Seite:Marsh Hallig 1856.djvu/85

bed the louder, till at length she broke forth in these
words,
  "He has rejected my prayer and turned away from
my faith."
  "Child, do not blaspheme !" cried the mother in
alarm ; "and may God lay not this sin to her charge,"
she prayed with uplifted hands, while tears rolled down
her furrowed cheeks.
  The pastor saw with astonishment to what a passion
Maria's love for Godber had suddenly risen — that love
which, during the long separation attended by so many
dangers to Godber, had remained so calm. But does
not the little meadow brook flow gently alike in sun-
shine and storm, and yet if you throw a stone into its
current, it foams up angrily. It was no time now to
discuss whether her views were true or false ; her soul
needed quick and powerful aid.
  He took Maria's hand, which had fallen at her side,
and said in a serious and quiet, but impressive tone :
  "Woe to the heart which denies its God, and to the
hands which do not hold fast upon Him. But we look
unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith. He
came to bring peace upon earth. He had not where to
lay His head. He was despised by His enemies, be-
trayed by His friends. He wept tears of blood in
Gethsemane, wore the wounding crown of thorns, and
was obedient unto death, even to the death of the
cross. He hath finished the work. To Him come the
weary and the heavy laden and receive peace, even His
peace. How can we weep and complain in our sorrow
when we remember His sufferings for us ? How can
we weep and complain at our brief passing earthly lot ?