The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1870-09-29

tried it hundred times and failed" Ii,
answered with returning doubt.
And will fail again, if you trust in youl
own strength. But, with God-giver
strength, used as your own, the ascent i!
sure
"Ah! see!" Light broke all over hi:
face. L see. see!" he repeated. Goo
does not lift us out of our sin and misery
but gives US divine strength, if We ask
Him in all sincerity, BY which We lift our
selves
Yes"
ut is very simple and clear" He drew
a long breath Of relief, like one who has a
load taken from his mind
The law of dependence on God for
help" l said.
Eyes, And now I see the meaning of
this sentiment, in an old hymn | often
heard sung when | was a boy, and which
always struck me as a paradox:
when | am weak, then am | strong"
''The Christian poet" answered, lift
ed into something of inspiration, often
sees things in a clearer light than We who
are down among the mists and shadows" "
All me J. he sighed your closing
words remind me of the depth at which |
lie, and the almost Infinite distances above
me to which | must raise ere out of dan
ger.
''And to which you may surely rise if
you will, = | answered with cheerful assur-
ance.
by God-given strength, only p he
spoke, solemnly.
Aye ; never, never for and instant lose
sight Of that Never, no matter how strong
you may feel that you have grown, trust in
yourself. In the hour Of temptation, look
upward. praying in the silence of your
heart, for strength to resist"
Best OF friends - he exclaimed, in deep
emotion; you must have been sent to me
by God, Hope daW rs on night that has
been starless. | see the way to safety
for me the only way. No one knows but
myself how hard | have tried to re-
form, nor in how many ways have sought
to escape from a terrible thraldom. But
all has been in vain. When this remore-
less appetite that has enslaved me asserted
itself, my will became as nothing"
Long time we talked, | saying all that
could to strengthen him.
On the next Sunday, much to my sur
prise and pleasure, | saw him at church
with his wife. could not remember when
L had seer him there before. At the close
OF the service, as | moved down the aisle
with the crowd, SOME one grasped my hand
and gave 1t strong pressure. [ turned
aud looked into the face of the friend [ had
tried to save.
"Oh, Martini | said, as | received
glance fall OF meaning, and then returned
his hand pressure
We walked for few moments side by
side without speaking, and then were aep>
arated by the crowd.
On the following Sunday he was at
church again; and Sunday after Sunday
found him in the family pew, that for
years had seen him so rarely.
Three or four months went BY, and
feet were still in the paths that
to hear that he 'naa iaHed 'sga,|l ""',9A
careful inquiry ! learned that he had been
with his wife to an evening entertainment,
given by q citizen Of high worth and stand
ing, whose name is OF every lip as NUM-
ticient in charity; but who, whatever may
be his personal conviction, Is not brave
enough to Danish wine from the generous
board to which he invites his friends. And
| learned still further, to my grief and
pain, that the glass which broke down the
good resolution of Martin, and let in upon
him the fierce food Of repressed appetite,
was proffereG by the hand of this good
citizen, as host.
| lost no time in going to mypcor friend.
l found him away down the valley of hu-
initiation, his soul in the gall Of bitterness.
Shame and sorrow were in his eyes; but
not despair. | took hopeful notice of this
ut is very hard for Us, all but God for
saAen wretchesl y he said bitterly, after the
first formal sentences had passed between
US. "Mr. is a man Of generous feel
ing. He gives, in princely way, to
churches and to charities is one Of our
best and most liberal citizens; and yet,
after have taken a few steps heavenward,
he puts a stumbling block in my way and
l fall back toward he'll -
'l on could not have fallen over any
stumbling block man Oh devil might place
in your way" | answered, 'it you had
been walking in divine, instead of human
strength.
''Well do | know that" he replied.
"And So" | said, "Iet this sad fall keen
you in mere vivid remembrance of hui
man weakness. Never for one instant
trust in yourself. Stand perpetually on
guard. The price Of your liberty is eter>
nal vigilance.
1T is hard to fight" he said, with
sigh, despondingly.
Life is a warfare" l replied. "We
are all beset with enemies, Who know too
we'll our vulnerable places-enemies that
never sleep implacable, cruel, ever seeks
ing our destruction. |, you, all men have
them. Trusting only in human strength,
no one gains a victory hut in divine
strength the issue of battle is sure. And so,
my friend. grid up your loins again, and
be wary and valiant"
Hope and courage came back into his
heart.
Beware Of ambush" | SAID, as passed
from him that day. The enemy, coming
on you unawares, is more to be dreaded
than when be forms his line of attack to
the sound of trumpets. Seek no conflicts:
keep off his ground; but when he comes
forth to meet you, giving challenge, do
battle in the name of the Lord"
y few weeks afterward | was present
when a gentleman of large wealth and
good standing, both in church and society.
said to him
I didn't see you at ny house last even>
ing"
No" was the rather curt reply; ''it is
safer for me to keep off Of the devils
slaund"
4 don't understand you, sir' replied
,