Part 16 (2/2)
”Coming back now to the application I mentioned. If it is G.o.d's work and glory to labor for those below Him, why should not we, His sons and daughters, follow His example as far as possible in our sphere of action? If we are ever to become like Him we must follow in His steps and do the things which He has done. Our work, also must be to help along the road to salvation those who are lower down, those who are more ignorant and are weaker than we.”
”Which, Uncle Zed, you have been doing all your life.”
”Just trying a little, just a little.”
”And this will be as it already has been, your glory. I see that plainly.”
”Why shouldn't it be everybody's work and glory! What a beautiful world this would be if this were the case!”
”Yes, truly.”
”And see, Dorian, how this principle ties together the race from the beginning to the end, comparatively speaking. Yes, in this way will men and families and races and worlds be linked together in chains of love, which cannot be broken, worlds without end.”
The old man's voice became sweet and low. Then there was silence for a few minutes. The clock struck ten.
”I must be going,” said Dorian. ”I am keeping you out of bed.”
”You'll come again?”
”Oh, yes.”
”Come soon, my boy. I have so much to tell you. I can talk so freely to you, something I cannot do to all who come here, bless their hearts. But you, my boy--”
He reached out his hand, and Dorian took it lovingly. There were tears in the old man's eyes.
”I'll not forget you,” said Dorian, ”I'll come soon and often.”
”Then, good night.”
”Good night,” the other replied from the door as he stepped out into the night. The cool breeze swept over meadow and field. The world was open and big, and the young man's heart expanded to it. What a comfort to feel that the Power which rules the world and all the affairs of men is unfailing in its operations! What a joy to realize that he had a loving Father to whom he could go for aid! And then also, what a tremendous responsibility was on him because of the knowledge he already had and because of his G.o.d-given agency to act for himself. Surely, he would need light from on High to help him to choose the right!
Surely, he would.
CHAPTER TWELVE.
At the coming of winter, Uncle Zed was bedfast. He was failing rapidly.
Neighbors helped him. Dorian remained with him as much as he could. The bond which had existed between these two grew stronger as the time of separation became nearer. The dying man was clear-minded, and he suffered very little pain. He seemed completely happy if he could have Dorian sitting by him and they could talk together. And these were wonderful days to the young man, days never to be forgotten.
Outside, the air was cold with gusts of wind and lowering clouds.
Inside, the room was cosy and warm. A few of the old man's hardiest flowers were still in pots on the table where the failing eyes could see them. That evening Mrs. Trent had tidied up the room and had left Dorian to spend the night with the sick man. The tea-kettle hummed softly on the stove. The shaded lamp was turned down low.
”Dorian.”
”Yes, Uncle Zed.”
”Turn up the lamp a little. It's too dark in here.”
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