If this be true, what a reproach is contained in the words of our
Lord: "Ye will not come unto me that ye might have life"!
Chapter XLIV. "The Garden of Eden."
"Mr. Eltinge," Ida asked, as they were about to part, "have I a right
to the glad sense of escape and safety that has come so unexpectedly?"
"Your right," he replied, "depends on the character of the Friend
you have found. Do you think he is able and willing to keep his
word?"
"Oh, Mr. Eltinge, how plain you make it all!"
"No, my dear; it was made plain centuries ago. You have as much
right to your happy feelings as to the sunshine; but never put your
feelings in the place of Christ, and trust in them. That's like
putting faith in one's gratitude, instead of the friend whose
services inspired the gratitude. But come again to-morrow, and
we'll go on with the 'old, old story.' I've read it scores of
times, but am enjoying it now with you more than ever. Good-by."
As Ida drew near to the hotel, Stanton stepped from the roadside
to meet her.
"Ida," he said, "if you cannot forgive me (and perhaps you cannot),
I'll leave to-morrow morning--and perhaps I had better any way.
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