Faith was not long in ascending the hill to meet her sister. Their
meeting was full of joy.
"If my eyes had not been lifted heavenward, I should have missed you,
Hope: and you must have searched a long time for me; for my journeys
are far each day," said Faith to her sister.
"Keep your eyes _ever_ uplifted," answered Hope, "and you will see not
only the brightness of the heavens, but also the father's angels whom he
chooses to send to your aid."
"I will," answered Faith; and ever after her eyes were raised heavenward.
They descended to the valley, hand in hand, and reached it as the people
were passing to their daily toils.
How light now seemed the labors of Faith! What a comfort it was to
have Hope by her when she walked along the dreary wayside; and Hope's
bright words, how they cheered the downhearted!
"I wonder your parents ever permitted you to come to the earth alone,"
remarked an old and venerable woman to Faith, as the latter was imparting
to her some truths which lay almost beyond the grasp of mortals.
"My father, as well as myself, had to learn that I needed Hope with
me to make my work more perfect. We must first feel our own inadequacy
before our helpers can be fully appreciated. I think she came in the
right time," said Faith reverently.
"No doubt," replied the woman; "I have often heard you say that all
our blessings come at the needful moment; but surely Hope looks as
though she could endure the rough clime, and still rougher ways of our
people, better than yourself, although I do not know what my life would
have been without you.
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