I cannot close this letter without telling you further of the change that has come to me in my religious and spiritual life.  You know how blasphemously unbelieving I was ten years ago.  I thought then that I had full cause for being so, but I was wrong there, as in all else.  I wandered far and long, but as I began to do what I believe was God’s will, I began to know the doctrine, as the book says we shall.  I am happy now in a religious life which I once believed it impossible for any one to experience.  These are the main features in my life.

So now I wish you adieu, and pray the good Father in heaven to bless you all the days of your life.  Your calling is the most noble in all the world, and I do you but justice when I say that you are wholly worthy of your profession.  Remember me to your family, which I trust I may now have your permission to mingle with again (ah! that day); and believe me, ever sincerely yours, “Dodd.”

Mr. Bright read the letter through to the end, then fell on his knees and in silence rejoiced and gave thanks.

You may talk about rewards, good people, but will you measure out in dollars about the worth of feelings that filled the heart of Mr. Charles Bright on this occasion?  It is only in the coin of the everlasting kingdom that such a result can be told.

The next day the bank passed $237.45 to the credit of the schoolmaster.  The check was good!

There was a joyous dinner at Elder Weaver’s house that same Christmas day, the family being united again, the prodigal returned, and bringing with him a wife newly wedded.

Leave them at dinner.  Only God and the members of the household should look upon such a scene.

“Dodd” and his wife also spent a day with Mr. Bright, on their way to their home in the metropolis.

It was a joyous occasion, all hearts overflowing with such pleasure as there is among the angels, over one sinner that repenteth.

CHAPTER XXIV.

In a snug home in a suburb of New York City dwells “Dodd” Weaver with his faithful and devoted wife.  They have one child, a boy, named Charles Bright.  Their home is happy and full of the sunlight of love.  “Dodd” is devoted to his profession, and serves it faithfully.  He has a marked talent in his calling, and is succeeding well.  He may never become famous, but what is fame?  He is earning an honest and excellent living, and that is much for one with his start in life.

He looks over the path he has come with thankfulness as well as with horror.  He hopes, too, that when his own son shall come to go by the highway of life, he may be able to take him by the hand and lead him along the dangerous places that he found along the road, or, at least, to point out the pitfalls for the child, and so save him from the evil that so sorely, beset himself.

But every day, the thing that now looms up through the life of this now busy man is the personal character and influence of his old teacher, Mr. Bright.  This never leaves him nor forsakes him.  It is like an anchor to his soul.  It saved him from total wreck in his voyage of life.  It held him from ruin when the waves and billows swept over him.  Why should he not revere such a source of help; such an everlasting tower of strength?