And to
prove his gratitude and thankfulness, he has endeavored constantly to
win the erring from sin, to encourage and sustain the penitent, to try
and soften the hardened heart, and finally, as much as possible, to
ameliorate the suffering and punishment of the guilty and condemned,
truly knowing how very many are tempted as much and more than the hero
of my story, without the interposition of such a special Providence."
The judge had finished. Mrs. Morely arose, and, passing her arm around
her husband, pressed her lips to his, earnestly and with deep emotion,
saying:
"I long since recognized the noble, suffering boy of your story. My
husband, forgive my having ever questioned your actions or motives. In
the future I will try to prove my worthiness of your love by aiding
you in all your works of mercy."
"My old friend, and of all the most respected and honored, if it were
possible your story would increase my veneration," said Mr. Archer,
grasping and pressing the judge's hand.
"I would to Heaven there were more like you. If so, the temptations
and snares which surround the path of youth would be less terrible and
frequent--in a word, our whole community a little nearer, as God would
have us be.
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