It was not long until Bessie rejoiced in full deliverance
from her taste for novel-reading, and her interest
in her mother’s talks returned. As they
read the Bible together and praised God for the precious
truths it contained, cherishing them within their
hearts as priceless treasures, Bessie’s understanding
seemed to open, and she was able to comprehend many
of the deep truths of God’s Word. The reading
of God’s Word gave her such unbounding joy,
such complete spiritual happiness, that nothing could
compare with it. Its truths, so simple and yet
so grand, were at once a guide and a reproof to keep
her feet from straying from the narrow way.
GLAD TIDINGS.
In a small house about two miles from Bessie’s
home lived a very old lady. She loved the Lord
and enjoyed telling of his goodness and of his dealings
with her. Bessie, who was now about sixteen years
of age, enjoyed these talks very much.
One day while Bessie and her mother were visiting
this aged saint, she brought forth a much-worn paper
and handed it to Mrs. Worthington, saying, “My
daughter sent me this paper. You may take it home,
if you like,” she continued; “but I must
ask you to return it, as my daughter wants it again.”
As Mrs. Worthington took the paper, Bessie saw at the
top of the page, in large letters, “The Gospel
Trumpet.” After reading a few minutes Mrs.
Worthington exclaimed: “This paper is certainly
the work of a people who understand the plan of salvation.
Things are fully explained here that have been plain
to me for years—things that I dared not
mention publicly lest I be thought fanatical.”
On their return home Mrs. Worthington said: “It
must have been in answer to prayer that Sister Moore
let me see that paper. I have prayed for many
years that God would help me to find a people who were
not afraid to preach his whole Word. I believe
we have found them. Who knows but this is God’s
way of starting a series of meetings here. Oh,
the wonderful God we serve! I shall subscribe
for the paper at once and also send my poem on sectism
to see if they will publish it.” The subscription
was sent, and the poem soon appeared in the paper.
Mrs. Worthington was truly thankful to find that God
had others in the world who were willing to teach
the whole Bible without construing any part to suit
their own ideas.
It was not long until a testimony appeared from a
minister living a few miles away; and, agreeably with
Mrs. Worthington’s request, a series of meetings
was started in the neighborhood.
THE MEETINGS.
The news of the good meetings spread rapidly, and
the attendance constantly increased. The gospel
as preached was a new message to the people, and yet
it was the very same that Jesus and his disciples
taught. Every point of doctrine presented had
a “thus saith the Lord” to confirm it.
