Out of sorrow let joy come, out
of trouble peace; out of suffering and affliction a higher, purer
and nobler life for us all. We are in his merciful hands, and he
will make us instruments of blessing if we but walk in the ways he
would lead us. Alas that we have turned from him so often to walk in
our own paths and follow the devices of our own hearts! His ways are
way of pleasantness and his paths are peace, but ours wind too often
among thorns and briars, or go down into the gloomy valley and
shadow of death."
A solemn silence followed, and in that deep hush vows were made that
are yet unbroken.
"If any have stumbled through us and fallen by the way," said Mr.
Elliott, "let us here consecrate ourselves to the work of saving
them if possible."
He reached his hand toward Mr. Birtwell. The banker did not
hesitate, but took the minister's extended hand and grasped it with
a vigor that expressed the strength of his new-formed purpose. Light
broke through the tears that blinded the eyes of Mrs. Birtwell.
Clasping both of her hands over those of her husband and Mr.
Elliott, she cried out with irrepressible emotion:
"I give myself to God also in this solemn consecration!"
"The blessing of our Lord Jesus Christ rest upon it, and make us
true and faithful," dropped reverentially from the minister's lips.
Somewhere this panorama of life must close. Scene after scene might
still be given; but if those already presented have failed to stir
the hearts and quicken the consciences of many who have looked upon
them, rousing some to a sense of danger and others to a sense of
duty, it were vain to display another canvas; and so we leave our
work as it stands, but in the faith that it will do good.
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