Roman laughed and climbed into the buggy. “Very well, then. You’ll save me a charge to cross the bridge.”
The tollman waved the reverend on as they approached the bridge. Roman eased back against the leather upholstery and relaxed.
“I was sorry to hear that your aunt is under the weather.”
“I didn’t know she was.” Roman looked at the man for further explanation. “What’s wrong?”
“I visited James Ashton earlier. He has become quite ill, and since he visited our church with his granddaughter, I thought it my obligation to check in. The doctor was there and told me his days are numbered. While we were speaking, he also mentioned seeing your aunt. She’s suffering biliary colic and was in quite a bit of pain through the night. She seemed to be better, however. When I spoke to her, she was resting and told me the pain was greatly diminished.”
Roman frowned. “I didn’t realize she was ill. She’s not good about telling the family, for fear my mother will worry. I would go and check on her myself, if not for Ashton. I would not want to have to speak to him.”
“He’s bedbound so there’s little worry of that.”
“Then I’ll go to see her immediately. Might you drop me at the Ashton estate, instead of taking me home?”
The reverend nodded. “Certainly. I’m glad she’ll have you to check up on her, but honestly, Roman, you should let go of your anger toward Mr. Ashton. The past is laid to rest, and soon Mr. Ashton will be as well. Your anger hurts only you and does nothing to bring about justice for the wrongs done to your family.”
It was true, and Roman knew it full well. He had struggled for nearly ten years with this burden. “I know the Bible tells us to forgive, but that man has done such evil.”
“You aren’t his judge, Roman. The Lord will deal with him. We live in an evil time, and the devil seeks to destroy all thathe can. He is at present destroying your peace of mind, and dare I say your joy?”
“I suppose you might as well. Thoughts of Ashton and all that he did to my family do cause great distress. I know that God is in control of my heart, but James Ashton seems to control the world around me.”
“But you know that isn’t true. It is but a façade. The devil finds great satisfaction in deceiving people into believing he can give them the power to thwart God’s plans. He has certain powers, that much is true, but as Christians, we need not fear his abilities.”
“We are told to resist him.”
“We are told first to submit ourselves to God,” the reverend corrected. “Submit first, then resist with God’s strength and power. The devil will then have no choice but to flee. We cannot defeat him on our own, however.”
“It would seem no man could defeat James Ashton.”
“No, but perhaps a woman shall.”
Roman shook his head. “I don’t understand.”
Knickerbacker shifted on the seat as they exited the bridge. He glanced at Roman a moment. “Judith Stanford is a woman of God. Her grandfather has made her his heir. He told me as much as we spoke about his great fortune and all that he’s accomplished. He intends to see her go forward with all his ambitious plans, but I have a feeling that God’s plans are quite different.”
“I’m sure he’ll make provisions that won’t allow her to do much good.”
“I believe we should be praying for that young woman. My Sarah says that she is determined to see the poor helped and the lonely comforted. I believe God’s influence over Judith is stronger than that of her grandfather. Remember, the wrong he did you and yours was not the only wrong he did. He rejected his own son and cast him aside, leaving him to makehis own way. Which he apparently did, just as you and your family have done.”
“But the devil has a way of taking hold of a person before they even realize what has happened.”
Knickerback looked back at the road. “Do you mean to offer yourself as an example?”
“Why would you say that?” Roman was beginning to feel a bit chastised.
“I only point out the obvious truth. Do you suppose it to be the will of our Lord that you have carried hatred for almost a decade? It’s certainly not beneficial to sharing the Gospel or offering encouragement to others. Hate destroys as nothing else can. And perhaps it causes the most damage to the person who offers it up.”
Roman couldn’t deny that his anger and hate had taken its toll. He heaved a sigh as the reverend directed his horse to turn onto the Ashton drive. The palatial estate spread out before him as a reminder of all his family had lost. James Ashton had built his home on the wealth he’d taken away from his partners. He had set himself up as a financial king over all, not even caring about the people he’d hurt.
“You’re right, of course. I have given the devil a foothold. It wasn’t my desire to do so.”
“Of course not, Roman. The pain you experienced at losing your father and seeing such harm come to your mother and sister left you devastated. It is when we are at our most vulnerable that the devil whispers in our ear. I know from the experience of losing my children. I might well have lost my very mind, but God in His righteous mercy sent me protection as I prayed. Remember the Bible speaks in Ephesians of how we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places.” He brought the horse to a stop and gave Roman a smile. “He doesn’t leave us as orphans. He hasgiven us spiritual armor and the help of heaven. Let go of the darkness that would destroy you, Roman. Embrace the love of God. Forgive this man of his wrongdoings, knowing full well that God is master of all.”
Roman heaved a sigh. “I’ve never said this before, but I will try.” He climbed down from the buggy. “Thank you for the ride and for the sermon.”
The reverend smiled. “I’ll be praying for you. You are called to a higher purpose, Roman. A purpose you cannot reach with fetters on your ankles.”
