The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1877-07-25

face thin and red, not with the flush of health /
or youth but with that unsghtly hue, of
which it is hard to determine whether it is
the result of disease or of dissipation. Lit
tie Of this, however, 1 noted at the time, IN
deed I scarcely glanced at the woman, for
though there was nothing indecOrouS IN her
manner-though she even abstained from all
noisy manifestations of grief, her emotions
seemed so suddenly and so violently excited
that supposed she had been drinking HaV'
ing spent as much time with Summers as
seemed expedient, left the house without
addressing syllable to the woman, or giving
the least evidence of having been aware OF
her presence. Repeating my visit to Sum
mers' soon afterwards, was somewhat sur
prised to see the same woman again appear
ing, and taking her seat where she could hear
everything addressed to the invalid AS be-
fore she said nothing, and not word was
spoken to her, but again she seemed deeply
affected with the truths to which she listened
After several visits my curiosity was at last
aroused, and made some inquiries concern
ing this eager listener to the gospel OF saliva
ton. found that she was sister to the man
whom had come to see, and that for years
how many years know nOt-she had leo
a dissolute and abandoned life. Touched with
pity by what I saw and heard of this poor
sinner. l said to her something, though be-
ieve very little concerning her own religious
state. If remember rightly, she answered
only by.her tears. About this time l was
called from home by most severe bereaVe-
ment. On my return after an absence OF
some weeks, my own grief made me partially
forgetful for time of the sorrows and needs
of others. And when l thought Of this Wo-
man, Martha Summers, doubted whether 1t
would be prudent to recOmmence my visits to
her wretched abode. Her brother no longer
needing the attention of physician, DIR.
Archer could not be expected to 60 with me
to her house, where there was no further call
for his professional services, and l, young
and unmarried man, thought it would hardly
be right for NE to visit such place alone.
How long l should have felt thus excluded
from further efforts to reclaim this poor Mag
dalen l know not, but most unexpectedly
Providence removed the obstacle out OF my
way, and thus compelled me as it were to re-
sumo my efforts on her behalf. One day
received call from Mrs. Ford, most beneV-
olent old lady and devoted member OF my
church. Mrs. Ford soon informed me OF the
purpose of her visit. 1t was to ask me to go
to see Martha Summers without delay. She
said that somehow she had learned the reli-
gi,us convictions of the unhappy woman,
had seen her and felt assured that she greatly
needed the instruction of minister of the
gospel. To all this replied that was per-
fectly willing to see the woman if Mrs Ford
would consent to go with me, but that for OBJ
=. vious reasons 1 could not visit the house
without a companion. The excellent old
lady recognized at once the correctness of
these views, and agreed to accompany me in
all my visits.
On going to her house we found the woman
still deeply convinced of sin and apparently
destitute of CLEAN of hope. We often WIS.,
tied her together, striving upon every occa-
sion to hold up before her eyes crucihed
Saviour, and inspire her with confidence in
his gracious invitations and his great and
precious promises. 1t was not long, however,
before we discovered that the days of Mar
tina Summers were numbered: consumption
had seized upon her and was fast dragging
her to the grave. As death approached she
gradually attained greater calmness and
peace, though never to that complete assur-
ance of salvation with which God sometimes
blesses his children. But the evidence she
gave of true renewal of her nature was
such as is afforded in the last days of few
believers. 1t has been my lot to minister at
the dying bed of many of Gods people
some of them eminent saints, but can truly
say, that never have l witnessed such evil
dence of profound humility, or rather deep
self abssement, and of ardent gratitude and
love, as appeared in the whole conversation
and demeanor of this outcast. Again and
again when she lay at deaths door, and l
would ask her what part of the Scriptures
she would like to hear, she gave the same
reply. "Read to me" she would say, the
account of the suferings of my precious Sa-
viour, who died for me. That is the part of
the Bible most like to hear" After many
days of severe pain, which she endured with
out murmur, she died in the exercise of
an humble and trembling, yet a good and
comfortable hope of eternal life through the
Redeemer.
Such are the methods of Gods grace
Still Jesus Christ comes to seek and to save
that which was lost. What right then has
the Christian to remit his efforts or despair
of the salvation of any human soul?
PART SECOND.
But the illustrations which we sometimes
see of Gods providence are also wonderful.
At her death Martha Summers left behind
her daughter, some six or eight years old.
This daughter, little Kate, was certainly all
things considered, a remarkable child. Very
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