And through him too I gained courage and
steadfastness to remain true to Elsje, and not to give up, though the
whole world stand against me."
Here the woman found good opportunity for bringing the man from his
world of speculation back to practical life.
"But does not Jesus, or Christ, want you to do it openly, before all
the world?"
"I don't know ? I don't know, Elsje. His promptings and suggestions as
they proceed clearly from out the original fount are by no means always
equally positive and distinct. But I assure you - I would swear it to
you, had I not vowed once for all never to swear again - that I shall
stop at nothing and spare nothing as soon as his light shall shine
clearly and unmistakably for me."
"We Mennonites may never swear either," said Elsje, with pretty pride
in her creed, confessed with so little conviction.
"That is good, that is indeed one of the best things the Bible Jesus is
said to have taught. Therefore it is surely followed least of all. I
not only swear no more - I even dare not promise you anything, for I
know myself too little to foretell my future actions.
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