Having turned from his way of error into the path of
righteousness, be he not again stricken with the wounds of sin, but
grant Thou that there abide with him for ever that soul's health
which Thy grace hath bestowed and Thy mercy hath established.'
As he listened, Basil's eyes filled with tears, and when bidden to
rise he felt as one who has thrown off a burden; rejoicing in his
recovered strength of body and soul, he gazed into that venerable
face with gratitude too great for words.
'Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.' It was with a
parent's tenderness that Benedict now spoke. 'I am old, O Basil, and
have but a few more steps to take upon this earth. Looking upon me,
you see long promise of life before you. And yet--'
The soft accents were suspended. For a moment Benedict gazed as
though into the future; then, with a wave of his hand, passed to
another thought.
'To-morrow you will join with us in the Holy Communion. You will
pass the day in sober joy among the brethren, not one of whom but
shares your gladness and desires your welfare.
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