and I trust the balm
has been poured in."

The countenance of Holden was agitated; his lips trembled, and, in a
broken voice, he replied:

"The nearest and dearest are gone. Yet hath God left me some comfort
in my affliction. I am not entirely bereft."

"In the promises of the Holy Scriptures you find consolation. Happy
the soul that draws comfort from their sacred pages!"

"I meant not entirely so. But it avails not now to explain. Yet art
thou right. I do find in the precious Book my dearest hope. Without
it, I were miserable indeed."

"And it sustains you under every trial and temptation?"

"Assuredly. For that very purpose was it given, that man might not
sink under the mystery of existence; that in its pages he should find
hope."

"And you find in it the warrant of your salvation?"

"I strive to work out my salvation, with fear and trembling."

"There are many who strive to enter, who shall not be able. How may
one be assured of safety?"

"There is a justification by faith. Hast thou never tasted of its
sweetness?"

"Alas! no," exclaimed Armstrong. "I have prayed for it, and longed for
it in vain. The threatenings of the Gospel and not its promises are
mine."

"Father, dear father, how can you speak so wildly?" cried his
daughter, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing his pale
cheek.

He looked at her a moment, then putting her away, gently, again
addressed Holden:

"Have you no word of comfort for me?"

"Faint not; neither be tired of well-doing," answered Holden, "and I
doubt not that the cloud which now concealeth the divine countenance
will depart, and thou shalt attain the peace that passeth
understanding."

"Have you attained it? Do you know what it is to be justified by
faith?"

"I have that blessed experience," cried the enthusiast. "Those whom He
called He justified. I am a brand plucked from the burning--a monument
of abounding mercy."

"Tell me, then," exclaimed Armstrong, "what are the signs by which it
may be known?" He said this eagerly, and with an air of the intensest
interest.

"I feel it," cried Holden, rising and standing before him, "in the
hatred that I bear towards all that conflicts with His will; in the
love with which I read His word; in the willingness to suffer all
things for the glory of His name, and to be damned for ever, if such
be His purpose; I feel it in that, through His grace, I can trample
the world under foot, and bear whatever cross His de