,transcriber's note3 ,unusual and inconsistent spelling is as printed4 ,the ,beautiful ,garment and ,other ,stories ,by ,a4 ,l4 ,o4 ,e4 ,,rock ,,island1 ,,ill4 ,,augustana ,,book ,,concern ,,copyright #aibg ,,by ,,augustana ,,book ,,concern ,,printed ,,in ,u4,s4,a4 ,,rock ,,island1 ,,ill4 ,,augustana ,,book ,,concern1 ,,printers ,,and ,,binders #aibg ,,contents ,the ,beautiful ,garment ,the ,captive ,the ,voyage ,the ,beautiful ,garment ,you'll find our ,lydia a child after your own heart1 ,martin1 said ,captain ,neill1 a retired officer1 to his elder brother1 who had lately returned from ,india4 ,she seems to be a quick1 intelligent girl1 answered ,mr4 ,neill1 in a less enthusiastic tone4 ,she is that1 and a great deal more6 cried the father4 ,it is wonderful to see the good that child does6 ,from cottage to cottage she goes1 reading1 talking--really like a grown-up woman2 it would surprise you were you to hear her4 ,perhaps it would1 said his brother1 a pale1 reserved man1 with dark1 thoughtful eyes1 and a face on which love to ,god and good-will to man seemed to have set their stamp4 ,certainly1 dear ,lydia is a very uncommon child1 lisped ,mrs4 ,neill from the sofa1 to which long and tedious1 though not dangerous illness had confined her for several months4 ,you see1 pursued the captain1 we've no child but ,lydia1 so we've devoted all our care to our pet4 ,an only child runs some danger of being spoilt1 observed ,mr4 ,neill1 with a smile4 ,yes1 yes1 but we never spoil ours1 answered the father1 quickly4 ,oh1 dear1 no6 said the lady1 from the sofa4 ,we have always from the first taught ,lydia her duty2 and ,i must say that we've found her an apt pupil1 continued the captain4 ,would you believe it--though she is just twelve years old1 that child has twice read through the ,bible1 and has started on the third reading of her own accord6 ,the partial father looked into his brother's face1 expecting to see depicted there admiration and surprise4 ,there was1 however1 no expression of the kind4 ,perhaps ,mr4 ,neill was thinking that one verse of the ,holy ,scriptures1 treasured in the heart1 might do more for the soul than the whole ,bible read hastily over for the sake of boasting that so much had been done4 ,and then her charity1 recommenced ,captain ,neil2 but he was interrupted by the entrance of a fine-looking girl1 who came in with a quick step and self-possessed manner1 her checks glowing beneath her white hat from the exercise which she had been taking4 ,where have you been1 my darling8 asked her father4 ,oh1 round by the mill1 and as far as the seven cottages4 ,poor ,jones is getting worse and worse2 his wife says that he cannot last long4 ,i tried to get ,mrs4 ,brown to send all her children to school1 but she tells me they can't go in such rags4 ,i'm about to make a parcel of my old clothes1 my green dress1 and a lot of other things-- ,but1 my dear1 said ,lydia's mother1 that dress was quite new this spring2 ,i don't wish-- ,i'm tired of it1 interrupted ,lydia2 and seeing that her mother was about to speak1 she cut her short by a decided1 ,i hate green dresses1 and ,i'm not going to wear it again4 ,the mother looked vexed1 but said nothing4 ,you've had a long round1 my darling2 sit down and rest1 said ,captain ,neill1 kindly4 ,i'm not tired1 and would rather stand1 replied ,lydia1 in her short1 decided manner1 as she flung her hat back on her shoulders1 and shook the curls from her heated face4 ,then1 turning to her mother1 she said1 ,whom do you think ,i met on the way8 ,all the ,thomsons on ponies4 ,i wish ,i had a pony1 too1 ,i should so enjoy riding about4 ,could we afford it1 you should have one1 said her father1 who1 though very fond of riding1 had never mounted a horse since he had quitted the army4 ,it pained him that his child should ever form a wish which he had not the power to gratify4 ,i don't see why the ,thomsons should ride when we walk6 observed ,lydia1 with a little toss of the head4 ,we are as good as they any day4 ,their mother was no fine lady1 ,i've heard1 and they say in the village that ,mr4 ,thomson is deep in debt1 and will have to sell his fine house4 ,people say ill-natured things1 my love2 ,i would not repeat them1 observed ,mrs4 ,neill1 mildly4 ,lydia looked annoyed at the gentle reproof1 and began humming an air to herself1 to show that she did not mind it4 ,have you written the notes as ,i desired you1 my dear8 asked the sick mother1 after a silence4 ,no1 ,i've been busy1 and shall be busy all day2 ,i'll write them to-morrow1 replied ,lydia1 sitting down1 and carelessly opening a book4 ,did you carry your missionary subscription to the ,vicarage8 asked the captain4 ,my girl keeps a collection box1 he added1 smilingly turning towards his brother to explain4 ,no2 ,i did not1 replied ,lydia1 shortly4 ,and why8 for the clergyman told us he was anxious to send in the subscriptions directly4 ,i would rather wait till ,i have collected more1 answered ,lydia4 ,the ,barnes had one pound nine in their box4 ,but we cannot attempt to compete with the ,barnes1 my love2 we can give but little1 but we give it cheerfully4 ,i will wait till ,i have collected more1 repeated ,lydia4 ,i should be ashamed to send in less than my neighbors4 ,it is a great privilege to be able to help a good cause1 said the captain1 again addressing his brother4 ,my girl does not content herself with gathering money2 she gives her work1 which is something better4 ,her little fingers were busy for the fancy fair held for our schools3 she made two bags and seven purses-- ,four bags and eight purses1 interrupted ,lydia1 and six round pincushions besides4 ,the ,charters did not furnish so much1 though there are three of them to work4 ,but they are such an idle set of girls1 and ,i don't think they care about schools4 ,four bags and eight purses1 to say nothing of the pincushions2 pretty well for one little pair of hands6 said the captain1 turning again to his brother1 in expectation of an approving smile or word2 but no smile was given1 no word was uttered4 ,lydia glanced at her uncle in surprise1 but could not understand the almost sad expression on her relative's kind face4 ,could she have read his thoughts1 they would have run somewhat as follows3 ,it is clear that these fond parents are content with their child1 and that the child is content with herself2 she has enough of the sweet poison of flattering praise without my pouring out more from a selfish desire to make myself a favorite here4 ,my brother thinks his ,lydia perfect1 and believes that the soil1 cultivated with tender care1 is already covered with a glorious harvest4 ,but what is it that eyes less blinded by partial affection see there8 ,in ten minutes ,i have unwillingly beheld the weeds of pride1 selfishness1 and disobedience1 a disposition to evil speaking1 covetousness1 and a silly thirst for praise4 ,small indeed the faults now appear1 as weeds scarce showing above the soil2 but it is evident that the roots are there1 and ,i fear that the harvest will be different indeed from what my brother expects4 ,what shall ,i do8 ,speak openly to him8 ,i fear that the only result would be to wound--perhaps to offend him2 he would think me unjust or severe1 and retain his own opinion4 ,i must gain some quiet opportunity of speaking a word to ,lydia herself2 she is an intelligent1 sensible girl2 but ,i can see too plainly by her manner toward her mother that nothing will be welcome to the young lady that comes in the shape of reproof4 ,my conscience will not suffer me to leave my niece to her blind security2 ,i will make at least an attempt to open her eyes to the truth4 ,the party now dispersed--,lydia to take off her hat and cape2 the two gentlemen to visit a friend4 ,during their walk1 ,captain ,neill could scarcely discourse on any subject but that of his daughter4 ,he told anecdote after anecdote1 which had been treasured up in his affectionate heart2 but his conversation only served to convince ,mr4 ,neill that ,lydia1 brought up in a pious family1 had acquired but a sort of hothouse religion1 that could stand no blast of temptation4 ,he felt that though his niece might do many things that were certainly proper and right1 she only did them when they suited her pleasure2 her proud will was yet unbroken--her impatient temper unsubdued4 ,in the evening1 ,mr4 ,neill was sitting alone in the little study1 when ,lydia entered the room4 ,the girl was anxious to please her uncle1 of whose character she had heard high praise1 and whose gentle1 courteous manner was well suited to win young hearts4 ,i like him1 thought ,lydia1 and ,i will make him like me4 ,so approaching ,mr4 ,neill1 and laying her hand on the back of his chair1 she said in her most pleasing manner1 ,can ,i do anything for you1 dear uncle8 ,yes1 my dear1 you can read the ,bible to me2 ,i shall be glad of the help of your young eyes1 for mine have suffered from the climate of ,india4 ,i will read with pleasure1 said ,lydia1 taking up the ,bible2 and she spoke no more than the truth4 ,she was glad to do a kindness to her uncle1 but was more glad still of an opportunity of showing him how beautifully she could read aloud4 ,do you wish any particular chapter8 she inquired4 ,pray1 begin the twenty-second chapter of ,st4 ,matthew4 ,in a tone very clear and distinct1 ,lydia commenced her reading-- ,and ,jesus answered1 and spake unto them again by parables1 and said1 ',the kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king1 which made a marriage for his son1 and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding2 and they would not come4 ,again1 he sent forth other servants1 saying1 ,tell them which are bidden1 ,behold1 ,i have prepared my dinner2 my oxen and my fatlings are killed and all things are ready2 come unto the marriage4 ,but they made light of it1 and went their ways1 one to his farm1 another to his merchandise2 and the rest laid hold on his servants1 and treated them spitefully1 and slew them4 ,but when the king heard thereof1 he was wroth2 and he sent forth his armies1 and destroyed those murderers1 and burned up their city4' ,do you understand the meaning of the parable8 asked ,mr4 ,neill4 ,yes1 replied his niece1 looking up from her book2 the ,jews1 to whom the invitation of the gospel was first sent1 in their pride1 would not accept it1 but rejected and slew the ,lord1 and some of ,his faithful servants2 and so the armies of the ,romans were sent to take and to burn ,jerusalem4 ,the command was given that the gospel should be preached to every creature1 as we hear4 ,and ,lydia proceeded to read aloud3 ',then saith he to his servants1 ,the wedding is ready1 but they which were bidden were not worthy4 ,go ye therefore into the highways1 and as many as ye shall find1 bid to the marriage4 ,so those servants went out into the highways1 and gathered together all1 as many as they found1 both bad and good2 and the wedding was furnished with guests4' ',and when the king came in to see the guests1 he saw there a man which had not on a wedding-garment3 he saith unto him1 ,friend1 how earnest thou in hither1 not having a wedding-garment8 and he was speechless4 ,then said the king to the servants1 ,bind him hand and foot1 and take him away1 and cast him into outer darkness2 there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth4 ,for many are called but few are chosen4' ,was it not strange1 said ,mr4 ,neill1 that a poor man1 taken from the common highway1 should be expected to be found in a wedding-garment at the feast of the mighty king8 ,no1 replied ,lydia1 without hesitation1 for it was the custom in the ,east to provide wedding-garments for the guests1 and this man must1 through pride1 have refused to accept one1 thinking his own dress good enough to wear4 ,and what is the deeper--the spiritual meaning of this parable8 inquired her uncle4 ,the merits of our ,lord form the wedding-garment1 which all must wear who would enjoy the feast of heaven4 ,if we try to appear in our own righteousness1 we shall be cast out like the miserable man of whom we have just been reading4 ,you have been well-instructed in the ,bible1 ,lydia4 ,the girl colored at the praise1 and said1 ,i ought to know it well1 for ,i read four chapters every day1 and a great deal more on ,sundays1 and can repeat hundreds of verses by memory4 ,and yet1 observed ,mr4 ,neill1 there is a wide difference between head-knowledge and heart-knowledge1 between understanding the meaning of the ,scriptures1 and making their truths our own4 ,i suspect that many of us fall unconsciously into the error of the man in the parable1 and fancy that there is something in ourselves to make us acceptable in the presence of our ,heavenly ,king4 ,when you came into the room1 ,lydia1 my mind was dwelling upon the very subject1 and ,i was forming a little allegory1 or story1 about the garment of human merits4 ,i wish that you would tell me your allegory1 said ,lydia2 ,i often make such stories myself4 ,close the ,bible1 and place it on the table1 my child1 and you shall know what thoughts were suggested to my mind by the parable of the wedding-garment4 ,lydia obeyed and listened with some interest and curiosity to this1 the first story which she had ever heard from the lips of her uncle4 ,mr4 ,neill thus began3 ,ada was a bright young creature1 brought up in a happy and a holy home1 where1 almost as an infant1 she had been taught to pray1 and where ,scripture had been made familiar to her from the earliest dawn of reason4 ,ada was an invited guest to the feast of the great ,king1 and she had accepted the invitation4 ,she knew that she must appear in ,his courts robed in righteousness not her own1 a garment provided by the ,lord of the feast1 spotless1 holy1 and white4 ,but ,ada had a friend1 or rather let me term her an enemy1 in a companion named ,self-love1 whose society was so delightful to the girl that they were constantly found together4 ,it was wonderful to behold the influence quietly exerted by ,self-love over the mind of her young companion4 ,she joined ,ada in her amusements1 assisted at her studies1 went with her wherever she went1 even to the cottages of the poor1 even to the house of prayer4 ,but ,self-love was treacherous as well as pleasing2 her influence was never exerted for good2 her one great object was to draw ,ada away from religion1 and cause her to be rejected at the great banquet1 to which ,self-love never herself could be admitted4 ',is it not hard1' whispered ,self-love one night1 'that all the guests at the banquet are to wear the same kind of dress1 whatever their former character or station may have been8 ,i can well believe that poor wanderers from the highways1 and beggars from the street1 will be glad enough to lay aside their rags1 and wear the garments provided2 but you have a white robe of your own1 fit to be worn in any palace1 even the robe of innocence1 embroidered all over by your hands with the silver blossoms of good works4 ,how often has the world admired you in it6 ,how it has been praised by your family and friends6 ,it would1 at least1 form a beauteous addition to what you must wear at the banquet of ,heaven4 ,ada turned her eyes towards the robe of which ,self-love had spoken1 which was spread out on a table before her4 ,very beautiful indeed1 and very white1 it appeared to the admiring eye of the girl4 ,hundreds of delicate silver flowers1 work of charity1 faith1 and obedience1 glittered in the light of a large flaring torch which ,self-love had placed beside it4 ,the robe was studded with innumerable pearls1 which ,ada knew to be her prayers1 so that nothing could seem more splendid than the robe which ,ada had prepared for herself4 ,i suppose1 interrupted ,lydia1 that this ,ada was really a very excellent girl4 ,i do not wonder that she was unwilling that so lovely a robe should be laid entirely aside1 and not be worn at all at the banquet4 ,ada listened and looked1 continued ,mr4 ,neill2 and the more she looked and listened1 the more she regretted that ragged beggars should one day be clothed in just the same manner as the possessor of a garment so fine4 ',i almost think that ,i might wear both1' she murmured1 half aloud2 ',i might appear in my own beauteous robe1 and if my dress should be not quite complete1 the ,king's mantle would cover all defects4' ',ada1 ,ada6' whispered a voice in the air4 ,the girl started and gazed around1 but no human form was to be seen4 ',ada1 my name is ,conscience1' continued the voice1 'and my accents fall not on the ear2 they are heard in the depths of the heart4 ,i have read thy thoughts1 ,i know thy desires1 and ,i come unto thee with a message4 ,if thou1 for but one day1 canst keep thy garment quite white and fair1 thou mayest wear it with joy and honor4 ,but thou must see it by sunlight1 and not by torchlight1 and thine eyes must be anointed with ,self-knowledge1--a salve which thou shalt find close to thy ,bible when thou lookest on it first in the morning4' ',be content1 ,ada1' said ,self-love1 with a smile1 'a single day is no long time of trial1 and thou hast hitherto kept thy garment so fair1 that thou hast small reason to fear a stain4' ,the first thing that ,ada did in the morning was to anoint her eyes with the golden salve which1 as ,conscience had promised1 she found lying close to her ,bible4 ,she resolved not to look at her robe till a part of the day should be over1 and then to examine it closely1 to see whether the smallest speck or stain had sullied its pearly whiteness4 ,had ,i been ,ada1 ,i should have been very careful in my conduct on that day1 observed ,lydia1 with a smile4 ,so ,ada determined to be4 ,she resolved to crowd it with fresh good works4 ,she read double her usual number of chapters1 was very long at her prayers1 though it must be confessed that all the time that she was perusing ,god's holy ,word1 or making show of pleading with her ,maker1 her thoughts were wandering in every direction--now to her birds1 now to her new book1 now to her plans for the morrow1 and now1 alas6 resting with bitterness upon some affront received from a neighbor4 ,while ,ada read or knelt1 a dim1 misty stain was slowly spreading over her white garment2 that which she believed to be a merit1 in ,god's eyes was full of sin4 ,but ,ada was not always in the quietness of her own room2 she had to go forth and mix with others4 ,she determined to visit a great many poor people1 and do a great deal of good2 but she lost her temper twice before she set out4 ,first1 with the servant1 for keeping her waiting while preparing some broth for a poor invalid2 then with her mother for sending her to change her dress for one of coarser material1 as it seemed likely to rain4 ,that half-hour of peevish impatience left its mark on the beautiful garment4 ,oh1 uncle1 such trifles could never be counted1 exclaimed ,lydia4 ,life is made up of trifles1 ,lydia1 and especially the life of a child4 ,but to return to the story of ,ada4 ,on her way to the cottages1 she met with a companion1 a silly1 frivolous girl1 and they entered into such conversation as that which is known by the name of gossip4 ,they spoke not of the beauties of nature1 or the wonders of art1 or of the deeper things of ,god2 they spoke of their neighbors1 and their neighbors' affairs1 and the ill-natured remarks1 silly jests which they made1 were certainly not such as beseem the lips of youthful ,christians4 ,ada was very amusing and very merry2 but her face would have worn a graver expression had she but seen how1 at each foolish and unkind word1 there fell a speck1 as if of ink1 on the folds of her beautiful garment4 ,a carriage1 splendid and gay1 drove past the girls1 as1 heated and tired1 they walked along the dusty road4 ,ada knew the young ladies within1 and1 as she returned their bow1 thoughts of discontent1 covetousness1 and envy possessed the mind of the girl4 ',how hard it is to walk when others are rolling in their carriages1' was the secret reflection of ,ada4 ',i wonder why things are so unequal4 ,i'm sure we've a better right to comforts than those girls1 whose father made all his money by manufacturing tapes and bobbins4' ,ada expressed not her thoughts aloud2 but she fostered and indulged them in her heart1 and deeper and duller grew the stain that clouded her beautiful garment4 ,uncle1 uncle1 exclaimed ,lydia1 who now perceived pretty clearly that ,ada represented herself1 ,i think that you are hard on your heroine4 ,it is almost impossible to govern our words1 and quite impossible to control our thoughts4 ,if so1 replied ,mr4 ,neill1 would the ,bible have contained such verses as these1 ',keep thy tongue from evil1 and thy lips from speaking guile1' ',covetousness1 let it not once be named amongst you1 as becometh saints2 neither filthiness1 nor foolish talking1 nor jesting1 which are not convenient'8 ,when our ,lord declared what doth defile a man1 evil thoughts were the first things mentioned1 the sin that cometh from the heart4 ,lydia looked grave1 and was silent4 ,ada paid many visits1 read the ,bible in several cottages1 and returned home with a comfortable persuasion that she had passed a most useful morning4 ,she felt herself wonderfully better than the ignorant creatures who had listened with admiring attention to the words of 'the dear young lady4' ,ada was impatient to look at her robe1 and could not1 as she had at first intended1 wait till evening before she did so4 ,what was her astonishment and distress when she cast her gaze on the treasured garment6 ,with the salve of ,self-knowledge on her eyes1 she could no longer flatter herself that it was anything approaching to white4 ,a dull1 dirty hue overspread it2 it was besprinkled here and there with dark and unsightly stains4 ,poor ,ada was so badly disappointed1 that she could scarcely restrain her tears1 till ,self-love whispered1 ',it is somewhat soiled1 it must be owned1 yet see1 it is embroidered all over with the silver flowers of good works4' ,yes1 that was some consolation1 murmured ,lydia4 ,then again the low voice of ,conscience was heard1 piercing the inmost soul1 ',ada1 ,ada6 there is indeed a blessing on works done for the love of ,god2 precious and bright is such silver4 ,but while man sees our actions1 ,god sees our motives1 and tarnished with sin is the work1 be it ever so good in itself1 which is done from vainglory1 emulation1 or self-pleasing4' ,as the words were uttered1 to ,ada's dismay she beheld every one of her silver flowers become tarnished and dull2 some1 indeed1 less so than others2 but not one remained that retained its brightness1 while some appeared actually black4 ,poor ,ada had nothing left but her pearls1 her prayers1 observed ,lydia1 with something like a sigh4 ,nay1 the pearls shared the fate of the flowers4 ,what is the worth of prayers uttered from habit1 or fear1 or love of praise1 prayers with which the heart has nothing to do8 ,the pearls appeared pearls no longer1 but dull1 discolored1 unsightly beads4 ,oh1 what a wretched discovery6 cried ,lydia4 ,self-knowledge showed ,ada something besides1 pursued ,mr4 ,neill1 without looking at his niece as she spoke4 ,on bending over her garment1 ,ada perceived many large rents1 which seemed to grow in number and size the longer she examined the robe4 ,again was heard the whisper of ,conscience--',these are thy sins of omission1 neglected opportunities of serving ,god1 acts of kindness or obedience left undone1 a tender mother's wishes disregarded1 duties put off in order to gratify the idle whims of self-love4' ,lydia remembered the notes which she had put off writing for so long that her sick mother had that morning done the little business herself4 ,this had been but one of a series of trifling neglects for which ,lydia had never before felt self-reproach2 for she had not reckoned them to be sins4 ,tears started into her eyes1 and she wished that the story would come to an end4 ',i can never wear this1' exclaimed ,ada2 'it would take me months to repair these rents4' ,as she spoke she bent down to lift the garment that she might examine it more closely2 to her astonishment1 the whole fabric came to pieces in her hands4 ,the moth of ,pride had fretted the garment1 and not only was it tarnished and stained1 but no sound piece was to be found in the whole of the once goodly robe4 ,oh1 ,i can't bear this story of yours1 exclaimed ,lydia2 it is one to put us all in despair4 ,if it puts us in despair of ourselves1 my child1 replied ,mr4 ,neill1 laying his hand gently on the arm of his niece1 it will prove a story not without profit4 ,ada seemed such a good girl at first1 and you have made all her righteousness fall to pieces in the end6 ,how could any one go to a banquet in such soiled and miserable rags8 ,the knowledge of our helplessness and sin1 ,lydia1 is beyond measure precious to our souls4 ,while we wrap ourselves in our fancied merits1 while we nourish a secret hope that we can stand before a holy ,god in the garment of our own poor works1 we will never earnestly and thoroughly seek for the grace which alone can save4 ,let us ask for the gift of self-knowledge1 that we may see that we are in ,his sight4 ,self-knowledge only makes us miserable1 exclaimed ,lydia1 whose pride had been deeply wounded4 ,it would be so indeed1 were it not united to knowledge of the blessed ,redeemer2 if the same ,bible which shows us that our fancied righteousness is but as a moth-eaten rag1 did not show us1 also1 the spotless robe washed white in the blood of the ,lamb1 prepared for the meek and lowly in heart who come to the banquet of heaven4 ,let this then1 dear child1 be our constant prayer to the ,giver of good-- ',lord1 show me myself--my nothingness1 my sin4 ,lord1 show me ,thyself--,thy holiness1 ,thy love4 ,pour ,thy ,spirit into my heart2 let it rule my lips and my life1 and clothe me in the robe of righteousness1 even the merits of my blessed ,redeemer4' ,the ,captive ,it was with a thankful and joyous heart that ,grace ,milner wended her way through the crowded streets of ,london4 ,she had just been granted her heart's desire2 she had been accepted as a female teacher by a missionary society for the conversion of the ,jews1 and a life which few1 perhaps1 would covet1 but which to her appeared one of delight1 was opening before the clergyman's orphan4 ,it was a life of independence1 and ,grace had an honest pleasure in earning her own bread1 and having the means even to assist others2 it was a life of usefulness1 and ,grace longed to be able to do some good in the world4 ,and the teacher was young1 and of an ardent spirit2 to her the very journey offered great attractions3 traveling gave her exquisite pleasure1 all the greater1 perhaps1 because she had hitherto seldom enjoyed opportunities of traveling4 ,grace had not a single relative from whom it would be a pain to part--she stood alone in the world1 except so far as she belonged to the family of ,god4 ,she was full of hope that she might be made a blessing where she was going4 ,grace had a great talent for learning foreign languages1 and what to many is a weary task1 to her was only an amusement4 ,she felt that she was peculiarly suited for the position in which ,providence had placed her1 and would not have exchanged her lot for that of any queen in the world4 ,oh6 to think of visiting the land in which my ,saviour lived and died6 was the reflection of the young teacher as she threaded her way1 careless of all that was passing around her2 to think of gazing upon ,jerusalem1 the guilty1 yet sacred city1 of standing in the garden of ,gethsemane1 where the ,holy ,one knelt and prayed6 ,and then to be permitted to lead the little ones of ,israel to the footstool of the ,saviour6 ,to be surrounded by young descendants of ,abraham1 to whom ,i can speak of their fathers' ,god6 ,oh6 ,sweet command of the risen ,saviour1 ',feed my lambs6' ,with what delight shall ,i obey it1 with what delight shall ,i seek out ,his jewels1 to be my joy and crown of rejoicing when ,he comes in the clouds with glory6 ,blessed work to labor for ,him6 ,i thank ,god for the talents which ,he has given me2 ,i thank ,him for the opportunity of spending them all in ,his service2 ,i thank ,him for the hope that ,i--even ,i--may one day hear from my ,saviour the transporting words1 ',well done1 good and faithful servant1 enter thou into the joy of thy ,lord4' ,grace was startled from her dream of happiness by a sudden shock6 ,absorbed in thought1 she had not taken sufficient precaution in crossing a road1 and was struck down by a cab that had1 unnoticed1 turned sharply round the corner of a street4 ,the young teacher uttered no cry2 she fell stunned and senseless to the ground4 ,she saw not the pitying crowd who thronged around her4 ,when raised from the ground1 and carried on a shutter to the nearest hospital1 she felt no pain from the motion4 ,it was not for some hours that ,grace had sufficiently recovered her senses to know what had happened1 or to comprehend the nature of the injury which she had received4 ,great indeed was the trial to the poor girl when she awoke to a sense of what was before her4 ,her spine had sustained an incurable injury1 such as might not perhaps shorten life1 but which might render her utterly helpless as long as that life should last4 ,the once active1 energetic young woman would never again be able even to sit up in bed1 and all her hopes of usefulness as a teacher were crushed in a moment for ever6 ,dark indeed were the prospects of the orphan1 when this cloud of misfortune so suddenly swept over her sky6 ,where should she go--what should she do--when dismissed1 as she soon must be1 from the hospital which had received her8 ,her little savings as a governess had all been expended2 she had no home to which to return1 no friend wealthy enough to be burdened with the support of a helpless cripple4 ,there was sympathy shown to ,grace by the supporters of the charity which had so lately accepted her services4 ,there was even a subscription raised for her2 but the assistance thus given was far too small to render the lady independent4 ,as she was unable1 and would always be unable1 to rise from a lying position1 it would be hopeless to attempt to gain a miserable pittance by her needle4 ,drops of agony stood upon the brow of the poor young lady1 as the terrible truth forced itself upon her mind1 that1 henceforth1 the only home that she could look to on earth was the poorhouse4 ,grace could not at first bend her spirit to submit to a fate which she looked upon as worse than death4 ,she quitted the hospital for a lodging where the kindness of strangers enabled her to struggle on for a time4 ,but she knew that this could not last2 the evil day might be put off1 but was certain at length to arrive4 ,grace thought that it was wrong to draw so heavily upon the charity of others1 when so many of her fellow-creatures were in want of common necessaries4 ,what was given to her lessened the power of the generous to assist them2 and ,grace was of too unselfish a spirit to bear to encroach on the kindness of the rich1 or draw away relief from the poor4 ,so she made up her mind at last she would go where she had a right to food and shelter2 she would claim the support of her parish1 now that she could not support herself4 ,deep gloom was upon the soul of poor ,grace1 when she was carried to the large1 dull1 cheerless-looking building1 which to her appeared but as a prison4 ,she sank beneath the weight of her cross1 and even her religion seemed for a time to bring her no comfort4 ,satan1 ever busy to tempt us1 whether in days of wealth or tribulation1 was whispering hard thoughts of ,god4 ,grace saw in her trial no sign of the love of her ,heavenly ,father2 she thought herself forsaken--forgotten2 she longed for death1 little conscious at that moment that she was unfit to die6 ,oh6 ,that ,i should ever be brought down to this6 was her thought1 as she was borne across the court-yard of the poorhouse1 where a few old women1 in pauper's dress1 scarcely turned their heads to observe a new sufferer carried to a place where sickness and sorrow were things too common to attract much notice4 ,i1 well-born1 highly educated1 degraded to the position of a pauper6 ,why has ,god1 in whom ,i trusted1 forsaken me8 ,why has ,he placed me in a position where ,i can be but a burden to myself and to others8 ,god gave me talents1 and with a willing mind ,i had devoted all my powers to ,his service2 but now ,he has taken away the opportunities which once ,i possessed1 of exercising my talents to ,his glory1 and the good of my fellowmen4 ,grace was wrong in three important points3 first1 ,she was wrong in thinking herself degraded by becoming a pauper1 when she was so not from idleness1 nor extravagance1 nor any other sin of her own4 ,it was ,god who had appointed her place1 and the post which ,he assigns to ,his people must be a post of honor to those who faithfully fill it4 ,oh6 ,let the lowly ones of ,christ remember this to their comfort6 ,can poverty be a disgrace when it was the state chosen by the ,son of ,god for ,himself1 when ,he deigned to visit the earth8 ,the ,lord's people are kings and priests unto ,god1 heirs of a crown1 and inheritors of heaven1 whether they dwell in a palace1 or lie in a poorhouse ward4 ,secondly1 ,grace was wrong in doubting for one moment the loving care of her ,god1 because ,he was trying her faith in the heated furnace of affliction4 ,whom the ,lord loveth he chasteneth4 ,grace had been an earnest and active ,christian2 but she had little knowledge of the weakness and sin of her own heart1 till affliction stirred up the quiet waters1 and showed her what evil lay below4 ,she had hoped and believed that her will was conformed to the will of ,god1 till sudden misfortune revealed how much of self-pleasing1 pride1 and unbelief had lurked behind her devotion4 ,grace now thought herself worse than she had ever thought herself before1 only because she now knew herself better2 the medicine for pride was most bitter1 but it was the hand of love that had mixed it4 ,and thirdly1 ,grace was wrong in supposing that all opportunity of glorifying ,god and of serving others had been taken from her for ever4 ,never1 perhaps1 does the ,christian's light shine more brightly1 or more profitably1 to those who behold it than from the bed of sickness and pain4 ,wherefore glorify ,god in the fires6 is the watchword for the suffering saint4 ,happy those who to the words1 ,we rejoice in hope of the glory of ,god1 can add1 ,and not only so but we glory in tribulations also1 knowing that tribulation worketh patience1 and patience experience1 and experience hope2 and hope maketh not ashamed1 because the love of ,god is shed abroad in our hearts by the ,holy ,ghost which is given unto us6 ,grace was carried to a ward containing twelve of the aged or sick1 and placed on a bed in a corner of the room4 ,the ward was clean and airy1 and1 in some respects1 more comfortable than ,grace had been led to expect2 but she was little disposed to see in it anything but the dreary aspect of a prison4 ,she looked with sadness on the bare walls1 the high windows--affording no prospect but the sky--and the rows of beds occupied by those with whom she deemed that she would have not a single feeling in common4 ,grace particularly shrank from the pauper whose bed was next to her own4 ,ann ,rogers1 a coarse-looking1 red-faced woman1 with a rough manner and loud voice1 which jarred on the nerves of the sufferer4 ,well1 poor soul1 how came you into your troubles8 were the words with which ,ann first addressed ,grace1 standing beside her with her arms akimbo1 and surveying the newcomer with a look of mingled curiosity and pity4 ,grace flinched like one who had a rough hand laid on a wound1 and murmuring a short reply1 she closed her eyes in the hope of stopping further conversation4 ,you have seen better days1 ,i take it1 and so have ,i4 ,i was cook in a gent'man's family1 ,i was1 and little thought of ever coming to this--4 ,ann added an epithet so coarse that ,i do not choose to repeat it4 ,oh1 misery6 can ,i not even suffer in silence8 thought the poor girl4 ,must ,i have that horrible voice for ever dinning in my ears8 ,grace said nothing aloud1 but her face probably betrayed something of her feelings1 for ,ann went on in the tone of one who is offended4 ,there's no use in anybody's playing the fine lady here1 or turning up her nose at the company she meets with4 ,this ain't the place for airs1 and ,i'd advise no one to try 'em upon me6 ,the heart of ,grace sank within her4 ,weak as she was1 and in constant pain1 she needed gentle sympathy1 tender care1 and perfect quiet2 and it appeared that none of these could ever be her own4 ,she had no spirit to bear up against the thousand petty annoyances inseparable from her condition4 ,she resolved that she would never complain1 but the resolve1 it must be confessed1 came as much from pride as from patience4 ,she would shut herself up in her sorrow1 and have nothing to do with her companions4 ,in her desponding gloom1 ,grace forgot that those around her were ,god's creatures as well as herself3 that they1 like herself1 were afflicted1 and that the command1 ,love one another1 is as binding in the poorhouse as in the brightest1 happiest home4 ,the poor lady might long have remained in this miserable state1 with her mind suffering still more than her body1 impatient1 despairing under her cross1 unloved1 unloving1 and desolate2 but for a seemingly trifling incident which occurred a few days after her arrival4 ,this was a visit to the ward from a lady who came regularly once a week to read the ,bible to its inmates4 ,mrs4 ,grant was not gifted with talent3 she had little power of influencing others2 she could not1 like some more honored servants of ,god1 so plead with sinners that the hardened heart should be touched with the holy eloquence of love4 ,she was a plain1 quiet woman1 somewhat stiff in her manner1 who did her duty indeed as unto ,god1 but who in herself was little capable of making any impression on others4 ,conscious perhaps of her own defects1 the lady contented herself with reading the ,scripture without making any remarks upon it4 ,the portion which she chose upon this occasion was the parable of the talents4 ,grace listened in deep depression2 the words reminded her so painfully of her own shattered hopes1 of her joyous praises on the morning on which her accident had occurred--,i thank ,god for the talents which ,he has given me3 ,i thank ,him for the opportunity of spending them all in ,his service4 ,but the parable does not end with the account of the good and faithful servants who entered into the joy of their ,lord4' ,there is a second part1 and it was this which especially fixed the attention of ,grace as she lay on her couch of pain4 ,then ,he which had received the one talent1 came and said1 ',lord1 ,i know thee that thou art a hard man1 reaping where thou didst not sow1 and gathering where thou didst not scatter2 and ,i was afraid1 and went away and hid thy talent in the earth3 lo1 thou hast thine own4' ,his ,lord answered and said unto him1 ',thou wicked and slothful servant--' ,and then followed the stern but just rebuke1 closing with the terrible sentence--',cast ye out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness3 there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth4' ,the plain1 forcible lesson from ,scripture went straight to one heart in that ward--a loving1 obedient heart1 that received the truth in simplicity4 ,grace did not turn from the light1 because it showed her a blemish in herself2 she did not try to persuade herself that the lesson was meant for some character quite different from her own4 ,is not this ,god's message to me1 thought the sufferer2 and is not this warning for me8 ,would not ,i have been glad to have been trusted with the ten talents1 or the five2 but when only one was left to me1 did ,i not1 in discontent1 despair1 bury it deep and hide it8 ,and why1 why have ,i done so8 ,because ,i have dared to entertain gloomy ideas of my ,god4 ,i have thought ,his dealings hard1 and my faith and patience have failed6 ,but have ,i1 indeed1 one talent3 ,i who am so feeble that my voice could scarcely reach beyond the bed next to mine8 ,yes1 there is one soul at least in this ward which ,i might influence for good3 there is one at least to whom ,i ought to show how meekly a ,christian can suffer4 ,there is great ignorance which ,i have made no attempt to enlighten4 ,i have even repelled my fellow-sufferers by coldness that looked like pride4 ,i have been gloomy--perhaps sullen in my grief4 ,alas6 alas6 ,i have buried my talent4 ,god help me to use it ere it be too late6 ,in the meantime ,mrs4 ,grant had quitted the ward1 and some of the paupers began to make observations upon her4 ,i daresay1 now that 'ere lady thinks she has done a mighty good deed in sitting there starched and stiff for ten minutes1 and then sweeping away in her rustling silk1 without so much as asking one of us how we be6 said ,ann ,rogers1 in her harsh and insolent tone4 ,yes1 observed the nurse1 she's different from the lady who visited the ward that ,i had down below4 ,that lady smiled so kind1 and talked so pleasant that it was a real pleasure to see her2 and she made everything in the ,bible so plain4 ,then1 it seemed as if she really did care for us2 she talked to us quietly one by one1 and was as sorry for any one sick or in pain as if she had been an old friend4 ,that's the kind of visitor for me4 ,i knew a lady1 afore ,i came into the house1 who allowed a poor old soul as lived in a garret a pound of tea every month1 and a sack of coal at ,christmas4 ,that's what ,i calls a friend1 said ,ann ,rogers4 ,the kindest thing ,i ever heard of1 observed an old1 bedridden pauper1 was a clergyman's taking in my poor brother1 who had chanced to fall down in a fit at his gate1 and nursing him1 and paying his doctor1 and giving him a half-crown and a good warm coat when he left4 ,a real kind ,christian was that parson1 who knew how to practice what he preached4 ,there was a general murmur of assent through the room4 ,when it was silenced1 ,grace ,milner said1 in her soft1 faint voice1 ,if you are comparing deeds of kindness1 ,i think that ,i know of one greater than any that you have mentioned4 ,i do not mean to undervalue the generosity of either the clergyman or the lady2 but ,i could tell you of one who1 without spending a farthing1 did more than either of the two4 ,my story is a true one1 and belongs to the history of the famous general1 ,sir ,david ,baird4 ,a story--let's have that1 said the nurse1 who1 like most of those in the poorhouse1 was glad of anything that gave promise of affording five minutes' amusement4 ,so you've found your tongue at last1 observed ,ann ,rogers1 who had been inclined to take offence at the previous silence of the invalid lady4 ,grace slightly flushed at the rude remark2 but without appearing to take notice of it1 and lifting up her heart to ,god to ask for ,his blessing on her attempting to use her one talent to ,his glory1 she recounted the following little anecdote1 in the hope of drawing from it some spiritual lesson4 ,some seventy or eighty years ago a fierce war raged in ,india between the ,english and a native monarch called ,tippoo ,saib4 ,in the course of this war1 which ended at last triumphantly for our country1 our troops sustained a terrible disaster1 and some of our most gallant officers fell into the enemy's hands4 ,and mighty little mercy they found1 ,i'll warrant you1 observed ,ann ,rogers4 ,the officers1 amongst whom was ,baird1 then a young man1 were thrown into a horrible prison1 where those who had been brought up amidst the comforts of an ,english home were exposed to hunger and miseries untold4 ,what made their condition yet more wretched was that some of the officers had been wounded--,baird1 in particular1 had been shot in the leg1 and pain and weakness were added to confinement1 want1 and anxious fears for the future4 ,a wild beast was at one time kept near the prison of the unfortunate ,english1 and its howls greatly disturbed them2 for a dread arose in their minds that the tyrant ,tippoo intended to give his captives as a prey to the savage animal4 ,poor souls1 they were worse off than we1 said the nurse1 who had seated herself on the edge of ,grace's bed1 to listen to her tale4 ,one day the ,english were further alarmed by a great clanking noise just outside their prison4 ,the door opened1 and a number of native smiths came in1 bearing a quantity of iron fetters1 which they flung down on the floor4 ,the wretched captives too easily guessed who were to wear these chains4 ,a native officer then entered1 who gave command that a pair of fetters should be fixed upon the legs of each of the unhappy gentlemen4 ,what6 ,the wounded and all8 exclaimed ,ann4 ,a gray-haired officer1 continued ,grace1--,i grieve that ,i have forgotten his name--determined to make an effort to save poor ,baird from the agony to which he was destined4 ',it is impossible1' said he to the dark ,indian1 'that you can think of putting chains upon that suffering young man4 ,a bullet has been cut from his leg2 his wound is fresh and sore2 the chafing of the iron must cost him his life4' ,but the heart of the heathen whom he addressed seemed cold and hard as the iron itself4 ,what cared ,tippoo's servant if the prisoner suffered2 what cared he if the prisoner died6 ',there are just as many pairs of fetters as there are captives1' he said2 'let what may come of it1 every pair must be worn4' ',then1' said the noble officer1 'put two on me2 ,i will wear his as well as my own4' ,bless him1 exclaimed the nurse1 warmly4 ,that was a friend indeed2 and what was the end of the story8 ,the end of the story is that ,baird lived to regain his freedom1 ,jived for victory and reward1 lived to besiege and take the very city in which he had so long lain a wretched captive4 ,in the last deadly struggle1 ,tippoo was slain4 ,and the kind officer8 interrupted ,ann4 ,the generous friend died in prison1 replied ,grace4 ,well1 said the nurse1 with a sigh1 he did more indeed than either the clergyman or the lady4 ,to be willing to wear two chains1 and all for the sake of his friend6 ,what would you have thought1 asked ,grace1 if he had borne the fetters of all in the prison8 ,what would you have thought if instead of being a captive himself1 he had been free1 and wealthy1 and great1 and1 for the sake of the unhappy sufferers1 had quitted a glorious palace to live in their loathsome dungeon1 to wear their chains1 to bear their stripes1 to suffer and die in their stead that the captives might go free8 ,such a thing would never be done1 cried ,ann ,rogers4 ,such a thing has been done1 exclaimed ,grace4 ,there was a murmur of surprise from her hearers2 she paused a minute1 and went on1 clasping her hands as she spoke4 ,helpless captives of sin1 doomed to wear the heavy chain of ,god's wrath1 trials in this world1 endless woe in the next2 such are we all by nature--such would we all have remained1 had not the ,son of ,god himself deigned to visit our prison4 ,he bore the weight of all our guilt1 ,he endured the punishment which we had deserved2 and now1 for all who receive ,his grace1 the prison is thrown wide open2 victory over sin here1 and glory in heaven--such are the blessings bought for ,his people by the blood of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ4 ,ah6 observed the nurse1 in an undertone1 that's how my lady used to speak4 ,many a time has she told me that there's no friend like the ,lord2 for there's no one on earth would do for us what ,he did of ,his own free will4 ,grace felt joyful surprise on finding that there was some one in the ward who looked to the blessed ,saviour4 ,an ignorant but simple-minded ,christian was near her1 ready and glad to be instructed2 and the lady reproached herself for having ever thought that her own work for ,god was ended4 ,well1 observed ,ann1 in her blunt manner1 ,i went to school when ,i was young1 and ,i learned a good deal of the ,bible there1 which ,i've not all forgotten yet4 ,i know that the ,lord died for us1 and that1 when we've done with the troubles of this life1 we shall go and be happy in heaven4 ,grace had already heard enough of the bad language1 and seen enough of the bad temper of this woman1 to fear that ,ann was deceiving herself2 believing her soul to be safe1 although she had never yet repented of sin1 or struggled against its power2 never yet given her heart to the ,lord4 ,oh6 ,fearful mistake of multitudes deceived by ,satan1 who1 because salvation's stream flows within their reach1 believe that its blessings are theirs1 though they never have tasted of its waters4 ,grace felt that the conscience of ,ann was asleep1 and she silently prayed that ,god might awaken it4 ,suppose that the generous officer during his captivity1 said ,grace1 had called ,baird to his side1 had entreated him to do something for his sake whenever he should quit the prison2 suppose that1 when ,baird was free1 and rich1 and happy1 he had totally forgotten his friend1 had quite neglected his dying wish1 and had even done dishonor to his name1 what should we think of such conduct8 ,think1 exclaimed the indignant nurse1 we should think it shamefully ungrateful4 ,the world's bad enough1 ,i take it1 cried ,ann2 but there's none of us bad enough to neglect the dying wish of a friend like that4 ,ah6 let us take heed that our own words condemn us not1 faltered ,grace4 ,we have seen that the love of the ,saviour to us has exceeded all other love2 has not our ingratitude to ,him exceeded all ingratitude beside8 ,on the very night before ,he suffered1 did not the ,lord utter the words1 ',if ye love me1 keep my commandments8' ,and how has that dying charge been fulfilled8 ,have we not1 at least too many of us1 quite forgotten the ,saviour8 ,have not our hearts been as cold and dead1 our conduct as careless and sinful as if we had never known ,his love1 or heard of ,his holy commandments8 ,well1 well1 we all go wrong sometimes2 but the ,lord won't judge his poor servants1 said ,ann1 in a tone which seemed to say1 ,let's have no more of this preaching4 ,illustration3 ,but the heart of the heathen whom he addressed seemed cold and hard as the iron itself4 ,what cared ,tippoo's servant if the prisoner suffered1 what cared he if he died8 ,if we be ,his servants6 exclaimed ,grace1 with earnestness1 but let us not forget that ,god's ,word declares1 that 'if any man have not the ,spirit of ,christ1 he is none of ,his'2 yea1 the ,lord ,himself hath said1 ',he that is not with me is against me2 no man can serve two masters1'--if we be not heartily upon the ,saviour's side1 we are upon the side of the world and ,satan4 ,it's just like this1 ,i take it1 said the nurse1 it's just as if ,baird had chosen to forget all about his country and his duty1 and had gone into the service of ,tippoo1 and had even fought in his cause4 ,he'd have been a vile rebel1 cried ,ann4 ,and have been punished as such1 observed ,grace4 ,what would have been to him the name of ,englishman8 ,it could only have increased his shame2 and what to us will be the name of ,christians1 if we are found in the ranks of ,christ's foes8 ,oh1 let us pray that we may be of the number of those who are saved from wrath by ,his death1 and freed from sin's prison by ,his grace1 and who bravely fight in ,his cause against the world1 the flesh1 and the devil6 ,to such the victory is certain1 to such the crown is sure2 we shall be 'more than conquerors through ,him who loved and gave ,himself for us4' ,grace ceased1 for her strength was exhausted2 but a feeling of peace and hope1 such as she had not known before since her accident1 stole over the lady's soul4 ,she felt that she had done what she could2 however little that might be1 and that the ,lord would not despise the one talent which she sought to lay out for ,him4 ,grace sank into refreshing sleep1 with the promise sounding in her ears1 ,they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament1 and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever4 ,the ,voyage ,oh6 is not this delightful6 exclaimed little ,minnie ,mayne1 as she sprang upon the deck of the steamer which was to take herself and her mother back to their beautiful home in ,scotland4 ,mrs4 ,mayne1 a widow lady1 was returning from a visit to an aged parent in ,london4 ,her child had become very weary of dull brick streets1 and the noise and smoke of the city4 ,minnie longed to see her bright home by the sunny lake1 to feel the breeze on the healthy mountains1 which to her young eyes were more beautiful than any other scene upon earth4 ,mrs4 ,mayne and her daughter had come to ,london by land1 so this was the first time that ,minnie had ever entered a steamer4 ,everything was new1 and everything seemed delightful4 ,the child promised herself great enjoyment from the voyage1 as well as from the arrival at home4 ,with curiosity and pleasure ,minnie surveyed the scene around her4 ,the deck piled with luggage1 the funnel black with smoke1 the compass in its little glass frame1 the pilot at the wheel1 the hurrying to and fro1 the sailors busy with the rope1 and outside the vessel the view of the river crowded with shipping--boats1 steamers1 and barges2 all afforded intense amusement to the light-hearted1 intelligent child1 who was full of eager questionings about each new object that caught the eye4 ,oh1 mamma6 ,what a noise the steam makes6 ,i can hardly hear myself speak4 ,i wish that the vessel would begin to move2 but ,i can't think how it will ever make its way through such a crowd of boats6 ,what a number of passengers there are2 and1 oh6 ,what a lot of carpetbags and boxes6 ,i don't think that any more people can be coming2 the sailors had better pull up the plank that joins us to the shore1 and let us be off at once4 ,oh6 no2 there are some more people arriving4 ,such a grand gentleman and lady1 mamma6 ,and a little girl so splendidly dressed6 ,they had better make haste and get on deck1 or the vessel will move off without them4 ,as ,minnie concluded her sentence1 a stout man passed along the plank1 followed by his wife and daughter4 ,the child wore a pink frock1 and pea-green silk tippet1 and a quantity of light curls streamed on her shoulders from a hat adorned with a long drooping feather4 ,while ,minnie surveyed the girl's finery with admiration approaching to envy1 ,mrs4 ,mayne glanced at the mother with an impression that that face was familiar to her1 though she could not for some time recollect where she had seen it before4 ,while the woman was bustling about her baggage1 and in a loud voice disputing with the porter about his dues1 the lady recalled to memory that the person before her was ,mrs4 ,lowe1 a greengrocer's wife1 who had provided ,mrs4 ,mayne's mother with vegetables nearly ten years previous4 ,mrs4 ,mayne recollected also the circumstances under which her family had given up employing the ,lowes4 ,the ladies had in vain tried to persuade the greengrocer to close his shop on ,sundays2 his wife had even been insolent when the duty of obeying the third commandment had been pressed home on her conscience1 and had thus lost her customers1 as well as her temper4 ,mrs4 ,mayne was not sure whether the greengrocer's wife now recognized her1 but felt sorry that such a person was to be her companion on the voyage to ,scotland4 ,she looks as though her business had prospered1 thought the lady1 to judge by her comfortable appearance and dress2 and she has decked out her poor child in finery purchased by her ill-gotten gains4 ,but how impossible it is to tell who is happy by mere outside show6 ,however1 those who wilfully break ,god's laws may appear to prosper1 yet in the end it shall be seen that 'the blessing of the ,lord it maketh rich1 and ,he addeth no sorrow with it4' ,in the meantime1 the plank had been raised2 the huge paddles had slowly begun to go around1 and a stream of foam1 white as cream1 on either side1 marked the track of the steamer down the river4 ,minnie watched the banks with delight1 as they appeared to move faster and faster with the vessel's increasing speed4 ,there was so much to see1 so much to wonder at1 as every bend of the river brought new objects to view4 ,the child's delight reached its height1 when the noble hospital of ,greenwich appeared with its stately park rising behind1 and at the same time from the deck of a passing steamer1 gliding with fairy speed1 sounded the air of ,rule ,britannia1 borne towards them by the fresh breeze4 ,how happy she is6 thought her mother1 looking fondly at the child by her side4 ,she is like some joyous young creature just beginning the voyage of life1 to whom all around seems beautiful1 and everything bright ahead4 ,she is troubled by no thought of storm or trial2 she rejoices that she is going to a home1 and she trusts to a parent's care to provide all things needful on the way4 ,lord1 give me this childlike spirit of trust1 and hope1 and love1 as ,i journey to the heavenly home1 which my dear husband has long since reached4 ,pleasure seldom lasts long without a check4 ,shortly before passing the ,nore1 as evening was coming on1 a shower of rain warned the voyagers to seek shelter below4 ,minnie had not yet seen the place in which two nights were to be passed1 and it was with some curiosity that she descended the steep stairway that led to the ladies' cabin4 ,what a dark1 dull room6 she exclaimed1 as she entered and looked around2 and how hot and close it feels6 ,i wish that we could stop all night on deck4 ,why1 where are we to sleep8 she added2 not in those little pigeonholes surely6 ,are twelve or fourteen ladies to be crowded together in a room no bigger than our parlor1 and not nearly so nice and high8 ,these are our berths1 said ,mrs4 ,mayne1 with a smile1 showing to her daughter a little recess1 almost perfectly dark1 in which were four pigeonholes1 as ,minnie called them1 two on each side1 one above another1 each containing a bed2 while in the centre was a space only wide enough to turn round in4 ,the berths on the right hand are ours4 ,you shall have the one over mine4 ,minnie laughed at the idea of clambering up to her little nest1 though she did not much like its appearance4 ,and will two other ladies1 she asked1 be packed into these tiny berths on the left8 ,no doubt1 as the steamer is full4 ,i hope they'll be quiet and pleasant1 murmured ,minnie1 who was quite unaccustomed to be brought into such very close contact with strangers4 ,she had scarcely spoken1 when ,mrs4 ,lowe and her ,jemima came bustling up to the recess4 ,what a wretched dark hole it is6 exclaimed the greengrocer's wife1 in disgust1 as with her dress spreading out like a balloon1 she almost entirely blocked up the entrance4 ,mamma1 we can't sleep in such a place1 cried ,jemima4 ,minnie wondered to herself in what corner the pea-green jacket and plumed hat could be stowed1 and for the first time felt glad that her own dress was so simple and plain4 ,while the ,lowes went for their bandboxes and provision bag1 ,minnie whispered to her mother1 ,so they are to be our companions in this funny little place6 ,i would rather have had some people not quite so dashing and grand4 ,mrs4 ,mayne smiled to herself at the ignorance of her child1 whose eye had been caught by mere outside glitter4 ,she will know better in time1 thought the lady1 and learn to distinguish between tinsel and real gold4 ,the ,lowes returned to their little recess1 which1 small as it was1 they made smaller1 by stuffing it full of their luggage1 without the least regard to the comfort of their unfortunate fellow travelers4 ,the night had now come on1 and a lamp was lighted near the end of the cabin1 which threw but a dull gleam into the part portioned off for the four4 ,the steamer had entered the open sea1 and to other discomforts was added that of a heaving motion1 which1 with the close air1 gave to ,minnie a tightness and pain in the head4 ,mamma1 said she1 sadly1 to ,mrs4 ,mayne1 who was sitting beside her on a sofa near the recess1 but in a more open part of the cabin2 mamma1 ,i am afraid that we shall find this a miserable voyage after all4 ,it is something like the voyage of life1 my darling1 in which we must all expect to find some things to annoy and try2 but let us make little of trifling discomforts1 and cheerfully look to the end4 ,we know that we are going home--the voyage will soon be over4 ,yes1 mamma2 and the less we like the way1 the more glad shall we be to get home4 ,it makes one think of the verse about our heavenly rest3 ',there fairer bowers than ,eden's bloom1 ,nor sin nor sorrow see2 ,blest land1 o'er rude and stormy waves1 ,i onward press to thee4' ,and now1 ,minnie1 said her mother1 the sooner you can forget your discomforts in sleep1 the better4 ,i will just read a small portion of the ,bible to you as usual1 and then you shall climb up into your berth1 and1 ,i hope1 slumber quietly till the morning4 ,mamma1 you can't read the ,bible here1 whispered ,minnie1 where there are so many strangers2 and she glanced timidly at the tall1 portly figure of ,mrs4 ,lowe1 who was standing very near her4 ,why should we not read it1 my child8 ,it makes no difference in the importance of a duty whether we perform it quietly in our own room1 or with many around us4 ,you know that you are not able to read to yourself1 and must therefore hear your mother4 ,so saying1 ,mrs4 ,mayne drew forth a ,testament from her bag1 and in a low1 clear voice began reading to the child1 who nestled close to her side4 ,minnie felt shy and uneasy4 ,though her mother read softly1 the ,lowes were so near that they must overhear every word2 and the child fancied that she saw a scornful look on the face of the elder1 and on that of ,jemima a wondering smile1 as though hearing the ,bible read was something strange to both4 ,it is very possible that ,mrs4 ,mayne wished to be overheard2 and it was with more than usual earnestness that she prayed ,god to bless the reading of ,his ,holy ,word4 ',then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins1 who took their lamps1 and went forth to meet the bridegroom4 ,and five of them were foolish1 and five were wise4 ,for the foolish1 when they took their lamps1 took no oil with them3 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps4' ,mamma1 whispered ,minnie1 ,i do not understand what is meant by the virgins and their lamps4 ,the virgins1 my child1 are the whole ,christian world1 now expecting the coming of their ,lord4 ,the oil is ,god's grace in the soul1 shining forth in a holy life4 ,what would a lamp be without oil8 ,what would a soul be without grace8--a dark and a worthless thing6 ,minnie fixed her eyes upon the lamp1 which was now throwing around its yellow light1 and thought what a fearfully gloomy place that cabin would be1 but for its cheering gleam4 ,mrs4 ,mayne turned her page1 so that the light should fall upon it1 and continued reading the parable1 so full of deep and solemn meaning3-- ',now while the bridegroom tarried1 they all slumbered and slept4 ,but at midnight there is a cry1 ,behold1 the bridegroom6 ,come ye forth to meet him6' ',and the foolish said unto the wise1 ,give us of your oil2 for our lamps are gone out4 ,but the wise answered1 saying1 ,peradventure there will not be enough for us and you2 go ye rather to them that sell1 and buy for yourselves4' ,we see here1 observed ,mrs4 ,mayne1 pausing in her reading1 that no human being has power to save the soul of another1 or to share with him that grace which is the gift of ,god alone4 ,the wise cannot supply the foolish2 each must answer for himself before ,god4 ',and while they went away to buy1 the bridegroom came2 and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage feast3 and the door was shut4' ',afterward came also the other virgins1 saying1 ,lord1 ,lord1 open to us4 ,but he answered and said1 ,verily ,i say unto you1 ,i know you not4' ,illustration3 ,mrs4 ,mayne drew forth a ,testament from her bag1 and in a clear1 low voice began reading to the child1 who nestled close to her side4 ,oh6 exclaimed ,minnie1 ,does that mean that the foolish virgins--the people who have no grace in their souls--will be shut out from heaven for ever8 ,shut out from light--shut out from glory--shut out from the presence of the ,lord6 ,to me few words in the ,bible are so fearfully solemn as those1 ',the door was shut6' ,mercy's door is wide open now1 open to all who repent and believe4 ,all are invited guests to heaven4 ,all are welcome now to the ,saviour4 ,all may have grace for the asking2 yea1 'without money and without price'2 it is promised to the prayer of faith4 ,but a time will come when it will be too late for sinners to seek for grace--too late to sue for pardon1 when mercy's door will be shut upon those who would not repent and be saved4 ',watch therefore2 for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the ,son of man cometh4' ,and with this solemn warning on her lips1 ,mrs4 ,mayne closed the ,testament4 ,mamma1 said ,minnie1 resting her little hand on the arm of her mother1 and looking earnestly into her face1 do you think that the ,lord will come soon8 ,god only knows the time1 was the reply2 but it is for us to live as those who are ready and waiting for ,his coming4 ,of one thing we all are assured--death is not very far off2 it may come soon to the young2 it must come soon to the aged3 and death is as the midnight cry1 ',behold1 the bridegroom cometh6' ,i can't imagine1 said ,mrs4 ,lowe1 addressing herself to ,jemima1 but in a tone to be overheard1 why people who are strong and hearty should always be thinking about death4 ,i for one never trouble myself with sickly fancies2 and as she spoke1 she plunged her hand deep into her provision bag1 and brought out of its depths a rather suspicious-looking flask4 ,little ,minnie1 assisted by her mother1 was soon safe in her tiny nest1 which she found less uncomfortable than she had expected4 ,the child did not1 however1 feel disposed to sleep4 ,she seemed in a strange1 new world1 and sat up for some time in her berth1 watching the movements of the ,lowes by the light of the lamp1 and listening to the voices of the ladies who occupied the cabin4 ,presently1 however1 the motion of the vessel became so disagreeable to ,minnie that she was glad to lay down her aching head4 ,she heard poor ,jemima complaining bitterly1 and ,mrs4 ,lowe abusing steamers and all their arrangements1 and scolding the stewardess for not attending at once to her unreasonable wants4 ,it's a comfort1 thought poor little ,minnie1 that the voyage can't last for ever4 ,i wonder if any people feel the same way about the voyage of life--if any are really glad to know that it soon may come to an end6 ,ah6 ,only the wise virgins1 who had oil in their lamps1 could start up with joy at the midnight cry6 ,they were glad at the thought of seeing the bridegroom1 for they were ready to go to the feast4 ,i wonder how ,i should feel1 if ,i heard that ,i soon should meet my ,lord4 ,as the night advanced1 the sounds in the cabin became gradually stilled2 ,jemima ceased to complain1 and her mother to scold2 both showed by their welcome silence that they were fast asleep4 ,the weather was by no means stormy2 there was nothing to disturb or alarm1 and an occasional heavy step on the deck overhead1 or a slight creaking in the cordage1 with the constant beat of the paddles1 were all the noises now heard4 ,minnie1 wearied by the day's excitement1 sank into peaceful slumber at last2 she knew that her mother was close beneath her1 and that ,god was watching above4 ,suddenly every occupant of the ladies' cabin was startled from sleep by the sound of great commotion on deck1 tramping of feet1 and loud and repeated cries of alarm1 that thrilled every heart with fear4 ,anxious faces were bent forward from every berth1 and eager questions were passed from mouth to mouth1 to which none seemed able to reply4 ,what is that noise8 ,what can have happened8 ,has the ship struck8 ,have we run down some vessel8 ,and as the sound above continued and increased1 rapid movements were made on all sides1 as the ladies began hasty preparations for appearing on deck1 should there prove to be real cause for alarm4 ,stewardess1 stewardess6 called out ,mrs4 ,lowe1 as she searched here and there for her mantle1 run up-stairs2 ask what is the matter2 ,i'm sure something dreadful has occurred4 ,if ever ,i travel by steamer again-- ,mamma1 mamma6 cried the terrified ,jemima1 ,how awfully hot it has grown6 ,i feel half stifled1 murmured pour ,minnie1 as1 half dizzy with sleep1 and trembling with fright1 she held out her arms to her mother1 who lifted her down from her berth4 ,the stewardess hurried to the door4 ,the instant that she opened it1 to the horror of all in the cabin1 in rolled a suffocating volume of smoke1 and only too distinctly sounded the voices above--,fire6 ,fire6 was the terrible cry4 ,don't let the women come up--they must keep down--we can't have them here on deck6 called out the loud voice of the captain4 ,several of the ladies attempted to rush up the hatchway1 but were roughly ordered back by the sailors4 ,you would but hinder us here2 go down and pray1 cried a tar1 all begrimed with smoke4 ,yes1 let us pray1 re-echoed the voice of ,mrs4 ,mayne1 as she sank on her knees in the cabin1 her hands clasped1 and her arms enfolding her daughter4 ,in that hour of terror and danger1 the varied characters of those in that crowded cabin showed in strange distinctness4 ,differences of rank and age were quite forgotten--a common fear seemed to level all2 while far more marked than before grew the contrast between the foolish virgins and the wise4 ,poor ,jemima stood trembling in the recess1 unconsciously trampling under foot the plumed hat which had once been her pride4 ,mrs4 ,lowe was almost mad with terror4 ,wringing her hands1 and imploring those to save her whose peril was as great as her own--wildly asking those who knew as little as herself whether there were no hope of deliverance--she stood a fearful picture of one who has lived for the world and self4 ,what were then to her the comforts or pleasures bought at the price of conscience6 ,with what feelings did she then recall warnings despised and duties neglected6 ,could all her unrighteous gains--gains by petty fraud1 by bold ,sabbath-breaking--procure her one moment's peace when she feared that1 within an hour1 she might be standing before an angry ,god8 ,no2 those very gains were as fetters1 as dead-weights1 to sink her soul down to destruction4 ,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 fire4 ,ye have heaped up treasure for the last days4 ,mrs4 ,mayne was pale but calm4 ,her best treasure was safe where neither storm nor fire could touch it4 ,she knew that a sudden death is1 to the ,christian1 but a shorter passage home1 a quicker entrance into glory4 ,the grace which she had sought for by prayer in time of safety1 shone out brightly now in time of danger1 and she was able to sustain others by the light which cheered her own trusting soul4 ,mrs4 ,mayne prayed aloud1 and many in the cabin fervently joined in her prayers4 ,i can't pray1 ,i can't pray6 cried ,mrs4 ,lowe1 sinking her face on her hands1 while her long1 loose black hair streamed wildly over her shoulders4 ,then suddenly changing her tone1 and stretching out her arms1 she exclaimed1 ,o ,god6 ,spare me1 spare me yet a while2 ,i will lead a different life1 ,i will turn from my sins2 mercy1 mercy on a wretched sinner6 ,let not the door yet be shut2 save me1 save me from this terrible death6 ,minnie clung round her mother2 the greater the danger1 the greater the fear1 the closer she clung6 ,we shall not be separated6 she gasped forth2 and ,mrs4 ,mayne1 bending down1 whispered in her ear1 ',and who shall separate us from the love of ,christ8' ,my precious one1 ,he is with us now2 ,he has power to subdue the fire1 or to bear us safe through it to glory4 ,it was a strange and awful scene1 and strange and wild were the mingling sounds that rose from the ship on fire4 ,shouting1 shrieking1 praying2 the clank of the pump incessantly at work1 voices giving hurried commands1 the crackling of flame1 the gurgle of water1 the rushing of feet to and fro4 ,then--oh1 blessed hope6--can that sudden1 sharp clatter be indeed that of rain1 pelting rain1 against the window of the cabin1 that dark window1 which has only been lightened now and then by a terrible gleam from the fire8 ,rain1 blessed rain6 exclaimed ,mrs4 ,mayne1 starting up4 ,rain1 rain6 repeated every joyful tongue2 and then there was a momentary silence to listen to the clattering drops1 as thicker and faster they fell1 as if in answer to the fervent prayers that were rising from every heart4 ,surely never was shower more welcome6 ,oh1 ,god sends the rain6 exclaimed ,minnie4 ,there's no red glare now to be seen4 ,it is pelting1 it is pouring2 it comes down like a stream6 ,and even as the words were on her tongue1 a loud1 long1 glad cheer from above gave welcome tidings that the fire was subdued4 ,thank ,god1 ladies1 the danger is over1 said the captain1 at the door4 ,he was now1 for the first time1 able to leave his post-upon deck1 to relieve the terrors of his passengers below4 ,then was there a strange revulsion of feeling amongst those who had lately been almost convulsed with terror4 ,strangers embraced one another like sisters1 sobbing1 laughing1 congratulating each other2 the passengers seemed raised at once from the depth of misery to the height of rapture4 ,this1 also1 soon subsided1 and it became but too evident that1 with some1 gratitude was almost as short-lived as fear1 and that ,god's warning made no more lasting impression on the heart than the paddle-wheels on the water--creating a violent agitation for a few minutes1 leaving a whitened track for a brief space longer1 which1 melting away from view1 all became as it had been before4 ,mrs4 ,lowe was very angry at the carelessness which had occasioned her such a fright2 she was angry with the captain1 the sailors1 the passengers2 in short1 angry with every one but herself4 ,i'll never set my foot in a steamer again6 ,as if all the discomfort were not enough to drive one out of one's wits1 one is not left to sleep for a moment in peace4 ,ah1 tiresome child6 she exclaimed1 almost fiercely1 turning upon poor ,jemima1 ,what have you done6 ,trampled your new hat1 crushed the feather to bits6 ,jemima1 who had by no means recovered from the shock of the alarm1 made no attempt to reply to her mother1 but sat crying in the corner of her berth4 ,mrs4 ,lowe1 declaring that she would stay no longer to be stifled down below1 made her way up to the deck1 though the first faint streak of dawn was but beginning to flush the sky4 ,minnie was on her mother's knee1 peaceful1 happy1 thankful4 ,from that dear resting-place she looked upon the poor little girl1 whom she had half envied on the preceding evening1 but whom she regarded now only with a feeling of pity4 ,mrs4 ,mayne saw that the child's nerves had been severely shaken1 and1 bending forward1 she gently drew the weeping ,jemima to her side4 ,god has been very good to us2 shall we not love ,him1 and thank ,him8 said the lady4 ,jemima squeezed her hand in reply4 ,and shall we not try to set our affections on things above1 so that1 trusting in our ,saviour ,god1 our hearts may fear no evil8 ,the tears were fast coursing one another down the pale cheeks of ,jemima1 and ,minnie1 with an impulse of joy1 raised her head from her mother's bosom1 and kissed her little companion4 ,this trifling act of kindness quite opened the heart of the girl4 ,jemima threw her little arms round the neck of ,minnie1 and1 burying her face on her shoulder1 sobbed forth1 ,oh1 where shall ,i get the grace1 the oil for my lamp1 that ,i may never be so frightened1 so miserable again1 when ,i hear the midnight cry6 ,never had ,mrs4 ,mayne and her daughter spent a holier or more peaceful hour than that which followed1 as in that narrow recess of the cabin1 while the morning sun rose over the sea1 the lady spoke to a trembling inquirer of the ,saviour who died for sinners4 ,do you1 my child1 long for more grace to make you holy in life1 and happy at the hour of death8 ',blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness1 saith the ,lord1 for they shall be filled4' ,it is the ,spirit of ,god in your soul that alone can make that soul holy4 ,kneel1 and ask for it in the name of the ,saviour1 who hath promised1 ',ask1 and ye shall receive2 seek1 and ye shall find2 knock1 and it shall be opened unto you4' ,sweet is ,his service1 rich its reward2 pardon and peace1 happiness and heaven1 such are ,his gifts to ,his children4 ,the world and all within it must soon pass away2 its pleasures1 its riches1 its glory3 for 'the day of the ,lord will come as a thief1 in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise1 and the elements shall be dissolved with fervent heat1 and the earth and the works that are therein shall be burned up4' ,but is there anything in this to terrify the ,christian8 ,oh1 no6 ,for to him 'the day of the ,lord' will be the day of joy1 and thanksgiving1 and triumph4 ,for the ,lord himself shall descend from heaven1 with a shout1 with the voice of the archangel1 and with the trump of ,god3 and the dead in ,christ shall rise first2 then we that are alive1 that are left1 shall together with them be caught up in the clouds1 to meet the ,lord in the air3 and so shall we ever be with the ,lord4' ,deep sank the words of ,scripture into the hearts of the two little girls4 ,each in her different path trimmed her lamp with the oil of grace1 and the holy life of a wise virgin waiting for the coming of her ,lord4