“It is fortunate, Mr. Roberts, you put the question to us,” replied the ladies.
“And why?”
“Oh, you have simply anticipated us in your request.”
“Then you had arranged to go?”
“Yes, conditionally on your accompanying us to hear that great and good man.”
“I am delighted, madam, in the prospect of seeing and hearing one so distinguished for learning and piety, one who has made so many sacrifices for the spiritual welfare of his countrymen.”
On their arrival at the church they found it crammed to suffocation, scarcely a single inch remained unoccupied. However, as the Misses Wynn and Mr. Roberts came in a carriage, and Bryn Villa being always open to receive clergymen of this and all other denominations, the deacons managed to find them seats. Mr. Charles’ discourse was above the average; some of the passages were most eloquent, and many members of the congregation were bathed in tears.
On their way home Mr. Roberts referred to a passage in Mr. Charles’ sermon, which he considered most beautiful. “You remember he said, ‘implicitly to follow the counsel of the best and wisest of men, is to depend on an arm of flesh. They only are right and safe who make God’s glory their end, God’s word their rule, God’s spirit the guide of their actions, and God’s providence the guide of their affairs. They may not be led by the nearest, but they will be by the best road; as it will certainly appear when they come to their journey’s end.’ If the Christian Church, and if all religious people were to act according to Mr. Charles’ sublime idea, the race would be happier than it is. The standard he set before us is a high one. I’ve found it difficult to live up to it.”
“I have no doubt you have, Mr. Roberts,” remarked the aunt. “We must, however, do our best, then Heaven will surely smile upon us, though we but imperfectly perform our religious duty.”
“It is that thought, madam, which cheers me in my hour of gloom and sadness. I often think that I should have given up striving to live to God were it not for the glorious promises He has given His Church and people. In my endeavour to attain to the highest form of spiritual life, your nephew, Miss Wynn, your dear brother, Miss Gwenfan, has helped me by his wise counsel, while his deep religiousness and high Christian character have been incentives to me to aspire to reach the highest good.”