THIS alone is worthy of being sought by us. It is never bestowed upon those who are unworthy to receive it. It is never gained by false pretenses. Intrigue will not secure it. Selfishness will not accomplish anything in the effort to wrest it from its rightful possessor. It is given only to those that God approves. He judges of men's conduct by the motive which prompts that conduct. He confers honor when the motives are pure, and the acts are right. But he is very careful to know that his honor is our highest aim. That this may be manifested beyond all dispute, he takes care to test his servants by placing them in such spheres of action as shall show that they labor not to please themselves, nor even to gain the applause of their brethren, but solely to honor him whose servants they profess to be.
When he finds those who seek his honor only, how greatly pleased is he with them! "Them that honor me," says God, "I will honor, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed." 1 Sam. 2:30. And Jesus says, "If any man serve me, him will my father honor." John 12:26. There is one direct road to this honor. It is to seek only to please God. Humiliation, and not advancement, will come first. The singleness of our purpose, the purity of our motives, and the unselfishness of our character, is to be made evident by the course we pursue. Indeed, he may withhold everything but humiliations and crosses. If so, let us say, "Even so, Father, for so it seems good in thy sight." Let us accept these things with cheerfulness. They are tokens of the loving-kindness of God to us. The course we pursue in these very things is to determine whether we are worthy of honor from God or not. If we are found ready to bear the cross of Christ, even where we cannot always have the approval of the people of God for the time being, our singleness of purpose is thereby plainly revealed. Let us remember to honor God, and he will IN DUE TIME honor us. Let us wait the Lord's time, and fill up the interval by patient continuance in well-doing.
J. N. A.
The Upper Columbia Camp-Meeting.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
WE left San Francisco for Oregon, June 2, in company with Brethren White and Smith, and Sisters Scott and Edith Donaldson. We arrived at Walla Walla, W. T., Wednesday, June 6. Here we were obliged to remain over night and therefore did not reach the ground at Milton, until after the meeting had commenced. The meeting was held on the farm of Bro. Nichols, at the same place where it was held three years ago. Bro. Boyd accompanied us from Portland. This camp-meeting was not a large one, less than one hundred and fifty were present, yet in many respects we trust that the meeting was a profitable one. The Spirit of the Lord met with us and encouraged many hearts. The brethren appreciated the words spoken; and although there was not that demonstration of feeling manifested that we have seen at some camp-meetings, our friends seemed determined to take such steps as would carry the cause into new fields the coming year.296
The business meetings passed off harmoniously, and all indicated a determination to see something more accomplished the coming year than has been in any one year in the past. At the time that Eld. Colcord came to this section of the country, but little had been accomplished in the tract and missionary work. At that time our brethren felt somewhat discouraged as to the cause in some respects, but Sister Colcord, who has acted as secretary, has proved efficient, so that there was not only a good feeling among the friends of the cause in the missionary work, but their financial standing was very good. A Reserve Fund of about $700 had been raised and about $200 more was pledged, including what was paid in upon the camp-ground.
The resolutions passed at the Conference showed that the brethren are determined to keep up an interest among themselves so that the ministers could go into new fields to labor: and Bro. Russell was recommended to visit the brethren at their homes and labor with them in reference to the various enterprises connected with the cause of God. He thought that during the coming year he could visit every family of Seventh-day Adventists in this Conference. He will see how they are prospering at their homes, in their families; whether they have family prayer morning and evening; whether they have our periodicals—our principal books; he will hold Bible classes, or Bible readings with them, and investigate such points as may not be clear to them, as well as labor in the interests of the Sabbath-school, and the church. It is evident that this kind of work should be done to a greater extent than it has been done in the past; and there are experienced brethren who can do this as well as the minister who may be adapted to enter new fields.
Our people must become established in the truth and thus be prepared to give a reason of their hope, for the hour of temptation "which will come upon all the world, and try them that dwell upon the earth." If the Lord is soon coming, then it is high time that we should make special preparation for that event. The Testimonies and the different volumes of "Spirit of Prophecy" should be in the hands of every family of Seventh-day Adventists, and all should take time to read their Bibles, and to investigate the truth. It is time that we ripen off for the kingdom of God. Eld. Russell is a man of some experience, and we trust that God will bless his labors and make him useful in this branch of the work. Bro. Goodwin is also a man of influence and he feels that it would be a privilege for him to devote his time to this kind of work and to canvassing. Young men were encouraged to go into the field with some experienced laborer, so that the prospect now is that instead of two laborers, Eld. Jones and Eld. Colcord, there will be in connection with them not less than four or six more. There were sufficient funds in the treasury to pay their ministers about as they would have received in the East, and yet leave a small amount to commence operations with. As there will be an increased number of laborers the coming year, there must necessarily be an increased amount of tithes sufficient to carry forward the work as the providence of God may open the way in this Conference.
On the Sabbath-day some eighteen or twenty came forward for prayers, about fifteen for the first time. Eight were baptized on Monday. The meetings closed Tuesday morning. Those who preached upon the ground were Eld. Boyd, Eld. Jones, Eld. Colcord, and the writer. The forenoons were occupied in Bible readings, while in the afternoons and evenings there were regular discourses given. Much instruction was given to our leading brethren in reference to the nature of our work, and plans were laid, which if carried out (and we believe they will be) will tell much for the advancement of the truth the coming season. Our brethren need to be educated as to what is to be done, and how they can take hold of the work. Some definite plan should be presented before those who think of entering the work, that they can take hold of it understandingly and move forward in the fear of God. The SIGNS canvass as it is being adopted in the Eastern Conferences presents an opening for many who wish practical experience in pastoral labor.
Our friends became convinced that instead of carrying forward a school, as they have had in contemplation, it would be better to select some good teachers, or some who have teaching in view, and encourage them to attend the Healdsburg College, to fit them for the different features of this work. Young men who feel it their duty to enter this work, were also advised to attend the College. We think that in a short time there will be some who will attend the Healdsburg College from this Conference. There is no reason why that College should be considered simply a Californian institution. It rightly belongs to the friends of the cause on the Pacific Coast. We invite them to send their young men and women to the same, that they may receive the benefit to be derived from it. We also invite them to help sustain it with their prayers, their sympathy, and their means.
Our brethren returned to their homes apparently much encouraged, and with faith to believe that next year they will have a larger camp-meeting than ever in the past.
Notwithstanding the numbers were few and there were no great demonstrations of interest manifested in a general way, the sales amounted in the aggregate to about $200. This will illustrate the results of the meetings in other respects. We shall look forward with interest to the future of this Conference. May the Lord grant his special blessing to rest on the efforts of the friends of the cause in the Upper Columbia Conference.
S. N. HASKELL.
The Pennsylvania Camp-Meeting.
By John Orr Corliss
WE arrived at the place of meeting on Wednesday, May 30, and found a goodly number of our brethren already in camp. Although the weather was cold and disagreeably damp, all seemed cheerful, and determined to do all in their power to make the meeting successful. On account of some rain and wind, the services did not commence till Thursday morning. The weather was quite pleasant after Thursday till the close.
It was estimated that about three hundred of our brethren were encamped on the ground. The circle of family tents numbered thirty-five. These with two forty-foot tents, the book tent and pavilion formed the entire encampment. The preaching was done by Elders Butler, Whitney (B. L.), Fero and the writer.
On Sunday two discourses setting forth the fundamental principles of Seventh-day Adventists were delivered to fair congregations from the city (Olean) and surrounding country. With this exception the preaching was of a hortatory nature, designed to point out the dangers and duties of the present time, and to encourage all to active service in the cause of truth. Judging from what we heard and saw, the effort was not unsuccessful. Many wept over their past lukewarmness, and pledged themselves to greater diligence and faithfulness in the future.
The Sabbath was an especially good day to all. An excellent Sabbath-school was held in the morning under the direction of Brother Oviatt. The lessons were well learned, and the cheerful promptness with which each one responded to his or her name at the time of general questions showed that the schools in the entire Conference had given much thought to the subject under consideration.
In the afternoon nearly the entire camp sought the blessing of God, that each felt had been lost through lack of energy and devotion. Some who had wholly left the path of truth returned, and renewed their covenant with God, while some for the first time came seeking a preparation to stand in the day of the Lord.
When the wants of various missions were set before the people a noble response was made, netting pledges to the amount of $1,800. This sum was nearly evenly divided among the European and English missions and the International Tract and Missionary Society. One good brother had just previously pledged $1,000 for the European mission, which, added to the above, aggregates $2,800.
The farewell meeting Tuesday morning will not soon be forgotten by those present. One hundred testimonies were borne in quick succession, and nearly every one was with trembling voice and moistened eye. Near the close of the meeting Bro. Whitney spoke a few words of farewell admonition to those with and for whom he had labored so long, as it was the last meeting he would have with the brethren before departing for Europe. Some wept aloud at the thought of final separation, and many vows of consecration were made which we hope will be ever daily remembered and acted upon by those who made them. They will then be enabled to join in that final reunion of the saints from which there will be no painful separations.
J. O. Corliss.
Clifton, Va. June 12, 1883,
Iowa Camp-Meeting.
By I. D. Van Horn
THIS meeting was held in Des Moines, June 7–13. Cloudy and rainy weather hindered the progress of the meeting and the outside attendance, yet the number on the ground exceeded that of last year.
There was a marked promptness shown by nearly all in coming early to the meeting. The first meeting was held Tuesday evening, the 5th, more than twenty-four hours in advance of the appointment, with over one hundred present. When the appointed time came, a large majority of the brethren and sisters were on the ground and ready for meeting. Remaining to the close was equally as marked as was the beginning. This was as it should be, and our meeting was all the better for it. Bro. Butler arrived on the ground Friday morning, and his presence and influence gave new life and interest to the meeting. The business of the Conference and other branches of the cause was delayed some, but was done with the usual unity and good feeling.
The preaching was mostly practical, and forcible, and calculated to arouse our people to a sense of the shortness of time, the little moment, as it were, that is left us to get ready to meet our Lord in peace and joy, and the necessity of an entire consecration to God and his work. Special and earnest appeals were made for all our people to arise to duty and make efforts, through every branch and channel of the cause, to spread the light of truth everywhere. These appeals were responded to nobly by all our brethren and sisters as will be seen in the sequel to this report.
The devotional exercises both in the large pavilion, and in the several divisions of the camp, were marked with deep feeling and with many seeking the Lord. On Sabbath afternoon, after a stirring discourse by Bro. Butler, a call was made for those far away from God, both backsliders and sinners, who wanted to seek the Lord, to come forward. About one hundred responded. It was a solemn and impressive scene. It melted the hearts of both ministers and people. The Spirit of the Lord was present in rich measure at our season of prayer, after which all repaired to their several divisions and the work was carried on there. Many were made to rejoice in a Saviour's love. On Sunday morning and Monday this work was continued, and in the afternoon of Monday, after a discourse on Baptism, fifty-seven came forward to obey the claims of the gospel in this ordinance. The season at the water was solemn and impressive.
The Scandinavian portion of our camp-meeting held services by themselves every day which was marked with their usual devotion and earnestness. Several of those baptized were from this people.
The President of the General Conference set before our people the wants of the cause in its different branches,—more especially the need of means, to carry on the work in our foreign missions. The brethren and sisters became interested to that degree that in a very short time pledges were taken to the amount of nearly $4,000, which was about equally divided between the International Tract Society, the European Mission, the Danish Mission, and the English Mission. Beside this, about $200 was raised on the Tent and Camp-meeting fund. Iowa has done nobly in thus responding to these worthy objects. May she share largely in the rich blessing of God, and may many souls be made to rejoice in the kingdom, as the fruit of her benevolence.
The canvassing work was an interesting feature in our meeting. Bro. George King was present, and gave a report of the canvass for "Thoughts on Daniel and Revelation." The report was full of courage and hope. Bro. Cudney, President of the Nebraska Conference, was with us and gave us a very encouraging report of the SIGNS canvass in his Conference. He was full of zeal in this branch of the work, and Iowa caught some of his spirit, for steps were taken to push the same work in this State.
On the whole we had a good camp-meeting, and all went to their homes feeling that the cause demanded much of their time, talent, and means. All were strengthened in their souls to meet the conflict before us bravely and nobly. I. D. VAN HORN.
Portage, Wis., June 14.
Some of the Features of the Philippian Church.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
BY ELD. S. N. HASKELL.
THERE ever seemed to be between the apostle Paul and the Philippian brethren a very close attachment. The church was founded in affliction. The apostles were imprisoned, and some ten years after the gospel was first carried to Philippi the apostle writes: "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me." It is evident from this that this church passed through the same affliction during this period of ten years, that they saw him pass through while in Philippi, which was persecution and imprisonment. He was in prison when he wrote this epistle, and he says to them, "Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, but now hear to be in me."
In his epistle to the Philippians the apostle uses some expressions which show what an intimate relation existed between him and them. In verses 3-5 of the first chapter he says, "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now." Another expression in the eleventh verse, "Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God." It is evident that this church, notwithstanding their affliction, was a devoted church. Inspiration speaks of their poverty and affliction as follows: "How that in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality." 2 Cor. 8:2. He writes this to the Corinthian brethren as though notwithstanding their great affliction they had great joy and their joy increased in proportion to their affliction. It was not a murmuring church. But they rejoiced in their affliction, and in their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. Notwithstanding they were very poor, they were very liberal, and the apostle assures us that beyond their power they were willing of themselves; and while he would refuse to take their liberality on account of their poverty, they prayed him with much entreaty that he would receive the gift, and take upon themselves the fellowship of ministering to the saints. 2 Cor. 8. Thus we learn from the brief record which we have of their history that they were a church which passed through great affliction, and secondly, they possessed great joy in their afflic297tion, evidently partaking of the spirit manifested by the apostles when cast into prison at Philippi; and thirdly, in the midst of their "deep poverty" they were a liberal church; they were anxiously desiring to ever do something to build up the cause of God.
When the apostle went from them to Thessalonica, after they had first received the gospel, no church communicated with the apostle as concerning giving and receiving but they only. They sent once and again to supply the apostle's necessities in Thessalonica. There is more said in the Scriptures about this church's giving than of any other one church spoken of in the gospel. No wonder that, with these characteristics, they were a prosperous church.
There is no account of the Lord's ever working a miracle when his church were murmuring and complaining; he cannot miraculously work for his people in their unbelief. Of certain cities we read: "He could not do many mighty works because of their unbelief." Whenever the people of God are finding fault because of difficulties and because of afflictions, it brings sadness to the angels of God and grieves his holy Spirit. "Be of good courage and he shall strengthen thine heart." On a certain occasion when the apostles were thanking God that they were accounted worthy to suffer shame for his name, and only asked God that he would grant them boldness to speak the word, the place was shaken where they were assembled together, and all were filled with the Holy Ghost and they spoke the word with boldness. It is at such times, and with such people, that God can grant his blessing. The Philippians were this class.
Upper Columbia Conference.
THE third annual session of the Upper Columbia Conference convened at the Milton camp-ground, June 6–12, 1883. First meeting June 7, 5 P. M. President in the chair. Prayer by Eld. Haskell. Credentials of delegates called for and presented as follows: Milton, 3; Walla Walla, 3; Pataha, 1; Farmington, 1; Echo, 1; Dayton, 1; Alba, 1.
The church of Farmington, W. T., 15 members, was admitted into the Conference, also the church of Echo, Oregon, 11 members. Voted that Bro. Wm. Russell be invited to act as representative of the brethren in the Spokane Country. Voted that Eld. Haskell, of General Conference, Eld. Boyd, of N. P. Conference, and Bro. W. C. White, of P. S. D. A. Pub. Association, be invited to participate in the deliberations of the Conference. Minutes of last session read and approved. Voted that all committees be appointed by the chair.
Remarks were made by Elds. Haskell and Boyd on the point of turning the "moving" spirit to good account, by all who move into new places making of themselves active missionaries in the places where they go.
Committees were named as follows: on Resolutions, Elds. Haskell, A. T. Jones, and Bro. W. J. Goodwin; on Nominations, W. A. Gibson, G. W. Rees, C. W. Hicks; on Credentials, I. M. Johns, G. S. Rogers, T. Chabot; on Auditing, Wm. Russell, C. W. Hicks, N. W. Miller, C. L. Ford, W. A. Gibson, Wm. J. Goodwin. Adjourned to call of chair.
SECOND MEETING, JUNE 11, 5:30 P. M.
Prayer by Bro. Goodwin. Voted that Bro. H. A. Wilder act as representative of the Basket Mountain company. The reading of minutes was waived, and reports of committees called for.
Committee on Nominations reported as follows: President, Eld. G. W. Colcord; Secretary, Eld. A. T. Jones; Treasurer, Wm. Nichols; Ex. Committee, T. L. Ragsdale, Wm. J. Goodwin. These were all elected.
Committee on Credentials and Licenses reported as follows: That the credentials of Elds. G. W. Colcord and Alonzo T. Jones, and the licenses of W. A. Gibson and Wm. Russell, be renewed, and that colporteur's licenses be granted to C. L. Ford and H. A. Wilder. After remarks by Elds. Haskell and Colcord and the candidates, the report was adopted.
Committee on Resolutions reported as follows:
WHEREAS, The evidences of the near coming of the Lord are daily increasing, and the time for laboring for the salvation of souls is short, therefore
Resolved, That it be the sense of this Conference that our brethren should not retain the labors of the ministers, but that they be free to labor in such fields as may present a prospect of raising up new churches.
Resolved, That we heartily recommend to our brethren and sisters the plan adopted by other Conferences in obtaining subscribers for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, for a short period, and visiting, and thus laboring to awaken an interest in new fields.
Resolved, That it is the sense of this Conference that Bro. Wm. Russell be employed to labor in the missionary work, and to visit the brethren at their homes and churches, and encourage the study of the Bible and mission work.
Resolved, That Bro. Wm. Nichols be requested to assist Bro. Russell, as far as he can, consistently with his other duties.
Resolved, That we recommend that Bro. Goodwin devote his time to the missionary and canvassing work; especially the "Home Hand Book." And that he shape his financial affairs so that he can work where he can do the most good.
WHEREAS, There is a feeling among many of our brethren and sisters that a school is needed in this Conference, where the young can be brought under proper influences, as well as shielded from the corruptions which are common to many of the schools of the present day, and
WHEREAS, When such school shall be established, there should be connected therewith teachers who can also give instruction to young men and women, by which they may be fitted for positions of usefulness in the cause of God. And at present we have not teachers of such experience, nor a suitable place selected for the establishment of such a school, therefore
Resolved, That we recommend that those of our brethren and sisters who have in view the work of teaching, attend the school at Healdsburg, Cal., that thus they may obtain the instruction and experience which will enable them to efficiently connect themselves with such school whenever in the providence of God it may be founded.
Resolved, That we recommend also that those young men and women who design giving themselves to labor in the cause of God, either in the work of the ministry or otherwise, and are not prepared, through lack of instruction, to enter the field, attend the school at Healdsburg, and thus obtain such information and experience as will enable them to labor more successfully in the work of the Third Angel's Message.
After the reading and full discussion of each of the resolutions, they were adopted unanimously.
Voted, That we extend the thanks of this Conference to the General Conference for the labors of Eld. Haskell, to the N. P. Conference for the help of Eld. C. L. Boyd, to the P. S. D. A. P. A. for the assistance of Bro. W. C. White.
Voted, That the thanks of the Conference be extended to the O. R. & N. Co., and the Northern Pacific R. R. for the favor granted, in returning to their homes at reduced rates all who have come to this meeting over their lines.
Voted, That we heartily thank Bro. Nichols for the free use of the camp-ground.
Voted, That Wm. Nichols, W. J. Goodwin, Ambrose Johnson, Wm. McCoy, and T. L. Ragsdale, comprise the camp-meeting committee for the ensuing year. Following is the Treasurer's Report:
FROM JUNE 1, 1882, TO JUNE 1, 1883.
Amount received.......................... $1546.25
Amount paid to Gen'l. Conf. and Ministers... 953.20
Balance on hand ......................... $593.05
WM. NICHOLS, Treasurer.
Adjourned without day.
G. W. COLCORD, President.
ALONZO T. JONES, Secretary.
Ventura County.
By Editor
A FRIEND to whom somebody has sent the SIGNS, writes us from Ventura County saying there are good openings for preaching the truth in that county. He says:—
While we may differ somewhat on some things, I see much to indorse, and admire your bold stand in the promulgation of important sacred truths as plainly taught in the Scriptures. I have often wondered why your church did not send some preacher into our little county. Here certainly is a field for the labor of some faithful ones to improve the general features of the modern Christianity. In some sections it seems as if Satan has unloosed all his forces, an admission of his last efforts, knowing his time is short.
It seems from the work your church is doing in Los Angeles County, that a church or two in this county would make a good auxiliary to Los Angeles churches. We are right on the coast between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara Counties, and easy of access by land or water.
San Jose, California.
By William M. Healey
WE commenced meetings in this place two weeks ago to-night. Our tent is well located on Santa Clara and Sixth Streets. Sister White has spoken several times, and her testimony has been well received by those who heard. We have quite a force of the college students here engaged in the missionary work under the superintendence of Bro. Ings. We have the city districted, and are making a complete canvass for SIGNS, and also with tracts.
This place has had a tent meeting before, and therefore is not a new field. The attendance at the meetings ranges from seventy-five to three hundred. We hope for good results, and ask an interest in the prayers of God's people.
June 22, 1883. W. M. HEALEY.
Temperance
THE OLD RUM-SELLER
'Twas nigh to a bar that had long been made,
Leaned a rum-seller old in the liquor trade;
His work was done and he paused to count
The receipts of the day, a large amount;
A relic of jolly old topers was he,
And his hair was white as the foam of the sea,
And these words came forth with the fumes of gin,
I gather them in, I gather them in.
I gather them in both old and young,
To my den of death they go and come;
Some to the scaffold, some to the grave,
Some to the prison, but none I save.
Come father, mother, daughter and son,
All I will ruin, one by one,
With my rum or whisky, brandy or gin,
I gather them in, I gather them in.
I gather them in to a life of shame,
I blast the fairest honored name;
Make widows and orphans to cry and moan
At the foot of old King Alcohol's throne.
The highest or lowest, I care not which,
Will soon find their level in a common ditch.
The law protects me and it is no sin,
I gather them in, I gather them in.
The old man ceased as he closed his till,
Soon all was dark and gloomy and still;
And I said to myself as he went to his rest,
Can it be that humanity dwells in your breast?
Man may forgive you but God never will,
Though your ill-gotten gains foot the minister's bill.
And his voice will be heard o'er the last trumpet's din,
Hell gathers you in, hell gathers you in.
--Catholic Temperance Advocate.
A Rum-seller's Story.
By Exchange
A MAN named Stacy, the owner of a splendid drinking saloon in New York, signed the pledge lately and closed his house. Hearing that a party of lads had formed themselves into a temperance society, he went to them and gave them his experience as a rum-seller. We repeat some of his recollections for our larger audience:—
"I sold liquor," said Mr. Stacy, "for eleven years—long enough for me to see the beginning and end of its effects. I have seen a man take his first glass of liquor in my place, and afterwards fill the grave of a suicide. I have seen man after man, wealthy and educated, come into my saloon who cannot now buy his dinner. I can recall twenty customers, worth from one hundred thousand dollars, who are now without money, place, or friends."
He warned boys against entering saloons on any pretext. He stated that he had seen many a young fellow, member of a temperance society, come in with a friend and wait while he drank. "No, no," he would say, "I never touch it. Thanks all the same." Presently rather than seem churlish, he would take a glass of cider or harmless lemonade. "The lemonade was nothing," said the rum-seller, "but I knew how it would end. The only safety, boys, for any man, no matter how strong his resolution, is outside the door of the saloon." —Exchange.
This, Too, Shall Pass Away
By John Forster
"THIS, TOO, SHALL PASS AWAY."—An Eastern monarch commanded his minister to furnish a motto that should cheer in adversity, and prevent excessive joy in prosperity. He gave the monarch for his signet: "This, too, shall pass away." How greatly would such a thought console us in sorrow, or restrain us in joy. Every state of feeling or suffering, of hope or despair, will pass away in this life—John Forster.
There’s Resting Bye and Bye
“THERE’S resting bye and bye.”
Faith
By Sayle
FAITH.—The trial of faith is the greatest and heaviest of all trials; for faith it is which must conquer in all trials. Therefore, if faith gives way, then the smallest and most trifling temptations can overcome a man. But when faith is sound and true, then all other temptations must yield and be overcome.—Sayle.
Sue's Answer.
By Kate Sumner Gates
"Oh, dear!" groaned Sue behind the pantry door, whither she had retreated in sore distress of mind. "I wonder if there's anything else to come."
There was the flour-barrel empty; she had put the last lump of sugar into her mother's tea that night. Margie's shoes, that for some time had been only just holding together, had given out to-day as completely as the deacon's "one-hoss shay."
It was growing cold every day. It was the time of year for it to do so, to be sure, but all the same the coal-bin was empty. Sue hid the thermometer in the darkest corner of the closet, and tried to feel comfortably warm without a fire, but it was a lamentable failure.
Mother did not notice it so much, for she did not sit up long at a time, and was all bundled up then. The doctor had said that very afternoon that they must get nourishing food for her, else she would never get strong. And there on the table lay Sue's pocket-book—Sue was family treasurer—looking, she declared, as though Mt. Washington had sat on it. Oh! if she could only get a letter to-night!
Presently, after carefully wiping away all traces of tears, Sue emerged from her hiding-place. "Guess I'll just run down to the office," she said carelessly. "My head aches some; the fresh air will do it good. You will not want anything but what the children can get for you—will you, mother?"
"No, dear. Take a walk; it will do you good."
"All right. Good-bye!"
Up-stairs, in her own little room, Sue knelt down by the bedside. "O Father in Heaven!" she prayed, "grant my prayer, and give me the letter I desire." Over and over again she prayed it passionately.
There was a vacancy over in the Podunk schools. She had heard of it somehow, and more than a week ago had written to the committee, applying for the school, but not a word had she heard yet. Surely the answer would come to-night! If only she knew she would have the school, she would ask Mr. Stone to trust them for groceries. She wrapped her shawl closely about her, and went down the street rapidly.
"Anything for me?" she asked almost confidently. She had prayed for it so earnestly; surely it must come. Her heart almost stood still as Miss Duncan looked.
"No, there's nothing for you. Growing colder, isn't it?"
Sue shrugged her shoulders impatiently. What did she care about the weather! At any rate, she did not wish to be reminded that it was growing cold; for there was that empty coal-bin.
"Are you sure?" she asked. "I was expecting a letter to-night."
Miss Duncan looked again, more carefully. There was something in the girl's face that rather startled her. She wished she could find a letter addressed to "Miss Sue Dennison," but there was none such to be found.
"I'm sorry," she said, turning back to her little window; "but I do not find any."
Sue made no answer; she only shut her lips very tightly together.
"I—don't believe God hears our prayers, or cares for us,—not for me, at any rate," she thought to herself as she went wearily home.
"Come and sit down by me," said her mother, after the children were in bed, "and tell me all about it."
Sue came over and put her head down in the pillows.
"I thought God answered prayers," she said bitterly.
"He does, my child."
"But not always," interposed Sue; "for I have been praying all the week, and particularly to-day, that I might get a letter from Podunk, and I did not get it. Here it is Friday, school begins Monday, so, of course, there is no hope for me there now. I might just as well not have prayed."
"Sue," asked her mother, "do you remember, when you were getting well from scarlet fever, how you used to tease me to let you read?"
"Of course I do," replied Sue, wondering what was the connection between her childish doings and her letter.
"Did I let you do as you wished?"
"No, you kept putting me off, though I thought it was awful in you. But I found afterwards that you were afraid I was going to lose my eyes."
"My dear, perhaps the Lord is holding back your letter because he sees it is for your good in some way. All prayer is answered; do not doubt that. Yours will be, maybe is already, only the answer may not have reached you. It may not, perhaps, be just as you ask or expect. When you begged me to let you read, I dared not, but I read to you myself. Oftentimes, in our blindness, we ask of the Lord that which is not good for us, and in love he gives us instead what he sees best for us."
"But, mother, this is for our good; we need it so much," pleaded Sue.
"Yes, dear, so we think, but it is all right. Cannot you trust the Lord, my child?"
"I—don't know. If it was anything I wanted for myself—but it seems so hard to refuse me such a little thing when I want it so much for your sakes," said Sue bitterly, as she rose and went about putting things to rights for the night.
"I suppose the Lord does answer prayer sometimes, but it didn't do any good for me to pray," was her last thought before she dropped asleep.
The chairman of the school committee in Podunk had a small hole in his overcoat pocket, and Mrs. Chairman kept forgetting to mend it. It was not so very large, just about right for a letter to slip through; and who would ever think of looking in a coat-lining for letters! Furthermore, this was the very pocket where Mr. Chairman usually carried his letters.
Somehow Miss Duncan could not get Sue's face out of her mind.
"It was no ordinary letter she wanted," she said to herself, as Sue trudged wearily home. "There's trouble of some sort there. I do believe they are poor as church mice. Well, I hope the letter will come to-morrow."
"But the last mail for the day had come and been sorted, and still there was nothing for Sue. I really believe," sighed the cheery little postmistress to herself,—"I really believe if she looks as disappointed to-night, I shall—Why, Cousin James! Where do you come from, and what you want?"
"I'm hunting a needle in a haymow. Suppose I'll find it?" replied the new-comer.
"Perhaps, if you know in what part to look."
"But I don't, you see. I don't even know for sure that there is any needle. You see our schools commence Monday, and at the very last minute we find ourselves minus a teacher, and I do not seem to have very good luck in finding any one to fill her place. You don't happen to know of any one, do you?"
Miss Duncan had a sudden vision of Sue's face as it had looked last night.
"She's a good scholar,—and I guess they are poor enough, without doubt—it won't do any harm any way; I'll send him there," was her rapid mental conclusion.
"It's all guess-work, James, but I have an intuition that I know just where you can find your needle."
"Much obliged," responded Cousin James, as he wrote Sue's address down. "Good night."
"Oh mother!" almost sobbed Sue that night, "just think how much better this is than I asked. Why, the salary is two or three times as large as I should have had in Podunk! O mother, mother, to think I should be so wicked when God had this in store for me!"
And Mrs. Chairman never knew how those few neglected stitches of hers changed the whole future of the life of a perfect stranger to her.—Kate Sumner Gates, in S. S. Times.