"We have his word for it:
"'Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out.'"
As Mr. Earle went on repeating the precious promises, Duncan leaned forward to see who he was talking to, and, to his utter astonishment, discovered that it was Nick Turner!
He began to take in some idea of the extent and power of the work that was going on. True, he had heard many details, or might, if he had listened to conversations that went on around him, but he had failed to comprehend more than that there were meetings which a great many people called very interesting.
He felt something of the solemnity that rested upon all present, and when Mr. Earle knelt and prayed for Nick, he found himself wondering how he should feel if it was himself that was being prayed for. He listened eagerly to all that followed, until fearing he might become interested in spite of himself, he resolutely set about turning his thoughts away from the place. Suddenly the bell rang out for the preaching services. Mr. Earle laid his hand upon Duncan's shoulder to detain him, then, turning to Willy and Helen, he said—
"If you feel so anxious about your parents becoming Christians, I suppose you are willing to make some sacrifice for it. Are you not?"
"Yes, sir," said Willy.
"I think so," Helen said thoughtfully.
"Well, suppose that to-morrow evening you two offer to stay with the two little ones, and let your father and mother come to the inquiry meeting. Don't decide now, but think and pray about it. Good night."
To Duncan, "Well, my boy, is your decision made?"