ney, but, with the consciousness of the Father's care over them,
and the bond of love to shorten the way, they will not mind it.
Nathan's wife, in particular, is anxious to return to her
childhood's home, and never wearies of telling her children stories
of her girlhood days, when she and her sister, whom she still loves
passionately, watched their sheep on the hills of Hebron.

Mary and Manasseh have grown quite tall. Manasseh is almost a man,
fiery and impetuous as ever, yet wise beyond his years, and a devout
Christian.

Nathan is very happy. After all his trials he has perfect rest. His
face almost beamed when he said to me in the words of the Psalmist,
"Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul had almost dwelt in
silence. When I said, My foot slippeth, thy mercy, O Lord, held me
up. For the Lord is my defence, and my God is the rock of my
refuge."

He is very anxious about the hostile attitude which Mohammed has
taken. "God grant," he said, "that there may not be another season
of persecution. If there be, and the Lord will, I shall stay at
Medina to comfort, if I may, my poor brethren there. 'Blessed are
they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven.' God grant that we may all be imbued with the
spirit of him who said, 'Love your enemies, bless them that curse
you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that
despitefully use you.' Yet, Yusuf, it may be that we shall be forced
to defend our lives, and those of our wives and children,--God
knoweth. He will direct us, if we permit him, so that, living or
dying, it shall be well with us."

Is not such love, such comfort in the help and presence and sympathy
of God, worth more, infinitely more, than power or wealth or worldly
pleasure? Nothing that happens can overwhelm this happy family, for
they have the consciousness of God's love and care in all. They have
Jesus for a personal friend. Amzi, what would I not give to know
that you felt as they do, and as I learn to feel, more and more,
every day.

My friend, I could keep on in this strain for the whole night; but I
am weary, for to-day I talked for many hours with some of those who
are half-apostatizing to Mohammed.

So, Mizpah; and may the blessing of God be upon you.

Yus