"'Father, it grieves me to wound you, but Christ suffered, and if needs be I must also. I have taken this step for life. I cannot retrace.'
"'Then leave this house; you're no son of mine!' came the words, distinctly clear, as my father threw open the door wide, and pointed the way out.
"The wind rushed in bringing the large hail-stones from the storm without.
"'In the storm, father, this dark night?' I asked incredulously.
"'I've said it!' was his short answer.
"My mother made to intercede for me, but he pushed her back, and stood between us.
"'Better no son at all, than one to disgrace us!' he declared, sternly. I looked out into the blackness of night, then at the cheerful fire, lighting up the room in genial comfort.
"Satan whispered, 'Don't be a fool. Your father's religion is good enough for you. You're a stranger to the new religion. You'll do more good and sacrifice less by staying with the old.'
"But the angel of the Lord led me out,—out into the darkness, penniless, alone, with the cries of my mother ringing in my ears.
"A few steps and I turned. Surely I must kiss my good mother farewell. The door was still open and my father was an angry sentinel watching my going.