THE LAST OF THE STORY.

"WE regret to announce the return, in consequence of ill health, of the Rev. Ralph Penwald, whose labours among the heathen of India have been so highly appreciated during a ministry of several years. It is feared that only a long or permanent sojourn in his native land will preserve his valuable life."

So ran an item of missionary intelligence, exciting different feelings in the hearts of different readers. Mr. Harry Sherwood's cognisance of the fact proved him, to his great satisfaction, a true prophet in the matter of his friend's health, which he had protested was not sufficiently restored for his work when he left the hospital, and made his long journey under a burning sun back to the old scene of interest. Harry cared little for the sickness, and was inclined to rejoice over anything that constrained a return to England, whither he hoped to follow in a few more months.

"Come and stay with me," wrote the friend to whom the country charge once offered to Ralph had been presented, "and let me see if there is not more work in you yet. A breeze on our pretty hillside will do you good, and when you are able to be of any use, I want help. Your 'crown of rejoicing' is not full-gemmed yet, and British pearls must mix with Indian diamonds."

The friendly invitation was accepted as soon as the invalid rallied from the effects of his voyage, which had tried him much. And Ralph was introduced to a scene which he had once pictured to himself as the result of his own presence there, and which his friend had been permitted to realise instead. And this pastor was one after his Lord's "own heart," feeding the flock, caring for them as a father for his children, and living among them in their homes and cares, their joys and sorrows, the very gospel he preached to them in the pulpit. A faithful teacher of truth in his ministry, and a living epistle for Christ in his life, could not fail to be blessed and a blessing. And so it was here.

In an atmosphere so congenial, Ralph's energies revived; and the brightness of his friend's spirit, with the peaceful pleasures of his home, could not fail to soothe and cheer the mind under the endurance of much personal suffering. Many were the happy hours of communion over the inspired pages that had made them both wise unto salvation and fellow-workers for the Lord they loved.

One of the fair features of the religion of Jesus especially claimed Ralph's cordial sympathy, for he knew the value of it abroad, and could see no valid reason for ignoring it at home. By precept and example, Mr. W— cultivated and illustrated the large-hearted, apostolic charity that "vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up," "thinketh no evil," "rejoiceth in the truth," from whatever quarter it comes; and, extending the right hand of Christian fellowship to all who "love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity," he welcomed to heart and board all and any who were anxious and qualified by providential circumstances, or endowed by the Head of the Church with gifts for special ministries, and gratefully hailed all scriptural instrumentalities that came in his way. Only let there be evidence that the Holy Spirit of God had taught the brother who came in the name of Jesus, and, so far as lay in his power, that brother found himself within the social circle of acknowledged relationship.

The differences that divide Christian men into various communions he knew to be "of the earth," and will "perish with the earth," having nothing to do with the foundation of the faith, nor with its high aim and end, the glory of God and the salvation of sinners; and that whatever scaffolding men choose to erect between foundation and top-stone has nothing to do with the spiritual life and position of the living stones that compose the temple. "The communion of saints" in the "one body" by union with the Divine Head was more dear and real to him than any visible uniformity or outward profession on earth. In the "household of faith" "charity" should bear "all things"; while from superstitious tamperings with, and pervertings of, the gospel of Christ, or infidel subtractions from its divine fulness and completeness, "faith" will bear "nothing."

In consequence of Mr. W—'s views on this point, which some called "liberal" and some "heretical," and some even "narrow,"—opinions varying, as they always do, from the point of view in which a subject is regarded, his influence was willingly felt and acknowledged among all orthodox parties, and no rivalries, no jealousies, and very little political strife ever disturbed his neighbourhood, and never "separated chief friends."

"If you feel able," he one day said to Ralph, "I want you to call with me on an old gentleman who resides some distance away, and who always has in reserve some knotty point or favourite theory to discuss. He has heard that I have with me a live missionary from India, and wishes to see you. Then I shall drive you a little farther for a beautiful view, which you shall enjoy by yourself while I pay another visit or two, and so we will make a long day of it. My wife promises us a basket of good things, that you may not be starved while left to my mercy, and she also undertakes to represent me at home."

Ralph thought he was able, and they went.

The old gentleman was gratified at the visit, and questioned Ralph minutely upon the mission work in India, and especially that in which he had been personally engaged, and Mr. W— knew perfectly well that a generous contribution would result to the good cause.

"Well, now," said their host, turning to his pastor, "do you mean to tell me that a man like your friend is to have only 'a penny' for his day's work, while I shall get a penny too for my pitiful hour?"

"Let him speak for himself," said Mr. W—. "I daresay he has estimated the reward as well as 'counted the cost' of the service he undertook."

"Very well, sir. Then, Mr. Penwald, I shall trouble you to show me how it can be just or right to treat all alike hereafter who have been so very unlike down here. I am sure there is some right way to put it, but until I got at it, I confess myself obliged to cast in my lot with the grumbler, so far as his complaint goes."

"Are you sure that the parable of which you are thinking has any such reference?" said Penwald. "In its first connection it may be a special lesson addressed to the Jews, who had been 'first,' but, in consequence of their rejection of the Messiah, must be 'last,' after the Gentile dispensation should have accomplished its special purpose of 'gathering out' from all nations 'a people for His name.' The Jews had agreed to serve the Lord in the morning of His dealings with the world; had they any right to murmur because He chose, in the same sovereign grace which had favoured them, to call in others to the honour they had but lightly esteemed?"

"No, surely not. I like the thought, but you say only 'it may be so.' What if it be not?"

"I say that you have just the same right that I have to use your own judgment, and consider what view of the parable is most in harmony with the rest of God's holy word."

"Well, but when I read the parables of the talents and the pounds, and the addresses to the seven churches, I find that there is a difference. If you dislike any personal reference, take for example the cases of the dying thief and of the Apostle Paul. Were ever two lives more unlike each other?"

"Take the parable of the vineyard to represent salvation, eternal life, and that of the talents to represent the reward of service, and I think your difficulty will end. The thief and Paul were both lost sinners; as regards salvation they were equal; both were saved by the grace of God, by faith in the precious blood of Christ, and had nothing of their own to offer, but everything of their own, whether sinful self or righteous self, to put away. God gave to them both eternal life for Christ's sake, but there the parallel ends.

"One passed away without opportunity to do a single thing for his Saviour, the other was a chosen vessel to bear that Saviour's name over the known world, and to 'suffer great things' for His sake. Only one of them could say, 'I have fought a good fight . . . I have kept the faith.' To only one of them can it be said, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.' Both will join to sing, 'Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood;' but both cannot wear the martyr's crown, and only one of them will be able to rejoice in the presence of the Lord at His coming over the 'glory and joy' of souls brought from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, by the honoured means of his faithful testimony."

"I like that," said the old gentleman; "it puts one's life and work into the right place."

"The children of God need not ignore the hope of reward for devoted service; nay, even 'a cup of cold water' given for His sake shall not be forgotten in the reckoning day; but they must guard with jealous care against the possibility of mistaking motives. In the work of salvation, Christ stands, not pre-eminent, but 'alone'—our altar, sacrifice, and great High Priest; but in glorifying God, He is 'the Firstborn of many brethren,' and shares His honours with every faithful servant."

"It seems to me," said the old gentleman, "that the religion of the Bible is more to teach man how to live than how to die. The poor thief just believed in time to die safe, all for himself, and, so far as he was personally concerned, was nothing for his Saviour but a trophy snatched out of the devil's malice. 'He shall die with thieves,' said his enemy. 'But I shall save a thief,' said the dying Saviour. Now death in safety is not the sole purpose of salvation."

"Certainly not. Very little is said about death in the New Testament, but a great deal about life.

"'He died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto Him who died for them and rose again.'

"'For ye are bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body and your spirit, which are God's.'

"'Be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.'

"Are you labouring for salvation? No; salvation is a free gift, but for the glory of Him who has saved us, and the reward so dear to loving hearts, the joy of His approving smile."

"Yes; that's the right sort, I believe, sir. I shall not forget your view of the vineyard."

The good old man had been brought late into the light, but his "pitiful hour" had a fund of usefulness and blessing in it.

Mr. W— drove his friend to the promised spot, where invalids often resorted for the benefit of a sea breeze, and where some who were not invalids often rambled to enjoy the superb beauty of the view.

Ralph had thrown himself along a bench, and, shading his brow with his hand, resigned himself to a half-hour of exquisite pleasure in making acquaintance with every feature in the scene. He had scarcely noticed the repeated saunter past him of a lady and a gentleman to whom he had become an object of interest; but, suddenly altering his position, he encountered the inquiring gaze of his friend Frank Somers.

"My dear old fellow!" exclaimed Frank. "I thought I was not mistaken. What a pleasant surprise is this!"

To Penwald it was not less pleasant; and in the eager greeting the young lady stood smilingly by, almost unnoticed for the moment.

"What a budget we shall each have to empty, Ralph!" said Frank. "But I must begin at the end, and introduce my last item in the name of my wife, your old friend Florence Sherwood."

Ralph stood perfectly excused for not recognising the child of former years in the graceful woman before him, but they had too many themes of interest in common to meet as strangers; and a long and happy day together afforded opportunity for retracing the past and making sundry plans for the future.

"You will find letters and presents from Harry waiting for you at home," said Ralph. "I was unable to be the bearer of them myself, and forwarded them to Miss Sherwood's address."

"My mother and Myra and Elsie are to meet us at our new home in a week," said Frank; "you must promise to join us there."

Florence marked the flush of pleasure that overspread the face of their friend, recalling the bright visitor of former well-remembered days, but it faded again as he replied,—

"I am but a poor invalid yet, Frank, and am not fit to join such a happy party. I do not know yet whether I am to hope for recovery, or to await a gentle and sure decline."

"We are not going to await any such thing," said Frank, "and you are not to give yourself up. Expect and hope to get well, and you will do so."

"My Father's will be done," said Ralph, with an expression of perfect peace on his worn countenance.

"Let us try if it is not His will to restore you, dear old friend! You will come and see us. Bring a servant who knows how to attend to you, and trust to English hearts and cooks for the rest."

Penwald laughed at the prescription. "It has not come to that yet, thank you," said he. "I can minister to all my own wants, and though the hearts will be fully appreciated, the cooks will not. I am no epicure, notwithstanding India."

"So much the better every way. You give encouraging signs in a yellow gentleman from the East," said Frank gaily. "So you come."

"If you wish it, and if I can," said Ralph.

"We do wish it very much, Mr. Penwald," said Florence. "Did not Harry wish it too?"

"Yes; Harry is only too kind to me. Perhaps, excepting yourself, there is only one person in the world for whom he cherishes more earnest and warm affection. I need not tell you that he is all but an idolater, Mr. Somers."

"Of our dear Myra," said Florence, smiling. "I am disposed to justify him, Mr. Penwald. She has been our guardian angel, you know, and has given up everything she might have had, for us and our interests."

"And no one has been able to beguile her from you?" said Ralph.

"No one," said Florence, "though the effort has been made."

Ralph felt irresistibly impelled to sea Myra again, and it was remarkable what a tonic her society proved. Those who admired Myra Sherwood as a girl could not fail to admire her more as a woman. Her simple, unassuming manner remained unchanged, and a matured dignity subtracted nothing from her early grace. Former interest could not but increase on both sides in renewed intercourse, and Mr. Penwald forgot that he had apprehended dying of gentle decline; the lawful desire for prolonged life and usefulness, with a companion capable of adding to it the highest and sweetest domestic happiness, had due effect in rapid and complete restoration.

Harry having made the "overland route," burst in upon the home party in time to bestow with his own hand his darling sister upon the friend even he deemed almost worthy of her.

For her brothers and sisters, Myra's chief work was done; the pet and fairy Elsie was equally at home with her or Florence. All went happily with the young emigrants, and it remained for her, in another sphere and another range of duty, still to honour and adorn the religion of Jesus. She had experienced the blessedness of giving, and now others were to enjoy it too, and she was to take her turn as the recipient of new happiness and blessing.

Wherever the Master called, His servants would go, and if the missionary should return to India, he would not go alone.

THE END.

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