The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1877-11-08

wondering Why uou ulu NO. laho
me. instead of mother. If He Is
supremacy good. and wise, and
merciful. | wonder yet" she said
with a world of regret trembling
III her tones. and a sad despairing
look III her eyes.
doctor Nav was very kind
bringing me books and fruits and
flowers. and sometimes | used TO
wonder III that vague and llstless
way, if the unpleasant past were
not a dream, and the Doctor still
all my own. ] grew stronger and
helped Winnie about the house,
and copied papers for the Doctor.
and began to think of returning to
my old occupation OF teaching.
One morning when Winnie had
been indulging in one Of her fretful
childish moods. Doctor May came
To the room where | was sewing.
lie was angry and out Of patience,
and told me how deeply he had
regretted his folly in choosing her,
Welding to a transient mfatuatlOn,
when it was only | that he had
ever really cared for. He cursed
his fate. deplored his wretched lot.
assured me Of his deep contrition
for the wrongs he had done me,
and declared that nothing but my
presence made home endurable.
was shocked beyond measure. |
felt that | ought to 90 away at
once: but when ! proposed it Win
NE accused me Of ingratltude. and
said that ] was willing to stay when
| needed her care, but now that
She needed my help would 90.
| left her presence Wretchcd and
miserable. not knowing what to do,
and with 10 II to advise me.
Dr.. Muy had overheard our
conversation and Don joined me
E.Ncyer mind Ethel he said. She
is incapable of comprehending any
nature but selfish one, but YOU must
not 90. 1t IS my duty and priv
lege as a brother-in-law to give YOU
a nome and TO caro- for you, and |
Will do So"
-. ii father had been living to
guide me with his wise and loving
counsel, but he as gone and was
all alone. | yielded weakly, be-
cause | could not resist them both.
Not until her jealousy prompted
did Winnie let me 90, not till all
my life was hopelessly blighted,
and every memory laden with bit
| ter regret. When | reflect | seem
to reel upon the dark abyss of hell.
It drives me wild. | would ter
inmate my own existence, but |
dare not, lest some fierce accusing
demon meet me saying. Wretch
ed and guilty soul how dare YOU
come unbidden to the presence Of
Your Wrathful God" And vet
when | am with him, | follow
where he leads
s'Ethel," | cried, "this viii not
do, YOU insult your Hevenly Faith
CT when you talk Of wrathful
God. Even | a weak and sinful
mortal would not cast you off, and
shall God. who is infinite inmercv,
have less than one of his own erring
creatures:: Even the world does
not judge YOU as harshly az YOU
judge yourself, or YOU would not
be here"
They do not know" she said.
''But every sweet and childish face
seems to reproach me by its inno-
cence: and have YOU no fears that
you may sometime be harshlv iudg-
ed for seeking me-
Il am responsible to God alone,'
| answered. lie knows nv mo-
tives, and he alone shall Judge me.
| came to help YOU, and perhaps he
sent me. | believe that when one
truly repents. his forgiveness is sure.
But one who does IN truth repent
will not t~ransgress again. By this
is true repentance known. You
are not one depraved by nature. and
Gods hand shall lead YOU back to
truth and peace again !; 10 let us
seek the way. In the first place
YOU must be free from that mans
influence. Are YOU willing to 90
where you will never see his face
again :"
10. | would be GLAD to 90 but
where : And vet what matters it."
she asked despondently. Il shall
be the same sin stained wretch wher-
ever | am"
Not SO. when YOU abandon evil.