ion
of the whole party. Dame Hadden might have suspected that Margery had
warned her guests, but she said nothing, busily employing herself in
preparing provisions for them, aided by her daughter and serving-maid.
The fire was made up, pots put on to boil, and meat placed to roast,
while the farmer drew some flagons of his best beer. He resolved not to
show any lack of hospitality to those persecuted men, albeit they
differed from the Church to which he belonged. A blessing had been
asked by Master Foxe ere the feast began, and at its conclusion he rose
also to return thanks. He then from his pocket produced a copy of God's
Word, and spoke to all present of the love of God to perishing sinners.
"Could we but remember that `not a sparrow falls to the ground' but God
knoweth it, while `all the hairs of our heads are numbered,' surely we
should trust Him in all things, and understand how He is our loving
Father and Friend, and thus go to Him, trusting in the complete
salvation which Christ has wrought for us. We should go to Him on all
occasions direct for what we need, without any other mediator. Oh!
remember these words: `God so loved the world that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but
have everlasting life.' Remember also these words, which Christ Himself
spoke: `Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that heareth My word, and
believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come
into condemnation, but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily,
I say unto you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear
the voice of the Son of God, and they that hear shall live.' Yes, my
dear friends, many who are now dead in trespasses and sin, who have
never yet been born again, shall listen to the simple truth of the
Gospel, and gladly accept its life-giving offers."

Thus in the same strain he continued for some time, showing forth God's
love to man, man's need of a Saviour, the perfect and complete salvation
wrought by that Saviour for all who accept it, even though, like the
thief on the cross, they are deeply sunk in sin, and have not, till the
last hour of their lives, heard the sound of the Gospel. Even Margery
was surprised to hear Master Foxe speak thus, knowing that he was aware
who was listening to his words.

The day closed, and the visitors were shown to such sleeping chambers as
the house afforded. When all was quiet the farmer