see, if I'd thought God was in Markham and the girls I could have done
my duty and let Him take care of them; but it was because I'd no cause
to think that, and believed that He'd let them go, that I couldn't let
them go. I felt that I'd rather give up the sort of a God I thought on
and look after them a bit. It wasn't that I thought it out clear at the
time; but that was how it came about, and I was ready to kick religion
over. And, sir, if God hadn't taught me that when I went down to hell He
was there, I don't think I'd want to be religious again; but now I do
want it with all my might and main, and I'll never let go of it, just as
I know He won't let go of me--no, not if some of these days they have
to shovel me into a drunkard's grave; but I believe that God's got the
same strength for me just as He had when you converted me." Toyner
looked round him despairingly as a man might look for something that is
inexplicably lost. "I can't think how it is, but I can't get hold of His
strength."

The preacher meditated. It had already been given to him to pray with
great persistency and faith for this back-slider, and he had come sure
of bringing with him adequate help; but now his hope was less. In a
moment he threw himself upon his knees and prayed aloud: "Heavenly
Father, open the heart of Thine erring child to see that it was the
craft and subtlety of the devil that devised for him a temptation he
could not resist,--none other but the devil could have been so subtle;
and show him that this same devil, clothed as an angel of light, has
feigned Thy voice and whispered in his ear, and that until he returns to
the simple faith as it is in the gospel Thou _canst_ not help him as of
old."

"Stop!" (huskily). "I have not let go of His faith. His faith was in the
Father of sinners."