Christian fiction; Wingfold, Thomas (Fictitious character) -- Fiction
"'I stood in the midst, and my guide stood by me in silence; for all
the time I was in the country, he seldom spoke to me save when first
I asked of him, and yet he never showed any weariness, and often a
half-smile would dwell for a moment upon his countenance.
"'And first I watched the faces of them that sold; and I could read
therein--for be it understood that, according to the degree of his
own capacity, a man there could perfectly read the countenance of
every neighbour, that is, unless it expressed something that was not
in himself--and I could read in them nothing of eagerness, only the
calm of a concentrated ministration. There was no seeking there, but
a strength of giving, a business-like earnestness to supply lack,
enlivened by no haste, and dulled by no weariness, brightened ever
by the reflected content of those who found their wants supplied. As
soon as one buyer was contented they turned graciously to another,
and gave ear until they perfectly understood with what object he had
come to seek their aid. Nor did their countenances change utterly as
they turned away, for upon them lingered the satisfaction as of one
who hath had a success, and by degrees melted into the supervening
content.
"'Then I turned to watch the countenances of them that bought.--And
there in like manner I saw no cupidity and no meanness. They spake
humbly, yet not because they sought a favour, but because they were
humble, for with their humility was mingled the confidence of
receiving that they sought. And truly it was a pleasure to see how
everyone knew what his desire was, making his choice readily and
with decision. I perceived also that everyone spoke not merely
respectfully, but gratefully, to him who served him. And at meeting
and parting such kindly though brief greetings passed as made me
wonder whether every inhabitant of such a mighty city could know
every other that dwelt therein. But I soon saw that it came not of
individual knowledge, but of universal faith and all-embracing love.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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