Gabrielle, by S.B., C.D. (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1861 Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XXVI. "Your brother is weaker," said Mr. Forrester to Augustine, a short time afterwards. "Is it right to conceal his state from his mother?" Augustine started--a deadly paleness came over his countenance, and an expression of agony, as the reality of a truth he would fain have disbelieved forced itself upon him. "Does he not look better, Mr. Forrester?" he exclaimed, scarcely knowing what he said. "It is but deceptive. I have seen too many to be unprepared for this; I know well these deceitful changes." "My mother cannot bear it " exclaimed Augustine, "it will kill her;" and the deep anguish of his own tones, bespoke his bursting heart. Mr. Forrester took his hand, and in a voice of much sympathy, said to him, "My dear young friend, the afflictions which our merciful Heavenly Father sends to purify His children, will not be unaccompanied by strength from Him, to enable us to bear them, if only we seek His aid, "Who has bid us call upon Him, and He will answer us--Who has declared He will be with us in trouble, and will deliver us. (Ps. xci. 15.) Who has said, "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee." (Is. xliii. 2.) "I believe there is a Power which I do not feel," replied Augustine, sadly. "I see it in Frederick, as I watch him day by day; I have seen it in others; but I know not that strength; my mother knows it not." "But if you seek it, you shall find it " exclaimed Mr. Forrester, earnestly, "For our Blessed Lord has declared 'Ask and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find.' (Luke xi. 9.) Believe me, my friend, we know not the limits to the power of prayer--the p...