"Will you please to explain something to me?"
"Surely, surely, my daughter. I shall be glad to do so."
"My father says," continued Lucy, "that I must ask God for the guidance of his Holy Spirit. What does that mean?"
In plain and well-chosen words, Dr. Burgess explained to Lucy the meaning of the phrase. "It is your privilege and your duty to ask constantly for this guidance, my dear, young lady," he added. "But then, when you have received it, you must follow it."
"How can I tell when I have received it?" asked Lucy.
"Your conscience, and the word of God, must be your guide," replied Dr. Burgess. "When your conscience tells you that what you are about to do is wrong, you must obey its voice and refrain; and when it bids you do thus, and so you must obey also, no matter what it costs. Now, do you understand?"
"I think I do," replied Lucy. "Thank you, sir!"
"Is there any thing else I can do for you?" asked Dr. Burgess, kindly, as they came near the lodge. "Do not fear to ask me. There is nothing which pleases me more than to have the young people of my charge come to me for advice or assistance."
"I am sure, you are very good to me; every one is very good to me, I think," said Lucy. "I did not think there were such good people in the world."
"There are both good and bad in the world, as you will soon find,—as indeed I think you have found already," replied the good clergyman, smiling. "May God bless you, my child, and give you his grace in every time of need."