ,isa must humble herself in the presence of a woman whom she neither loved nor respected2 she must1 as the representative of her brother1 confess guilt--ask for forgiveness--plead for mercy6 ,isa stopped half-way on the stairs1 supporting herself on the banister1 for every fibre in her frame was trembling with strong emotion4 ,she had ventured1 as it were1 to the outskirts of the camp of ,midian1 and felt that she lacked courage to strike the final blow for freedom4 ,a silent cry for help arose to heaven from the depths of a suffering heart4 ,cora was one to whom it would be especially painful to make a confession such as that which burdened the soul of ,isa4 ,miss ,madden had been brought much into contact with the world1 had imbibed its spirit1 and adopted one of its most dangerous ideas1--namely1 a disbelief in the existence of faith as a ruling motive4 ,notwithstanding the noble example of piety which she had had before her in her own brother1 ,cora had persisted in regarding all men as governed either by self-interest or the love of approbation4 8,sir ,robert ,walpole said1 and said truly10 ,cora had once lightly observed1 8that every man has his price2 only some will have it told down in hard cash1 and others are quite contented with the paper-money of praise40 ,thus ,cora refused to see the reflected glory of the ,saviour in ,his people3 however brightly their light might shine1 she believed that it was fed from an earthly source1 and eagerly caught at every instance of inconsistency in the servants of ,god to confirm her theory that they only wore piety as a mask1 and1 in fact1 were much the same with the show of religion as the rest of the world were without it4 ,it was this fallacy more than anything else that had hardened the heart of ,cora1 and made her justify herself in her own indifference towards spiritual things4 ,she would draw down all to the same low level as herself1 and thus hope to escape condemnation in a crowd4 ,cora's chilling disbelief in the practical influence of faith had been shaken when she had first been admitted into the home of ,isa ,gritton while suffering from an infectious complaint4 ,the ice which the world had encrusted round her heart had given some signs of melting4 ,then the idea that the ,grittons were1 after all1 only acting from self-interest1 had almost restored her frigid scepticism2 she would not recognize the reality and the power of that faith which worketh by love4 ,the sudden and strange disappearance of ,gaspar had confirmed ,cora in her impressions4 8,he flies me because he fears me10 was the reflection of the proud woman2 and the insolence of her spirit had broken out even in the presence of the anxious sister4 8,perhaps ,miss ,gritton has an idea not only whither1 but for what cause1 her brother had so suddenly vanished from this neighbourhood10 had been ,cora's sneering remark4 ,and yet1 with all her bitterness and worldliness of spirit1 ,cora was capable of more generous feeling4 ,she was a woman1 and1 like a woman1 could cherish disinterested affection4 ,cora keenly felt her own isolation in life1 that isolation which she feared that her personal disfigurement would now render perpetual4 ,she had cut herself off from the proffered affection of ,arthur and ,lina2 she had quarrelled with ,lionel's wife2 she had many acquaintances1 but was painfully aware that she had never made one true friend4 ,cora1 especially during her illness1 had often yearned for the love of a gentle1 sympathizing heart1 and something of gratitude1 something of admiration1 had drawn her towards ,isa ,gritton4 8,how ill ,miss ,gritton looks to-night2 ,i fear that she is sickening for the fever10 ,mrs4 ,holdich had observed1 on ,isa's quitting the room to go and search for papers in the study1 at the time when1 as the reader knows1 ,lottie was exploring the vault4 ,the observation had inflicted a sharp pang on ,cora2 she was startled on realizing the possibility that ,isa's life might indeed be given for her own1 and a contrast would suggest itself between the comparative value of those lives4 ,isa1 as ,cora knew from ,rebekah ,holdich1 was the light of her brother's home1 the gentle benefactress of the poor1 and1 as ,cora was at that very time experiencing1 a generous friend to those who needed her aid4 ,in her1 more than in any one else1 ,cora had caught a glimpse of the beauty of holiness2 in her1 more than in any one else1 ,cora had been almost forced to recognize the power of faith2 and at that moment the proud1 cold woman felt that there was one being on earth whom she could love1 one whom she could not endure to see fall a sacrifice to her generous kindness to herself4 ,cora's bitter but salutary reflections were interrupted by the noise and excitement below1 which followed the discovery of ,gaspar ,gritton in the vault4 ,the loud call of ,hannah for assistance was distinctly heard in the upper rooms occupied by ,miss ,madden2 and ,cora sent down ,mrs4 ,holdich in haste to ascertain the cause of such an unusual disturbance4 ,rebekah did not return for a considerable time1 and ,cora grew so impatient that she could hardly restrain herself from hurrying downstairs4 ,mrs4 ,holdich came at last with the information that ,mr4 ,gritton had been found in an insensible state in a vault1 that he had been removed to his own apartment1 and that his sister was carefully tending him there4 ,this was all which ,cora could learn from ,rebekah1 and it did not satisfy her thirst for information2 she determined not to retire to rest until she had seen ,isa ,gritton4 ,to beguile the time1 ,cora went up to ,isa's little bookcase1 hoping to find there some light reading to amuse herself with4 ,one volume1 from the elegance of its binding1 attracted ,miss ,madden's attention1 and she drew it forth from its place4 ,it contained no work of fiction1 as ,cora had hoped and expected1 but a selection of hymns4 ,at another time ,cora would have replaced the book1 with perhaps an expression of scorn2 but she was in a softened mood on that night1 and her eye was attracted by the marking and double-marking on the margin of many of the pages4 ,chiefly from curiosity1 but possibly from a better motive1 ,miss ,madden carried the book to the place where she usually sat on her soft-cushioned chair1 seated herself1 and began to read in a desultory way4 ,one of the hymns which had been most strongly marked by ,isa was the well-known one commencing with the line1-- 8,and dost thou say1 ,ask what thou wilt80 ,this hymn was an especial favourite with ,isa1 who knew it by heart2 but the proud1 selfish woman who now perused it1 in the stillness of night and the seclusion of a sick-room1 seemed to be introduced into a new world of sensation as she read the lines1 which express a ,christian's most fervent desire3 8,more of ,thy presence1 ,lord1 impart1 ,more of ,thine image let me bear2 ,enthrone ,thyself within my heart1 ,and reign without a rival there4 8,grant this request1 ,i ask no more1 ,but to ,thy care the rest resign2-- ,sick1 or in health1 or rich1 or poor1 ,all shall be well if ,thou art mine40 8,can it be that any human being really feels this80 thought ,cora1 half closing the volume4 8,i cannot believe it4 ,and yet ,isa ,gritton has acted as if she felt it4 ,but no1 no--she is at this moment playing the part of an accomplice of her money-loving brother4 ,her faith may make her like such a book as this1 mark it1 perhaps cry over it2 it may give her that gentleness and kindliness which have half won me over to love her in spite of myself2 it may--yes1 it may possibly have some effect in taking away the fear of losing beauty1 or even life2 but when it comes to the question of its requiring such integrity of conduct as would involve loss and disgrace1 faith will find it expedient to confine itself to sentimental devotion1 and the saint will come forth from the closet to act in the world--as the children of the world always act40 ,a gentle hand noiselessly turned the handle of the door1 and ,isa glided into the room4 ,she was surprised to see ,cora still awake and sitting up at the midnight hour4 8,i thought that ,i should have found my patient asleep10 she observed4 8,i could not have slept till ,i had seen you2 ,i wanted to hear about your brother40 ,isa rather sank than seated herself upon a chair2 a cold shiver ran through her frame2 she knew not if the overpowering sensations which oppressed her arose only from the reaction after painful excitement1 or if she were indeed sickening for a terrible complaint4 8,i may be delirious ere morning10 thought ,isa2 8,i must speak now1 or ,i never may have power to speak4 ,may it not be deemed providential that ,i am given an opportunity of confession by this midnight interview with ,cora60 8,miss ,gritton1 you look sadly ill10 said ,cora1 with more of sympathy than ,isa had ever before heard in her tone4 8,are you very anxious regarding your brother80 8,i am very anxious indeed10 replied ,isa faintly1 glancing at the closed door which divided the ladies from the room in which ,mrs4 ,holdich was resting1 to be sure that no ear but ,cora's should hear what she was bracing up her courage to say4 8,miss ,madden1 ,i have come charged with a message to you from ,gaspar40 ,isa paused1 for she was very breathless2 her heart fluttered--she had a strange difficulty in articulating her words2 she dared not look up and meet the keen gaze which she was certain was fixed upon her4 8,my brother believes--feels sure--that there is no evidence which could be produced in a court of law which could bring home to him that--that of which you have been led to suspect him40 ,another very painful pause2 ,isa pressed her hand to her side to still the throbbing of her heart4 8,but10 she continued with an effort1 8,gaspar knows--owns--that though man cannot convict1 there is a higher tribunal than man's1 and before it he cannot plead his innocence4 ,it was indeed not your property which was lost in the ,orissa--your money is in the hands of my brother1 and shall be restored1 principal and interest2 you shall have ample satisfaction as far as gold can give it4 ,and oh1 ,cora--,miss ,madden--will not this compensation suffice8 will you not forgive all the past1 and spare the reputation of him who thus throws himself on your indulgence8 will you not shield from reproach one who is ready amply to redeem the wrong committed under strong temptation1 and show your generosity by burying this unhappy affair in silence and oblivion80 ,isa clasped her hands as she spoke in the fervour of her pleading2 her eyes suddenly raised met those of ,cora1 and to her surprise beheld them brimming over with tears4 ,cora rose from her seat4 8,o ,isa10 she exclaimed1 8fear nothing from me6 ,had the wrong been tenfold1 ,i have learned from you how to forgive--and much besides60 ,and with a burst of emotion1 which all her pride could not restrain1 ,cora threw her arms around ,isa1 who found herself1 to her great astonishment1 pressed to the heart of one who had been her bitter1 malignant enemy4 ,illustration3 ,,the ,,confession4 ,the victories of faith are not only over inward foes3 when the ways of a man are pleasing to the ,lord1 ,he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him4 ,isa1 in her gentleness and ,christian sympathy1 her uprightness1 her obedience to the call of duty1 had done more to lead her proud1 erring heart to repentance than all the sermons which had fallen on the ear of ,cora like seed on the trodden wayside4 ,cora had never realized how far she herself was from being a ,christian1 till she had seen exemplified in one of her own sex and station what a ,christian should be4 ,it was in the hour when ,isa felt humiliated1 covered with shame for the errors of a brother1 that she had forced from proud lips that tribute to her character which was in itself an acknowledgment of inferiority such as no being had ever before wrung from ,cora ,madden4 ,isa had won a noble triumph--she had conquered the heart of her foe4 ,illustration ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xxv4 ,there was much excitement in ,wildwaste relative to the occurrences of that night4 ,various rumours spread1 with more or less of truth in them1 concerning ,gaspar ,gritton1 and the strange way in which he had been discovered lying in a lifeless state in a mysterious vault full of treasure4 ,as ,lottie was reinstated in her place1 and ,cora was convalescent1 the services of ,mrs4 ,holdich were no longer required2 the steward's wife--after changing her infected garments--returned to her home1 where she was besieged by curious inquirers4 ,rebekah smiled at the strange exaggerations which had spread around1 like widening circles on a lake into which a pebble has been thrown4 ,it was true1 she said1 that ,lottie had performed an important service1 had been the means of preserving her master's life1 for which she would be liberally rewarded2 but as regarded the vault and its mysterious contents1 ,rebekah maintained a placid silence4 ,she had a note from ,isa to convey to the ,castle1 in which ,arthur and ,lina ,madden were now residing as the baronet's guests4 ,the result of that note was1 that ,holdich appeared that afternoon at ,wildwaste ,lodge1 equipped for a journey to ,london1 part of his equipment being a pair of loaded revolvers4 ,crowds of workmen and their families thronged before the ,lodge1 curiously watching the door through which were borne iron boxes1 very heavy in proportion to their size1 and believed to contain treasures of plate and bullion sufficient to buy up the village4 ,with emotions of intense relief and deep thankfulness ,isa watched from the window the departure of the cart for the station1 with the sturdy steward seated on one of the boxes within it1 keeping faithful watch over his dangerous charge4 ,it was not only because in that lawless part of the country the ,lodge would scarcely have been a safe residence when known to contain a treasure1 that ,isa rejoiced in its departure2 it was because she looked on that ill-gotten gold much as our ancestors looked upon the barrels of gunpowder buried in a vault beneath ,parliament-house by an insidious and cruel foe4 ,it had been placed there not to enrich1 but to destroy2 not as a blessing1 but a curse2--an enemy hath done this4 ,from the days of ,achan unto our own1 there is a woe for him who heapeth up riches unrighteously won4 ,no one from the ,lodge appeared at the steward's cottage on that evening1 and he himself was absent on his mission to ,london2 but ,edith ,lestrange and her guests came from the ,castle to attend ,mr4 ,eardley's closing lecture on the 8,triumph over ,midian40 ,,lecture ,,vii4--,,faith ,,crowned4 ,the men of ,ephraim1 as was mentioned at our last meeting1 had encountered some of the fugitives of ,midian1 had slain two of their princes1 and brought their heads to ,gideon4 ,but the ,ephraimites1 men of a warlike tribe1 were angry at having been appointed but a secondary part2 they were indignant at the chief honour1 as well as the chief danger1 of the struggle having been assigned to ,gideon's three hundred heroes4 8,why hast thou served us thus10 they fiercely exclaimed to the leader1 8that thou calledst us not when thou wentest to fight the ,midianites80 ,they came full of jealous resentment2 and instead of rejoicing in the triumph1 chafed at not having sooner been permitted to share it4 ,only by pride cometh contention2 with the lowly is wisdom4 ,gideon1 humble in the midst of his marvellous success1 experienced the power of the soft answer to turn away wrath4 ,he said unto the indignant warriors1 ,what have ,i done now in comparison of you8 ,is not the gleaning of the grapes of ,ephraim better than the vintage of ,abiezer8 ,god hath delivered into your hands the princes of ,midian1 ,oreb and ,zeeb3 and what was ,i able to do in comparison of you8 ,then1 adds the sacred narrative1 their anger was abated towards him4 ,illustration3 ,,gideon ,,and ,,the ,,ephraimites4 ,but it was not with the proud sons of ,ephraim1 but with his own band1 the chosen of ,god1 that ,gideon completed his victory by following up the pursuit beyond ,jordan4 ,they held a commission from the ,most ,high1 and exchanging their trumpets and torches for weapons of war1 faint1 yet pursuing1 they pressed on4 ,weary and hungry were the brave warriors of ,gideon2 they lacked refreshment to renew their failing strength1 but that refreshment was cruelly withheld1 first by the men of ,succoth1 and then by those of ,penuel1 from whom ,gideon had craved the much-needed supplies4 ,these inhabitants of ,succoth and ,penuel1 sons of ,israel unworthy of the name1 afterwards received the punishment due for their indifference to a holy cause--their base inhospitable neglect of those bearing the burden and heat of the conflict4 ,and can we find none even in a ,christian land whose conduct closely resembles that of the men of ,succoth and ,penuel8 ,the missionaries of the ,cross are engaged in a long and arduous struggle to carry the banner of their ,lord into the strongholds of heathen error4 ,they are a small and1 as regards numbers1 a feeble band2 they need support and sympathy from those who dwell at ease in their peaceful homes4 ,for them their heavenly ,leader deigns to ask the aid of their brethren4 ,in the words of ,gideon we seem to hear the ,lord's ,give1 ,i pray you1 loaves of bread unto the people that follow me1 for they be faint4 ,and how is that appeal received by the greater number of those who call themselves ,christians8 ,some1 indeed1 rejoice to bring out their offerings2 they deem it an honour to be permitted to give from their stores and refresh the fainting powers of those who are foremost in fighting the good fight of faith4 ,to these how sweet the ,saviour's promise to ,his disciples3 ,whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in ,my name1 because ye belong to ,christ1 verily ,i say unto you1 he shall not lose his reward4 ,but shall not the multitudes who give no aid to the servants of ,god1 who share the guilt of ,penuel and ,succoth1 fear to share their punishment also8 ,it is lack of faith that hardens the heart1 that closes the hand2 for who could refuse to give--give largely1 give to the utmost of his power--if he really believed that at the last day those who have turned a deaf ear to the appeal of the weary1 shall hear from the lips of the ,eternal ,judge the terrible words1 ,inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these1 ye did it not to ,me4 ,depart from ,me1 ye cursed6 ,faint1 yet pursuing1 ,gideon and his band followed on the track of ,zebah and ,zalmunna1 the kings of ,midian4 ,these1 with about fifteen thousand men who had escaped from the slaughter which followed the sounding of the trumpets1 had reached ,karkor1 and believed themselves there to be secure from further attack4 ,faint1 but pursuing4 ,thus1 in his life-long warfare against sin1 presses on the ,christian from grace to grace1 till ,god receives him to glory4 ,he must not sheathe the sword of the ,spirit while one evil passion remains unsubdued2 he must not relax his efforts till the ,almighty himself perfect the victory within him1 and call him to inherit the kingdom above4 ,we may have much to discourage us1 much to try our courage and patience2 it is not by one effort1 however great1 that the yoke of ,midian can be broken1 that faith can finally triumph over corruption within4 ,let patience leave its perfect work2 however long and arduous may be the pursuit1 ,god can uphold1 strengthen1 and bless us1 as in ,his name and for ,his sake we struggle on1 faint1 yet pursuing4 ,complete success crowned the efforts of ,gideon4 ,he came up with the men of ,midian1 discomfited all their host1 and took captive their kings ,zebah and ,zalmunna4 ,as they were not of the doomed races of ,canaan1 the leader of ,israel would have spared these foes1 had they not been stained with the blood of his brethren1 whom1 by the ,midianites' own confession1 they had slain at ,tabor4 ,gideon was by law the avenger of this blood4 ,the sacred record gives us a striking glimpse of the way in which justice was satisfied in that remote age--the brief investigation1 and the prompt execution by the hand of the near of kin1 according to the commandment of ,moses3 ,the murderer shall surely be put to death2 the revenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer2 when he meeteth him1 he shall slay him 7,num4 xxxv4 #ah1 #ai74 ,gideon inquired of ,zebah and ,zalmunna1 8,what manner of men were they whom ye slew at ,tabor80 evidently alluding to some well-known act of violence4 ,and the princes made answer1 8,as thou art1 so were they2 each one resembled the children of a king40 ,and he said1 8,they were my brethren1 even the sons of my mother3 as the ,lord liveth1 if ye had saved them alive1 ,i would not slay you40 ,gideon then commanded his first-born to fulfil the stern duty of the avenger of blood2 but the youth shrank from the office4 8,rise thou1 and fall upon us10 cried the bold sons of ,midian to ,gideon2 8for as the man is1 so is his strength40 ,by the hand of their conqueror1 therefore1 ,zebah and ,zalmunna met the fate which their crimes had deserved4 ,the victories of ,gideon1 his great services rendered to his country1 had won for him the enthusiastic admiration and gratitude of the people whom he had freed from the enemy's yoke4 ,nothing was deemed by his countrymen too great a reward for the hero who had delivered them4 ,let him who had saved ,israel become the head of the nation1 the first of a dynasty of rulers4 ,the men of ,israel said unto ,gideon1 8,rule thou over us1 both thou1 and thy son1 and thy son's son also2 for thou hast delivered us from the hand of ,midian40 ,but ,gideon's had been the triumph of faith1 not the proud struggle of ambition4 ,he desired no crown2 he would mount no throne2 the ,lord ,god of ,hosts alone should be the ,king of ,israel4 8,i will not rule over you10 said ,gideon2 8neither shall my son rule over you3 the ,lord shall rule over you40 ,it is to ,god alone that belongeth the power and the glory2 it was ,god who had smitten down ,midian1 and ,gideon1 great in humility as in his faith1 gave the honour to ,god4 ,rich was the blessing that followed1 as recorded in the page of ,scripture1 ,thus was ,midian subdued before the children of ,israel1 so that they lifted up their heads no more4 ,and the country was in quietness forty years in the days of ,gideon4 ,we have seen in the history before us the tree of faith budding1 bearing fair blossoms1 and then its fruits gradually ripening into perfection4 ,we now see1 as it were1 those precious fruits gathered and laid as an offering upon the altar of the ,lord4 ,the ,saviour shall come to be glorified in ,his saints1 and admired in all them that believe2 the harvest is ,his1 ,his servants lay its treasures at ,his feet4 ,and what is the practical lesson1 my brethren1 left on our minds by the record of the perils1 the exploits1 and the success of ,gideon8 ,can we trace in it any likeness to the experience of our own soul8 ,have we received the angel's visit1 heard the promise1 obeyed the command8 ,have we thrown down the idolatrous shrine in the spirit breathed in the words of the poet1-- 8,the dearest idol ,i have known1 ,whate'er that idol be1 ,help me to tear it from its throne1 ,and worship only ,thee40 ,have we trusted to ,god alone to strengthen us for the conflict with sin by the grace of ,his ,holy ,spirit1 and with ,his ,word in our hands have we invaded the enemy's camp1 and pursued him with earnest self-denying zeal8 ,have we fought and conquered our ,midianites by the power of living faith8 ,or1 to change the metaphor1 has faith been with us as the blighted tree1 on which the sunshine falls in vain1 which stands a bare form1 a lifeless thing1 when spring clothes all around it with verdure8 ,has the ,lord of the vineyard said of it1 ,lo1 these three1 or ten1 or twenty years ,i come seeking fruit1 and finding none4 ,cut it down2 why cumbereth it the ground8 ,oh1 my brethren1 that faith which is shown not by deeds1 that faith which works not by love1 is not the faith which is firmly rooted in the ,rock of ,ages4 ,a cold assent of the reason is not faith1 a lifeless profession is not faith2 that is faith which beareth good fruits--that which1 like the faith of ,gideon1 overcometh the enemy4 ,we have to pursue our ,midianites to the ,jordan1 but not beyond ,jordan4 ,at the fords of the 8narrow stream of death0 the last enemy will perish for ever4 ,into the bright land beyond1 ,disappointment1 ,discontent cannot enter2 for there is the fulness of joy and pleasures for evermore4 ,dissension is unknown where every look and thought are love2 nor can the shadow of ,distrust fall in the realm of eternal light1 for the servants of ,christ shall see ,him as ,he is1 and dwell with ,him in bliss everlasting4 ,illustration ,,chapter ,,xxvi4 ,,conclusion4 ,months had rolled away1 months crowded with incidents of interest to the personages in my story1 and now ,edith and ,isa stand again on the summit of the grassy mound by ,castle ,lestrange1 which overlooks a landscape so wide and so fair4 ,they behold ,nature no longer clad in the light-green drapery of spring1 spangled with blossoms1 but in the rich full foliage of summer1 which the setting sun is bathing in golden glory4 ,edith's blue eyes are gazing on the magnificent sky1 where the bright orb of day1 while sinking down on a throne of fiery clouds1 is throwing upwards widening streams of light where rosy clouds1 like islands of the blessed1 softly float in clear blue ether4 ,never1 even in ,italy1 had ,edith witnessed a finer sunset2 it seemed like a glimpse granted to mortals below of the coming glories of heaven4 8,how resplendent is the sky60 exclaimed ,edith1 after a pause of silent admiration4 8,and how beautiful the earth60 added ,isa4 8,ah1 on the eve of your bridal day1 dearest1 the prospect may well look fair in your eyes1 but still it owes its chief beauty to the radiance above it40 ,illustration3 ,a ,,fair ,,prospect4 8,i think that it must always be so to the ,christian10 observed ,isa4 8,the very crown of earthly happiness is to think that it is not all earthly2 that our ,lord1 who has joined our hearts together1 will also join our hands2 and that the union which ,he makes will endure when that sun itself is dark60 ,isa's eyes glistened with tears as she spoke1 but they welled up from a deep fount of joy4 8,just look towards ,wildwaste60 cried ,edith2 8they have finished that triumphal arch of evergreens and roses at which ,lottie and her brother1 and all the children of the hamlet1 have been working so hard since daybreak4 ,i never thought that ,wildwaste could put on an appearance so bright and so gay4 ,every cottage has its garland1 and ,i should not wonder if the manufactory itself burst into an illumination to-morrow40 8,i suspect that the enthusiasm and the rejoicing10 said ,isa gayly1 8is less on account of the wedding than to express the joy of the hamlet at ,arthur ,madden's being appointed to succeed ,mr4 ,bull4 ,old ,bolder was speaking so warmly on the subject this morning4 #8,there will be good days for ,wildwaste yet1' he said1 #8now that we've a pastor who will work1 and pray while he works2 who loves his people1 and will make them love him6 ,we'll not have all the drunkenness and riot which have made ,wildwaste a blot on the land6 ,i've felt better ever since ,i heard the good news1' he added1 rubbing his hands2 #8and ,i'll make a shift1 ,i will1 to throw away my crutches1 and get to church the day that ,mr4 ,arthur gives his first sermon4'0 8,every one welcomes their young clergyman as the benefactor of the place10 observed ,edith4 8,lottie would be almost sorry to leave ,wildwaste10 said ,isa1 8were she not going with me to ,axe1 where she will be close to her widowed mother1 and able often to be with her40 8,the only person for whom ,i feel sorry in the midst of all this rejoicing10 observed ,edith1 8is your poor brother1 ,mr4 ,gritton4 ,he will miss you so sadly1 when all alone in that dreary house at ,wildwaste40 8,i suspect that he will not be long alone10 said ,isa4 8,what6--is it true then80 asked ,edith quickly1 glancing up into the face of her companion2 8but surely1 surely it must grieve you to think of having ,cora ,madden as a sister60 8,some months ago it would have grieved me inexpressibly10 replied ,isa gravely4 8,i should have deemed such a connection a heavy misfortune2 but ,cora is changed1 so much changed1 since her illness40 8,i hear that the small-pox has left deep traces--0 8,yes1 on her character10 interrupted ,isa4 8,cora is much softened1 ,i hope humbled2 there is so much less of asperity in her manner1 of sarcasm in her tone4 ,is it not strange1 ,edith1 that she of whom ,i once spoke so harshly when you and ,i stood here conversing together1 should seem now to turn towards me with the affection of a sister80 8,you have indeed been a sister to her1 dear ,isa2 often have ,i wondered at your courage in braving infection1 and your unselfishness in enduring quarantine1 and all for one whom you dis----whom you could not love4 ,but yours was the courage1 the self-devotion of faith1 and ,god guarded you from the danger40 8,god has indeed crowned me with loving-kindness and tender mercies60 exclaimed ,isa1 whose quick eye had caught sight at that moment of a well-known form advancing up the avenue4 ,all her cares and fears1 all her difficulties and trials1 had now been exchanged for exceeding joy2 every cloud in her sky1 like those round the sun1 had become a golden mansion of light4 ,shall earth be called only 8a vale of tears10 and all its hopes be compared to a withering leaf8 ,is happiness below but a fading vision8 ,not so2 for even here the ,almighty can throw sunshine around ,his children1 and sweeten their cup with drops from that fountain of bliss whose full stream shall refresh their spirits above6 ,but for whom is such happiness prepared8 ,not for the fearful and unbelieving1 not for the selfish and self-willed1 but for those who1 like ,gideon1 have obeyed ,god's word and chosen ,his service1 and rendered faithful obedience to ,him whose mercy hath redeemed them4 ,the ,christian must not look for the victory without the struggle1 nor hope for peace while the smallest sin retains dominion within the soul2 it is on the night of conflict that dawns the morn of success2 to ,god's faithful warriors1 faint1 yet pursuing1 was given the triumph of faith over ,midian6 ,the ,a4 ,l4 ,o4 ,e4 ,series4 ,,richly ,,illustrated ,,and ,,elegantly ,,bound4 ,at ,five ,shillings each4 ,crown #hvo4 ,,the ,,triumph ,,over ,,midian4 ,with ,twenty-eight ,engravings4 ,,rescued ,,from ,,egypt4 ,with ,twenty-seven ,engravings4 ,,the ,,shepherd ,,of ,,bethlehem4 ,with ,forty ,engravings4 ,,exiles ,,in ,,babylon4 ,with ,thirty-four ,engravings4 ,,pride ,,and ,,his ,,prisoners4 ,with ,forty ,engravings4 ,,hebrew ,,heroes4 ,with ,thirty ,engravings4 ,at ,four ,shillings and ,sixpence each4 ,crown #hvo1 gilt edges4 ,,precepts ,,in ,,practice4 ,with ,forty ,engravings4 ,,the ,,giant-,,killer4 ,with ,forty ,engravings4 ,,the ,,young ,,pilgrim4 ,with ,twenty-seven ,engravings4 ,,fairy ,,know-,a-,,bit4 ,with ,thirty-four ,engravings4 ,at ,three ,shillings and ,sixpence each4 ,post #hvo4 ,,the ,,city ,,of ,,nocross1 ,,and ,,its ,,famous ,,physician4 ,,the ,,lady ,,of ,,provence2 or1 ,humbled and ,healed4 ,,cyril ,,ashley4 ,a ,tale4 ,,claudia4 ,a ,tale4 ,,on ,,the ,,way2 or1 ,places ,passed by ,pilgrims4 ,illustrated4 ,,house ,,beautiful2 or1 ,the ,bible ,museum4 ,illustrated4 ,,the ,,robbers' ,,cave4 ,illustrated4 ,gilt edges1 illuminated side4 ,,idols ,,in ,,the ,,heart4 ,a ,tale4 ,illustrated4 ,at ,three ,shillings each4 ,post #hvo4 ,,the ,,mine2 or1 ,darkness and ,light4 ,gilt edges1 illuminated side4 ,,the ,,silver ,,casket2 or1 ,love not the ,world4 ,illustrated4 ,,war ,,and ,,peace4 ,a ,tale of the ,retreat from ,cabul4 ,illustrated4 ,,the ,,holiday ,,chaplet4 ,illustrated4 ,,the ,,sunday ,,chaplet4 ,illustrated4 ,,the ,,roby ,,family4 ,illustrated4 ,gilt edges4 ,,flora2 or1 ,self-,deception4 ,illustrated4 ,gilt edges4 ,,rambles ,,of ,a ,,rat4 ,illustrated4 ,gilt edges4 ,,whispering ,,unseen4 ,illustrated4 ,,miracles ,,of ,,heavenly ,,love ,,in ,,daily ,,life4 ,illustrated4 ,,the ,,crown ,,of ,,success2 or1 ,four ,heads to ,furnish4 ,illustrated4 ,,parliament ,,in ,,the ,,play-,,room4 ,illustrated4 ,gilt edges4 ,at ,two ,shillings and ,sixpence each4 ,post #hvo4 ,,the ,,golden ,,fleece4 ,illustrated4 ,gilt edges1 illuminated side4 ,,old ,,friends ,,with ,,new ,,faces4 ,plates4 ,gilt edges1 illuminated side4 ,,story ,,of ,a ,,needle4 ,illustrated4 ,gilt edges1 illuminated side4 ,,my ,,neighbour',s ,,shoes4 ,illustrated4 ,gilt edges1 illuminated side4 ,,wings ,,and ,,stings2 or1 ,lessons on ,insect ,life4 ,illustrated4 ,gilt edges1 illuminated side4 ,,zaida',s ,,nursery ,,note-,,book4 ,a ,book for ,mothers4 ,gilt edges1 illuminated side4 ,at ,one ,shilling and ,sixpence each4 ,royal #ahmo4 ,,stories ,,from ,,the ,,history ,,of ,,the ,,jews4 ,with ,coloured ,frontispiece and ,vignette1 and ,thirty ,engravings4 ,,wings ,,and ,,stings4 ,with ,coloured ,frontispiece and ,vignette1 and ,sixteen ,engravings4 ,t4 ,,nelson ,,and ,,sons1 ,,london1 ,,edinburgh1 ,,and ,,new ,,york ,the ,prize ,library of ,history and ,travel4 ,new ,volume of ,travels1 ,beautifully ,illustrated4 ,,spain ,,and ,,its ,,people4 ,a ,record of ,recent ,travel4 ,from the ,french of ,m4 ,,poitou4 ,with ,historical and ,topographical ,notes4 ,one ,hundred and ,fifty ,original ,illustrations by ,v4 ,,foulquier4 #hvo1 handsomely bound in cloth1 gilt edges4 ,price #ajs4 #f;d4 8,m4 ,poitou has written frankly1 but brightly2 and his pages are not less distinguished by ,french vivacity than by ,french lucidity4 ,they are eminently readable2 and if they pretend to no great depth of reflection1 they sketch the present condition of ,spain--they delineate its landscapes1 they cull the choicest episodes of its history1 and touch upon the more conspicuous features of the ,spanish character--with unfailing good sense1 quick discrimination1 and considerable felicity40 ,,kane',s ,,arctic ,,explorations3 ,the ,second ,grinnel ,expedition in ,search of ,sir ,john ,franklin4 ,with ,eight ,steel ,plates and ,sixty ,woodcuts4 ,crown #hvo1 cloth extra1 gilt edges4 ,price #fs4 ,,missionary ,,enterprise ,,in ,,many ,,lands4 ,a ,book for the ,family4 ,by ,h4 ,l4 ,l41 one of the ,authors of 8,hymns from the ,land of ,luther10 c4 ,new and ,enlarged ,edition4 ,with ,eight ,illustrations4 ,crown #hvo1 cloth4 ,price #es4 ,,maury',s ,,physical ,,geography ,,of ,,the ,,sea4 ,with ,thirteen ,charts1 printed in ,colours4 #hvo1 cloth4 ,price #es4 ,,history ,,of ,,british ,,india4 ,by ,,hugh ,,murray1 ,esq41 ,f4,r4,s4,e4 ,with ,continuation4 ,crown #hvo1 cloth4 ,price #fs4 #f;d4 ,,collier',s ,,history ,,of ,,england4 ,to which is added the ,history of our ,colonial ,empire4 ,crown #hvo1 cloth4 ,price #gs4 #f;d4 ,,history ,,of ,,scotland4 ,by the late ,rev4 ,,james ,,mackenzie4 ,with ,numerous ,illustrations4 ,crown #hvo1 cloth4 ,price #gs4 #f;d4 ,,pictures ,,from ,,sicily4 ,by ,w4 ,h4 ,,bartlett1 ,author of 8,jerusalem ,revisited10 8,the ,pilgrim ,fathers10 c4 ,a ,new ,edition1 ,revised and ,brought ,down to the ,present ,time4 ,with ,eight ,steel ,plates and ,forty-eight ,engravings on ,wood4 ,crown #hvo1 cloth4 ,price #cs4 #f;d4 ,,history ,,of ,,the ,,church ,,of ,,christ4 ,with a ,special ,view to the ,delineation of ,christian ,faith and ,life4 7,from ,a4 ,d4 #a to ,a4 ,d4 #cac47 ,by the late ,rev4 ,,islay ,,burns1 ,d4,d41 ,glasgow4 ,crown #hvo1 cloth4 ,price #cs4 #f;d4 ,,bible ,,history1 in ,connection with the ,general ,history of the ,world4 ,with ,notices of ,scripture ,localities and ,sketches of ,social and ,religious ,life4 ,by the ,rev4 ,w4 ,g4 ,,blaikie1 ,d4,d4 #abmo1 #dgj pages1 with ,maps4 ,price #cs4 ,t4 ,,nelson ,,and ,,sons1 ,,london1 ,,edinburgh1 ,,and ,,new ,,york4