“Look at the dangers threatening our dear native land—­and the cause of Christ also—­from vice and illiteracy, Popery and Mormonism, all ever on the increase from the rapid influx of undesirable immigrants—­paupers, insane, anarchists, criminals.  Ah how surely and speedily they will sweep away our liberties, both civil and religious, unless we rouse ourselves and put forth every energy to prevent it!  Never a truer saying than that ‘eternal vigilance is the price of liberty!’ and nothing can secure it to us but the instruction and evangelization of these dangerous classes.  Is it not so, mamma?”

“Yes,” she assented; “I am satisfied that the gospel of Christ is the only remedy for those threatening evils, the only safeguard of our liberties, as well as the only salvation for a lost and ruined world.

“And, my dear boys, if you devote yourselves to that work it shall be your mother’s part, your mother’s joy, to provide the means for your support.  I can not go into the work myself, so the sending of my sons and supporting them while they labor, must be my contribution to the cause.

“But I see no reason why you should give up the idea of studying medicine, since so many medical missionaries are needed.  My plan would be to prepare you for both preaching and practising, if you have talent for both.”

“We have thought of that,” said Harold, “and as you approve, dearest mamma, we will hope to carry it out.”

“I am so glad, mamma, that you have large means and the heart to use them in the work of spreading abroad the glad tidings of salvation through Christ,” Herbert remarked.

“Yes,” she said “it is both a responsibility and a privilege to be entrusted with so much of my Lord’s money; pray for your mother, my dear boys, that she may have grace and wisdom to dispense it aright.”

“We will, mamma, we do; and oh how often we rejoice in having a mother to whom we can confidently apply in behalf of a good object!  You have many times given us the joy of relieving misery and providing instruction for the ignorant and depraved.”

“It has been a joy to me to be able to do so,” she said thoughtfully, “yet I fear I have not denied myself as I ought for the sake of giving largely.”

“Mamma, you have always given largely since I have been old enough to understand anything about such matters,” interrupted Harold warmly; “yes, very largely.”

“If every one had given, and would give as largely in proportion to means,” remarked Herbert, “the Lord’s treasury would be full to overflowing.  Is it not so, Harold?”

“Surely; and mamma has never been one to spend unnecessarily on herself,” replied Harold, fondly caressing the hand he held.

“It has been my endeavor to be a faithful steward,” she sighed, “and yet I might have given more than I have.  I have been giving only of my income; I could give some of the principal; and I have a good many valuable jewels that might be turned into money for the Lord’s treasury.