it not God's voice? Will you turn from the Saviour, who sent into your heart once more the faith of your childhood? Mr. Dexter, can you do it?" Oh, "You mean well, John, but it is useless talking." "Oh, please do not say so, sir! I lay awake all last night, praying for you; it can not be that I care more for your soul do yourself; surely you must saving by than you his own blood! Oh, Mr. Dexter, are there not many voices calling to you? - the mother, who taught you the faith of Jesus, -may she not, even now, be bending over you? And, forgive me, sir, if I bring the saddest memories fresh upon you, — but your wife, your son!" - Mr. Dexter had bowed his head on his hand, upon the table before him, and though no sound issued from his lips, he shook convulsively. John went to him, and kneeling down by him, said, gently, "Forgive me for speaking of this terrible sorrow, but if they could speak to you, what would they say? It seemed to me, as I looked up at those pictures to-night, that they begged me to speak for them. Hear them; - hear Christ!" Mr. Dexter still replied not, and for many minutes neither moved, except ever and anon that convulsive shaking of the suffering man. When, at length, Mr. Dexter raised his head, his paleness startled John; he seemed to have grown so holloweyed with misery. But he put his hand upon John's head, as if it had been his lost boy's, and said, in a tone so sad and changed from any John had ever before heard him use, yet withal so gentle, "I am worn out, John; I do not know what I think, nor what I want; but pray for me, to-night, as you say you did last night. God must have sent you to me, or you never would have spoken to me as you have. I will promise you to think of this thing; I will not now promise more, though I intend more. And now leave me, and do not forget to finish your mission to me, by your prayers for me. If God sends holy angels to watch over us, he may send tender watchers to-night.' |