"Yes," said Annis, "it seems to be human nature to go to extremes, and I think much harm is often done in that way. For instance, the Covenanters and Puritans of old times were so disgusted with the errors and selfish indulgences of the Papists--their turning the Sabbath into a holiday, which might rightly be spent in merrymaking and sport--that they themselves robbed it of all enjoyment, and made it a dull, gloomy time to their young people, with little or no hint in it of the strengthening joy of the Lord."
"I think you are right," returned Mrs. Travilla, in a musing tone. "The Sabbath is not a day for frivolity, but it is one for joy and gladness--the joy of the Lord strengthening us for duty, trial, and temptation. What but that sustained the martyrs when called upon to lay down their lives for the sake of Him who died to redeem them? And oh, how that gracious, precious promise, 'As thy days, so shall thy strength be,' relieves one of the dread of what the future may have in store for us; what bereavements, losses, sufferings, mental or physical! How often and sweetly He bids us fear not. 'O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. 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 flames kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord, thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.'"
"Yes," said Annis, "oh, how often, how tenderly he bids us fear not. It is like a mother hushing her frightened child. 'Say to them that are of a fearful heart, fear not.... Fear thou not, for I am with thee.... For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying to thee, fear not, I will help thee. Fear not, I have redeemed thee, thou art mine.... Fear not, O Jacob my servant, and Jeshurun whom I have chosen.'"
"'Whom I have chosen,'" repeated Elsie. "How those words bring to mind what Jesus our dear Master said to his disciples in that last talk with them in the room where they had eaten the passover--'Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you.' Oh, what love and condescension to choose us sinful creatures for his own!"