Page:Orange Grove.djvu/344

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criticism of its merits, and crystallized it into an act which has crowned their names with honor for the fidelity with which they gave expression to God's immortal purpose as it was revealed unto them, and for its benefit to the human race.

If charity is commended as the greatest of christian graces, it was never intended that it should be perverted into a cloak for unrighteousness, or that it should exert so tolerant a sway as to lose sight of the principle at stake. The mistaken views of the well-meaning, or the sensitiveness of near and dear friends afford no palliation of a great wrong which is upheld by the powerful and influential, and toward which they contribute their influence; being no less oppressive to its victims because unintentionally or blindly sanctioned.

Mrs. Claremont's brilliant hopes and anticipations in which she had indulged with all the fondness of maternal pride were thus to be dashed to the ground at the beginning of his career. She had never coveted honors or fame for the sake of reputation, but with that honest love of approbation which courts the applause of the wise and virtuous, she had looked forward to a future when Walter should be an ornament to his profession, and his moral integrity and manly independence win greater laurels still. All this she lived to see, but only with anointed vision. From worldly eyes was hidden the immortal wreath angel hands were weaving, and dusky forms were waiting to bear in grateful homage to the coronation.

The glitter of wealth and the praise of the world are of very little moment in comparison with the