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The Judgment

Page 26

by Beverly Lewis


  Thinking of friends, Silas wasted not a speck of time asking Rebekah out, according to the flourishing grapevine. More than likely they are a courting couple by now. Annie Mast is helping see to that by giving Rebekah more evenings away from her baby duties than were originally planned. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bontragers make a trip back here next autumn for a wedding uniting them with the Goods.

  I can’t say that I’ll be distressed on Silas’s special day, because even now, I know I’ll be right happy for him. And for Rebekah, too. After all, when two hearts beat nearly as one, like theirs seem to, who amongst us should ever stand in the way?

  So it is that I look ahead to my future with God’s help, joyfully trusting in whatever He has planned for me. And, really, considering the abundant blessings I’ve received from His loving hand, how can I do otherwise?

  Author’s Note

  While the idyllic countryside around Salem Road continues to capture my attention, I am equally fascinated by the spiritual landscape of the people I write about, people so like my maternal grandparents, Omar and Ada Buchwalter, both born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Their spiritual heritage has helped to shape my family . . . and my stories. In chapter 8 of this book, Rose Kauffman refers to the old German prayer book Die Ernsthafte Christenpflicht. Many readers will undoubtedly be curious about this clothbound treasure, which has long been dear to Anabaptists like my grandparents and other relatives.

  That precious connection led me to compile a selection of excerpts from those very prayers in a newly translated edition just for modern readers. It is my hope that this volume, entitled Amish Prayers, might bless you in your life as richly as it has Anabaptist Christians, many of whom first said these prayers as persecuted believers in Europe over three hundred years ago.

  On another important note, I offer my continual gratitude to my devoted consultants and research assistants who bring authenticity and great joy to my writing life: the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society, Brad Igou, Erik Wesner, Carolene Robinson, Judith Lovold, and Hank and Ruth Hershberger. I am also thankful for the complete works of Donald B. Kraybill, John A. Hostetler, and Stephen Scott, as well as my good fellowship with numerous Amish friends who read my books and appreciate my desire for accuracy.

  My longtime friendship and partnership with my editors—Dave Horton, Rochelle Glöege, and Julie Klassen—continue to enhance my writing life. “Thank you” never seems enough.

  I pray each of my readers will embrace the grace and goodness of our Lord, and choose the path to peace and simplicity.

  Soli Deo Gloria.

  BEVERLY LEWIS, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is the New York Times bestselling author of more than eighty books. Her stories have been published in eleven languages worldwide. A keen interest in her mother’s Plain heritage has inspired Beverly to write many Amish-related novels, beginning with The Shunning, which has sold more than one million copies. The Brethren was honored with a 2007 Christy Award.

  Beverly lives with her husband, David, in Colorado.

  By Beverly Lewis

  THE ROSE TRILOGY

  The Thorn • The Judgment

  SEASONS OF GRACE

  The Secret • The Missing • The Telling

  ABRAM’S DAUGHTERS

  The Covenant • The Betrayal • The Sacrifice

  The Prodigal • The Revelation

  THE HERITAGE OF LANCASTER COUNTY

  The Shunning • The Confession • The Reckoning

  ANNIE’S PEOPLE

  The Preacher’s Daughter • The Englisher • The Brethren

  THE COURTSHIP OF NELLIE FISHER

  The Parting • The Forbidden • The Longing

  The Postcard • The Crossroad

  The Redemption of Sarah Cain

  October Song • Sanctuary (with David Lewis) • The Sunroom

  The Beverly Lewis Amish Heritage Cookbook

  Amish Prayers

  www.beverlylewis.com

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Endorsements

  Dedication

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Epilogue

  Author’s Note

  About the Author

  Books by Author

  Back Ads

  Back Cover

 

 

 


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