me much praise and allowed me to win very often, always
rewarding me with a pile of candy. The appearance
of so much candy in my possession had led to my father’s
talk. As father unfolded the nature of card-playing
and gambling, a horror for them that has never left
me came into my heart. After this I often sought
my father’s counsel; his faithful admonitions
and tender words of encouragement caused me to have
more and more confidence in him.”
Mrs. Worthington sighed deeply as she continued, “The
memory of my dear father is sacred, Bessie. Many
times I’ve thanked the Lord that my father knew
the worth of prayer and the value of the confidence
of his children. He helped me to tide over the
most critical period of my life, and I love to recall
the encouragement of his devoted life.”
CONSCIENCE.
One day when Bessie was about eight years old, she
said: “Mama, you’ve often told me
that if I’d listen to the voice of conscience
it would keep me out of danger. What is conscience?
I don’t understand.”
“My dear child,” answered her mother,
“your happiness depends upon a pure conscience,
one that is void of offense. By the Lord’s
help, I will gladly explain. Conscience is that
which causes us to feel bad when we do what we’ve
been taught to be wrong. At first it is very tender
and active. Then, no matter how enticing the
temptation, the conscience will warn one not to yield.
You’ve heard your conscience speaking to you,
haven’t you, Bessie?”
“Yes, Mama,” answered Bessie; “that
was why I wanted to know more about it. I thought
at first it was some person speaking; but when I remembered
you had told me that we each have a conscience to tell
us to do right, I knew it must be the voice of conscience.”
“When it speaks, you must listen,” said
Mrs. Worthington. “Give heed to its warnings.
This little story will show you how careful we should
be to heed the warning voice of conscience.
“’Wishing to arise at an early hour each
morning, a gentleman purchased an alarm-clock.
He took it home, and, having set it, went to bed and
slept soundly. In the morning, to the gentleman’s
great delight, the clock aroused him, so that he was
able to get to work in time.
“’For a time he would spring out of bed
as soon as the alarm sounded, and the clock never
failed to wake him. One morning, however, on hearing
the clock sound its usual alarm, he awoke, but, feeling
a little sleepy, he lay back on his pillow, thinking
that he would get up in a short time. In a few
minutes he fell asleep, and did not awake again until
very late. He dressed hastily, and, missing his
breakfast, hurried away to his work. He resolved
not to be so foolish again, and for a time did better;
but in a few days he had again overslept. He became
more and more neglectful, failing time after time
to heed the alarm. At length it only partially
aroused him, and he soon slumbered again. Day
by day it disturbed him less, until at last it did
not arouse him at all, although it sounded as loudly
as ever.’
