No words of mine can describe the holy joy which filled that mother's heart when her beloved son unfolded to her the deep convictions of his mind, and the peace and love which now filled his soul.
"God has heard and answered me!" she exclaimed, clasping her hands upon her breast.
Mrs. Haven truly rejoiced with her friend at this new token of divine faithfulness.
The next day, when Harrison was going, by appointment, to call upon Mr. Kilby, in reference to their projected tour, Mrs. Danforth asked, "Would it not be better to decline the invitation? I fear it would dissipate your mind at this time." Harrison approached her and whispered, "God will be there, mother; I have given myself to him, and he will protect me from all harm."
[CHAPTER XIII.]
ALFRED A SAILOR.
"The expectation of the wicked shall perish."
IT is painful to turn from so pleasing a picture to one widely different. We must now go back, in imagination, two years, to the time when Alfred Haven turned from his mother's door and fled to a vessel which was lying in the harbor, where he shipped for a long voyage, under the name of Amos Harding. He found it necessary to adopt one with the same initials as his own, because so many of his clothes were marked A. H. These he had packed in a large carpet-bag and bundle, which, as he always disliked work, he easily persuaded a boy whom he found in the streets to carry to the wharf for a few pence. Though in his thirteenth year, he was so large and of so stout a frame that he might easily be mistaken for a boy much older. He determined to take advantage of this circumstance, and demand higher wages. For one of his age, he was already hardened in sin. Idleness and sloth had done their work; and all that had been lovely about the boy had long ago disappeared. With an unblushing countenance, and without the least scruple of conscience, he told his false tale,—that he was from the country, that he had always wanted to go to sea, but that the old folks objected. At last, when they found he was set upon going, they gave their consent to his making a trial of it for one voyage, hoping he would then settle down contentedly upon a farm.
"Have you been used to hard work?" asked the captain, looking with some suspicion at his soft, white hands.