It might well make my last sight of
him remind me of St. Christopher.
That journey with the curate was comfortable in itself, and a great
comfort to me afterwards. We could not but rejoice together over
that Sunday, and Ben Yolland showed himself deeply struck with the
simplicity and depth that had been revealed to him, the reality of
whatever Harold said, and his manner of taking his dire
disappointment as the just and natural outcome of his former life.
Many men would have been soured and driven back to evil by such a
rejection. Harold had made it the occasion of his most difficult
victory and sharpest struggle; yet all the time he was unconscious
how great a victory it was. And so thorough was the penitence, so
great the need of refreshment after the keen struggle for self-
mastery, and so needful the pledge of pardon, that though he had
never been confirmed, there was no doubt as to making him welcome at
once to the Heavenly Feast. Well that it was so!
The "What next" concerned Mr. Yolland as much as it did me. He could
not bear to think of relinquishing one who--all unknown to himself--
did more to guide and win the hearts of those Hydriots than teaching
or sermons could ever do, and yet no one could advise Harold to
remain after this winter. In the reprieve, however, we both
rejoiced, and Ben then added, "For my brother's sake, especially.
Pages:
328
329
330
331
332
333
334
335
336
337
338
339
340
341
342
343
344
345
346
347
348
349
350
351
352