She
is about to become a mother, and have the direction and guidance
of a little tender life. I fancy such a responsibility must be
serious and solemn enough, without making it into a heavy and
oppressive burden, so that human nature recoils from bearing it.
While we do all we can to strengthen her sense of responsibility,
I would likewise do all we can to make her feel that it is
responsibility for what may become a blessing."
"Whether the children are legitimate or illegitimate?" asked Miss
Benson dryly.
"Yes!" said her brother firmly. "The more I think, the more I
believe I am right. No one," said he, blushing faintly as he
spoke, "can have a greater recoil from profligacy than I have.
You yourself have not greater sorrow over this young creature's
sin than I have; the difference is this, you confuse the
consequences with the sin."
"I don't understand metaphysics."
"I am not aware that I am talking metaphysics. I can imagine that
if the present occasion be taken rightly, and used well, all that
is good in her may be raised to a height unmeasured but by God;
while all that is evil and dark may, by His blessing, fade and
disappear in the pure light of her child's presence.--Oh, Father!
listen to my prayer, that her redemption may date from this time.
Help us to speak to her in the loving spirit of thy Holy Son!"
The tears were full in his eyes; he almost trembled in his
earnestness.
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