less bright because it was hidden from men? A thick
shadow is about to pass upon my name; but is it not possible, father,
that God may still be feeding my soul with light--still guiding me
towards Himself? Will you not once more tell me, that man's career
never ends?"

"In a certain sense--in a certain sense, that is true, my son. But our
career here is what God has put into our own hands: and it seems to me
that you are throwing away His gift and His favour. How will you answer
when He asks you, `What hast thou done with the rank and the power I put
into thy hand? How hast thou used them?' What can you then answer, but
`I flung them away, and made myself useless and a reproach.' You know
what a station you hold in this camp--how you are prized by the General
for the excellence of the military discipline you have introduced; and
by me, and all the wise and religious, for the sobriety of manners and
purity of morals of which you are an example in yourself, and which you
have cherished among your troops, so that your soldiers are the boast of
the whole alliance. You know this--that you unite the influence of the
priest with the power of the commander; and yet you are going to cast
off both, with all the duties which belong to them, and sink yourself in
infamy--and with yourself, the virtues you have advocated. How will you
answer this to God?"

"Father, was there not One in whose path lay all the kingdoms of the
world and the glory of them, and who yet chose ignominy--to be despised
by the world, instead of to lead it? And was God severe with Him?
Forgive me, father; but have you not desired me to follow Him, though
far-off as the eastern moon from the setting sun?"

"That was a case, my son, unique in the world. The Saviour had a lot of
His own. Common men have rulers appointed them whom they are to serve;
and, if in rank and honour, so much the greater the favour of God. You
entered this service with an upright mind and pure intent; and here,
therefore, can you most safely remain, instead of casting yourself down
from the pinnacle of the temple, which, you know, the Son of God refused
to do. Remember His words, `Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.' Be
not tempted yourself, by pride of heart, to compare your lot with that
of Christ, which was unique."

"He devoted Himself for the whole race of man: He, and He alone. But it
seems to me that there may be periods of time when changes are appointed
to