“From that hour they learned to trust in Him who cares for His needy in the hour of distress, and who, from His boundless stores, supplies the wants of those who trust in Him.”

A PAIR OF SHOES.—­THE LORD’S REBUKE TO THOSE WHO “DIDN’T BELIEVE.”

The following incident occurred in Connecticut:  In an humble cottage two sisters were watching over and caring for a much-loved brother, who, for many long months had been upon a bed of sickness.  At length, the younger of them began to be discouraged.  She was dependent, for her clothing, upon her labor; her shoes were worn out, and how should she get another pair, unless she could leave the sick bed and go away from home and work and earn some money.

“Well,” said the mother, “I know you need a pair of shoes, but don’t worry, the Lord will provide.”

“Do you think that THE LORD will come down from heaven and buy me a pair of shoes?” said the younger sister, with an expression of discouragement and vexation on her countenance.

“No,” said the mother, “but perhaps he will put it into somebody’s heart to buy you a pair.”

“Perhaps He will, but I don’t believe it,” said the discouraged girl.

“Well,” said the other sister, who was a little more hopeful, “you won’t get them any quicker by fretting, so you might as well be quiet.”  Then the subject dropped and the day passed as usual.

As the shades of evening were gathering, a brother who lived at some distance, and who knew nothing of their previous conversation, called to inquire after their prosperity.  After the customary salutations he said, “You have been sick here a long time, and I thought I would come round and see if I could not do something for you; thought perhaps by this time the girls needed something.”  Then turning to the younger sister, he said, “How is it, aren’t your shoes worn out?"

She dropped her eyes, blushed deeply, and, perhaps, a little conscience-smitten, answered not a word.  Nothing was said of the previous conversation, though it was not forgotten by those who heard it.  The brother soon saw for himself enough to satisfy him, and said no more, but went away.  The next day two pairs of shoes were sent around to her, and with them came to her heart a lesson which she never forgot.

She lived many years after that, but was never heard to murmur in that way again, and often said that the two pairs of shoes taught her to wait, hope and trust, and thereby learn implicit confidence in Him who sendeth all blessings.  The last time she alluded to the occurrence, she said, “I was speechless then, but, by the grace of God, I will not be in the world to come.”

THE LAME HEALED.

Rev. Charles G. Finney, during his life-time, was familiar with the circumstances connected with the remarkable healing of a sick lady in Oberlin, O., the wife of Rev. R.D.  Miller, and these facts were vouched for as unquestionably authentic.  Mr. Finney says: