But there is one circumstance that makes this garden precious, which I have yet to tell you, and you will agree with me that it is the best part of it.  When we were married, my husband was in the habit of drinking a glass of beer daily.  I did not approve of it, and used to fancy he was apathetic and less agreeable afterwards; but as he was so fond of it, I made up my mind not to disagree upon the subject.  Last spring, when we wished some flowers, we hesitated on account of the expense, for we endeavor to be economical, as all young married people should.  Then my husband very nobly said that though one glass of beer cost but little, a week’s beer amounted to considerable, and he would discontinue the habit, and appropriate the old beer expenditure upon flowers.  He has faithfully kept his proposal, and often as we sit by our window, he points to the blooming balcony, saying, ’There is my summer’s beer.’  The consequence of this sacrifice is that I am a grateful and contented wife; and I do assure you (I being judge) that since beer is turned into flowers, my husband is the most agreeable of mankind.

Yours very truly.”

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Original.

NEVER FAINT IN PRAYER.

“Men ought always to pray and not to faint.”

So important is a spirit of prayer to mothers who are bearing the heat and burden of the day, that we give for their encouragement a few devout meditations by Rev. W. Mason, on the above passage.  And though penned towards the close of the last century, they have lost none of their freshness or fragrance.

Christ opposes praying to fainting, for fainting prevents praying.  Have you not found it so?  When weary and faint in your mind, when your spirits are oppressed, your frame low and languid, you have thought this is not a time for prayer; yea, but it is:  pray always.  Now is the time to sigh out the burden of your heart and the sorrows of your spirit.  Now, though in broken accents, breathe your complaints into your Father’s ear, whose love and care over you is that of a tender and affectionate father.

What makes you faint?  Do troubles and afflictions?  Here is a reviving cordial.  “Call upon me in the day of trouble, I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.”  Ps. 50:15.  Does a body of sin and death?  Here is a supporting promise.  “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord Jesus shall be saved.”  Rom. 10:13.  Do we faint because we have called and prayed again and again to the Lord against any besetting sin, prevailing temptation, rebellious lust, or evil temper, and yet the Lord has not given us victory over it?  Still, says the Lord, pray always—­persevere, be importunate, faint not; remember that blessed word, “my time is not yet come, but your time is always ready.”  John 7:6.  “Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.”  Matt. 26:41.  Note the difference between being tempted and entering into temptation.