A good-for-nothing scamp may become a father in name; but he who attains to that holy title in fact, must do as God does,--must love, cherish, sustain and make sacrifices for his child until his offspring becomes old enough and strong enough to stand for himself,--Don't you think so, Mr.Strong ?" All eyes were turned to the minister who was appealed to so directly.
Had the reverend gentleman been listening, or had his thoughts been with his eyes, out to sea?
His face was a study.

But that was not to be wondered at.

Was he not a dispenser of the Word himself, and had he not been listening to strange doctrine?
However, he soon shifted his gaze from the horizon to his questioner.
"Certainly, I agree with you," he replied.

"Father and fathering are distinct things.

Happy the man who combines them in his life--happy, indeed." The afternoon was growing to a close.