TheWorkshopWithasingledropofinkforamirror，theEgyptiansorcererundertakestorevealtoanychancecomerfar-reachingvisionsofthepast。ThisiswhatIundertaketodoforyou，reader。Withthisdropofinkattheendofmypen，IwillshowyoutheroomyworkshopofMr。JonathanBurge，carpenterandbuilder，inthevillageofHayslope，asitappearedontheeighteenthofJune，intheyearofourLord1799。
　　Theafternoonsunwaswarmonthefiveworkmenthere，busyupondoorsandwindow-framesandwainscoting。Ascentofpine-woodfromatentlikepileofplanksoutsidetheopendoormingleditselfwiththescentoftheelder-busheswhichwerespreadingtheirsummersnowclosetotheopenwindowopposite；theslantingsunbeamsshonethroughthetransparentshavingsthatflewbeforethesteadyplane，andlitupthefinegrainoftheoakpanellingwhichstoodproppedagainstthewall。Onaheapofthosesoftshavingsarough，greyshepherddoghadmadehimselfapleasantbed，andwaslyingwithhisnosebetweenhisfore-paws，occasionallywrinklinghisbrowstocastaglanceatthetallestofthefiveworkmen，whowascarvingashieldinthecentreofawoodenmantelpiece。Itwastothisworkmanthatthestrongbarytonebelongedwhichwasheardabovethesoundofplaneandhammersinging——
　　Awake，mysoul，andwiththesunThydailystageofdutyrun；
　　Shakeoffdullsloth……
　　Heresomemeasurementwastobetakenwhichrequiredmoreconcentratedattention，andthesonorousvoicesubsidedintoalowwhistle；butitpresentlybrokeoutagainwithrenewedvigour——
　　Letallthyconversebesincere，Thyconscienceasthenoondayclear。
　　Suchavoicecouldonlycomefromabroadchest，andthebroadchestbelongedtoalarge-boned，muscularmannearlysixfeethigh，withabacksoflatandaheadsowellpoisedthatwhenhedrewhimselfuptotakeamoredistantsurveyofhiswork，hehadtheairofasoldierstandingatease。Thesleeverolledupabovetheelbowshowedanarmthatwaslikelytowintheprizeforfeatsofstrength；yetthelongsupplehand，withitsbroadfinger-tips，lookedreadyforworksofskill。InhistallstalwartnessAdamBedewasaSaxon，andjustifiedhisname；butthejet-blackhair，madethemorenoticeablebyitscontrastwiththelightpapercap，andthekeenglanceofthedarkeyesthatshonefromunderstronglymarked，prominentandmobileeyebrows，indicatedamixtureofCelticblood。Thefacewaslargeandroughlyhewn，andwheninreposehadnootherbeautythansuchasbelongstoanexpressionofgood-humouredhonestintelligence。
　　ItisclearataglancethatthenextworkmanisAdam’sbrother。
　　Heisnearlyastall；hehasthesametypeoffeatures，thesamehueofhairandcomplexion；butthestrengthofthefamilylikenessseemsonlytorendermoreconspicuoustheremarkabledifferenceofexpressionbothinformandface。Seth’sbroadshouldershaveaslightstoop；hiseyesaregrey；hiseyebrowshavelessprominenceandmorereposethanhisbrother’s；andhisglance，insteadofbeingkeen，isconfidingandbenign。Hehasthrownoffhispapercap，andyouseethathishairisnotthickandstraight，likeAdam’s，butthinandwavy，allowingyoutodiscerntheexactcontourofacoronalarchthatpredominatesverydecidedlyoverthebrow。
　　TheidletrampsalwaysfeltsuretheycouldgetacopperfromSeth；theyscarcelyeverspoketoAdam。
　　TheconcertofthetoolsandAdam’svoicewasatlastbrokenbySeth，who，liftingthedooratwhichhehadbeenworkingintently，placeditagainstthewall，andsaid，"There！I’vefinishedmydoorto-day，anyhow。"
　　Theworkmenalllookedup；JimSalt，aburly，red-hairedmanknownasSandyJim，pausedfromhisplaning，andAdamsaidtoSeth，withasharpglanceofsurprise，"What！Dostthinkthee’stfinishedthedoor？"
　　"Aye，sure，"saidSeth，withansweringsurprise；"what’sawantingto’t？"
　　AloudroaroflaughterfromtheotherthreeworkmenmadeSethlookroundconfusedly。Adamdidnotjoininthelaughter，buttherewasaslightsmileonhisfaceashesaid，inagentlertonethanbefore，"Why，thee’stforgotthepanels。"
　　ThelaughterburstoutafreshasSethclappedhishandstohishead，andcolouredoverbrowandcrown。
　　"Hoorray！"shoutedasmalllithefellowcalledWiryBen，runningforwardandseizingthedoor。"We’llhangupth’dooratfurendo’th’shopan’writeon’t’SethBede，theMethody，hiswork。’
　　Here，Jim，lend’shouldo’th’redpot。"
　　"Nonsense！"saidAdam。"Letitalone，BenCranage。You’llmayhapbemakingsuchaslipyourselfsomeday；you’lllaugho’th’othersideo’yourmouththen。"
　　"Catchmeatit，Adam。It’llbeagoodwhileaforemyhead’sfullo’th’Methodies，"saidBen。
　　"Nay，butit’softenfullo’drink，andthat’sworse。"
　　Ben，however，hadnowgotthe"redpot"inhishand，andwasabouttobeginwritinghisinscription，making，bywayofpreliminary，animaginarySintheair。
　　"Letitalone，willyou？"Adamcalledout，layingdownhistools，stridinguptoBen，andseizinghisrightshoulder。"Letitalone，orI’llshakethesoulouto’yourbody。"
　　BenshookinAdam’sirongrasp，but，likeapluckysmallmanashewas，hedidn’tmeantogivein。Withhislefthandhesnatchedthebrushfromhispowerlessright，andmadeamovementasifhewouldperformthefeatofwritingwithhisleft。InamomentAdamturnedhimround，seizedhisothershoulder，and，pushinghimalong，pinnedhimagainstthewall。ButnowSethspoke。
　　"Letbe，Addy，letbe。Benwillbejoking。Why，he’si’therighttolaughatme——Icannahelplaughingatmyself。"
　　"Ishan’tloosehimtillhepromisestoletthedooralone，"saidAdam。
　　"Come，Ben，lad，"saidSeth，inapersuasivetone，"don’tlet’shaveaquarrelaboutit。YouknowAdamwillhavehisway。Youmay’swelltrytoturnawaggoninanarrowlane。Sayyou’llleavethedooralone，andmakeanendon’t。"
　　"IbinnafrightedatAdam，"saidBen，"butIdonnamindsayin’asI’lllet’taloneatyouraskin’，Seth。"
　　"Come，that’swiseofyou，Ben，"saidAdam，laughingandrelaxinghisgrasp。
　　Theyallreturnedtotheirworknow；butWiryBen，havinghadtheworstinthebodilycontest，wasbentonretrievingthathumiliationbyasuccessinsarcasm。
　　"Whichwasyethinkin’on，Seth，"hebegan——"theprettyparson’sfaceorhersarmunt，whenyeforgotthepanels？"
　　"Comeandhearher，Ben，"saidSeth，good-humouredly；"she’sgoingtopreachontheGreento-night；happenye’dgetsomethingtothinkonyourselfthen，insteado’thosewickedsongsyou’resofondon。Yemightgetreligion，andthat’udbethebestday’searningsy’evermade。"
　　"Alli’goodtimeforthat，Seth；I’llthinkaboutthatwhenI’ma-goin’tosettlei’life；bachelorsdoesn’twantsuchheavyearnin’s。HappenIshalldothecoortin’an’thereligionbothtogether，asYEdo，Seth；butyewouldnaha’megetconvertedan’
　　chopinatweenyean’theprettypreacher，an’carryheraff？"
　　"Nofearo’that，Ben；she’sneitherforyounorformetowin，I
　　doubt。Onlyyoucomeandhearher，andyouwon’tspeaklightlyonheragain。"
　　"Well，I’mhalfamindt’ha’alookatherto-night，ifthereisn’tgoodcompanyatth’HollyBush。What’llshetakeforhertext？Happenyecantellme，Seth，ifsobeasIshouldnacomeupi’timefor’t。Will’tbe——whatcomeyeoutfortosee？A
　　prophetess？Yea，Isayuntoyou，andmorethanaprophetess——auncommonprettyyoungwoman。"
　　"Come，Ben，"saidAdam，rathersternly，"youletthewordso’theBiblealone；you’regoingtoofarnow。"
　　"What！AreYEa-turnin’roun’，Adam？Ithoughtyewardeadagainth’womenpreachin’，awhileagoo？"
　　"Nay，I’mnotturnin’noway。Isaidnoughtaboutthewomenpreachin’。Isaid，YoulettheBiblealone:you’vegotajest-
　　book，han’tyou，asyou’rerareandproudon？Keepyourdirtyfingerstothat。"
　　"Why，y’aregettin’asbigasaintasSeth。Y’aregoin’toth’
　　preachin’to-night，Ishouldthink。Ye’lldofinelyt’leadthesingin’。ButIdon’knowwhatParsonIrwine’ullsayathisgran’
　　favrightAdamBedea-turnin’Methody。"
　　"Neverdoyoubotheryourselfaboutme，Ben。I’mnota-goingtoturnMethodistanymorenoryouare——thoughit’slikeenoughyou’llturntosomethingworse。MesterIrwine’sgotmoresensenortomeddlewi’people’sdoingastheylikeinreligion。That’sbetweenthemselvesandGod，ashe’ssaidtomemanyatime。"
　　"Aye，aye；buthe’snonesofondo’yourdissenters，forallthat。"
　　"Maybe；I’mnonesofondo’JoshTod’sthickale，butIdon’thinderyoufrommakingafoolo’yourselfwi’t。"
　　TherewasalaughatthisthrustofAdam’s，butSethsaid，veryseriously。"Nay，nay，Addy，theemustnasayasanybody’sreligion’slikethickale。TheedostnabelievebutwhatthedissentersandtheMethodistshavegottherooto’thematteraswellasthechurchfolks。"
　　"Nay，Seth，lad；I’mnotforlaughingatnoman’sreligion。Let’emfollowtheirconsciences，that’sall。OnlyIthinkit’udbebetteriftheirconsciences’udlet’emstayquieti’thechurch——
　　there’sadealtobelearntthere。Andthere’ssuchathingasbeingoversperitial；wemusthavesomethingbesideGospeli’thisworld。Lookatthecanals，an’th’aqueduc’s，an’th’coal-pitengines，andArkwright’smillsthereatCromford；amanmustlearnsummatbesideGospeltomakethemthings，Ireckon。Butt’hearsomeo’thempreachers，you’dthinkasamanmustbedoingnothingall’slifebutshutting’seyesandlookingwhat’sagoingoninsidehim。Iknowamanmusthavetheloveo’Godinhissoul，andtheBible’sGod’sword。ButwhatdoestheBiblesay？Why，itsaysasGodputhissperritintotheworkmanasbuiltthetabernacle，tomakehimdoallthecarvedworkandthingsaswantedanicehand。
　　Andthisismywayo’lookingatit:there’sthesperrito’Godinallthingsandalltimes——weekdayaswellasSunday——andi’thegreatworksandinventions，andi’thefiguringandthemechanics。
　　AndGodhelpsuswithourheadpiecesandourhandsaswellaswithoursouls；andifamandoesbitso’jobsouto’workinghours——
　　buildsaovenfor’swifetosaveherfromgoingtothebakehouse，orscratsathisbito’gardenandmakestwopotatoesgrowisteado’one，he’sdoin’moregood，andhe’sjustasneartoGod，asifhewasrunningaftersomepreacheranda-prayinganda-groaning。"
　　"Welldone，Adam！"saidSandyJim，whohadpausedfromhisplaningtoshifthisplankswhileAdamwasspeaking；"that’sthebestsarmuntI’vehearedthislongwhile。Byth’sametoken，mywife’sbeena-plaguin’onmetobuildheraoventhistwelvemont。"
　　"There’sreasoninwhattheesay’st，Adam，"observedSeth，gravely。"Buttheeknow’stthyselfasit’shearingthepreacherstheefind’stsomuchfaultwithhasturnedmanyanidlefellowintoanindustriousun。It’sthepreacherasemptiesth’
　　alehouse；andifamangetsreligion，he’lldohisworknonetheworseforthat。"
　　"On’yhe’lllavethepanelsouto’th’doorssometimes，eh，Seth？"
　　saidWiryBen。
　　"Ah，Ben，you’vegotajokeagain’meas’lllastyouyourlife。
　　Butitisnareligionaswasi’faultthere；itwasSethBede，aswasallaysawool-gatheringchap，andreligionhasnacuredhim，themore’sthepity。"
　　"Ne’erheedme，Seth，"saidWiryBen，"y’areadown-rightgood-
　　heartedchap，panelsornopanels；an’yedonnasetupyourbristlesateverybito’fun，likesomeo’yourkin，asismayhapcliverer。"
　　"Seth，lad，"saidAdam，takingnonoticeofthesarcasmagainsthimself，"theemustnatakemeunkind。IwasnadrivingattheeinwhatIsaidjustnow。Some’sgotonewayo’lookingatthingsandsome’sgotanother。"
　　"Nay，nay，Addy，theemean’stmenounkindness，"saidSeth，"I
　　knowthatwellenough。Thee’tlikethydogGyp——theebark’statmesometimes，buttheeallayslick’stmyhandafter。"
　　Allhandsworkedoninsilenceforsomeminutes，untilthechurchclockbegantostrikesix。Beforethefirststrokehaddiedaway，SandyJimhadloosedhisplaneandwasreachinghisjacket；WiryBenhadleftascrewhalfdrivenin，andthrownhisscrewdriverintohistool-basket；MumTaft，who，truetohisname，hadkeptsilencethroughoutthepreviousconversation，hadflungdownhishammerashewasintheactofliftingit；andSeth，too，hadstraightenedhisback，andwasputtingouthishandtowardshispapercap。Adamalonehadgoneonwithhisworkasifnothinghadhappened。Butobservingthecessationofthetools，helookedup，andsaid，inatoneofindignation，"Lookthere，now！Ican’tabidetoseementhrowawaytheirtoolsi’thatway，theminutetheclockbeginstostrike，asiftheytooknopleasurei’theirworkandwasafraido’doingastroketoomuch。"
　　Sethlookedalittleconscious，andbegantobeslowerinhispreparationsforgoing，butMumTaftbrokesilence，andsaid，"Aye，aye，Adamlad，yetalklikeayoungun。Wheny’aresix-
　　an’-fortylikeme，istido’six-an’-twenty，yewonnabesoflusho’workin’fornought。"
　　"Nonsense，"saidAdam，stillwrathful；"what’sagegottodowithit，Iwonder？Yearenagettingstiffyet，Ireckon。Ihatetoseeaman’sarmsdropdownasifhewasshot，beforetheclock’sfairlystruck，justasifhe’dneverabito’prideanddelightin’swork。Theverygrindstone’ullgoonturningabitafteryoulooseit。"
　　"Bodderation，Adam！"exclaimedWiryBen；"laveachapaloon，will’ee？Yewarafindingfautwi’preachersawhileagoo——y’arefondenougho’preachin’yoursen。Yemaylikeworkbetternorplay，butIlikeplaybetternorwork；that’ll’commodateye——itlavesyeth’moretodo。"
　　Withthisexitspeech，whichheconsideredeffective，WiryBenshoulderedhisbasketandlefttheworkshop，quicklyfollowedbyMumTaftandSandyJim。Sethlingered，andlookedwistfullyatAdam，asifheexpectedhimtosaysomething。
　　"Shaltgohomebeforetheego’sttothepreaching？"Adamasked，lookingup。
　　"Nay；I’vegotmyhatandthingsatWillMaskery’s。Ishan’tbehomebeforegoingforten。I’llhappenseeDinahMorrissafehome，ifshe’swilling。There’snobodycomeswithherfromPoyser’s，theeknow’st。"
　　"ThenI’lltellmothernottolookforthee，"saidAdam。
　　"TheeartnagoingtoPoyser’sthyselfto-night？"saidSethrathertimidly，asheturnedtoleavetheworkshop。
　　"Nay，I’mgoingtoth’school。"
　　HithertoGyphadkepthiscomfortablebed，onlyliftinguphisheadandwatchingAdammorecloselyashenoticedtheotherworkmendeparting。ButnosoonerdidAdamputhisrulerinhispocket，andbegintotwisthisapronroundhiswaist，thanGypranforwardandlookedupinhismaster’sfacewithpatientexpectation。IfGyphadhadatailhewoulddoubtlesshavewaggedit，butbeingdestituteofthatvehicleforhisemotions，hewaslikemanyotherworthypersonages，destinedtoappearmorephlegmaticthannaturehadmadehim。
　　"What！Artreadyforthebasket，eh，Gyp？"saidAdam，withthesamegentlemodulationofvoiceaswhenhespoketoSeth。
　　Gypjumpedandgaveashortbark，asmuchastosay，"Ofcourse。"
　　Poorfellow，hehadnotagreatrangeofexpression。
　　ThebasketwastheonewhichonworkdaysheldAdam’sandSeth’sdinner；andnoofficial，walkinginprocession，couldlookmoreresolutelyunconsciousofallacquaintancesthanGypwithhisbasket，trottingathismaster’sheels。
　　OnleavingtheworkshopAdamlockedthedoor，tookthekeyout，andcarriedittothehouseontheothersideofthewoodyard。Itwasalowhouse，withsmoothgreythatchandbuffwalls，lookingpleasantandmellowintheeveninglight。Theleadedwindowswerebrightandspeckless，andthedoor-stonewasascleanasawhiteboulderatebbtide。Onthedoor-stonestoodacleanoldwoman，inadark-stripedlinengown，aredkerchief，andalinencap，talkingtosomespeckledfowlswhichappearedtohavebeendrawntowardsherbyanillusoryexpectationofcoldpotatoesorbarley。
　　Theoldwoman’ssightseemedtobedim，forshedidnotrecognizeAdamtillhesaid，"Here’sthekey，Dolly；layitdownformeinthehouse，willyou？"
　　"Aye，sure；butwunnayecomein，Adam？MissMary’si’th’house，andMesterBurge’ullbebackanon；he’dbegladt’ha’yetosupperwi’m，I’llbe’swarrand。"
　　"No，Dolly，thankyou；I’moffhome。Goodevening。"
　　Adamhastenedwithlongstrides，Gypclosetohisheels，outoftheworkyard，andalongthehighroadleadingawayfromthevillageanddowntothevalley。Ashereachedthefootoftheslope，anelderlyhorseman，withhisportmanteaustrappedbehindhim，stoppedhishorsewhenAdamhadpassedhim，andturnedroundtohaveanotherlonglookatthestalwartworkmaninpapercap，leatherbreeches，anddark-blueworstedstockings。
　　Adam，unconsciousoftheadmirationhewasexciting，presentlystruckacrossthefields，andnowbrokeoutintothetunewhichhadalldaylongbeenrunninginhishead:
　　Letallthyconversebesincere，Thyconscienceasthenoondayclear；
　　ForGod’sall-seeingeyesurveysThysecretthoughts，thyworksandways。
　　ThePreachingAboutaquartertoseventherewasanunusualappearanceofexcitementinthevillageofHayslope，andthroughthewholelengthofitslittlestreet，fromtheDonnithorneArmstothechurchyardgate，theinhabitantshadevidentlybeendrawnoutoftheirhousesbysomethingmorethanthepleasureofloungingintheeveningsunshine。TheDonnithorneArmsstoodattheentranceofthevillage，andasmallfarmyardandstackyardwhichflankedit，indicatingthattherewasaprettytakeoflandattachedtotheinn，gavethetravellerapromiseofgoodfeedforhimselfandhishorse，whichmightwellconsolehimfortheignoranceinwhichtheweather-beatensignlefthimastotheheraldicbearingsofthatancientfamily，theDonnithornes。Mr。Casson，thelandlord，hadbeenforsometimestandingatthedoorwithhishandsinhispockets，balancinghimselfonhisheelsandtoesandlookingtowardsapieceofunenclosedground，withamapleinthemiddleofit，whichheknewtobethedestinationofcertaingrave-
　　lookingmenandwomenwhomhehadobservedpassingatintervals。
　　Mr。Casson’spersonwasbynomeansofthatcommontypewhichcanbeallowedtopasswithoutdescription。Onafrontviewitappearedtoconsistprincipallyoftwospheres，bearingaboutthesamerelationtoeachotherastheearthandthemoon:thatistosay，thelowerspheremightbesaid，ataroughguess，tobethirteentimeslargerthantheupperwhichnaturallyperformedthefunctionofameresatelliteandtributary。Butheretheresemblanceceased，forMr。Casson’sheadwasnotatallamelancholy-lookingsatellitenorwasita"spottyglobe，"asMiltonhasirreverentlycalledthemoon；onthecontrary，noheadandfacecouldlookmoresleekandhealthy，anditsexpression——
　　whichwaschieflyconfinedtoapairofroundandruddycheeks，theslightknotandinterruptionsformingthenoseandeyesbeingscarcelyworthmention——wasoneofjollycontentment，onlytemperedbythatsenseofpersonaldignitywhichusuallymadeitselffeltinhisattitudeandbearing。Thissenseofdignitycouldhardlybeconsideredexcessiveinamanwhohadbeenbutlerto"thefamily"forfifteenyears，andwho，inhispresenthighposition，wasnecessarilyverymuchincontactwithhisinferiors。
　　HowtoreconcilehisdignitywiththesatisfactionofhiscuriositybywalkingtowardstheGreenwastheproblemthatMr。
　　Cassonhadbeenrevolvinginhismindforthelastfiveminutes；
　　butwhenhehadpartlysolveditbytakinghishandsoutofhispockets，andthrustingthemintothearmholesofhiswaistcoat，bythrowinghisheadononeside，andprovidinghimselfwithanairofcontemptuousindifferencetowhatevermightfallunderhisnotice，histhoughtsweredivertedbytheapproachofthehorsemanwhomwelatelysawpausingtohaveanotherlookatourfriendAdam，andwhonowpulledupatthedooroftheDonnithorneArms。
　　"Takeoffthebridleandgivehimadrink，ostler，"saidthetravellertotheladinasmock-frock，whohadcomeoutoftheyardatthesoundofthehorse’shoofs。
　　"Why，what’supinyourprettyvillage，landlord？"hecontinued，gettingdown。"Thereseemstobequiteastir。"
　　"It’saMethodis’preaching，sir；it’sbeengevhoutasayoungwoman’sa-goingtopreachontheGreen，"answeredMr。Casson，inatrebleandwheezyvoice，withaslightlymincingaccent。"Willyoupleasetostepin，sir，an’teksomethink？"
　　"No，ImustbegettingontoRosseter。Ionlywantadrinkformyhorse。Andwhatdoesyourparsonsay，Iwonder，toayoungwomanpreachingjustunderhisnose？"
　　"ParsonIrwine，sir，doesn’tlivehere；helivesatBrox’on，overthehillthere。Theparsonagehere’satumble-downplace，sir，notfitforgentrytolivein。HecomesheretopreachofaSundayafternoon，sir，an’putsuphishosshere。It’sagreycob，sir，an’hesetsgreatstoreby’t。He’sallaysputuphishosshere，sir，iversincebeforeIhedtheDonnithorneArms。I’mnotthiscountryman，youmaytellbymytongue，sir。They’recur’oustalkersi’thiscountry，sir；thegentry’shardworktohunderstand’em。Iwasbroughthupamongthegentry，sir，an’gottheturno’theirtonguewhenIwasabye。Why，whatdoyouthinkthefolksheresaysfor’hevn’tyou？’——thegentry，youknow，says，’hevn’tyou’——well，thepeopleaboutheresays’hannayey。’It’swhattheycallthedileckasisspokehereabout，sir。That’swhatI’vehearedSquireDonnithornesaymanyatime；it’sthedileck，sayshe。"
　　"Aye，aye，"saidthestranger，smiling。"Iknowitverywell。
　　Butyou’venotgotmanyMethodistsabouthere，surely——inthisagriculturalspot？IshouldhavethoughttherewouldhardlybesuchathingasaMethodisttobefoundabouthere。You’reallfarmers，aren’tyou？TheMethodistscanseldomlaymuchholdonTHEM。"
　　"Why，sir，there’saprettyloto’workmenroundabout，sir。
　　There’sMesterBurgeasownsthetimber-yardoverthere，heunderteksagoodbito’buildingan’repairs。An’there’sthestone-pitsnotfaroff。There’splentyofemplyi’thiscountryside，sir。An’there’safinebatcho’MethodissesatTreddles’on——that’sthemarkettownaboutthreemileoff——you’llmaybeha’comethroughit，sir。There’sprettynighascoreof’emontheGreennow，ascomefromthere。That’swhereourpeoplegetsitfrom，thoughthere’sonlytwomenof’eminallHayslope:
　　that’sWillMaskery，thewheelwright，andSethBede，ayoungmanasworksatthecarpenterin’。"
　　"ThepreachercomesfromTreddleston，then，doesshe？"
　　"Nay，sir，shecomesouto’Stonyshire，prettynighthirtymileoff。Butshe’sa-visitin’hereaboutatMesterPoyser’sattheHallFarm——it’sthembarnsan’bigwalnut-trees，rightawaytotheleft，sir。She’sownniecetoPoyser’swife，an’they’llbefinean’vexedatherformakingafoolofherselfi’thatway。ButI’vehearedasthere’snoholdingtheseMethodisseswhenthemaggit’soncegoti’theirhead:manyof’emgoesstarkstarin’
　　madwi’theirreligion。Thoughthisyoungwoman’squietenoughtolookat，bywhatIcanmakeout；I’venotseenhermyself。"
　　"Well，IwishIhadtimetowaitandseeher，butImustgeton。
　　I’vebeenoutofmywayforthelasttwentyminutestohavealookatthatplaceinthevalley。It’sSquireDonnithorne’s，I
　　suppose？"
　　"Yes，sir，that’sDonnithorneChase，thatis。Finehoaksthere，isn’tthere，sir？Ishouldknowwhatitis，sir，forI’velivedbutlertherea-goingi’fifteenyear。It’sCaptainDonnithorneasisth’heir，sir——SquireDonnithorne’sgrandson。He’llbecomin’
　　ofhagethis’ay-’arvest，sir，an’weshallhevfinedoin’s。Heownsallthelandabouthere，sir，SquireDonnithornedoes。"
　　"Well，it’saprettyspot，whoevermayownit，"saidthetraveller，mountinghishorse；"andonemeetssomefinestrappingfellowsabouttoo。ImetasfineayoungfellowaseverIsawinmylife，abouthalfanhourago，beforeIcameupthehill——acarpenter，atall，broad-shoulderedfellowwithblackhairandblackeyes，marchingalonglikeasoldier。WewantsuchfellowsashetolicktheFrench。"
　　"Aye，sir，that’sAdamBede，thatis，I’llbebound——ThiasBede’ssoneverybodyknowshimhereabout。He’sanuncommoncleverstiddyfellow，an’wonderfulstrong。Lordblessyou，sir——ifyou’llhexcusemeforsayingso——hecanwalkfortymilea-day，an’liftamattero’sixtyston’。He’sanuncommonfavouritewi’thegentry，sir:CaptainDonnithorneandParsonIrwinemeksafinefusswi’
　　him。Buthe’salittleliftedupan’peppery-like。"
　　"Well，goodeveningtoyou，landlord；Imustgeton。"
　　"Yourservant，sir；goodevenin’。"
　　Thetravellerputhishorseintoaquickwalkupthevillage，butwhenheapproachedtheGreen，thebeautyoftheviewthatlayonhisrighthand，thesingularcontrastpresentedbythegroupsofvillagerswiththeknotofMethodistsnearthemaple，andperhapsyetmore，curiositytoseetheyoungfemalepreacher，provedtoomuchforhisanxietytogettotheendofhisjourney，andhepaused。
　　TheGreenlayattheextremityofthevillage，andfromittheroadbranchedoffintwodirections，oneleadingfartherupthehillbythechurch，andtheotherwindinggentlydowntowardsthevalley。OnthesideoftheGreenthatledtowardsthechurch，thebrokenlineofthatchedcottageswascontinuednearlytothechurchyardgate；butontheoppositenorthwesternside，therewasnothingtoobstructtheviewofgentlyswellingmeadow，andwoodedvalley，anddarkmassesofdistanthill。ThatrichundulatingdistrictofLoamshiretowhichHayslopebelongedliesclosetoagrimoutskirtofStonyshire，overlookedbyitsbarrenhillsasaprettybloomingsistermaysometimesbeseenlinkedinthearmofarugged，tall，swarthybrother；andintwoorthreehours’ridethetravellermightexchangeableaktreelessregion，intersectedbylinesofcoldgreystone，foronewherehisroadwoundundertheshelterofwoods，orupswellinghills，muffledwithhedgerowsandlongmeadow-grassandthickcorn；andwhereateveryturnhecameuponsomefineoldcountry-seatnestledinthevalleyorcrowningtheslope，somehomesteadwithitslonglengthofbarnanditsclusterofgoldenricks，somegreysteeplelookingoutfromaprettyconfusionoftreesandthatchanddark-redtiles。
　　ItwasjustsuchapictureasthislastthatHayslopeChurchhadmadetothetravellerashebegantomountthegentleslopeleadingtoitspleasantuplands，andnowfromhisstationneartheGreenhehadbeforehiminoneviewnearlyalltheothertypicalfeaturesofthispleasantland。Highupagainstthehorizonwerethehugeconicalmassesofhill，likegiantmoundsintendedtofortifythisregionofcornandgrassagainstthekeenandhungrywindsofthenorth；notdistantenoughtobeclothedinpurplemystery，butwithsombregreenishsidesvisiblyspeckedwithsheep，whosemotionwasonlyrevealedbymemory，notdetectedbysight；wooedfromdaytodaybythechanginghours，butrespondingwithnochangeinthemselves——leftforevergrimandsullenaftertheflushofmorning，thewingedgleamsoftheAprilnoonday，thepartingcrimsongloryoftheripeningsummersun。Anddirectlybelowthemtheeyerestedonamoreadvancedlineofhangingwoods，dividedbybrightpatchesofpastureorfurrowedcrops，andnotyetdeepenedintotheuniformleafycurtainsofhighsummer，butstillshowingthewarmtintsoftheyoungoakandthetendergreenoftheashandlime。Thencamethevalley，wherethewoodsgrewthicker，asiftheyhadrolleddownandhurriedtogetherfromthepatchesleftsmoothontheslope，thattheymighttakethebettercareofthetallmansionwhichlifteditsparapetsandsentitsfaintbluesummersmokeamongthem。Doubtlesstherewasalargesweepofparkandabroadglassypoolinfrontofthatmansion，buttheswellingslopeofmeadowwouldnotletourtravellerseethemfromthevillagegreen。Hesawinsteadaforegroundwhichwasjustaslovely——thelevelsunlightlyingliketransparentgoldamongthegentlycurvingstemsofthefeatheredgrassandthetallredsorrel，andthewhiteambelsofthehemlocksliningthebushyhedgerows。Itwasthatmomentinsummerwhenthesoundofthescythebeingwhettedmakesuscastmorelingeringlooksattheflower-sprinkledtressesofthemeadows。
　　Hemighthaveseenotherbeautiesinthelandscapeifhehadturnedalittleinhissaddleandlookedeastward，beyondJonathanBurge’spastureandwoodyardtowardsthegreencorn-fieldsandwalnut-treesoftheHallFarm；butapparentlytherewasmoreinterestforhiminthelivinggroupscloseathand。Everygenerationinthevillagewasthere，fromold"FeytherTaft"inhisbrownworstednight-cap，whowasbentnearlydouble，butseemedtoughenoughtokeeponhislegsalongwhile，leaningonhisshortstick，downtothebabieswiththeirlittleroundheadslollingforwardinquiltedlinencaps。Nowandthentherewasanewarrival；perhapsaslouchinglabourer，who，havingeatenhissupper，cameouttolookattheunusualscenewithaslowbovinegaze，willingtohearwhatanyonehadtosayinexplanationofit，butbynomeansexcitedenoughtoaskaquestion。ButalltookcarenottojointheMethodistsontheGreen，andidentifythemselvesinthatwaywiththeexpectantaudience，fortherewasnotoneofthemthatwouldnothavedisclaimedtheimputationofhavingcomeouttohearthe"preacherwoman"——theyhadonlycomeouttosee"whatwara-goin’on，like。"Themenwerechieflygatheredintheneighbourhoodoftheblacksmith’sshop。Butdonotimaginethemgatheredinaknot。Villagersneverswarm:awhisperisunknownamongthem，andtheyseemalmostasincapableofanundertoneasacoworastag。Yourtruerusticturnshisbackonhisinterlocutor，throwingaquestionoverhisshoulderasifhemeanttorunawayfromtheanswer，andwalkingasteportwofartheroffwhentheinterestofthedialogueculminates。Sothegroupinthevicinityoftheblacksmith’sdoorwasbynomeansacloseone，andformednoscreeninfrontofChadCranage，theblacksmithhimself，whostoodwithhisblackbrawnyarmsfolded，leaningagainstthedoor-post，andoccasionallysendingforthabellowinglaughathisownjokes，givingthemamarkedpreferenceoverthesarcasmsofWiryBen，whohadrenouncedthepleasuresoftheHollyBushforthesakeofseeinglifeunderanewform。ButbothstylesofwitweretreatedwithequalcontemptbyMr。JoshuaRann。Mr。Rann’sleathernapronandsubduedgriminesscanleavenooneinanydoubtthatheisthevillageshoemaker；thethrustingoutofhischinandstomachandthetwirlingofhisthumbsaremoresubtleindications，intendedtoprepareunwarystrangersforthediscoverythattheyareinthepresenceoftheparishclerk。"OldJoshway，"asheisirreverentlycalledbyhisneighbours，isinastateofsimmeringindignation；buthehasnotyetopenedhislipsexcepttosay，inaresoundingbassundertone，likethetuningofavioloncello，"Sehon，KingoftheAmorites；
　　forHismercyendurethforever；andOgtheKingofBasan:forHismercyendurethforever"——aquotationwhichmayseemtohaveslightbearingonthepresentoccasion，but，aswitheveryotheranomaly，adequateknowledgewillshowittobeanaturalsequence。
　　Mr。RannwasinwardlymaintainingthedignityoftheChurchinthefaceofthisscandalousirruptionofMethodism，andasthatdignitywasboundupwithhisownsonorousutteranceoftheresponses，hisargumentnaturallysuggestedaquotationfromthepsalmhehadreadthelastSundayafternoon。
　　ThestrongercuriosityofthewomenhaddrawnthemquitetotheedgeoftheGreen，wheretheycouldexaminemorecloselytheQuakerlikecostumeandodddeportmentofthefemaleMethodists。
　　Underneaththemapletherewasasmallcart，whichhadbeenbroughtfromthewheelwright’stoserveasapulpit，androundthisacoupleofbenchesandafewchairshadbeenplaced。SomeoftheMethodistswererestingonthese，withtheireyesclosed，asifwraptinprayerormeditation。Otherschosetocontinuestanding，andhadturnedtheirfacestowardsthevillagerswithalookofmelancholycompassion，whichwashighlyamusingtoBessyCranage，theblacksmith’sbuxomdaughter，knowntoherneighboursasChad’sBess，whowondered"whythefolkswaramakin’facesathat’ns。"Chad’sBesswastheobjectofpeculiarcompassion，becauseherhair，beingturnedbackunderacapwhichwassetatthetopofherhead，exposedtoviewanornamentofwhichshewasmuchprouderthanofherredcheeks——namely，apairoflargeroundear-ringswithfalsegarnetsinthem，ornamentscondemnednotonlybytheMethodists，butbyherowncousinandnamesakeTimothy’sBess，who，withmuchcousinlyfeeling，oftenwished"themear-
　　rings"mightcometogood。
　　Timothy’sBess，thoughretaininghermaidenappellationamongherfamiliars，hadlongbeenthewifeofSandyJim，andpossessedahandsomesetofmatronlyjewels，ofwhichitisenoughtomentiontheheavybabyshewasrockinginherarms，andthesturdyfellowoffiveinkneebreeches，andredlegs，whohadarustymilk-canroundhisneckbywayofdrum，andwasverycarefullyavoidedbyChad’ssmallterrier。Thisyoungolive-branch，notoriousunderthenameofTimothy’sBess’sBen，beingofaninquiringdisposition，uncheckedbyanyfalsemodesty，hadadvancedbeyondthegroupofwomenandchildren，andwaswalkingroundtheMethodists，lookingupintheirfaceswithhismouthwideopen，andbeatinghisstickagainstthemilk-canbywayofmusicalaccompaniment。Butoneoftheelderlywomenbendingdowntotakehimbytheshoulder，withanairofgraveremonstrance，Timothy’sBess’sBenfirstkickedoutvigorously，thentooktohisheelsandsoughtrefugebehindhisfather’slegs。
　　"Yegallowsyoungdog，"saidSandyJim，withsomepaternalpride，"ifyedonnakeepthatstickquiet，I’lltekitfromye。Whatdy’emanebykickin’foulks？"
　　"Here！Giehimheretome，Jim，"saidChadCranage；"I’lltiehirsupan’shoehimasIdoth’hosses。Well，MesterCasson，"hecontinued，asthatpersonagesauntereduptowardsthegroupofmen，"howareyet’naight？Areyecoomt’helpgroon？Theysayfolksallaysgroonwhenthey’rehearkenin’toth’Methodys，asiftheywarbadi’th’inside。Imanetogroonasloudasyourcowdidth’othernaight，an’thenthepraicher’ullthinkI’mi’th’
　　raightway。"
　　"I’dadviseyounottobeuptonononsense，Chad，"saidMr。
　　Casson，withsomedignity；"Poyserwouldn’tliketohearashiswife’sniecewastreatedanywaysdisrespectful，forallhemayn’tbefondofhertakingonherselftopreach。"
　　"Aye，an’she’sapleasant-lookeduntoo，"saidWiryBen。"I’llstickupfortheprettywomenpreachin’；Iknowthey’dpersuademeoveradealsoonernorth’uglymen。IshouldnawonderifIturnMethodyaforethenight’sout，an’begintocoortthepreacher，likeSethBede。"
　　"Why，Seth’slookingrethertoohigh，Ishouldthink，"saidMr。
　　Casson。"Thiswoman’skinwouldn’tlikehertodemeanherselftoacommoncarpenter。"
　　"Tchu！"saidBen，withalongtrebleintonation，"what’sfolks’skingottodowi’t？Notachip。Poyser’swifemayturnhernoseupan’forgetbygones，butthisDinahMorris，theytellme，’saspoorasivershewas——worksatamill，an’smuchadotokeephersen。Astrappin’youngcarpenterasisaready-madeMethody，likeSeth，wouldnabeabadmatchforher。Why，Poysersmakeasbigafusswi’AdamBedeasifhewaranevvyo’theirown。"
　　"Idletalk！idletalk！"saidMr。JoshuaRann。"Adaman’Seth’stwomen；youwunnafitthemtwowi’thesamelast。"
　　"Maybe，"saidWiryBen，contemptuously，"butSeth’stheladforme，thoughhewaraMethodytwiceo’er。I’mfairbeatwi’Seth，forI’vebeenteasin’himiversin’we’vebeenworkin’together，an’hebearsmenomoremalicenoralamb。An’he’sastout-
　　heartedfellertoo，forwhenwesawtheoldtreeallafirea-
　　comin’acrossthefieldsonenight，an’wethoughtasitwaraboguy，Sethmadenomoreado，butheupto’tasboldasaconstable。Why，therehecomesouto’WillMaskery’s；an’there’sWillhisself，lookin’asmeekasifhecouldnaknockanailo’theheadforfearo’hurtin’t。An’there’stheprettypreacherwoman！
　　Myeye，she’sgotherbonnetoff。Imungoabitnearer。"
　　SeveralofthemenfollowedBen’slead，andthetravellerpushedhishorseontotheGreen，asDinahwalkedratherquicklyandinadvanceofhercompanionstowardsthecartunderthemaple-tree。
　　WhileshewasnearSeth’stallfigure，shelookedshort，butwhenshehadmountedthecart，andwasawayfromallcomparison，sheseemedabovethemiddleheightofwoman，thoughinrealityshedidnotexceedit——aneffectwhichwasduetotheslimnessofherfigureandthesimplelineofherblackstuffdress。Thestrangerwasstruckwithsurpriseashesawherapproachandmountthecart——surprise，notsomuchatthefemininedelicacyofherappearance，asatthetotalabsenceofself-consciousnessinherdemeanour。Hehadmadeuphismindtoseeheradvancewithameasuredstepandademuresolemnityofcountenance；hehadfeltsurethatherfacewouldbemantledwiththesmileofconscioussaintship，orelsechargedwithdenunciatorybitterness。HeknewbuttwotypesofMethodist——theecstaticandthebilious。ButDinahwalkedassimplyasifsheweregoingtomarket，andseemedasunconsciousofheroutwardappearanceasalittleboy:therewasnoblush，notremulousness，whichsaid，"Iknowyouthinkmeaprettywoman，tooyoungtopreach"；nocastingupordownoftheeyelids，nocompressionofthelips，noattitudeofthearmsthatsaid，"Butyoumustthinkofmeasasaint。"Sheheldnobookinherunglovedhands，butletthemhangdownlightlycrossedbeforeher，asshestoodandturnedhergreyeyesonthepeople。Therewasnokeennessintheeyes；theyseemedrathertobesheddinglovethanmakingobservations；theyhadtheliquidlookwhichtellsthatthemindisfullofwhatithastogiveout，ratherthanimpressedbyexternalobjects。Shestoodwithherlefthandtowardsthedescendingsun，andleafyboughsscreenedherfromitsrays；butinthissoberlightthedelicatecolouringofherfaceseemedtogatheracalmvividness，likeflowersatevening。Itwasasmallovalface，ofauniformtransparentwhiteness，withanegglikelineofcheekandchin，afullbutfirmmouth，adelicatenostril，andalowperpendicularbrow，surmountedbyarisingarchofpartingbetweensmoothlocksofpalereddishhair。Thehairwasdrawnstraightbackbehindtheears，andcovered，exceptforaninchortwoabovethebrow，byanetQuakercap。Theeyebrows，ofthesamecolourasthehair，wereperfectlyhorizontalandfirmlypencilled；theeyelashes，thoughnodarker，werelongandabundant——nothingwasleftblurredorunfinished。Itwasoneofthosefacesthatmakeonethinkofwhiteflowerswithlighttouchesofcolourontheirpurepetals。Theeyeshadnopeculiarbeauty，beyondthatofexpression；theylookedsosimple，socandid，sogravelyloving，thatnoaccusingscowl，nolightsneercouldhelpmeltingawaybeforetheirglance。JoshuaRanngavealongcough，asifhewereclearinghisthroatinordertocometoanewunderstandingwithhimself；ChadCranagelifteduphisleatherskull-capandscratchedhishead；andWiryBenwonderedhowSethhadtheplucktothinkofcourtingher。
　　"Asweetwoman，"thestrangersaidtohimself，"butsurelynaturenevermeantherforapreacher。"
　　Perhapshewasoneofthosewhothinkthatnaturehastheatricalpropertiesand，withtheconsiderateviewoffacilitatingartandpsychology，"makesup，"hercharacters，sothattheremaybenomistakeaboutthem。ButDinahbegantospeak。
　　"Dearfriends，"shesaidinaclearbutnotloudvoice"letusprayforablessing。"
　　Sheclosedhereyes，andhangingherheaddownalittlecontinuedinthesamemoderatetone，asifspeakingtosomeonequitenearher:"Saviourofsinners！Whenapoorwomanladenwithsins，wentouttothewelltodrawwater，shefoundTheesittingatthewell。
　　SheknewTheenot；shehadnotsoughtThee；hermindwasdark；herlifewasunholy。ButThoudidstspeaktoher，Thoudidstteachher，ThoudidstshowherthatherlifelayopenbeforeThee，andyetThouwastreadytogiveherthatblessingwhichshehadneversought。Jesus，Thouartinthemidstofus，andThouknowestallmen:ifthereisanyherelikethatpoorwoman——iftheirmindsaredark，theirlivesunholy——iftheyhavecomeoutnotseekingThee，notdesiringtobetaught；dealwiththemaccordingtothefreemercywhichThoudidstshowtoherSpeaktothem，Lord，opentheirearstomymessage，bringtheirsinstotheirminds，andmakethemthirstforthatsalvationwhichThouartreadytogive。
　　"Lord，ThouartwithThypeoplestill:theyseeTheeinthenight-
　　watches，andtheirheartsburnwithinthemasThoutalkestwiththembytheway。AndThouartneartothosewhohavenotknownThee:opentheireyesthattheymayseeThee——seeTheeweepingoverthem，andsaying’Yewillnotcomeuntomethatyemighthavelife’——seeTheehangingonthecrossandsaying，’Father，forgivethem，fortheyknownotwhattheydo’——seeTheeasThouwiltcomeagaininThyglorytojudgethematthelast。Amen。"
　　Dinahopenedhereyesagainandpaused，lookingatthegroupofvillagers，whowerenowgatheredrathermorecloselyonherrighthand。
　　"Dearfriends，"shebegan，raisinghervoicealittle，"youhaveallofyoubeentochurch，andIthinkyoumusthaveheardtheclergymanreadthesewords:’TheSpiritoftheLordisuponme，becausehehathanointedmetopreachthegospeltothepoor。’
　　JesusChristspokethosewords——hesaidhecameTOPREACHTHE
　　GOSPELTOTHEPOOR。Idon’tknowwhetheryoueverthoughtaboutthosewordsmuch，butIwilltellyouwhenIrememberfirsthearingthem。Itwasonjustsuchasortofeveningasthis，whenIwasalittlegirl，andmyauntasbroughtmeuptookmetohearagoodmanpreachoutofdoors，justaswearehere。Irememberhisfacewell:hewasaveryoldman，andhadverylongwhitehair；hisvoicewasverysoftandbeautiful，notlikeanyvoiceI
　　hadeverheardbefore。Iwasalittlegirlandscarcelyknewanything，andthisoldmanseemedtomesuchadifferentsortofamanfromanybodyIhadeverseenbeforethatIthoughthehadperhapscomedownfromtheskytopreachtous，andIsaid，’Aunt，willhegobacktotheskyto-night，likethepictureintheBible？’
　　"ThatmanofGodwasMr。Wesley，whospenthislifeindoingwhatourblessedLorddid——preachingtheGospeltothepoor——andheenteredintohisresteightyearsago。Icametoknowmoreabouthimyearsafter，butIwasafoolishthoughtlesschildthen，andI
　　rememberedonlyonethinghetoldusinhissermon。Hetoldusas’Gospel’meant’goodnews。’TheGospel，youknow，iswhattheBibletellsusaboutGod。
　　"Thinkofthatnow！JesusChristdidreallycomedownfromheaven，asI，likeasillychild，thoughtMr。Wesleydid；andwhathecamedownforwastotellgoodnewsaboutGodtothepoor。
　　Why，youandme，dearfriends，arepoor。Wehavebeenbroughtupinpoorcottagesandhavebeenrearedonoat-cake，andlivedcoarse；andwehaven’tbeentoschoolmuch，norreadbooks，andwedon’tknowmuchaboutanythingbutwhathappensjustroundus。Wearejustthesortofpeoplethatwanttoheargoodnews。Forwhenanybody’swelloff，theydon’tmuchmindabouthearingnewsfromdistantparts；butifapoormanorwoman’sintroubleandhashardworktomakeoutaliving，theyliketohavealettertotell’emthey’vegotafriendaswillhelp’em。Tobesure，wecan’thelpknowingsomethingaboutGod，evenifwe’veneverheardtheGospel，thegoodnewsthatourSaviourbroughtus。ForweknoweverythingcomesfromGod:don’tyousayalmosteveryday，’Thisandthatwillhappen，pleaseGod，’and’Weshallbegintocutthegrasssoon，pleaseGodtosendusalittlemoresunshine’？WeknowverywellwearealtogetherinthehandsofGod。Wedidn’tbringourselvesintotheworld，wecan’tkeepourselvesalivewhilewe’resleeping；thedaylight，andthewind，andthecorn，andthecowstogiveusmilk——everythingwehavecomesfromGod。
　　Andhegaveusoursoulsandputlovebetweenparentsandchildren，andhusbandandwife。ButisthatasmuchaswewanttoknowaboutGod？Weseeheisgreatandmighty，andcandowhathewill:wearelost，asifwewasstrugglingingreatwaters，whenwetrytothinkofhim。
　　"Butperhapsdoubtscomeintoyourmindlikethis:CanGodtakemuchnoticeofuspoorpeople？Perhapsheonlymadetheworldforthegreatandthewiseandtherich。Itdoesn’tcosthimmuchtogiveusourlittlehandfulofvictualandbitofclothing；buthowdoweknowhecaresforusanymorethanwecareforthewormsandthingsinthegarden，soaswerearourcarrotsandonions？WillGodtakecareofuswhenwedie？Andhasheanycomfortforuswhenwearelameandsickandhelpless？Perhaps，too，heisangrywithus；elsewhydoestheblightcome，andthebadharvests，andthefever，andallsortsofpainandtrouble？Forourlifeisfulloftrouble，andifGodsendsusgood，heseemstosendbadtoo。Howisit？Howisit？
　　"Ah，dearfriends，weareinsadwantofgoodnewsaboutGod；andwhatdoesothergoodnewssignifyifwehaven’tthat？Foreverythingelsecomestoanend，andwhenwedieweleaveitall。
　　ButGodlastswheneverythingelseisgone。Whatshallwedoifheisnotourfriend？"
　　ThenDinahtoldhowthegoodnewshadbeenbrought，andhowthemindofGodtowardsthepoorhadbeenmademanifestinthelifeofJesus，dwellingonitslowlinessanditsactsofmercy。
　　"Soyousee，dearfriends，"shewenton，"Jesusspenthistimealmostallindoinggoodtopoorpeople；hepreachedoutofdoorstothem，andhemadefriendsofpoorworkmen，andtaughtthemandtookpainswiththem。Notbutwhathedidgoodtotherichtoo，forhewasfulloflovetoallmen，onlyhesawasthepoorweremoreinwantofhishelp。Sohecuredthelameandthesickandtheblind，andheworkedmiraclestofeedthehungrybecause，hesaid，hewassorryforthem；andhewasverykindtothelittlechildrenandcomfortedthosewhohadlosttheirfriends；andhespokeverytenderlytopoorsinnersthatweresorryfortheirsins。
　　"Ah，wouldn’tyoulovesuchamanifyousawhim——ifhewerehereinthisvillage？Whatakindhearthemusthave！Whatafriendhewouldbetogotointrouble！Howpleasantitmustbetobetaughtbyhim。
　　"Well，dearfriends，whoWASthisman？Washeonlyagoodman——averygoodman，andnomore——likeourdearMr。Wesley，whohasbeentakenfromus？……HewastheSonofGod——’intheimageoftheFather，’theBiblesays；thatmeans，justlikeGod，whoisthebeginningandendofallthings——theGodwewanttoknowabout。
　　Sothen，allthelovethatJesusshowedtothepooristhesamelovethatGodhasforus。WecanunderstandwhatJesusfelt，becausehecameinabodylikeoursandspokewordssuchaswespeaktoeachother。WewereafraidtothinkwhatGodwasbefore——
　　theGodwhomadetheworldandtheskyandthethunderandlightning。Wecouldneverseehim；wecouldonlyseethethingshehadmade；andsomeofthesethingswasveryterrible，soaswemightwelltremblewhenwethoughtofhim。ButourblessedSaviourhasshoweduswhatGodisinawayuspoorignorantpeoplecanunderstand；hehasshoweduswhatGod’sheartis，whatarehisfeelingstowardsus。
　　"ButletusseealittlemoreaboutwhatJesuscameonearthfor。
　　Anothertimehesaid，’Icametoseekandtosavethatwhichwaslost’；andanothertime，’Icamenottocalltherighteousbutsinnerstorepentance。’
　　"TheLOST！……SINNERS！……Ah，dearfriends，doesthatmeanyouandme？"
　　HithertothetravellerhadbeenchainedtothespotagainsthiswillbythecharmofDinah’smellowtrebletones，whichhadavarietyofmodulationlikethatofafineinstrumenttouchedwiththeunconsciousskillofmusicalinstinct。Thesimplethingsshesaidseemedlikenovelties，asamelodystrikesuswithanewfeelingwhenwehearitsungbythepurevoiceofaboyishchorister；thequietdepthofconvictionwithwhichshespokeseemedinitselfanevidenceforthetruthofhermessage。Hesawthatshehadthoroughlyarrestedherhearers。Thevillagershadpressednearertoher，andtherewasnolongeranythingbutgraveattentiononallfaces。Shespokeslowly，thoughquitefluently，oftenpausingafteraquestion，orbeforeanytransitionofideas。
　　Therewasnochangeofattitude，nogesture；theeffectofherspeechwasproducedentirelybytheinflectionsofhervoice，andwhenshecametothequestion，"WillGodtakecareofuswhenwedie？"sheuttereditinsuchatoneofplaintiveappealthatthetearscameintosomeofthehardesteyes。Thestrangerhadceasedtodoubt，ashehaddoneatthefirstglance，thatshecouldfixtheattentionofherrougherhearers，butstillhewonderedwhethershecouldhavethatpowerofrousingtheirmoreviolentemotions，whichmustsurelybeanecessarysealofhervocationasaMethodistpreacher，untilshecametothewords，"Lost！——
　　Sinners！"whentherewasagreatchangeinhervoiceandmanner。
　　Shehadmadealongpausebeforetheexclamation，andthepauseseemedtobefilledbyagitatingthoughtsthatshowedthemselvesinherfeatures。Herpalefacebecamepaler；thecirclesunderhereyesdeepened，astheydidwhentearshalf-gatherwithoutfalling；andthemildlovingeyestookanexpressionofappalledpity，asifshehadsuddenlydiscernedadestroyingangelhoveringovertheheadsofthepeople。Hervoicebecamedeepandmuffled，buttherewasstillnogesture。NothingcouldbelessliketheordinarytypeoftheRanterthanDinah。Shewasnotpreachingassheheardotherspreach，butspeakingdirectlyfromherownemotionsandundertheinspirationofherownsimplefaith。
　　Butnowshehadenteredintoanewcurrentoffeeling。Hermannerbecamelesscalm，herutterancemorerapidandagitated，asshetriedtobringhometothepeopletheirguilttheirwilfuldarkness，theirstateofdisobediencetoGod——asshedweltonthehatefulnessofsin，theDivineholiness，andthesufferingsoftheSaviour，bywhichawayhadbeenopenedfortheirsalvation。Atlastitseemedasif，inheryearningdesiretoreclaimthelostsheep，shecouldnotbesatisfiedbyaddressingherhearersasabody。Sheappealedfirsttooneandthentoanother，beseechingthemwithtearstoturntoGodwhiletherewasyettime；paintingtothemthedesolationoftheirsouls，lostinsin，feedingonthehusksofthismiserableworld，farawayfromGodtheirFather；andthentheloveoftheSaviour，whowaswaitingandwatchingfortheirreturn。
　　Therewasmanyaresponsivesighandgroanfromherfellow-
　　Methodists，butthevillageminddoesnoteasilytakefire，andalittlesmoulderingvagueanxietythatmighteasilydieoutagainwastheutmosteffectDinah’spreachinghadwroughtinthematpresent。Yetnoonehadretired，exceptthechildrenand"oldFeytherTaft，"whobeingtoodeaftocatchmanywords，hadsometimeagogonebacktohisinglenook。WiryBenwasfeelingveryuncomfortable，andalmostwishinghehadnotcometohearDinah；
　　hethoughtwhatshesaidwouldhaunthimsomehow。Yethecouldn’thelplikingtolookatherandlistentoher，thoughhedreadedeverymomentthatshewouldfixhereyesonhimandaddresshiminparticular。ShehadalreadyaddressedSandyJim，whowasnowholdingthebabytorelievehiswife，andthebigsoft-heartedmanhadrubbedawaysometearswithhisfist，withaconfusedintentionofbeingabetterfellow，goinglesstotheHollyBushdownbytheStone-pits，andcleaninghimselfmoreregularlyofaSunday。
　　InfrontofSandyJimstoodChad’sBess，whohadshownanunwontedquietudeandfixityofattentioneversinceDinahhadbeguntospeak。Notthatthematterofthediscoursehadarrestedheratonce，forshewaslostinapuzzlingspeculationastowhatpleasureandsatisfactiontherecouldbeinlifetoayoungwomanwhoworeacaplikeDinah’s。Givingupthisinquiryindespair，shetooktostudyingDinah’snose，eyes，mouth，andhair，andwonderingwhetheritwasbettertohavesuchasortofpalefaceasthat，orfatredcheeksandroundblackeyeslikeherown。Butgraduallytheinfluenceofthegeneralgravitytolduponher，andshebecameconsciousofwhatDinahwassaying。Thegentletones，thelovingpersuasion，didnottouchher，butwhenthemoresevereappealscameshebegantobefrightened。PoorBessyhadalwaysbeenconsideredanaughtygirl；shewasconsciousofit；ifitwasnecessarytobeverygood，itwasclearshemustbeinabadway。
　　Shecouldn’tfindherplacesatchurchasSallyRanncould，shehadoftenbeentitteringwhenshe"curcheyed"toMr。Irwine；andthesereligiousdeficiencieswereaccompaniedbyacorrespondingslacknessintheminormorals，forBessybelongedunquestionablytothatunsoapedlazyclassoffemininecharacterswithwhomyoumayventureto"eatanegg，anapple，oranut。"Allthisshewasgenerallyconsciousof，andhithertohadnotbeengreatlyashamedofit。Butnowshebegantofeelverymuchasiftheconstablehadcometotakeherupandcarryherbeforethejusticeforsomeundefinedoffence。ShehadaterrifiedsensethatGod，whomshehadalwaysthoughtofasveryfaroff，wasveryneartoher，andthatJesuswasclosebylookingather，thoughshecouldnotseehim。ForDinahhadthatbeliefinvisiblemanifestationsofJesus，whichiscommonamongtheMethodists，andshecommunicateditirresistiblytoherhearers:shemadethemfeelthathewasamongthembodily，andmightatanymomentshowhimselftotheminsomewaythatwouldstrikeanguishandpenitenceintotheirhearts。
　　"See！"sheexclaimed，turningtotheleft，withhereyesfixedonapointabovetheheadsofthepeople。"SeewhereourblessedLordstandsandweepsandstretchesouthisarmstowardsyou。
　　Hearwhathesays:’HowoftenwouldIhavegatheredyouasahengatherethherchickensunderherwings，andyewouldnot！’……andyewouldnot，"sherepeated，inatoneofpleadingreproach，turninghereyesonthepeopleagain。"Seetheprintofthenailsonhisdearhandsandfeet。Itisyoursinsthatmadethem！Ah！
　　Howpaleandwornhelooks！Hehasgonethroughallthatgreatagonyinthegarden，whenhissoulwasexceedingsorrowfulevenuntodeath，andthegreatdropsofsweatfelllikebloodtotheground。Theyspatuponhimandbuffetedhim，theyscourgedhim，theymockedhim，theylaidtheheavycrossonhisbruisedshoulders。Thentheynailedhimup。Ah，whatpain！Hislipsareparchedwiththirst，andtheymockhimstillinthisgreatagony；
　　yetwiththoseparchedlipshepraysforthem，’Father，forgivethem，fortheyknownotwhattheydo。’Thenahorrorofgreatdarknessfelluponhim，andhefeltwhatsinnersfeelwhentheyareforevershutoutfromGod。Thatwasthelastdropinthecupofbitterness。’MyGod，myGod！’hecries，’whyhastThouforsakenme？’
　　"Allthisheboreforyou！Foryou——andyouneverthinkofhim；
　　foryou——andyouturnyourbacksonhim；youdon’tcarewhathehasgonethroughforyou。Yetheisnotwearyoftoilingforyou:
　　hehasrisenfromthedead，heisprayingforyouattherighthandofGod——’Father，forgivethem，fortheyknownotwhattheydo。’Andheisuponthisearthtoo；heisamongus；heisthereclosetoyounow；Iseehiswoundedbodyandhislookoflove。"
　　HereDinahturnedtoBessyCranage，whosebonnyyouthandevidentvanityhadtouchedherwithpity。
　　"Poorchild！Poorchild！Heisbeseechingyou，andyoudon’tlistentohim。Youthinkofear-ringsandfinegownsandcaps，andyouneverthinkoftheSaviourwhodiedtosaveyourprecioussoul。Yourcheekswillbeshrivelledoneday，yourhairwillbegrey，yourpoorbodywillbethinandtottering！Thenyouwillbegintofeelthatyoursoulisnotsaved；thenyouwillhavetostandbeforeGoddressedinyoursins，inyoureviltempersandvainthoughts。AndJesus，whostandsreadytohelpyounow，won’thelpyouthen；becauseyouwon’thavehimtobeyourSaviour，hewillbeyourjudge。Nowhelooksatyouwithloveandmercyandsays，’Cometomethatyoumayhavelife’；thenhewillturnawayfromyou，andsay，’Departfrommeintoever-lastingfire！’"
　　PoorBessy’swide-openblackeyesbegantofillwithtears，hergreatredcheeksandlipsbecamequitepale，andherfacewasdistortedlikealittlechild’sbeforeaburstofcrying。
　　"Ah，poorblindchild！"Dinahwenton，"thinkifitshouldhappentoyouasitoncehappenedtoaservantofGodinthedaysofhervanity。SHEthoughtofherlacecapsandsavedallhermoneytobuy’em；shethoughtnothingabouthowshemightgetacleanheartandarightspirit——sheonlywantedtohavebetterlacethanothergirls。Andonedaywhensheputhernewcaponandlookedintheglass，shesawableedingFacecrownedwiththorns。Thatfaceislookingatyounow"——hereDinahpointedtoaspotcloseinfrontofBessy——"Ah，tearoffthosefollies！Castthemawayfromyou，asiftheywerestingingadders。TheyAREstingingyou——theyarepoisoningyoursoul——theyaredraggingyoudownintoadarkbottomlesspit，whereyouwillsinkforever，andforever，andforever，furtherawayfromlightandGod。"
　　Bessycouldbearitnolonger:agreatterrorwasuponher，andwrenchingherear-ringsfromherears，shethrewthemdownbeforeher，sobbingaloud。Herfather，Chad，frightenedlestheshouldbe"laidholdon"too，thisimpressionontherebelliousBessstrikinghimasnothinglessthanamiracle，walkedhastilyawayandbegantoworkathisanvilbywayofreassuringhimself。
　　"Folksmunha’hoss-shoes，praichin’ornopraichin’:thedivilcannalayhouldo’meforthat，"hemutteredtohimself。
　　ButnowDinahbegantotellofthejoysthatwereinstoreforthepenitent，andtodescribeinhersimplewaythedivinepeaceandlovewithwhichthesoulofthebelieverisfilled——howthesenseofGod’sloveturnspovertyintorichesandsatisfiesthesoulsothatnouneasydesirevexesit，nofearalarmsit:how，atlast，theverytemptationtosinisextinguished，andheavenisbegunuponearth，becausenocloudpassesbetweenthesoulandGod，whoisitseternalsun。
　　"Dearfriends，"shesaidatlast，"brothersandsisters，whomI
　　loveasthoseforwhommyLordhasdied，believeme，Iknowwhatthisgreatblessednessis；andbecauseIknowit，Iwantyoutohaveittoo。Iampoor，likeyou:Ihavetogetmylivingwithmyhands；butnolordnorladycanbesohappyasme，iftheyhaven’tgottheloveofGodintheirsouls。Thinkwhatitis——nottohateanythingbutsin；tobefulloflovetoeverycreature；tobefrightenedatnothing；tobesurethatallthingswillturntogood；nottomindpain，becauseitisourFather’swill；toknowthatnothing——no，notiftheearthwastobeburntup，orthewaterscomeanddrownus——nothingcouldpartusfromGodwholovesus，andwhofillsoursoulswithpeaceandjoy，becausewearesurethatwhateverhewillsisholy，just，andgood。
　　"Dearfriends，comeandtakethisblessedness；itisofferedtoyou；itisthegoodnewsthatJesuscametopreachtothepoor。
　　Itisnotliketherichesofthisworld，sothatthemoreonegetsthelesstherestcanhave。Godiswithoutend；hisloveiswithoutend——
　　Itsstreamsthewholecreationreach，Soplenteousisthestore；
　　Enoughforall，enoughforeach，Enoughforevermore。
　　Dinahhadbeenspeakingatleastanhour，andthereddeninglightofthepartingdayseemedtogiveasolemnemphasistoherclosingwords。Thestranger，whohadbeeninterestedinthecourseofhersermonasifithadbeenthedevelopmentofadrama——forthereisthissortoffascinationinallsincereunpremeditatedeloquence，whichopenstoonetheinwarddramaofthespeaker’semotions——nowturnedhishorseasideandpursuedhisway，whileDinahsaid，"Letussingalittle，dearfriends"；andashewasstillwindingdowntheslope，thevoicesoftheMethodistsreachedhim，risingandfallinginthatstrangeblendingofexultationandsadnesswhichbelongstothecadenceofahymn。