Many saw that the Bible had been misunderstood and
had been misconstrued by mankind to prove minor points,
while the deep and vital truths had been so covered
over with prejudice and unbelief that the majority
of the people were blind to the true meaning of the
Word; and that, in their confusion, each had gone
to the denomination that seemed most nearly to correspond
to his clouded views. It was also clearly shown
that there is no way to heaven except the straight
and narrow way that Jesus taught, and that God’s
Word is the only true measure of a Christian experience.
Mrs. Worthington felt now that her cup of joy was
full since she could hear the way of salvation and
the true church explained from the pulpit just as
God had revealed them to her. She was also glad
that Bessie, who was now old enough to understand
deep spiritual truths for herself, was in perfect
harmony and fellowship with her.
About forty souls were saved in the meetings; some
gained the experience of sanctification; and the Spirit
of the Lord worked mightily upon the hearts of many
others.
Oh, the deep and wonderful love of God! Oh, the
richness and fulness of his grace! How glorious
Bessie now found her walk with God! How precious
to commune with him and feel that she was growing deeper
into his love! Truly it was a taste of heaven!
BESSIE SEES HER DUTY.
Among those converted in the meetings was a girl a
little younger than Bessie. Her name was Cora.
Being an orphan and living in the home of an infidel
uncle, where she had no one to understand or sympathize
with her views, she often sought Bessie for counsel
and advice. The uncle did not oppose his niece,
but others in his family did.
As time went on, the two girls became anxious to be
doing something for the Lord. While they were
pondering over the matter, a company of ministers
came to the place to hold another series of meetings.
From them the girls learned that The Gospel Trumpet
was published by consecrated labor, that the workers
received no stated salary, but that they trusted the
Lord for their food and clothing.
It seemed a strange story to the girls, but Cora felt
that she should like to go and help in the work.
Though her uncle was not pleased with her plan, yet
finally, after he had investigated and had found the
place respectable, he gave his consent. It was
several months, however, before she expected to leave.
Toward the close of this time Bessie began to feel
some anxiety for her friend, and one day said to her,
“Cora, do you really want to go to The Gospel
Trumpet office to work? Now, if you don’t
want to go, God will not be pleased with your service.”
“Bessie, I have lost all desire to go,”
Cora answered. “It seems to me that God
is calling you instead of me. You could be a
much greater help than I, because you have known and
understood this truth all your life.”
