Ploughed; & Other Stories (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. 1894. Excerpt: ... 'UNTIL SEVEN TIMES? "Even water forgives a fault three times."--Persian Proverb. It was growing dusk, and the turmoil of the day was nearly over. Mr. Justin sat in his little dingy office, having turned his chair from the desk to the fireplace, and folded his arms in thoughtful mood. It was the beginning of a New Year. "A New Year " soliloquised the merchant, rather sadly; "I am ashamed to look a New Year in the face I am ashamed to think of the old years The same regrets and resolutions, the same desires for better things, even the same prayers and petitions, have haunted each departing year for so long, that I tremble to feel them stir again within me. But then that Spirit Strong to overcome, mighty to save Ah Lord, that with help such as this, I should still remain so weak, so poor a creature To grow in grace is my daily supplication, and yet somehow I never seem to make any real advance. "Yesterday was New Year's Day. What a day was that for me ten years ago, when first I was brought to my Saviour's feet And ever since, I have made it the subject of longing desire and earnest prayer, that as that time of year recurs, it should be one of special blessing to my soul. What a change came over my whole life How easy seemed the way, how near the end Ah, and even yesterday there was something of the same difference "My heart again burned within me, my tongue seemed loosed, my soul yearned over the lost, and perishing. "Religion comes naturally in that dear home, where all is still and peaceful; and in my little quiet room the knees go easily down in prayer; but here, --this doorstep crossed, --I am a different being. Selfish, sharp, grasping, the whole day spent in schemes for extracting more money to increase that wealth of which I have already abun...