第352页
《简·爱(英文版)》章节:第352页,宠文网网友提供全文无弹窗免费在线阅读。!
married: alternately, once every year, they come to see us, and we
go to see them. Diana's husband is a captain in the navy, a gallant
officer and a good man. Mary's is a clergyman, a college friend of her
brother's, and, from his attainments and principles, worthy of the
connection. Both Captain Fitzjames and Mr. Wharton love their wives,
and are loved by them.
As to St. John Rivers, he left England: he went to India. He
entered on the path he had marked for himself; he pursues it still.
A more resolute, indefatigable pioneer never wrought amidst rocks
and dangers. Firm, faithful, and devoted, full of energy, and zeal,
and truth, he labours for his race; he clears their painful way to
improvement; he hews down like a giant the prejudices of creed and
caste that encumber it. He may be stern; he may be exacting; he may be
ambitious yet; but his is the sternness of the warrior Greatheart, who
guards his pilgrim convoy from the onslaught of Apollyon. His is the
exaction of the apostle, who speaks but for Christ, when he says-
'Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his
cross and follow me.' His is the ambition of the high master-spirit,
which aims to fill a place in the first rank of those who are redeemed
from the earth- who stand without fault before the throne of God,
who share the last mighty victories of the Lamb, who are called, and
chosen, and faithful.
St. John is unmarried: he never will marry now. Himself has
hitherto sufficed to the toil, and the toil draws near its close:
his glorious sun hastens to its setting. The last letter I received
from him drew from my eyes human tears, and yet filled my heart with
divine joy: he anticipated his sure reward, his incorruptible crown. I
know that a stranger's hand will write to me next, to say that the
good and faithful servant has been called at length into the joy of
his Lord. And why weep for this? No fear of death will darken St.
John's last hour: his mind will be unclouded, his heart will be
undaunted, his hope will be sure, his faith steadfast. His own words
are a pledge of this-
'My Master,' he says, 'has forewarned me. Daily He announces more
distinctly,- "Surely I come quickly!" and hourly I more eagerly
respond,- "Amen; even so come, Lord Jesus!"'
THE END