That point admits of no argument. So, what came
to me in the guise of evil, I find to be good. God has not mocked my
faith in him. I waited patiently until he revealed himself in tender
mercy; until the hand to which I clung in the dark valley led me up
to the sunny hills. No amount of worldly riches could give me the
deep satisfaction I now possess. As for the false friend who robbed
me, I leave him in the hands of the all-wise Disposer of events. He
will not find, in ill-gotten gain, a blessing. It will not make his
bed soft; nor his food sweet to the taste. A just and righteous God
will trouble his peace, and make another's possessions the burden of
his life."
"But that will not benefit you," said Mr. Fanshaw. "His suffering
will not make good your loss."
"My loss is made good already. I have no complaint against
Providence. My compensation is a hundredfold. For dross I have gold.
I and mine needed the discipline of misfortune, and it came through
the perfidy of a friend. That false friend, selfish and
grasping--seeing in money the greatest good--was permitted to
consummate his evil design. That his evil will punish him, I am
sure; and in the pain of his punishment, he may be led to
reformation. If he continue to hide the stolen fox, it will tear his
vitals. If he lets it go, he will scarcely venture upon a second
theft. In either event, the wrong he was permitted to do will be
turned into discipline; and my hardest wish in regard to him is,
that the discipline may lead to repentance and a better life.
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