The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1895-01-19

burgh and the Dullarg contributing
yearly out of their smallest pittances,
but the faithful single members and
adherents throughout broad Scotland,
many of whom are coming to Edin-
burgh at the time of our oncoming
synod, in order to be present at it and
at the communion, when shall assist
your father"
'But why cannot marry Winsome
Charters, even though she be your
daughter, as you say?' asked Ralph,
turning his face to Allen Welsh.
20, young man." said the minister,
"ken We so little about the kirk O. the
Marrow, and the respect for her that
your father and myself cherish for
the office of her ministry, that We
think that we could permit another
probationer, on trials for the highest
Office within her gift, to connect him
self by tie, bond, or engagement with
the daughter of an unblest marriage7
That would be winking at new sin,
darker, even, than the DID," Then,
with burst of passion, 81, even l,
would sooner denounce it myself,
though it cost me my position For
twenty years have known that be-
fore God l was condemned. You
have seen me praying-yes, often
all night, but never did you or NOR
tai man hear me praying for myself"
Ralph held out his hand in sym
patty. Mr.. Welsh did not seem to
notice it. He went on:
II was praying for this poor simple
folk-the elect of God-their minis
ter alone castaway, set beyond the
mercy of God by his own act. Have
not prayed that they never be put
to shame by the knowledge of the
minister's sin being made mockery
in the courts of Belial? And have
not been answered.
"And l prayed for my poor lassle,
and for you, when I saw you both in
the flood of deep waters. l have wept
great and bitter tears for you twain.
But | am to receive my answer and
reward, for this night you shall give
| hot
you pass word of love to Winsome,
the daughter of Allan Charters
Welsh For the sake of the Marrow
kirk and the unstained truth deliver.
ed to the martyrs, and upheld by
your father one great day, you will
do this thing"
"Mr. Welsh" said the young man
calmly, II cannot, even though l be
willing, do this thing. My heart and
life, my honor and word are too deep.
ly engaged for me to go back. At
whatever cost to myself, I must keep
tryst and pledge with the girl who
has trusted me, and who for me has
tonight suffered things whose depths
of pain and shame | know not yet"
Then" said the minister sternly,
"You and must part. Ny duty is
done. If you refuse my appeal you
are no true son of the Marrow kirk
and no candidate that I can recon-
mend for her ministry. Moreover, to
keep you longer in my house and at
my board were tacitly to encourag-
you in your folly"
at is quite true,' replied Ralph,
mistaken and undaunted, "that l
may be as unfit as you say for the Of
flee and ministry of the Marrow kirk.
1t is, indeed, only as | have thought
for long season. If that be SO, then
it were we'll that l should withdraw
and leave the place for some one wor
thier."
Il wonder to hear We, Ralph Peden,
your fathers son" said the minister,
"you that have heen colleged by the
shillings and sixpences of the poor
hill folk. How will ye do with thesei'
81 will pay them back" said
Ralph.
"Hear We. man; can ye pay back the
love that hained and saved to send
them to Edinburgh Can We pay
back the prayers and expectations
that followed ye from class to class,
rejoicing in your success, praying
that the salt of holiness might be put
for you into the fountains of earthly
learning9 Pay back, Ralph Pedenl
l wonder, sair, that ye are not asham-
edw
Indeed, Ralph was in sorrowful
quandary. He knew it was all true,
and he saw no way out of it without
pain and grief to some. But the
thought of Winsome's cry came to
him, heard in the lonesome night.
That appeal had severed him in
moment from all his old life. He
/ ..lI ho xx,os0 - l0.o