IV. The Faithful Servant

           FortwodaystheministerofWoodileewasamanunbalancedanddistraught.Hesatathisbookswithoutconcentration,andhewanderedonthehillswithoutdelight,whileIsobel’sfacepuckeredindismayassheremovedhisscarcelytastedmeals.Itwashotthunderyweather,withstormsthatneverbrokeinraingrumblingamongtheglens,andtothisshesetdownhisindispositiontoeat.ButDavid’stroublewasnotofthebody.HehadthoughthimselfthemailedservantofGod,singleinpurpose,armedsecurelyagainsttheworld,andlo!inasinglenighthehadbeenthesportofprofanefanciesandhadrejoicedinvanities.

           Thegirlhescarcelythoughtof--shehadscaredratherthanenthralledhim.ButtheWoodofMelanudrigilllayheavyonhisconscience.WherewashisChristianfortitudeifablackforestatnightcouldsethimshiveringlikealostchild?Davidhadallhislifekeptatighthandonhiscourage;ifhedreadedathing,thatwasgoodreasonwhyheshouldgooutofhisroadtofaceit.HisinstinctwastoreturnalonetoMelanudrigillinthedark,penetrateitsdeepestrecesses,andgivethelietoitsenchantments....Butanotionwhichhecouldnotcombatrestrainedhim.ThatwaswhattheWoodwanted,todrawhimbacktoitthroughcuriosityorfear.Ifheyieldedtohisimpulsehewouldbeacknowledgingitspower.ItwasthepartofaministerofGodtodenyattheoutsetthattheplacewasmorethanacommonwildernessofrockandtree,tocurbhisfanciesasthingstoovainforagrownman’sidlestthought.

           Onthispointhefixedhisresolutionandfoundsomecomfort.