Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1871-09-12

81 hardly know what 1t all MEANS" he
said to Molly on the next Saturday even
ing, when he brought her his wages
Things still come out right"
Haven't they always come out right
Molly asked.
why. yes; we've had plenty to eal
and to wear--enough for health and COM
fort ut least"
"And yet your heart has always been
80 troubled Jacob--you have taken nc
comfort in anything"
Maybe he answered. 81 shall get
more comfort out of things in the future. y
"Oh, Jacob, how light it makes my
heart to hear you speak so J"
As she said this, her husband took up.
mechanically, ,one of The children's reward
cards that lay on the table at which he
was setting. The Lord is my shepherd
shall not therefore want. He read the
Illuminated text aloud.
Your Shepherd !" my Shepherd /!
shoke out his wife cheerily
What peace and comfort came into the
heart of Jacob Long How rested he
felt; like one rcposing alter hard labor
And this. too. after his wages had been
reduced one third.
We have no startling incidents to re-
late, nor fine passages to give in the fu'
ture life. history of Jacob Long. No mark.
ed outward change Of condition took
place. He remained poor and humble
and because he had no great skill as a
workman. did not earn large wages.
Yet always his bread was given and his
water sure.
What did take place with him as to hi:
! inner life, however. was memorable, and
worthy of record II was change from
perpetual doubt and feal TO hope and
trust. Every Sunday he went to church
and every Sunday heard the minister
read from the Book of God, that seemed
written just for him. The precious words
dropped into his memory, and whenever
through the week that followed, old
states of darkness and distrust came
back to him, instantly some promise oI
Gods love and care shone out in his nom
ory like n sun, andhe took comfort and
hope again.
What different man he was How
much sweeter Tor himself and wife and
children became the home life ! How
much more decided and for good, his in
luence with his fellow work men.
menting readcr-oi whom ia
cob Long was n type-do you understand
the philosophy all this-thc underlying
cause, that if permitted to work viii
surely produce like effect in your case
as in that of your unhappy ncighbor.
God is love. In his presence is lullnes:
of Joy and at his right hand there is pleas
ure iorcvermorc. We arc in sorrow ant
pain only because we have turned from
his presence. How shall we get back ?
The way is very plain. Come unto me
But how shall ! come Just as jacob
Long came-come unto him in his Word
Take into your thouht and memory th'
words he has spoken, and so draw nea
TO him. Read the Bible, and think of it!
precious truths OF its sweet promises
of its condemnation of evil. Think o
God, not as a stern judge who is angry
with you because of your sins; but as ;
loving father. reaching out his hand an,
calling upon you to come to him that yol
may have life and blessedness-as saying
to you, rs really and personally rs though
you stood with him face TO face Come
unto me aud will give you rest; for i
is really true.
Try this. poor wanderer in ife's dark
maze. Ifyou have not cared to 60 t'
church on the day Of rest go now il it il
only to hear the Scriptures read. Yol
will soon find it great gain. 1t vii
help you as it helped Jacob Long. !
will bring you into new spiritual associ
alton. Yon must be converted, If yol
would be- happy. Converted" Yes
The word means simply to turn arount
and 60 the other way. Your face ha'
been turned from God and your feet have
been carrying you away from him
Turn, now and go the other way; ant
every step shall bring you nearer to God
nearer to rest, and peace and happiness
Take the first step. and your loving
Father will make all the rest plain. Hi!
Word will be a lamp unto your feet ant
n light unto your path.
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