The pastor had not been well enough to be present at any service for many weeks, and as he entered the church this morning, leaning heavily upon his wife’s arm, he received quite an ovation from the people.
In spite of the curiosity and excitement over Madge’s appearance, the congregation speedily settled down to quiet worship. There was something subducing, quieting in the preacher’s manner. Just before the address, the people sang:—
“Lo! God is here! let us adore,
And own how dreadful is this place!
Let all within us feel His power,
And silent bow before His face;
Who know His power, His grace who prove,
Serve Him with awe, with reverence, love.”
With the singing of this hymn a deep, deep solemnity came down upon the assembly. It deepened as the preacher unfolded the wonders of the Bible revelation relating to the Lord’s second coming.
Madge forgot her husband, as, absorbed by the wonder of the revelation, she drank in the glorious truth. Had she been more alert in watching the pastor, she would have seen how restless he grew! How angrily his eyes flashed! How scowling his beetling brows became.