XVI.

FAITH, HOPE, AND CHARITY.

In one of the dark periods, when shadows lay upon the earth, a beautiful
angel was sent to abide there and teach the doubting and weary of a
Father's love and care.

She found it a tedious task, and, after many years of toil, felt that she
needed a helper.

"If my sister were here," she often said to the people, "she could aid
you to greater efforts; for, while I seem to supply a needed element to
your souls, I only half succeed in meeting your wants."

"If she is but half as good as yourself we will welcome her," answered
those to whom she spoke.

"I will go for her," said Faith, one dark night, after she had been
trying to rouse the people to higher states, with what seemed to her but
little success. Faith was weary, and wept; and, when her tears flowed,
her sister, yet in the realms of peace, by a strange law of sympathy,
knew it, and ran to her father, saying, "I, too, must go to the earth;
for Faith needs me."

Her parent sat awhile in deep thought, and Hope waited impatiently
for his answer, which came spoken in a firm, clear voice: "We have done
Faith a great wrong, I fear, in sending her alone where so much light and
comfort is needed. It was too much for her. Go, Hope, and my blessing
attend you."

She was overjoyed at receiving her father's permission to join her
sister; for, since Faith had gone, her beautiful home had seemed lonely.

Faith sat all night with her eyes uplifted to heaven, and, when the
morning sun lit the hill-tops, behold! on its beams Hope was descending
to earth.

Faith was not long in ascending the hill to meet her sister. Their
meeting was full of joy.

"If my eyes had not been lifted heavenward, I should have missed you,
Hope: and you must have searched a long time for me; for my journeys
are far each day," said Faith to her sister.

"Keep your eyes _ever_ uplifted," answered Hope, "and you will see not
only the brightness of the heavens, but also the father's angels whom he
chooses to send to your aid."

"I will," answered Faith; and ever after her eyes were raised heavenward.

They descended to the valley, hand in hand, and reached it as the people
were passing to their daily toils.

How light now seemed the labors of Faith! What a comfort it was to
have Hope by her when she walked along the dreary wayside; and Hope's
bright words, how they cheered the downhearted!

"I wonder your parents ever permitted you to come to the earth a