ields, while at the bridge
it rushed along like a torrent. "Naa, Lord," Abe began, "Thaa knows
where I'm plann'd to-day, and Thaa knows this is my only rooad to th'
place; that's Thy watter, and I'm Thy sarvant; I mun be over somehaa;
tak' care o' my body while I try." And into the water he plunged, and
made straight for the bridge. On reaching this he tucked his umbrella
under one arm, and climbed up on the wall of the bridge, and scrambled
across on his hands and knees, while the torrent rushed along
underneath at a horse-pace. Had he fallen into the water he would
probably have been found drowned on one of the banks down the river,
but it was not permitted. "Bless the Lord," he exclaimed, when he was
safe on the other side, "I'm over! Ah! but I'll do better nor that
when I come to pass the swellings o' Jordan! Hallelujah! I'll go over
Jordan withaat wetting a threead on me!"

So thou wilt, Abe. Jordan's waves could not harm a brave, God-fearing,
and God-honouring man like thee; they know a true-born saint by the
tramp of his foot in the darkest night of death, and on his approach,
they fall back into line like Royal Guards when the king goes past.

"Though waves and storms go o'er my head,
Though strength, and health, and friends be gone;
Though joys be withered all and dead,
Though every comfort be withdrawn;
On this my steadfast soul relies,
Father, Thy mercy never dies."

CHAPTER XIII.

Various Ways out of Difficulties.

Almost any one can get into trouble, but it is not always so easy for
any one to get out again. Abe knew both ways,--the way in and the way
out,--and many a time he had to run the gauntlet, and save himself as
best he could.

There is an amusing story told of a little passage which the Rev. P. J.
Wright once had with him. They met on a Sunday morning at the Honley
railway station. Mr. Wright was at that time Superintendent of the
Circuit, and was on his way to preach at Woodroyd, whilst Abe was going
to Honley on a similar errand. After exchanging the ordinary
salutations, the reverend gentleman said, "Well, Abe, what are you
going to give them at Honley this morning?" On being informed of Abe's
subject, he further inquired how he intended to treat it; whereupon his
companion began to give an outline of his sermon. When he had
finished, his interrogator rejoined, "Why, you are wrong, altogether,
Abe, you must change the order of your divisions, and put the