Page:Sarah Sheppard - L. E. L.pdf/94

 the depths of the forest, which had stood still and shadowy for years; the starry silence of the summer nights; the mystery of their large bright planets filled the young heart, that was lifted up by their beauty, with deep and solemn thoughts. Again, her desolate situation; the dangers beyond her ability to foresee or to avoid, made her at once to feel her nothingness and her need of protection. The holy page, read at first for its beauty, was soon resorted to for its power. Beatrice dwelt on the gentle promises made to the afflicted, and the words of encouragement spoken to the simple, till hope rose strong within her, and grew to be that clear and steady light which hideth not its face in the time of trouble. Beatrice was a genuine Christian, if entire trust, deep humility and earnest conviction could make one. "It was to Beatrice that Emily was indebted for her knowledge of true religion. Hitherto she had never considered the rash step she had taken in entering the convent in a religious point of view. Like too many others, religion had been with her matter of general acknowledgment and general observance. She repeated her prayers because she had been accustomed so to do; she went to church because others did; but she had never looked to her God for support,—to her Bible for a rule of action. There are more, practical infidels from indifference than from disbelief. Beatrice was at first astonished to find how little interest the English girl, who had been brought up in a faith so pure, took in subjects that were of vital importance. "We ask for miracles; is not our own blindness a perpetual miracle? We live amid the blessings that Christianity has diffused through the smallest occurrences of our daily life; we feel hourly within us