Dr. Hooper smiled. "They have no need to do so, perhaps, since He to whom they are addressed is Himself in the room. But tell me, do you at such times give up and forbear to pray for that time?"
"Sometimes I have done so," I answered, blushing.
"And do you not find prayer and meditation all the harder the next time for such omissions?" he asked.
I confessed that it was so.
"And so it will ever be," said he. "Believe me, daughter, the times when we need prayers most is when we enjoy them least. Then is the time to seek the mercy seat more earnestly than ever, and not to leave it till we have an answer of peace. Even though your prayers are but matters of simple obedience, they are of infinite value to your own soul. Tell me, is there not some charitable work that you can do to keep the springs of love fresh in your heart?"
I thought of Mistress Patience, whom I had somewhat neglected of late, excusing myself on the ground of having so little time to myself, and because she was often fretful and hard to please.
"Yes!" I answered. "I might do such work if I chose—but—the truth is, Dr. Hooper, in the multitude of business and distractions, I have forgotten God, and He I fear hath forgotten me."
"Do you not believe that, dear maid," said Dr. Hooper, earnestly. "He hath not forgotten you, but even now waits for you to return, and holds open the gate that you may enter. Go you to Him before you sleep, in penitence and prayer, and having confessed your sins and begged for pardon and cleansing, believe that you have them, and go on serving your Heavenly Master to the best of your ability, not expecting thereby to win salvation, since that has already been purchased for you, but that you may showy your faith by your works, and set forward the kingdom of your Master."
This is not a record of religious experience; but I may just say that I followed the good man's advice, and found peace in so doing.
The next morning, I was up early, and while dressing I tried to think of some way to make my peace with Mistress Patience, who, I knew, had felt the loss of those attentions which I had begun by giving her. At last a plan struck me, which I hastened to put into execution. I found the old lady dressed, and sitting in her great chair.