For the Faith

in merry pastimes, seemed for a while to have cast away those graver thoughts which had been stirring

rits; whilst others sought for truth and light as it was to be found amongst their recognized preachers and teachers, and were often surprised at the depth of spirit

. Anthony Dalaber was more engrossed in his own studies and in his prowess at calcio (which was the most

moment for him to do. The importation of forbidden books into the country had been temporarily checked by the vigilance of the cardinal and his servants. The king was breaking a lance in argument with Martin Luther, and men were watching the result with interest and curiosity. And there was a certain awakening of s

hood was awakening within them. They were learning something of its sweetness, of its power, as also of its perplexities and pain. There was no doubt whatever as to the fervency of Anth

pects. For a while it did not penetrate into the colleges, and the university authorities made strict rules for the undergraduates and students, hoping that the scourge would confine itself to the town and the families of the citizens. But it was im

of mercy. Clarke was one of those men to be found in great numbers in university communities who, whilst not yet in full priest's orders, was qualifying for the priesthood, wore the tonsure, and having

k, and perform such offices of pity and kindliness as lay within their power. Their father did not oppose them, though he laid down certain rules, which they dutifully obeyed, by w

rowded together in the low-lying lands without the city walls; and Anthony Dalaber, flinging himself into the crusade with his accustomed energy, found himself in almost cons

Clarke sickened of the distemper almost at the same time. Neither was grievously ill; but both we

r the time being all lectures were suspended. There was small chance of any regular resumption o

living room of the Bridge House upon the first evening when Dr. Langton had been suffered to leave his bed and lie for a while on the couch in this other and more c

e had been absent from Oxford for a whil

, "whither I sent for Dalaber to join me th

said it would he a brief one," answered F

I have gathered together a few congenial spirits. Dalaber and Fitzjames are already there, making all ready, and Radley will start tomorrow, taking Master Clarke in his charge, since it is of all things needful for him to have a change of air to restore him to health. He will be our chaplain, and edify us by his discourses when he has recovered his health and strength. But more than this: we want some man of learning and greater age and standing to direct us in our s

rt entirely for Dr. Langton and his daughters, who could bring any servant of their own if they desired it; he and his companions would occupy the other part o

rom the winds, and partly surrounded by its own moat. The air was fine and bracing. It would be likely to do good to thos

sure, would greatly benefit by the removal to a healthier locality; and though they would willingly have remained on, seeking, even without his guidance, to alleviate the sufferings of the str

rtments seemed sumptuous to them; for those were not days of great luxury in the matter of household furniture, and they had never before seen such hangings, such mirrors, such multitude of silver sconc

background; and he showed them everything with pride and delight, praising his friend, and for

gh to lecture and instruct us, he will have quite a gathering in the old raftered refectory below, which I will show you anon. Then there are gardens which will delight your hearts, and s

ke fell ill, had devoted himself to him day and night, with Radley for his helper. But Radley had had a touch of the si

er Clarke, I mean?" spoke M

worn down with illness. He looks bent and white and frail--he toiled so stren

ill speak for himself. I would that you should se

e not missed; close-shaven turf was only to be found in the bowling alleys, and lawns were not; but there was a wilderness beauty that was full of charm in such a place as this, and the sisters

which he was not then reading. His eyes lighted at sight of the sisters, and he would have risen, but

urney, and hoped he might visit him later in the day; and as they talked, they were joined by their host himself. And presently he asked Magdalen to

o our dear father. I doubt not that he will recover health and strength with great speed here

t flush mounting to his cheek; "believe me, it is the great hope of my heart th

o to others. Our beloved Master Clarke hath the appearance of a man sorely sick, and in need of long rest and refreshment. T

of those, Mis

inks he is one of God's saints upon earth--one of those who will assuredly w

y at her, noted a depth of expression in her eyes wh

ay have a great future before him, if only he does not le

d Magdalen, with qui

living or benefice that will make him rich for life. But let him have a care; that is what his friends would beg of him. Let him have a care that he be not corrupted by new-fangled disputings and questionings, which will benefit no man, and which are already disturbing the peace of the realm and

looking earnestly into her face, became a

ware of the peril in which he and others may stand

hould be forbidden. Why may not each man be free in his own soul to read the Scr

half she has to teach, and that within her fold is safety. Outside pastures may be pleasant to the eye; but who knows what ravening wolves may not be lurking there in the disguise of harmless sheep? The d

Ah, I cannot find words to say all I would. But methinks that, when such pure and stainless

any flocked. Dalaber was never absent; all his old zeal and love kindled anew. Several of the guests in that house, including Radley and Fitzjames, often sat up far into the night re

id not interfere with them. Once he said to Magdalen

ust be the best to study them in--for those who have learning to do so. Translators do their best, but error

re forbidden to read or buy the li

ey must be taught by those appointed to that work. I grant you willingly that much is needed in the church--men able and willing for the task;

not that," spoke Ma

go elsewhere. I could not lend my

and the girl loo

what?" s

en in his own college, he might find fault with much, and make inquisition in many places that would

?" asked Magdalen, who, through Dalaber, had some

e chiefest promoters of this dangerous traffic. I hope and trust he will keep himself away from here--from Oxford. He is a dangerous man, in that he works much upon the minds and feelings of oth

betray him!" crie

d under his gaze. She had not meant much by her wo

d suddenly, "what do you kno

arke have sometimes told us when these matters have b

mpathy with him

ver us; but yet I feel for those who desire more, and would fain drink of the water of life out of new cisterns. But what I meant was that it

dden to do sometimes,

should shrink from any man who c

he turned and took her hands in his, and

d of betraying, warn, such conspirators of their peri

ouch. There seemed a purpose in his

in him. Our Lord has promised His blessing to the merciful. Surely He would count

ss and with kindling eyes. His

. Mine uncle is the proctor in Oxford--proctor for the south. Through him I ofttimes glean news unknown to other students. If I should hear of any peril menacing those wh

nce that thrilled him to his heart'