The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1877-07-04
For THE CENTRAL PRESBYTERIAN.
A Life Work.

Nh location my mission my lite acork.
some these words have no meaniug-nO pTactlcN
meaning 1t is not strange to see oF
siders himself mere wording, having
of these tbings-for such are but drift
along by the currents they have throwf
away in. But Paul in writing to the
besought them to walk worthy of the
wherewith they we're "caHed" This q
ent light on it to us who are called Chr ~
hear ministers of the gospel speak of " a call y to
their work, but what is your calling and what is
mine, private Christian? Do not let US cast the
subject about in our minds, and map out glorious
life work as philanthropist, sister OF charity, or
picture ourselves on heather harvest fields proud
and joyful reapers. "Covet earnestly the best
gifts" said Paul: "And yet show unto you q
more excellent way" Then follows that sublime
chapter on the excellency and beauty Of charity
Many must be content to walk in narrow paths.
Some one has spoken of the "unvowed sisters of
mercy" They are not known in the streets by
modern "phylacteries, but not chamber Of sick
ness or dwelling Of poverty in their bounds wants for
the sunshine of their presence. co. we say in
paroxysms of burning charity, IF had the wealth
of Rothschild !" But our zeal is nothing and
would be nothing with the desired wealth, if we
are not willing to do what we can now with limited
means. 1t is nobler deed of mercy to give some
thing more than gold to the needy. In words of
sympathy, in smiles of tenderness and compass
sion are found the fine gold" and "honey out of
the rock" Sometimes We have no need to out
step the boundaries of our households to find work
fitted for our hands. How many hungry hearts
are there. Wait not until their death to minister
unto them Give them love, tenderness and sym
patty now. There is grandeur, sublimity about
one, who, "mnding his own business, walks in
the path of duty. 80 these disagreeable, innu-
merable daily tasks" It isyour life work whereto
God has called you. Take them up cheerfully-
read by the light of God and of angels that it is
more frequently brighter, hoer record than that
of life which has gained the applause of distant
generations.
Not far from my home, in the borders Of the
wood, lives poor black woman sprite Of crea.
ture that the wind might toss in its path. There
is nothing about her to attract the eye unless it be
greater admiration and respect Weekly she per-
forms days task for me, and though the dis
lance is considerable, our winters severe, and only
a foot path guides her. she is never wanting, some
times troubling me with her punctuality. Cold
winter mornings l have greeted her with COM
planning remarks concerning the weather, but if a
CLEAN of pallation for its severity can be found she
has it. have never heard complaining word or
seen an il-humored expression through summer
and winter. 1 have watched her over her wash
tubs at the spring, her faded apparel and weird
figure giving her kinship to the lichens and moss
es that surrounded her, and tears have risen to my
eyes at the continued proofs of her unwearying
fidelity She weekly illustrates to me the beauty
of faithful adherence to duty She seems to have
found her life work, and does not demur at the
thorns in the path. Many drift about with the
world leading an unsatisfyng life on this account.
Better be mental than want a settled employ
ment. v. II. D.