"Amen, amen, my soul replies;
I'm bound to meet you in the skies,
And claim my mansion there!"




CHAPTER V.


THE FIERY FURNACE.

Elizabeth's reception at her father's surprised her by its coolness and
reserve, as if she were a stranger or a visitor.

At once a happy thought struck her with great force: "If my religious
profession puts such a distance between me and all my father's family, the
throne of grace must, if possible, unite us." So, before retiring for the
first night's rest, she asked and obtained authority to set up a family
altar, and for some months at least one of that family enjoyed freedom of
spirit and tenderness of heart.

Parson Huntington visited her with much paternal kindness; and although, in
presence of her joyous piety, he often seemed embarrassed, yet he remained
true to his first conclusion as to the "effectual character of her call and
blessed hope." But the promised "teaching" found her a less tractable
pupil than he had hoped and led the father to hope. She ever treated his
instructions with profound respect, but seemed to be a dull learner. Alas,
that she was all the while imbibing more than they or she supposed! Still,
the predestinarian aliment did not set well on her palate, or nourish her