"But, husband, I would not have you decide in haste," I added. "Take time to consider. You know Mynheer Bogardus says second thoughts are best."
"And do you think so?" asked my husband, with one of his penetrating looks.
"No; honestly I do not," I answered. "I think when one is habitually guided by high Christian principle, as you are, that the first thought is usually the best, because the second is apt to get mixed up with worldly policy. But, husband, I would have you take time to consider and pray over this matter. Take counsel with Mr. Evans. He knows the West Country well, and can tell you what are the prospects, and I know his Grace over held him in esteem as a wise and sober man. Then if you decide that your duty takes you back to the gray parsonage, your wife will not say one word to withhold you."
Walter pressed my hand. "Your counsel is good, and I will take it," said he; but I knew well enough what the end would be. Men are ever ready to take counsel after they have made up their own minds.
Mr. Evans came to give us a visit next day, and he and Walter had a great talk, I sitting by with my knitting, which I have ever found a great soother of the nerves. * He was, as I had said, a wise and sober man, and a devout Christian. He told Walter, he believed the reign of King Edward would see the Reformed faith set on so firm a basis as that no after persecution could overthrow it.
* Women ought to be forever grateful to the Spanish Moors, who seem first to have brought knitting into Europe from the East.
"The truth spreads more and more among the people, and with it the knowledge of letters. Old men and women can then have books, and their criss-cross row, that they may be able to read the Gospel with their own eyes. There have been great stirrings and preachings about Exeter, and those not always of the wisest kind. 'Tis the tendency of poor human nature ever to run to extremes."
"The more need for preachers who shall not run to extremes," said my husband.
"True," answered Mr. Evans. "There is, indeed, great need of wise and sober preachers and teachers, and that especially among our warm-hearted and quick-witted men of Devon. As to the matter of safety, you are as well off there as here—nay, better, so long as King Edward lives, whom God preserve. I did marvel to hear Mynheer Bogardus speak so confidently last night. Does he forget that Holland is wholly in the power of Spain, and that Spain is ruled by the Inquisition?"
"I think he does, just as the Hollanders forget that the sea is ever watching to take back what they have wrested from it. The emperor hath ever been favorable, rather than otherwise, to his Dutch subjects."