CHAPTER IV.

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.

CHAPTER V.

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.