CHAPTER VII. THE WANDERER'S RETURN. SOON OON after they became members of the Taylor family, Clara's health became quite delicate, and Clayton's professional services were often called into requisition in her behalf-Mary thought, sometimes, oftener than was necessary. One Summer evening, after she became convalescent, she stated to her mother, in Mary's hearing, that the Doctor had invited her to a walk, and asked her consent. This afforded to Mary new proof of his intimacy with Clara, which had been for some time increasingly apparent and she felt that she could and would endure it no longer. Calling Clayton aside, she asked him, seriously, if he did not think it best that they should be separated. He replied that it might be as well temporarily to suspend their connection-intimating that it might be spiritually a benefit to her. She informed him that if the step. were taken, it would be final, so far as she was concerned upon which he seemed desirous to evade the subject, and immediately left the room, saying it was : of no use talking about it, as it only injured her feelings. As the sound of his footsteps died away, she fully resolved that the ties which bound her should be broken, and that forever. But feeling that in order to carry out this resolution she must have strength from above, she exclaimed from the very depths of her heart, "O LORD, strengthen me for this!"-a brief petition; but the power of prayer consists not in the multitude of words. How wonderfully that prayer was answered! While Clayton and Clara were enjoying their walk, Mary was alone with GOD. She took up her Bible, silently praying to be directed to some passage befitting her present feelings and circumstances, and opened at once to the 54th chapter of Isaiah's prophecy. The first few words made but little impression on her mind; but as she continued to read, her emotions became overwhelming. The chapter seemed entirely new to her, though she had several times read the Bible through by course. It appeared that God Himself was speaking to her, almost with audible voice, in those precious, precious words, commencing with the fifth, and ending with the eleventh verse. Tears streamed copiously down her cheeks-not tears of sorrow, now, but of joy and gratitude unspeakable, in view of her Heavenly Father's condescension. O, let all who read join with us to magnify the matchless grace displayed toward this poor wanderer! During all these years of backsliding her Almighty Friend had, from time to time, convinced her of her sins, and urged her return to Himself, not only by the influences of His blessed Spirit, but by suffering her earthly hopes again and again to be crushed. And now that she began in earnest to enter anew into covenant with her Gon, He graciously manifested His willingness to receive her in this wonderful and unexpected manner. Peace, unutterable peace, took possession of her desolate heart; and the strong confidence inspired by those precious promises caused her completely to triumph over her present sorrow, and in prospect of the final separation. There were parts of the chapter which she did not. then realize as applicable to her case: yet she had indubitable evidence that the divine hand had directed her to it. She afterward related the circumstance to Clayton, and read to him what had so powerfully impressed her own mind. He could not, of course, comprehend her feelings; though he seemed to think it remarkable that she should have opened to that passage. About this time she once offered prayer in his presence, which was the only instance of the kind during their long acquaintance. This fact was afterward a source of bitter regret. She had allowed her light, as a Christian, to become almost totally eclipsed by the false illumination of earthly love, and had allowed him to drag her steadily downward, instead of ex erting an elevating influence upon him. She did not at first realize this, but became painfully aware of it when too late to make amends. O, how loving the hand that plucked her out of the snare in which she had been taken, and withheld from her the gratification of desires, which, if granted, might have proved her eternal ruin. How wise the injunction of the inspired Apostle-"Be not unequally yoked together with unbelievers"? 2 Cor. vi. 14. Let us here pause in our narrative, to give a word of advice to Christians, seeking companions for life. Many seem to have an idea that their spiritual and temporal interests are entirely separate-that GOD leaves his children to plan for themselves in things pertaining to this life. Such do not consider that every act they perform bears directly or indirectly upon their eternal destiny; otherwise they would not neglect, even in the most trivial business transactions, to invoke the Divine counsel and direction and especially in matters of so great importance as that of marriage. If a follower of CHRIST you have no right to any will of your own, aside from His. Yet how many lose sight of this fact, and seem to feel perfectly free to act as they please. Most persons select partners whom the Lord never designed for them: hence it is that we see so much. unhappiness in the marriage relation. Guard well your affections; or if, like poor Mary, you have no control over yourself in this respect, earnestly implore help from above. Do not rush madly on as she did, and thus be compelled to drink the bitter, bitter cup. GOD "does not afflict willingly"; yet how often do His poor, wayward children drive Him to the necessity of chastening, in order to save them. Mary became strongly attached to Mrs. Taylor, and had every reason to consider her one of her warmest friends. Sometimes, when her poor heart must have vent, she unburdened her feelings to her;— avoiding, however, any reference to Clara. Always, on these occasions, she received words of tender sym- . pathy from Mrs. T.; though she sometimes expressed the idea that Clayton and Mary were not congenial-and that, should she meet one whose temperament and disposition harmonized fully with her own, she would discover that she had never loved C. as she was capable of loving. In a few days Mary made preparations for leaving the place where she had spent so many happy, and so many unhappy hours. On the morning of her departure she had a long, sad interview with Clayton. She had often heard him remark, that shedding tears was an indication, in a man, of a weak mind, and she had very seldom known him to weep. Now, however, locked in each other's embrace, both seemed alike overcome with grief. Their sobs and mingling tears told well the emotions of hearts too full for many words. He did not acknowledge himself in the wrong, or |