CHAPTER V.
Martin, being willing to go to sea, goes to sea against his will.
Four years rolled away, casting chequered light and shadow over the little village of Ashford in their silent passage whitening the forelocks of the aged, and strengthening the muscles of the young. Death, too, touched a hearth here and there, and carried desolation to a home; for four years cannot wino- their flight without enforcing; on us the lesson —which we are so often taught; and yet take so long to learn- -that this is not our rest, that here we have no abiding city. Did we but ponder this lesson more frequently and earnestly, instead of mak- ing us sad, it would nerve our hearts and hands to fight and work more diligently to work in the cause of our Redeemer the only cause that is worth the life-long energy of immortal beings the great cause that includes all others ; and it would teach us to remember that our little day of opportunity will soon be spent, and that the night is at hand in which no man can work.
