图书图片
PDF
ePub
[graphic][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][subsumed][merged small]
[graphic][merged small]
[graphic][merged small]
[blocks in formation]

CHAPTER I.

In the parlour of an ancient and somewhat imposing country residence in Warwick, were seated a father and mother, and their only daughter. An air of anxiety rested upon their features, as they gazed in silence upon the flickering embers, which the coolness of an October evening rendered grateful.

The father had seen more than threescore winters. He had been a decided and fearless Puritan from his youth. As the younger son of a wealthy baronet, he was a conspicuous mark for the shafts of persecution. Of fines and imprisonments he had large experience; but fines and imprisonments failed to convince him that it was better to obey men than God. He was a warm friend of the Parliament, and cordially approved of the recourse to arms; though he was too old to become himself a soldier.

It was two days after the battle of Edgehill. English blood had been shed on English soil, by the hands of Englishmen. No authentic report of the result of the conflict had reached the retired family. In deep solicitude they were awaiting its arrival.

"Father," said Alice, with a voice such as one loves to hear repeat the numbers of the noblest poet, "do you think there will be any further bloodshed?"

pect before her is dark, and would be heartcrushing but for the thought that God reigns." A knock was heard at the door. It was opened by Alice. A tall, thin man stood before her. The darkness obscured his features, but his words of affectionate greeting revealed the presence of one already famous throughout England, and destined to become famous throughout the world.

"Mr. Baxter !" said Alice, in a tone of mingled surprise and welcome. Mr. Elliston hastened to embrace his friend. Both wept, and for some moments no words were uttered, save brief and devout invocations of the divine blessing.

"You have come," said Elliston, when they were seated by the fireside, "from the seat of war, and can tell us the news-sad enough in any event."

The earnest looks of Alice seconded her

father's request. Mr. Baxter smiled sadly, and remarked, "It is no pleasant story for a maiden's ear."

Alice blushed. "Hers is no idle curiosity," said her father; "she is familiar with the principles of this contest, and with the interests at stake."

"On the last Sabbath," said Baxter, "I preached for my reverend friend, Mr. Samuel Clark. In the midst of my sermon, the people heard the cannon play, and perceived that the armies were engaged. When the sermon was done in the afternoon, the report was more audible, which made us all long to hear of the

"I fear, my child," said Mr. Elliston, "that these are but the beginning of sorrows. God hath a controversy with England, because of her persecutions of his chosen ones. The pros- success. About sunsetting, many troops fled

[blocks in formation]
« 上一页继续 »