,transcriber's note3 ,unusual and inconsistent spelling is as printed4 ,illustration3 ,nelly suddenly exclaimed1 ,who is that stranger-boy coming this way with a bundle hanging by a stick over his shoulder8 ,,the ,,adopted ,,son ,,or1 ,,illustrations ,,of ,,the ,,lord',s ,,prayer4 ,,by ,a4 ,l4 ,o4 ,e4 ,,author ,,of ,,ned ,,franks1 ,,pictures ,,of ,,st ,,paul1 ,,the ,,white ,,bear',s ,,den1 ,,etc4 ,,gall ,,inglis4 ,london3 ,edinburgh3 #be ,,paternoster ,,square4 #bj ,,bernard ,,terrace4 ,,contents4 ,,chap4 ,i4 ,,our ,,father1 ,,which ,,art ,,in ,,heaven ,,ii4 ,,hallowed ,,be ,,thy ,,name ,,iii4 ,,thy ,,kingdom ,,come ,,iv4 ,,thy ,,will ,,be ,,done ,,on ,,earth ,,as ,,it ,,is ,,in ,,heaven ,v4 ,,give ,,us ,,this ,,day ,,our ,,daily ,,bread ,,vi4 ,,forgive ,,us ,,our ,,trespasses1 ,,as ,,we ,,forgive ,,them ,,that ,,trespass ,,against ,,us ,,vii4 ,,lead ,,us ,,not ,,into ,,temptation ,,viii4 ,,deliver ,,us ,,from ,,evil ,,ix4 ,,for ,,thine ,,is ,,the ,,kingdom1 ,,the ,,power1 ,,and ,,the ,,glory ,x4 ,,for ,,ever ,,and ,,ever ,,the ,,adopted ,,son4 ,,chapter ,i4 ,our ,father1 which art in heaven4 ,oh6 ,as ,i said before1 it's all a matter of opinion4 ,i think it a man's duty to attend to his business1 and get his children well on in the world1 observed ,goldie1 the fruiterer1 as the baker's wife handed to him a bag of captain's biscuits from behind her counter4 ,we must look to our advantage in this life1 ,mrs4 ,winter4 ,ay1 and in the next also1 replied the woman quietly4 ,then bending over the counter to a little flaxen-haired girl who had just entered the shop1 ,and what do you want1 my dear8 she said4 ,please for twopenny-worth of sweet biscuits1 three for a penny1 answered the child4 ,mrs4 ,winter slowly plunged her hand into one of the neat glass jars which1 carefully labelled with their various contents1 adorned the front of her window4 ,mrs4 ,winter was a pattern of neatness1 even to precision1 her cap was ever of faultless white1 her panes were as clean as hands could make them1 not a crumb was ever suffered to rest on her counter1 and her name over the door shone in bright gilt letters that might have been worthy of a shop in ,london4 ,precise and formal as some people deemed her1 ,mrs4 ,winter was a kind-hearted woman1 too2 much warm feeling lay under a stiff1 cold manner2 combined with a large share of good common sense4 ,she had never been blessed with children1 and her husband1 though in some respects a worthy1 honest man1 kept his hands so tightly over his purse strings1 as to gain for the couple a character of penuriousness1 which was undeserved by his wife4 ,notwithstanding this1 many were the stale loaves which found their way to some poor man's home1 and many were the nights which ,mrs4 ,winter had given to watching the sick-bed of a neighbour4 ,while the baker's wife was drawing forth the biscuits1 ,goldie entered into conversation with the little girl4 ,so you're going to have a treat for once in a way1 ,nelly ,viner4 ,you don't trouble ,mrs4 ,winter often for sweet biscuits1 ,i should say4 ,my new brother is coming home to-day1 replied the child with a beaming look of pleasure4 ,your new brother6 ,who's he8 ,i do not exactly know1 sir2 but he is some one that we are to love1 and be kind to4 ,i shall be so glad to have a brother6 ,i should have thought1 said ,goldie in a careless manner1 that ,viner had enough to do to look after his own without adopting the children of other people4 ,do you know who this boy is1 ,mrs4 ,winter8 ,i know that his name is ,walter ,binning2 the son1 ,i suppose1 of some friend4 ,a friend6 ,never were you more mistaken in your life4 ,why1 that's the name of the man who almost ruined ,viner--a heartless1 unprincipled-- ,mrs4 ,winter glanced at the little girl1 and put her finger on her lips4 ,she placed the biscuits before ,nelly1 but ,nelly lingered4 ,are those not what you wished8 said the baker's wife1 noticing the child's look of hesitation4 ,yes2 but you have given me seven1 and ,i have only paid for six1 replied the little one1 looking artlessly up in her face4 ,now1 if that isn't like her father6 exclaimed ,goldie1 bursting into a loud laugh4 ,i could have known her for his child all the world over6 ,don't you know1 little simpleton1 that seven are better than six8 ,i thought that ,mrs4 ,winter had made a mistake1 replied the child1 not liking the laugh1 though she could not have told why4 ,i think that it's you who made the mistake1 said ,goldie1 laughing again4 ,tell me1 does not your father keep sugar plums as well as cabbages8 ,yes1 replied ,nelly1 and very nice ones4 ,very nice2 oh6 ,i dare say that you know that pretty well4 ,how many do you eat1 my little maid8 ,father gives me a brandy-ball every ,sunday1 or sometimes a piece of pink rock1 said ,nelly1 smiling4 ,oh6 ,that's what he gives1 but what do you take8 asked the fruiterer1 chucking her under the chin4 ,i take what he gives4 ,i don't know what you mean1 said the little girl1 looking bewildered4 ,simpleton6 muttered ,goldie1 glancing with a knowing smile at ,mrs4 ,winter1 but ,mrs4 ,winter did not return the smile4 ,you never help yourself8 he continued to ,nelly4 ,never manage to taste a sugar-plum when father's back is turned8 ,the child's face flushed crimson1 she shrank back from his touch1 looked full into his face with her open blue eyes1 and seemed to feel it unnecessary to say ,no6 ,nelly is brought up in the fear of ,god1 observed ,mrs4 ,winter1 and knows that it would be better to touch live coals than anything dishonestly gained4 ,go home with your seven biscuits1 my good little girl1 and make ready to welcome your new brother4 ,as soon as ,nelly had left the shop1 ,goldie exclaimed1 ,well1 ,i always thought that ,viner was a little mad1 but ,i never imagined that ever he would do anything half so wild as this6 ,is he really going to adopt the son of ,walter ,binning8 ,what do you know of the man8 inquired ,mrs4 ,winter4 ,know6 ,why ,i know that he has been the worst enemy that ever ,viner had4 ,he was some distant relation of his1 ,i fancy1 and was for ever getting him into one trouble or another4 ,viner was once1 ,i have heard1 in very good business here--that was before ,i set up my shop opposite--and what first pulled him down1 and half ruined the poor man1 was becoming security for this ,binning4 ,what might have been expected happened--the rogue made off1 and left his simple friend to pay1 ,ha6 ,ha6 ,ha6 ,and now1 like an honest man1 discharges his debt by making him a present of his son6 ,i heard that the boy's father was absent beyond seas1 said the baker's wife4 ,to be sure1 that means 'sent out of his country for his country's good4' ,i remember it now--,walter ,binning was transported for seven years for theft6 ,i wish ,viner joy of the hopeful youth that he is going to adopt6 ,he may not find him quite so apt a pupil as little ,nelly4 ,the child of a thief is not likely to be a saint4 ,if the father half ruined poor honest ,viner1 perhaps the son may finish the business6 ,and so saying1 with a nod to the good woman of the shop1 ,goldie took up his bag and went out4 ,the village in which our scene is laid was one situated by the sea-side1 which had not yet grown into a town1 though already a favourite resort of those who wished for sea breezes and quiet4 ,it had1 like other watering-places1 its boats and its bathing-machines2 fishermen spread out their nets on the shingles2 donkeys1 ready saddled1 stood in a row prepared to carry visitors along the white chalky road1 or the long line of smooth brown sand which was left wet and shining when the tide went down4 ,e-- boasted a small circulating library consisting of little but old soiled novels1 and a reading-room with benches in front1 which were often occupied in summer by lady visitors1 who1 protected from the glare by parasols and broad-brimmed straw-hats1 amused themselves with their knitting or their book1 while enjoying the fresh air from the sea4 ,e-- at the time at which my story commences1 was little more than one narrow street1 on each side of which small shops offered the necessaries of life1 and in spring1 on the upper windows of most of them the words1 ,lodgings to let1 announced their preparation to receive visitors4 ,of these small shops1 one of the smallest and poorest in appearance was that on which was seen the name of ,viner4 ,it had a little wooden gate instead of door1 and it seemed that its owner could not entirely depend upon his profits from the rows of onions1 bunches of carrots1 or baskets of beans which covered his board1 for little bottles of sweetmeats as well as of nuts were ranged along a shelf in his shop1 with a string of balls of twine hanging from the top1 and a small supply of writing-paper in one corner1 which was usually sold by the sheet1 not the quire4 ,so small and unpretending was the shop--such a contrast to ,goldie's large one opposite--that visitors seldom thought of entering to buy1 and it was chiefly frequented by the people of the village1 who knew the character of the man who kept it1 and who never doubted1 when they purchased a basket of fruit from ,viner1 that the lower ones were as good as those at the top4 ,in this shop now stood ,nelly with her father1 awaiting the arrival of their expected guest4 ,viner was a man still in the prime of life1 though care and poverty had made him look older than he really was1 and had streaked his hair with many a bright silver line4 ,but the expression of his face was serene1 even happy1 especially when he looked upon his darling only child1 the image of a wife whom he had tenderly loved1 and for whom he had mourned--but not as one without hope4 ,and now remember one thing1 my darling1 he said1 laying his hand gently upon her head1 you must never speak to ,walter about his father4 ,but you love to speak about mother1 and to take me to her grave1 and to show me all the places that she marked in her ,bible2 if ,walter's father has died and gone to heaven1 he will like to speak about him too4 ,you must not ask my reasons1 ,nelly1 but obey my wishes4 ,ah6 thought the bereaved husband1 as he recalled his own heavy loss1 ,how much sadder a thing is sin than death6 ,nelly stood thoughtfully for a moment1 as if pondering over the words of her parent1 then looked up with a grave expression on her usually merry little face as she said1 ,oh6 ,i remember now what ,i heard at ,mrs4 ,winter's4 ,what did you hear1 my child8 ,something about ,walter's father--something very bad2 it was ,mr4 ,goldie who said it2 you know when he spoke aloud1 ,i could not help hearing2 but ,mrs4 ,winter put her finger to her lips4 ,i am very sorry that ,mr4 ,goldie should say anything1 or know anything about the matter4 ,you1 at any rate1 must take no notice of it4 ,it is no fault of poor ,walter's that he has been unhappy in his parent4 ,father1 said ,nelly1 her own joyous expression returning1 as she laid her little hand upon ,viner's arm1 and looked up full into his face1 will not you be a father to ,walter8 ,he shall be your son1 and my brother too1 and we shall all be so happy together6 ,viner only replied by a smile1 and the child continued--,mr4 ,goldie said a word which ,i thought meant that1 something about your ad--,i cannot just remember the word4 ,adopting1 ,i suppose4 ,yes1 that was it exactly6 ,i think1 added ,nelly1 with a graver air1 that there is some word like that in the ,bible4 ,there is1 my ,nelly1 and a blessed word it is6 ,all ,christians are the adopted children of ,god2 it is from ,his gracious adoption alone that we dare to address ,him as ',our ,father1 which art in heaven4' ,to adopt is to take some other person's child1 and call it your own1 and love it as your own1 end feed it1 and care for it1 as you will for ,walter4 ,am ,i not right8 said ,nelly4 ,quite right1 replied ,viner1 stroking her fair hair4 ,and if ,god adopts us1 ,he will love us1 and watch over us1 and take care of us as long as we live1 and take us home to ,himself when we die6 ,but were we ever any one's children but ,god's8 ,we were by nature1 my ,nelly1 the children of wrath4 ,adam1 our first father1 had offended the ,lord1 and we are born into the world with a nature like his1 bearing his sinful likeness1 even as ,walter ,binning bears the name of his father4 ,man was not only a stranger to1 but a rebel against ,god--he had no right to expect anything but punishment and pain from the hand of his offended ,maker4 ,and yet the ,lord adopted him1 and made him ,his son6 ,yes1 that mercy beyond all we could ask for or hope1 was one of the blessings purchased for us by the death of the ,saviour4 ,it was as though the ,lord ,jesus had laid ,his pierced hand upon the sinner1 and had led him to the feet of ,his ,father1 and that the ,almighty1 for the sake of his crucified ,son1 had deigned to receive the unworthy sinner1 and make him ,his own child for ever6 ,then if we are ,god's children1 exclaimed ,nelly1 we must all be brothers and sisters to one another4 ,it is so1 replied ,viner earnestly1 though is our selfishness and pride we too often forget it4 ,those who love their ,father in heaven will love ,his children on earth also1 and form one blessed family of love4 ,i never thought before1 said ,nelly1 thoughtfully1 when ,i repeated the ,lord's ,prayer1 why ,i should say ',our ,father1' instead of ',my ,father2' but now ,i will try to remember every time1 that ,i am one of a great family of love6 ,few more words passed between ,viner and his daughter1 until ,nelly suddenly exclaimed1 ,who is that stranger-boy coming this way with a bundle hanging by a stick over his shoulder1 who looks up at the name over every shop1 and seems so tired and sad8 ,father1 do you think that this can be ,walter8 ,it was ,walter indeed1 the convict's son1 who now received from ,viner such a kindly welcome as the true ,christian gives to the unfortunate4 ,walter appeared1 from his height1 to be a boy of about ten years of age1 but the expression of his sharpened careworn features made him look much older2 it was not the expression of a child4 ,there was at first a restlessness in his manner1 as of one ready to take either offence or alarm1 which gave ,nelly a curious impression that he was like some wild creature that had been hunted4 ,he usually fixed his eyes on the ground1 and when he raised them1 it was not with the straightforward look of a boy who has nothing to conceal or to fear4 ,poor outcast6 ,the remembrance of his father's shame hung like a heavy cloud over him2 the first fresh flow of youthful feelings had been checked at the spring1 he was inclined to suspect others1 and to feel himself suspected4 ,he could not1 however1 resist the influence of the unaffected kindliness which he met with from ,viner and his little daughter4 ,the best food at the simple meal was placed on his plate1 there was consideration for his feelings1 and attention to his comfort in everything that was said or done4 ,his chilled heart began to warm under the power of kindness1 gradually his manner appeared less shy1 he became less silent and sad1 and before the evening was over1 was ready to smile1 and even laugh at the playful words of ,nelly4 ,the hour arrived for evening prayer4 ,everything else was laid aside1 and the large ,bible1 the treasure of many generations1 on whose blank page many family names were written--some so pale with age that they could scarcely be read--was reverently placed upon the table4 ,to evening meeting for prayer ,walter had1 till now1 been entirely a stranger4 ,he was not altogether ignorant on the subject of religion2 in the strange unsettled life which he had led in ,london with his father1 he had met with a variety of characters1 and gathered up knowledge upon many different subjects1 but there was nothing clear1 nothing defined1 nothing holy4 ,yet it was with no irreverent manner that ,walter listened to the ,word of ,god1 or the prayer from the lips of his benefactor4 ,the conduct of ,viner insensibly connected in his mind kindness and goodness with piety2 and gratitude towards man seemed likely to be the first step to raise him towards gratitude to a higher ,being4 ,when ,nelly had received her father's evening kiss and blessing1 and had bidden a kind good-night to her new brother1 ,viner led his guest from his parlour into his small shop1 and kindly laying his hand on his shoulder1 explained to him what his duties would be4 ,viner had not forgotten that boys are liable to temptation1 that a youth brought up as ,walter had been1 would above all1 be likely to yield to temptation--he would neither ask nor expect much4 ,i know1 said he1 smiling1 as he pointed to the sweetmeats1 that things such as these are liked by most young people1 so you have my free permission to take some--,walter1 ,i have no objection to that4 ,you will remember1 at the same time1 that you are living with a poor man1 with one who cannot afford to give his family all the enjoyments that might be wished1 so that ,i am sure that you will not take too much4 ,a little colour came to ,walter's pale cheek--it was so new a thing to be trusted4 ,but a generous feeling was awakened in his breast1 and as he pressed the hand held out to him1 he silently resolved that ,viner never should have cause to repent having confided in his honour4 ,and now1 my dear boy1 ,i have but one thing more to add before we part for the night4 ,you will help me in my business1 and make yourself useful4 ,no good boy would wish to eat the bread of idleness2 but ,i receive you into my house as one of my family1 and as long as you do nothing to forfeit the name1 ,i shall regard you and treat you as my son4 ,oh6 ,how many a wanderer would be reclaimed1 how many a prodigal led back to his home1 if those who call themselves ,christians1 instead of shrinking from the outcast1 and stamping him at once with the character of guilt1 would seek to draw out the nobler feelings of a heart not yet seared and hardened6 ,god be praised6 ,there are yet some who1 like their ,saviour1 go forth to seek and save that which was lost1 and the child of the thief1 and the young thief himself1 are taught the path which leads to holiness and to ,thee3 ,,our ,,father1 ,,which ,,art ,,in ,,heaven6 ,illustration ,,chapter ,,ii4 ,hallowed be ,thy name4 ,,there was a good deal of curiosity in the village to see the convict's boy whom ,viner had adopted1 and to know the result of his dangerous experiment--his romantic benevolence1 as it was called4 ,nowhere was this curiosity stronger than in the home of ,goldie1 whose large handsome shop1 as ,i before mentioned1 stood opposite to the humble dwelling of ,viner4 ,as ,goldie and his family will often appear in the course of my tale1 ,i may as well give here at once an introduction to them all4 ,a finer family than that of ,goldie1 the fruiterer1 was not to be found in the village of ,e--4 ,his three sons1 when young children1 constantly attracted the notice of visitors by their uncommon beauty--a painter of eminence had introduced their likeness into one of his pictures as cherubs1 and the praises lavished upon them by strangers fostered the pride of their fond mother1 who believed that her boys1 especially ,ned the youngest1 were not to be equalled by any children in ,england4 ,as they grew older1 ,aleck1 the first-born1 displayed so much talent1 that ,goldie1 persuaded that he wanted nothing but a good education to place him in the highway to fortune and fame1 made every effort1 scraped together all his gains1 denied himself and family many comforts1 to send him to a school where he might be with gentlemen's sons1 and acquire the knowledge necessary for getting on in the world4 ,getting on in the world was a favourite expression of ,goldie's1 and to judge both by his conduct and his advice to his children1 it appeared that to him it comprised the chief--,i had almost said the only object in life4 ,yet ,goldie did not consider himself exactly an irreligious man4 ,he had no objection to piety as long as it did not interfere with profit2 spoke very decidedly about upholding the ,church1 sometimes attended divine service himself when some one else would look after the shop1 which he kept open on ,sunday as usual1 and kept a large handsome ,bible in his parlour1 which he never read or even opened4 ,his wife's character was of a different stamp4 ,mrs4 ,goldie was not hardened in worldliness--with another husband she might have appeared a religious woman4 ,when ,god's day was profaned1 and ,his commandments disobeyed1 she had a secret suspicion that all was not right4 ,she regularly went to church1 and what she heard there often sent her home with an uneasy conscience4 ,she was a delicate woman1 too1 and in hours of sickness was often visited by scruples and fears4 ,but her husband laughed at them1 and she struggled against them1 was contented to try to think them foolish and weak2 and while1 like ,agrippa1 almost a ,christian in conviction1 was never ready to step over the border-line and take up the cross in earnest4 ,she had just religion enough to make her uneasy1 and that1 if constantly resisted or neglected1 is not the religion which can bring us to heaven4 ,mrs4 ,goldie loved her sons1 she idolised ,ned1 her whole heart seemed wrapped up in the boy4 ,no wish so unreasonable but it must be granted1 no fault so glaring but it must be overlooked2 she found an excuse for every error4 ,it is true that ,mrs4 ,goldie would rather that her sons had chosen other companions than such as those whose society she feared did them no good2 she had rather that they had sometimes read the ,bibles with which she had provided them1 instead of the cheap novels that were constantly lying about their rooms2 she had rather that ,mat and ,ned had not sat up gambling till midnight2 but she never made a hearty effort to change anything that was amiss4 ,it was natural that boys should like amusement1 she said--and with her1 it is natural almost stood instead of it is right4 ,her sons knew nothing of a mother's gentle training1 earnest entreaties1 affectionate reproofs4 ,she had not watched over them1 prayed for them1 sought to win them to ,god1 and any affection that they might bear their mother was unmixed either with obedience or respect4 ,to such a family as this1 it is no wonder that the adoption by ,viner of the son of a convict1 the son of a man who had greatly wronged him1 appeared an act of extraordinary folly4 ,while ,walter and his little companion ,nelly were engaged in laying out vegetables1 preparing the shop1 and disposing of beans and potatoes to fishermen's wives1 or sweetmeats to bareheaded children who had but one copper piece to lay upon the counter1 their neighbours on the opposite side of the street were passing many a joke at his expense4 ,that boy there don't know how to shell peas6 said ,mat4 ,depend on't1 he knows precious well how to eat them1 laughed ,ned4 ,i'd not be a peach or a plum in his way1 said the first speaker1 if poor ,viner adorned his board with such dainties1 but the temptation of raw carrots might be withstood--ha6 ha6 ha6 ,you forget the pink rock and the lolly-pop6 exclaimed ,ned4 ,yes1 the good man will find his stock going remarkably cheap--at an alarming sacrifice1 as they advertise in the ,london shops4 ,i must just step over and have a fling at the chap before the old ,methodist comes back to the rescue2 ,i see him turning the corner with a basket of greens1 and somehow or other1 ,i can never crack a good joke before him4 ,strange as it may appear1 notwithstanding his poverty1 notwithstanding the ridicule lavished upon him during his absence1 there was something about ,viner which commanded respect1 and even these wilful1 unruly lads would have felt ashamed of being impertinent to him4 ,the shyness of ,walter had entirely worn off towards ,nelly2 her kindness pleased1 her prattle amused him1 he felt her society like a fresh breeze of spring1 it was a delight to him to look on her as a little sister4 ,it was only necessity1 however1 which had made ,viner leave them so long alone together1 for he intended carefully to watch the character of his adopted son1 and let him have little intercourse with his child1 except in his own presence1 until he knew that she could learn no evil from her companion4 ,as soon1 therefore1 as his necessary business was finished1 he hastened back to his home4 ,full of mischievous fun1 ,ned1 followed by ,mat1 ran across the road to ,viner's little shop4 ,i say1 cried he1 have you any string8 ,walter glanced at ,nelly1 then following the direction of her eye1 jumped upon the counter to reach the balls of twine which were amongst the articles sold in the shop4 ,what's the price8 said ,ned1 with a laughing expression in his eye4 ,prompted by the child1 ,walter answered1 ,a penny a ball4 ,that's too much--hemp's cheap2 ,i thought that you would know the way of getting that without paying for it at all6 ,i say1 ,nelly1 continued the merry boy1 without appearing to notice the cloud gathering on ,walter's brow1 how long is it since your father has kept forbidden fruit here8 ,forbidden fruit1 replied the child1 giving an inquiring glance around her4 ,i did not know that father kept forbidden fruit4 ,what is it8 ,such as drops from the gallows tree1 cried ,ned2 and with a loud insulting laugh1 the two boys ran off just as ,viner entered the place4 ,he meant to insult me1 exclaimed ,walter1 with a loud oath4 ,nelly was shocked and astonished1 and looked at her father4 ,walter1 said ,viner calmly but firmly1 ,i never permit an oath under my roof2 we have this day uttered the prayer1 ',hallowed be ,thy name1' and heavy is our guilt if we profane that name4 ,i only spoke thoughtlessly1 said ,walter1 looking rather sullen2 one cannot be always considering one's words4 ,and yet the ,lord ,himself hath declared that by our words we should be justified1 and by our words condemned2 and that for every idle word that men should speak1 'they should give account in the awful day of judgment6' ,but some men never open their lips without an oath2 not only the poor and ignorant1 but the rich and great4 ,it seems to give such force to what a man says1 and it grows such a strong habit that one scarcely can break it4 ,nelly would not have looked so much shocked as she did just now if she had seen a little more of the world1 as ,i have4 ,we shall not be judged by what the world does1 or by what the world thinks1 said ,viner1 but by the ,word of ,him who hath said1 ',swear not at all4' ,it has always appeared to me1 continued ,viner1 that swearing is one of the most unaccountable of sins4 ,we can well imagine how the poor man is tempted to steal1 the timid to lie1 or the self-indulgent to exceed2 but for swearing there appears not the shadow of a cause--heaven is risked1 and nothing is gained1 the ,almighty is offended1 a crime is committed of which no result remains but its terrible record on the ,book which shall be opened and read one day before the angels and archangels of heaven6 ,walter's sullen look had passed away1 his better feelings struggled with his pride4 ,i will try never to utter an oath again--at least before you1 whom ,i respect1 said he4 ,whom you respect6 ,a poor sinful creature of dust2 and yet you would utter it before the eternal ,god1 who created the lips1 who gave the breath which you employ in mocking ,his command6 ,i will never take ,god's name in vain1 said ,walter4 ,god bless you1 my dear boy1 for that good resolution1 and give you ,his ,holy ,spirit1 that you may be enabled to keep it4 ,i do not think that ,i shall find it very difficult1 said ,walter1 who was not accustomed to doubt the power of his own will--who1 having struggled but little with his sins1 had yet to learn his own weakness4 ,more difficult1 maybe1 than you think1 replied ,viner4 ,perhaps you are not aware how many times this day you may have taken that holy name in vain4 ,never but once6 said ,walter quickly4 ,oh6 exclaimed little ,nelly involuntarily4 ,when8 said ,walter1 turning towards her2 but ,nelly did not look inclined to reply4 ,when8 repeated ,walter impatiently1 ,when did ,i take ,god's name in vain8 ,the little girl hesitated1 afraid of offending1 yet accustomed to speak out the truth2 then timidly said1 looking down on the floor1 ,you know1 ,walter1 that when you talk with me1 you often begin with ',lord6 or ,god bless my soul6' or you say ',the ,lord knows1' when really ,i do not think1 ,i am afraid1 that you are not considering at all what you are saying4 ,viner was not yet aware of this habit in ,walter1 for the boy had been shy and reserved in his presence1 and had not spoken out so freely before him as when alone with his gentle little daughter4 ,walter coloured1 and tried to laugh4 ,you are very precise1 said he4 ,i hope that ,i have not made you vexed with me1 whispered ,nelly1 drawing nearer to him1 and laying her small hand on his4 ,i hope that ,i have not said anything unkind4 ,no1 no1 replied ,walter hastily4 ,i dare say that you are all right2 but these things are so new to me--,i never thought at all of them before4 ,you can hardly imagine how different ,i am from you--you have never taken ,god's name in vain in all your life4 ,oh6 but ,i have--often1 murmured ,nelly1 again looking down4 ,when8 ,i am certain that you never swear4 ,when ,i pray1 answered ,nelly1 speaking very low1 so that ,walter could scarcely catch the words4 ,surely1 if you are ever out of harm's way1 it's when you are praying1 exclaimed ,walter4 ,not if ,i am thinking of something else all the time4 ,father has told me that we may say prayers and yet never pray1 and that this is taking the ,lord's name in vain4 ,walter sighed2 for the first time he felt how difficult it must be to attain to that holiness without which no man shall see the ,lord4 ,after the wild life that he had led1 the wicked scenes that he had witnessed1 ,viner's dwelling seemed to him the home of purity itself2 and ,nelly1 a little cherub all spotless and holy1 who never had known anything of sin4 ,it was with a feeling to which he had been a stranger before1 a sense of weakness1 a consciousness of guilt1 that he knelt that evening by the little child's side1 and repeated after her father the words of the ,lord's ,prayer3 ,,hallowed ,,be ,,thy ,,name4 ,illustration ,,chapter ,,iii4 ,thy kingdom come4 ,,the next day was ,saturday1 on the evening of which ,viner1 as usual1 cast up his accounts1 and reckoned his gains during the week4 ,it was the amusement of ,nelly1 seated upon his knee1 to arrange pence and half pence into little shilling heaps1 and separate the sum always laid aside for the rent1 and that required to purchase the next week's stock4 ,the little child felt herself useful in doing this1 and aspired to the time when she could manage the big book1 and sum up all the figures like father4 ,but this evening there was a cloud over her sunny face1 and she looked sadly at the small amount of money that remained1 when she had put aside what was wanted for rent and stock4 ,we used once to have roast beef for ,sunday dinner1 she said1 with a sigh1 and lately we have always had bacon and beans1 but to-morrow we shall have nothing but porridge and potatoes4 ,and eat them with thankfulness1 ,i trust1 my darling4 ,there are many who have worse fare than that4 ,walter was pained to the heart1 although he said nothing2 he felt himself a burden on one already poor1 the little help that he could give was scarcely needed in the shop1 food and lodging seemed to him not earned but received from charity4 ,viner observed the gloomy expression on the face of his adopted son2 and though his own heart was struggling beneath a weight of care1 as he put by his insufficient gains1 and thought of the approaching winter1 when those gains might be expected to be less1 he endeavoured to cheer his young companions by diverting their minds from the subject4 ,walter1 said he1 ,i have observed your eye often rest on that curious little book which is kept on our mantelpiece4 ,yes2 it looks so strange and ancient1 in its old-fashioned covering1 of what was once1 ,i suppose1 gold and blue2 it is not like the small books we see now4 ,has ,nelly yet told you the story of that book8 ,in a moment the face of the little girl had all its sunniness again4 ,oh no6 she exclaimed1 ,i left that for you--the story of my dear good grandfather6 ,that is my favourite story about the illumination and the barefooted little boy4 ,o father6 ,so tell it to us now6 ,this is just the time1 when the shop is shut1 and our work is over1 and it is getting dark2 we shall save a candle1 you know1 for we don't need light to listen6 ,this favourite story was one which ,nelly had heard more than once1 and had thought over very often1 till there was nothing in the possession of her father1 his ,bible and her mother's wedding-ring excepted1 for which she felt half the reverence as for that little old book4 ,now1 seated upon her father's knee1 with her arm round his neck1 and her head on his shoulder1 and ,walter listening opposite1 ,nelly quite forgot all care for the morrow1 all fear of approaching want4 ,i will tell you the story1 said ,viner1 partly as ,i heard it from my good father1 who used to mention some of the circumstances of it as amongst the greatest mercies which he had ever experienced1 but chiefly as it was often related to me by my grandmother1 who was as fond1 dear old lady1 of telling the story about her son as ,nelly is now of hearing it4 ,well1 it must now be some seventy years since the day when my grandmother1 a poor gardener's widow1 who then lived in a cottage not far from this very place--7it has been pulled down long ago1 but ,nelly can show you where it stood7--bade farewell to her only son4 ,the character of my grandmother was so respectable that1 poor as she was1 many looked up to her for counsel and example2 she had been nurse in the family of a gentleman1 and had more knowledge1 and knowledge of the best kind1 than usually falls to the lot of the poor4 ,it was a great matter for her that a good situation had been procured for her only son in ,london1 but still it was a sore trial to the widow to part with him2 and when she thought of the temptations before him1 her heart trembled and would have sunk within her1 but for prayer1 her unfailing resource4 ,the morning before he left her1 my grandmother sat packing the box of her son1 for she would do everything for him herself4 ,she had darned his stockings and mended his clothes so neatly1 that they looked almost as good as new4 ,i believe that many a tear had dropped over her work1 but she tried to look cheerful to my father4 ,carefully1 she placed his ,bible in the box1 and beside it three very small books in gold and blue1 one of which you now see before you4 ',a single copy is enough for me1' said my father2 'they are1 ,i see1 exactly alike1 what should ,i do with three8' ,in those days1 ,walter1 small religious publications were not so easily to be procured as they are at present4 ,now there is an abundance of works of all sizes and prices in which the pure ,gospel is explained and taught1 and even poor ,christians may help1 by the means of such1 to spread the knowledge of ,god2 but there was not the same number of them then4 ,where my grandmother had bought these books ,i do not know1 they were considered old even in her day2 they contained a good deal from ,scripture1 especially the ,sermon on the ,mount explained by a very holy ,divine4 ,i have heard that my grandmother had twelve copies at first1 but now only these three remained1 for1 as she explained to my father1 they were intended to be lent or given to others4 ',always remember1 my dear son1' she said1 laying her thin hand upon his1 'that ,god's kingdom of glory may come any day1 but ,god's kingdom of grace is coming every day2 and as it is our bounden duty to pray for the first1 so is it to work for the spread of the other4 ,we must be like the ,jews while building their second temple1 the sword in one hand to fight against our sins1 the working-tool in the other--and books like these are such--to help to raise a holy building to ,god4 ,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' ,these words of the widow sank deep into the heart of my father1 they made him see his position as a ,christian in a new light4 ,it was not enough1 he found1 to keep unspotted from the world1 he should also1 as ,god might give him opportunity1 visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction--not only himself faithfully serve his heavenly ,king1 but seek to bring others to that blessed ,saviour4 ,but my father found all his good resolutions sorely tried when he entered the situation which had been procured for him4 ,his master was a haberdasher in ,london1 one whom the world termed respectable1 but his standard of right and wrong was very different from that which the youth had learned from his ,bible and his mother4 ,sharpness and shrewdness were prized above honest dealing4 ',all fair in the way of business' was the shopkeeper's favourite motto1 and he was not disposed to question too closely the lawfulness of whatever increased his gains4 ,his other shop-boy1 whose name was ,tim ,sands1 was also one from whom my father could learn little that was good4 ,not an ill-disposed lad2 had he been in proper hands and under the care of a conscientious master1 he might have gone on steadily enough4 ,but ,sands was weak-minded and easily led1 and though too busy during the week to have much time for mischief1 on ,sunday1 he mixed in all kinds of dissipation1 with companions far worse than himself4 ,in society such as this1 my poor father felt little comfort or benefit1 truly1 he stood alone2 and but for the power of privately pouring out his heart before ,god1 and thinking of the coming of that happy time when the kingdom of the earth shall become the kingdoms of the ,lord1 his courage would have failed him entirely1 and he might have become like those amongst whom he lived4 ,he had a constant fight against sin1 ,i dare say1 observed ,walter1 but as for the work of which his mother had spoken1 ,i think that he must have left that alone altogether3 how could he look after the souls of other people2 he had enough to do to take care of his own4 ,oh6 ,you will hear--you will hear1 whispered ,nelly4 ,in the first place1 said ,viner1 he prayed for others1 especially for his master and companion2 he asked that ,god's kingdom might come in their hearts4 ,such prayers are never in vain1 for even if the petition be not granted1 the ,lord returns it in blessings into the bosom of him who offers it in charity and faith4 ,but my father did not content himself with this4 ,he found out in a street1 not very far from his shop1 a woman who had once been known to his mother4 ,she had married and fallen into great poverty1 and was now living in wretchedness in a small garret1 with three children who were dependent upon her4 ,my father had no money to bestow1 but he did what he could3 he found the family in a state of ignorance1 and dirt1 almost degraded to the level of the beasts that perish2 he roused the mother to exertion by his words2 he offered a weekly visit to read the ,bible to her1 for she was unable herself to read2 he undertook on ,sundays to teach her young children1 looking upon the poor ignorant little ones as lambs whom the ,lord had appointed him to feed4 ,at first he met with little gratitude1 and even some opposition1 and the task of teaching1 which was new to him1 seemed intolerably irksome2 much would he have preferred a walk on the bright ,sabbath evenings to passing them in that close garret with noisy children4 ,but difficulties gradually were smoothed away before him2 even the woman herself became his pupil1 children of other lodgers joined his little flock1 and gladly shared his instructions2 and as my father looked round upon this infant ragged school1 he felt how great was the honour1 how deep the joy of being permitted thus to labour for the spread of ,god's kingdom of grace4 ,but while he quietly pursued this ,christian work1 my father had also to endure the ,christian fight1 and to try the strength of his principles upon an occasion that sorely tested his faith4 ,one day1 when he was serving behind the counter1 his master overheard him1 in reply to a question from a customer1 frankly own that he did not believe that the colours of a print which he was showing would bear washing4 ,the presence of the lady prevented anything at the moment but an angry look from the master1 but when she had quitted the shop without purchasing anything1 the torrent of his anger burst forth4 ,my father had to submit to hear himself called a blockhead and a fool1 and submitted in silence2 for he thought of his widowed mother1 the difficulty which she had in procuring for him this place1 and the distress which she would feel if she lost it4 ,but when his master1 having exhausted his rage1 began to give him a lesson in the ways of the world which went directly against conscience and religion1 when he was ordered to be ready to utter a falsehood whenever that falsehood might serve his employer1 my father felt that the time had come for him to make a stand1 and risk anything rather than his soul4 ',i can only speak what is true1' he said modestly but firmly2 how difficult he found it to utter that short sentence1 but how thankful was he when he had done so6 ',you must obey what ,i order1 or march out of my shop6' exclaimed the master1 his face reddening with passion4 ,it was a great relief to my father that customers entering at the moment broke short the conversation2 and he was truly glad that he was able1 before they left1 without having swerved in the least from truth1 to make a considerable addition to the money in the till4 ,it seemed as though ,providence were helping him through the difficulties which he had boldly faced in obedience to duty4 ,and did he always keep firm8 asked ,walter4 ,always2 he never even gave an equivocal answer4 ,then ,i suppose that his master turned him off4 ,he threatened to do so more than once1 but was too much a man of the world not to know when he had a good servant2 and my father was so active and intelligent1 so regular in his accounts1 so ready on all occasions to oblige1 that even his master could not but be aware of his value4 ,as with ,joseph1 everything seemed to prosper in his hand1 and having nothing to find fault with except his religion1 even the ungodly man learned to respect his assistant4 ,there is an influence1 sometimes unknown to ourselves1 which we exert either for good or evil amongst those with whom we live4 ,had my father been austere1 proud1 or self-righteous1 he might1 in attempts to convert ,tim ,sands1 have driven him farther from the path of salvation4 ,but my father's kindness and cheerfulness gradually won for him the regard of his fellow-shopman4 ,sands began by laughing at1 but ended by looking up to him4 ,it was not easy1 indeed1 to draw the youth's attention to anything serious2 in vain one of the little counsellors in gold and blue had been purposely placed in his way--he had never got beyond the title page of it1 and it was soon thrown aside for a dirty novel4 ,one ,sunday evening1 after a wet1 cold day1 ,sands1 who1 much against his will1 had been kept from his usual diversions by the weather1 saw my father preparing to leave the house4 ',i say1 ,viner1' cried he1 'are you going out for a walk8 ,i see that the sky is clearing up at last4 ,i think that ,i'll take a turn with you--that is1 if you are not going to church again1 you'll not draw me in for that6' ',i am not going to church1 but to pass the evening with some friends4' ',old ,methodists1 ,i suppose1 grave and solemn4' ',no1 young and lively1' answered my father4 ',well1 ,i say1 there's no knowing what you good people are after6 ,so you spend your ,sunday evenings amid jovial companions6 ,i've half a mind to go with you and see your friends4 ,had it not rained cats and dogs1 ,i should have been at ,greenwich with mine4' ',come1 and welcome1' said my father1 with a smile4 ,so they walked on till they entered a very narrow street1 low and dirty1 where most of the wretched shops were open1 and such of the inhabitants as were loitering about looked as though they had been occupants of the workhouse4 ,my father entered a little shop1 and merely wishing good evening to the man who was in it1 proceeded at once to the back of it1 and1 followed by ,sands1 ascended the steep1 dark1 dirty stair1 where noisy sounds and disagreeable smells annoyed both senses at once4 ',your company may be choice1 but ,i can't say much for their place of meeting1' observed ,sands4 ,my father unclosed the door of an attic-room1 and was received with a burst of welcome from a dozen young voices within4 ,the room was small1 close1 and dimly lighted by a single candle2 but it was impossible to look without interest on the pale1 hungry-looking1 but intelligent little beings with whom it was crowded2 all poor1 some barefoot1 yet in their poverty as much the children of ,god and heirs of eternal life as the nobles and princes of the land4 ,my father asked after the mother of this one1 and the sick sister of that1 winning the hearts of his scholars by his look of kindly interest2 and1 after a few minutes spent in this manner1 ',now1 let us begin with a hymn1' said he4 ',jerusalem1 my happy home6' ,how strangely sweet it must have sounded to hear the voices of those ragged children sing of the 'pearly gates' and 'streets of shining gold' of the heavenly dwelling-place above1 within the walls of that miserable attic6 ,sands remained an attentive1 perhaps an interested1 listener for the two hours during which his companion's labours lasted4 ,when they found themselves again in the street1 he remarked3 ',well1 certainly there is some difference between your kind of society and the jolly parties to which ,i am accustomed at the ,white ,hart1 or ,saracen's ,head4' ',but are all the pleasures which you may have enjoyed there worth the hope of meeting one of those little ones in heaven1 when the kingdom of ,god shall have come8' ,sands made no reply1 and walked back in silence4 ,a day of trouble was coming for my father1 in which he would need all the comfort which religion and a good conscience could give4 ,he was sent one evening to a customer with a parcel of valuable goods1 for which he was to receive payment4 ,thinking of lending one of his little friends in gold and blue to a widow who kept a stall near the square to which he was going1 he opened his pocket-book which he carried with him1 and placed one of the copies in it4 ,the woman had1 however1 left her stand1 so this opportunity of doing good was lost for the time4 ,the customer received the goods1 and paid for them1 and two five-pound notes were carefully placed by my father in the pocket-book beside the little publication4 ,the streets were much crowded on his return1 for there were preparations for a grand illumination4 ,my father did not loiter on his way1 but his attention was naturally attracted by the splendid stars and wreaths1 which were beginning to be lighted up as he passed4 ,as he entered his master's shop1 he put his hand into his pocket1 and his surprise and distress may be readily imagined1 when he found it entirely empty4 ,his first impulse was to retrace his steps1 which he did1 though with scarcely the faintest hope of success2 glancing vainly down on every side1 asking bystanders the question which always received the same discouraging answer4 ,all the glories of the illumination were lost upon him2 he could think of nothing but his lost bank-notes4 ,weary and sad1 he returned to his home1 where he had to wait for an hour--a most painful hour it was--till his master returned from seeing the illumination4 ,the confession of his loss was frankly made1 with every expression of heartfelt regret2 but the anger of the haberdasher was beyond all bounds1 and he treated my unhappy father as though the money had not been lost but stolen by him4 ,whether the master had indulged too freely in drink that night1 ,i know not1 but ,i think it more than probable2 he abused my father in violent terms1 dismissed him from his service1 refused to give him even a character1 and1 for his own convenience alone1 allowed him to remain beneath his roof until he could procure some one to supply his place4 ,my father retired to his little room with an almost breaking heart4 ,i have often heard him say that this was the bitterest moment of his life4 ,to lose his place was misfortune enough2 but his character--that which was dearer than life6 ,he could scarcely restrain his burning tears6 ,but he laid his troubles before his ,god2 he remembered that the ,almighty afflicts not in vain1 that the ,lord would yet make his innocence clear before all1 if not in this world1 yet in the kingdom which is to come4 ,as he was rising from his knees1 ,sands entered the room1 having heard of the misfortune of his companion4 ,sands was a kind-hearted fellow1 and really liked my father1 and tried in his rough way to comfort him4 ',i am heartily sorry that you are going1' he said1 in conclusion2 ',i assure you1 ,viner1 that ,i would do anything for you4' ',then you will not refuse this little remembrance from a friend1' said my father1 placing in his hand one of the books in gold and blue1 from which he had just himself been drawing counsel and comfort4 ',for my sake1 you will read this little work through1 and ,god bless you1 ,sands1 and reward you for the kindness which you have shown to a friend in disgrace6' ,and did ,sands read it8 inquired ,walter4 ,i believe that he did4 ,i remember seeing him as a gray-headed old man1 and he then showed me his little copy in gold and blue1 looking very much the worse for wear2 and he told me that he thought that if there were any good in him1 he owed it to the example and advice of my father4 ,and was your father obliged to leave his situation8 ,some delay occurred in supplying his place2 he was1 therefore1 allowed to remain about ten days longer4 ,he felt very sad and low on the ,sunday evening on which he was to pay his last visit to his little school1 for as he had as yet been unable to get another situation in ,london1 he intended to return to his mother4 ,he found his young pupils ready for him as usual2 but a cloud of sorrow was over them1 for they know that they were to welcome their kind teacher no more4 ,my father tried to improve to them even the occasion of their mutual distress2 he spoke to them of the place where there is no more parting1 of the unending joys prepared for ,god's servants when ,his kingdom of glory shall come4 ,he concluded by placing before the children his last remaining copy of the book in gold and blue1 and offering it as a prize to the most industrious pupil1 on condition of his reading it aloud to his companions4 ',oh6 ,that is just like the book which makes my mother sad6' cried a little barefooted boy from a corner of the room4 ,my father started at the words1 for he thought of that which he well remembered having placed in his lost pocket-book6 ',where did your mother get one like this8 ,how long has she had it8' he cried eagerly4 ',i don't know where she got it1' replied the child1 looking down4 ',i think that she has had it about a week2 she laughed when she began to read it1 but1 before she had done1 she was crying as ,i never saw her cry before4' ,after the lesson was over1 and my father had received the oft-repeated farewells and good wishes of his pupils1 not unmixed with tears1 which went warmer to his heart than all the praises of man could have done1 he laid his hand on the arm of the barefooted boy1 and gently drew him along with him down the steep staircase1 until they stood together in the street4 ',i should like to see your mother1' he said to the boy4 ',she lives quite near1 just round the corner2 ,i will take you to her if you wish it1' replied the child4 ',am ,i foolish to indulge this strange hope8' thought my father1 as he followed his little guide4 ',but nowhere else have ,i seen any books like my three1 and it may be that the ,almighty has granted me a clue by which to find out the lost property of my master1 and clear my own character from suspicion4' ,with a heart beating faster than usual1 my father was led by the boy to a neighbouring house1 as low and dirty as the one which they had just quitted4 ,they ascended to a room upon the second floor1 where a woman sat alone1 engaged in reading4 ,at the first glance my father recognised the book which she held in her hand4 ,it is that1 ,walter1 which you now see in the possession of his son4 ,the exclamation which he uttered startled the woman2 she turned round hastily with an expression of fear on her face--the book dropped from her hand as1 gazing wildly on my father1 she exclaimed1 ',it is he6 ,oh what strange fortune has brought him here6' ',not fortune1' said my father with emotion1 as he raised the little book1 'but1 as ,i believe1 a gracious ,providence1 who will surely bring both guilt and innocence to light4' ',i knew it--,i knew it6' cried the woman1 clasping her hands4 ',since the night when ,i robbed you ,i have had no peace2 that book has been like a sword in my conscience--,i would have restored what ,i had taken1 had ,i known where to find its owner1 and see--see my own child has led him to my door6' ,hastening to a corner of her room1 with trembling hands she opened a deal box1 and frees the very bottom of it1 under heaps of rags and rubbish1 she drew forth my father's lost pocket-book6 ,think1 only think1 how much delighted he must have been to see it6 cried ,nelly4 ,he could scarcely believe that he was not in a dream when the wretched woman placed it in his hand2 and when on opening it he saw the two bank-notes1 a feeling of overpowering1 thankfulness filled his soul1 and made him unable to speak4 ',take it--it is just as when you lost it--,i dared not change the notes1' said the woman2 'and oh ,i have mercy on a wretched creature2 do not give me up to the police6 ,it was my first theft2 indeed1 indeed it was1 and ,i will never be guilty of one again6' ,did your father give her up to punishment8 inquired ,walter1 with interest4 ,no2 he was full of compassion for the unhappy woman1 and never1 as long as she lived1 lost sight either of her or her son4 ,he was able to procure for her a little employment from his master--set her thus in the way of honestly earning her living1 and had reason to hope that that ,sabbath evening was the turning-point of her life4 ,and your father1 ,i suppose1 kept his situation after all8 ,he kept it for many years1 and lived respected even by those who were strangers to the principles by which he was guided during life4 ,he was1 indeed1 as the faithful servant1 ready girded1 and watchful for the coming of his ,lord4 ,happy those who thus watch and wait for ,his appearing1 who expect it not with fear1 but with hope and joy2 ,god's kingdom has already begun in their hearts1 they count no effort great to win souls to ,his service1 and the acts of their lives1 as well as the words of their lips1 seem to say3 ,,thy ,,kingdom ,,come6 ,illustration ,,chapter ,,iv4 ,thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven4 ,,the ,sabbath dawned upon the village of ,e--1 the day which the ,lord has appointed for ,his own1 that day which1 when kept holy to religion and rest1 leaves an especial blessing behind it4 ,about two hours before the time for attending morning service1 ,viner took his little ,bible in his hand1 and walked with his daughter to the sea-beach1 where1 seated on a shelving shingle1 with the wide ocean heaving and sparkling before them1 they enjoyed together a quiet time for reading and speaking of the things of ,god4 ,on their return1 to their utmost surprise1 they found the shop open1 the shutters down1 and ,walter placing some vegetables on the board4 ,o father6 exclaimed ,nelly1 ,has ,walter forgotten what day it is8 ,what are you doing8 said ,viner1 as he entered4 ,my shop always is closed upon ,sundays2 ,i thought that ,i had mentioned this to you before4 ,yes1 replied the boy1 you did so1 but look there6 ,and he pointed to the tempting display in ,goldie's window4 ,is he to have all the custom and the cash1 he who is ten times richer than you are6 ,what he has--what he does is no excuse for me2 it is not for him that ,i must answer before ,god4 ,put up those shutters again1 ,walter4 ,walter obeyed sullenly1 with a look which told that he was not at all convinced of the wisdom of the order4 ,viner then drew him into the shop1 and said1 ,is not one of the ,ten ,commandments1 given from the mouth of the ,lord ,god ,himself amid the flames and thunder of ,mount ,sinai1 ',remember that thou keep holy the ,sabbath day2 in it thou shalt do no manner of work'8 ,walter nodded assent4 ,is there not a blessing for those who obey this command8 ,look here1 said ,viner1 opening his ,bible1 and pointing to these words from the fifty-eighth chapter of ,isaiah3 ,if thou turn away thy foot from the ,sabbath1 from doing thy pleasure on ,my holy day2 and call the ,sabbath a delight1 the holy of the ,lord1 honourable2 and shalt honour ,him1 not doing thine own ways1 nor finding thine own pleasure1 nor speaking thine own words3 then shalt thou delight thyself in the ,lord2 and ,i will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth1 and feed thee with the heritage of ,jacob thy father3 for the mouth of the ,lord hath spoken it4 ,that may have been so once1 but ,i don't believe that it is so now1 said ,walter4 ,god knows no variableness1 neither shadow of turning1 ,he is 'the same yesterday1 to-day1 and forever6' ,i only know1 muttered ,walter1 that the way in which you go on is the way to starve4 ,do you believe that our ,heavenly ,father ever suffers any one to starve for obeying ,his commandment8 ,i can't tell1 replied ,walter1 still rather surlily4 ,do you believe that ,he1 to whom all the treasures of earth and heaven belong1 who created the world and every living thing upon it1 is able to provide for our wants8 ,i believe that the ,almighty is able4 ,but you doubt that ,he is willing8 ,walter was silent4 ,i must speak to you again from ,his ,word1 that ,word which can never be broken4 ,viner turned to the thirty-third ,psalm and read--',behold1 the eye of the ,lord is upon them that fear ,him1 upon them that hope in ,his mercy2 to deliver their soul from death1 and to keep them alive in famine4' ,again1 in the thirty-seventh ,psalm it is written--',trust in the ,lord and do good2 so shalt thou dwell in the land1 and verily thou shalt be fed4 ,a little that the righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked4 ,i have been young1 and now am old1 yet have ,i not seen the righteous forsaken1 nor his seed begging bread4' ,oh6 ,remember the word of the ,lord ,jesus ,christ--',take no thought1 saying1 ,what shall we eat1 or what shall we drink1 or wherewithal shall we be clothed8 for your ,heavenly ,father knoweth that ye have need of all these things2 but seek ye first the kingdom of ,god1 and ,his righteousness1 and all these things shall be added unto you4' ,walter1 ,god will more than make up to us for all that we may lose for ,his sake6 ,you'll never convince him6 ,you'll never convince him6 cried ,goldie1 who1 passing the shop1 had overheard the last words1 and now stood leaning his stout person upon ,viner's little gate4 ,you can't persuade him but that ,i am growing rich1 and that you are growing poor2 that ,i am getting on1 you going back in the world4 ,all your preaching won't shut his eyes to that4 ,why1 here am ,i able to send my son to a first-rate school1 able 7,i grant that it's a hard pull on my purse1 but yet somehow ,i can manage it7 to place him with an engineer1 where1 with talents like his1 he is pretty sure at last to make his fortune6 ,i shall see him one of these days riding in his own carriage1 for ,i have let no idle fancies1 no silly superstition1 prevent me from doing the best for my family1 and that is the way to grow rich4 ',the blessing of the ,lord1 it maketh rich1 and ,he addeth no sorrow thereto1' murmured ,nelly4 ,viner turned and smiled on his daughter4 ,i wonder that you don't think of your child1 said ,goldie1 if you don't care about starving yourself4 ,i do think of her1 said the father earnestly1 and in obeying and trusting my ,god1 ,i feel that ,i am doing the best thing for her both in this world and the next4 ,we shall see1 said ,goldie as he walked away4 ,yes1 we shall see1 repeated ,viner quietly4 ,do you really think1 asked ,walter1 as soon as the fruiterer was beyond hearing1 that ,god would be angry with you just for selling upon ,sunday when ,he knows that you are so poor8 ,when a parent gives a command1 is he content that it should be disobeyed8 ,when a friend makes a promise1 is he content that it should not be believed8 ,when a king passes a law1 is he content that it should be broken8 ,ah6 ,but this law may be easy for the rich1 but it is so very1 very hard for the poor6 ,is it hard1 replied ,viner gently1 that we should give up something for ,him who has given us all8 ,let us remember the grace of our ,lord ,jesus ,christ1 who1 though ,he was rich1 yet for our sakes1 ,he became poor6 ,he was rich1 indeed1 for the ,son of ,god sat on the throne of heaven2 ,he became poor indeed1 for the ,son of ,man had not where to lay ,his head6 ',he was in all points tempted like as we are1 yet without sin2 and inasmuch as ,he suffered being tempted1 ,he is able to succour them that are tempted4' ,he knows--,he feels for our trials6 ,the faith of ,his early followers was far more severely tried than ours4 ,they had to endure not only want1 but tortures1 mockings1 cruel deaths1 for the sake of the ,master whom they loved4 ,and do you think that any martyr at the stake then1 or any saint on his death-bed now1 thought or thinks that he has done or given up too much for the ,saviour who gave ,his life for him8 ,oh no6 exclaimed ,nelly1 ,never6 ,only think of the glory and the crown6 ,it is better to walk barefoot on a thorny way1 and know that we will come to a kingdom at the end of our journey1 and be happy for ever and ever1 than to roll along in a golden carriage1 and to feel that every minute brings us nearer and nearer to misery that never will end6 ,we never can be really happy but when we do ,god's will like the angels6 ,how do the angels do ,god's will8 said ,viner4 ,the child paused a moment to think1 then replied1 ,faithfully1 readily1 joyfully4 ,but the angels have not to suffer ,god's will as well as to do it1 observed ,walter4 ,no1 replied ,viner1 in this1 man alone has the honour of following the steps of his ,lord6 ,we only are able1 in this our short life1 to imitate ,him who in agony prayed1 ',not my will but ,thine be done6' ,walter had nothing to answer2 he remained silent1 though scarcely convinced4 ,the convict's son could not feel the full force of the ,scripture3 ,what shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul8 ,or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul8 ,nor knew he yet how much is comprised in the prayer3 ,,thy ,,will ,,be ,,done ,,on ,,earth ,,as ,,it ,,is ,,in ,,heaven6 ,illustration ,,chapter ,v4 ,give us this day our daily bread4 ,i ,,will now pass over a space of ten years1 with all its joys and sorrows1 its hopes and fears1 and take my reader once more to ,e--4 ,the village has grown into a town3 tall rows of houses stretch along the coast1 on one side a square is commenced1 and though the season is now nearly over1 enough of life and bustle remain to denote a flourishing watering-place4 ,there is1 however1 little change to be seen in the small humble dwelling of ,viner1 and almost as little alteration in the appearance of its master1 who1 save a few more gray hairs1 a few more furrows on his cheek1 looks much the same as when he appeared before us last4 ,we shall1 however1 scarcely recognise ,nelly in the tall1 delicate girl1 who has almost grown into the young woman2 or the convict's son in the powerful youth1 who still serves in the shop of his benefactor4 ,how has time passed with them during these long years8 ,they seem to have made little progress in the road to fortune--has the promise of the ,lord been to them in vain8 ,no2 though life has been a struggle with poverty and care1 it has been a struggle cheered by love and hope2 the bread earned by virtuous industry has been so sweet1 the sleep after labour so calm2 unkind words1 peevish complaints have in that dwelling been unheard1 the peace of ,god rests like sunshine upon it6 ,i cannot1 however1 say that ,walter's spirit never fretted against poverty1 that he never longed to place those whom he loved above all danger of want4 ,he had learned much of religion beneath ,viner's roof2 he had seen its power to comfort the soul under trials1 but he was yet young and impetuous in all his feelings1 his faith was weak1 his will unsubdued2 in life's school he had yet much to learn4 ,and never had his faith been more tried than now1 for ,nelly1 without any apparent complaint1 seemed gradually losing all strength and colour1 and looked like a flower fading away4 ,she had for some years taken in needlework1 to eke out her father's scanty living2 she had worked early and late with cheerful industry1 and perhaps overtasked her powers4 ,with deep anxiety1 ,viner and his adopted son watched her pale cheek and drooping form1 and the gentle smile which seemed to belong rather to heaven than to earth4 ,viner consulted a doctor for his daughter1 who shook his head1 said that she had been overworked and under-fed1 and prescribed as necessary for her recovery nourishing food and rest4 ,oh6 ,how ,walter longed for riches then--how ,viner felt the cross of poverty lies heaviest when those whom we love are in want6 ,the father laid his trial before his ,lord2 he earnestly prayed1 with a child-like faith1 for a sufficiency of daily bread6 ,he rose from his knees submissive and calm2 he had placed his sick child at the feet of his ,saviour1 and while he determined that no lawful means should be left untried to increase her comforts1 he rested his hopes upon ,him who once said1 ,according to thy faith be it unto thee4 ,but to ,walter it was more difficult thus to pray and wait1 to let patience have its perfect work4 ,nor was it want of faith in ,god's promises alone that gave bitterness to the spirit of the young man4 ,one passion that struggled in his breast robbed him entirely of that inward peace which lightened the burden of ,viner4 ,it was with feelings of mingled resentment and envy that ,walter regarded ,ned ,goldie1 the fruiterer's son4 ,from him1 he had received1 when he first came to the village1 that insult which still rankled in his mind1 an insult followed by many others2 for ,ned was reputed a wit in ,e--1 and the cheapest way of making people merry is by laughing at and ridiculing others4 ,there was no end of ,ned's jests upon the convict's son1 which amused for a moment1 and were then forgotten by all but him at whose expense they were made4 ,and ,ned was in a position to raise some envy amongst those of his own class in life4 ,singularly favoured by nature--handsome1 intelligent1 full of health and spirits--,ned was a favourite with all4 ,often would he drop in to spend a half-hour at ,viner's quiet home4 ,nelly could not but own that he was a very pleasant companion2 his playful words 7in her presence they were never ill-natured7 often brought a smile to her pale face4 ,viner liked and felt interested in the merry-hearted lad2 to ,walter alone his society was as wormwood and gall4 ,then it was known that ,ned was to succeed to his father's prosperous business1 as his elder brothers were already provided for4 ,aleck had risen in the world even beyond his father's hopes4 ,possessed of uncommon talents1 he now shared his master's business2 a bridge that he had planned had made his name well-known1 and he had just formed a marriage1 which had raised him at once to fortune1 with the only daughter of a retired coal merchant4 ,the words of ,goldie1 spoken ten years before1 had been verified1 he had lived to see his son have a carriage of his own6 ,mat had been apprenticed to some business in ,london4 ,it was noticed in the town that his parents spoke less frequently of him1 that inquiries after his prospects were answered shortly by his father1 and made his pale1 sickly mother look sad4 ,people could not forget his unchecked habit of gambling1 his profane language1 his love of bad company3 it was even rumoured that he had got into some scrape in ,london1 but nothing certain was known upon the subject4 ,this1 and ,mrs4 ,goldie's feeble state of health1 seemed1 however1 the only drawbacks upon the prosperity of the fruiterer2 his increasing stoutness and the ruddiness of his face told of comfort1 good living1 and an easy life4 ,it was at this period1 when to win money for ,nelly was almost the first desire of ,walter's heart1 haunted his dreams by night1 was his first thought on waking1 that a thin old gentleman1 in a snuff-coloured coat1 that looked a good deal the worse for wear1 flourishing in his hand a little carved stick1 passed along the street of ,e--4 ,he stopped opposite ,goldie's shop1 and looked in1 as if studying the prices on the fruit1 then turned round and glanced at ,viner's humble window1 hesitated1 twisted his stick round and round1 and then chose the poorest and cheapest-looking shop4 ,he was the first visitor who had come that day1 and unpromising a customer as he looked1 his entrance was a welcome sight to ,walter1 who was serving alone in the shop4 ,the youth's patience1 however1 was not a little tried1 as1 after a half-hour spent in questioning and bargaining1 and trying to beat down the price of what already scarcely yielded any profit1 the old gentleman departed with a bag of nuts1 leaving one fourpenny piece on the counter4 ,he must be either terribly poor or terribly stingy1 thought ,walter4 ,his face looked as sharp as the monkey's head carved upon his stick2 that's a man1 ,i'll answer for it1 who will never let himself be cheated out of a farthing6 ,walter busied himself in rearranging the fruit1 which he had displaced to show to his troublesome customer4 ,his mind was full of painful reflections1 and it was not for a little time that he perceived that the old gentleman had left his pocket-book behind4 ,it was an old worn-looking article1 that might be of the same date as the snuff-coloured coat2 ,walter went to the gate to look out for its owner1 but the gentleman was nowhere to be seen4 ,perhaps his name and address may be written inside1 thought ,walter2 ,i had better open it and look4 ,he unclosed the book1 and in the pocket found1 indeed1 a note directed to ,mr4 ,sharp1 ,marine ,row2 but there was something else that ,walter found in that pocket1 something on which he fixed his gaze with a strange emotion1 till his hand trembled and his heart beat fast6 ,it was a bank-note for #ej wrapped round some money6 ,the pocket-book almost fell from the grasp of the youth1 a thought of ,nelly and her poverty flashed across his mind2 here were riches before him1 dare he touch them6 ,when the convict's son first came beneath ,viner's roof1 he would not have hesitated to grasp the fortune placed within his reach1 the strong temptation would at once have mastered conscience6 ,walter would have rushed on the fatal career of the thief6 ,but the ,spirit of ,god had touched his heart2 weak1 imperfect as his religion might be1 at least it was sincere and true4 ,walter dared not be guilty of the fatal error of presuming on ,god's mercy by committing wilful sin2 he dared not hazard his immortal soul for gold6 ,hastily1 he thrust the book into his bosom1 colouring with shame1 all alone as he was1 at having harboured for one moment the thought of theft4 ,he unclosed the little door which led to the parlour1 asked ,nelly to supply his place at the counter1 then1 without venturing one look at her thin1 pale face1 lest the sight of it should shake his resolution1 he took down his hat from a peg in the wall1 and hastened towards the lodging of the owner of the note4 ,and is it possible that one who for the last ten years has lived1 as it were1 under the wing of piety1 could have felt--almost acted as a thief6 thought ,walter1 as he walked on with rapid strides1 more pained at having meditated a crime1 than he once would have been to have committed it4 ,and ,i have blushed for my unhappy father1 have been ashamed at bearing his name1 have presumed to think that in his place my conduct would have been better1 have almost dared to condemn him in my secret soul6 ,had he had the advantages with which ,i have been blessed1 who can say that ,i might not have looked up to him now as my guide and example through life6 ,oh6 ,may ,god forgive me1 forgive my pride and hardness of heart1 my foolish reliance on my own feeble strength1 my cold forgetfulness of my unhappy parent6 ,and have mercy upon him1 ,o gracious ,lord6 ,watch over him1 save him1 lead him back to ,thyself1 and grant that ,i may meet him1 if not here below1 yet in the kingdom of our ,father in heaven6 ,the lodging of the old gentleman was at no great distance2 it looked small1 uncomfortable1 and mean4 ,a slip-shop1 untidy girl answered ,walter's ring1 and was desired by him to tell her master that some one wished to speak with him upon business4 ,while she shuffled up the steep staircase1 ,walter's eye rested1 at first unconsciously1 upon the little curved stick which ,mr4 ,sharp had carried1 and which was now placed upon nails in the hall4 ,i think that ,i might cut out something like that1 he said to himself1 ,i shall have plenty of time in the long winter evenings2 ,i wonder if an assortment of things carved in wood would be likely to sell well in the season4 ,the idea pleased him2 there seemed to be an opening for hope2 he might yet1 by the work of his hands1 be enabled to gain some comforts for ,nelly6 ,from the top of the narrow staircase1 the servant-girl called to him to step up4 ,walter obeyed2 and in a small1 ill-lighted room1 where dust lay thick on the table1 and darkened the panes1 and the window-curtain looked as though it had never been white1 ,walter found the sharp-featured old man4 ,his look was restless and uneasy1 an expression of mingled hope1 fear1 and suspicion was in his eye1 as he recognised the face of ,walter ,binning4 ,that expression changed to one of childish delight as the youth drew from his breast the well-known pocket-book2 the old man snatched it with feverish impatience from his hand1 opened it with fingers that trembled from eagerness1 and not till he had examined and re-examined its contents1 looked at the note on this side and that1 and counted the money again and again1 did he appear to have a thought to give to him whose honesty had restored it4 ,it's all right--quite right1 he muttered at last1 two sovereigns1 a half-crown--four and six4 ,you have behaved very well1 young man1 very well2 will you accept-- the miser hesitated1 fumbled with money1 seemed to find difficulty in making up his mind1 and then1 as if quite with an effort1 held out a sixpence to ,walter6 ,the convict's son stepped back1 a half-smile on his face1 and1 bowing to the miserable old man1 left the room with this reflection1 ,it is better to want money than the heart to spend it4 ,and had ,walter known more of ,mr4 ,sharp1 he would have been but strengthened in this opinion4 ,the miser had begun life without a shilling1 but possessed with one strong desire to grow rich4 ,he hoarded his small earnings till they became great1 not from an honest wish to be independent in old age1 but from that love of money for its own sake which the ,bible tells us is the root of all evil4 ,and now he had his desire--he was rich1 he had money1 he possessed1 but he did not enjoy it6 ,life was to him like the feast given by a queen of ancient time1 where not only the dishes1 but all their contents1 were of gold1 and the wondering guests rose unsatisfied and hungry from their magnificent repast6 ,mr4 ,sharp almost grudged himself his necessary food2 he could never ask a blessing on his daily bread2 his very soul seemed buried in his heaps of treasure4 ,and now he was drawing near to his grave1 and that treasure must be left behind6 ,no one loved him1 no one would mourn for his loss2 he knew but too well that his money would be far more prized than ever he himself had been4 ,god had dealt with him as with the ,israelites of old--,he gave them their desire1 but sent leanness withal into their soul2 and the man who possessed wealth without a blessing was poor and miserable indeed6 ,so ,walter gave back the pocket-book and its rich contents1 and gained nothing at all by his honesty8 ,do you call it nothing to tread earth with a free1 fearless step1 to dread looking no man in the face8 ,do you call it nothing to have a character unstained1 to hear the voice of an approving conscience1 and to be able to ask in prayer for those blessings which we have taken no guilty means to obtain8 ,the thoughts of ,walter were full of new plans of industry1 while he more slowly returned to his home4 ,as he approached the little gate of ,viner's shop1 some one came out of it into the street1 bidding a cheerful good-bye to those within4 ,it was with a feeling of annoyance that ,walter saw the only being on earth whom he really disliked--,ned ,goldie1 the fruiterer's son4 ,the youth nodded to him as they met1 with a sort of free-and-easy1 patronising air1 which was intolerable to ,walter ,binning4 ,i am glad to find ,nelly so much better to-day1 said ,ned4 ,she does not look better to my eyes1 replied ,walter gloomily4 ,she seems daily weaker1 and it is my conviction-- ,your conviction6 exclaimed ,ned1 with a loud burst of mirth4 ,oh6 ,i did not know that things had come to that pass6 ,i was aware that ,viner had kept you ten years on your trial1 but never heard of your conviction till now6 ,insolent boy6 cried ,walter1 clenching his hand1 his blood mounting to his temples1 his eye flashing fire6 ,ned might have had reason to repent his idle jest1 had not ,viner1 who had overheard the words that passed1 laid his hand firmly upon the arm of ,walter1 and drawn him away within the gate4 ,would you be the slave to your passions8 he said in a low voice1 ,and show the world that a ,christian can neither bear nor forbear4 ,i could forgive neglect1 muttered ,walter1 could forgive wrongs2 but this contempt1 this scorn1 this ridicule6 ,i wonder1 he exclaimed1 almost indignantly1 that you1 who value only wisdom and virtue1 can endure this trifling1 silly1 conceited-- ,yet generous-hearted boy1 said ,viner1 pointing to a fine hare that lay upon the counter4 ,he has kind thought for others with all his faults1 he know that nourishment was ordered for my ,nelly4 ,walter started1 and felt angry with himself that the sight of food so much needed should give him an emotion of pain rather than of pleasure4 ,but to ,viner1 who1 even in the smaller events of life1 recognised the hand of an overruling ,providence1 the timely gift from the kindness of an earthly friend seemed an answer sent to his earnest prayer3 ,,give ,,us ,,this ,,day ,,our ,,daily ,,bread6 ,illustration ,,chapter ,,vi4 ,forgive us our trespasses1 as we forgive them that trespass against us4 ,,nelly1 what are you thinking of--you look sad8 inquired ,walter on the following morning1 which happened to be ,sunday4 ,i was thinking of you1 she replied gravely4 ,and was that a thought to give you pain8 said ,walter1 sitting down at her side1 ,tell me1 ,nelly1 what were you thinking of me8 ,i am afraid--perhaps you would be vexed or angry-- ,vexed ,i may be1 but angry with you1 never6 ,have ,i done anything to displease you8 ,it is not so much what you do1 ,walter1 as what ,i fear that you feel4 ,it seems to me--,i trust that ,i am wrong--but it seems to me that you almost hate ,ned ,goldie4 ,it is natural that ,i should--he is always insulting me6 ,it is natural1 ,walter2 but is it right8 ,father has so often told us that the adopted children of ,god must struggle against and overcome their evil nature1 must try1 with ,god's help1 to gain a likeness to their ,father--to be merciful as ,he is merciful1 forgive as ,he forgives2 if we do not try this1 with faith and with prayer1 we have no right to think ourselves ,god's children at all4 ,can you prove that from the ,bible8 said ,walter4 ,i think that ,i can1 replied ,nelly1 after a moment's thought4 ,it is written1 ',if any man have not the ,spirit of ,christ1 he is none of ,his4 ,whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of ,god1 neither he that loveth not his brother4' ,that last verse has brought another into my mind1 ,nelly1 which has often given me a feeling of uneasiness4 ,it is from the same chapter1 ,i believe4 ',whoso hateth his brother is a murderer2 and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him4' ,o ,walter6 ,you who know so well what is right1 can you1 in the face of such words1 still nourish hatred6 ,nelly1 ,i have no more power to love that boy than ,i have to move the cliffs into the sea6 exclaimed ,walter4 ,ask for power--ask in faith2 remember the ,lord's promise1 ',by faith ye shall remove mountains1'--',all things are possible to him that believeth4' ,o ,walter6 continued ,nelly1 speaking rapidly and earnestly1 till the blood rose to her pallid cheek1 this is not a work to be set aside or delayed2 remember that until you forgive you cannot be forgiven1 that as long as you live in hate1 you are living in danger1 that your very prayer is turned against yourself when you say1 ',forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us6' ,walter leaned his brow upon his hand1 and remained for some moments buried in thought2 then raising his head he said1 ,i believe that ,i might like ,ned ,goldie better if you and your father liked him less2 but to see you welcome and speak kindly to one who does not even pretend to be religious1 who is thoughtless1 worldly1 vain-- ,o ,walter6 ,only think how he has been brought up6 ,how could you expect him to be otherwise6 ,he is certainly likely to learn little good at home4 ,and would you have us drive him away when he comes in a spirit of kindliness to the house of a man like my father1 whose words and example may1 by little and little1 draw him to better things4 ,perhaps you are right1 ,nelly1 said ,walter1 with a sigh1 and ,i have not acted the part of a ,christian in either feeling or speaking as ,i have done4 ,when ,i recall what ,i myself was--what ,i am still--,i take shame for my own harsh1 uncharitable spirit4 ,i will ask for help from above1 to struggle against this besetting sin4 ,and pray for him too6 said ,nelly earnestly4 ,we never are sure that we have forgiven our enemies till we are able heartily to pray for them4 ,i will1 answered ,walter with an effort4 ,and you will forgive me for speaking so plainly to you1 brother8 said the girl1 holding out her thin1 wasted hand4 ,his reply was a silent press4 ,it was now time to attend church1 and accompanied by ,viner1 they proceeded on their way towards the house of ,god4 ,on the road they met ,ned1 who was going down to the beach1 his back turned towards the place of worship4 ,he stopped to wish ,viner and his daughter good morning1 but took no notice whatever of the convict's son4 ,where are you going1 ,ned8 said ,viner4 ,down to the boat1 replied the youth4 ,i shall take a sail while the sunshine lasts1 ,i have not had one for the last three days4 ,i wish that you would come with us to church1 said ,nelly1 in her gentle persuasive tones4 ,no1 no6 ,the morning service is so long--maybe ,i shall in the afternoon4 ,mind1 ,i make no rash promises1 laughed the boy2 ,i am no great churchgoer1 you know6 ,i wish that ,i could persuade you1 ,ned1 said ,viner gravely but kindly1 that the only way to real happiness is to fear ,god and keep ,his commandments4 ,let me be happy in my own way for a while1 cried ,ned4 ,i dare say that ,i shall think like you one of these days1 when ,i am a sober1 gray-headed old man4 ,life is uncertain1 interrupted ,viner4 ,therefore ,i'll enjoy it while ,i can6 ,and death-- ,oh6 ,i've time enough to think about that6 cried the youth1 waving his hand as he sprang down the shingle1 so light and agile1 so full of health1 and strength and spirit1 that it seemed as though many years were indeed before him4 ,walter fulfilled his promised to ,nelly2 he prayed fervently and humbly for the ,spirit of grace1 that ,spirit which ,god has promised to all who ask in faith--that ,spirit whose fruits are long-suffering and love4 ,a peace seemed to come into his heart as he prayed1 a peace to which his soul had long been a stranger--he could think of his enemy without bitter feeling1 and even ask for a blessing upon him4 ,while the congregation were yet in the church1 the violent rattling of the windows told of the sudden coming on of a storm2 and as soon as the door was opened at the close of the service1 the blast of cold air which swept in was so strong1 that but for the help of her father's arm1 ,nelly could scarcely have stood against it4 ,the whole sky was covered with dark leaden clouds1 sweeping on rapidly one after another2 the wind had swelled into a gale1 while the broad dashes of foam over the whole extent of waters1 and the waves that rolled on and broke upon the beach1 flinging high in the air their showers of white spray1 showed the fury of the raging storm6 ,i hope and trust that ,ned ,goldie is not on the sea6 exclaimed ,nelly4 ,a crowd was collected on the shore1 which was now increased by the greater part of the late congregation4 ,every eye was strained in one direction1 where a little boat was seen1 tossed like a nut-shell on the foaming waves1 and many an exclamation of pity or of fear burst from the anxious lookers-on4 ,i'd not for a hundred guineas be in that boat6 said one4 ,he'll never get her into shore4 ,i thought she'd have capsized then6 exclaimed another4 ,why on earth does he not take in the sail8 ,isn't it ,ned ,goldie8 said ,mrs4 ,winter1 who1 prayer-book in hand1 stood one of the foremost in the crowd4 ,he'd better have been listening in his place in church than taking his ,sunday pleasure1 poor fellow6 ,heaven have mercy upon him6 faltered ,nelly1 clasping her hands1 and looking with terror upon the little boat1 which seemed half swallowed up amidst the swelling billows4 ,it is he6 ,it is my boy6 ,oh6 ,can no one save him8 shrieked the voice of his wretched mother1 as she stood with arms extended wildly towards him1 the wind blowing back the hair from her pale horror-stricken face--watching the boat that held the idol of her heart4 ,another awful gust4 ,the boy was seen in the boat1 vainly trying to furl the fluttering1 struggling sail2 then there was a cry heard even above the roaring storm4 ,she's over6 ,she's down6 ,he's lost6 ,the mother lay senseless on the beach--her son was struggling in the midst of the waves6 ,god have pity on him6 ,he cannot swim6 cried ,mrs4 ,winter4 ,nelly had closed her eyes in horror1 a word from her father made her look round in new fear4 ,is it not madness to attempt it8 said ,viner4 ,walter had stripped off his coat and waistcoat1 and was preparing to plunge into the surf4 ,o ,walter6 exclaimed ,nelly1 stretching out her hand2 but she dared not utter the entreaty that rose to her lips--she dared not stop him in the course of duty4 ,pray for me6 whispered ,walter4 ,there was no time to say more--the next moment she saw him battling with the waves4 ,motionless as a statue the young girl stood1 able to utter no word1 but pouring out her whole soul in fervent agonised prayer6 ,now a head and outspread arms were seen on the waters1 then were lost again1 as a huge swelling billow rolled on1 as though to sweep away the swimmer1 or bury him beneath its weight6 ,nelly was like one in a terrible dream2 she heard nothing of anything that passed around her but the rush of the wind and the roar of the waves2 she saw nothing but the wild tossing waters1 save when she caught a moment's glimpse of ,walter4 ,happy was it for ,ned's wretched mother that she was beyond reach of either hearing or seeing6 ,when ,mrs4 ,goldie recovered from her swoon1 she found herself in the nearest house1 which happened to be that of the baker4 ,her wild passionate inquiries received no reply but looks of sorrow and pity2 and unable to endure the terrible suspense1 the poor woman sprang from the bed on which she had been laid1 and in the strength of her despair1 notwithstanding every effort to detain her1 rushed back to the spot where the sight of an assembled crowd directed her impetuous steps4 ,alas6 ,for the sight that awaited her4 ,viner was kneeling upon the shingle1 supporting on his bosom the head of a youth1 into whose colourless lips he was pouring some spirits1 and ,nelly1 at his side1 with trembling eagerness1 was watching the signs of returning animation4 ,mrs4 ,goldie gave one wild1 searching look1 and passed on--the face was not that of her son4 ,a little farther on lay a corpse1 in which life had for some time been extinct4 ,stiff and cold he was stretched in death1 the young1 the beautiful1 the strong--oh6 ,how changed6 ,in vain every method to restore him had been tried--the heart and the pulse had ceased to beat1 the sparkling eye was glazed1 the laughing lip silent2 in the midst of his pleasures1 his follies1 his sins1 ,ned ,goldie's spirit had been summoned to appear before his ,maker6 ,we will dwell no longer upon a scene so sad--no words can paint the anguish of the desolate mother6 ,we will rather reflect upon the comfort which it was to ,walter1 when following the poor youth's remains to the grave1 to feel that ,heaven had enabled him to triumph over his better feelings1 and even to hazard his life for the sake of one whom he had once regarded with hate4 ,his efforts to save ,ned had been in vain1 he had only succeeded in dragging the body to the shore2 but he had done all that it was in his power to do2 he had treated an enemy as he would have treated a brother2 and he no longer felt self-condemned by his own words when he prayed3 ,,forgive ,,us ,,our ,,trespasses ,,as ,,we ,,forgive ,,them ,,that ,,trespass ,,against ,,us4 ,illustration ,,chapter ,,vii4 ,lead us not into temptation4 ,e-- was now becoming completely emptied of visitors4 ,every lodging put up its hopeless label--,to let--in the reading-room no one thought it worth while to attend2 the shore was left to the fishermen1 and scarcely a bonnet was seen in the streets6 ,walter worked busily and well at his new occupation4 ,he had really a taste for carving1 and every article that he made was an improvement upon the last4 ,it was a great pleasure to him to hear ,nelly admire his elegant sticks and beautiful boxes1 and suggest little alterations and amendments4 ,but still there could be no sale for anything that he made until the season when visitors should return1 and with the long dreary winter and bleak spring before him1 ,walter began seriously to consider whether he should not leave ,e--1 and seek for employment elsewhere4 ,in vain he tried to persuade himself that he was wanted in the shop2 ,viner's business was so small that he could well manage it himself4 ,the scanty gains were hardly sufficient for the bare support of three2 were ,walter in another situation1 he might increase the little store4 ,very dear had his quiet home become to ,villa's adopted son1 he could hardly bear to leave it2 and as he found by inquiry that there was little hope of obtaining employment near ,e--1 he knew that to seek it1 he must go to some distance1 and be separated1 perhaps for many years1 from those whom he most loved upon earth4 ,the thought of this lay like a weight upon his heart1 and often made him sigh heavily as he sat at his work4 ,as yet he had not spoken on the subject either to ,viner or ,nelly1 but he knew that the time was come when it would be necessary for him to do so4 ,three days after the funeral of poor ,ned1 ,mrs4 ,winter entered the little gate2 ,viner was alone in the shop at the time1 but the sound of her voice drew ,nelly and ,walter from the parlour1 where they had both been engaged in their work4 ,you have just come from our poor neighbour's1 said ,viner4 ,how is ,mrs4 ,goldie this morning8 ,oh6 ,poor soul1 ,i have scarcely left her since that terrible day6 ,she's breaking1 she's breaking fast--she will never hold up her head again6 ,oh6 ,hers has been indeed a heavy trial6 murmured ,nelly4 ,most heavy1 said her neighbour1 and she's quite sinking under it4 ,i've known mothers in sorrow for their children before now1 but never in sorrow like hers6 ,there are many who receive deep wounds in the heart1 but its sin that puts poison on the edge6 ,this poor creature is always reproaching herself1 always weeping over the wrong that she did to her child1 though ,i am sure that she was but too fond a mother4 ',oh6 ,had ,i known that his days were to be so few1' she cries2 and then bursts into an agony of grief1 and refuses to receive any comfort4 ,oh6 ,do you not speak to her of the ,saviour8 cried ,nelly4 ,i have spoken1 and our worthy clergyman has spoken2 for1 strange enough1 ,goldie sent for him4 ,but it seems as if religion rather added to her pain2 for when she hears of the mercy and goodness of ,god1 she sobs out1 ',why did my poor boy never know ,him6' ,and ,goldie1 said ,viner1 how does he bear up8 ,he looks much as usual1 perhaps a little thinner2 but he does not give way like his wife4 ,i think that his heart is hardened by selfishness2 and yet it has its warm corner too4 ,he certainly has done a great deal for his children1 has given them all that he could1 except the best thing of all6 ,i am sure that he must feel this blow1 said ,nelly4 ,he neither speaks about ,ned1 nor will hear others speak2 he cannot bear his wife's grief1 so keeps out of her way2 he scarcely sees her from morning till night--she'll not trouble him long1 poor thing6 ,i had trusted that affliction would have drawn him near to ,god1 said ,viner4 ,mrs4 ,winter shook her head4 ,people may talk about great changes1 she said1 but depend upon it1 when a man has gone on for sixty years thinking of nothing but getting on in the world1 it's as easy to raise the dead as to make him turn to religion6 ,we know that there have been miracles1 but we do not dare to expect them2 and it would have been a miracle indeed had that man's heart been raised from the world6 ,i fancy that ,goldie has more trouble in his family before him1 at least if it is true what is said about ,mat4 ,after the way in which he has brought up his sons1 he must expect to reap as he has sowed4 ,viner never encouraged gossip1 therefore asked his neighbour no question that might lead her to continue the subject4 ,she turned suddenly towards ,walter and said1 ,i'm forgetting the thing that ,i came for--,i bring you a message from ,goldie4 ,i think that he feels grateful--at least as grateful as such a man can feel--for your attempt to save his poor boy4 ,he wishes you to stop over and see him2 ,i hope that he is going to do something good for you1 ,walter4 ,the shutters of ,goldie's shop1 which had been put up before the funeral1 had been again taken down1 and except that one bright young face was seen there no more1 the place looked much as usual4 ,walter found ,goldie in the back parlour--his poor wife had never left her bed4 ,of how much comfort and ease that parlour told1 with its nice furniture1 carpet1 little mirror above the mantelpiece1 and framed portraits of the three sons hung on the wall6 ,yet to ,walter's eye there was something deeply sad in the place1 where comfort might be1 but happiness was not4 ,goldie received the youth kindly4 ,whatever remembrances the sight of ,walter must have brought to the mind of the bereaved father1 he showed little emotion on meeting1 his voice might be somewhat tremulous1 that was all--there were no tears nor signs of deep sorrow4 ,i owe you something1 ,binning1 he said1 holding out his hand1 and ,i am not the man to forget it4 ,you must be making a poor thing of it at ,viner's1 ,i should say--perhaps you are beginning to look at for something better8 ,he stopped1 as if for an answer2 ,walter made no reply1 but listened eagerly to what was to follow4 ,mine is a large business1 said ,goldie1 a little proudly1 and besides that1 ,i have a house and lodgings to let1 as you know1 at the other end of the town4 ,i shall want assistance in the shop1 especially now that ,mrs4 ,goldie is ill1 and-- he paused1 for he would not allude to the son whom he had lost--and ,i should be happy1 ,binning1 to take you in1 with a handsome salary now1 and a prospect of future partnership if we find that we suit one another4 ,the heart of ,walter leaped with delight6 ,the prospect of comfort1 independence1 without separation from his friends1 seemed so much more than he had ever dared to hope1 that his first feeling was one of unmixed joy6 ,the second1 however1 was of difficulty and doubt1 and ,goldie read it in the changing expression of his face4 ,well1 what do you say to it8 cried the fruiterer rather impatiently4 ,is not my offer a fair one8 ,most kind1 most generous1 and ,i shall accept it with gratitude1 if ,i may only be assured that in serving the shop ,i shall never be required to do anything against my conscience4 ,your conscience6 ,oh6 ,that is some of ,viner's cant--that won't do with me1 cried ,goldie4 ,if you live with me1 you must do as ,i do1 and have none of your nonsense about ,sunday4 ,you had better understand that clearly from the first1 and put your conscience in your pocket1 like a sensible man4 ,then ,i'm afraid-- ,don't make a foolish decision in a hurry1 that you will be sorry for all your life4 ,there's a customer just come in1 ,i see1 ,i must go to the shop to attend to him4 ,remain here1 and think over the offer that ,i have made2 you'll never have such another chance of getting on well in the world4 ,walter sat alone in ,goldie's back parlour1 buried in deep anxious thought1 drawn in opposite directions by two strong powers--duty on one side1 inclination on the other4 ,there were so many reasons for accepting ,goldie's kindness3 he would be independent1 he could help his friends1 he would see them every day--perhaps he might even do some spiritual good in the house of this irreligious man4 ,but to all this conscience had but one answer4 ,if he who asks the ,almighty to lead him not into temptation1 wilfully1 with his eyes open1 throws himself into it1 how dare he hope for the protection of ,heaven8 ,should he deliberately agree to disregard ,god's commandment1 how could he ask or expect that a blessing should attend him8 ,nelly's favourite text seemed to ring in his ears--,the blessing of the ,lord1 it maketh rich1 and ,he addeth no sorrow thereto4 ,when ,goldie returned from his customer1 he found ,walter with his mind quite made up4 ,gratefully1 but firmly1 the youth declined his offer1 and ,viner's adopted son returned to his humble home1 not1 perhaps1 without some feeling of regret1 but with a comfortable consciousness in his mind that1 however foolish man might think his decision1 he had acted wisely in the sight of ,heaven4 ,and let me pause one moment to entreat my reader1 before he takes any important step in life1 thus to make conscience his first counsellor and friend4 ,providence may place us in situations of temptation1 and then we have every encouragement to struggle on bravely1 putting our trust in the promised aid of ,him who is able to make us more than conquerors4 ,but let us beware how we place ourselves in such1 confiding in our own power to resist evil4 ,let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall2 let him avoid the place and the society that may draw him into sin2 and never forget that the prayer put into the mouths of all by ,one who knew our weakness and our proneness to err1 was3 ,,lead ,,us ,,not ,,into ,,temptation4 ,illustration ,,chapter ,,viii4 ,deliver us from evil4 ,,the very sight of his handwriting makes me feel uneasy1 thought ,goldie1 as the postman placed in his hand a letter1 bearing the ,london post-mark4 ,he walked into his parlour1 and broke open the seal1 and with many an expression of annoyance1 and even anger1 read the contents of the letter4 ,why1 this is worse than ,i even feared6 ,evil tidings indeed6 ,that boy seems to have been born to be the torment of my life6 ,what a world this is--full of vexations and troubles6 ,here am ,i1 who have been labouring all my life for my children1 doing all1 sparing nothing1 making every effort2 and just when ,i hoped that ,i should have some comfort at last1 one of them is taken away1 and the other--worse6 ,well1 continued he1 violently ringing the bell1 something must be done1 and at once4 ,aleck is prosperous and rich1 that is one good thing1 he will do something2 ,i must see him directly4 ,there is no use in showing this letter to my wife1 she is fretting herself to death already4 ,the servant-girl hurriedly answered the bell4 ,bring my boots and great-coat1 said ,goldie1 and tell your mistress that ,i'm called away on business1 and may not be back till to-night or to-morrow morning4 ,i think ,i'll sleep at ,aleck's1 he continued1 speaking to himself4 ,the nights are so bitterly cold at this season1 and ,i've no mind to get an attack of rheumatism4 ,with a heavy heart the fruiterer took his place in the railway train that was about to start for ,brighton4 ,it was a bleak ,november day1 and the dull prospect and the chill biting wind seemed quite in harmony with his feelings4 ,when the ,christian suffers1 he can look to ,heaven1 and comfort himself with the thought that his portion is not here2 but when the worldly man loses earthly joy1 he is losing his all1 his only treasure1 he has nothing to hope for beyond6 ,the only comfort to ,goldie's mind in his distress was the prosperity of ,aleck1 his favourite son2 and even in the midst of his sorrow for the two others1 it was a proud feeling to the father that he was going for the first time to see him settled in a home of his own1 a wealthy man1 a distinguished man1 one who could help to raise the whole family4 ,goldie took a conveyance from the station1 he had never yet been to his son's house in ,brighton1 and1 indeed1 was a stranger to the whole place1 as he had rarely quitted his shop in ,e--4 ,as he stopped at the door of a comfortable-looking dwelling1 a carriage containing a lady drove off2 he had but a glimpse of her face in a fine bonnet1 whose crape flowers and shining bugles seemed expressly designed to make mourning look as lively as possible2 he knew her to be the wife of his son1 and not a little proud the fruiterer felt to be able to call such a fine lady his daughter4 ,goldie's loud knock at the door was answered by a servant in livery4 ,even the painful errand upon which the father had come could not prevent his exulting in the idea of grandeur so new to him6 ,he would have passed in at once1 as into his own shop1 but the footman stood in the doorway1 eyeing him saucily from head to foot4 ,is your master at home8 said ,goldie1 trying to push forwards into the hall4 ,not at home1 replied the man1 half-closing the door4 ,then ,i'll wait till he comes in4 ,i must see him4 ,where has he gone8 ,you can't see him2 he sees no one1 he's expecting his hairdresser4 ,his hairdresser6 exclaimed ,goldie4 ,but ,i am his father6 ,and pushing the astonished footman aside1 he entered the house1 and was at once guided by the sound of a well-known whistled air to the room in which ,aleck was seated4 ,is that you1 de la ,rue8 ,why--how--can it be6 exclaimed the young man1 rising in surprise on the sudden entrance of his father4 ,he had not been him since the death of poor ,ned1 and scarcely knew in what manner to meet him4 ,you did not think to see me here1 said ,goldie1 grasping his hand2 but ,i have come upon business1 urgent business1 ,aleck4 ,sit down1 my dear boy1 ,i will let you know all4 ,i could not rest till ,i had consulted with you4 ,aleck throw himself down again on his luxurious arm-chair1 with an uncomfortable persuasion that something disagreeable was coming1 us his father drew from the pocket of his coat a letter1 which he knew to be in the handwriting of his brother4 ,that will tell its own tale1 said ,goldie1 handing it with a sigh to his son4 ,frowning and biting his lip1 ,aleck read the letter to himself ,this is bad indeed--very bad1 he said1 as he handed it back to his father4 ,what an unreasonable sum he requires--he shows very little consideration for you4 ,and ,i have not the money6 cried ,goldie1 earnestly4 ,i really have not the money1 were it to save him from the gallows4 ,my house did not let well this year--the season is over--,i have had heavy expenses--poor ,ned's funeral--your mother's constant illness--everything seems to go wrong with me now6 ,your brother's ruined--positively ruined1 if he cannot command this large sum1 and ,i've no one to look to--but you4 ,me6 exclaimed ,aleck1 raising his eyebrows1 and pushing back his chair a little4 ,it is impossible that ,i can help you1 quite impossible2 you had better understand that clearly at once2 ,i have a wife to think of1 you know4 ,he is your only brother now-- ,an extravagant1 unprincipled fellow6 ,are those who have gone on steadily through life to pay for the follies of such6 ,if you would but assist me-- ,i tell you1 it's impossible6 cried ,aleck1 raising his voice4 ,you will live in luxury1 said ,goldie1 glancing reproachfully round at the elegant1 luxurious apartment of his son1 and leave your brother to be ruined1 disgraced-- ,that is his own fault1 not mine1 replied ,aleck4 ,if not for his sake1 cried ,goldie more earnestly1 for mine--for your mother's--your poor afflicted mother's6 ,she is almost broken-hearted already with her loss2 a blow like this would bring her to her grave4 ,all this is very unpleasant1 said ,aleck1 rising impatiently4 ,i tell you it's not to be done4 ,you forget1 said his father1 his face flushing with anger1 you forget all the sacrifices made for yourself4 ,how ,i scraped every pound1 every sixpence together to place you at an expensive school1 to give you an education without which you could never have risen as you have done2 how ,i was in debt for years to raise the sum required to set you out in life to such advantage2 how ,i-- ,there's the hairdresser6 cried ,aleck1 with a look of relief4 ,i'm sorry that ,i shall be engaged this evening4 ,won't you take a glass of wine before you go8 ,shall ,i order my servant to call a fly8 ,i really am afraid of your delaying your return1 for at this time of year1 it is dangerous for persons of your age to be out in the cold night-air4 ,goldie could not for a minute speak--he was actually choking with mingled passion and grief4 ,then recovering himself1 he went up close to his son1 and said in a low1 thrilling tone1 ,if no other motive will touch you1 think of yourself4 ,the disgrace of your family must be shared by you2 remember that you bear the same name6 ,that decides me upon doing what ,i have thought of before--changing it for that of my wife4 ,goldie rushed from the house1 as from the den of a serpent1 with a determination never to enter it again4 ,the reed on which he had leaned had pierced him to the heart1 all that he had hoped for once had been attained only to make him more wretched4 ,vanity of vanities was written upon what he had most loved6 ,and yet what right had the worldly man to complain6 ,he had taught his children to break the ,fourth ,commandment1 could he wonder that they disregarded the ,fifth3 he had lived all his life in rebellion and disobedience to his ,heavenly ,father and dare he hope to find affection in his own children6 ,evils were thickening upon him--troubles unsanctified1 and therefore intolerable4 ,the ruin of ,mat gave the finishing stroke to the misery of his unhappy mother4 ,she lay on her death-bed1 broken-hearted1 desponding6 ,goldie had seen one son cut off in the flower of his days1 another was dragging him down to poverty and shame1 the third1 his darling1 the pride of his soul1 had inflicted on the heart of his parent perhaps the deepest wound of all4 ,sickness1 bereavement1 and far sharper poverty had visited the home of ,viner2 but to him every evil had brought forth good1 every evil was certain to end in joy4 ,in the words of the suffering apostle1 he could say1 ,our light affliction1 which is but for a moment1 worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory6 ,but oh6 ,the bitterness of spirit of him who has lived for the world1 and sought nothing beyond1 when he finds at last that his idol is but dust and ashes8 ,with regret for the past1 disappointment in the present1 and no hope to brighten the future--only age1 and the grave1 and the judgment before him--he1 indeed1 is tasting of the dregs of life--is reaping a harvest of woe6 ,poverty may rouse industry1 sickness show forth patience1 sorrow increase submission--death lead to glory--,sin is the one great evil to be feared4 ,o ,lord6-- ,,deliver ,,us ,,from ,,evil4 ,illustration ,,chapter ,,ix4 ,for ,thine is the kingdom1 the power1 and the glory4 ,,the hail was falling fast1 drifted by the piercing wind which howled in the chimneys1 and seemed to shake the dwelling4 ,i wish that my father had come back1 said ,nelly1 as she returned again from the little gate whence she had been anxiously watching for her parent4 ,our good clergyman will keep him under shelter1 said ,walter1 he will not be back till this hailstorm is over6 ,i almost dread his return1 sighed ,nelly4 ,i know that ,i ought to wish him success in his endeavours to procure that situation for you in ,london--and yet-- ,you feel1 surely1 that it is right that ,i should go8 ,it is right1 ,walter1 replied the girl4 ,to remain here in ,e-- would be only to suffer with us1 not to help us4 ,if it should please ,heaven that you should return--if you should over come back--4 ,she could not go on1 but turned her head aside to hide the tears that would have their course4 ,i will return1 ,nelly--if ,i live1 ,i will6 ,it is only to relieve you of a burden that ,i quit you4 ,i will work hard--save hard for your sake4 ,at this moment a poor1 gray-headed man slowly made his way up the street4 ,he seemed almost beaten back by the pelting hail1 and stopping as he reached ,viner's little shop1 leaned on the gate as if for support4 ,let us ask him to come in to shelter1 whispered ,nelly--and ,walter immediately invited him to step in4 ,the gray-haired man obeyed in silence--with a step so faltering1 a look of such emotion1 as though the voice of kindness were strange to him1 that the hearts of the young people were touched with compassion4 ,they had not read in vain the injunction in the ,bible--,use hospitality without grudging3 be not forgetful to entertain strangers2 but without waiting for any request from the weary man1 they brought him dry clothes1 asked him into the parlour1 and offered him a chair by the fire4 ,the guest was not yet past the strength of manhood1 but all its life and spirit appeared gone4 ,his face was wrinkled1 its expression sad1 his hand trembled as if with age1 and when he at last spoke his voice was faltering and low4 ,here is one who has drunk deep of the cup of sorrow1 thought ,nelly1 and her manner1 ever gentle1 became more kindly than before4 ,shall ,i set food before him8 she whispered to ,walter4 ,by all means--he looks ready to faint4 ,but1 ,walter--we have but a half-loaf left in the house1 and our till is to-day quite empty6 ,there was a look of meek submission on her pale face1 that went to the heart of ,walter4 ,yet give to him1 ,nelly1 let him share that loaf--',he that giveth to the poor lendeth to the ,lord4' ,nelly smiled1 and set the bread upon the table4 ,god bless you1 and reward you a thousandfold6 said the guest--not touching1 however1 the proffered food1 but looking around the comfortless abode with an expression of interest and sadness4 ,is this house yours8 he at last said to ,walter1 fixing his dark eyes earnestly upon him4 ,oh no6 ,it belongs to my adopted father1 whose name you see over the gate4 ,and your name8 said the stranger4 ,is ,walter ,binning4 ,the guest remained silent1 and the silence lasted so long1 that at length it became painful1 and ,nelly1 in order to break it said3 ,i fear that you have known much sorrow8 ,such sorrow as ,i trust that you may never know6 ,but the ,lord can bring light out of darkness1 said ,walter4 ,he can indeed--bless you for the word6 cried the stranger suddenly1 clasping his hands1 and turning towards the young man with a look of mingled sorrow and joy4 ,god can bring light out of darkness--good out of evil6 ,he can bring the sinner to ,his feet1 and the rebel to a throne--all things are possible to ,him6 ,were you to know my story1 he continued more rapidly1 you would indeed wonder at the power of ,god1 to whom belongs the kingdom over the hearts of men6 ,if ever there was a sinner--,i was one2 if ever there was a soul stained by guilt--that soul was mine8 ,i had struggled against conscience1 ,i had turned from my ,god1 ,i was rushing on in the broad way that leadeth to destruction1 and yet the hand of mercy could find me even there6 ,walter and ,nelly listened with interest and surprise to a confession so frank and so unexpected4 ,the stranger went on1 in his rapid1 earnest manner1 as though he found it a relief to his heart to pour out its fulness4 ,it is well1 my children1 it is well that you should know something of the man whom you have welcomed to your hearth4 ,i once was young1 unsuspicious as yourselves2 mine was a kind heart1 and a free open hand2 ,i neither thought of want nor feared temptation4 ,from how slight a cause men's ruin may spring6 ,at a place of amusement1 ,i once met with a youth4 ,i found him pleasant2 we conversed--met again and again2 he became my companion--most dangerous companion6 ,he was one who despised religion1 and laughed at the word conscience2 he gained an influence over my young mind1 and made use of it to ruin his so-called friend6 ,as you love your peace--as you love your own soul1 continued the stranger1 addressing himself earnestly to ,walter1 oh6 ,avoid the society of such6 ,let my fate be to you like a beacon on a quicksand1 to warn you from that which brings destruction6 ,he took me to scenes from which ,i once would have shrunk2 he led me into habits which ,i should once have blushed to form2 ,i acquired a thirst for amusement and excitement1 and where was ,i to find means to gratify that thirst8 ,i was then a poor apprentice in ,london2 a generous friend had paid the sum required by my master1 for ,i myself was a penniless orphan4 ,i was not only without money1 but in debt1 and following a career which plunged me deeper and deeper into it4 ,i had but little credit--no means of gaining money4 ,oh6 ,when conscience is stifled1 and religion set aside1 how easy is the transition from the debtor to the thief6 ,my companion first taught me to embezzle from my master4 ,my guilt was suspected2 ,i was seized1 sent to prison2 a day was appointed for my trial4 ,as my character until now had been considered respectable1 ,i was admitted to bail1 and the same generous friend1 who had helped me before on my setting out in life1 became my security now4 ,it is better1 indeed1 to relate what followed2 but ,i wish you to know all--,i would have nothing concealed4 ,i felt that my case would not stand a trial4 ,i was visited again by my evil companion1 the tempter who had led me to disgrace4 ,urged by him1 or rather by my own guilty fears1 ,i broke faith with my friend1 escaped into ,france1 and led there a life the remembrance of which would bow me to the dust had ,i not learned to hope that even the chief of sinners might find mercy4 ,i married1 lost my wife in the first year of our union1 then returned to my own country under a false name2 and in company with men as guilty as myself1 supported myself by the gains of dishonesty4 ,why should ,i tell all this1 exclaimed the stranger1 but that you may shun the paths in which ,i fell--that you may learn from one who speaks from terrible experience1 that there is no wretchedness on earth like that of guilt--and flee betimes from the approach of the tempter6 ,there may be the loud laugh1 the burst of wild mirth1 the feast1 the revel1 the intoxicating draught2 but oh6 ,the bitterness1 the sickening joylessness within1 where the soul dare not turn its gaze on itself1 when it seeks excitement to stifle thought1 when solitude is terrible1 reflection intolerable4 ,walter thought of the miser's fifty-pound bank-note1 and lifted his heart in gratitude to ,him who had saved him in the hour of temptation4 ,at last1 resumed the stranger1 what ,i dreaded happened2 the strong hand of the law arrested me in my wretched career of guilt4 ,i was sent to ,newgate1 tried1 condemned4 ,i deserved my sentence--,i knew that ,i deserved it2 but my soul rebelled against its just punishment4 ,i was becoming hardened and reckless in misery1 hardened in despair4 ,and thus might ,i have sunk lower and lower1 till ,i had perished at last in my sin2 but the day before ,i was sent from my country1 leaving1 as ,i believed1 not one friend behind1 ,i received a letter from the same benevolent man who had twice before been ready to aid me4 ,at a time when ,i was brought down1 crushed to the dust1 when all the rest of the world shunned and despised me1 that man came forwards1 unwearied in well-doing1 and offered to do me an important service1 which ,i dared not have asked of a brother4 ,the letter enclosed a little book1 ',baxter's ,call to the ,unconverted1' with an earnest request from the writer that ,i would read it once carefully over4 ,at another time1 ,i would have flung it aside with contempt1 if not with anger2 but my heart was softened by unmerited kindness--,i could not refuse the only request made by one to whom ,i was indebted for so much4 ,doubtless that book was sent with prayer1 and carried a blessing with it4 ,i read it4 ,it showed me my own fearful state1 even more fearful than ,i had believed it to be2 but it did not leave me to despair4 ,it told of mercy and pardon even for the worst of sinners2 it told of the blood that washes away guilt1 of the ,spirit that can give a new1 clean heart2 it told of the power of religion over the human soul2 and ,i believed it2 for the character of the man who had given it showed forth the reality of that power4 ,oh6 ,that ,i could see and know that man6 exclaimed ,nelly4 ,you know him4 ,that man is--your father6 cried the stranger1 springing forwards to meet ,viner1 who entered at that moment1 and throwing himself into his arms4 ,viner had returned disheartened and sad1 for he had been unsuccessful in his efforts to obtain a situation for his adopted son4 ,there are times when even the true ,christian feels his faith weak4 ,viner had found it difficult to strengthen his heart in the ,lord2 he seemed like ,peter when sinking in the waves4 ,lord1 help me6 was his silent prayer4 ,he came back in sorrow1 he was met by joy4 ,the little seed which1 ten years before1 he had sown in faith1 had sprung up to bear a thousandfold2 the voice of thanksgiving was in the dwelling of the righteous2 the ,almighty had not been trusted in vain4 ,oh6 ,what a blessed answer to ,walter's prayers6 ,with what joy he looked upon his restored parent1 and received the blessing of his long-lost father4 ,it was some time before anything like composure was restored to the circle1 or the older ,binning could continue his account4 ,let no one presume on the goodness of ,god1 because ,he has sometimes worked wonders of mercy1 and saved him whom man would condemn4 ,terrible is its awakening to a soul that has long gone on in a course of sin2 they who never have wandered so far from the right way know not the difficulty1 the anguish of retracing their steps6 ,if any would learn what it is to repent1 let him study the fifty-first ,psalm of ,king ,david2 there the sorrows of a broken and contrite heart are expressed by one who himself had felt all the bitterness of deep remorse2 how often1 my son1 have ,i wept over that ,psalm1 and applied every verse to myself2 praised be ,god that ,i could also repeat words from the same inspired writer1 and trust that might be written for me--',blessed is the man whose transgression is forgiven1 whose sin is covered6 ,blessed is the man to whom the ,lord imputeth not iniquity4' ,after ,i had had reason humbly to hope that ,i had received pardon for my sins through the merits of my ,saviour1 my mind naturally turned to the thought how ,i could make some amends to man for all the wrongs that ,i had done him4 ,my debt to ,viner1 above all1 lay heavy on my conscience2 and as soon as the term of my punishment was over1 ,i determined never to return to my country till ,i had earned sufficient to pay it4 ,i worked like a slave in a land where toil brings a far higher reward than it does here4 ,i grudged myself even my necessary comforts2 ,i broke on the hours of my needful rest1 till the great object of my efforts was attained4 ,god blessed my labours beyond my hopes2 ,i gathered sufficient to cover my debt1 and worked my way home as a common sailor1 that ,i might not encroach on my earnings4 ,and now1 with what pleasure do ,i return what ,i owe1 continued ,binning1 laying bank-note after bank-note on the table--return what ,i owe6 ,i can never return it6 ,you helped me in trouble1--you saved me from despair1 you have brought up my son to virtue1 industry1 and religion--were ,i to pour out my life's blood for you now ,i could never repay you what ,i owe6 ,o my ,god6 exclaimed ,viner1 looking upwards1 while tears of gratitude forced their way down his cheeks4 ,to ,thee be the honour1 to ,thee be the praise-- ,,for ,,thine ,,is ,,the ,,kingdom1 ,,the ,,power1 ,,and ,,the ,,glory6 ,illustration ,,chapter ,x4 ,for ever and ever4 ,,again nearly ten years have passed1 and for the last time we revisit ,e--1 now a thriving1 populous town4 ,where is the little shop with its wooden gate1 where ,viner so long passed his humble but useful life1 and bore the yoke of poverty so meekly8 ,we now look in vain for the spot where it stood--like other earthly things1 it has passed away1 another building now occupies what was once its site1 its place remembers it no more4 ,but the large shop on the opposite side of the street is standing yet1 and looks more flourishing than ever1 with its baskets of ripe plums and tempting peaches1 decked out with branches of cut flowers in the windows4 ,a young woman is within1 engaged in tying up nosegays1 herself fresh and blooming as the flowers4 ,her own little blossom1 her first-born child1 is perched upon the counter beside her2 and often the mother stops in her pleasant employment to imprint a fond kiss on his dimpled cheek1 or bid her little one try to call ,father6 ,ah6 ,darling1 you must not spoil the pretty flowers1 she said playfully1 as the child seized upon a rose4 ,do you not know that this is mother's wedding-day1 and when father comes in1 he must find everything looking bright and beautiful for him6 ,i must give you over to grandfather's care--if he will look after my troublesome pet6 ,there1 is he not a darling--are you not proud of him6 cried ,nelly1 as she placed her blooming boy in the arms of ,viner4 ,mrs4 ,winter at this moment entered the shop4 ,she had grown old1 and now wore widow's weeds1 but her face was still placid and cheerful as before4 ,i have brought you the cake1 ,nelly1 said she1 laying an elegant sugared pyramid before her4 ,is it not fit for a wedding-day feast8 ,do you remember just this day twenty years ago1 when you were no higher than this counter1 your coming to my shop to buy half-a-dozen biscuits as a treat for your expected new brother8 ,ah6 ,he is more to you now than he was then6 ,how can ,i remember so far back6 laughed ,nelly4 ,it seems to me as though it were scarce a day since6 ,there stood ,goldie--poor man6 ,who once owned this shop--a prosperous man he was then6 ,he laughed1 ,i remember1 at your childish honesty1 laughed at your father's kind adoption of ,walter--he thought only of getting on in the world6 ,and what has it all come to at last6 ,there is now another name above his door1 there is another face behind his counter--he lies in the churchyard beside his poor wife1 and his very name is almost forgotten6 ,and this is the end of his labours and his cares1 his rising up early and late taking rest--his flattering1 and toiling1 and unscrupulous ways6 ,all that is left to him now of his gains is a coffin1 and a shroud1 and a few feet of earth6 ,alas6 ,poor ,goldie1 said ,nelly sadly1 ,he was unfortunate6 ,unhappy1 if you will1 but not unfortunate2 fortune had nothing to do with either his lot or your father's4 ,worldliness1 ,sabbath-breaking1 neglect of religion only brought forth their natural fruits to ,goldie--while all ,viner's present happiness and prosperity arose from-- ,the old man turned towards her with glistening eyes1 pressing his little grandchild closer to his heart1 while he closed her sentence with ,nelly's favourite text--',the blessing of the ,lord1 it maketh rich1 and ,he addeth no sorrow thereto4' ,walter now entered with a springing step and bright eye4 ,his child stretched out his little arms to go to him1 and ,nelly greeted her husband with a smile4 ,you see that ,i have not forgotten what day it is1 he said1 laying down on the counter a beautifully carved box1 with his wife's name cut on the lid4 ,that is my wedding present for you1 dear ,nelly2 as it has pleased ,god to prosper us so well in business1 and between my carving and your fruit selling1 we now have enough and to spare1 ,i have resolved to keep a poor box from this time1 and on the first day of the week1 as ,st4 ,paul recommends1 lay aside of our earnings for the needy4 ,well1 ,viner1 observed ,mrs4 ,winter1 as she was leaving the place1 and turned to bid farewell to the aged ,christian1 on whose silvery hair and venerable brow the rich glow of the setting sun was falling1 if ,i were asked to name a truly happy man1 ,i should not have far to look for one--,i should point to you in your arm-chair there1 with your loving family around you4 ,yes1 the bright calm sunset was a beautiful type of the old age of the pious ,christian6 ,he looked back on an honest1 well-spent life1 he looked forwards to a better life to come2 the present was full of richest blessings1 but the richest of all was the hope of heaven that brightened the thoughts of the future6 ,his adopted son was now his son indeed2 his daughter was happy in the love of one whom he himself had trained to industry and piety2 and now1 honoured and beloved1 he was drawing towards his home1 at peace with his ,god1 and at peace with mankind--his hoary head a crown of righteousness6 ,but think not that upon his faith or his good works ,viner rested his hope of glory6 ,he would have shrunk from the thought as much as the poor convict who now slumbered beneath the shadow of the church1 with a single text inscribed on his tomb--,the blood of ,jesus ,christ cleanseth from all sin6 ,and now1 young reader1 before you close these pages1 pause and consider what was the difference between ,viner and ,goldie1 between the man of the world and the servant of ,god4 ,as ,mrs4 ,winter had observed1 it was no strange chance1 no wonderful turn of fortune1 that gave happiness to the one or misery to the other4 ,review their story1 and you will see that exactly as they sowed1 they reaped--that the portion which each chose1 he received--that blessings naturally sprang from the conduct of the one1 disappointment from the acts of the other4 ,and oh6 ,if even in this world1 ,god's children are the happiest1 what will it be in the world which is to come6 ,on this earth our harvest is only begun1 whether of holy joy or the sorrows of sin4 ,but when ages upon ages have rolled on1 when the heavens and the earth have passed away1 then still the unrepenting will be suffering1 the faithful enjoying in eternity6 ,from this hour resolve which path you will choose--life or death are now set before you4 ,if you choose the world and its pleasures of a season1 oh6 ,remember that the wages of sin is death4 ,youth must pass1 strength must pass1 life itself must pass away1 with all that it could give here below2 but the ,christian shall dwell in the mansions of light--shall rejoice in unchangeable bliss with his ,god-- ,,for ,,ever ,,and ,,ever4 ,,amen6 ,illustration ,illustration3 ,,the ,,lord',s ,,prayer4 ,our ,father in heaven1 ,we hallow ,thy name1 ,may ,thy kingdom holy ,on earth be the same2 ,oh6 ,give to us daily ,our portion of bread2 ,it is from ,thy bounty ,that all must be fed4 ,forgive our transgression1 ,and teach us to know ,that humble compassion ,which pardons each foe4 ,keep us from temptation1 ,from weakness1 and sin2 ,and ,thine be the glory1 ,for ever1 ,amen4