A Little Pilgrim in the UnseenOliphant, Mrs. (Margaret)
Religion
A Little Pilgrim in the Unseen
Oliphant, Mrs. (Margaret)
Death -- Fiction
He was going about His Father's business, not lingering, yet neither
making haste; and the calm and peace which the little Pilgrim had seen
in the faces of the blessed were but reflections from the majestic
gentleness of the countenance to which, all quivering with happiness and
wonder, she lifted up her eyes. Many things there had been in her mind
to say to Him. She wanted to ask for those she loved some things which
perhaps He had overlooked. She wanted to say, "Send me." It seemed to
her that here was the occasion she had longed for all her life. Oh, how
many times had she wished to be able to go to Him, to fall at His feet,
to show Him something which had been left undone, something which
perhaps for her asking He would remember to do. But when this dream of
her life was fulfilled, and the little Pilgrim kneeling, and all shaken
and trembling with devotion and joy, was at His feet, lifting her face
to Him, seeing Him, hearing Him--then she said nothing to Him at all.
She no longer wanted to say anything, or wanted anything except what He
chose, or had power to think of anything except that all was well, and
everything--everything, as it should be in His hand. It seemed to her
that all that she had ever hoped for was fulfilled when she met the look
in His eyes. At first it seemed too bright for her to meet, but next
moment she knew it was all that was needed to light up the world, and in
it everything was clear. Her trembling ceased, her little frame grew
inspired; though she still knelt, her head rose erect, drawn to Him like
the flower to the sun. She could not tell how long it was, nor what was
said, nor if it was in words. All that she knew was that she told Him
all that ever she had thought, or wished, or intended in all her life,
although she said nothing at all; and that He opened all things to her,
and showed her that everything was well, and no one forgotten; and that
the things she would have told Him of were more near His heart than
hers, and those to whom she wanted to be sent were in His own hand. But
whether this passed with words or without words she could not tell. Her
soul expanded under His eyes like a flower. It opened out, it
comprehended, and felt, and knew. She smote her hands together in her
wonder that she could have missed seeing what was so clear, and laughed
with a sweet scorn at her folly, as two people who love each other laugh
at the little misunderstanding that has parted them. She was bold with
Him, though she was so timid by nature, and ventured to laugh at
herself, not to reproach herself--for His divine eyes spoke no blame,
but smiled upon her folly too. And then He laid a hand upon her head,
which seemed to fill her with currents of strength and joy running
through all her veins. And then she seemed to come to herself saying
loud out, "And that I will! and that I will!" and lo, she was kneeling
on the warm soft sod alone, and hearing the sound of His footsteps as He
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account