152 The Love of God.

know you cannot love me; but I am fo grateful
to you for your goodnefs, I hope you will not be
angry with me for {peaking the truth: only, though
I am grateful and try to be contented, I cannot
be as happy as if you did love me.”

As Theodore gazed on poor Reuben’s face, he
faw ftanding behind him the beautiful vifions once
more.

*¢ Now judge by your own heart
the Spirits, as {miling they difappeared.

And Theodore did fo. Going up to Reuben,
he put his arms around him, and wept over him
tears of love and gratitude for the bleffing which
he felt ftealing into his own mind, ‘ Reuben,”
cried he, “ my child Reuben! There have been
but two human beings in the world on whom I
have beftowed my love; for, like you, I loft my
parents young. ‘Thefe two were—her I loft and
yourfelf!”’

“© If I thought you Joved me, I would die for
you!” cried Reuben, fpringing up and gazing
earneftly on Theodore’s face.

“© My God!” murmured Theodore, “ may I
be able to feel this to Thee!”

* * * * * # *

!?? murmured

I think more words are unneceflary. You
cannot doubt that Theodore foon convinced Reu-
ben of his love, nor that Theodore took the leffon
to himfelf, and now faw that God had placed in
the human heart a witnefs of the poffibility of His