"Here we come across another reference to the power of Satan," said Agnes, "and you see there is no disgrace in taking refuge under the Shield. Satan hurls darts at those who are bearing God's name, and carrying His armour, and he hopes by their terrible fiery nature to beat down the combatant. But our Captain, who has not sent us out to battle unarmed, has provided a shield, which not only protects us from the fiery darts, but actually quenches them! The Shield of Faith. Minnie, whatever people say as you go on in life, whatever Satan may say, take your Shield of Faith and answer, 'If God be for us, who can be against us?' 'He that believeth shall not make haste.'" "I never knew what it meant before," said Minnie. "If you think it over, you will find that Jesus is your Shield in more ways than you can count; but I must leave you to find these out for yourselves. I think the other thought is the main one in our present subject." "Florence's Helmet is next," remarked Hugh, as Agnes paused. "Yes—the crowning of all—the hope which lifts the head proudly before every foe. Salvation! Victory at last; no defeat or dismay for those who trust Him. 'Take the Helmet of Salvation,' and the joy of the Lord shall be your strength!" "Oh, Agnes," whispered Florence, "how nice!" "And then," pursued Agnes, "the last equipment must be taken in hand, and never put down till the fight is fought. 'Take ... the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.'" "I often think how our Lord conquered Satan when He was on earth. Don't you remember that at every attack, He answered him by the Word of God? Satan hates to have Scripture quoted to him. He knows its power, and would by every device urge the soldier to lay down this powerful weapon. But let us all be too wary for this. Let us brighten our Sword ere we go to bed; let us grasp it afresh when we rise in the morning; let us wield it in our hearts and in our lives all day, that so the Word of Christ may dwell in us richly, and we may be able to fight the good fight of faith." Agnes paused, and all her listeners were silent. "Do you catch my meaning, dears?" she asked gently. "Oh yes, Agnes," answered several voices, and then John spoke earnestly. "Agnes, there's one thing I've learned from what you have been saying (besides many other things). As you went along, I came to this conclusion—" "Well, John dear?" "That, though our one piece of armour will be a first-rate reminder all through this New Year, the upshot saying is this—we must take unto us the whole armour, or we shall not be able to stand!" "Rather," corrected Agnes, earnestly, "that we may be able to stand! You are quite right, John, it is the whole armour of God which we need." CHAPTER XX. AGATHA'S STORY. ON Christmas Day, three children were walking down the lighted streets of a dark city, and were all, from different directions, wending their way to the same place.