Page:The Faith as Unfolded by Many Prophets.djvu/137

 him that his business with the merchant was yet unfinished; but he answered, 'When I return it shall be done: but if I were to stay now, the child might be lost by my delay.' So every man of the household, and also the child's mother, hastened forth. It was Nathan who found the babe asleep in a thicket of yonder wood: but as be approached to lift up the little one he trod on a viper, which stung him. When he met others of his household, he was already faint with pain. While he restored the child to its mother's bosom his strength failed him utterly; but seeing the woman's joy, he smiled, as he fell to the ground. His spirit was not overclouded by the despair of the mourners, for they had learned of him to be calm in the midst of grief. When he asked for the guilty merchant, in order to finish his business if he yet had strength, his wife would have kept from him that the time to secure his wealth was past; but by his questions he discovered all. Yet even at this was his spirit not long troubled: but his eye was bright, and his voice strong through faith, as he said, 'The Lord is your shepherd, ye shall not want; for He shall lead you in green pastures, and beside the still waters. I will trust that his goodness and