great comfort?"

"It certainly is," said Lucy, unconscious to all else but the spirit of
the Elder's words.

"In this world," said the Elder, "the God-given power of creation is
exercised unthoughtfully, unwisely, and often wickedly. A
good-for-nothing scamp may become a father in name; but he who attains
to that holy title in fact, must do as God does,--must love, cherish,
sustain and make sacrifices for his child until his offspring becomes
old enough and strong enough to stand for himself,--Don't you think so,
Mr. Strong?"

All eyes were turned to the minister who was appealed to so directly.
Had the reverend gentleman been listening, or had his thoughts been with
his eyes, out to sea? His face was a study. But that was not to be
wondered at. Was he not a dispenser of the Word himself, and had he not
been listening to strange doctrine? However, he soon shifted his gaze
from the horizon to his questioner.

"Certainly, I agree with you," he replied. "Father and fathering are
distinct things. Happy the man who combines them in his life--happy,
indeed."

The afternoon was growing to a close. The sun sank into the western sea.
The Elder, carried along by the awakened missionary spirit, continued
his talk. He explained that the Father had by means of the Son pointed
out the way of life, called the plan of salvation, or gospel of Jesus
Christ. He spoke of faith, repentance, and baptism for the remission of
sins; for, said the Elder to himself, even the minister has need of