My favorite illustrated version is by Max Eilenberg, the illustration by Angela Barret.
I wanted to share with you her bold words:
"Why should I," answered Beauty, "it would be very needless, for my father shall not suffer upon my account, since the monster will accept of one of his daughters, I will deliver myself up to all his fury, and I am very happy in thinking that my death will save my father's life, and be a proof of my tender love for him."
This reminds me of how we have the privledge of being martyrs for our God!
The merchant was so afflicted at the thoughts of losing his daughter, that he had quite forgot the chest full of gold, but at night when he retired to rest, no sooner had he shut his chamber door, than, to his great astonishment, he found it by his bedside; he was determined, however, not to tell his children, that he was grown rich, because they would have wanted to return to town, and he was resolved not to leave the country; but he trusted Beauty with the secret, who informed him, that two gentlemen came in his absence, and courted her sisters; she begged her father to consent to their marriage, and give them fortunes, for she was so good, that she loved them and forgave heartily all their ill usage. These wicked creatures rubbed their eyes with an onion to force some tears when they parted with their sister, but her brothers were really concerned. Beauty was the only one who did not shed tears at parting, because she would not increase their uneasiness.
She was bold in her mission to save her family! How we should be for the body of Christ- she was placed in a hard situation but, found the good in it and stepped forth and took it as a responsibility of her own!
"No, dear Beast," said Beauty, "you must not die. Live to be my husband; from this moment I give you my hand, and swear to be none but yours. Alas! I thought I had only a friendship for you, but the grief I now feel convinces me, that I cannot live without you." Beauty scarce had pronounced these words, when she saw the palace sparkle with light; and fireworks, instruments of music, everything seemed to give notice of some great event. But nothing could fix her attention; she turned to her dear Beast, for whom she trembled with fear; but how great was her surprise! Beast was disappeared, and she saw, at her feet, one of the loveliest princes that eye ever beheld; who returned her thanks for having put an end to the charm, under which he had so long resembled a Beast. Though this prince was worthy of all her attention, she could not forbear asking where Beast was.
Many times the thing that turns bad for the better is a true women of virtue, of stregth, of dignity! Beast may not look like a prince but, in the end he was- A heart is what makes a prince, not riches, not looks but, a pure selfless heart!
What a beautiful picture is created when two unperfect but, trying souls make the choice to stay pure and selfless for each other till the day when they say "I do."
Purity is beautiful- and thats where we are right now as the bride of Chirst, He wants us to make the choice because being pure is freedom and sweetness to this dull world!
Salt enhances flavor, pepper dulls it out!
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