Not amongst the dregs of the unfortunate people who are
the very spawn of vice, who never hear a good word
or see a good action, who do not know that there is a
God except in a curse. No ! God gave me everything;
but He chose a middle way for me, and each blessing
that surrounded me was immense in itself, and many
were combined. Pure blood and good birth, health,
youthj strength, bc:iuty, talent, natural goodness — God
and Nature gave me all, and the Devil and 1 spoiled
the gift. Add to all this a happy home and good
family, education, society, religion, and the true Church
of Christ. He took from me the riches and the
worldly success that might have damned me ; and
having purified me. He sent me back only a sufficiency
for needs and comforts. He gave me a noble incen-
tive to good in the immense power of affection I have
within me, which I may misuse, but not deprave or
lose ; this power is as fresh as in my childhood, but
saddened by experience. He preserves me from the
multitude of hourly evils which I cannot see; nay, more,
He seems to watch every trifle to meet my needs and
wants. He scarcely lets the wind visit me too roughly ;



148 Ubc IRomance of Ssabel %abis JSurton

He almost takes up the instruments He gave me, and
works Himself. He seems to say, * Toil for one short
day, and in the evening come to Me for your reward/
He appointed to me, as to every one, an angel to
protect me ; He has shown me the flowery paths that
lead down— down to the Devil and Hell — and the
rugged path that leads upward to Himself and Heaven.
