In the morning Samuel and his wife came to Nanny’s cottage, and found her sitting before the door with the stranger, and suckling her child.
_N._ It is, as I supposed, it is Rebecca, my friend’s sister-in-law. Samuel’s wife spoke kindly to the young woman, and after a short conversation led her aside.
_S._ My wife is going to speak seriously to her. We do not think she has acted quite as the word of God directs.
_N._ Neighbour Samuel, remember the bad character and ill behaviour of her husband.
_S._ Do you not recollect I told you the other day that the faults of others did not excuse us for neglecting our own duty.
_N._ But would you have this woman and her child exposed to such barbarous treatment?
_S._ If she had continued enduring these things for the sake of God, and because he has said, “If when ye do well and suffer for it, ye take it patiently; this is acceptable with God,” 1 Pet. ii. 20. can you for a moment suppose that he would not have sustained her under her trials? Remember the words of St. Paul, “The woman that hath a husband which believeth not, and if he be pleased to live with her, _let her not leave him_.” 1 Cor. vii. 13.
Nanny felt convinced that Samuel was right.
His wife returned with Rebecca, whose eyes were full of tears.
_S._ My good Rebecca, I hope you feel that we desire to act as your parents, and only wish to speak for your good.
_R._ Yes, I feel it, my good friends; you have spoken to me from the Lord, and I needed your advice. I have done wrong, I have sinned against God by my impatience, He chastened me yesterday, but he did it as a tender father, and in mercy has, I trust, turned the evil I planned into good.
_S’s wife._ I do hope that what has passed will prove an occasion of good, both to you and your husband.
Rebecca shook her head, and sighed as she looked at her child.
_S._ Do not limit the power of God. Have more faith; cast all your care upon him, for he careth for you. I intend to go to your husband to-day, and I hope my visit will not be without effect.
In the course of the day Samuel set out. He was absent three days, during which time his wife conversed a good deal with Rebecca; they also read the Bible, and prayed together. The young wife was deeply affected, and said, that as soon as Samuel returned she would ask him to take her home to her husband; adding, “I will endeavour to win him by my conduct, as the apostle directs, and how do I know but I may be the means of saving my husband.” 1 Cor. vii. 16. 1 Pet. iii. 1.