The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1886-09-30
whsvl calculated NJ. Potter. aren'

have two childred 10 bring up; do 20
viah them 70 excnss their faults Of spir
BY their bodily pains and achess
DO you thiak that courtesy, kindues
and patience ere physical states or Chris
tian virtscsy
The children bounded into tho rcor
just q this ioacture. % rosy. happy an
sweet. that their fathers heart gave
leap Of uausual pleasure; whether il wa
the timely interruption Of their lovely as
pect that was 70 welcome il might no
prcat us 70 inquire; IL is certain that Anne
queslions got no answer that day. perhap
Tor that very reason they echoed more AMI
more though his soul; bic conscience va
touched With : spark Of stinging Are
hs looked back on The eight years Of hi
marriage With Hsien and said bitterly on
of The slsils within him. Bhs never ssi.
aiytAiag HE thb y -.
TAs arsuAssl 49, hpssiosa. bat aat
tsriag; thas night found Aim assia By th'
library nrs with Anne opposite; bis fac
was grave and almost sad u be opened III
converiation:
Anne. you asked mo very pointed ques.
lions this morning. and I have found Il
very hard TO answer them. Perhaps my
best answer 10 that in oil the years Heller
and I were married, she never found iaull
with me-. ~e
Anne's face blassd, and the bitter truth
sprung rsstlessly TO her lips:
She was afraid TO.
Mr.. Potter was coniounded, Facts are
hard things TO strike with: be did not
speak. and Anne won't on:
You must admit that this was 20; but
lei us leave Helen out Of the question
"uod requiteth that which is past" but
il is not for man to do so. Ispoke very
honestly 70 you, Ben; know you dssirs
and mean 10 be Christian man. but do
not think you give religion fair chance
! certainly know that II the Bible is true.
! christian life means life like Christ.
or il means nothing; and neither you nor l
believe that LIE went about in any spirit OF
sel6shness or inconsiderate-
ness; His life preached in unison with
bis lips; and believe that unless ours do.
we take upon us the name Of God in vain.
and profane the holiness Of our confession
10 truly = il We blasphsmed and cursed
With our lips.
Strong language. Anne.
Strong iacts. Ben.
She said nothing more; . caller from
he village came 10, and Anne was glad.
or she knew that few words are fer bet
.sr than many; but when IL VAS time for
prayers, and Mr.. Potter brought the Bible
rom its place. be found il open 1t the
ast chapter Of Philippians and his eye
Iell at once 90 .one Of the, very texts that
had hauntcd him alter Helen's death.
Finally. my bretheren, whatsoever things
ire true, etc. He was little indignant,
bs thought Anne had set trap for him,
Ind turned rapidly over till be came to
he third chapter Of Peters general Ep 81
10. His usual reading was not much in
hs latter part Of the Testament; those
practical exhortations that wers addressed
o the first disciples pleased him as little
y the like preaching pleases some con-
yregations in these days; he preferred the
glowing poetry Of the minor prophets or
be historical records Of Israel, - far more
comfortable for daily perusal than the
lonely thrusts Of keen insight and sharp
'dvics which were aimed at those early
who became Christians indeed.
md endured hardness and martyrdom
nth faith and patience. SO now. when he
NV that this chapter commenced with a
'omily on the duty Of wives he began 1t
With crisp satisfaction ~ who should
~: This 10 the right sort Of doctriner
Unfortunately. the duties OF husbands srs
quslly set forth in the following verses,
nd the Eithy exhortations 70 pity, cour-
10y. peace and gracious Conversation
Ihich follow. were like nails set In their
laces aud forced in with rapid blows
''Is not my word like ~ fre2 saith
10 Lord, and like hammer that break
ih the rocks 10 pieces?' Surely il was
, that very night. for the very finger Of
I'D seemed to have set those lines before
10, and pointed his reused conscience to
I.ir force and meaning. Hitherto be had
,uught il enough for bis profession and
,snding to have lived IN outwardly up
ght and moral life; that be owed any
uty 70 God 10 taking His name upon him
I'd not been his thought Nov be saw
, with new eyes what dissrace and dis
ooor bis daily conduct had been to the
ord whose title be wore. and The con-
ctioa appalled, him.; be closed the book
I'd kuelt beside Il, bus the routine Of bis
sssI worship was forgotten. for bis
ssrs spoke from pcnitent lips. and In re
lssing freshly TO the Master for pardon
> icnnd strength aud peace also. Anne's
as fell freely, she was also convicted
bard judgment; she hsd not expected
much cspdor and honesty in this man.
such real a, sire 70 do right.
When they both rose from their knees
~ looked q each other With dimmed
'es
Aons. said be, humb|y. You must help
~ shall be but stnmbler 10 the
!. path; have patience With my faults
-. - - The Lord will.
o. ben. sobbsd Anne. vss bard in my
dgmeut VI you; did not give Jon credit
: your strength or your boSesiy.
Don, be unjust 70 yourself. Anne; credit
! my good traits vAs not wbst needed;
, eyes wanted opening. and | believe The