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The scene where Bathsheba, now in an intensely agitated emotional and spirtual state, remembers from his consistent loyalty to her that Gabriel Oak is a source of stability, and wants to be comforted by his speaking with him and being near him. As she nears his cottage in the dark, she sees that he is reading, most probably the Bible, and then shortly thereafter snuffs out the candle for bed. She decides against disturbing him, and wanders back to the lane, but looks up and sees that Gabriel has placed his candle on the windowstill, the light just enough so that she can see clearly his kneeling in prayer to God. The story clearly lets us know that Gabriel has experienced feelings and emotions which has caused him pain and anguish over the lack of concern for fellow human beings displayed both by Bathsheba and Troy that led ultimately to the tragedies (i.e., Mr. Boldwood's murder of Troy, Fanny's death, and Bathesheba's stricken conscience from her part in the tragedies), yet he remains solid and stable turning to God for comfort and strength. He is a man with a clean concience in the entire matter. In the story, despite his "malignant star of ill fortune" he, without complaining, accepts the time and unforeseen circumstances that befall him and manly goes about seeking to continue steadfastly move forward, not turning bitter over his calamities. Even while he himself, has nothing, his loving kindness towards another of thehuman race is demonstrated in giving what little coin he had to Fanny, and that "by the racing pulse beating in her wrist that he often felt in lambs that were overpressed" when he gave her the coin, he could identify her as a sad unfortunate fellow human creature forsaken. Indeed as a decent, kind, virtuous man, he continues throughout the story to demonstrate loving kindness (generosity and gentleness toward Fanny near the woods). sincere concern for an anguished fellow human being (Mr. Boldwood, when he did nothing to protect his corn crops from the destructive windstorm caused by his soulful anguish of not having Bathesheba now because of Mr. Troy's marriage to her, and being available to him when Mr. Boldwood, a very reserved man, needed a trusted confident to talk to).<br><br>The whole story clearly shows the imperfections in humankind, but that the qualities which Gabrial Oak showed toward his fellow humans: humility in one's character in the face of misfortune; loving kindness towards fellow human beings, both hostile (Troy) and otherwise; loyalty, and implicit trust in the natural grace of God, shows the purity of the spirit the Creator instilled in his human creation (the fruitages of the spirt as mentioned in Galations) demonstrates that a righteous person, though experiencing many calamaties is indeed to be desired as a true companion and loyal friend.<br><br>May we all aspire to be like Gabriel Oak. The world would be a much better place to live.