What avail is
it to tell them that appearances deceive, that calumny has done us
wrong? What good is it to defend ourself, when no one cares to listen?
when we are condemned before we have spoken? Nothing is so cruel as
prejudice; she is blind and deaf; she shuts her eyes purposely, that
she may stab boldly; for she knows, if she were to look honestly at
her victim, she could not do it.
But O, it is from these desolate places that heart-cry comes which
brings God out of his sanctuary, which calls Jesus to our side to walk
there with us. It is in the deserts we have met angels. A great trial
is almost a necessity for a true Christian life; for faith needs a
soil that has been deeply plowed. The seed cast upon the surface rarely
finds the circumstances that are sufficient for its development. And
blessed also are those souls to whom the "long watches" of sorrow are
given! It is a great, soul that is capable of long-continued suffering,
and that can bring to it day after day a heart at once submissive and
energetic and all vibrating with hope.
Yet it may be fairly said that Elizabeth Hallam was now upon this
plane. Her road was still rough, but she was traveling in the daylight,
strong and cheerful, and very happy in the added pleasure of her life.
Her five years of enforced poverty had taught her simple habits.
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