GOD’S CARE.
Considering this mother’s deep piety, do you
think it strange that she saw God’s hand in
everything that befell her, and ascribed praise to
him for it all?
After the return of the family to their home in Chicago
the father became very ill. His sickness was
so severe and so long continued that poverty began
to threaten them. Mr. Worthington could not take
the resigned view of their circumstances that his
wife took, but often gave way to complaining.
But Mrs. Worthington thanked God that things were no
worse and ever encouraged her husband with the promises
that God would provide.
At last Christmas morning came and found them in extreme
poverty. Mr. Worthington still weak from his
illness, but able to go around a little, came in from
his morning walk very gloomy and feeling that his friends
were very few. “This is the saddest Christmas
I have ever known,” he said to Mrs. Worthington.
“It is almost more than I can bear to know that
I have nothing to give the children today, and barely
enough in the house to eat. I did not realize
it so keenly until I saw an old man trudging along
Thirty-first Street with a large pack upon his back.
That man was surely going to surprise some of his
friends. How much we need a friend like that!”
“Never mind,” said Mrs. Worthington softly;
“God has promised to be a friend in time of
need, and I believe he will care for us today.”
As she finished speaking, a rap was heard at the door.
Mr. Worthington arose slowly, wondering who could
be their early caller. When he opened the door,
he was greatly surprised to see the aged man with the
pack and to find him to be his own father. Mr.
Worthington had entered the house too soon to see
his father turn the corner and enter the yard.
As the large burden was laid upon the floor and unpacked,
there seemed to be no end to the good things.
A turkey, cake, pies, in fact, all that was needful
for a generous Christmas dinner, as well as a gift
for each one. It was a very thankful family that
gathered around the table that day.
CONSECRATION.
In regard to her children, Mrs. Worthington had passed
through a deep consecration. She fully realized
that they were only lent her by the Lord, entrusted
to her care to be trained for usefulness in his service,
and she was determined to do all in her power to prepare
them as the Lord intended. In all sincerity,
she had placed her children upon the altar of consecration,
promising God never to let her will interfere with
his designs concerning them.
I do not think a child of God ever makes a consecration
that is not tested in some form or other. This
mother’s consecration was tested.
