The Lutheran Pioneer St. Louis — 1911, Page 67

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The Lutheran Pioneer. . 67

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vain. In proof of this we missionaries could relate
many instances. I know an honorable Hindu, a
physician to a hospital, who, forty years ago, at-
tended the religious instruction in our Lutheran
mission school. He had married his daughter to a
rich man, who was an unbeliever. ‘The daughter
_ was not happy at the side of her worldly-minded
husband. Nor did the life of pleasure and luxury
with which she was surrounded satisfy her. She
sought rest and peace in diligently reading the
Book of Psalms and a book of devotion. These she
still preserved from the time when she attended the
mission school. ‘The seed of God’s Word took deep
root in her heart. Mer thoughts were directed to-
ward the divine truth, and her longing was for the
things above.

When she, last year, fell sick, she had her par-
ents informed. ‘hese had long regretted having
married their daughter to an unbeliever. It was she
who now on her sick-bed comforted them with pre-
cious words from the Psalms. She also rejoiced
that she would soon be delivered from all evil by
a blessed end. Before her death she Jaid into her
parents’ hands her most precious treasures — those
very books in which she had found peace and com-
fort for her soul. When her husband, asked her for
a comforting word of farewell, she replied that there
was no comfort for him unless he accepted the
Savior.

She soon fell asleep in Jesus. Her parents did
not, according to heathen custom, break out into
loud crying and lamentation. No. It was a com-
fort and a joy to them to have seen their daughter
have such a peaceful, joyful end.

Let us, then, be of good cheer in our mission
work, forasmuch as we know that our labor is not
in vain in the Lord.

soo —_——_

‘Fed by God.

The same God who fed Elijah by ravens, and
supplied the children of Israel with manna, still
hears the petitions of His people, and supplies their
wants from His infinite resources. An exchange
gives the following incident:

A poor minister, with a large family depending
upon him, was suddenly left without employment
in the depth of a severe winter. ‘The last penny
had been spent for food, and the last morsel was
placed upon the table, affording only a scanty meal
for the hungry children. The poor distressed mother

retired to rest with her little ones, but the good
minister could not sleep, and so in the darkness of
that midwinter night he wrestled with God in
prayer, pleading all His precious promises to His
people. At length his soul grew calmer and a strong
faith sprung up in his heart, that from some source,
then unseen to him, his heavenly Father would fur-
nish food for them. With this thought uppermost
in his heart, he, too, sought repose.

But morning dawned and they were still desti-
tute. The children cried for food, and with almost
hurning hearts the parents told them they had none
to give.

“T would put on the kettle, dear,” said the
father, “and spread the cloth just as usual. The
Lord may send us a breakfast yet.”

She did as requested, but the kettle boiled, and
yet there was no food.

'The loving father stood beside the fire and gazed
on the weeping group with feelings to which you,
my friends, who daily gather your home circle about
a bountiful table, are utter strangers. But “as a
father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them
that fear Him.” ‘

A knock was heard at the door, and a letter was”

handed in for the minister; then the gentleman
who brought it walked away. On opening it several
bank bills were found, which he was requested to
accept. Words cannot describe the emotions of the
family at such a timely relief, and with overflowing
hearts they sat down to an abundant meal, which
was quickly procured. It seemed almost as if it had
descended to them as manna did to God’s people
of old.

It was afterwards ascertained that the gentle-
man who had sent the money had felt impelled that
morning to take a walk, cold as it was, and recollect-
ing the minister, he thought, as fuel was so high,
a trifle of money might not be unacceptable; but

he had no thoughts of the straits to which they were ~

reduced.

Thus does God overrule even the hearts of men,
to accomplish His purposes of love and mercy to-
wards those who serve Him.

——_—__—_¢---9———_—_—"

Cuntrvate the thankful spirit! It will be to
thee a perpetual feast. There is, or ought to be,
with us, no such thing as small mercies; all are
great, because the least are undeserved. Indeed,
a really thankful heart will extract motive for grati-
tude from everything, making the most even of
scanty blessings. — Selected.

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